bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High heating efficiency of interactive cobalt ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Phong Le Thi Hong , Hung Manh Do , Pham Hong Nam , Pham Thanh Phong , Kováč J , Skorvanek I , Phan The Long , Phan Manh Huong , Nguyen Xuan Phuc
Published: October 2020

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CFNPs) are emerging as a potential candidate for biomedical applications, such as magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT), due to their high saturation magnetisation (M
S) and effective magnetic anisotropy constant (K
eff) at the nanoscale. For MHT, heating efficiency depends considerably on applied AC magnetic field, particle diameter, and inter-particle interaction. Our study is aimed at developing a superparamagnetic nanosystem based on CFNPs with enhanced specific absorption rate (SAR) for advanced MHT. The CFNPs were synthesised using thermal decomposition of organometallic precursors. Transmission electron microscopy reveals a narrow size distribution of the CFNPs, with average particle sizes of 8 and 11 nm. Magnetic measurements showed high values of M

S
(~70 emu g−1) and K
eff (2–3 × 106 erg cm−3). The ferromagnetic behaviour and strong interaction between particles at room temperature are also observed. Large SAR values of the CFNPs are achieved, which are superior to those reported previously in the literature. The high heating efficiencies of the present CFNPs make them a promising candidate for advanced MHT.
Tribological behaviors and self-healing performance of surface modification nanoscale palygorskite as lubricant additive for the steel pair
Authors: Wang Chenxiang , Li Chunfu , Zhang Xuefen
Published: October 2020

Palygorskite is an environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and promising silicate mineral. In this research, nanoscale palygorskite additive powders (NPA) were prepared by high energy ball milling with the modifier γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550). The NPA was sustainably dispersed in base oil 150 N, exhibiting no particle sedimentation for one week. The self-healing behavior and tribological performance of NPA as lubricant additive were investigated by a ring-on-disc tribometer under different concentrations for 50 h. The results indicate that NPA possesses excellent friction-reducing and anti-wear performance. The 3.0 wt.% and 4.0 wt.% concentrations of NPA displayed the best friction-reducing and anti-wear effects, respectively. The average friction coefficient and wear mass loss decreased by 31.93% and 26.92%, in contrast to that of base oil 150 N. It was also found that different NPA concentrations possessed different friction states. A tribo-film with bilayer structure was formed during the friction process, the first one of which contained compound made up of multiple elements, and the second one of which contained NPA nanoparticles deposited on the friction interface. Moreover, the friction coefficient increased dramatically during the formation of the tribo-film.
Nozzle-free droplet generation with focused acoustic beams for encapsulation of single circulating tumor cells
Authors: Li Rui , Gong Zhiyi , Wu Zezheng , Chen Hui , Xia Yu , Liu Yichao , Wang Fubing , Guo Shishang
Published: October 2020

The recovery of single circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the peripheral blood of cancer patients has great potential for the study of cell heterogeneity and cancer metastasis and the development of personalized cancer immunotherapy. Here we present nozzleless droplet generation with focused acoustic beams for cell encapsulation. The mechanism of droplet generation is sensitive to the pulse width and the droplet diameter ranges from 350 to 550 μm. The pulse width duration (520 μs) and cell concentration (5 × 103 cells ml−1) can be adjusted to obtain the maximum probability (11.61%) of single cell encapsulation. Three-color fluorescence is used to identify encapsulated cells in the droplet and target cells are extracted by microcapillarity for conducting single cell analysis. The reported method of using acoustic tweezers to eject the droplet has advantages of convenience, speed and biocompatibility while being non-invasive, and could become a powerful tool for encapsulating single CTCs.
Carbon dots-based nanocarrier system with intrinsic tumor targeting ability for cancer treatment
Authors: Yang Xiaojing , Wang Yingying , Du Xiangfu , Xu Jingjing , Zhao Mei-Xia
Published: October 2020

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a traditional broad-spectrum antitumor drug, which has a wide range of clinical applications, but has no tumor non-specificity. Nanoparticles have been explored as drug delivery agents to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxic and side effects. Carbon dots (CDs), a carbon-based nanomaterial, has many unique advantages such as easy synthesis, good biocompatibility, and low toxicity. In this study, folic acid was used as raw material to prepare new CDs, and DOX was loaded on the surface of CDs through electrostatic interaction. The prepared nano-drugs CDs/DOX could effectively release DOX under mild acidic pH stimulation. Cell imaging showed that CDs/DOX could transport doxorubicin (DOX) to cancer cells and make them accumulated in nucleus freely. Flow cytometry tests and cellular toxicity assay together confirmed that CDs/DOX could target tumor cells with high expression of folate receptor and increase anti-tumor activity. The therapeutic effect on 4T1 tumor-bearing mice model indicated that CDs/DOX could alleviate DOX-induced toxicity, effectively inhibit tumor growth, and prolong the survival time. Hence, such a targeting nanocarrier is likely to be a candidate for cancer treatment.
RAC1 induces nuclear alterations through the LINC complex to enhance melanoma invasiveness
Authors: Colón-Bolea Paula , García-Gómez Rocío , Shackleton Sue , Crespo Piero , Bustelo Xosé R. , Casar Berta
Published: October 2020

