bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of ion-flux and ion-energy in direct inductively coupled plasma reactor for interfacial-mixing plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition
Authors: Hirayama Masaki , Teramoto Akinobu , Sugawa Shigetoshi
Published: April 2020

The effects of low-energy (<15 eV) high-flux O2+ ion bombardment on the properties of Al2O3 films deposited on 3D nanostructures by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) were investigated. High-dose O2+ ion bombardment (>1017 cm−2 cycle−1) during the oxidation steps caused interfacial mixing, and AlSiOx films with abrupt interfaces were formed on Si surfaces. Interfacially mixed AlSiOx films were selectively formed on single-crystal Si, amorphous Si, and degraded SiO2 surfaces, whereas normal ALD Al2O3 films were formed on thermally grown SiO2 surfaces. At the same time, the interfacially mixed AlSiOx films were selectively formed on the horizontal top and bottom faces of the 3D nanostructures, whereas normal ALD Al2O3 films were formed on the vertical sidewalls. The morphology and thickness of the film deposited on the amorphous Si surface were the same as those on the single-crystal Si surface. The interfacially mixed AlSiOx film possessed rough surface morphology and a layered structure of Al-/Si-/Al-rich AlSiOx layers. The low-energy high-flux O2+ ion bombardment condition required for the interfacial-mixing ALD was realized in a direct inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactor with a self-resonant planar coil, in which high-density plasma was excited near the substrate. The O2+ ion flux was found to be controllable over a wide range through variation in the O2 pressure. The ratio of O2+ ion flux at 0.01 Torr to that at 1 Torr was 289. The steep decrease of the ion flux with increasing pressure was attributed to the decrease of electron density in the upstream plasma for intensifying electron energy loss and the decrease of the ambipolar diffusion coefficient in the downstream plasma. A comparison of electron densities near the substrate and those at the presheath edge calculated from measured positive ion fluxes using the Bohm criterion revealed that negative ions, which significantly affect the positive ion flux, scarcely exist near the substrate. The interfacial-mixing PE-ALD has the potential to realize area-selective and topographically selective depositions, which are key technologies for fabricating next-generation electronic devices with 3D nanostructures. The direct ICP reactor is suitable for realizing selective deposition using the interfacial-mixing ALD.
The ESX-1 Virulence Factors Downregulate miR-147-3p in Mycobacterium marinum-Infected Macrophages
Authors: Zuo Xiaoshu , Wang Lin , Bao Yanqing , Sun Jianjun
Published: April 2020

As important virulence factors of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, EsxA and EsxB not only play a role in phagosome rupture and
M. tuberculosis
cytosolic translocation but also function as modulators of host immune responses by modulating numerous microRNAs (miRNAs). Recently, we have found that mycobacterial infection downregulated miR-148a-3p (now termed miR-148) in macrophages in an ESX-1-dependent manner. The upregulation of miR-148 reduced mycobacterial intracellular survival.
Swine ANP32A Supports Avian Influenza Virus Polymerase
Authors: Peacock Thomas P. , Swann Olivia C. , Salvesen Hamish A. , Staller Ecco , Leung P. Brian , Goldhill Daniel H. , Zhou Hongbo , Lillico Simon G. , Whitelaw C. Bruce A. , Long Jason S. , Barclay Wendy S.
Published: April 2020

Avian influenza viruses can jump from wild birds and poultry into mammalian species such as humans or swine, but they only continue to transmit if they accumulate mammalian adapting mutations. Pigs appear uniquely susceptible to both avian and human strains of influenza and are often described as virus “mixing vessels.” In this study, we describe how a host factor responsible for regulating virus replication, ANP32A, is different between swine and humans. Swine ANP32A allows a greater range of influenza viruses, specifically those from birds, to replicate. It does this by binding the virus polymerase more tightly than the human version of the protein. This work helps to explain the unique properties of swine as mixing vessels.
Tectonic evolution of strike-slip zones on continental margins and their impact on the development of submarine landslides (Storegga Slide, northeast Atlantic)
Authors: Song Jing , Alves T.M. , Omosanya K.O. , Hales T.C. , Ze Tao
Published: April 2020

Submarine landslides have affected the mid-Norwegian margin since the Last Glacial Maximum. However, the role of tectonic movements, and most especially fault reactivation, in generating landslides offshore Norway is largely unconstrained. This study uses high-quality three-dimensional seismic and borehole data to understand how landslide development is controlled by faults propagating within the uplifted south Modgunn arch. Variance and structural maps above the south Modgunn arch show that: (1) local scarps of recurrent landslides were formed close to the largest faults, and mainly above strike-slip faults; (2) distinct periods of fault generation were associated with tectonic events, such as the breakup of the northeast Atlantic Ocean, and those events forming the south Modgunn arch; and (3) important fluid-flow features coincide with faults and sill intrusions. In total, 177 faults were analyzed to demonstrate that fault throw values vary from 10 ms to 115 ms two-way traveltime (8 m to 92 m). We propose that the long-term activity of faults in the study area has contributed to fluid migration, weakened post-breakup strata, and controlled the development of submarine slope instability. In particular, strike-slip faults coincide with the locations of several Quaternary landslide scars near the modern seafloor. Similar processes to those documented in Norway may explain the onset of large-scale landslides on other continental margins.
Effectiveness of a lumbopelvic monitor and feedback device to change postural behaviour: the ELF cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ribeiro Daniel Cury , Milosavljevic Stephan , Terry Jane , Abbott J H
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The aim of this clustered, randomised controlled trial was to assess the effectiveness of a lumbopelvic postural feedback device for changing postural behaviour in a group of healthcare workers. We hypothesised that workers exposed to auditory postural feedback would reduce the number of times forward bending posture is adopted at work.

