bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Strain Tj, Isolated from the Varzob River in Tajikistan
Authors: Dzhuraeva Munavvara , Shokirova Mehrangez , Azaryan Ani , Panosyan Hovik , Bobodzhanova Khursheda , Birkeland Nils-Kåre
Published: October 2020

The 4.6-Mbp draft genome sequence of
Escherichia coli
strain Tj, isolated from the Varzob River in Tajikistan, is presented. This strain possesses four prophage elements related to
Shigella
phage SfV,
E. coli
O157:H7-specific phage ϕV10, lambdoid phage HK225, and coliphage Ayreon. It contains a gene encoding a hemolysin E toxin.
Genome Sequences of Four Shigella boydii Strains Representative of the Major S. boydii Clades
Authors: Sikorski Michael J. , Hazen Tracy H. , Vyas Gopi , Michalski Jane M. , Rasko David A.
Published: October 2020

There are four bacterial species in the genus
Shigella
that cause shigellosis or dysentery.
Shigella boydii
is one of the least studied
Shigella
species but has been shown to be separated into three phylogenomic clades. Here, we report four complete reference sequences of the
S. boydii
phylogenomic clades.
Draft Genome Sequence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain P-684, Isolated from Prunus verecunda
Authors: Takahashi Hiro , Yoshizaki Takayuki , Kondo Hisashi , Motomura Taichiro , Murase Masataka , Takahashi Anna , Fukuyoshi Shuichi , Machida Chiyoko , Kanamasa Shin , Shimizu Hiromi , Iwaguchi Shin-ichi
Published: October 2020

Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strain P-684 is a yeast isolated from the flowers of
Prunus verecunda
‘Antiqua,’ producing high quantities of malic and succinic acids in sake brewing. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of P-684, enlightening the mechanisms of biosynthesis of these organic acids by this strain.
Supplemental Material: Tracing Argoland in eastern Tethys and implications for India-Asia convergence
Authors: Zhang Xiaoran , Chung Sun-Lin , al. et
Published: October 2020

Supplementary Figures S1 and S2 and Table S1.
Ruptured lenticulostriate artery aneurysm: a report of a case treated with endovascular embolisation
Authors: Roccatagliata Luca , Pileggi Marco , Cianfoni Alessandro , Gralla Jan
Published: October 2020

A 65-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of left-sided weakness, headache and vomiting. A cerebral CT showed an acute intracerebral haemorrhage involving the right caudate nucleus and lentiform nucleus with mild midline shift and intraventricular extension. CT angiography did not reveal aneurysm or other vascular anomaly. Conventional cerebral angiography demonstrated a 3 mm right medial lenticulostriate branch aneurysm, arising from the right anterior cerebral artery (ACA). Endovascular treatment was performed from the left internal carotid via the anterior communicating artery into the right ACA. Complete occlusion was achieved with injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. The patient had neurological rehabilitation during hospitalisation followed by outpatient physical therapy. Two years later, clinical follow-up demonstrated excellent recovery.
Prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals in the general population of northern Italy and evaluation of a diagnostic serological ELISA test: a cross-sectional study protocol
Authors: Guerriero Massimo , Bisoffi Zeno , Poli Albino , Micheletto Claudio , Pomari Carlo
Published: October 2020

Introduction

As of 30 April 2020, the novel betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 had infected more than 3 172 000 individuals, killing over 224 000 people and spreading to more than 200 countries. Italy was the most affected country in Europe and the third most affected in the world in terms of the number of cases. Therefore, the aims of this study are: (1) to estimate the prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals among the general population of Verona; (2) to assess the accuracy (sensitivity, specificity and predictive values) of an ELISA serological test for the screening of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods and analysis

The study will be carried out on a random sample of subjects aged at least 10 years from the general population of Verona. Participants will undergo the measurement of vital parameters (oxygen saturation measured by oximeter, respiratory rate and body temperature detected by laser thermometer), the administration of a COVID-19-related symptoms questionnaire, the collection of a blood sample and a nasopharyngeal swab. Our evaluation will include the statistical technique of Latent Class Analysis, which will be the basis for the estimation of prevalence.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Verona and Rovigo provinces on 15 April 2020 (internal protocol number 2641CESC). The study results will be submitted for publication in international, peer-reviewed journals and the complete dataset will be deposited in a public repository. Most relevant data will be made available to policy-makers as well as disseminated to stakeholders and to the community.
Use of telecritical care for family visitation to ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interview study and sentiment analysis
Authors: Sasangohar Farzan , Dhala Atiya , Zheng Feibi , Ahmadi Nima , Kash Bita , Masud Faisal
Published: October 2020

Background

When the COVID-19 pandemic restricted visitation between intensive care unit patients and their families, the virtual intensive care unit (vICU) in our large tertiary hospital was adapted to facilitate virtual family visitation. The objective of this paper is to document findings from interviews conducted with family members on three categories: (1) feelings experienced during the visit, (2) barriers, challenges or concerns faced using this service, and (3) opportunities for improvements.

