bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-taking strategy for the precise measurement of the W boson mass with a threshold scan at circular electron positron colliders
Authors: Shen P. X. , Azzurri P. , Yu C. X. , Boonekamp M. , Kuo C. M. , Lai P. Z. , Li B. , Li G. , Li H. N. , Liang Z. J. , Liu B. , Qian J. M. , Shi L. S.
Published: January 2020

Circular electron positron colliders, such as the CEPC and FCC-ee, have been proposed to measure Higgs boson properties precisely, test the Standard Model, search for physics beyond the Standard Model, and so on. One of the important goals of these colliders is to measure the W boson mass with great precision by taking data around the W-pair production threshold. In this paper, the data-taking scheme is investigated to maximize the achievable precisions of the W boson mass and width with a threshold scan, when various systematic uncertainties are taken into account. The study shows that an optimal and realistic data-taking scheme is to collect data at three center-of-mass energies and that precisions of 1.0 MeV and 3.4 MeV can be achieved for the mass and width of the W boson, respectively, with a total integrated luminosity of $$\mathscr {L}=3.2$$L=3.2 ab$$^{-1}$$-1 and several assumptions of the systematic uncertainty sources.
The use of pXRF for light element geochemical analysis: a review of hardware design limitations and an empirical investigation of air, vacuum, helium flush and detector window technologies
Authors: Adams Cameron , Brand Christabel , Dentith Michael , Fiorentini Marco , Caruso Stefano , Mehta Manasvi
Published: January 2020

Light element data are required for robust and accurate lithogeochemical interpretations and are important components in the study of hydrothermal alteration and mineralization processes. In this contribution we review the latest available portable energy dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) technologies exclusively in the context of light element analysis, with focus on the acquisition of data for Na, Mg, Al and Si. We discuss pXRF hardware design limitations, quantify variables that attenuate X-ray energies through numerical modelling, including common pXRF configurations, and empirically investigate modern pXRF technologies used to mitigate X-ray attenuation and improve light element analysis.

The void between the sample and detector is a key issue regarding the success of pXRF light element analysis. Dry-air (normal conditions), vacuum purge and helium flush systems are evaluated. Modelled data that use a nominal sample-detector void of 10 mm show that using helium in lieu of air improves X-ray transmission effectiveness from ≈2% to ≈99% for Na and ≈10% to ≈100% for Mg. Modelled detector window data show that using a graphene detector window in lieu of a traditional beryllium detector window improves X-ray transmission effectiveness for Na from ≈38% to ≈64% and ≈57% to ≈77% for Mg. Progressive X-ray transmission effectiveness equates to ≈63% Na and ≈76% Mg when using a helium-graphene pXRF configuration v. ≈1% for Na and ≈6% Mg when using a traditional in-air beryllium pXRF arrangement (i.e. without sample or X-ray entrance window media).

Empirically determined improvements of the resolved signal are more modest than those of modelled X-ray transmission effectiveness data. Instrument noise, spectral overlaps and random counting errors are unavoidable and inherent with the limitations of modern detector technologies. However, the employment of helium with graphene detector window technology allows very precise data to be obtained at significantly shorter scan times (i.e. 20 s, instead of the traditional 60–180 s, i.e. 3–9 times faster): a scan time of 20 s can achieve a precision of ≈18% @ ≈0.4% Na and ≈8% @ ≈0.3% Mg for elemental interference-free samples. Precision will improve with increasing analyte concentration.
Grouting of bed separation spaces to control sliding of the high-located main key stratum during longwall mining
Authors: Wang Xiang-yu , Wu Wen-da , Wu Bo-wen
Published: January 2020

The gob-side entry 150
–
180 m behind the 14201 working face at Majialiang coal mine is severely deformed. We developed a new technique to control the behaviour of the high-located main key stratum (HMKS) to improve mine safety. The failure type and breaking span of the HMKS were determined based on key stratum theory and the voussoir beam model. By monitoring the deformation of the entry and surface subsidence, we found that the main cause of the large deformation of the gob-side entry was sliding of the HMKS. A new technique is proposed to add grout between the separated beds during mining. Physical simulations indicated that this technique is efficient in controlling sliding of the HMKS and avoiding strong dynamic loading, with the peak abutment stress reduced by 59%. Grouting stations were set up at a spacing of 150 m behind the advancing work face based on the principles and key parameters of the technique and the geological conditions at Majialiang coal mine. Before the HMKS began to slide, we injected high-water content materials with a water to cement ratio of 1.5:1 into the bed separation space to prevent breaking of the key strata.
Jointly Learning Representations of Nodes and Attributes for Attributed Networks
Authors: Meng Zaiqiao , Liang Shangsong , Zhang Xiangliang , McCreadie Richard , Ounis Iadh
Published: January 2020

