bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyrazinamide triggers degradation of its target aspartate decarboxylase
Authors: Gopal Pooja , Sarathy Jickky Palmae , Yee Michelle , Ragunathan Priya , Shin Joon , Bhushan Shashi , Zhu Junhao , Akopian Tatos , Kandror Olga , Lim Teck Kwang , Gengenbacher Martin , Lin Qingsong , Rubin Eric J. , Grüber Gerhard , Dick Thomas
Published: April 2020

Pyrazinamide is a sterilizing first-line tuberculosis drug. Genetic, metabolomic and biophysical analyses previously demonstrated that pyrazinoic acid, the bioactive form of the prodrug pyrazinamide (PZA), interrupts biosynthesis of coenzyme A in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by binding to aspartate decarboxylase PanD. While most drugs act by inhibiting protein function upon target binding, we find here that pyrazinoic acid is only a weak enzyme inhibitor. We show that binding of pyrazinoic acid to PanD triggers degradation of the protein by the caseinolytic protease ClpC1-ClpP. Thus, the old tuberculosis drug pyrazinamide exerts antibacterial activity by acting as a target degrader, a mechanism of action that has recently emerged as a successful strategy in drug discovery across disease indications. Our findings provide the basis for the rational discovery of next generation PZA.
A harmonized meta-knowledgebase of clinical interpretations of somatic genomic variants in cancer
Authors:   Variant Interpretation for Cancer Consortium, Wagner Alex H. , Walsh Brian , Mayfield Georgia , Tamborero David , Sonkin Dmitriy , Krysiak Kilannin , Deu-Pons Jordi , Duren Ryan P. , Gao Jianjiong , McMurry Julie , Patterson Sara , del Vecchio Fitz Catherine , Pitel Beth A. , Sezerman Ozman U. , Ellrott Kyle , Warner Jeremy L. , Rieke Damian T. , Aittokallio Tero , Cerami Ethan , Ritter Deborah I. , Schriml Lynn M. , Freimuth Robert R. , Haendel Melissa , Raca Gordana , Madhavan Subha , Baudis Michael , Beckmann Jacques S. , Dienstmann Rodrigo , Chakravarty Debyani , Li Xuan Shirley , Mockus Susan , Elemento Olivier , Schultz Nikolaus , Lopez-Bigas Nuria , Lawler Mark , Goecks Jeremy , Griffith Malachi , Griffith Obi L. , Margolin Adam A.
Published: April 2020

Precision oncology relies on accurate discovery and interpretation of genomic variants, enabling individualized diagnosis, prognosis and therapy selection. We found that six prominent somatic cancer variant knowledgebases were highly disparate in content, structure and supporting primary literature, impeding consensus when evaluating variants and their relevance in a clinical setting. We developed a framework for harmonizing variant interpretations to produce a meta-knowledgebase of 12,856 aggregate interpretations. We demonstrated large gains in overlap between resources across variants, diseases and drugs as a result of this harmonization. We subsequently demonstrated improved matching between a patient cohort and harmonized interpretations of potential clinical significance, observing an increase from an average of 33% per individual knowledgebase to 57% in aggregate. Our analyses illuminate the need for open, interoperable sharing of variant interpretation data. We also provide a freely available web interface (search.cancervariants.org) for exploring the harmonized interpretations from these six knowledgebases.
Combined chemo-magnetic field-photothermal breast cancer therapy based on porous magnetite nanospheres
Authors: Sharifi Majid , Hasan Anwarul , Nanakali Nadir Mustafa Qadir , Salihi Abbas , Qadir Fikry Ali , Muhammad Hawzheen A. , Shekha Mudhir Sabir , Aziz Falah Mohammad , Amen Karwan M. , Najafi Farrokh , Yousefi-Manesh Hasan , Falahati Mojtaba
Published: April 2020

