The Gondwana formations exposed in the Pranhita‐Godavari Valley of central India include Middle Triassic to Lower Jurassic continental deposits that provide essential information about the tetrapod ...assemblages of that time, documenting some of the oldest known dinosaurs and the first faunas numerically dominated by this group. The Upper Maleri Formation of the Pranhita‐Godavari Basin preserves an early‐middle Norian dinosaur assemblage that provides information about the early evolutionary history of this group in central‐south Gondwana. This assemblage comprises sauropodomorph dinosaurs and an herrerasaurian, including two nominal species. Here, we describe in detail the anatomy of one of those early dinosaurs, the bagualosaurian sauropodomorph Jaklapallisaurus asymmetricus. The new anatomical information is used to investigate the position of the species in an updated quantitative phylogenetic analysis focused on early sauropodomorphs. The analysis recovered Jaklapallisaurus asymmetricus as a member of Unaysauridae, at the base of Plateosauria, together with Macrocollum itaquii and Unaysaurus tolentinoi from the early Norian of southern Brazil. This phylogenetic result indicates that the dispersal of early plateosaurian sauropodomorphs between the Southern Hemisphere and what nowadays is Europe would have occurred shortly after Ischigualastian times because of the extension of their ghost lineage. Thus, the presence of early plateosaurians in the early Norian of South America and India reduces a previously inferred diachrony between the biogeographic dispersals of theropods and sauropodomorphs during post‐Ischigualastian times.
Purpose
To validate the MC‐GPU Monte Carlo (MC) code for dosimetric studies in X‐ray breast imaging modalities: mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, contrast enhanced digital mammography, and ...breast‐CT. Moreover, to implement and validate a phase space file generation routine.
Methods
The MC‐GPU code (v. 1.5 DBT) was modified in order to generate phase space files and to be compatible with PENELOPE v. 2018 derived cross‐section database. Simulations were performed with homogeneous and anthropomorphic breast phantoms for different breast imaging techniques. The glandular dose was computed for each case and compared with results from the PENELOPE (v. 2014) + penEasy (v. 2015) and egs_brachy (EGSnrc) MC codes. Afterward, several phase space files were generated with MC‐GPU and the scored photon spectra were compared between the codes. The phase space files generated in MC‐GPU were used in PENELOPE and EGSnrc to calculate the glandular dose, and compared with the original dose scored in MC‐GPU.
Results
MC‐GPU showed good agreement with the other codes when calculating the glandular dose distribution for mammography, mean glandular dose for digital breast tomosynthesis, and normalized glandular dose for breast‐CT. The latter case showed average/maximum relative differences of 2.3%/27%, respectively, compared to other literature works, with the larger differences observed at low energies (around 10 keV). The recorded photon spectra entering a voxel were similar (within statistical uncertainties) between the three MC codes. Finally, the reconstructed glandular dose in a voxel from a phase space file differs by less than 0.65%, with an average of 0.18%–0.22% between the different MC codes, agreement within approximately 2σ statistical uncertainties. In some scenarios, the simulations performed in MC‐GPU were from 20 up to 40 times faster than those performed by PENELOPE.
Conclusions
The results indicate that MC‐GPU code is suitable for breast dosimetric studies for different X‐ray breast imaging modalities, with the advantage of a high performance derived from GPUs. The phase space file implementation was validated and is compatible with the IAEA standard, allowing multiscale MC simulations with a combination of CPU and GPU codes.
In this paper, a structured methodology is proposed to define the architecture for a communication framework with multiframe capability, which can be embedded in a residential smart meter hardware ...for smart grid applications. This framework is based on the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet protocol, and it is considered that the data are exchanged via wireless technologies. The architectural model was based upon the state-of-the-art in software engineering, making use of the design patterns and the principles of low coupling and high cohesion, which result in a solution that is both more reliable and maintainable. A security module is also provided and the framework performance is evaluated, in terms of packet throughput and computational effort of the security layer on the processing device, via practical experiments of some laboratory scenarios. Furthermore, errors on some frames are introduced in order to evaluate the feasibility of this framework in real field applications. Results show that this framework architecture supports acceptable transfer rates even with extra computational cost due to the use of data encryption and separated processing modules, making it a feasible proposal for the considered application context.