Previous embedding methods for attributed networks aim at learning low-dimensional vector representations only for nodes but not for both nodes and attributes, resulting in the fact that node embeddings cannot be directly used to recover the correlations between nodes and attributes. However, capturing such correlations by embeddings is of great importance for many real-world applications, such as attribute inference and user profiling. Moreover, in real-world scenarios, many attributed networks evolve over time, with their nodes, links, and attributes changing from time to time. In this article, we study the problem of jointly learning low-dimensional representations of both nodes and attributes for static and dynamic attributed networks. To address this problem, we propose a Co-embedding model for Static Attributed Networks (CSAN), which jointly learns low-dimensional representations of both attributes and nodes in the same semantic space such that their affinities can be effectively captured and measured, and a Co-embedding model for Dynamic Attributed Networks (CDAN) to dynamically track low-dimensional representations of nodes and attributes over time. To obtain effective embeddings, both our co-embedding models, CSAN and CDAN, embed each node and attribute with means and variances of Gaussian distributions via variational auto-encoders. Our CDAN model formulates the dynamic changes of a dynamic attributed network by aggregating perturbation features from the nodes’ local neighborhoods as well as attributes’ associations such that the evolving patterns of the given network can be tracked. Experimental results on real-world networks demonstrate that our proposed embedding models outperform state-of-the-art non-dynamic and dynamic embedding models.
Krebs Cycle Reborn in Macrophage Immunometabolism
Authors: Ryan Dylan G. , O'Neill Luke A.J.
Published: January 2020

A striking change has happened in the field of immunology whereby specific metabolic processes have been shown to be a critical determinant of immune cell activation. Multiple immune receptor types rewire metabolic pathways as a key part of how they promote effector functions. Perhaps surprisingly for immunologists, the Krebs cycle has emerged as the central immunometabolic hub of the macrophage. During proinflammatory macrophage activation, there is an accumulation of the Krebs cycle intermediates succinate and citrate, and the Krebs cycle–derived metabolite itaconate. These metabolites have distinct nonmetabolic signaling roles that influence inflammatory gene expression. A key bioenergetic target for the Krebs cycle, the electron transport chain, also becomes altered, generating reactive oxygen species from Complexes I and III. Similarly, alternatively activated macrophages require α-ketoglutarate-dependent epigenetic reprogramming to elicit anti-inflammatory gene expression. In this review, we discuss these advances and speculate on the possibility of targeting these events therapeutically for inflammatory diseases.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Interleukin-11 Emerges as a Master Regulator of Fibrosis, Tissue Integrity, and Stromal Inflammation
Authors: Cook Stuart A. , Schafer Sebastian
Published: January 2020

Interleukin (IL)-11 is upregulated in a wide variety of fibro-inflammatory diseases such as systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, drug-induced liver injury, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. IL-11 is a member of the IL-6 cytokine family and has several distinct properties that define its unique and nonredundant roles in disease. The IL-11 receptor is highly expressed on stromal, epithelial and polarized cells, where noncanonical IL-11 signaling drives the three pathologies common to all fibro-inflammatory diseases—myofibroblast activation, parenchymal cell dysfunction, and inflammation—while also inhibiting tissue regeneration. This cytokine has been little studied, and publications on IL-11 peaked in the early 1990s, when it was largely misunderstood. Here we describe recent advances in our understanding of IL-11 biology, outline how misconceptions as to its function came about, and highlight the large potential of therapies targeting IL-11 signaling for treating human disease.
Contemporary Application of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Han Yuchi , Chen Yucheng , Ferrari Victor A.
Published: January 2020

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a comprehensive and versatile diagnostic and prognostic imaging modality that plays an increasingly important role in management of patients with cardiovascular disease. In this review, we discuss CMR applications in nonischemic cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, right ventricular diseases, and valvular heart disease. We emphasize the quantitative nature of CMR in current practice, from volumes, function, myocardial strain analysis, and late gadolinium enhancement to parametric mapping, including T1, T2, and T2*relaxation times and extracellular volume fraction assessment.
Atherosclerosis: Making a U Turn
Authors: Goldberg Ira J. , Sharma Gaurav , Fisher Edward A.
Published: January 2020

The development of potent cholesterol-reducing medications in the last decade of the twentieth century has altered the approach to prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Initial experience with statins, and more recently with the addition of PCSK9 inhibitors, has proven that human CVD, like that in animal models, can be halted and regressed. Available clinical data show that the lower the achieved level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the greater the regression of disease. Investigative studies are now aimed to understand those factors that both accelerate and impede this healing process. Some of these are likely to be modifiable, and the future of atherosclerotic CVD treatment is likely to be early screening, use of measures to repair atherosclerotic arteries, and prevention of most CVD events.
Low-FODMAP Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What We Know and What We Have Yet to Learn
Authors: Liu Jerry , Chey William D. , Haller Emily , Eswaran Shanti
Published: January 2020

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most prevalent of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. Given that most IBS patients associate their GI symptoms with eating food, specific dietary manipulation has become an attractive treatment strategy. A diet low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) has generated the greatest level of scientific and clinical interest. Overall, 52–86% of patients report significant improvement of their IBS symptoms with elimination of dietary FODMAPs. Patients who experience symptom improvement with FODMAP elimination should undergo a structured reintroduction of foods containing individual FODMAPs to determine sensitivities and allow for personalization of the diet plan. This review discusses the literature surrounding the administration of the low-FODMAP diet and its efficacy in the treatment of IBS.
Bariatric Surgery as a Long-Term Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Hanipah Zubaidah Nor , Schauer Philip R.
Published: January 2020