The efficacy of different modalities of treating breast cancer is inhibited by several limitations such as off-targeted drug distribution, rapid drug clearance, and drug resistance. To overcome these limitations, we developed Lf-Doxo-PMNSs for combined chemo-MF-PTT. The PMNSs were synthesized by hydrothermal method and their physicochemical properties were examined by FE-SEM, TEM, DLS, TGA, XRD investigations. The cytotoxicity of as-synthesized NPs against 4T1 cells was carried out by MTT and flow cytometry assays. Afterwards, the anti-cancer activities of as-synthesized Lf-Doxo-PMNSs on the tumor status, drug distribution and apoptosis mechanism were evaluated. The anti-cancer assays showed that Lf-Doxo-PMNSs significantly suppressed the cancer cell proliferation and tumor weight by prolonging drug availability and potential drug loading in tumor cells; whereas they showed a minimum cytotoxicity against non-cancerous cells. Likewise, combined chemo-MF-PTT using Lf-Doxo-PMNSs displayed the highest anti-cancer activity followed by combined chemo-PTT and combined chemo-MF therapy based on altering the apoptosis mechanism. Therefore, these results showed that combined chemo-MF-PTT based on Lf-Doxo-PMNSs can be used as a promising therapeutic platform with potential targeted drug delivery and high loading capacity features as well as reducing cancer drug resistance.
Gradual wiring of olfactory input to amygdala feedback circuits
Authors: Oboti Livio , Sokolowski Katie
Published: April 2020

The amygdala facilitates odor driven behavioral responses by enhancing the saliency of olfactory signals. Before this processing, olfactory input is refined through the feedback provided by amygdala corticofugal projection (ACPs). Although the saliency of odor signals is subject to developmental changes, the stage at which this cortical feedback first occurs is not known. Using optogenetically-assisted intracellular recordings of the mouse cortical amygdala, we identified changes in the electrophysiological properties of ACPs at different developmental stages. These were consistent with a decrease in neuronal excitability and an increase in the amount of incoming accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) inputs, as confirmed by estimates of release probability, quantal size and contact number at the AOB-to-ACP synapse. Moreover, the proportion of ACPs activated in response to odors was dependent on the stage of development as revealed by c-Fos expression analysis. These results update standard accounts of how the amygdala processes social signals by emphasizing the occurrence of critical periods in the development of its sensory gating functions.
Vascular Supply of the Human Spiral Ganglion: Novel Three-Dimensional Analysis Using Synchrotron Phase-Contrast Imaging and Histology
Authors: Mei Xueshuang , Glueckert Rudolf , Schrott-Fischer Annelies , Li Hao , Ladak Hanif M. , Agrawal Sumit K. , Rask-Andersen Helge
Published: April 2020

Human spiral ganglion (HSG) cell bodies located in the bony cochlea depend on a rich vascular supply to maintain excitability. These neurons are targeted by cochlear implantation (CI) to treat deafness, and their viability is critical to ensure successful clinical outcomes. The blood supply of the HSG is difficult to study due to its helical structure and encasement in hard bone. The objective of this study was to present the first three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and analysis of the HSG blood supply using synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging (SR-PCI) in combination with histological analyses of archival human cochlear sections. Twenty-six human temporal bones underwent SR-PCI. Data were processed using volume-rendering software, and a representative three-dimensional (3D) model was created to allow visualization of the vascular anatomy. Histologic analysis was used to verify the segmentations. Results revealed that the HSG is supplied by radial vascular twigs which are separate from the rest of the inner ear and encased in bone. Unlike with most organs, the arteries and veins in the human cochlea do not follow the same conduits. There is a dual venous outflow and a modiolar arterial supply. This organization may explain why the HSG may endure even in cases of advanced cochlear pathology.
Modelling the transmission and persistence of African swine fever in wild boar in contrasting European scenarios
Authors: O’Neill Xander , White Andy , Ruiz-Fons Francisco , Gortázar Christian
Published: April 2020

African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease that is currently spreading among domestic pigs and wild boar (Sus scrofa) in large areas of Eurasia. Wild boar play a key role in the spread of ASF, yet despite their significance, little is known about the key mechanisms that drive infection transmission and disease persistence. A mathematical model of the wild boar ASF system is developed that captures the observed drop in population density, the peak in infected density and the persistence of the virus observed in ASF outbreaks. The model results provide insight into the key processes that drive the ASF dynamics and show that environmental transmission is a key mechanism determining the severity of an infectious outbreak and that direct frequency dependent transmission and transmission from individuals that survive initial ASF infection but eventually succumb to the disease are key for the long-term persistence of the virus. By considering scenarios representative of Estonia and Spain we show that faster degradation of carcasses in Spain, due to elevated temperature and abundant obligate scavengers, may reduce the severity of the infectious outbreak. Our results also suggest that the higher underlying host density and longer breeding season associated with supplementary feeding leads to a more pronounced epidemic outbreak and persistence of the disease in the long-term. The model is used to assess disease control measures and suggests that a combination of culling and infected carcass removal is the most effective method to eradicate the virus without also eradicating the host population, and that early implementation of these control measures will reduce infection levels whilst maintaining a higher host population density and in some situations prevent ASF from establishing in a population.
Associations of C-reactive Protein with 25-hydroxyvitamin D in 24 Specific Diseases: A Cross-sectional Study from NHANES
Authors: Yang Fang , Sun Mengzi , Sun Chong , Li Jiagen , Yang Xiuning , Bi Chunli , Wang Min , Pu Liyuan , Wang Jianmeng , Wang Chunxiao , Xie Meizhen , Yao Yan , Jin Lina
Published: April 2020