Methods

This was a participant and assessor blinded, randomised, sham-controlled trial with blocked cluster random allocation. We recruited healthcare workers from aged care institutions. Healthcare sites were randomly allocated to the feedback or sham group (SG). A postural monitoring and feedback device was used to monitor and record lumbopelvic forward bending posture, and provided audio feedback whenever the user sustained lumbopelvic forward bending posture that exceeded predefined thresholds. The primary outcome measure was postural behaviour (exceeding thresholds). We used a robust variant of repeated measures mixed-effect model for assessing within-group and between-group differences in postural behaviour.

Results

We recruited 19 sites, and 130 healthcare workers participated. There were no within-group changes on the number of times postural threshold was exceeded at 1-week follow-up (feedback group: −0.7, 95% CI −2.61 to 0.72; SG −0.3, −1.65 to 0.98), and no differences (0.05, 95% CI −1.83 to 1.94) between SG and feedback group.

Conclusions

Findings from this trial indicate that audio feedback provided by a postural monitor device did not reduce the number of times healthcare workers exceeded the postural threshold.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12616000449437.
Extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction secondary to a diaphragmatic rent in a dog
Authors: Granick Martin , Lynch Alex Michael , Cohen Eli
Published: April 2020

A 13‐month‐old intact female Akita was referred to a specialty hospital with suspected pancreatitis. Radiographs at the time of presentation showed atypical positioning of the pylorus and proximal descending duodenum, spleen and right kidney. Abdominal ultrasound showed features suggestive of a diaphragmatic rent with pyloric entrapment, resulting in pyloric and extrahepatic biliary obstruction. Subsequent exploratory coeliotomy identified a right dorsolateral diaphragmatic rent with pyloric, proximal duodenal, right pancreatic and associated omental entrapment. A diaphragmatic herniorraphy was performed resulting in complete clinical resolution.
Evaluation of veterinary antimicrobial benchmarking systems at farm‐level in Europe: implications for the UK ruminant sector
Authors: Craig Aimee‐Louise , Buijs Stephanie , Morrison Steven
Published: April 2020

Background

A number of European countries currently conduct mandatory farm‐level benchmarking for antimicrobial usage (AMU). This review describes the systems used, with emphasis on metric type and practical implications.

Methods

This report describes examples of four types of metrics used to measure AMU: count‐based, mass‐based, daily dose‐based and course‐based, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Results

The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Switzerland use daily dose‐based metrics to benchmark AMU at farm‐level, but each country diverges from the European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption methodology in its own way, including how the population ‘at risk’ is calculated. Germany operates a count‐based system. Threshold AMU values have been specified at farm‐level in the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark, and action is required from producers to reduce AMU above these values. The Netherlands and Belgium also benchmark veterinarians.

Conclusions

For mixed species farms common in the UK and Ireland, splitting AMU by species is recommended. It is also recommended that high priority critically important antimicrobials are benchmarked separately to other antimicrobials. No one metric is optimum; however, for ruminant livestock a daily dose‐based metric allows for country‐specific adaptations which may allow a higher degree of precision at farm‐level benchmarking in the UK and Ireland.
Stand breakdown and surface fuel accumulation due to spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) defoliation in the boreal mixedwood forest of central Canada
Authors: Watt Graham A. , Stocks Brian J. , Fleming Richard A. , Smith Sandy M.
Published: April 2020

Spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)) defoliation has been shown to increase the likelihood of large forest fires in central Canada. However, the time frame of heightened risk based on the duration of spruce budworm defoliation has not yet been quantified. In this article, we document the extent of stand breakdown and surface fuel accumulation after a period of spruce budworm defoliation that occurred between 1972 and 1976. Data on stand characteristics were derived from previous studies at three different locations in the boreal mixedwood forests of central Canada: Aubinadong (B.J. Stocks. 1987. For. Chron. 63: 8–14), Gogama, and Gowganda in Ontario. Stand breakdown was measured using a series of transects set in plots 7 years following aerially mapped defoliation (1977–1983). Results show that during the 4 years following 5 years of defoliation, crown breakage, a typical symptom of defoliation, increased by nearly 200%, and surface fuel increased by 145% from predisturbance levels. The high correlation between crown breakage and surface fuels linked defoliation to fuel buildup. We begin to solve the challenge of measuring fuel structure over the expansive scale of spruce budworm outbreaks by quantifying the relationship among stand breakdown, time since the end of defoliation, and the duration of defoliation so that the expected fuel structure can be modelled from annual defoliation surveys.
Borehole temperature log from the Glasgow Geothermal Energy Research Field Site: a record of past changes to ground surface temperature caused by urban development
Authors: Watson Sean M. , Westaway Rob
Published: April 2020