Metabolic surgery is increasingly becoming recognized as a more effective treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity as compared to lifestyle modification and medical management alone. Both observational studies and clinical trials have shown metabolic surgery to result in sustained weight loss (20–30%), T2D remission rates ranging from 23% to 60%, and improvement in cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Metabolic surgery is cost-effective and relatively safe, with perioperative risks and mortality comparable to low-risk procedures such as cholecystectomy, hysterectomy, and appendectomy. International diabetes and medical organizations have endorsed metabolic surgery as a standard treatment for T2D with obesity.
In Barrett’s epithelial cells, weakly acidic bile salt solutions cause oxidative DNA damage with response and repair mediated by p38
Authors: Huo Xiaofang , Dunbar Kerry B. , Zhang Xi , Zhang Qiuyang , Spechler Stuart Jon , Souza Rhonda F.
Published: January 2020

The frequency of esophageal adenocarcinoma is rising despite widespread use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which heal reflux esophagitis but do not prevent reflux of weakly acidic gastric juice and bile in Barrett’s esophagus patients. We aimed to determine if weakly acidic (pH 5.5) bile salt medium (WABM) causes DNA damage in Barrett’s cells. Because p53 is inactivated frequently in Barrett’s esophagus and p38 can assume p53 functions, we explored p38’s role in DNA damage response and repair. We exposed Barrett’s cells with or without p53 knockdown to WABM, and evaluated DNA damage, its response and repair, and whether these effects are p38 dependent. We also measured phospho-p38 in biopsies of Barrett’s metaplasia exposed to deoxycholic acid (DCA). WABM caused phospho-H2AX increases that were blocked by a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. WABM increased phospho-p38 and reduced bromodeoxyuridine incorporation (an index of S phase entry). Repair of WABM-induced DNA damage proceeded through p38-mediated base excision repair (BER) associated with reduction-oxidation factor 1-apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease I (Ref-1/APE1). Cells treated with WABM supplemented with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) exhibited enhanced p38-mediated responses to DNA damage. All of these effects were observed in p53-intact and p53-deficient Barrett’s cells. In patients, esophageal DCA perfusion significantly increased phospho-p38 in Barrett’s metaplasia. WABM exposure generates ROS, causing oxidative DNA damage in Barrett’s cells, a mechanism possibly underlying the rising frequency of esophageal adenocarcinoma despite PPI usage. p38 plays a central role in oxidative DNA damage response and Ref-1/APE1-associated BER, suggesting potential chemopreventive roles for agents like UDCA that increase p38 activity in Barrett’s esophagus.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found that weakly acidic bile salt solutions, with compositions similar to the refluxed gastric juice of gastroesophageal reflux disease patients on proton pump inhibitors, cause oxidative DNA damage in Barrett’s metaplasia that could contribute to the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. We also have elucidated a critical role for p38 in Barrett’s metaplasia in its response to and repair of oxidative DNA damage, suggesting a potential chemopreventive role for agents like ursodeoxycholic acid that increase p38 activity in Barrett’s esophagus.
Agonistic anti-CD148 monoclonal antibody attenuates diabetic nephropathy in mice
Authors: Takahashi Keiko , Kim Rachel H. , Pasic Lejla , He Lilly , Nagasaka Shinya , Katagiri Daisuke , May Tracy , Shimizu Akira , Harris Raymond C. , Mernaugh Raymond L. , Takahashi Takamune
Published: January 2020

CD148 is a transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) that is expressed in the renal vasculature, including the glomerulus. Previous studies have shown that CD148 plays a role in the negative regulation of growth factor signals (including epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor), suppressing cell proliferation and transformation. However, the role of CD148 in kidney disease remains unknown. Here, we generated an agonistic anti-CD148 antibody and evaluated its effects in murine diabetic nephropathy (DN). Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the mouse CD148 ectodomain sequence were generated by immunizing CD148 knockout (CD148KO) mice. The mAbs that increased CD148 activity were selected by biological (proliferation) and biochemical (PTP activity) assays. The mAb (18E1) that showed strong agonistic activity was injected (10 mg/kg ip) in streptozotocin-induced wild-type and CD148KO diabetic mice for 6 wk, and the renal phenotype was then assessed. The effects of 18E1 mAb in podocyte growth factor signals were also assessed in culture. Compared with control IgG, 18E1 mAb significantly decreased albuminuria and mesangial expansion without altering hyperglycemia and blood pressure in wild-type diabetic mice. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed that 18E1 mAb significantly prevented the reduction of podocyte number and nephrin expression and decreased glomerular fibronectin expression and renal macrophage infiltration. The 18E1 mAb showed no effects in CD148KO diabetic mice. Furthermore, we demonstrated that 18E1 mAb reduces podocyte epidermal growth factor receptor signals in culture and in diabetic mice. These findings suggest that agonistic anti-CD148 mAb attenuates DN in mice, in part by reducing epidermal growth factor receptor signals in podocytes. This antibody may be used for the treatment of early DN.
Design of Groundwater Extraction in Open Cut Foundation Pit and Simplified Calculation of Ground Subsidence due to Dewatering in Sandy Pebble Soil Strata
Authors: Zhang Lu , Zhou Xiaojun , Pan Yingdong , Zeng Bowen , Zhu Dongfeng , Jiang Huaizu
Published: January 2020