The pathophysiology of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is multiple, complex, and poorly understood. In some cases of MDS, especially those in which the bone marrow is hypocellular, there is ...increasing experimental and clinical indication that an immune-mediated damage to hematopoietic precursors and changes in the hematopoiesis-supporting microenvironment contribute to disease development. Increased serum levels of type-1 cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (INF-γ), and oligoclonal expansion of cytotoxic T cells are observed in human MDS. In some cases, the immunologic attack to the marrow appears to be triggered by MDS-specific antigens, damaging the microenvironment and inducing cell apoptosis especially of normal progenitors. In murine models, dysregulation of osteoprogenitors leads to disrupted hematopoiesis of healthy hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells, eventually resulting in MDS and leukemia. In hypocellular MDS, marrow failure appears to be not only the result of ineffective erythropoiesis of abnormal clones, but also due to inhibition of normal progenitors. Immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine, anti-thymocyte globulin, or alemtuzumab may alleviate cytopenias and in some instances induce cytogenetic remission. However, not all patients respond to immunosuppression, and the identification of relevant biomarkers for an immune mechanism is necessary to identify those patients who may benefit from this treatment modality.
The family Physaraceae (Physarales, Myxomycetes) is represented in Brazil by eight genera and 75 species. Based on data obtained from the GBIF, SpeciesLink, Flora and Funga do Brasil platforms, ...collections from the IPA and URM Herbaria and material collected since 1960 deposited in the UFP Herbarium, the microhabitats and distribution of Badhamiopsis (1sp.) and Badhamia (10 spp.) in Brazilian biomes are commented. An identification key for the species and the first report of B. melanospora from the state of Paraíba, B. panicea from the state of Paraná and B. ovispora from Brazil are presented.
The fusion of the sacrum occurs in the major dinosaur lineages, i.e. ornithischians, theropods, and sauropodomorphs, but it is unclear if this trait is a common ancestral condition, or if it evolved ...independently in each lineage, or even how or if it is related to ontogeny. In addition, the order in which the different structures of the sacrum are fused, as well as the causes that lead to this co‐ossification, are poorly understood. Herein, we described the oldest record of fused sacral vertebrae within dinosaurs, based on two primordial sacral vertebrae from the Late Triassic of Candelária Sequence, southern Brazil. We used computed microtomography (micro‐CT) to analyze the extent of vertebral fusion, which revealed that it occurred only between the centra. We also assessed the occurrence of sacral fusion in Dinosauria and close relatives. The degree of fusion observed in representatives of the major dinosaur lineages suggested that there may be a sequential pattern of fusion of the elements of the sacrum, more clearly observed in Sauropodomorpha. Our analyses suggest that primordial sacral vertebrae fuse earlier in the lineage (as seen in Norian sauropodomorphs). Intervertebral fusion is observed to encompass progressively more vertebral units as sauropodomorphs evolve, reaching up to five or more fully fused sacrals in Neosauropoda. Furthermore, the new specimen described here indicates that the fusion of sacral elements occurred early in the evolution of dinosaurs. Factors such as ontogeny and the increase in body size, combined with the incorporation of vertebrae to the sacrum may have a significant role in the process and in the variation of sacral fusion observed.
This paper describes the oldest record of fused sacral vertebrae for Dinosauria, based on two primordial sacrals from the Brazilian Upper Triassic. We also review the occurrence of sacral fusion in Dinosauria and close relatives. The new specimen indicates that sacral fusion occurred early in the evolution of dinosaurs and our review suggests that, at least in Sauropodomorpha, the primordial sacrals fuse prior to the additional sacral vertebrae, which fuse later along the lineage.