As part of the Glasgow Geothermal Energy Research Field Site (GGERFS) project, intended as a test site for mine-water geothermal heat, the GGC-01 borehole was drilled in the Dalmarnock area in the east of the city of Glasgow, starting in November 2018. It was logged in January 2019 to provide a record of subsurface temperature to 197 m depth, in this urban area with a long history of coal mining and industrial development. This borehole temperature record is significantly perturbed away from its natural state, in part because of the ‘permeabilizing’ effect of past nearby coal mining and in part due to surface warming as a result of the combination of anthropogenic climate change and creation of a subsurface urban heat island by local urban development. Our numerical modelling indicates the total surface warming effect as 2.7°C, partitioned as 2.0°C of global warming since the Industrial Revolution and 0.7°C of local UHI development. We cannot resolve the precise combination of local factors that influence the surface warming because uncertainty in the subsurface thermal properties trades against uncertainty in the history of surface warming. However, the background upward heat flow through the shallow subsurface is estimated as only
c
. 28–33 mW m
−2
, depending on choice of other model parameters, well below the
c
. 80 mW m
−2
expected in the Glasgow area. We infer that the ‘missing’ geothermal heat flux is entrained by horizontal flow at depth beyond the reach of the shallow GGC-01 borehole. Although the shallow subsurface in the study area is warmer than it would have been before the Industrial Revolution, at greater depths – between
c
. 90 and >300 m – it is colder, due to the effect of reduced background heat flow. In future the GGERFS project might utilize water from depths of
c
. 90 m, but the temperature of the groundwater at these depths is maintained largely by the past effect of surface warming, due to climate change and urban development; it is thus a resource that might be ‘mined’ but not sustainably replenished and, being the result of surface warming rather than upward heat flow, arguably should not count as ‘geothermal’ heat in the first place. Our analysis thus indicates that the GGERFS site is a poor choice as a test site for mine-water geothermal heat.

Supplementary material
: A summary history of coal mining in the study area is available at:
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4911495.v2
Migration Patterns in East and Southeast Asia: Causes and Consequences
Authors: Fong Eric , Shibuya Kumiko
Published: April 2020

Our review starts by considering the regional development of East and Southeast Asia. We then address major trends related to international migration within the region. First, we focus on labor migration, which has been a dominant type of migration in the region in the last four decades. We highlight consequences such as development in the destination area, remittances, and children who are left behind. Second, we highlight recent developments in research related to migrant domestic helpers. In this review, we argue that most studies about migrants in East and Southeast Asia are descriptive in nature, because limited data are available for detailed analysis. Consequently, there has been little opportunity or effort to theorize the migration patterns in the region. Our review suggests the need to move beyond case studies and descriptive reports and to step up efforts to make theoretical contributions to international migration in East and Southeast Asia.
Superior Electrochemical and Kinetics Performance of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 Cathode by Neodymium Synergistic Modifying for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Shilei , Li Yunjiao , Liu Shuaiwei , Deng Shiyi , Chen Yongxiang , Zhu Jie , Zhang Jinping , Guo Jia , Chang Shenghong
Published: April 2020

The nickel-rich layered cathode material LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) is receiving enormous attention for its high energy density and low cost. Nevertheless, its wide application is limited by its unsatisfactory cycle performance and rate performance. In this study, the synergetic modification of the Nd2AlO3N coating and Nd3+ doping is realized to enhance the electrochemical performance of NCA. The Nd2AlO3N coating can protect the electrode-electrolyte interface and inhibit the side reactions. In the meantime, the Nd3+ doping, with the larger ion radius of Nb3+ and stronger Nd-O bond energy, can effectively enhance the kinetics performance and stabilize the crystal structure of the NCA cathode material. The modified materials with above characters demonstrate an excellent electrochemical stability and kinetics performance, among which the Nd4000 sample has the quite best performance, and its capacity/capacity retention still reach 168 mAh·g−1/91% after 200 cycles, which are distinctly higher than the pristine 144.6 mAh·g−1/78.5%. The electrochemical impedance spectra and cyclic voltammetry results also demonstrate that the charge transfer resistance and electrode polarization are suppressed with neodymium modifying during the cycle, and the lithium ion diffusion coefficient is significantly increased compared with the pristine sample.
Editors’ Choice—Review—Exploration of Computational Approaches for Understanding Microbial Electrochemical Systems: Opportunities and Future Directions
Authors: Gaffney Erin M. , Grattieri Matteo , Rhodes Zayn , Minteer Shelley D.
Published: April 2020