In order to study the design of incomplete well point for groundwater extraction in open cut foundation pit in which the inner and outer aquifers are not completely isolated and the change mechanism of ground subsidence due to dewatering in the foundation pit, an open cut foundation pit for a subway station on Chengdu Metro Line 6 is taken as an example; meanwhile, the typical sandy pebble soil strata are also considered as a research object in this paper. Firstly, a new method for designing groundwater extraction in the open cut foundation pit is presented and applied to the practical project. The dewatering funnel curve is derived based on Dupuit’s assumption, and the ground subsidence around the foundation pit due to groundwater extraction is calculated using the stratification summation method as well as considering the effect of seepage force. The finite difference software FLAC3D is employed to simulate the groundwater extraction process in the foundation pit, and the simulation of groundwater extraction by single well point and group well points is also carried out and the unapparent effect of group well points is obtained. The comparison among on‐site monitoring, theoretical calculation, and numerical simulation shows that these values have the same trend in indicating ground subsidence, and the conventional stratification summation method is conservative, and the algorithm considering the effect of seepage force is more accurate. Therefore, the ground subsidence curve caused by groundwater extraction in the foundation pit is presented. The above research methods and results can be applicable for practical engineering and be used to guide the design and construction of groundwater extraction in the foundation pit by using the open cut method in sandy pebble soil strata.
Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide from Biogas Using a Red Rock
Authors: Mrosso Register , Machunda Revocatus , Pogrebnaya Tatiana
Published: January 2020

The potential of red rock (RR) materials for the removal of H2S from biogas was studied. The rock samples were collected, sieved, and organized in various particle size ranges such as 0.32-250 μm, 250-500 μm, 500-750 μm, 750 μm-1 mm, and 1-1.5 mm. These samples were calcinated at the various temperatures as 500°C, 750°C, and 1000°C and then characterized for phase composition by energy-dispersive X-ray florescent technique, surface morphology by Zeiss Ultra Plus Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and surface area by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The calcinated RR was filled in the bed reactor, and biogas was allowed to pass through the adsorbent while recording the inlet and exit concentration of H2S. The results show that particle size, calcination temperature, adsorbent mass, and biogas flow rate were parameters that influenced the removal efficiency and adsorption capacity of RR. The sample sieved at 0.32-250 μm and calcinated at a temperature of 1000°C showed 95% high removal efficiency and adsorption capacity of 0.37 g/100 g of the sorbent. Regeneration of spent materials when exposed to air, keep on by reuse in the column, appeared to have nearly similar removal efficiency as the original calcined sample. Thus, the overall performance of the material is promising, which is due to the presence of metals such as iron and magnesium, among others. Therefore, proving the successful elimination of contaminant, RR is an available material for biogas purification.
Experimental Study on Dynamic Resilient Modulus of Lime‐Treated Expansive Soil
Authors: Lu Zheng , Zhao Yang , Xian Shaohua , Yao Hailin
Published: January 2020

Dynamic resilient modulus is the design index of highway subgrade design code in China, which is significantly affected by the traffic loads and environmental changes. In this study, dynamic triaxial tests were conducted to investigate the influence of moisture content, compaction degree, cyclic deviator stress, and confining pressure on lime‐treated expansive soil. The suitability of UT‐Austin model to lime‐treated expansive soils was verified. The results indicate that the dynamic resilient modulus of lime‐treated expansive soils increases nonlinearly with the increase of compaction degree, while decreases nonlinearly with the increase of dynamic stress level. The dynamic resilient modulus decreases linearly with the increase of moisture content and increases linearly with the increase of confining pressure. Moreover, the moisture content has a more significant effect on the dynamic resilient modulus of lime‐treated expansive soil. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the stability of soil humidity state and its excellent mechanical properties under long‐term cyclic loading for the course of subgrade filling and service. Finally, the calculated results of the UT‐Austin model for dynamic resilient modulus show a good agreement with the test results.
Nitrative Stress-Related Autophagic Insufficiency Participates in Hyperhomocysteinemia-Induced Renal Aging
Authors: Zhang Shangyue , Zhang Yuerong , Zhang Xinyu , Luo Chenghua , Cao Yan , Ji Dengyu , Yan Wenjing , Xue Ke , Chai Jiayin , Dai Hongyan , Wang Wen
Published: January 2020

