bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential interventions for novel coronavirus in China: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Yunhui
Published: February 2020

An outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID‐19 or 2019‐CoV) infection has posed significant threats to international health and the economy. In the absence of treatment for this virus, there is an urgent need to find alternative methods to control the spread of disease. Here, we have conducted an online search for all treatment options related to coronavirus infections as well as some RNA‐virus infection and we have found that general treatments, coronavirus‐specific treatments, and antiviral treatments should be useful in fighting COVID‐19. We suggest that the nutritional status of each infected patient should be evaluated before the administration of general treatments and the current children's RNA‐virus vaccines including influenza vaccine should be immunized for uninfected people and health care workers. In addition, convalescent plasma should be given to COVID‐19 patients if it is available. In conclusion, we suggest that all the potential interventions be implemented to control the emerging COVID‐19 if the infection is uncontrollable.
Recent advances in neural network‐based inverse modeling techniques for microwave applications
Authors: Jin Jing , Feng Feng , Na Weicong , Yan Shuxia , Liu Wenyuan , Zhu Lin , Zhang Qi‐Jun
Published: February 2020

Inverse modeling of microwave components plays an important role in microwave design and diagnosis or tuning. Since the analytical function or formula of the inverse input‐output relationship does not exist and is difficult to obtain, artificial neural network (ANN) becomes an efficient tool to develop inverse models for microwave components. This paper provides an overview of recent advances in neural network‐based inverse modeling techniques for microwave applications. We review two different shallow neural network‐based inverse modeling techniques, including the comprehensive neural network inverse modeling methodology and the multivalued neural network inverse modeling technique. Both techniques address the problem of nonuniqueness in inverse modeling. We also provide an overview of recently developed hybrid deep neural network modeling technique and the application to inverse modeling. For the inverse modeling problem with high‐dimensional inputs, the relationship between the inputs and the outputs of the inverse model will become more complicated and the inverse modeling problem will become harder. The deep neural network becomes a practical choice. The hybrid deep neural network structure is presented. The recently proposed activation function, specifically for microwave application, and a three‐stage deep learning algorithm for training the hybrid deep neural network are reviewed.
Positioning an ECG electrode to the dorsal side can record higher amplitude of CMAPs during cryoballoon ablation
Authors: Mizukami Kazuya , Homma Tsuneaki , Natsui Hiroyuki , Kato Mizuki , Otsu Keisuke , Takenaka Takashi , Sato Minoru
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Phrenic nerve injury (PNI) is one of the important complications during cryoballoon (CB) ablation. Recording diaphragmatic compound motor action potentials (CMAPs) during CB ablation can predict PNI. CMAP monitoring may be inaccurate when CMAP amplitudes are low. We examined the effect of positioning an electrocardiography (ECG) electrode at the dorsal side.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 197 consecutive patients who underwent CB ablation for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) (April 2016 to December 2018) at our institution. CMAP amplitudes were monitored using two recording methods just before cryoapplication. (a) Conventional method: right‐arm ECG electrode positioned 5 cm above the xiphoid on the ventral side; left‐arm ECG electrode positioned along the costal margin. (b) Our original method: right‐arm electrode positioned 5 cm above the xiphoid on the dorsal side; left‐arm electrode positioned along the costal margin.

Results

The CMAP amplitude during right phrenic nerve pacing was significantly higher at the dorsal side than the ventral side (0.80 ± 0.31 mV vs 0.66 ± 0.29 mV, P < .01). Similarly, the CMAP amplitude during left phrenic nerve pacing was significantly higher at the dorsal side than the ventral side (0.92 ± 0.39 mV, 0.73 ± 0.37 mV, P < .01). PNI occurred in six patients (3.0%); three patients experienced transient PNI, another three patients experienced persistent PNI, and none developed permanent PNI.

Conclusions

CMAP amplitudes were significantly high at the dorsal side compared to the ventral side. Monitoring phrenic nerve function using an ECG electrode at the dorsal side is a simple and easy procedure.
The forgotten drought of 1765–1768: Reconstructing and re‐evaluating historical droughts in the British and Irish Isles
Authors: Murphy Conor , Wilby Robert L. , Matthews Tom , Horvath Csaba , Crampsie Arlene , Ludlow Francis , Noone Simon , Brannigan Jordan , Hannaford Jamie , McLeman Robert , Jobbova Eva
Published: February 2020