Most diseases might be associated with acute or chronic inflammation, and the role of vitamin D in diseases has been extensively explored in recent years. Thus, we examined the associations of one of the best markers for inflammation ― C-reactive protein (CRP) with 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in 24 specific diseases. We performed cross-sectional analyses among 9,809 subjects aged ≥18 years who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2007~2010. The generalized additive model (GAM) was used to explore the associations of CRP with 25(OH)D in different diseases, adjusted for the age, gender, examination period and race. Distributions of CRP were significantly different (P < 0.05) in gender, examination period and race, and distributions of 25(OH)D were different (P < 0.05) in the examination period and race. Generally, CRP was negatively associated with 25(OH)D for majority diseases. 25(OH)D was negatively associated with CRP generally, and the associations were disease-specific and disease category-specific. In respiratory, gastrointestinal and mental diseases, the associations tended to be approximately linear. While in metabolic diseases, the associations were nonlinear, and the slope of the nonlinear curve decreased with 25(OH)D, especially when 25(OH)D < 30 μg/L.
Attractor Concepts to Evaluate the Transcriptome-wide Dynamics Guiding Anaerobic to Aerobic State Transition in Escherichia coli
Authors: Bui Thuy Tien , Selvarajoo Kumar
Published: April 2020

For any dynamical system, like living organisms, an attractor state is a set of variables or mechanisms that converge towards a stable system behavior despite a wide variety of initial conditions. Here, using multi-dimensional statistics, we investigate the global gene expression attractor mechanisms shaping anaerobic to aerobic state transition (AAT) ofEscherichia coliin a bioreactor at early times. Out of 3,389 RNA-Seq expression changes over time, we identified 100 sharply changing genes that are key for guiding 1700 genes into the AAT attractor basin. Collectively, these genes were named asattractorgenes constituting of 6 dynamic clusters. Apart from the expected anaerobic (glycolysis), aerobic (TCA cycle) and fermentation (succinate pathways) processes, sulphur metabolism, ribosome assembly and amino acid transport mechanisms together with 332 uncharacterised genes are also key for AAT. Overall, our work highlights the importance of multi-dimensional statistical analyses for revealing novel processes shaping AAT.
Au@Ag Core–Shell Nanorods Support Plasmonic Fano Resonances
Authors: Peña-Rodríguez Ovidio , Díaz-Núñez Pablo , González-Rubio Guillermo , Manzaneda-González Vanesa , Rivera Antonio , Perlado José Manuel , Junquera Elena , Guerrero-Martínez Andrés
Published: April 2020

In this work, we investigated experimentally and theoretically the plasmonic Fano resonances (FRs) exhibited by core–shell nanorods composed of a gold core and a silver shell (Au@Ag NRs). The colloidal synthesis of these Au@Ag NRs produces nanostructures with rich plasmonic features, of which two different FRs are particularly interesting. The FR with spectral location at higher energies (3.7 eV) originates from the interaction between a plasmonic mode of the nanoparticle and the interband transitions of Au. In contrast, the tunable FR at lower energies (2.92–2.75 eV) is ascribed to the interaction between the dominant transversal LSPR mode of the Ag shell and the transversal plasmon mode of the Au@Ag nanostructure. The unique symmetrical morphology and FRs of these Au@Ag NRs make them promising candidates for plasmonic sensors and metamaterials components.
Mathematical modeling and computational analysis of centrifugal microfluidic platforms: a review
Authors: Madadelahi Masoud , Acosta-Soto Luis F. , Hosseini Samira , Martinez-Chapa Sergio O. , Madou Marc J.
Published: April 2020

This paper focuses on theory and computational modelling of lab-on-a-disc devices of relevance for novel applications discovery and optimal designs.
Visible-light photooxidation in water by 1O2-generating supramolecular hydrogels
Authors: Biswas Sankarsan , Kumar Mohit , Levine Andrew M. , Jimenez Ian , Ulijn Rein V. , Braunschweig Adam B.
Published: April 2020