Methods

Family members were interviewed postvisit via phone. For category 1 (feelings), automated analysis in Python using the Valence Aware Dictionary for sentiment Reasoner package produced weighted valence (extent of positive, negative or neutral emotive connotations) of the interviewees’ word choices. Outputs were compared with a manual coder’s valence ratings to assess reliability. Two raters conducted inductive thematic analysis on the notes from these interviews to analyse categories 2 (barriers) and 3 (opportunities).

Results

Valence-based and manual sentiment analysis of 230 comments received on feelings showed over 86% positive sentiments (88.2% and 86.8%, respectively) with some neutral (7.3% and 6.8%) and negative (4.5% and 6.4%) sentiments. The qualitative analysis of data from 57 participants who commented on barriers showed four primary concerns: inability to communicate due to patient status (44% of respondents); technical difficulties (35%); lack of touch and physical presence (11%); and frequency and clarity of communications with the care team (11%). Suggested improvements from 59 participants included: on demand access (51%); improved communication with the care team (17%); improved scheduling processes (10%); and improved system feedback and technical capabilities (17%).

Conclusions

Use of vICU for remote family visitations evoked happiness, joy, gratitude and relief and a sense of closure for those who lost loved ones. Identified areas for concern and improvement should be addressed in future implementations of telecritical care for this purpose.
Healthy ageing among older Aboriginal people: the Ironbark study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ivers Rebecca , Coombes Julieann , Sherrington Catherine , Mackean Tamara , Tiedemann Anne , Hill Anne-Marie , Keay Lisa , Clemson Lindy , Simpson Judy , Ryder Courtney , Macniven Rona , Clapham Kathleen
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Older Aboriginal people have a strong leadership role in their community including passing on knowledge and teachings around culture and connections to Country. Falls significantly affect older people and are a growing concern for older Aboriginal people and their families. Regular participation in balance and strength exercise has been shown to be efficacious in reducing falls. A pilot study developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities, the Ironbark: Standing Strong and Tall programme, demonstrated high community acceptability and feasibility, and gains in balance and strength in Aboriginal participants. This cluster randomised controlled trial will assess the effectiveness of the programme in reducing the rate of falls in older Aboriginal people.

Methods

We will examine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Ironbark group-based fall prevention programme compared with a group-based social programme, with Aboriginal people aged 45 years and older in three Australian states. The primary outcome is fall rates over 12 months, measured using weekly self-reported data. Secondary outcomes measured at baseline and after 12 months include quality of life, psychological distress, activities of daily living, physical activity, functional mobility and central obesity. Differences between study groups in the primary and secondary outcomes at 12 months will be estimated.

Conclusion

This is the first trial to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a fall prevention programme for Aboriginal peoples aged ≥45 years. The study has strong cultural and community governance, including Aboriginal investigators and staff, and is guided by a steering committee that includes representatives of Aboriginal community-controlled services.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12619000349145.
Impact of law enforcement-related deaths of unarmed black New Yorkers on emergency department rates, New York 2013–2016
Authors: Liu Sze Yan , Lim Sungwoo , Gould L Hannah
Published: October 2020

Background

Law enforcement-related deaths of unarmed black Americans may lead black communities to distrust public institutions. Our study quantifies the impact of law enforcement-related deaths of black New York residents on the use of hospital emergency departments (ED) during 2013–2016.

Methods

We used regression discontinuity models stratified by race and time period (2013–2015 and 2015–2016) to estimate the impact of law enforcement-related deaths on ED rates. Dates of deaths and media reports were from the Mapping Police Violence database. We calculated the daily overall and condition-specific ED visit rates from the New York’s Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System.

Results

There were 14 law enforcement-related deaths of unarmed black New York residents from 2013 to 2016. In 2013–2014, the ED rate among black New Yorkers decreased by 7.7 visits per 100 000 black New Yorkers (5% less than the average ED rate) using the date of media report as the cut-off with a 2-week exposure window. No changes in ED rates were noted for black New Yorkers in 2015–2016 or for white New Yorkers in either time period. Models using the date of death followed a similar pattern.

Conclusion

The decrease in ED rates among black New Yorkers immediately following media reports of law enforcement-related deaths involving unarmed black New Yorkers during 2013–2014 may represent potentially harmful delays in healthcare. Reforms implemented during 2015–2016 might have modified the impact of these deaths. Further investigation into the population health impacts of law enforcement-related deaths is needed.
A Canadian perspective on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and treatment: how prevalent underlying inflammatory disease contributes to pathogenesis
Authors: Willows Steven , Alam Syed Benazir , Sandhu Jagdeep K. , Kulka Marianna
Published: October 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a serious respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV-2), has emerged as a global pandemic. Canada reported its first case of COVID-19 on the 25th January 2020. By March 2020, the virus had spread within Canadian communities reaching the most frail and vulnerable elderly population in long-term care facilities. The majority of cases were reported in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, and the highest mortality was seen among individuals aged 65 years or older. Canada has the highest prevalence and incidence rates of several chronic inflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Many elderly Canadians also live with comorbid medical illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung disease, and are more likely to suffer from severe COVID-19 with a poor prognosis. It is becoming increasingly evident that underlying inflammatory disease contributes to the pathogenesis of SARS–CoV-2. Here, we review the mechanisms behind SARS–CoV-2 infection, and the host inflammatory responses that lead to resolution or progression to severe COVID-19 disease. Furthermore, we discuss the landscape of COVID-19 therapeutics that are currently in development in Canada.
In situ experimental evaluation of tag burden and gill biopsy reveals survival impacts on migrating juvenile sockeye salmon
Authors: Bass Arthur L. , Stevenson Christine F. , Porter Aswea D. , Rechisky Erin L. , Furey Nathan B. , Healy Steve J. , Kanigan Adam M. , Lotto Andrew G. , Welch David W. , Hinch Scott G.
Published: October 2020