Historical precipitation records are fundamental for the management of water resources, yet rainfall observations typically span 100–150 years at most, with considerable uncertainties surrounding earlier records. Here, we analyse some of the longest available precipitation records globally, for England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland. To assess the credibility of these records and extend them further back in time, we statistically reconstruct (using independent predictors) monthly precipitation series representing these regions for the period 1748–2000. By applying the Standardized Precipitation Index at 12‐month accumulations (SPI‐12) to the observed and our reconstructed series we re‐evaluate historical meteorological droughts. We find strong agreement between observed and reconstructed drought chronologies in post‐1870 records, but divergence in earlier series due to biases in early precipitation observations. Hence, the 1800s decade was less drought prone in our reconstructions relative to observations. Overall, the drought of 1834–1836 was the most intense SPI‐12 event in our reconstruction for England and Wales. Newspaper accounts and documentary sources confirm the extent of impacts across England in particular. We also identify a major, “forgotten” drought in 1765–1768 that affected the British‐Irish Isles. This was the most intense event in our reconstructions for Ireland and Scotland, and ranks first for accumulated deficits across all three regional series. Moreover, the 1765–1768 event was also the most extreme multi‐year drought across all regional series when considering 36‐month accumulations (SPI‐36). Newspaper and other sources confirm the occurrence and major socio‐economic impact of this drought, such as major rivers like the Shannon being fordable by foot. Our results provide new insights into historical droughts across the British Irish Isles. Given the importance of historical droughts for stress‐testing the resilience of water resources, drought plans and supply systems, the forgotten drought of 1765–1768 offers perhaps the most extreme benchmark scenario in more than 250‐years.
Inflammatory biomarkers and growth factors in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid of e‐cigarette users, cigarette smokers, and dual smokers: A pilot study
Authors: Ye Dongxia , Gajendra Sangeeta , Lawyer Gina , Jadeja Neelam , Pishey Deepa , Pathagunti Srinivasa , Lyons Janet , Veazie Peter , Watson Gene , McIntosh Scott , Rahman Irfan
Published: February 2020

Background

Cigarette smoking remains one of the leading public health threats worldwide. Electronic cigarettes (e‐cigs) provide an alternative to conventional cigarette smoking; however, the evidence base of risks and benefits of e‐cig use is new and growing. In this cross‐sectional pilot study, the effect of e‐cig use on biological profiles in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was assessed and compared with the profiles of cigarette smokers (CS), dual users, and non‐users. The systemic inflammatory mediators between e‐cig users (EC) and these other groups were also assessed.

Methods

This pilot cross‐sectional study recruited volunteer participants consisting of four groups, non‐smokers (NS), CS, EC, and dual EC and cigarette smokers (DS). Saliva and GCF samples were collected and analyzed for biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, anti‐inflammatory lipid mediators, tissue injury and repair, and growth factors with immunoassay (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Luminex).

Results

Smoking status was confirmed via salivary cotinine. Prostaglandin E2 level was significantly increased in CS compared with EC and DS, but not significantly different in EC and DS groups compared with non‐smokers (NS). Statistically significant differences were observed between groups of EC and NS (myeloperoxidase [MPO], matrix metalloproteinase‐9) as well as between DS and EC for biomarkers of inflammatory mediators (receptor for advanced glycation end products [RAGE], MPO, uteroglobin/CC‐10); between groups of DS and NS for extracellular newly identified RAGE binding protein and between CS and NS for MPO. No statistically significant differences in biomarkers of immunity (S100A8, S100A9, galectin‐3), tissue injury and repair (Serpine1/PAI‐1) and growth factors (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, fibroblast growth factors, platelet‐derived growth factor‐AA, vascular endothelial growth factor, and others) were found between any of groups.

Conclusion

Statistically significant differences in measurable health outcomes were found between different smoking status groups, suggesting that smoking/vaping produces differential effects on oral health.
A randomized controlled trial on the impact of healing time on wound healing following ridge preservation using a 70%/30% combination of mineralized and demineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft
Authors: Nelson Aaron C. , Mealey Brian L.
Published: February 2020

Background

To compare the histologic difference in healing between ridge preservation sites treated with a combination allograft of 70% mineralized and 30% demineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft (FDBA) evaluated at 8 to 10 weeks versus 18 to 20 weeks post‐extraction. Changes in morphological ridge dimensions were also evaluated.

Methods

Forty‐four patients with a single‐rooted tooth to be extracted and replaced by a dental implant were recruited for this study. At time of extraction, measurements were taken with a custom acrylic stent, and the extraction socket was grafted with the combination allograft and covered with a nonresorbable membrane. Patients were randomly assigned to the short‐term (8 to 10 weeks) or long‐term (18 to 20 weeks) healing group. Sites were re‐entered for study measurements, a bone core sample, and implant placement. Bone cores obtained during implant placement were analyzed histologically to determine percentages of vital bone, residual graft, and CT/other.

Results

Thirty‐eight of the 44 patients completed the study, 19 in each group. There was a significant difference between the two groups for mean percent vital bone formation (short‐term = 18.17%, long‐term = 40.32%, P = < 0.0001) and percentage of residual graft (short‐term = 41.54%, long‐term = 23.59%, P = < 0.0001). There was no difference in morphological changes between the two groups.