The kidneys are important organs that are susceptible to aging. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a risk factor for nephropathy and is associated with chronic nephritis, purpuric nephritis, and nephrotic syndrome. Numerous studies have shown that elevated serum homocysteine levels can damage the kidneys; however, the underlying mechanism of HHcy on kidney damage remains unclear. In this study, we make use of a diet-induced HHcy rat model and in vitro cell culture to explore the role of autophagy in HHcy-induced renal aging and further explored the underlying mechanism. We demonstrated that HHcy led to the development of renal aging. Promoted kidney aging and autophagic insufficiency were involved in HHcy-induced renal aging. HHcy decreased the expression of transcription factor EB (TFEB), the key transcription factor of autophagy-related genes in renal tissue. Further experiments showed that nitrative stress levels were increased in the kidney of HHcy rats. Interestingly, pretreatment with the peroxynitrite (ONOO-) scavenger FeTMPyP not only reduced the Hcy-induced nitrative stress in vitro but also partially attenuated the decrease in TFEB in both protein and mRNA levels. Moreover, our results indicated that HHcy reduced TFEB expression and inhibited TFEB-mediated autophagy activation by elevating nitrative stress. In conclusion, this study showed an important role of autophagic insufficiency in HHcy-induced renal aging, in which downregulation of TFEB plays a major role. Furthermore, downexpression of TFEB was associated with increased nitrative stress in HHcy. This study provides a novel insight into the mechanism and therapeutic strategy for renal aging.
Follicular Bronchiolitis: Two Cases with Varying Clinical and Radiological Presentation
Authors: Garg Delyse , Mody Mohit , Pal Chaitanya , Patel Pratik , Migliore Christina , Minerowicz Christine , Madan Nikhil
Published: January 2020

Follicular bronchiolitis (FB) is a rare bronchiolar disorder associated with hyperplasia of the bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT). It is characterized by the development of lymphoid follicles with germinal centers in the walls of small airways. It falls under the category of lymphoproliferative pulmonary diseases (LPDs) and commonly occurs in relation to connective tissue disease, immunodeficiency, infections, interstitial lung disease (ILD), and inflammatory airway diseases. Computerized tomography (CT) findings include centrilobular nodules with patchy ground glass infiltrate, tree-in-bud findings, and air trapping. It can very rarely present as diffuse cystic lung disease. We present two cases of FB. The first case is associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and asthma with diffuse cystic changes on the CT. The second case is associated with reactive airway disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with the classic centrilobular nodules and ground glass opacities on the CT.
In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Crude Extracts of Artemisia herba-alba and Punica granatum against Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Ahmed Aliyi Hassen , Ejo Mebrat , Feyera Teka , Regassa Dereje , Mummed Bahar , Huluka Solomon Assefa
Published: January 2020

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are the major limiting factor for the successfulness of livestock production throughout the world. Emergence of resistance strains as well as scarcity and high cost of the currently available drugs has led to the evaluation of other alternative helminth control options, mainly from plants. The current study is aimed at investigating the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of crude methanolic extracts of two traditionally important medicinal plants, Artemisia herba-alba and Punica granatum, against Haemonchus contortus using adult motility assay (AMA) and egg hatch inhibition assay (EHIA). Four graded concentrations of the extracts were tested for both the AMA (10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 mg/mg) and EHIA (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) in replicates. Albendazole and phosphate-buffered saline (AMA) or distilled water (EHIA) were used as the positive and negative controls, respectively. The crude extracts of A. herba-alba and P. granatum exhibited a potential anthelmintic activity at all dose levels in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. The highest concentration (10 mg/mL) of all the extracts caused a significantly (p<0.05) superior nematocidal activity compared to the negative control. Moreover, significant and concentration-dependent egg hatching inhibition effect was observed from both plant extracts. Maximal (98.67%) egg hatching inhibition effect was exhibited by the flower extract of A. herba-alba at 1 mg/mL concentration. The relative egg hatch inhibition efficacy indicated that both plants caused a significantly (p<0.05) greater egg hatch inhibition within 48 hr of exposure. The current study validated the traditional use of both plants as a natural anthelmintic against H. contortus justifying a need to undertake detail pharmacological and toxicological investigation on both plants.
Study on Extraction of Peanut Protein and Oil Bodies by Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction and Characterization of Protein
Authors: Liu Chen , Hao Lihua , Chen Fusheng , Yang Chenxian
Published: January 2020

Cell wall degrading enzymes break down the cell wall by degrading the main cell wall components and destroying structure of the cell wall without influencing the protein. Effects of various enzymes (Viscozyme® L, cellulase, hemicellulase, and pectinase) on the molecular weight distribution of peanut protein and yield of peanut protein and oil bodies during an aqueous enzymatic extraction process were investigated in this study. The molecular weight distribution of peanut protein was not changed, and Viscozyme® L was selected to assist peanut protein and oil bodies extraction by the aqueous extraction process. The aqueous enzymatic extraction process was optimized by a signal factor experiment and response surface methodology, and the optimal condition was enzyme hydrolysis temperature of 52°C, solid-liquid ratio of 1 : 4, enzyme concentration of 1.35%, and enzyme hydrolysis time of 90 min. A peanut protein yield of 78.60% and oil bodies yield of 48.44% were achieved under the optimal condition. Compared with commercial peanut protein powder (CPPP), the solubility and foaming properties of peanut protein powder obtained by aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEEPPP) were a little lower. However, the functional properties of foam stability, emulsifying activity, emulsifying stability, water holding capacity, and oil holding capacity of AEEPPP were better than that of CPPP.
Vertebral Erosion Secondary to Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Toufga Zakaria , Aoujil Fadma , Billah Nabil Moatassim , Nassar Ittimad
Published: January 2020