Microbial electrochemical systems offer valuable opportunities in the field of electrochemistry for a wide range of applications and fundamental insights. Applications include renewable power generation, electrosynthesis, and sensing, and provide a critical platform for understanding fundamental electrochemical processes between biotic and abiotic components. However, despite several research efforts, the fundamental electron transfer mechanisms inherent to microbial bioelectrochemical systems remain poorly understood, limiting their full potential and applications. This lack of fundamental understanding stems from both the conceptual and experimental complexity of microbial electrochemical systems. In this context, the possibility of multi-disciplinary research utilizing computational methods provides a powerful tool for this field. Herein, we critically review how computational studies and methods employed to study microbial electrochemical systems in multiple dimensions can be used to clarify the different factors governing microbial electrochemical systems. This discussion addresses how the combination of various techniques can enhance fundamental understanding, providing scientists with tools for the rational design of improved systems and opening exciting new research opportunities.
Characterizations of p-type GaAs Films
Authors: Zhen Sang
Published: April 2020

The short research of optimization of the growth method to obtain p-type GaAs (001) layers using Si as the dopant was reported in this work. Atomic force microscopy was used to analyze the surface morphology and low-temperature photoluminescence also used to confirm the p-type of the layers.
Beneficial effect on podocyte number in experimental diabetic nephropathy resulting from combined atrasentan and RAAS inhibition therapy
Authors: Hudkins Kelly L. , Wietecha Tomasz A. , Steegh Floor , Alpers Charles E.
Published: April 2020

Podocyte loss and proteinuria are both key features of human diabetic nephropathy (DN). The leptin-deficient BTBR mouse strain with the ob/ob mutation develops progressive weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and diabetic nephropathy that has many features of advanced human DN, including increased mesangial matrix, mesangiolysis, podocyte loss, and proteinuria. Selective antagonism of the endothelin-1 type A receptor (ETAR) by atrasentan treatment in combination with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition with losartan has been shown to have the therapeutic benefit of lowering proteinuria in patients with DN, but the underlying mechanism for this benefit is not well understood. Using a similar therapeutic approach in diabetic BTBR ob/ob mice, this treatment regimen significantly increased glomerular podocyte number compared with diabetic BTBR ob/ob controls and suggested that parietal epithelial cells were a source for podocyte restoration. Atrasentan treatment alone also increased podocyte number but to a lesser degree. Mice treated with atrasentan demonstrated a reduction in proteinuria, matching the functional improvement reported in humans. This is a first demonstration that treatment with the highly selective ETAR antagonist atrasentan can lead to restoration of the diminished podocyte number characteristic of DN in humans and thereby underlies the reduction in proteinuria in patients with diabetes undergoing similar treatment. The benefit of ETAR antagonism in DN extended to a decrease in mesangial matrix as measured by a reduction in accumulations of collagen type IV in both the atrasentan and atrasentan + losartan-treated groups compared with untreated controls.
Establishment of a Human Gastric Cancer Xenograft Model in Immunocompetent Mice Using the Microcarrier‐6
Authors: Bi Yanzhen , Wang Quanyi , Yang Yonghong , Wang Quanquan , Zhang Kai , Zhang Xiaobei , Cho William C. , Shu Zhenfeng , Li Jiannan , Liu Lili , Si Chuanping , Hong Feng
Published: April 2020

Gastric cancer is among the most common malignant tumors of the digestive tract. Establishing a robust and reliable animal model is the foundation for studying the pathogenesis of cancer. The present study established a mouse model of gastric carcinoma by inoculating immunocompetent mice with MKN45 cells using microcarrier. Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: a 2D group, an empty carrier group, and a 3D group, according to the coculture system of MKN45 and the microcarrier. The mouse models were established by hypodermic injection. Time to develop tumor, rate of tumor formation, and pathological features were observed in each group. In the 3D group, the tumorigenesis time was short, while the rate of tumor formation was high (75%). There was no detectable tumor formation in either the 2D or the empty carrier group. Both H&E and immunohistochemical staining of the tumor xenograft showed characteristic evidence of human gastric neoplasms. The present study successfully established a human gastric carcinoma model in immunocompetent mice, which provides a novel and valuable animal model for the cancer research and development of anticancer drugs.
The Value of Combined Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Lung Biopsy and Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for Peripheral Pulmonary Infectious Lesions
Authors: Li Guangsheng , Huang Jie , Li Yuechuan , Feng Jing
Published: April 2020