Conclusion

Ridge preservation using combination FDBA resulted in approximately twice as much vital bone and half as much residual graft material after 18 to 20 weeks of healing compared to only 8 to 10 weeks healing.
Raman scattering measurements of phonon anharmonicity in the delafossite CuGa1‐xCrxO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) films
Authors: Han Meijie , Lu Yonggeng , Liu Yonghui , Hu Zhigao , Chen Guochu , Jiang Kai , Zhang Jinzhong , Li Wenwu
Published: February 2020

Raman spectra of the delafossite CuGa1‐xCrxO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) solid solution films have been measured in the temperature range from 80 to 823 K. Raman phonon modes are observed at 224 (Ag), 328 (A2u), 396 (Eg), and 757 (A1g) cm−1 for the CuGaO2 film, and phonon modes of the CuCrO2 film are around 211 (Ag), 324 (A2u), 458 (Eg), and 712 (A1g) cm−1, respectively. The A1g phonon mode has a distinct redshift with increasing Cr composition, which indicates that the interatomic potential becomes weaker between Cu and O atoms. Except Raman modes at the Brillouin zone center, the additional phonon modes in the spectral range of 500−670 cm−1 were observed due to Raman selection rules being relaxed by the crystal defects. With increasing temperature, the A1g phonon mode undergoes a larger phonon softening but a smaller line broadening relative to that of the Eg phonon mode, which indicated the anisotropic behavior for the delafossite CuGa1‐xCrxO2 films. The nonlinear temperature dependence of the phonon frequency and linewidth is an indication of nonharmonic lattice dynamics. The Raman shift and the linewidth of the Eg and A1g optical modes as a function of temperature were studied as an experimental evidence of the combined effect of lattice expansion and anharmonic phonon–phonon interaction. And the three‐phonon anharmonic coupling plays the dominant role in the anharmonicity behavior. The phonon anharmonicity behavior of the CuGaO2 and CuCrO2 films is slightly different. The larger Γ0 is intrinsic for the A1g mode of the CuGa0.8Cr0.2O2 film due to the broadening by the crystalline defects, which perturb the translation symmetry of the harmonic crystal, making the momentum conservation rule for phonon scattering partially relaxed.
Raman spectra tell us so much more: Raman features and saturation magnetization for efficient analysis of manganese zinc ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Nekvapil Fran , Bunge Alexander , Radu Teodora , Cinta Pinzaru Simona , Turcu Rodica
Published: February 2020

Raman spectroscopy (RS) measurements contribute to characterization of spinel phase ferrite nanoparticles. However, the capabilities of micro‐Raman analysis of such materials are presently not fully exploited. In order to expand the frontier of RS in nanomaterials research, we conducted an in‐depth study of spinel‐structured MnxZn1‐xFe2O4 nanoparticles (0.75 < x < 0.9) to prospect the linkage of their Raman features with their respective chemical or physical properties. We correlate for the first time Raman features of MnxZn1‐xFe2O4 spinel‐structured nanoparticles with their saturation magnetization (MS), most notably via the band around 713 cm−1, the area of which was found to be inversely related to MS. The insights presented here show that assessment of MS via Raman features does not require prior knowledge of neither crystalline phase nor size of particles and thus can be used for rapid assessment of newly synthetized MnxZn1‐xFe2O4 samples, boosting the efficiency of Raman technique applied to nanostructured materials research.
The influence of harvesting time and meteorological conditions on the occurrence of Fusarium species and mycotoxin contamination of spring cereals
Authors: Kochiieru Yuliia , Mankevičienė Audronė , Cesevičienė Jurgita , Semaškienė Roma , Dabkevičius Zenonas , Janavičienė Sigita
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

The aim was to determine the influence of harvesting time and meteorological conditions on the occurrence of Fusarium spp. and mycotoxins in the grain of spring cereals. A field experiment was performed in 2016–2018 with spring oat (Avena sativa L.) and spring triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.) plots. Grain samples of oat and triticale were analysed for Fusarium infection and co‐contamination with mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA) and T‐2 toxin (T‐2).

RESULTS

Results from the three‐year study showed that the occurrence of Fusarium spp. fungi and mycotoxins produced by them in spring oat and triticale grain was most influenced by the meteorological conditions at harvesting time and crop species.

CONCLUSIONS

It was found that in all experimental years, F. poae, F. tricinctum and F. sporotrichioides predominated in oat grains and F. graminearum, F. sporotrichioides and F. avenaceum predominated in spring triticale; as a result, oat grains were more contaminated with T‐2 and triticale grains with DON and ZEA. Due to the rainy harvesting period in 2017, the contamination level of Fusarium fungi of grain of both crop species was 100%, and the concentrations of DON and ZEA in the samples of spring triticale were several times higher than those set forth in the EU regulation. Co‐occurrence of all three mycotoxins analysed (DON, ZEA and T‐2) was identified in these samples. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) infestation increases the risk of bacterial contamination and alters nutritional content in storage Chinese cabbage
Authors: Zhan Yidi , Tian Haohong , Ji Xianglong , Liu Yong
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Aphids are common insect pests that feed on and excrete feces/honeydew on storage vegetables, especially in the temperate region of the northern hemisphere. The honeydew of aphids is an excellent growth medium for microorganisms. To explore the effects of aphid infestation on the risk of microbial contamination and food safety: (i) the bacterial diversity and community in aphid honeydew were investigated; (ii) the nutritional components of the cabbage were analyzed; and (iii) safety was evaluated.