We report the case of a patient who presented for back pain with paresthesia, and the CT showed vertebral lysis of aneurysmal origin. The aneurysm of the thoracic aorta compresses the anterior surface of the dorsal vertebrae and by mechanical effect is responsible for the destruction of the opposite bone. The knowledge of this cause is very important considering the frequency of other tumoral and infectious causes of this affection.
Experimental Study on City Road Collapse under Vibrating Load
Authors: Wang Yuxiao , Shi Gang , Tian Xiaowei , Li Chaoyue , Cheng Huanyu
Published: January 2020

Underground pipeline seepage and traffic load are the important factors causing city road collapse. In this paper, eight groups of indoor scale model experiments are used to study the road collapse caused by pipeline seepage, taking into account the load type, pipeline buried depth, the distance between pipeline and loss channel, the relative position of pipeline and loss channel, and the formation time of loss channel. The results show that when the erosion channel was formed later, the underlying erosion cavity was ellipsoid, while the other erosion cavities were funnel shaped. When only the static load is applied, the time to reach the ultimate failure is longer than that when only dynamic load is applied. The smaller dynamic load can increase the stability of the soil above the seepage pipeline, while the larger dynamic load can accelerate the collapse process. With the formation time of the erosion channel increasing, the erosion void size is larger and the surface is easier to collapse. With the increase of the distance between the loss passage and the pipeline, the damage time of the road surface is also increased. The larger the thickness of the soil layer above the pipeline, the smaller the size of the underground cavity and the surface subsidence.
Inequalities Involving Conformable Approach for Exponentially Convex Functions and Their Applications
Authors: Li Jun-Feng , Rashid Saima , Liu Jia-Bao , Akdemir Ahmet Ocak , Safdar Farhat
Published: January 2020

In the article, we present several Hermite–Hadamard-type inequalities for the exponentially convex functions via conformable integrals. As applications, we give new inequalities for certain bivariate means.
Fetoplacental Weight Relationship in Normal Pregnancy and Pregnancy Complicated by Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension and Abruption of Placenta among Mothers Who Gave Birth in Southern Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Mehare Tsegaye , Kebede Daniel
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Placenta is a complex multifunctional organ that maintains pregnancy and promotes normal fetal development. The fetal outcome is adversely influenced by pathological changes in the placenta because it is a mirror that reflects the intrauterine status of the fetus. Placental abnormalities are considered a leading cause of maternal and prenatal mortality. This study aimed to assess the fetoplacental weight relationship in pregnancy-induced hypertension and abruption placenta and compare with the normal one.Objective. This study designed to assess fetoplacental weight relationships in normal pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by pregnancy-induced hypertension and abruption of placenta among mothers who gave birth in Dilla University Referral Hospital, southern Ethiopia, 2018.Materials and Methods. Institution-based comparative cross-sectional study was used on 50 placentas from mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension, 50 placentas from mothers with abruption of placenta, and 50 placentas from mothers with normal pregnancy (control) with an age range of 19–34 years. The weight of the placenta and newborn were taken and the fetoplacental ratio was calculated.Results. Placental index as well as the weight of the newborn shows statistically significant (p<0.001) difference in pregnancy-induced hypertension and abruption placenta group compared with the normal group. The mean of the fetoplacental ratio in the normal group was 5.52 ± 0.07, in pregnancy-induced hypertension was 5.15 ± 0.11, whereas the abruption placenta was 4.99 ± 0.82.Conclusion. Both PIH and abruption placenta were associated with remarkable changes in the placenta index such as small placental weight and diameter and results in different kinds of congenital anomalies and low birth weight of the baby. Hence, fetoplacental ratio was altered. The lowest fetoplacental ratio was 4.99 for abruption placenta, and the highest was for a normal group of the placenta which was 5.52. Therefore, an examination of the placenta before and after birth guarantees for feto-maternal health.
Modelling Residential Building Costs in New Zealand: A Time-Series Transfer Function Approach
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Mbachu Jasper , Liu Zhansheng
Published: January 2020

Cost estimating based on a building cost index plays an important role in project planning and cost management by providing accurate cost information. However, an effective method to predict the building cost index of New Zealand is lacking. This study proposes a transfer function method to improve the forecasting accuracy of the building cost index. In this study, the New Zealand house price index is included in the transfer function models as an explanatory variable to produce cost forecasts. The proposed method is used to estimate the building cost index of residential buildings including one-story houses, two-story houses, and town houses in New Zealand. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, this study compares the cost forecasts generated from the transfer function models and the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models. The results indicate that the proposed transfer function method can achieve better outcomes than ARIMA models by considering the time-lag causality between building costs and New Zealand house prices. The proposed method can be used by industry professionals as a practical tool to predict project costs and help the professionals to better capture the inherent relationships between cost and house prices.
CVT in the Peripartum Period: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Allbright Leah , McLeod Francine , Mauney Donald
Published: January 2020