An aqueous photocatalytic system exploits photophysical properties arising from the formation of supramolecular hydrogels, with properties and assembly modulated by the amino acids appended to an organic chromophore.
The influence of lateral flake size in graphene/graphite paste electrodes: an electroanalytical investigation
Authors: García-Miranda Ferrari Alejandro , Elbardisy Hadil M. , Silva Valentine , Belal Tarek S. , Talaat Wael , Daabees Hoda G. , Banks Craig E. , Brownson Dale A. C.
Published: April 2020

We report the electroanalytical properties of graphene and graphite paste electrodes comprising varying lateral flake sizes when applied for sensing relevant biomolecules and prominent drugs of abuse.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed synthesis of spirocyclic isoindole N-oxides and isobenzofuranones via C–H activation and spiroannulation
Authors: Han Xi , Kong Lingheng , Feng Jiami , Li Xingwei
Published: April 2020

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation of oximes and benzoic acids has been realized in oxidative annulation with quinone diazides for synthesis of spirocycles.
Trapping a pentagonal molecule in a self-assembled molecular network: an alkoxylated isosceles triangular molecule does the job
Authors: Anzai Masaru , Iyoda Masahiko , De Feyter Steven , Tobe Yoshito , Tahara Kazukuni
Published: April 2020

We herein report a unique example of on-surface adaptive self-assembly.
A K3ScSi2O7:Eu2+based phosphor with broad-band NIR emission and robust thermal stability for NIR pc-LEDs
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Wang Xicheng , Tang Zuobin , Wang Yuhua
Published: April 2020

A novel K3ScSi2O7:Eu2+based phosphor with broad-band NIR emission and robust thermal stability has been obtained.
High-efficiency helium separation through an inorganic graphenylene membrane: a theoretical study
Authors: Wang Lu , Li Feng , Wang Junru , Li Yixiang , Li Weifeng , Yang Yanmei , Zhao Mingwen , Qu Yuanyuan
Published: April 2020

Appropriate interactions between an IGP membrane and He molecules result in efficient helium separation.
Competitive binding of HIF-1α and CITED2 to the TAZ1 domain of CBP from molecular simulations
Authors: Ruiz-Ortiz Irene , De Sancho David
Published: April 2020

Many intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are involved in complex signalling networks inside the cell.
The lesser purple emperor butterfly, Apatura ilia: from mimesis to biomimetics
Authors: Schenk Franziska , Stavenga Doekele G.
Published: April 2020

By selecting various effect pigments, and using the lesser purple emperor butterfly, Apatura ilia, as an exemplar, we have accurately mimicked the butterfly’s iridescence in art.
Nanometer control in plasmonic systems through discrete layer-by-layer macrocycle–cation deposition
Authors: Barrow Steven J. , Palma Aniello , de Nijs Bart , Chikkaraddy Rohit , Bowman Richard W. , Baumberg Jeremy J. , Scherman Oren A.
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate that cucurbit[7]uril coordinates Fe3+to yield a novel and well-defined metallic nanopolymer with great potential as plasmonic system.
Glut1 expression is increased by p53 reduction to switch metabolism to glycolysis during osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Ohnishi Tomokazu , Kusuyama Joji , Bandow Kenjiro , Matsuguchi Tetsuya
Published: April 2020

The glycolytic system is selected for ATP synthesis not only in tumor cells but also in differentiated cells. Differentiated osteoblasts also switch the dominant metabolic pathway to aerobic glycolysis. We found that primary osteoblasts increased expressions of glycolysis-related enzymes such as Glut1, hexokinase 1 and 2, lactate dehydrogenase A and pyruvate kinase M2 during their differentiation. Osteoblast differentiation decreased expression of tumor suppressor p53, which negatively regulates Glut1 expression, and enhanced phosphorylation of AKT, which is regulated by phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI3K). An inhibitor of PI3K enhanced p53 expression and repressed Glut1 expression. Luciferase reporter assay showed that p53 negatively regulated transcriptional activity of solute carrier family 2 member 1 gene promoter region. Inhibition of glycolysis in osteoblasts reduced ATP contents more significantly than inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazine. These results have indicated that osteoblasts increase Glut1 expression through the down-regulation of p53 to switch their metabolic pathway to glycolysis during differentiation.
Bounds on relative generalised Hamming weight
Authors: Zhuang Zhuojun , Zhang Keke , Jing Zhen , Dai Bin , Huang Jia
Published: April 2020