RESULTS

The results showed that the dominant bacteria in storage Chinese cabbage under different exposure times belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria, family Enterobacteriaceae. The richness of Enterobacteriaceae increased from 36.35% (1 day) to 39.70% (5 days) and to 50.74% (10 days) as the exposure time increased. Serratia was the genus with the highest abundance (23.38% for 1 day, 30.56% for 5 days and 37.85% for 10 days). The abundance of pathways associated with Staphylococcus aureus infection and Shigellosis increased significantly after prolonged storage. In addition, when the aphid density increased from 0 to 100 per 250 g of Chinese cabbage leaves, the protein content in Chinese cabbage decreased significantly, whereas the reducing sugar content increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that the honeydew excreted by the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) on storage Chinese cabbage can serve as a medium for some foodborne disease pathogens. The present study may provide both a theoretical and practical basis for vegetable storage to reduce the risk of foodborne pathogen infection and to maintain the balance of nutrients. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Computational and experimental validation of free radical scavenging properties of high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography quantified phenyl myristate in Homalium nepalense
Authors: Kanhar Satish , Roy Partha Pratim , Sahoo Atish Kumar
Published: February 2020

Phenyl myristate was isolated from Homalium nepalense, which is known for its therapeutic virtues in traditional medicine. However, the study of radical scavenging‐capacity of phenyl myristate is limited by its relatively low abundance in medicinal plants. We have studied the isolation, structure‐elucidation, and bioactivities of high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography validated phenyl myristate from hydroalcohol‐extract of bark of H. nepalense. The chemical structure of phenyl myristate was elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The chromatography was performed on high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography aluminum plates coated with silica‐gel 60 F254. Determination and quantitation of phenyl myristate were performed by densitometric‐scanning at 254 nm (chloroform‐methanol, 9:1, v/v; Rf 0.49). The method was validated according to International Council for Harmonisation guidelines in terms of linearity, specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision, robustness, and stability. Linearity‐range of phenyl myristate was 100–500 ng/5 µL with correlation‐coefficient r2 = 0.9997. Limits of detection and quantitation were 3.35 and 10.17 ng, respectively. Phenyl myristate showed significant free‐radical‐scavenging activities in 2,2˗diphenyl˗1˗picrylhydrazyl, oxygen‐radical‐absorbance‐capacity, and ex vivo cell‐based‐antioxidant‐protection‐in‐erythrocytes assays. Molecular‐docking approach of phenyl myristate showed effective binding at active sites of human serum albumin (HSA) with the lowest binding energy (−8.4 kcal/mol) that was comparable with ascorbic acid (−5.0 kcal/mol). These studies provide mechanistic insight into the potential free radical scavenging activities of phenyl myristate.
Variation in True Metabolizable Energy Among Aquatic Vegetation and Ducks
Authors: Gross Margaret C. , McClain Sarah E. , Lancaster Joseph D. , Jacques Christopher N. , Davis J. Brian , Simpson John W. , Yetter Aaron P. , Hagy Heath M.
Published: February 2020

Avian diet quality is typically measured using true metabolizable energy (TMEN), which is a measure of assimilable energy of food items accounting for innate endogenous losses. Originally developed for use in the poultry industry, TMEN methods have been adapted to determine the value of natural foods consumed by waterfowl to parameterize bioenergetics models for conservation planning. Because there is little knowledge of the variation in TMEN estimates among food items and waterfowl species, we investigated TMEN of 6 common species of submersed aquatic vegetation for mallards (Anas platyrhynchos; i.e., a diet generalist) and gadwall (Mareca strepera; i.e., a diet specialist) in the midwestern United States during autumn 2015–2017. We precision fed and collected excreta from ducks using standard bioassays to estimate TMEN. Mallards had slightly greater TMEN than gadwall, but there was considerable variation in TMEN among vegetation species, duck species, and individuals within each species. True metabolizable energy (±SE; kcal/g[dry]) for mallards was greatest for Canadian waterweed (Elodea canadensis; 1.66 ± 0.26), followed by coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum; 1.51 ± 0.28), southern naiad (Najas guadalupensis; 1.37 ± 0.39), sago pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata; 0.50 ± 0.22), wild celery (Vallisneria americana; 0.05 ± 0.42), and Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum; –0.13 ± 0.42). Mean TMEN for gadwall was greatest for Eurasian watermilfoil (0.77 ± 0.32), followed by Canadian waterweed (0.70 ± 0.31), coontail (0.55 ± 0.28), southern naiad (–0.61 ± 0.34), wild celery (–0.98 ± 0.39), and sago pondweed (–1.07 ± 0.33). Generally, TMEN for most vegetation species was less than agricultural grains, but it was similar to ranges reported for seeds of naturally occurring hydrophytic vegetation and aquatic macroinvertebrates. We recommend that conservation planners incorporate species‐specific TMEN estimates in bioenergetics models and that future researchers improve TMEN assays for wild waterfowl following our recommendations. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
MicroRNA‐216b suppresses the cell growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting Ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 28 expression
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Feng
Published: February 2020