Women in the peripartum period can develop headache with a variety of etiologies that require a multidisciplinary approach if unresponsive to treatment (Stella et al. 2007). Neuroimaging needs to be undertaken even occasionally in the absence of focal neurologic signs to rule out life-threatening causes of headache. We present the case of a 23-year-old woman who presented postpartum with severe frontal headache without other neurologic symptoms. Treatment was initiated for tension type, then subsequently postdural puncture headache (PDPH), and finally preeclampsia. When CT venogram was obtained ten days later, the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) was made. She was started on anticoagulation and achieved complete recovery.
Establishment and Verification of Synchronous Metastatic Nomogram for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Li Yuqiang , Zhang Guangfeng , Song Xiangping , Zhao Lilan , Güngör Cenap , Wang Dan , Liu Wenxue , Huang Yan , Tan Fengbo
Published: January 2020

Aim. Assess the risk of synchronous metastasis and establish a nomogram in patients with GISTs. Methods. Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database (2004-2014) was accessed. With the logistic regression model as the basis, a nomogram was constructed. Results. 7,256 target patients were contained in our study. The nomogram discrimination for mGIST prediction revealed that tumor size contributed most to synchronous metastasis, followed by lymph nodes, extension, pathologic grade, tumor location, and mitotic count. C-index values of predictions were 0.821 (95% CI, 0.805-0.836) and 0.815 (95% CI, 0.800-0.831), and Brier score were 0.109 and 0.112 in training and validation group, respectively. The value of area under the ROCs were 0.813 (p<0.001) in the primary cohort and 0.819 (p<0.001) in the validation cohort. Through the calibration curves (as seen in the figures), nomogram prediction proved to have excellent agreement with actual metastatic diseases. Conclusion. A new nomogram was created that can evaluate synchronous metastatic diseases in patients with GISTs.
Expanding the Scope of Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer: Current Clinical Approaches and Future Directions
Authors: Kreidieh Malek , Mukherji Deborah , Temraz Sally , Shamseddine Ali
Published: January 2020

The success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in an increasing range of heavily mutated tumor types such as melanoma has culminated in their exploration in different subsets of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). As a result of their dramatic and durable response rates in patients with chemorefractory, mismatch repair‐deficient‐microsatellite instability‐high (dMMR‐MSI‐H) mCRC, ICIs have become potential alternatives to classical systemic therapies. The anti‐programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) agents, Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab, have been granted FDA approval for this subset of patients. Unfortunately, however, not all CRC cases with the dMMR‐MSI‐H phenotype respond well to ICIs, and ongoing studies are currently exploring biomarkers that can predict good response to them. Another challenge lies in developing novel treatment strategies for the subset of patients with the mismatch repair‐proficient‐microsatellite instability‐low (pMMR‐MSI‐L) phenotype that comprises 95% of all mCRC cases in whom treatment with currently approved ICIs has been largely unsuccessful. Approaches aiming at overcoming the resistance of tumors in this subset of patients are being developed including combining different checkpoint inhibitors with either chemotherapy, anti‐angiogenic agents, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell transfer (ACT), or bispecific T‐cell (BTC) antibodies. This review describes the rationale behind using immunotherapeutics in CRC. It sheds light on the progress made in the use of immunotherapy in the treatment of patients with dMMR‐MSI‐H CRC. It also discusses emerging approaches and proposes potential strategies for targeting the immune microenvironment in patients with pMMR‐MSI‐L CRC tumors in an attempt to complement immune checkpoint inhibition.
Study of Spin–Spin Correlations between Quark and a Spin-1/2 Composite System
Authors: Kaur Satvir , Dahiya Harleen
Published: January 2020

We study the correlation between the fermion composite system and quark spins by using the light-cone quark–diquark model. We do the calculations for u-quark and d-quark in the fermion system by considering different polarization configurations of both. The contribution from scalar and axial-vector diquarks is taken into account. The overlap representation of light-front wavefunctions is used for the calculations. The spin–spin correlations for u and d quarks are presented in transverse impact-parameter plane and transverse momentum plane as well.
Mutational Landscape and Patterns of Clonal Evolution in Relapsed Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Waanders Esmé , Gu Zhaohui , Dobson Stephanie M. , Antić Željko , Crawford Jeremy Chase , Ma Xiaotu , Edmonson Michael N. , Payne-Turner Debbie , van de Vorst Maartje , Jongmans Marjolijn C.J. , McGuire Irina , Zhou Xin , Wang Jian , Shi Lei , Pounds Stanley , Pei Deqing , Cheng Cheng , Song Guangchun , Fan Yiping , Shao Ying , Rusch Michael , McCastlain Kelly , Yu Jiangyan , van Boxtel Ruben , Blokzijl Francis , Iacobucci Ilaria , Roberts Kathryn G. , Wen Ji , Wu Gang , Ma Jing , Easton John , Neale Geoffrey , Olsen Scott R. , Nichols Kim E. , Pui Ching-Hon , Zhang Jinghui , Evans William E. , Relling Mary V. , Yang Jun J. , Thomas Paul G. , Dick John E. , Kuiper Roland P. , Mullighan Charles G.
Published: January 2020

Relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains a leading cause of childhood cancer-related death. Prior studies have shown clonal mutations at relapse often arise from relapse-fated subclones that exist at diagnosis. However, the genomic landscape, evolutionary trajectories, and mutational mechanisms driving relapse are incompletely understood. In an analysis of 92 cases of relapsed childhood ALL incorporating multimodal DNA and RNA sequencing, deep digital mutational tracking, and xenografting to formally define clonal structure, we identified 50 significant targets of mutation with distinct patterns of mutational acquisition or enrichment. CREBBP, NOTCH1, and RAS signaling mutations arose from diagnosis subclones, whereas variants in NCOR2, USH2A, and NT5C2 were exclusively observed at relapse. Evolutionary modeling and xenografting demonstrated that relapse-fated clones were minor (50%), major (27%), or multiclonal (18%) at diagnosis. Putative second leukemias, including those with lineage shift, were shown to most commonly represent relapse from an ancestral clone rather than a truly independent second primary leukemia. A subset of leukemias prone to repeated relapse exhibited hypermutation driven by at least three distinct mutational processes, resulting in heightened neoepitope burden and potential vulnerability to immunotherapy. Finally, relapse-driving sequence mutations were detected prior to relapse using droplet digital PCR at levels comparable with orthogonal approaches to monitor levels of measurable residual disease. These results provide a genomic framework to anticipate and circumvent relapse by earlier detection and targeting of relapse-fated clones.

Significance:

This study defines the landscape of mutations that preexist and arise after commencement of ALL therapy and shows that relapse may be propagated from ancestral, major, or minor clones at initial diagnosis. A subset of cases exhibits hypermutation that results in expression of neoepitopes that may be substrates for immunotherapeutic intervention.

See related video: https://vimeo.com/442838617

See related commentary by Ogawa, p. 21.

See related article by S. Dobson et al .

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 5
The Tumor Suppressor BAP1 Regulates the Hippo Pathway in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lee Ho-June , Pham Trang , Chang Matthew T. , Barnes Dwight , Cai Allen G. , Noubade Rajkumar , Totpal Klara , Chen Xu , Tran Christopher , Hagenbeek Thijs , Wu Xiumin , Eastham-Anderson Jeff , Tao Janet , Lee Wyne , Bastian Boris C. , Carbone Michele , Webster Joshua D. , Dey Anwesha
Published: January 2020

The deubiquitinating enzyme BAP1 is mutated in a hereditary cancer syndrome with a high risk for mesothelioma and melanocytic tumors. Here, we show that pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia driven by oncogenic mutant KrasG12D progressed to pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the absence of BAP1. The Hippo pathway was deregulated in BAP1-deficient pancreatic tumors, with the tumor suppressor LATS exhibiting enhanced ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation. Therefore, BAP1 may limit tumor progression by stabilizing LATS and thereby promoting activity of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway.

Significance:

BAP1 is mutated in a broad spectrum of tumors. Pancreatic Bap1 deficiency causes acinar atrophy but combines with oncogenic Ras to produce pancreatic tumors. BAP1-deficient tumors exhibit deregulation of the Hippo pathway.

See related commentary by Brekken, p. 1624
Biomarkers of Exposure among Adult Smokeless Tobacco Users in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study (Wave 1, 2013–2014)
Authors: Cheng Yu-Ching , Reyes-Guzman Carolyn M. , Christensen Carol H. , Rostron Brian L. , Edwards Kathryn C. , Wang Lanqing , Feng Jun , Jarrett Jeffery M. , Ward Cynthia D. , Xia Baoyun , Kimmel Heather L. , Conway Kevin , Leggett Carmine , Taylor Kristie , Lawrence Charlie , Niaura Ray , Travers Mark J. , Hyland Andrew , Hecht Stephen S. , Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Goniewicz Maciej L. , Borek Nicolette , Blount Benjamin C. , van Bemmel Dana M.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Monitoring population-level toxicant exposures from smokeless tobacco (SLT) use is important for assessing population health risks due to product use. In this study, we assessed tobacco biomarkers of exposure (BOE) among SLT users from the Wave 1 (2013–2014) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.

Methods:

Urinary biospecimens were collected from adults ages 18 and older. Biomarkers of nicotine, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), volatile organic compounds (VOC), metals, and inorganic arsenic were analyzed and reported among exclusive current established SLT users in comparison with exclusive current established cigarette smokers, dual SLT and cigarette users, and never tobacco users.

Results:

In general, SLT users (n = 448) have significantly higher concentrations of BOE to nicotine, TSNAs, and PAHs compared with never tobacco users; significant dose–response relationships between frequency of SLT use and biomarker concentrations were also reported among exclusive SLT daily users. Exclusive SLT daily users have higher geometric mean concentrations of total nicotine equivalent-2 (TNE2) and TSNAs than exclusive cigarette daily smokers. In contrast, geometric mean concentrations of PAHs and VOCs were substantially lower among exclusive SLT daily users than exclusive cigarette daily smokers.

Conclusions:

Our study produced a comprehensive assessment of SLT product use and 52 biomarkers of tobacco exposure. Compared with cigarette smokers, SLT users experience greater concentrations of some tobacco toxicants, including nicotine and TSNAs.

Impact:

Our data add information on the risk assessment of exposure to SLT-related toxicants. High levels of harmful constituents in SLT remain a health concern.