Background. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a new technology that allows for unbiased detection of pathogens. However, there are few reports on mNGS of lung biopsy tissues for pulmonary infection diagnosis. In addition, radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) is widely used to detect peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs), but it is rarely used in the diagnosis of peripheral lung infection. Objective. The present study aims to evaluate the combined application of R-EBUS-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and mNGS for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary infectious lesions. Methods. From July 2018 to April 2019, 121 patients from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital diagnosed with PPLs and lung infection were enrolled in this prospective randomized study . Once the lesion was located, either TBLB or R-EBUS-guided-TBLB was performed in randomly selected patients, and mNGS was applied for pathogen detection in lung biopsy tissues. The results of mNGS were compared between the TBLB group and R-EBUS-guided TBLB group. In addition, the clinical characteristics and EBUS images from 61 patients receiving bronchoscopy for peripheral lung infectious detection were analyzed and compared with the results of mNGS. Results. The positivity rate of mNGS in R-EBUS-guided TBLB was (78.7%, 48/61) that was significantly higher than (60.0%, 36/60) in the TBLB group. Difference in the position of R-EBUS probe and image characteristics of peripheral lung infectious lesions affected the positivity rate of mNGS. Tissue collected by R-EBUS within the lesion produced higher positivity rate than samples collected adjacent to the lesion (P=0.030, odds ratio 17.742; 95% confidence interval, from 1.325 to 237.645). Anechoic areas and luminant areas of ultrasonic image characteristics were correlated with lower positivity rate of mNGS (respectively, P=0.019, odds ratio 17.878; 95% confidence interval, from 1.595 to 200.399; P=0.042, odds ratio 16.745; 95% confidence interval, from 1.106 to 253.479). Conclusions. R-EBUS-guided TBLB is a safe and effective technique in the diagnosis of peripheral lung infectious lesions. R-EBUS significantly facilitates the accurate insertion of bronchoscope into the lesions, which improves positivity rate of mNGS analysis in pathogen detection. The R-EBUS probe position within lesion produced a higher positivity rate of mNGS analysis. Nevertheless, the presence of anechoic and luminant areas on ultrasonic image was correlated with poor mNGS positivity rate.
Relationship between Surgery under General Anesthesia and the Development of Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lee Je Jin , Choi Geun Joo , Kang Hyun , Baek Chong Wha , Jung Yong Hun , Shin Hwa Yong , Park Yong Hee , Woo Young Cheol
Published: April 2020

Objective. To investigate the association between exposure to general anesthesia and the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia by reviewing and integrating the evidence from epidemiological studies published to date. Methods. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar to identify all relevant articles up to April 2018 reporting the risk of AD/dementia following exposure to general anesthesia and finally updated in February 2020. We included patients older than 60 or 65 years who had not been diagnosed with dementia or AD before the study period. The overall pooled effect size (ES) was evaluated with a random‐effect model. Subgroup analyses were conducted and possibility of publication bias was assessed. Results. A total of 23 studies with 412253 patients were included in our analysis. A statistically significant positive association between exposure to general anesthesia and the occurrence of AD was detected in the overall analysis (pooled ES = 1.11, 95%confidence interval = 1.07–1.15), but with substantial heterogeneity (, I2 = 79.4). Although the overall analysis revealed a significant association, the results of the subgroup analyses were inconsistent, and the possibility of publication bias was detected. Conclusions. This meta‐analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between general anesthesia and AD. However, considering other results, our meta‐analysis must be interpreted with caution. Particularly, it should be considered that it was nearly impossible to discriminate the influence of general anesthesia from the effect of surgery itself on the development of AD. Further, large‐scale studies devised to reduce the risk of bias are needed to elucidate the evidence of association between general anesthesia and AD. Trial registration. PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews CRD42017073790.
Prognostic Value of N‐terminal Probrain Natriuretic Peptide for Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ni Qi , Li Chaoqian , Lin Hua
Published: April 2020

Objectives. The mortality rate of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is high. Hence, it is crucial to identify a reliable biomarker with wide clinical applications for predicting the prognosis of patients with ARDS. This systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to investigate the value of plasma N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) for predicting mortality in patients with ARDS. Methods. An electronic search of databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure was conducted up to May 31, 2019, without language restrictions. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using QUADAS‐2. Data were extracted and analyzed to obtain pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio. A forest graph was used to evaluate heterogeneity. Potential causes of heterogeneity were further explored by subgroup analysis based on the testing day, testing method, observation endpoint, or cut‐off points. A summary receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to obtain the pooled area under the curve. Results. A total of 7 studies involving 581 patients with ARDS were included. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were as follows: 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72–0.84), 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66–0.88), 3.68 (95% CI: 2.16–6.28), 0.27 (95% CI: 0.20–0.38), and 13.58 (95% CI: 6.17–29.90), respectively. The results of subgroup analysis showed that the testing day influenced the summary sensitivity and that the cut‐off points influenced the summary sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion. Our results indicate that elevated plasma NT‐proBNP levels have a moderate value for predicting the mortality of patients with ARDS.
An Approach to Semantic and Structural Features Learning for Software Defect Prediction
Authors: Meilong Shi , He Peng , Xiao Haitao , Li Huixin , Zeng Cheng
Published: April 2020

Research on software defect prediction has achieved great success at modeling predictors. To build more accurate predictors, a number of hand-crafted features are proposed, such as static code features, process features, and social network features. Few models, however, consider the semantic and structural features of programs. Understanding the context information of source code files could explain a lot about the cause of defects in software. In this paper, we leverage representation learning for semantic and structural features generation. Specifically, we first extract token vectors of code files based on the Abstract Syntax Trees (ASTs) and then feed the token vectors into Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to automatically learn semantic features. Meanwhile, we also construct a complex network model based on the dependencies between code files, namely, software network (SN). After that, to learn the structural features, we apply the network embedding method to the resulting SN. Finally, we build a novel software defect prediction model based on the learned semantic and structural features (SDP-S2S). We evaluated our method on 6 projects collected from public PROMISE repositories. The results suggest that the contribution of structural features extracted from software network is prominent, and when combined with semantic features, the results seem to be better. In addition, compared with the traditional hand-crafted features, the F-measure values of SDP-S2S are generally increased, with a maximum growth rate of 99.5%. We also explore the parameter sensitivity in the learning process of semantic and structural features and provide guidance for the optimization of predictors.
The Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene in the Regulation of Antioxidative System and Softening of Mango Fruit during Storage
Authors: Li Li , Li Changbao , Sun Jian , Sheng Jinfeng , Zhou Zhugui , Xin Ming , Yi Ping , He Xuemei , Zheng Fengjin , Tang Yayuan , Li Jiemin , Tang Jie
Published: April 2020