The rth relative generalised Hamming weight (RGHW) of an linear code C and an subcode , a generalisation of generalised Hamming weight (GHW), characterises code performances of wiretap channel of type II, secure network coding, linear ramp secret sharing scheme, trellis complexity etc. In this study, the authors investigate non‐asymptotic and asymptotic bounds on RGHW. In the non‐asymptotic setting, they present a new proof of the Griesmer bound on RGHW by residue code and introduce the new concept of relative chain condition. They show that code pairs meeting the Griesmer, Singleton, and weak Plotkin bounds satisfy this condition. The notion of relative chain condition and these results provide a new perspective on researches including evaluating trellis complexity and determining the weight hierarchy of code pairs etc. In the asymptotic setting, they improve previous work by introducing two new metrics, respectively, for the cases r is fixed and r is proportionally increasing with n. They show the asymptotic Singleton, Plotkin, and Gilbert–Varshamov bounds on the first metric and determine the value of the second metric, which is helpful for characterising the optimal asymptotic performances of applications and constructing the optimal coding schemes.
Non‐fragile robust exponential stabilisation and control for uncertain stochastic systems with non‐linearity and mixed delays
Authors: Zhang Tianliang , Deng Feiqi
Published: April 2020

This study focuses on the delay‐dependent robust exponential stabilisation and control for uncertain stochastic time‐delay systems with non‐linear terms. Uncertain parameters are assumed to be time‐varying norm bounded, while time‐varying delay terms include both discrete and distributed delays. Firstly, by choosing an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, a sufficient condition for the robust exponential stabilisation is obtained. Secondly, the control is also discussed. All criteria are presented in the form of linear matrix inequalities with less conservatism. Finally, an example verifies the validity of the proposed method.
Sonar image mosaic based on a new feature matching method
Authors: Tang Zhijie , Ma Gaoqian , Lu Jiaqi , Wang Zhen , Fu Bin , Wang Yijie
Published: April 2020

Sonar images are valuable in exploring underwater environmental information. As these images are generally limited by the viewing angle, sonar image mosaicking becomes an important research topic. By combining several frames consecutively acquired while the underwater vehicle is manoeuvring, an image with a wider view can be obtained. This study presents a fast sonar image mosaicking approach consisting of denoising, feature extraction, initial matching, splicing, and optimisation. Based on the Euclidean distance between initially matched points and dip angle of connection line, poorly matched feature point pairs are removed to avoid false matching. This way, the success rate of image mosaicking and quality of the resulting mosaicking is effectively improved.
Use of gradient and normal vectors for face recognition
Authors: Koc Mehmet , Ergin Semih , Gülmezoğlu Mehmet Bilginer , Edizkan Rifat , Barkana Atalay
Published: April 2020

The main objective of this study is to compare face recognition accuracies in the case when the grey levels in each pixel of the face images are replaced by the gradient and the surface normal vectors. Extensive information is provided to explain the differences between the gradient and the proposed features. Some well‐known face recognition methods, such as common vector approach (CVA), discriminative CVA, and support vector machines are applied to the well‐known databases of AR and Yale for comparison other than introducing a new method what the authors called as Sum of Pixel Slope Similarities Approach. The authors’ experimental results are compared with the state‐of‐the‐art methods to the best of their knowledge. In conclusion, their results imply that using the surface normal vectors rather than the gradient vectors in each pixel with no additional work on their elements gives better recognition rates.
Feature channel enhancement for crowd counting
Authors: Wu Xingjiao , Kong Shuchen , Zheng Yingbin , Ye Hao , Yang Jing , He Liang
Published: April 2020

Crowd counting, i.e. count the number of people in a crowded visual space, is emerging as an essential research problem with public security. A key in the design of the crowd counting system is to create a stable and accurate robust model, which requires to process on the feature channels of the counting network. In this study, the authors present a featured channel enhancement (FCE) block for crowd counting. First, they use a feature extraction unit to obtain the information of each channel and encodes the information of each channel. Then use a non‐linear variation unit to deal with the encoded channel information, finally, normalise the data and affixed to each channel separately. With the use of the FCE, the positive characteristic channel can be enhanced and weak or negative channel information can be suppressed. The authors successfully incorporate the FCE with two compact networks on the standard benchmarks and prove that the proposed FCE achieves promising results.
New voltage feedback‐based islanding detection method for grid‐connected photovoltaic systems of microgrid with zero non‐detection zone
Authors: Bakhshi‐Jafarabadi Reza , Sadeh Javad
Published: April 2020