Although telemetry is commonly used to study fishes, researchers rarely design experiments that facilitate in situ quantification of tagging-related impacts to survival. We experimentally applied high (mean burden = 9.6%) and low (2.6%) acoustic tag burdens and gill clip biopsies to migrating juvenile sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Mortality from release to the last marine receiver array was 1.51 times greater for the high tag burden group (25% surviving) compared with the low burden group (40% surviving). A biopsy effect was limited to the first migration segment (14 km), where mortality was 1.86 times greater for biopsied fish. These results demonstrate the importance of quantifying biopsy and tagging effects when survival estimates are prioritized.
Behaviourally mediated biases in transect surveys: a predation risk sensitivity approach
Authors: Dill Lawrence M. , Frid Alejandro
Published: October 2020

Variation in the behaviour of individuals or species, particularly their propensity to avoid or approach human observers, their conveyances (e.g., cars), or their proxy devices (e.g., drones) has been recognized as a source of bias in transect counts. However, there has been little attempt to predict the likelihood or magnitude of such biases. Behavioural ecology provides a rich source of theory to develop a general framework for doing so. For example, if animals perceive observers as predators, then the extensive body of research on responses of prey to their predators may be applied to this issue. Here we survey the literature on flight initiation distance (the distance from a predator or disturbance stimulus at which prey flee) for a variety of taxa to suggest which characteristics of the animal, the observer, and the environment may create negatively biased counts. We also consider factors that might cause prey to approach observers, creating positive bias, and discuss when and why motivation for both approach and avoidance might occur simultaneously and how animals may resolve such trade-offs. Finally, we discuss the potential for predicting the extent of the behaviourally mediated biases that may be expected in transect counts and consider ways of dealing with them.
A comprehensive study of analyzing powers in the proton–deuteron break-up channel at 135 MeV
Authors: Bayat M. T. , Tavakoli-Zaniani H. , Amir-Ahmadi H. R. , Deltuva A. , Eslami-Kalantari M. , Golak J. , Kalantar-Nayestanaki N. , Kistryn St. , Kozela A. , Mardanpour H. , Messchendorp J. G. , Mohammadi-Dadkan M. , Ramazani-Moghaddam-Arani A. , Ramazani-Sharifabadi R. , Skibiński R. , Stephan E. , Witała H.
Published: October 2020

A measurement of the analyzing powers for the $$^2\hbox {H}(\vec {p},pp)n$$

2

H

(

p
→

,
p
p
)

n

break-up reaction was carried out at KVI exploiting a polarized-proton beam at an energy of $$135\,\hbox {MeV}$$

135

MeV

. The scattering angles and energies of the final-state protons were measured using the Big Instrument for Nuclear-polarization Analysis (BINA) with a nearly $$4\pi $$

4
π

geometrical acceptance. In this work, we analyzed a large number of kinematical geometries including forward–forward configurations in which both the final-state particles scatter to small polar angles and backward–forward configurations in which one of the final-state particles scatters to large polar angles. The results are compared with Faddeev calculations based on modern nucleon–nucleon (NN) and three-nucleon (3N) potentials. Discrepancies between polarization data and theoretical predictions are observed for configurations corresponding to small relative azimuthal angles between the two final-state protons. These configurations show a large sensitivity to 3N force effects.
Canonical interpretations of the newly observed $$\Xi _c(2923)^0$$, $$\Xi _c(2939)^0$$, and $$\Xi _c(2965)^0$$ resonances
Authors: Lü Qi-Fang
Published: October 2020

Three neutral resonances $$\Xi _c(2923)^0$$

Ξ
c

(
2923
)

0

, $$\Xi _c(2939)^0$$

Ξ
c

(
2939
)

0

, and $$\Xi _c(2965)^0$$

Ξ
c

(
2965
)

0

have been observed in the $$\Lambda _c^+ K^-$$

Λ
c
+

K
-

mass spectrum by the LHCb Collaboration. Given the $$\Xi _c$$

Ξ
c

and $$\Xi _c^\prime $$

Ξ
c
′

mass spectra predicted by the constituent quark models, these three resonances are tentatively treated as the $$\lambda $$
λ
-mode $$\Xi _c(2S)$$

Ξ
c

(
2
S
)

, $$\Xi _c^\prime (2S)$$

Ξ
c
′

(
2
S
)

, $$\Xi _c^{\prime *}(2S)$$

Ξ
c

′

∗

(
2
S
)