The function of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) in the regulation of quality and antioxidative system of mango fruit was investigated during storage at ambient temperature. Changes in fruit quality, colour, ethylene production, respiration rate, fruit softening enzyme activities, and antioxidative enzyme activities were studied in this study. The results demonstrated that 1-MCP was beneficial for maintaining quality. 1-MCP treatment retarded the decline of firmness, weight, total soluble solid, and titratable acidity, which served as significant parameters for assessing fruit quality in the process of storage. Compared with the fruit of the control group, the treatment with 1-MCP dramatically delayed the colour change of both the pulp and peel and suppressed climacteric peaks of ethylene generation and respiration speed. The significant inducement of peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities were followed by 1-MCP treatment. The fruit treated with 1-MCP displayed significantly inhibited activation of enzymes on the cell wall, i.e., pectin esterase (PE), endo-1,4-β-d-glucanase (EGase), exopolygalacturonase (exo-PG), and endopolygalacturonase (endo-PG), during storage. The results suggested that 1-MCP imposed underlying impact on the maintenance of the softening and extension of postharvest life of mango fruit.
Flexural Behaviour of Unbonded Posttensioned Concrete Beam Strengthened with Aluminium Alloy Plates
Authors: Chang Hong , Zhou Wei
Published: April 2020

Owing to their high corrosion resistance, aluminium alloy (AA) plates bonded with magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) are considered as a viable candidate for reinforcing inshore infrastructures that are subject to severe environmental conditions and vapor atmospheres. Therefore, the aim of this study is the evaluation of the flexural behaviour of simple beams that are strengthened using this technique. Six unbonded posttensioned concrete (UPC) beams with different reinforcement ratios are damaged by static loads and then repaired and strengthened using AA plates. The failures under two-point loading are then investigated. Thereafter, a simplified method is proposed for the evaluation of the flexural strength of a UPC beam strengthened by an AA plate with MPC. The flexural strengths of the six specimens increase by an average of 14%, and the displacement ductility factor decreases by an average of 34.14%. Moreover, the increase and decrease ratios are proportional and inversely proportional to the comprehensive reinforcement index, respectively. The influences of the three main factors on the flexural strength of the AA plate are determined: the increase in the stress of the unbonded tendons, stress at the midspan and slippage at the ends of the AA plate, and increase ratio of the flexural strength. It shows that the AA plates bonded with MPC can be used successfully in concrete strengthening.
Oculodentodigital Dysplasia: A Case Report and Major Review of the Eye and Ocular Adnexa Features of 295 Reported Cases
Authors: Kumar Virang , Couser Natario L. , Pandya Arti
Published: April 2020

Oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) is a rare genetic disorder associated with a characteristic craniofacial profile with variable dental, limb, eye, and ocular adnexa abnormalities. We performed an extensive literature review to highlight key eye features in patients with ODDD and report a new case of a female patient with a heterozygous missense GJA1 mutation (c.65G>A, p.G22E) and clinical features consistent with the condition. Our patient presented with multiple congenital anomalies including syndactyly, microphthalmia, microcornea, retrognathia, and a small nose with hypoplastic alae and prominent columella; in addition, an omphalocele defect was present, which has not been reported in previous cases. A systematic review of the published cases to date revealed 91 literature reports of 295 individuals with ODDD. There were 73 different GJA1 mutations associated with these cases, of which the most common were the following missense mutations: c.605G>A (p.R202H) (11%), c.389T>C (p.I130T) (10%), and c.119C>T (p.A40V) (10%). Mutations most commonly affect the extracellular-1 and cytoplasmic-1 domains of connexin-43 (gene product of GJA1), predominately manifesting in microphthalmia and microcornea. The syndrome appears with an approximately equal sex ratio. The most common eye features reported among all mutations were microcornea, microphthalmia, short palpebral fissures, and glaucoma.
Helicobacter pylori Recurrence after Eradication Therapy in Jiangjin District, Chongqing, China
Authors: Zhou Gang
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To investigate the recurrence rate of Helicobacter pylori infection after eradication in Jiangjin District, Chongqing, China, and to analyze the related causes. Methods. Outpatients who were eradicated of H. pylori infection with standard therapy between August 2014 and August 2017 were included in this study. The recurrence rate was investigated 1 year later. Data regarding gender, smoking, alcohol intake, frequency of eating out, and treatment strategy were recorded, and their relationships with the recurrence rate were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors for H. pylori infection recurrence. Results. In total, 400 patients (225 males and 175 females) were included in this study. Of them, the recurrence rate of H. pylori infection was 4.75% (19/400), with 5.33% (12/225) in males and 4.57% (7/175) in females, showing no gender difference. The recurrence rate was 7.03% (9/128) in smokers and 3.68% (10/272) in nonsmokers, while it was 6.45% (12/186) in those who drink alcohol and 3.27% (7/214) in those who do not drink alcohol, showing no significant differences. The higher the frequency of eating out, the higher the recurrence rate of H. pylori infection (P=0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the recurrence rate between patients receiving treatment alone and patients whose family members also received treatment (6.08% vs. 0.96%, P=0.035). Drinking and dining out were independent risk factors for H. pylori infection recurrence (P=0.014 for drinkers and P=0.015 and P=0.003 for those who sometimes and often dine out, respectively). Conclusions. The overall recurrence rate after H. pylori eradication by standard therapy in Jiangjin District is 4.75%. Reducing the frequency of eating out and family members receiving treatment may reduce the recurrence of H. pylori infection.
Prognostic Prediction Value of qSOFA, SOFA, and Admission Lactate in Septic Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Emergency Department
Authors: Zhou Haijiang , Lan Tianfei , Guo Shubin
Published: April 2020