This study proposes a fast and precise voltage feedback‐based islanding detection method (IDM) for grid‐connected photovoltaic systems (GCPVSs) based microgrid. In this algorithm, a disturbance containing the absolute deviation of the output voltage is injected into the inverter's d‐axis reference current which tunes the active power output. In islanded mode, the applied disturbance reduces the active power output and consequently point of common coupling voltage beyond the standard setting while its effect at the presence of the grid is negligible. The assessment of the proposed IDM has been conducted in the MATLAB/Simulink platform under extensive scenarios defined by IEEE 1547‐2008 and UL 1741 standards for a case study system with two large‐scale GCPVSs. The provided outputs remark accurate islanding classification in all cases within 810ms, much lower than the maximum permissible time postulated in islanding standards. This time is short enough to restore GCPVS for autonomous operation of microgrid as well. The comparative analysis of the proposed strategy with a few existing IDMs confirmed its overall superiorities in the terms of non‐detection zone, detection time, being applicable into the microgrid, simple threshold determination, and straightforward and cost‐effective implementation.
Modelling investigation of water droplet evaporative freezing in artificial snowmaking
Authors: El Achkar Georges , Chen Aiqiang , Bennacer Rachid , Liu Bin
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a modelling investigation of water droplet evaporative freezing was conducted in order to better understand the snowmaking process and hence to optimise the design of the artificial snowmaking device. To this end, mass and heat transfer theoretical models of a single water droplet cooling in an air space were established and implemented in a numerical model developed using the software COMSOL Multiphysics. The effects of the air temperature, relative humidity and velocity and the water droplet initial diameter and temperature on this process were identified and analysed, and their appropriate ranges for the snowmaking were determined.
Predicting the length of a post-accident absence in construction with boosted decision trees
Authors: Krawczyńska-Piechna Anna
Published: April 2020

Work safety control and analysis of accidents during construction performance are one of the most important issues of construction management. The paper focuses on post-accident absence as an element of occupational safety management. Somehow, the length of the post-accident absence can be treated as an indicator of building performance safety. The paper attempts to answer the question of whether it is possible to use boosted classifier ensembles to predict the post-accident absence length using a small set of historical observations, and which classification algorithm is the most promising to solve the prediction problem. It also proves that there is a dependence between the length of the post-accident absence and the cause of the accident or working conditions The choice of boosted algorithms is not accidental. Thanks to the use of aggregation methods it is possible to build classifiers that predict precisely and do not require any initial data treatment, which simplifies the prediction process significantly. The model of the prediction problem has been clarified. To identify the most promising classifier ensemble the prediction accuracy measures of selected classification algorithms were analyzed. The data used to build models was gathered on national (Polish) construction sites.
New Strategy for Enhancing Engineering Practical Teaching through the Development of Infrastructure Learning Hub (ILH)
Authors: Ahmad Hesham S , Abu-Elhaija Wejdan , Qandoos Yousef
Published: April 2020

Site visits to construction projects are considered essential to help engineering students understand many of the topics included in the study courses. Site visits are also important in helping engineering students gain more knowledge about common procedures and materials used during the life-cycle of construction projects, and thus better prepare the undergraduate students for the real work after graduation. However, site visits for undergraduate student groups may include safety risks, in addition to the fact that trainees need to spend a considerably extended period of time for learning during the long life-cycle of construction projects. The aim of this study is to propose a project of a learning centre for engineering students that provides a safe and easy-to-reach site while allowing faster learning of engineering practices. The proposed project is its planning phase and is named Infrastructure Learning Hub (ILH). A questionnaire survey was conducted with 108 under-graduate students from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan (ZUJ). The questionnaire aims at revealing the evaluation of the engineering students about the training and site visits system currently applied in the University. Also, the questionnaire seeks the engineering students’ opinions about the importance of the proposed ILH and their preferable type for the project. The results of the questionnaires showed high importance for the implementation of the ILH project, and to have better coordination and scheduling for site visits with construction projects and organizations. This study intends to pinpoint the courses which require more practical emphasis in order to improve learning outcomes. The results can be very important for other engineering faculties to enhance the learning process and gain competitive advantages.
Container depot location problem in the frame of the Polish part of the New Silk Road
Authors: Kuźmicz Katarzyna Anna , Pesch Erwin
Published: April 2020