MicroRNA‐216b (miR‐216b) has been reported to be downregulated in several tumors, its mechanism is still little‐studied in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we found that miR‐216b was downregulated in HCC, but Ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 28 (USP28) was upregulated. In addition, Kaplan‐Meier‐plotter analysis indicated that liver cancer patients with high miR‐216b expression had a longer overall survival, but patients with high USP28 had a shorter overall survival. Further studies showed that overexpression of miR‐216b inhibited HCC cell growth, and molecular investigations revealed that miR‐216b targeted USP28 and inhibited its expression in HCC cells. In addition, overexpression of miR‐216b suppressed the substrates' expression of USP28, for example, c‐Myc, and miR‐216b overexpression also inhibited Cyclin E expression as well as upregulating p27 expression, both of which were the downstream signals of c‐Myc. These results indicated that miR‐216b downregulated USP28/c‐Myc signaling in HCC cells. Collectively, this study demonstrated that miR‐216b/c‐Myc axis could be as a potential target for HCC therapy in the future.
Overexpression of tripartite motif containing 26 inhibits non‐small cell lung cancer cell growth by suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling
Authors: Tao Jia‐Li , Luo Man , Sun Hong , Zhao Hong‐Mei , Sun Qing‐Song , Huang Zi‐Ming
Published: February 2020

It has been reported that tripartite motif containing 26 (TRIM26) is involved in the tumorigenesis of some cancers, but its function in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still unclear. In this study, we found that TRIM26 was markedly down‐regulated in both of NSCLC tumor tissues and cell lines. Additionally, high expression of TRIM26 in NSCLC patients predicted a positive index for patients' overall survival. What is more, overexpression of TRIM26 significantly suppressed NSCLC cell growth. Our further studies indicated that overexpression of TRIM26 inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K p85 and AKT. And overexpressed TRIM26 regulated cell cycle‐related genes' expression, including downregulating CDK4, Cyclin A, Cyclin D1, Cyclin D3, and Cyclin E, and upregulating p27 expression. Finally, we found that TRIM26 up‐regulated PTEN expression by stabilizing PTEN protein in NSCLC cells. Collectively, our present study indicated that TRIM26 was decreased in NSCLC and overexpression of TRIM26 inhibited NSCLC cell growth by suppressing PI3K/AKT pathway, which suggested that TRIM26 could be as a potential target for the treatment of NSCLC in the future.
Decadal loss of paddy fields driven by cumulative human activities in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, China
Authors: He Xiubin , Wang Mingfeng , Tang Qiang , Bao Yuhai , Li Jinlin , Khurram Dil
Published: February 2020

Paddy fields are valuable agricultural land resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir area of China but have been threatened by the expansion and intensification of human activities over recent decades. How paddy fields evolve under human disturbances remains poorly understood, which is critical for land use planning to compromise agricultural production and ecosystem conservation as limited land resource is available. In this study, the spatial and temporal patterns of change in paddy fields were depicted and principal driving forces were explained. Mapping of paddy fields with LANDSAT satellite images reveals a constant declining trend by 14.3% in the period 1990–2015. The gross loss area is 903.3 km2, with an annual average decreasing rate being 36.1 km2·yr−1. The transformation matrix between paddy fields and other land uses explicitly explains the impact trajectories of multiple human activities. Specifically, 39.6% (408.1 km2) of the gross loss was converted to built‐up lands, reflecting town translocation and human resettlement (involuntary population migration) proposed by construction of the Three Gorges Dam, as well as urbanization, industrial development and infrastructure expansion along with economic development. The area converted to forests accounts for 26.4% (238.2 km2), which could be ascribed to land abandonment and the reforestation campaign. 23.1% (208.7 km2) was converted to dry croplands by shifts in farmers' preference on crop selection following socioeconomic changes (e.g., voluntary rural population migration, land use policy adjustment, commercial farming enterprises expansion). 46.5 km2 was converted to water bodies, indicating the effect of impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir.
Flow and diffusion around and within diatom aggregates: Effects of aggregate composition and shape
Authors: Zetsche Eva‐Maria , Larsson Ann I. , Iversen Morten H. , Ploug Helle
Published: February 2020

Diatom aggregates constitute a significant fraction of the particle flux from the euphotic zone into the mesopelagic ocean as part of the ocean's biological carbon pump. Modeling studies of their exchange processes with the surrounding water usually assume spherical shape and that aggregates are impermeable to flow. Using particle image velocimetry, we examined flow distributions around individual aggregates of various irregular shapes formed from two different diatom species: (1) Skeletonema marinoi, known for its cell–cell stickiness, and (2) Chaetoceros affinis, exhibiting cell‐TEP (transparent exopolymeric particles) stickiness. Chaetoceros aggregates formed porous, highly irregularly shaped aggregates as compared to the more compact and near‐spherical Skeletonema aggregates, yet flow distributions around both types of aggregates were relatively similar at a millimeter scale. At a micrometer scale, the irregular shape of diatom aggregates caused velocity gradients and vorticity close to the surface to locally vary more than for spherical model aggregates (agar‐yeast spheres). Water was deflected from the surface of all aggregate types and we found no direct evidence that flow occurred within aggregates. Digital holographic imaging and Alcian blue staining revealed a substantial presence of TEP likely clogging the interstitial pore spaces in Chaetoceros aggregates. Radial oxygen concentration distributions measured by O2 microsensors within the aggregates were similar to those modeled for aggregates and spheres impermeable to flow. Thus, transport of gases, nutrients, and solutes likely occurs by diffusion, even within large, irregularly shaped diatom aggregates during sinking.
Reduction of taxonomic bias in diatom species data
Authors: Tyree Meredith A. , Bishop Ian W. , Hawkins Charles P. , Mitchell Richard , Spaulding Sarah A.
Published: February 2020