In our manuscript we show that GTPases RAC, RHO, and CDC42 were able to modify the nuclear morphology, especially Rac1 protein. Rac1 induces nuclear morphology alterations to enhance invasion of melanoma cells.
Coordination of Grp1 recruitment mechanisms by its phosphorylation
Authors: Li Jian , Lambright David G. , Hsu Victor W.
Published: October 2020

Intracellular transport pathways are initiated by the recruitment of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that act on the ADP-Ribosylation Factor (ARF) family of small GTPases to membrane compartments. We have elucidated the complexity of recruitment mechanisms that need to be coordinated in localizing an ARF GEF for this process.
Regulation of meiotic progression by Sertoli-cell androgen signaling
Authors: Larose Hailey , Kent Travis , Ma Qianyi , Shami Adrienne Niederriter , Harerimana Nadia , Li Jun Z. , Hammoud Saher Sue , Handel Mary Ann
Published: October 2020

Androgen receptor (AR) signaling in Sertoli cells is known to be important for meiosis, but how AR signaling in Sertoli cells affects meiotic progression remains unknown. In this study, we investigated AR-dependent meiosis events by taking advantage of the AR or knockout mouse to perform cytology and single-cell RNAseq analysis.
Perching Behavior by Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): A Spatial Segregation Mechanism to Dilute Interspecific Competition in Highly Rich Assemblages?
Authors: Noriega Jorge Ari , Vulinec Kevina
Published: October 2020

Sit-and-wait is a common strategy to optimize time and energy devoted to foraging activities. Among Coleoptera, dung beetles are one of the groups that display this behavior. Although diverse aspects of natural history have been reviewed, no agreement exists on which theory may explain this food searching tactic. We performed a systematic literature review about this behavior in dung beetles, analyzing existing studies, and discussing potential explanations. We identified six different hypotheses (resource partitioning, food detection, foraging time, predator’s avoidance, thermoregulation, and resting). Based on the evidence that we found, we support the hypothesis that the main driver of perching behavior is a strategy of spatial segregation. We found reports for several tribes in different biogeographical regions, especially in Neotropical forests. Few studies explore the relationship between perching height and dung beetles’ size. However, recent findings sustained that dung beetles perch at a height proportional to its size, large beetles prefer bigger leaves, and functional groups perch at different heights. Dung beetles observed perching were strictly coprophagous and there is no specific relationship between dial activity and perching behavior. We also found perching records of the three main functional guilds (tunnelers, rollers, and dwellers). Despite several studies of dung beetles perching, there is a lack of experimental analyses. One aspect to analyze in future investigations is the relationship between perching behavior and functional traits. Finally, it is essential to explore and solve some questions that we propose to understand the functional role of this behavior in the structure of assemblages.
Pathologists at the Leading Edge of Optimizing the Tumor Tissue Journey for Diagnostic Accuracy and Molecular Testing
Authors: De Las Casas Luis E , Hicks David G
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Tumor biomarker analyses accompanying immuno-oncology therapies are coupled with a tumor tissue journey aiming to guide tissue procurement and allow for accurate diagnosis and delivery of test results. The engagement of pathologists in the tumor tissue journey is essential because they are able to link the preanalytic requirements of this process with pathologic evaluation and clinical information, ultimately influencing treatment decisions for patients with cancer. The aim of this review is to provide suggestions on how cancer diagnosis and the delivery of molecular test results may be optimized, based on the needs and available resources of institutions, by placing the tumor tissue journey under the leadership of pathologists.

Methods

Literature searches on PubMed and personal experience provided the necessary material to satisfy the objectives of this review.

Results

Pathologists are usually involved across many steps of the tumor tissue journey and have the requisite knowledge to ensure its efficiency.

Conclusions

The expansion of oncology diagnostic testing emphasizes the need for pathologists to acquire a leadership role in the multidisciplinary effort to optimize the accuracy, completeness, and delivery of diagnoses guiding personalized treatments.
NetCoMi: network construction and comparison for microbiome data in R
Authors: Peschel Stefanie , Müller Christian L , von Mutius Erika , Boulesteix Anne-Laure , Depner Martin
Published: October 2020

Motivation

Estimating microbial association networks from high-throughput sequencing data is a common exploratory data analysis approach aiming at understanding the complex interplay of microbial communities in their natural habitat. Statistical network estimation workflows comprise several analysis steps, including methods for zero handling, data normalization and computing microbial associations. Since microbial interactions are likely to change between conditions, e.g. between healthy individuals and patients, identifying network differences between groups is often an integral secondary analysis step. Thus far, however, no unifying computational tool is available that facilitates the whole analysis workflow of constructing, analysing and comparing microbial association networks from high-throughput sequencing data.