The Chinese project One Belt One Road, in Europe often referred to as the New Silk Road, triggers infrastructural investments enabling seamless transportation of goods on the Eurasian route. Since most of these goods are transported in containers, the optimal location of inland container depots, where containers wait for future repositioning after they had been emptied at the importers, is an interesting problem. In this paper conditions determining the optimal location of inland container depots in the Polish part of the NSR are analysed. They include proximity of container transhipment terminals located on the Polish stretch of the NSR, structure of highway network enabling distribution of containers by trucks to other destinations, as well as green aspects mainly referring to avoidance of city congestion caused by trucks transporting containers.
Clinical outcomes of endoscopic resection for superficial non-ampullary duodenal tumors
Authors: Kuroki Kazutaka , Sanomura Yoji , Oka Shiro , Yorita Naoki , Kurihara Mio , Mizumoto Takeshi , Yoshifuku Yoshikazu , Arihiro Koji , Tanaka Shinji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: April 2020

Background and study aims Because superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) are relatively rare, studies evaluating the outcomes of endoscopic resection (ER) for SNADETs are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical validity of ER for SNADETs.

Patients and methods The study participants included 163 consecutive patients (108 men; mean age, 61.5 ± 11.3 years) with 171 SNADETs, excluding patients with familial adenomatous polyposis resected by ER, at Hiroshima University Hospital between May 2005 and September 2016. Clinicopathological features and the outcomes of ER for 171 cases were retrospectively analyzed. Additionally, the prognosis of 135 patients with more than 12 months’ follow-up was analyzed.

Results Mean diameter of SNADETs was 10.7 ± 7.2 mm. Most of the SNADET cases were classified as category 3 (71 %, 121/171), but some were category 5 (2 %, 3/171). En bloc resection rates were 93 % (146/157), 100 % (7/7), and 86 % (6/7) in endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), polypectomy, and in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) cases, respectively. Complete resection rates were 90 % (141/157), 100 % (7/7), and 71 % (5/7) in EMR, polypectomy, and ESD cases, respectively. Emergency surgery was performed in two patients with intraoperative perforation and in two with delayed perforation without artificial ulcer bed closure after ER. Since endoscopic closure of ulcer by clipping was performed, delayed perforation has not occurred. Local recurrence occurred in 1.2 %, but no metastasis to lymph nodes or other organs occurred after ER. No patient died of primary SNADETs.

Conclusion Our data supported the clinical validity of ER for SNADETs. However, delayed perforation should be given much attention.
Telepresence-teleguidance to facilitate training and quality assurance in ERCP: a health economic modeling approach
Authors: Brinne Roos Johanna , Bergenzaun Per , Groth Kristina , Lundell Lars , Arnelo Urban
Published: April 2020

Background and study aims The aims of this study was to document the clinical and training relevance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) teleguidance (as a clinical model for applied telemedicine) with health economic modeling methodologies.

Methods Probabilities and consequences of complications after ERCP performed by either a novice-trainee or supported through teleguidance (TM) by an expert formed the basis of the health economic model.

Results The main clinical and economic outcomes originated from the base case scenario representing a low-volume center. In the cohort the patient age was 62 years, 58 % were females, the expert was doing ≥ 250 ERCPs per year and 50 for the novice-trainee. The expert knowledge transferred was set to 50 % and the average complexity grade to 1.98. Given a willingness to pay threshold of 56,180 USD/ quality-adjusted life years (QALY), the probability of cost-effectiveness of TM assistance was 98.9 %. The probability of a QALY gain for patients having an ERCP, to which was added TM, was 91.6 %. Adding TM saved on an average 111.2 USD (95 % CI 959 to 1021 SEK) per patient, and remained cost-effective basically insensitive to the level of willingness to pay.

Conclusion Teleguidance during an ERCP procedure has the potential to be the prefered option in many low- to medium-volume hospitals. The main mechanisms behind these effects are positive impact on several adverse patient outcomes, QALY increase, and decreased costs. TM should be considered for integration into future teaching curriculums in advanced upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Management Unterbauchraumforderungen in der Schwangerschaft – Fallbeschreibung eines extraovariell-intraabdominalen Dysgerminoms mit Überblick über die Literatur
Authors: Litzka Christian , Leebmann Hubert , Wiesinger Hellmuth , Kirchner Thomas , Seelbach-Göbel Birgit , Häusler Sebastian Franz Martin
Published: April 2020

Einleitung Dysgerminome sind seltene maligne Keimzelltumoren des Ovars und in der Schwangerschaft eine Rarität. Neben ovariellen sind außerhalb der Schwangerschaft auch primär extraovarielle Dysgerminome des Mediastinums und Retroperitoneums beschrieben. Nach adäquater chirurgischer und systemischer Therapie besteht eine gute Prognose.