Inconsistency in taxonomic identification and analyst bias impede the effective use of diatom data in regional and national stream and lake surveys. In this study, we evaluated the effect of existing protocols and a revised protocol on the precision of diatom species counts. The revised protocol adjusts four elements of sample preparation, taxon identification and enumeration, and quality control (QC). We used six independent data sets to assess the effect of the adjustments on analytical outcomes. The first data set was produced by three laboratories with a total of five analysts following established protocols (Charles et al., Protocols for the analysis of algal samples collected as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water‐Quality Assessment, 2002) or their slight variations. The remaining data sets were produced by one to three laboratories with a total of two to three analysts following a revised protocol. The revised protocol included the following modifications: (1) development of coordinated precount voucher floras based on morphological operational taxonomic units, (2) random assignment of samples to analysts, (3) postcount identification and documentation of taxa (as opposed to an approach in which analysts assign names while they enumerate), and (4) increased use of QC samples. The revised protocol reduced taxonomic bias, as measured by reduction in analyst signal, and improved similarity among QC samples. Reduced taxonomic bias improves the performance of biological assessments, facilitates transparency across studies, and refines estimates of diatom species distributions.
Identification of an anaerobic bacterial consortium that degrades roxarsone
Authors: Li Yasong , Liu Yaci , Zhang Zhaoji , Fei Yuhong , Tian Xia , Cao Shengwei
Published: February 2020

The degradation of roxarsone, an extensively used organoarsenic feed additive, occurs quickly under anaerobic conditions with microorganisms playing an important role in its degradation. Here, an anaerobic bacterial consortium that effectively degraded roxarsone was isolated, and its degradation efficiency and community changes along a roxarsone concentration gradient under anaerobic conditions were assessed. We used batch experiments to determine the roxarsone degradation rates, as well as the bacterial community structure and diversity, at initial roxarsone concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. The results showed that roxarsone was degraded completely within 28, 28, 36, and 44 hr at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. The anaerobic bacterial consortium displayed considerable potential to degrade roxarsone, as the degradation rate increased with increasing roxarsone concentrations. Roxarsone promoted microbial growth, and in turn, the microorganisms degraded the organoarsenic compound, with the functional bacterial community varying between different roxarsone concentrations. Lysinibacillus, Alkaliphilus, and Proteiniclasticum were the main genera composing the roxarsone‐degrading bacterial community.
Properties and applications of some special integer number sequences
Authors: Flaut Cristina , Savin Diana , Zaharia Geanina
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we provide properties and applications of some special integer sequences. We generalize and give some properties of Pisano period. Moreover, we provide a new application in cryptography and applications of some quaternion elements.
Influence of Diet‐Induced Obesity on the Bioavailability and Metabolism of Raspberry Ketone (4‐(4‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐Butanone) in Mice
Authors: Zhao Danyue , Yuan Bo , Kshatriya Dushyant , Polyak Andrew , Simon James E. , Bello Nicholas T. , Wu Qingli
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Raspberry ketone (RK) is the primary aroma compound in red raspberries and a dietary supplement for weight loss. This work aims to 1) compare RK bioavailability in male versus female, normal‐weight versus obese mice; 2) characterize RK metabolic pathways.

Methods

Study 1: C57BL/6J male and female mice fed a low‐fat diet (LFD; 10% fat) receive a single oral gavage dose of RK (200 mg kg−1). Blood, brain, and white adipose tissue (WAT) are collected over 12 h. Study 2: Male mice are fed a LFD or high‐fat diet (45% fat) for 8 weeks before RK dosing. Samples collected are analyzed by UPLC‐MS/MS for RK and its metabolites.

Results

RK is rapidly absorbed (Tmax ≈ 15 min), and bioconverted into diverse metabolites in mice. Total bioavailability (AUC0–12 h) is slightly lower in females than males (566 vs 675 nmol mL−1 min−1). Total bioavailability in obese mice is almost doubled that of control mice (1197 vs 679 nmol mL−1 min−1), while peaking times and elimination half‐lives are delayed. Higher levels of RK and major metabolites are found in WAT of the obese than normal‐weight animals.

Conclusions

RK is highly bioavailable, rapidly metabolized, and exhibits significantly different pharmacokinetic behaviors between obese and control mice. Lipid‐rich tissues, especially WAT, can be a direct target of RK.
A novel impedance adapter for the time‐domain electromagnetic pulse standard field generation setup
Authors: Wang Yifan , Gong Jinlong , Yang Qing , Huang Hui
Published: February 2020

The purpose of the work is to design a novel impedance adapter to set up a mono‐cone standard field generation system with a large clear time and a large dynamic range. To transform the impedance from 50 Ω (the output impedance of the signal generator) to 75 Ω (the input impedance of the cone), the gradient structures with 11 sections are designed for the impedance adapter. The measured VSWR of the system is below 1.5 from 300 to 2.25 GHz. The insertion loss of the designed is about −35 dB. The system with the designed impedance adapter works well. This is validated by the results of the standard open‐air test site in National Institute of Metrology, China.
Improving the CT (140 kVp) to PET (511 keV) conversion in PET/MR hardware component attenuation correction
Authors: Oehmigen Mark , Lindemann Maike E. , Tellmann Lutz , Lanz Titus , Quick Harald H.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Today, attenuation correction (AC) of positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) hardware components is performed by using an established method from PET/CT hybrid imaging. As shown in previous studies, the established mathematical conversion from computed tomography (CT) to PET attenuation coefficients may, however, lead to incorrect results in PET quantification when applied to AC of hardware components in PET/MR. The purpose of this study is to systematically investigate the attenuating properties of various materials and electronic components frequently used in the context of PET/MR hybrid imaging. The study, thus, aims at improving hardware component attenuation correction in PET/MR.