Results

Here, we introduce NetCoMi (Network Construction and comparison for Microbiome data), an R package that integrates existing methods for each analysis step in a single reproducible computational workflow. The package offers functionality for constructing and analysing single microbial association networks as well as quantifying network differences. This enables insights into whether single taxa, groups of taxa or the overall network structure change between groups. NetCoMi also contains functionality for constructing differential networks, thus allowing to assess whether single pairs of taxa are differentially associated between two groups. Furthermore, NetCoMi facilitates the construction and analysis of dissimilarity networks of microbiome samples, enabling a high-level graphical summary of the heterogeneity of an entire microbiome sample collection. We illustrate NetCoMi’s wide applicability using data sets from the GABRIELA study to compare microbial associations in settled dust from children’s rooms between samples from two study centers (Ulm and Munich).

Availability

R scripts used for producing the examples shown in this manuscript are provided as supplementary data. The NetCoMi package, together with a tutorial, is available at https://github.com/stefpeschel/NetCoMi.

Contact

Tel:+49 89 3187 43258; stefanie.peschel@mail.de

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Briefings in Bioinformatics online.
MolTrans: Molecular Interaction Transformer for drug–target interaction prediction
Authors: Huang Kexin , Xiao Cao , Glass Lucas M , Sun Jimeng
Published: October 2020

Motivation

Drug–target interaction (DTI) prediction is a foundational task for in-silico drug discovery, which is costly and time-consuming due to the need of experimental search over large drug compound space. Recent years have witnessed promising progress for deep learning in DTI predictions. However, the following challenges are still open: (i) existing molecular representation learning approaches ignore the sub-structural nature of DTI, thus produce results that are less accurate and difficult to explain and (ii) existing methods focus on limited labeled data while ignoring the value of massive unlabeled molecular data.

Results

We propose a Molecular Interaction Transformer (MolTrans) to address these limitations via: (i) knowledge inspired sub-structural pattern mining algorithm and interaction modeling module for more accurate and interpretable DTI prediction and (ii) an augmented transformer encoder to better extract and capture the semantic relations among sub-structures extracted from massive unlabeled biomedical data. We evaluate MolTrans on real-world data and show it improved DTI prediction performance compared to state-of-the-art baselines.

Availability and implementation

The model scripts are available at https://github.com/kexinhuang12345/moltrans.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The effect of statistical normalization on network propagation scores
Authors: Picart-Armada Sergio , Thompson Wesley K , Buil Alfonso , Perera-Lluna Alexandre
Published: October 2020

Motivation

Network diffusion and label propagation are fundamental tools in computational biology, with applications like gene–disease association, protein function prediction and module discovery. More recently, several publications have introduced a permutation analysis after the propagation process, due to concerns that network topology can bias diffusion scores. This opens the question of the statistical properties and the presence of bias of such diffusion processes in each of its applications. In this work, we characterized some common null models behind the permutation analysis and the statistical properties of the diffusion scores. We benchmarked seven diffusion scores on three case studies: synthetic signals on a yeast interactome, simulated differential gene expression on a protein–protein interaction network and prospective gene set prediction on another interaction network. For clarity, all the datasets were based on binary labels, but we also present theoretical results for quantitative labels.

Results

Diffusion scores starting from binary labels were affected by the label codification and exhibited a problem-dependent topological bias that could be removed by the statistical normalization. Parametric and non-parametric normalization addressed both points by being codification-independent and by equalizing the bias. We identified and quantified two sources of bias—mean value and variance—that yielded performance differences when normalizing the scores. We provided closed formulae for both and showed how the null covariance is related to the spectral properties of the graph. Despite none of the proposed scores systematically outperformed the others, normalization was preferred when the sought positive labels were not aligned with the bias. We conclude that the decision on bias removal should be problem and data-driven, i.e. based on a quantitative analysis of the bias and its relation to the positive entities.

Availability

The code is publicly available at https://github.com/b2slab/diffuBench and the data underlying this article are available at https://github.com/b2slab/retroData

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Integrative analysis of multi-omics data for discovering low-frequency variants associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels
Authors: Yang Tianzhong , Wei Peng , Pan Wei
Published: October 2020

Motivation

The abundance of omics data has facilitated integrative analyses of single and multiple molecular layers with genome-wide association studies focusing on common variants. Built on its successes, we propose a general analysis framework to leverage multi-omics data with sequencing data to improve the statistical power of discovering new associations and understanding of the disease susceptibility due to low-frequency variants. The proposed test features its robustness to model misspecification, high power across a wide range of scenarios and the potential of offering insights into the underlying genetic architecture and disease mechanisms.