Background. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of sepsis and common presentation to emergency department (ED) with a high mortality rate. The prognostic prediction value of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and quick SOFA (qSOFA) scores in CAP in ED has not been validated in detail. The aim of this research is to investigate the prognostic prediction value of SOFA, qSOFA, and admission lactate compared with that of other commonly used severity scores (CURB65, CRB65, and PSI) in septic patients with CAP in ED. Methods. Adult septic patients with CAP admitted between Jan. 2017 and Jan. 2019 with increased admission SOFA ≥ 2 from baseline were enrolled. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. The secondary outcome included intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor use. Prognostic prediction performance of the parameters above was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were compared using optimal cutoff values of qSOFA and admission lactate. Results. Among the 336 enrolled septic patients with CAP, 89 patients died and 247 patients survived after 28-day follow-up. The CURB65, CRB65, PSI, SOFA, qSOFA, and admission lactate levels were statistically significantly higher in the death group (P<0.001). qSOFA and SOFA were superior and the combination of qSOFA + lactate and SOFA + lactate outperformed other combinations of severity score and admission lactate in predicting both primary and secondary outcomes. Patients with admission qSOFA < 2 or lactate ≤ 2 mmol/L showed significantly prolonged survival than those patients with qSOFA ≥ 2 or lactate > 2 mmol/L (log-rank χ2 = 59.825, P<0.001). The prognostic prediction performance of the combination of qSOFA and admission lactate was comparable to the full version of SOFA (AUROC 0.833 vs. 0.795, Z = 1.378, P=0.168 in predicting 28-day mortality; AUROC 0.868 vs. 0.895, Z = 1.022, P=0.307 in predicting ICU admission; AUROC 0.868 vs. 0.845, Z = 0.921, P=0.357 in predicting mechanical ventilation; AUROC 0.875 vs. 0.821, Z = 2.12, P=0.034 in predicting vasopressor use). Conclusion. qSOFA and SOFA were superior to CURB65, CRB65, and PSI in predicting 28-day mortality, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor use for septic patients with CAP in ED. Admission qSOFA with lactate is a convenient and useful predictor. Admission qSOFA ≥ 2 or lactate > 2 mmol/L would be very helpful in discriminating high-risk patients with a higher mortality rate.
Cross‐Talk between Gut Microbiota and the Heart: A New Target for the Herbal Medicine Treatment of Heart Failure?
Authors: Li Lin , Zhong Senjie , Cheng Bin , Qiu Hong , Hu Zhixi
Published: April 2020

Heart failure (HF) is the severe and terminal stage of various heart diseases. A growing number of studies have suggested the potential clinical significance of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of HF. Herbal medicine (HM) plays a role in rebalancing the composition of gut microbiota and is widely used in the prevention and treatment of HF. There are many similarities between intestinal microecology and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, such as the holistic concept and the theory of the “heart’s connection with the small intestine.” These similarities provide a theoretical basis for HM to prevent and treat diseases by regulating the intestinal flora and its metabolites. In this work, the cross‐talk between gut microbiota and the heart is reviewed, and the relationship between TCM and gut microbiota is discussed. Based on the current literature and research, we hypothesize that the cross‐talk between gut microbiota and the heart may offer a new therapeutic target for HF intervention.
Effectiveness of a Double Air‐Cushioned Shoe Compared with Physiotherapy in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Eun S. S. , Chachan S. , Lee S. H.
Published: April 2020