Materials and methods

Overall, 38 different material samples were collected; a modular phantom was used to for CT, PET, and PET/MR scanning of all samples. Computed tomography‐scans were acquired with a tube voltage of 140 kVp to determine Hounsfield Units (HU). PET transmission scans were performed with 511 keV to determine linear attenuation coefficients (LAC) of all materials. The attenuation coefficients were plotted to obtain a HU to LAC correlation graph, which was then compared to two established conversions from literature. Hardware attenuation maps of the different materials were created and applied to PET data reconstruction following a phantom validation experiment. From these measurements, PET difference maps were calculated to validate and compare all three conversion methods.

Results

For each material, the HU and corresponding LAC could be determined and a bi‐linear HU to LAC conversion graph was derived. The corresponding equation was

. While the two established conversions lead to a mean quantification PET bias of 4.69% ± 0.27% and −2.84% ± 0.72% in a phantom experiment, PET difference measurements revealed only 0.5 % bias in PET quantification when applying the new conversion resulting from this study.

Conclusions

An optimized method for the conversion of CT to PET attenuation coefficients has been derived by systematic measurement of 38 different materials. In contrast to established methods, the new conversion also considers highly attenuating materials, thus improving attenuation correction of hardware components in PET/MR hybrid imaging.
No‐reference image quality assessment of magnetic resonance images with high‐boost filtering and local features
Authors: Oszust Mariusz , Piórkowski Adam , Obuchowicz Rafał
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Subjective quality assessment of displayed magnetic resonance (MR) images plays a key role in diagnosis and the resultant treatment. Therefore, this study aims to introduce a new no‐reference (NR) image quality assessment (IQA) method for the objective, automatic evaluation of MR images and compare its judgments with those of similar techniques.

Methods

A novel NR‐IQA method was developed. The method uses a sequence of scaled images filtered to enhance high‐frequency components and preserve low‐frequency parts. Since the human visual system (HVS) is sensitive to local image variations and local features often mimic the attraction of the HVS to high‐frequency image regions, they were detected in the filtered images and described. Then, the statistics of obtained descriptors were used to build a quality model via the Support Vector Regression method.

Results

The method was compared with 21 state‐of‐the‐art techniques for NR‐IQA on a new dataset of 70 distorted MR images assessed by 31 experienced radiologists, using typical evaluation criteria for the comparison of NR measures. The introduced method significantly outperforms the compared approaches, in terms of the correlation with human judgments.

Conclusions

It is demonstrated that the presented NR‐IQA method for the assessment of MR images is superior to the state‐of‐the‐art NR techniques. The method would be beneficial for a wide range of image processing applications, assessing their outputs and affecting the directions of their development.
A flexible five‐channel shielded‐coaxial‐cable (SCC) transceive neck coil for high‐resolution carotid imaging at 7T
Authors: Ruytenberg Thomas , Webb Andrew , Zivkovic Irena
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Imaging the carotid arteries at 7T ideally requires a flexible multichannel array that allows B1‐shimming and conforms to different neck sizes. The major challenge is to minimize coupling between closely spaced coils and to make the coupling relatively insensitive to loading conditions.

Methods

We have designed a five‐channel flexible transceive array composed of shielded‐coaxial‐cable coils placed on the anterior part of the neck and conforming to the anatomy. In vivo imaging of the carotid arteries in three subjects has been performed.

Results

The measured noise correlation matrices show the decoupling level between the individual elements to be −12.5 dB and better. Anatomical localizer imaging of the carotids shows both carotids in every subject well visualized after B1‐shimming. In vivo black‐blood, carotid images were acquired with very high in‐plane spatial resolution (0.25 × 0.25 mm2) with clear depiction of the vessel walls.

Conclusions

The flexibility of the proposed coil has been demonstrated by imaging subjects with different neck circumferences. To the best of our knowledge, the in‐plane resolution of 0.25 × 0.25 mm2 is the highest reported at 7T.
Nationwide study of therapeutic plasma exchange vs intravenous immunoglobulin in Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Beydoun Hind A. , Beydoun May A. , Hossain Sharmin , Zonderman Alan B. , Eid Shaker M.
Published: February 2020

Background

We compared outcomes of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) vs intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) among hospitalized patients diagnosed with Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS).

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study of 6642 records (2637 TPE and 4005 IVIG) from the 2002–2014 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, treatment type was examined as predictor of length of stay, total charges, and in‐hospital death, with regression modeling using risk adjustment and propensity scoring to control for confounders.