, and $$\Xi _c^\prime (1P)$$

Ξ
c
′

(
1
P
)

states, and their strong decay behaviors are calculated within the $$^3P_0$$

3

P
0

model. Our results indicate that the $$\Xi _c(2923)^0$$

Ξ
c

(
2923
)

0

and $$\Xi _c(2939)^0$$

Ξ
c

(
2939
)

0

can be clarified into the $$J^P=3/2^-$$

J
P

=
3
/

2
-

and $$5/2^-$$

5
/

2
-

$$\Xi _c^\prime (1P)$$

Ξ
c
′

(
1
P
)

states respectively, and the $$\Xi _c(2965)^0$$

Ξ
c

(
2965
)

0

can be regarded as the $$J^P=1/2^+$$

J
P

=
1
/

2
+

$$\Xi _c^\prime (2S)$$

Ξ
c
′

(
2
S
)

state. Also, we suggest that the previous observed $$\Xi _c(2930)$$

Ξ
c

(
2930
)

may be the overlap of two structures $$\Xi _c(2923)$$

Ξ
c

(
2923
)

and $$\Xi _c(2939)$$

Ξ
c

(
2939
)

, and the $$\Xi _c(2970)$$

Ξ
c

(
2970
)

should be the same state as $$\Xi _c(2965)$$

Ξ
c

(
2965
)

. Other theoretical information on the missing $$\Xi _c(2S)$$

Ξ
c

(
2
S
)

, $$\Xi _c^{\prime *}(2S)$$

Ξ
c

′

∗

(
2
S
)

, and $$\Xi _c^\prime (1P)$$

Ξ
c
′

(
1
P
)

states may be helpful for future experimental searches.
The dark sector cosmology
Authors: Abdalla Elcio , Marins Alessandro
Published: October 2020

The most important problem in fundamental physics is the description of the contents of the Universe. Today, we know that 95% thereof is totally unknown. Two thirds of that amount is the mysterious Dark Energy described in an interesting and important review [E. J. Copeland, M. Sami and S. Tsujikawa, Int. J. Mod. Phys. D 15 (2006) 1753]. We briefly extend here the ideas contained in that review including the more general Dark Sector, that is, Dark Matter and Dark Energy, eventually composing a new physical Sector. Understanding the Dark Sector with precision is paramount for us to be able to understand all the other cosmological parameters comprehensively as modifications of the modeling could lead to potential biases of inferred parameters of the model, such as measurements of the Hubble constant and distance indicators such as the Baryon Acoustic Oscillations. We discuss several modern methods of observation that can disentangle the different possible descriptions of the Dark Sector. The possible applications of some theoretical developments are also included in this paper as well as a more thorough evaluation of new observational techniques at lower frequencies and gravitational waves.
Quantum fluctuations and cosmological particle creation from oscillating massive scalar field in two-mode quantum optical states
Authors: Rathore Meghna , Dhayal Renu , Venkataratnam K. K.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, by the use of entangled and nonentangled coherent and squeezed state formalism of two-mode nonclassical states, we studied the chaotic inflationary model of a massive scalar field with quadratic potential in the semiclassical gravity, derived from canonical quantum gravity. It was found that the semiclassical quantum gravity leads to the same power-law expansion of the universe as that of the matter-dominated era [Formula: see text] in an oscillatory phase of the scalar field in all the nonclassical quantum states considered. The coherently oscillating scalar field in the expanding universe suffers from the phenomenon of particle creation which restricts the duration of stable coherent oscillations of the scalar field dependent on the parameters of the states considered and affect in a certain way the abundant particle production owing to the parametric resonance of bosonic fields coupled to this coherently oscillating scalar field.
The Erdős–Faber–Lovász conjecture for the class of δEFL graphs
Authors: Dharmarajan R. , Ramachandran D.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we present the class of [Formula: see text] graphs and then prove a generalized statement of the Erdős–Faber–Lovász conjecture for this graph class. Then, the Erdős–Faber–Lovász conjecture follows for every graph in this class.
k-Submodular maximization with two kinds of constraints
Authors: Shi Ganquan , Gu Shuyang , Wu Weili
Published: October 2020

[Formula: see text]-submodular maximization is a generalization of submodular maximization, which requires us to select [Formula: see text] disjoint subsets instead of one subset. Attracted by practical values and applications, we consider [Formula: see text]-submodular maximization with two kinds of constraints.

For total size and individual size difference constraints, we present a [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for maximizing a nonnegative k-submodular function, running in time [Formula: see text] at worst. Specially, if [Formula: see text] is multiple of [Formula: see text], the approximation ratio can reduce to [Formula: see text], running in time [Formula: see text] at worst. Besides, this algorithm can be applied to [Formula: see text]-bisubmodular achieving [Formula: see text]-approximation running in time [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, if [Formula: see text] is multiple of 2, the approximation ratio can reduce to [Formula: see text], running in time [Formula: see text] at worst.