Results

Using the Framingham Heart Study data, we show that low-frequency variants are predictive of DNA methylation, even after conditioning on the nearby common variants. In addition, DNA methylation and gene expression provide complementary information to functional genomics. In the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children with a sample size of 1497, one gene CLPTM1 is identified to be associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by the proposed powerful adaptive gene-based test integrating information from gene expression, methylation and enhancer–promoter interactions. It is further replicated in the TwinsUK study with 1706 samples. The signal is driven by both low-frequency and common variants.

Availability and implementation

Models are available at https://github.com/ytzhong/DNAm.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
CSF tau microtubule binding region identifies tau tangle and clinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Horie Kanta , Barthélemy Nicolas R , Sato Chihiro , Bateman Randall J
Published: October 2020

Tau is a microtubule associated protein in the brain that aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease to form pathological tangles and neurites. Insoluble tau aggregates composed of the microtubule binding region (MTBR) of tau are highly associated with the cognitive and clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. In contrast, levels of soluble forms of tau, such as CSF total tau and phosphorylated tau-181 and tau-217, increase prior to tau aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease, but these biomarkers do not measure the MTBR of tau. Thus, how CSF MTBR-tau is altered in Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear. In this study, we used sequential immunoprecipitation and chemical extraction methods followed by mass spectrometry to analyse MTBR-tau species in Alzheimer’s disease and control CSF. We quantified MTBR-tau-specific regions in the CSF and identified that species containing the region beginning at residue 243 were the most highly correlated with tau PET and cognitive measures. This finding suggests that CSF level of tau species containing the upstream region of MTBR may reflect changes in tau pathology that occur in Alzheimer’s disease and could serve as biomarkers to stage Alzheimer’s disease and track the development of tau-directed therapeutics.
A Behavioral and Electrophysiological Investigation of Effects of Visual Congruence on Olfactory Sensitivity During Habituation to Prolonged Odors
Authors: Fallon Nicholas , Giesbrecht Timo , Thomas Anna , Stancak Andrej
Published: October 2020

Congruent visual cues augment sensitivity to brief olfactory presentations and habituation of odor perception is modulated by central-cognitive processing including context. However, it is not known whether habituation to odors could interact with cross-modal congruent stimuli. The present research investigated the effect of visual congruence on odor detection sensitivity during continuous odor exposures. We utilized a multimethod approach, including subjective behavioral responses and reaction times (RTs; study 1) and electroencephalography (EEG, study 2). Study 1: 25 participants received 2-min presentations of moderate-intensity floral odor delivered via olfactometer with congruent (flower) and incongruent (object) image presentations. Participants indicated odor perception after each image. Detection sensitivity and RTs were analyzed in epochs covering the period of habituation. Study 2: 25 new participants underwent EEG recordings during 145-s blocks of odor presentations with congruent or incongruent images. Participants passively observed images and intermittently rated the perceived intensity of odor. Event-related potential analysis was utilized to evaluate brain processing related to odor–visual pairs across the period of habituation. Odor detection sensitivity and RTs were improved by congruent visual cues. Results highlighted a diminishing influence of visual congruence on odor detection sensitivity as habituation occurred. Event-related potential analysis revealed an effect of congruency on electrophysiological processing in the N400 component. This was only evident in early periods of odor exposure when perception was strong. For the first time, this demonstrates the modulation of central processing of odor–visual pairs by habituation. Frontal negativity (N400) responses encode the aspects of cross-modal congruence for odor–vision cross-modal tasks.
Interferon-γ Release Assay for Accurate Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 T-Cell Response
Authors: Murugesan Kanagavel , Jagannathan Prasanna , Pham Tho D , Pandey Suchitra , Bonilla Hector F , Jacobson Karen , Parsonnet Julie , Andrews Jason R , Weiskopf Daniela , Sette Alessandro , Pinsky Benjamin A , Singh Upinder , Banaei Niaz
Published: October 2020

We investigated feasibility and accuracy of an interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) for detection of T-cell responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Whole blood IGRA accurately distinguished between convalescent and uninfected healthy blood donors with a predominantly CD4+ T-cell response. SARS-CoV-2 IGRA may serve as a useful diagnostic tool in managing the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
A Novel Approach for Determining Meal Plan for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Huynh Hieu Trung , Hoang Tran Minh
Published: October 2020

Estimating energy expenditure and meal plan plays important roles in the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus, which is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Some approaches have been proposed; however, they have limitations including high cost, relative complexity, trained personnel requirements or locality. In this study, we propose an approach for estimating the energy expenditure and meal plan by using artificial intelligence. The proposed approach consists of three main stages including energy expenditure estimation, macronutrient intake estimation and meal plan determination. The neural network is used to estimate the energy expenditure, and then the meal plan is determined by using the genetic algorithm (GA), which is a popular method for solving optimization problems based on natural selection and genetics. The fitness function with penalty was used in GA to deal with constraint problems. The proposed method can obtain the root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error of 15.23 ± 7.4 kcal and 1 ± 0.8%, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient, which measures the strength of the association between the two measurements, was 0.99. In meal plan determination, the results from GA agreed with those from nutritionists. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.95. The energy expenditure and meal plan are determined by soft computing with flexible ways. They can adapt to particular regions or group of patients.
BLINDED BY THE LIES? Toward an integrated definition of conspiracy theories
Authors: Baden Christian , Sharon Tzlil
Published: October 2020