Secondary myeloid neoplasms (sMNs) remain the most serious long-term complications in patients with aplastic anemia (AA) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). However, sMNs lack specific ...predictors, dedicated surveillance measures, and early therapeutic interventions.
We studied a multicenter, retrospective cohort of 1,008 patients (median follow-up 8.6 years) with AA and PNH to assess clinical and molecular determinants of clonal evolution.
Although none of the patients transplanted upfront (n = 117) developed clonal complications (either sMN or secondary PNH), the 10-year cumulative incidence of sMN in nontransplanted cases was 11.6%. In severe AA, older age at presentation and lack of response to immunosuppressive therapy were independently associated with increased risk of sMN, whereas untreated patients had the highest risk among nonsevere cases. The elapsed time from AA to sMN was 4.5 years. sMN developed in 94 patients. The 5-year overall survival reached 40% and was independently associated with bone marrow blasts at sMN onset. Myelodysplastic syndrome with high-risk phenotypes, del7/7q, and
,
,
, and
pathway gene mutations were the most frequent characteristics. Cross-sectional studies of clonal dynamics from baseline to evolution revealed that
human leukocyte antigen lesions decreased over time, being replaced by clones with myeloid hits.
and
mutation carriers had a lower risk of sMN progression, whereas myeloid driver lesions marked the group with a higher risk.
The risk of sMN in AA is associated with disease severity, lack of response to treatment, and patients' age. sMNs display high-risk morphological, karyotypic, and molecular features. The landscape of acquired somatic mutations is complex and incompletely understood and should be considered with caution in medical management.
Androgens have been used in the treatment of bone marrow failure syndromes without a clear understanding of their mechanism of action. Blood counts of patients with dyskeratosis congenita or aplastic ...anemia with mutations in telomerase genes can improve with androgen therapy. Here we observed that exposure in vitro of normal peripheral blood lymphocytes and human bone marrow–derived CD34+ cells to androgens increased telomerase activity, coincident with higher TERT mRNA levels. Cells from patients who were heterozygous for telomerase mutations had low baseline telomerase activity, which was restored to normal levels by exposure to androgens. Estradiol had an effect similar to androgens on TERT gene expression and telomerase enzymatic activity. Tamoxifen abolished the effects of both estradiol and androgens on telomerase function, and letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, blocked androgen effects on telomerase activity. Conversely, flutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist, did not affect androgen stimulation of telomerase. Down-regulation by siRNA of estrogen receptor-α (ERα), but not ERβ, inhibited estrogen-stimulated telomerase function. Our results provide a mechanism for androgen therapy in bone marrow failure: androgens appear to regulate telomerase expression and activity mainly by aromatization and through ERα. These findings have potential implications for the choice of current androgenic compounds and the development of future agents for clinical use.
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•The oldest dinosauromorph from South America is described.•It fills a biogeographical gap during the early radiation of dinosauromorphs.•The specimen extends the record of ...dinosauromorphs into Ladinian in South America.
Whereas the oldest dinosaur skeletons have been excavated from mid to late Carnian beds of South America, its close relatives occur in Anisian to early Carnian deposits from Argentina, Tanzania and Zambia. These close relative forms are key taxa regarding the investigation of macroevolution of dinosauromorphs. Early dinosaurs are well-documented from Carnian strata of Brazil, whereas the Ladinian deposits lack any unambiguous evidence of dinosauromorphs. Here, we present the first dinosauromorph from the Middle Triassic sediments (Pinheiros-Chiniquá Sequence) of Brazil. The new specimen is a right femur and is from the Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone (AZ). This AZ is usually correlated with the Tarjadia AZ from Argentina, which is ascribed to the Ladinian-Carnian boundary and currently lacks any evidence of dinosauromorphs. Therefore, the new specimen is potentially the oldest dinosauromorph from South America, narrowing the biogeographical gap between Africa and Argentina during the early radiation of dinosauromorphs. In addition, the new specimen establishes that dinosauromorphs lived in South America earlier than previously expected, extending the record into the Ladinian.
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