For individual size constraint, there is a [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for maximizing a nonnegative [Formula: see text]-submodular function and an nonnegative [Formula: see text]-bisubmodular function, running in time [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively, at worst.
Effects of Thermal Annealing and Ni Addition on the Magnetic Properties of Co–CoO Multilayers
Authors: Anyfantis D. I. , Kanistras N. , Barnasas A. , Poulopoulos P. , Papaioannou E. TH. , Conca A. , Trachylis D. , Politis C.
Published: October 2020

The influence of mild thermal annealing and nickel addition on the magnetic properties of Co–CoO multilayers is investigated. Co–CoO and CoNi–CoNiO multilayers were fabricated by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering and natural oxidation. Their magnetic properties have been studied via the magneto-optical Kerr effect and a vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance setup. The Co–CoO multilayers were annealed up to 90[Formula: see text]min at [Formula: see text]C and they were found to be always in-plane magnetized. The value of Gilbert damping was evaluated. The multilayers after annealing or Ni addition show a small increase in coercivity without considerable changes in their anisotropy. The phenomenon of inverted hysteresis with negative remanence, with the field being applied perpendicular to the film plane, has been recorded. It was modeled with two coexisting magnetic moments with in-plane and perpendicular anisotropies, respectively.
The Identity in Everyone's Pocket
Authors: Vachon Phil
Published: October 2020

Newer phones use security features in many different ways and combinations. As with any security technology, however, using a feature incorrectly can create a false sense of security. As such, many app developers and service providers today do not use any of the secure identity-management facilities that modern phones offer. For those of you who fall into this camp, this article is meant to leave you with ideas about how to bring a hardware-backed and biometrics-based concept of user identity into your ecosystem.
CXCR3A promotes the secretion of the antifibrotic decoy receptor sIL-13Rα2 by pulmonary fibroblasts
Authors: Worrell Julie C. , Walsh Sinead M. , Fabre Aurélie , Kane Rosemary , Hinz Boris , Keane Michael P.
Published: October 2020

CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) A and its IFN-inducible ligands CXCL9 and CXCL10 regulate vascular remodeling and fibroblast motility. IL-13 is a profibrotic cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and fibroproliferative conditions. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that CXCR3A is negatively regulated by IL-13 and is necessary for the basal regulation of the IL-13 receptor subunit IL-13Rα2. This study investigates the regulation of fibroblast phenotype, function, and downstream IL-13 signaling by CXCR3A in vitro. CXCR3A was overexpressed via transient transfection. CXCR3A−/− lung fibroblasts were isolated for functional analysis. Additionally, the contribution of CXCR3A to tissue remodeling following acute lung injury was assessed in vivo with wild-type (WT) and CXCR3−/− mice challenged with IL-13. CXCR3 and IL-13Rα2 displayed a reciprocal relationship after stimulation with either IL-13 or CXCR3 ligands. CXCR3A reduced expression of fibroblast activation makers, soluble collagen production, and proliferation. CXCR3A enhanced the basal expression of pERK1/2 while inducing IL-13-mediated downregulation of NF-κB-p65. CXCR3A−/− pulmonary fibroblasts were increasingly proliferative and displayed reduced contractility and α-smooth muscle actin expression. IL-13 challenge regulated expression of the CXCR3 ligands and soluble IL-13Rα2 levels in lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of WT mice; this response was absent in CXCR3−/− mice. Alveolar macrophage accumulation and expression of genes involved in lung remodeling was increased in CXCR3−/− mice. We conclude that CXCR3A is a central antifibrotic factor in pulmonary fibroblasts, limiting fibroblast activation and reducing extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Therefore, targeting of CXCR3A may be a novel approach to regulating fibroblast activity in lung fibrosis and remodeling.
NTS and VTA oxytocin reduces food motivation and food seeking
Authors: Wald Hallie S. , Chandra Ananya , Kalluri Anita , Ong Zhi Yi , Hayes Matthew R. , Grill Harvey J.
Published: October 2020

Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide whose central receptor-mediated actions include reducing food intake. One mechanism of its behavioral action is the amplification of the feeding inhibitory effects of gastrointestinal (GI) satiation signals processed by hindbrain neurons. OT treatment also reduces carbohydrate intake in humans and rodents, and correspondingly, deficits in central OT receptor (OT-R) signaling increase sucrose self-administration. This suggests that additional processes contribute to central OT effects on feeding. This study investigated the hypothesis that central OT reduces food intake by decreasing food seeking and food motivation. As central OT-Rs are expressed widely, a related focus was to assess the role of one or more OT-R-expressing nuclei in food motivation and food-seeking behavior. OT was delivered to the lateral ventricle (LV), nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), or ventral tegmental area (VTA), and a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of operant reinforcement and an operant reinstatement paradigm were used to measure motivated feeding behavior and food-seeking behavior, respectively. OT delivered to the LV, NTS, or VTA reduced 1) motivation to work for food and 2) reinstatement of food-seeking behavior. Results provide a novel and additional interpretation for central OT-driven food intake inhibition to include the reduction of food motivation and food seeking.
Network‐Based Coexpression Analysis Identifies Functional and Prognostic Long Noncoding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Jianguo , Zhou Jin , Kai Shuangshuang , Wang Can , Wang Daijun , Jiang Jiying
Published: October 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer associated with a growing incidence and extremely high mortality. However, the pathogenic mechanism is still not fully understood. In the present study, we identified 1,631 upregulated and 1,515 downregulated genes and found that cell cycle and metabolism‐related pathways or biological processes highly dysregulated in HCC. To assess the biological importance of these DEGs, we carried out weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify the functional modules potentially involved in HCC pathogenesis or progression. The five modules were detected with Dynamic Tree Cut algorithm, and GO enrichment analysis revealed that these modules exhibited different biological processes or signaling pathways, such as metabolism‐related pathways, cell proliferation‐related pathways, and molecules in tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we also observed two immune cells, namely, cytotoxic cells and macrophage enriched in modules grey and brown, respectively, while T helper cell‐2 (Th2) was enriched in module turquoise. Among the WGCNA network, four hub long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were identified to be associated with HCC prognostic outcomes, suggesting that coexpression network analysis could uncover lncRNAs with functional importance, which may be associated with prognostic outcomes of HCC patients. In summary, this study demonstrated that network‐based analysis could identify some functional modules and some hub‐lncRNAs, which may be critical for HCC pathogenesis or progression.
Corrosion Resistance of Waterborne Epoxy Resin Coating Cross-Linked by Modified Tetrabutyl Titanate
Authors: Xu Lingli , Chen Zheng , Huang Fei , Zuo Yinze , Shi Xingling , Zhou Xiaowei
Published: October 2020