Despite widespread concern over the alleged rise of conspiracy theories, scholars continue to disagree whether it is possible to distinguish specific kinds of conspiracist accounts that can justifiably be denounced as objectionable. In this article, we review scholarship from multiple disciplines to develop a composite definition of “conspiracy theories proper” (CTP) that violate fundamental norms of democratic discourse. Besides referring to grand conspiracies to account for social phenomena, we argue, such conspiracy theories: (a) assume conspirators’ pervasive control over events and information, (b) construct dissent as a Manichean binary, and (c) employ an elusive, dogmatic epistemology. We discuss the operational potential and limitations of our definition using news user talkbacks on the U.S., British and German online editions of Russia Today (RT), a popular platform among proponents of out-of-mainstream political views. Identifying key operational challenges in the classification of natural discourse, we sketch avenues toward a more rigorous study of contentious political talk.
Omega-3 fatty acids improve flow-induced vasodilation by enhancing TRPV4 in arteries from diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Zhu Yifei , Wen Lei , Wang Sheng , Zhang Ka , Cui Yue , Zhang Chi , Feng Lei , Yu Fan , Chen Yongquan , Wang Ruxing , Ma Xin
Published: October 2020

Aims

Previous studies have shown the intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with low rates of obesity and ischaemic pathologies. Omega-3 also have anti-inflammatory and plaque-stabilization effects and regulate vasodilation and constriction. However, there are few studies of the role of omega-3 in flow-induced vasodilation involving Ca2+-permeable ion channel TRPV4 in high-fat diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse. Here, we determined whether omega-3 protect against vascular dysfunction induced by a high-fat diet by enhancing TRPV4 activity and subsequently improving flow-mediated vasodilation.

Methods and results

Flow-mediated vasodilation in second-order mesenteric arteries from mice was measured using a pressure myograph. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration in response to flow and GSK1016790A (a TRPV4 agonist) was measured by Fluo-4 fluorescence. Whole-cell current was measured by patch clamp. Cell membrane tether force was measured by atomic force microscopy. Impairment of flow-mediated vasodilation in arteries and Ca2+ influx in endothelial cells from DIO mice was restored by omega-3 treatment. The improved flow-induced vasodilation was inhibited by the TRPV4 antagonist HC067047 and in TRPV4−/− mice. Omega-3 treatment enhanced endothelial TRPV4 activity and altered cell membrane mechanic property, as indicated by enhanced GSK1016790A-induced Ca2+ influx and whole-cell current and altered membrane mean tether force in endothelial cells from DIO mice.

Conclusion

Omega-3 improve vascular function by improving flow-induced vasodilation via enhancing TRPV4 activity in the endothelium of obese mice which may be related to improved cell membrane physical property. Activation of TRPV4 in endothelium plays an important role in the protective mechanisms of omega-3 against vascular dysfunction in obesity by improving flow-mediated vasodilation.
Variability in the Distribution of Histological Disease Activity in the Colon of Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Bossuyt Peter , Bisschops Raf , Vermeire Séverine , De Hertogh Gert
Published: October 2020

Background and Aims

Histological activity scores have been developed and validated. However, data on the distribution of histological inflammation within one segment in patients with ulcerative colitis [UC] are lacking. This impacts on the reliability of histological activity scores. The aim of this study was to assess the variability in histological activity within one endoscopic segment in patients with UC.

Methods

Biopsies were taken in sequential patients with UC in three adjacent contiguous regions within a macroscopically homogeneous colonic segment. Biopsies were scored for Geboes score [GS], Robarts histological index [RHI] and Nancy histological index [NHI]. Variability was assessed by Kappa statistics for categorical outcomes and intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] for continuous outcomes.

Results

A total of 161 biopsy sets from 55 endoscopic segments of 21 patients were analysed. Endoscopically active disease was present in 45% of segments. The continuous histological scores showed excellent agreement between the different regions. The ICC for RHI in all segments was 0.974 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.958–0.984; p < 0.0001) and 0.98 [95% CI: 0.968–0.988; p < 0.0001] for the numerically converted GS. The categorical NHI showed higher variability: κ = 0.574 [95% CI: 0.571–0.577; p < 0.0001]. In all segments the highest variability was seen in samples with NHI = 2. When dichotomizing based on histological remission, substantial agreement was seen for all scores, with κ > 0.734 for all cut-offs. The homogeneity in the distribution of histological disease activity was comparable between colonic segments.