Results

Compared with those receiving IVIG, patients who underwent TPE experienced prolonged hospitalization by approximately 7.5 days, greater hospitalization costs by approximately $46,000, and increased in‐hospital death with an odds ratio of 2.78. Results did not change after controlling for confounders through risk adjustment, propensity score adjustment, or matching.

Conclusions

TPE may be associated with poorer healthcare utilization outcomes vs IVIG, although confounding by indication could not be ascertained.
Pain thresholds are unaffected by age in a Japanese population
Authors: Suzuki Yasuhiro , Muramatsu Ken , Maruo Kazushi , Kato Hidenori , Tanabe Yuuki , Tubaki Takumi , Hada Yasushi
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Assessment of sensory impairment in diabetic patients by pain threshold test using intraepidermal electrical stimulation (IES) is a recently developed technique. However, there are no normative pain thresholds in healthy people.

Methods

We examined pain, vibration, and pressure thresholds in 178 healthy subjects using IES, vibration perception testing (VPT), and Semmes‐Weinstein monofilament testing (SWMT).

Results

The mean values for each age group for pain threshold ranged from 0.07 to 0.12 mA. Pain thresholds were unaffected by age. As the age increased, VPT values decreased from 18.0 to 10.6 seconds and SWMT values increased from 21.4 to 45.3 g/mm2. There were no significant differences in pain threshold, VPT, and SWMT between men and women.

Discussion

The pain threshold test appears to be useful for diabetic neuropathy screening because normative values are not affected by age.
Mania as a possible complication of immunotherapy
Authors: Mavrotas Myrto , Murray Brian
Published: February 2020

Immunotherapy is still a relatively new cancer therapy and this article serves as a reminder to psychiatric teams to consider immunotherapy as a possible factor in psychiatric presentations. Here, the authors present the case of a woman who developed signs of personality changes and acute mania after treatment with checkpoint inhibitors ipilimumab and nivolumab.
Hypersexuality and new sexual orientation following aripiprazole use
Authors: Mousailidis Georgios , Mehboob Raheel , Papanna Basavaraja , Bhan‐Kotwal Shafalica , Shoka Ahmed
Published: February 2020

Aripiprazole is a dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist infrequently associated with sexual side‐effects. Here the authors present a case of hypersexuality and new‐onset homosexual behaviour, following use of aripiprazole in a male patient, which resulted in discontinuation of aripiprazole and subsequent elimination of the side‐effects.
Stopping overmedication to manage challenging behaviour in LD ‐ STOMP disability – STOMP (pilot study)
Authors: Javaid Amir , Hussain Madiyah , Michael Dasari , Dasari Sarita , Bailey Trish
Published: February 2020

STOMP (stopping overmedication of people with a learning disability (LD), autism or both with psychotropic medicines) aims to review psychotropic medicines regularly, inform everyone about non‐pharmacological therapies and, most importantly, to involve patients, support staff and their families in decisions about medications. This exploratory study by Dr Javaid and team examines whether the NICE guidelines are implemented in line with STOMP when managing patients with challenging behaviours.
Profiles of Static Quadrupole Polarizability of Impurity‐Doped Quantum Dots Driven by Gaussian White Noise
Authors: Ghosh Anuja , Arif Sekh Md. , Bera Aindrila , Ghosh Manas
Published: February 2020

Herein, the influence of Gaussian white noise on static quadrupole polarizability (SQP) of the impurity‐doped quantum dots (QDs) is studied. The SQP profiles are critically analyzed as several physical quantities are varied over a range in the absence and presence of noise. The introduction of noise to the system is accomplished via two different routes viz. “additive” and “multiplicative.” SQP profiles consist of noticeable features like maximization, minimization, and saturation in the absence of noise and presence of additive noise. However, on most occasions, the SQP profile becomes devoid of any noticeable characteristics in the presence of multiplicative noise. The multiplicative noise plays some noticeable role only during the direct variation in confinement energy. Herein, the exclusive role of additive noise having strength around a typical value for the generation of large SQP is highlighted. The findings bear mentionable importance on the nonlinear optical properties of QD‐based devices under the aegis of noise.
Strain Effects on the 2D van der Waals Heterostructure C3B/C3N: A Density Functional Theory and a Tight‐Binding Study
Authors: Zhao Puju , Wan Yun , Zhang Sujuan , Gao Aihua , Guo Ping , Jiang Zhenyi , Zheng Jiming
Published: February 2020

The 2D van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure C3B/C3N is a prototype of the 2D pn junction. To understand the effects of the built‐in electrical field on the properties of this heterostructure and the evolvement of properties under different strain states, the electronic structure of the system is systematically calculated and analyzed, using the first‐principle method and the tight‐binding (TB) Hamiltonian. Two stable structures and two saddle points in the potential surface are identified, between which the potential barriers along different sliding paths are compared. A TB model with 13 parameters is constructed, and it gives a reasonable potential difference when the heterostructure is under different strain states. Moreover, three distinct features are observed, namely the bandgap variation, metal–semiconductor transition, and band inversion under biaxial compressive strain states. By analyzing the work function change and capacitance variation, it is explained as to why the band spectrum changes as observed. This work deepens the understanding of the properties of the 2D vdW heterostructure, especially the effect of the built‐in electrical field on the band spectrum.