The development of waterborne coating is essentially important for environmental protection, and cross-linking agent is of great significance for ensuring corrosion resistance of the coating. In this work, tetrabutyl titanate was modified by ethylene glycol and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) amine and used for the solidification of waterborne acrylic-epoxy resin. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed that the agent reacted with OH groups first to cross-link the resin preliminarily, and then, when the amount of agent was further increased, the amino groups opened epoxide rings resulting in a secondary cross-link. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) observation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test found that, when the cross-linking agent was used at 6%, the coating remains intact and kept an impedance of as high as 108Ωcm2 even after being immersed in NaCl solution for 30 days. Copper-accelerated acetic acid-salt spray (CASS) test confirmed that the coating containing 6% cross-linking agent provided the best protection for the carbon steel substrate.
Value of Plasma NGAL and Creatinine on First Day of Admission in the Diagnosis of Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 1
Authors: Phan Thai Hao , Hoang Bui Bao , Hoang Anh Tien , Huynh Van Minh
Published: October 2020

Background. The presence of acute kidney injury in the setting of acute heart failure (AHF) or acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a very common occurrence and was termed cardiorenal syndrome 1 (CRS1). Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in the blood and urine is one of the earliest biomarkers of acute kidney injury due to ischemia or renal toxicity. This study was aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of plasma NGAL in the diagnosis of CRS1. Methods. There were 139 patients with AHF or ADHF in the department of Cardiovascular Resuscitation and Interventional Cardiology at Ho Chi Minh City 115 People Hospital from September 2018 to March 2019. This was a prospective cohort study. Results. There were 48 cases (rate 34.5%) with CRS1, mean age was 66.12 ± 15.77 and men accounted for 50.4%. There were no significant differences of vital signs at admission, diagnosis, and EF-based heart failure between CRS1 and non-CRS1 groups. The urea, creatinine on first day (creatinine D1) and third day (creatinine D3), NT-proBNP, and NGAL levels were higher in the CRS1 group than the non-CRS1 group,

p
<
0.05

. The optimal cutoff plasma NGAL for diagnosing CRS1 was >353.23 ng/ml, area under curve (AUC) 0.732 (95% CI 0.65–0.80,

p
<
0.001

), sensitivity 74.47%, specificity 68.48%, positive predictive value 54.7%, and negative predictive value 84%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis eGFRCKDEPID1 remained the strongest independent predictor of CRS1. Building the optimal regression model (without eGFRCKDEPID1) by the BMA (Bayesian model average) method with two variables NGAL and Creatinine D1, we had the equation: odds ratio = ey while y = −2.39 + 0.0037 × NGAL + 0.17 × Creatinine D1. The nomogram (without eGFRCKDEPID1) was designed to predict the likelihood of CRS1 with AUC 0.79. Conclusions. The combination of plasma NGAL and creatinine D1 on the first day at admission had a high accuracy of predictive model for CRS1.
Representation and Reasoning of Three-Dimensional Spatial Relationships Based on R5DOS-Intersection Model Representation and Reasoning Based on R5DOS Model
Authors: Li Jian , Zhang Weijian , Hu Yating , Wang Zhun
Published: October 2020

This paper aims to disclose the compound topological and directional relationships of three simple regions in the three-dimensional (3D) space. For this purpose, the directional model and the 8-intersection model were coupled into an R5DOS-intersection model and used to represent three simple regions in the 3D space. The matrices represented by the model were found to be complete and mutually exclusive. Then, a self-designed algorithm was adopted to solve the model, yielding 11,038 achievable topological and directional relationships. Compared with the minimum bounding rectangle (MBR) model, the proposed model boasts strong expressive power. Finally, our model was applied to derive the topological and directional relationships between simple regions A and C from the known relationships between simple regions A and B and those between B and C. Based on the results, a compound relationship reasoning table was established for A and C. The research results shed new light on the representation and reasoning of 3D spatial relationships.
Clinical Paradox: Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction with Predominant Inferior ST Elevation and No Variation in Coronary Anatomy in a PAI-1 Homozygote
Authors: Perčić Marko , Friščić Tea , Čerkez Habek Jasna , Strinić Dean , Rudman Ninoslav , Šikić Jozica
Published: October 2020