Conclusion

The distribution of histological disease activity in UC follows a homogeneous pattern in different locations of one segment.
Disease Activity Patterns, Mortality, and Colorectal Cancer Risk in Microscopic Colitis: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study, 2001 to 2016
Authors: Weimers Petra , Vedel Ankersen Dorit , Lophaven Søren , Bonderup Ole Kristian , Münch Andreas , Løkkegaard Ellen Christine Leth , Munkholm Pia , Burisch Johan
Published: October 2020

Background and Aims

The disease course of microscopic colitis [MC], encompassing collagenous colitis [CC] and lymphocytic colitis [LC], is not well known. In a Danish nationwide cohort, we evaluated the disease activity patterns as well as the risk of colorectal cancer [CRC] and mortality based on disease severity.

Methods

All incident MC patients [n = 14 302] with a recorded diagnosis of CC [n = 8437] or LC [n = 5865] in the Danish Pathology Register, entered between 2001 and 2016, were matched to 10 reference individuals [n = 142 481]. Incident cases of CRC after the index date were captured from the Danish Cancer Registry. Mortality data were ascertained from the Danish Registry of Causes of Death, and information about treatment was obtained from the Danish National Prescription Registry. The risk of CRC and mortality analyses were investigated by Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier estimates.

Results

We identified a self-limiting or transient disease course in 70.6% of LC patients and in 59.9% of CC patients, p <0.001. Less than 5% of MC patients experienced a budesonide-refractory disease course and were treated with immunomodulators or biologic treatment. A total of 2926 [20.5%] MC patients and 24 632 [17.3%] reference individuals died during the study period. MC patients with a severe disease had a relative risk [RR] of mortality of 1.41 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32–1.50) compared with reference individuals. Only 90 MC patients were diagnosed with CRC during follow-up, corresponding to an RR of 0.48 [95% CI: 0.39–0.60].

Conclusions

A majority of MC patients experience an indolent disease course with a lower risk of developing CRC compared with the background population.
Inequalities and risk factors related to non-participation in colorectal cancer screening programmes: a systematic review
Authors: Unanue-Arza Saloa , Solís-Ibinagagoitia Maite , Díaz-Seoane Marta , Mosquera-Metcalfe Isabel , Idigoras Isabel , Bilbao Isabel , Portillo Isabel
Published: October 2020

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes require high levels of participation in order to reduce mortality. To improve participation rates, it is necessary to identify the health risk factors and social inequalities associated with non-participation.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted between June and September of 2019 in six databases: CINHAL, Medline, Scopus, Social Sciences Citation Index, Embase and PsycINFO. Studies assessing the relationship between health risk factors, participation in preventive activities and participation in CRC screening were included. Methodological assessment was carried out according to the Quality Assessment Tools of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Results

A total of nine studies that analyze participation in both organized and opportunistic screening programmes using any type of screening method were finally selected. Data were mainly self-reported although in two studies medical records were also studied. We identified several variables: gender, body mass index, consultation with a doctor or a specialist, educational level, employment, health insurance, residence, ethnicity, age, marital status, income, other preventive activities, obesity, physical activity, smoking, family history of CRC and general health status.

Conclusion

The scarcity of studies linking risk factors, social inequalities and participation in preventive activities for participation in screening in the same study makes it difficult to reach definitive patterns related to non-participation in CRC screening programmes. Nevertheless, being under 60, obese, smoker and sedentary have shown an association with non-participation as well as not visiting a doctor.
The inverse elastic scattering by an impenetrable obstacle and a crack
Authors: Xiang Jianli , Yan Guozheng
Published: October 2020

This paper is concerned with the inverse scattering problem of time-harmonic elastic waves by a mixed-type scatterer, which is given as the union of an impenetrable obstacle and a crack. We develop the modified factorization method to determine the shape of the mixed-type scatterer from the far field data. However, the factorization of the far field operator $F$ is related to the boundary integral matrix operator $A$, which is obtained in the study of the direct scattering problem. So, in the first part, we show the well posedness of the direct scattering problem by the boundary integral equation method. Some numerical examples are presented at the end of the paper to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the inverse algorithm.
Energy-based fluid–structure model of the vocal folds
Authors: Mora Luis A , Ramirez Hector , Yuz Juan I , Le Gorec Yann , Zañartu Matías
Published: October 2020

Lumped elements models of vocal folds are relevant research tools that can enhance the understanding of the pathophysiology of many voice disorders. In this paper, we use the port-Hamiltonian framework to obtain an energy-based model for the fluid–structure interactions between the vocal folds and the airflow in the glottis. The vocal fold behavior is represented by a three-mass model and the airflow is described as a fluid with irrotational flow. The proposed approach allows to go beyond the usual quasi-steady one-dimensional flow assumption in lumped mass models. The simulation results show that the proposed energy-based model successfully reproduces the oscillations of the vocal folds, including the collision phenomena, and it is useful to analyze the energy exchange between the airflow and the vocal folds.
Multiplex TaqMan Real-Time PCR Assay for Sensitive Detection of Two Weevil Species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Aguirre Carlos , Sánchez Evelyn , Olivares Natalia , Hinrichsen Patricio
Published: October 2020