Objective. This study was aimed at comparing the plantar fasciitis treatment effect of a double air‐cushioned shoe to that of physiotherapy combined with ESWT. Methods. Retrospective chart review of 40 patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis was performed. Group 1 wore a double air‐cushioned shoe for 2 months, and group 2 underwent physiotherapy with ESWT once/week over a 4‐week period. The foot function index (FFI) score was obtained at the initial visit, 1 month, and 2 months. Results. There were 25 patients in group 1 and 15 patients in group 2. The pretreatment FFI was 62.6 for group 1 and 50 for group 2. The 1‐month posttreatment FFI was 45.6 for group 1 and 35.7 for group 2. The 2‐month posttreatment FFI was 35 for group 1 and 43.1 for group 2. In both groups 1 and 2, follow‐up FFIs were significantly improved from the initial FFI (p < 0.05) and there were no significant differences between two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions. The double air‐cushioned shoe can be considered an alternative treatment option for noninvasive treatment of early‐stage plantar fasciitis.
Mechanistic Insights for Optimizing PSMA Radioligand Therapy
Authors: Ravi Kumar Aravind S. , Hofman Michael S.
Published: April 2020

PSMA radioligand therapy is a promising new class of therapy for prostate cancer. Heterogeneity of PSMA expression is an important factor explaining variability in clinical results. The ability to visualize the target with theranostics provides unique mechanistic insights. Potential clinically applicable strategies to improve patient selection and optimize therapeutic efficacy are discussed.

See related article by Current et al., p. 2946
Hemodynamic Determinants of Age Versus Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Relations Across the Full Adult Age Range
Authors: Bello Hamza , Norton Gavin R. , Peterson Vernice R. , Mmopi Keneilwe N. , Mthembu Nonhlanhla , Libhaber Carlos D. , Masiu Mohlabani , Da Silva Fernandes Daniel , Bamaiyi Adamu J. , Peters Ferande , Sareli Pinhas , Woodiwiss Angela J.
Published: April 2020

The relative contribution of loading conditions at different ages across the full adult lifespan to decreases in left ventricular (LV) diastolic function is unclear. Using central arterial pressure and aortic velocity and diameter measurements in the outflow tract, we determined the contribution of systemic vascular resistance, compression wave pressures (characteristic impedance [Zc]×aortic flow [Q], [P
Q×Zc
]) and backward wave pressures (Pb) to LV diastolic function (echocardiography) in a community sample across the full adult lifespan (n=605). Starting from early adulthood, stepwise age-related increases in LV filling pressures (E/e’) and decreases in myocardial relaxation (e’) were noted (
P
<0.0001). Before 50 years of age, before when P
Q×Zc
positively correlates with age, Pb, but not systemic vascular resistance was independently associated with LV mass index (
P
<0.002), E/e’ (
P
<0.002), and e’ (
P
<0.05). Moreover, in those over 50 years of age, when P
Q×Zc
positively correlates with age, again Pb, but neither P
QxZc
nor systemic vascular resistance was independently associated with LV mass index (
P
<0.01), E/e’ (
P
<0.001), and e’ (
P
<0.001). The contribution of Pb to age-related decreases in LV diastolic function was as strong in those younger as compared with older than 50 years of age and poorly indexed by brachial BP. In conclusion, a striking age-related deterioration in LV diastolic function begins at an early adult age and Pb is the dominant hemodynamic factor that accounts for this relationship. Age-related increases in Pb in young adults contribute as much to functional abnormalities ultimately responsible for LV diastolic dysfunction in hypertension as at an older age, effects poorly indexed by brachial BP.
From Revolution to Modernising Counter-Revolution in Russia, 1917–28
Authors: Camfield David
Published: April 2020

This article presents a historical-materialist approach to key issues of revolution and counter-revolution and uses it to analyse what happened in Russia between 1917 and the late 1920s. What took place in 1917 was indeed a socialist revolution. However, by the end of 1918 working-class rule had been replaced with the rule of a working-class leadership layer that was improvising a fragile surplus-extracting state of proletarian origin. The eventual transformation of that layer into a new ruling class represented the triumph of a modernising counter-revolution. The decisive determinants of these developments were material pressures acting, first, on a working class plunged into catastrophic social crisis and war and then, after the Civil War, on the party-state leadership layer that sought to maintain its state against both European capitalist societies and the classes from which it had to extract surpluses. However, aspects of Bolshevik ideology also played a role.
Macrobrachium tenuipes, a new stygophile freshwater prawn specie (Crustacea: Caridea: Palaemonidae) from a karst cave of Guangxi, southwestern China
Authors: ZHU XIAO-PING , CHEN QING-HUA , ZHENG XIAO-ZHUANG , CHEN WEN-JIAN , GUO ZHAO-LIANG
Published: April 2020

Based on morphological, molecular, and ecological evidences, a fourth species of cave-dwelling shrimp Macrobrachium tenuipes sp. nov. is described from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southwestern China. This new species with smooth carapace and the extremely slender pereiopods, can be separated from other congeners by the shape of rostrum; the segmental ratios, the arrangement of teeth on the cutting edge of the fingers of second pereiopod; the longer and narrower scaphocerite; and the longer uropodal diaeresis spine. The new taxon is genetically distinct from 18 other species of Macrobrachium for which COI and 18S rRNA sequences are available. The data observed on the habitat and ecology will contribute to the conservation for M. tenuipes sp. nov.