Changes of the ST segment are commonly used as predictors of the culprit vessel during an acute myocardial infarction. In case of combined ST elevation in both inferior and anterior leads, these changes can be due to a distal occlusion of a “wrapped” left anterior descending artery (LAD) or a two-vessel disease. Our case of anterior wall myocardial infarction with inferior ST elevation and anterior ST depression shows that electrocardiographic changes during acute myocardial infarction cannot always be explained by logical sequelae of the injury current, vessel anatomy, and their irrigation territory.
Publications in Integrative and Complementary Medicine: A Ten‐Year Bibliometric Survey in the Field of ICM
Authors: Ding Zuoqi , Li Furong
Published: October 2020

Background. This article aims to analyze the research status of integrative complementary medicine (ICM) and features of highly cited papers in the field to provide reference of the future development of ICM. Methods. Publications in the field of ICM from 2009 to 2018 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. The top 20 countries/territories, institutions, journals, keywords of highly cited and noncited papers, and characteristics of essential science indicator (ESI) papers, as well as open access (OA) and non‐OA papers, were analyzed. Results. Mainland China had the largest number of ICM publications. The top 20 journals published a total of 31667 papers in 2009–2018, which represented 92.9% of all publications. Keywords of highly cited and noncited papers point to different research directions. 48 ESI highly cited/hot papers were identified, most of which are related to phytochemistry. Furthermore, the average citation rate (percentage of publications that have been cited one or more times) of OA papers was lower than that of total papers and non‐OA papers. Conclusions. China leads in number of publications; however, publication quality in ICM field requires improvement. A few journals accounted for more than half of number of publications and citations, which are important for the development of ICM. Many of the keywords in ICM noncited publications pointed towards broad meaning that poorly reflect the exact research content. Most highly cited ICM studies focused on the identification and evaluation of plant active components. OA may not be an effective approach to increase paper citations in the field of ICM.
Safety Analysis of Deep Foundation Excavation in Water-Rich Soft Soils Based on BIM
Authors: Xu Huier , Li Shoude
Published: October 2020

Recent years have seen a great concern on the construction safety of the deep foundation pit with complicated geological conditions due to an increasing number of accidents. However, there are not, currently, sufficient research studies on the safety analysis of the deep foundation pit in water-rich soft soils. As a result, dynamic predictions of the safety risk during the whole construction process are inadequate due to the lack of research studies. Therefore, this paper presents an approach for the construction safety of the deep foundation pit in water-rich soft soils, which combines the building information modeling (BIM), the finite element analysis (FEA), and the finite difference method (FDM). By using BIM technology, the author attempts to establish a 3D information model and a bracing structure model. Based on the application programming interface and the C# language, the data conversion from BIM-ANSYS-FLAC3D is realized. The author then attempts to analyze the ground surface settlement and horizontal displacement during the excavation of the deep foundation pit through FLAC3D, and the purpose of which is to identify potential safety hazards so that reasonable control measures can be taken. The approach presented in this article has been validated in the Project of Qinhuai River Ship Lock. Since the excavation and the after-construction stages of this project have been completed smoothly, this approach has been proved valid and applicable.
The Regulation of circRNA RNF13/miRNA‐1224‐5p Axis Promotes the Malignant Evolution in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Zhang Rong , Li Yingchun , Wang Hongtao , Zhu Ke , Zhang Guojun
Published: October 2020

Objective. To study the biological function of circular RNA RNF13 (circRNF13) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its relationship with prognosis. Methods. We constructed stable AML cell lines with downregulated expression of circRNF13, and then, we explored the effect of downregulation of circRNF13 expression on the proliferation, migration, and invasion through qRT‐PCR, MTT curve, colony formation, transwell migration and invasion experiment, cell cycle, apoptosis, Caspase 3/7 assay, and other experiments. We also studied the expression of C‐myc and Tenascin‐C by qRT‐PCR to explore the role of circRNF13. Results. When the expression of circRNF13 was downregulated, the proliferation rate of AML cells decreased significantly, the cell cycle was blocked to G1 phase, and apoptosis rate increased significantly. C‐myc related to cell proliferation decreased significantly at RNA level. Furthermore, when the expression of circRNF13 was downregulated, the migration and invasion ability of AML cells was significantly reduced, and the expression of Tenascin‐C related to migration and invasion also decreased significantly. The luciferase reporter assay system confirmed that miRNA‐1224‐5p was the direct target of circRNF13. Conclusion. CircRNF13 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of AML cells by regulating the expression of miRNA‐1224‐5p. This study provides some clues for the diagnosis and treatment of AML.
The Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine Tonifying‐Shen (Kidney) Principle for Primary Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liang Junquan , Wang Fengyi , Huang Jiajia , Xu Yunxiang , Chen Guizhen
Published: October 2020