Rapid and cost-efficient identification of Naupactus species is becoming a key process for the exportation of citrus fruit from Chile and other countries, considering the quarantine regulations for some species of the cosmopolitan genus Naupactus. This study deals with the development of a fast and sensitive detection protocol for Naupactus cervinus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (Boheman) and Naupactus xanthographus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (Germar) based on multiplex TaqMan Real-time polymerase chain reaction. Both N. cervinus and N. xanthographus primer and probe sets achieved species-specific detection in a linear range from 1 pg/μl to 1 × 10-6 pg/μl, allowing detection of as few as 160 copies of template DNA. Non-target amplifications were not detected and a panel composed of 480 test samples had 100% coincidence with the respective morphological identification.
Social consequences of mass quarantine during epidemics: a systematic review with implications for the COVID-19 response
Authors: Chu Isaac Yen-Hao , Alam Prima , Larson Heidi J , Lin Leesa
Published: October 2020

Four billion people worldwide have experienced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) confinement. Such unprecedented extent of mobility restriction to curb the COVID-19 pandemic may have profound impacts on how individuals live, travel and retain well-being. This systematic review aims to identify (i) the social consequences of mass quarantine—community-wide movement restrictions—during previous and current infectious disease outbreaks and (ii) recommended strategies to mitigate the negative social implications of COVID-19 lockdowns. Considering social determinants of health, we conducted a systematic review by searching five databases (Ovid-MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and the World Health Organization COVID-19 database) for publications from inception to 9 April 2020. No limitation was set on language, location or study type. Studies that (i) contained peer-reviewed original empirical evidence and (ii) focussed on non-epidemiological implications of mass quarantine were included. We thematically synthesized and reported data due to heterogeneous disease and country context. Of 3067 publications found, 15 original peer-reviewed articles were selected for full-text extraction. Psychological distress, heightened communication inequalities, food insecurity, economic challenges, diminished access to health care, alternative delivery of education and gender-based violence were identified as negative social consequences of community-based quarantine in six infectious disease epidemics, including the current COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, altruistic attitudes were identified as a positive consequence during previous quarantines. Diverse psychological and social consequences of mass quarantine in previous and current epidemics were evident, but individual country policies had been highly varied in how well they addressed the needs of affected individuals, especially those who are socially marginalized. Policymakers should balance the pros and cons of movement restrictions, facilitate multisectoral action to tackle social inequalities, provide clear and coherent guidance to the public and undertake time-bound policy evaluations to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and to establish preparedness strategies for future epidemics.
Phylogenetic analyses of dengue virus serotypes imported to Shanghai, China
Authors: Ma Yingying , Li Shenwei , Wan Zhenzhou , Huang Xiaohui , Jin Xia , Tian Zhengan , Zhang Chiyu
Published: October 2020

All four dengue virus serotypes covering nine genotypes were found to be imported into Shanghai, China, from overseas during 2017–19. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the majority of them were imported from Southeast Asian countries. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening dengue surveillance in Shanghai.
A Case report of atovaquone/proguanil induced esophageal ulcers
Authors: Carnino Luisa , Hulo Christian , Puppa Giacomo , Konan Djanwai Berenger , Chappuis François
Published: October 2020

A case report of atovaquone/proguanil esophageal ulcer.
Post-Newtonian Kozai–Lidov mechanism and its effect on cumulative shift of periastron time of binary pulsar
Authors: Suzuki Haruka , Gupta Priti , Okawa Hirotada , Maeda Kei-ichi
Published: October 2020

We study the Kozai–Lidov mechanism in a hierarchical triple system in detail by the direct integration of the first-order post-Newtonian equations of motion. We analyse a variety of models with a pulsar to evaluate the cumulative shift of the periastron time of a binary pulsar caused by the gravitational wave emission in a hierarchical triple system with Kozai–Lidov mechanism. We compare our results with those by the double-averaging method. The deviation in the eccentricity, even if small, is important in the evaluation of the emission of the gravitational waves. We also calculate the cumulative shift of the periastron time by using obtained osculating orbital elements. If Kozai–Lidov oscillations occur, the cumulative shift curve will bend differently from that of the isolated binary. If such a bending is detected through the radio observation, it will be the first indirect observation of gravitational waves from a triple system.
Interpreting the X-ray afterglows of gamma-ray bursts with radiative losses and millisecond magnetars
Authors: Sarin Nikhil , Lasky Paul D , Ashton Gregory
Published: October 2020

The spin-down energy of millisecond magnetars has been invoked to explain X-ray afterglow observations of a significant fraction of short and long gamma-ray bursts. Here, we extend models previously introduced in the literature, incorporating radiative losses with the spin-down of a magnetar central engine through an arbitrary braking index. Combining this with a model for the tail of the prompt emission, we show that our model can better explain the data than millisecond-magnetar models without radiative losses or those that invoke spin-down solely through vacuum dipole radiation. We find that our model predicts a subset of X-ray flares seen in some gamma-ray bursts. We can further explain the diversity of X-ray plateaus by altering the radiative efficiency and measure the braking index of newly born millisecond magnetars. We measure the braking index of GRB061121 as $n=4.85^{+0.11}_{-0.15}$ suggesting the millisecond-magnetar born in this gamma-ray burst spins down predominantly through gravitational-wave emission.
Machine learning for transient recognition in difference imaging with minimum sampling effort
Authors: Mong Y-L , Ackley K , Galloway D K , Killestein T , Lyman J , Steeghs D , Dhillon V , O’Brien P T , Ramsay G , Poshyachinda S , Kotak R , Nuttall L , Pallé E , Pollacco D , Thrane E , Dyer M J , Ulaczyk K , Cutter R , McCormac J , Chote P , Levan A J , Marsh T , Stanway E , Gompertz B , Wiersema K , Chrimes A , Obradovic A , Mullaney J , Daw E , Littlefair S , Maund J , Makrygianni L , Burhanudin U , Starling R L C , Eyles-Ferris R A J , Tooke S , Duffy C , Aukkaravittayapun S , Sawangwit U , Awiphan S , Mkrtichian D , Irawati P , Mattila S , Heikkilä T , Breton R , Kennedy M , Mata Sánchez D , Rol E
Published: October 2020

The amount of observational data produced by time-domain astronomy is exponentially increasing. Human inspection alone is not an effective way to identify genuine transients from the data. An automatic real-bogus classifier is needed and machine learning techniques are commonly used to achieve this goal. Building a training set with a sufficiently large number of verified transients is challenging, due to the requirement of human verification. We present an approach for creating a training set by using all detections in the science images to be the sample of real detections and all detections in the difference images, which are generated by the process of difference imaging to detect transients, to be the samples of bogus detections. This strategy effectively minimizes the labour involved in the data labelling for supervised machine learning methods. We demonstrate the utility of the training set by using it to train several classifiers utilizing as the feature representation the normalized pixel values in 21 × 21 pixel stamps centred at the detection position, observed with the Gravitational-wave Optical Transient Observer (GOTO) prototype. The real-bogus classifier trained with this strategy can provide up to $95{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ prediction accuracy on the real detections at a false alarm rate of $1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$.
The origin of (47171) Lempo-like Kuiper belt triple systems during binary–binary interactions
Authors: Brunini Adrián , López María Cristina
Published: October 2020

The trans-Neptunian triple Lempo–Paha–Hiisi is composed of a tight inner binary with components of similar size and an outer companion about half their size orbiting 10 times further away. Large trans-Neptunian objects like Pluto also have multiple small moons, but Lempo’s structure is unique in the Solar system, and the place and timing of its origin is still a subject of debate. We propose a new formation mechanism able to form a large number of systems like Lempo–Paha–Hiisi, which involves binary–binary close encounters in the primordial planetesimal disc at 30–40 au. Some of these systems were then implanted in different populations of the trans-Neptunian region during Neptune’s outward migration. Our results strongly support that the 4:7 resonant multiple object Manwë–Thorondor was once a triple system similar to Lempo–Paha–Hiisi, but the orbit of the inner binary evolved by tides, becoming a contact binary. As with Lempo–Paha–Hiisi, it should have originated in the planetesimal disc below 30–40 au. Triple systems like Lempo–Paha–Hiisi or Manwë–Thorondor could not have formed in situ and the existence of this kind of system is not expected in the cold classical Kuiper belt.
Multiharmonic Hamiltonian models with applications to first-order resonances
Authors: Lei Hanlun , Li Jian
Published: October 2020

In this work, two multiharmonic Hamiltonian models for mean motion resonances are formulated and their applications to first-order resonances are discussed. For the kp:k resonance, the usual critical argument φ = kλ − kpλp + (kp − k)ϖ is taken as the resonant angle in the first model, while the second model is characterized by a new critical argument σ = φ/kp. Based on canonical transformations, the resonant Hamiltonians associated with these two models are formulated. It is found that the second Hamiltonian model holds two advantages in comparison with the first model: (i) providing a direct correspondence between phase portraits and Poincaré sections, and (ii) presenting new phase-space structures where the zero-eccentricity point is a visible saddle point. Then, the second Hamiltonian model is applied to the first-order inner and outer resonances, including the 2:1, 3:2, 4:3, 2:3, and 3:4 resonances. The phase-space structures of these first-order resonances are discussed in detail and then the libration centres and associated resonant widths are identified analytically. Simulation results show that there are pericentric and apocentric libration zones where the libration centres diverge away from the nominal resonance location as the eccentricity approaches zero and, in particular, the resonance separatrices do not vanish at arbitrary eccentricities for both the inner and outer (first-order) resonances.