Objective. This study aimed to appraise the efficacy and safety of the tonifying‐Shen (kidney) principle (TS (TK) principle) for primary osteoporosis (POP). Methods. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) using the TS (TK) principle for POP were searched from eight electronic databases to search for relevant literature that was published from the initiation to September 2019. Two reviewers performed study selection, data extraction, data synthesis, and quality assessment independently. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to assess the risk of bias and conduct the data synthesis. We assessed the quality of evidence for outcomes by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results. Thirty‐six studies with 3617 participants were included. Meta‐analysis showed a consistently superior effect of the TS (TK) principle combined with conventional Western medicine (CWM) in terms of total effectiveness rates (RR = 1.28; 95% CI (1.23, 1.33); P < 0.00001), BMD of the lumbar spine (SMD = 0.71; 95% CI (0.47, 0.95); P < 0.00001) and proximal femur (SMD = 0.94; 95% CI (0.49, 1.38); P < 0.00001), TCM symptom integral (SMD = −1.23; 95% CI (−1.43, −1.02); P < 0.00001), and VAS scores (SMD = −3.88; 95% CI (−5.29, −2.46); P < 0.00001), when compared to using CWM alone and with significant differences. Besides, in respect of adverse effects, it showed no significant statistical difference between the experimental and control groups, RR = 0.99 and 95% CI (0.65, 1.51), P = 0.97. Conclusion. Our meta‐analysis provides promising evidence to suggest that using the TS (TK) principle combined with CWM for POP is more effective than using CWM alone. Also, both of them are safe and reliable for POP.
Metal-Organic Framework MIL-53(Fe): Synthesis, Electrochemical Characterization, and Application in Development of a Novel and Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Detection of Cadmium Ions in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Tran Hoang Vinh , Dang Hue Thi Minh , Tran Luyen Thi , Van Tran Chau , Huynh Chinh Dang
Published: October 2020

A metal-organic framework MIL-53(Fe) was successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. A synthesized MIL-53(Fe) sample was characterized, and results indicated that the formed MIL-53(Fe) was a single phase with small particle size of 0.8 μm and homogeneous particle size distribution was obtained. The synthesized MIL-53(Fe) has been used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by a drop-casting technique. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements of the MIL-53(Fe)-modified GCE showed that the MIL-53(Fe) was successfully immobilized onto the GCE electrode surface and the electrochemical behavior of the GCE/MIL-53(Fe) electrode was stable. In addition, several electrochemical parameters of MIL-53(Fe)-modified GCE (GCE/MIL-53(Fe)) including the heterogeneous standard rate constant (

k

0

) and the electrochemically effective surface area (

A

) were calculated. Obtained results demonstrated that the synthesized MIL-53(Fe) with the small particle size, highly homogeneous particle size, and high electrochemically effective surface area was able to significantly enhance the electrochemical response signal of the working electrode. Therefore, the GCE/MIL-53(Fe) electrode has been used as a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for cadmium ion (Cd(II)) monitoring in aqueous solution using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique. The response signal of the electrochemical sensor increased linearly in the Cd(II) ion concentration range from 150 nM to 450 nM with the limit of detection (LOD) of 16 nM.
Gas Transport in Shale Nanopores with Miscible Zone
Authors: Li Xiang , Xu Sai , Hao Youzhi , Li Daolun , Lu Detang , Wang Wen-Dong
Published: October 2020

Based on the results of molecular dynamics simulation, in a gas-water miscible zone, the velocity profiles of the flowing water film do not increase monotonously but increase first and then decrease, which is due to the interaction between water and gas molecules. This exhibits a new physical mechanism. In this paper, we firstly propose a gas-water flow model that takes into account the new physical phenomena and describes the distribution of gas-water velocity in the whole pore more accurately. In this model, a decreasing factor for water film in the gas-water miscible zone is used to describe the decrease of water velocity in the gas-water miscible zone, which leads to the gas velocity decrease correspondingly. The new flow model considers the interaction among gas and water molecules in the miscible zone and can provide more accurate velocity profiles compared with the flow models not considering the miscible region. Comparison calculation shows that the previous model overestimates the flow velocity, and the overestimation increases with the decrease of the pore radius. Based on the new gas-water flow model, a new permeability correction factor is deduced to consider the interaction among gas and water molecules.
Robust Exponential Synchronization of a Class of Chaotic Systems with Variable Convergence Rates via the Saturation Control
Authors: Huang Meichun , Luo Runzi , Fu Jiaojiao , Su Haipeng
Published: October 2020

This article is concerned with the exponential synchronization of a class of the chaotic systems with external disturbance via the saturation control. Through appropriate coordinate transformation, the exponential synchronization is translated into the asymptotic stability of the error system. By using the Lyapunov stability theory, a novel sufficient condition which possesses the exponential convergence rate

λ

is presented. The rich choices of the exponential convergence rate

λ

turn our scheme more general than some existing approaches. Numerical simulations are employed to the Genesio chaotic system and the Coullet chaotic system to illustrate the ability and effectiveness of the presented approach.