Methodik Bericht eines primär extraovariell-intraabdominalen Dysgerminoms in der Schwangerschaft, systematische Literaturrecherche.

Fallbericht Bei einer 35-jährigen II Gravida wird in der 20. Schwangerschaftswoche ein suspekter intraabdominaler Tumor festgestellt. Bei der folgenden Explorativlaparotomie wird bei unauffälligen Ovarien ein Tumorkonglomerat mit Darminfiltration reseziert und ein Dysgerminom diagnostiziert. In der 34. SSW wird eine primäre Sectio Caesarea durchgeführt, erneuter Tumorbefall komplett reseziert und folgend systemisch Bleomycin, Etoposid und Cisplatin appliziert. Nach 12 Monaten erfolgt bei zystischen Adnexen eine erneute Exploration mit Hysterektomie und Adnexektomie beidseits ohne Nachweis von Malignität. Nach nun 16 Monaten besteht weiter eine Komplettremission.

Zusammenfassung Präsentiert wird die Erstbeschreibung eines primär extraovariell-intraabdominalen Dysgerminoms in der Schwangerschaft. Durch die Entscheidung, die zytoreduktive Operation während und die Systemtherapie erst nach Prolongation der Schwangerschaft durchzuführen, konnte größtmöglicher Benefit für das Kind mit der günstigen Prognose der Mutter vereint werden. Angesichts limitierter Datenlage müssen bei Dysgerminomen in der Schwangerschaft individuelle, interdisziplinäre Konzepte erstellt werden.
Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Rehabilitation, and Plasticity
Following Traumatic Injury
Authors: Greising Sarah M. , Corona Benjamin T. , Call Jarrod A.
Published: April 2020

The musculoskeletal system has an integral role throughout life, including
structural support to the body, protection, and allowing a range of fine to
complex movements for daily living to elite sporting events. At various times,
injuries to the musculoskeletal system occur resulting in varying levels of
impact to the person both acutely and chronically. Specifically, there is a
spectrum of complexity in orthopedic injuries, with some such as common muscle
strains, that while burdensome will have no impact on life-long functional
ability, and others that can result in long lasting disability. Focusing on
extremity injuries, this review highlights: i)the current impact of orthopedic
injuries in sport and daily life; ii) the foundation of bone
and skeletal muscle repair and regeneration; and iii) the disruptions in
regenerative healing due to traumatic orthopedic injuries. This review seeks to
maximize the broad and collective research impact on sport and traumatic
orthopedic injuries in search of promoting ongoing innovation for treatment and
rehabilitation approaches aimed to improve musculoskeletal health throughout
life.
Radioulnar Ischaemic Necrosis in a Dog with Concurrent Osteomyelitis and Bone Sequestration
Authors: Aller Theresa L. , Phillips Kathryn L. , Kapatkin Amy S. , Watson Katherine D.
Published: April 2020

An 11-month-old intact female Golden Retriever presented for a 3- to 4-week history of right thoracic limb lameness. Computed tomography of the limb showed a sequestrum with a periosteal and endosteal reaction at the level of the nutrient foramen of the radius. Septic osteomyelitis was suspected based on cytology. Repeat examination and imaging revealed improvement in the lesion and resolution of the lameness. This lesion is similar to reports of radioulnar ischaemic necrosis, but is the first report with concurrent osteomyelitis and sequestration.
Entropy modes in multi-component plasmas confined by a dipole field
Authors: Qian Liang , Wang Zhibin , Li Jinrong , Wang Xiaogang
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the collisionless electrostatic instability of the entropy mode is investigated linearly in multi-component plasmas confined by a dipole magnetic field, which commonly exists in space environments, as well as laboratory plasmas, such as Collisionless Terrella eXperiment, Levitated Dipole eXperiment, and Dipole Research EXperiment. We focus on characteristics of the entropy mode driven by the plasma density or/and the temperature gradient at low plasma beta (=8πP0/B02). The theoretical analysis of this work agrees with the calculated results qualitatively. It is indicated that the peak growth rate of the instability is in the regime of k⊥ρi ∼ 1, and the entropy mode tends to be more stable as the percentage of the heavy ion increases. For multi-component plasmas, each component has the entropy mode feature of its own, instead of simply averaging all the components. While for the electron with an isotropic temperature, the use of weighted harmonic average can be a good approximation for simplification.
Modeling DC electrical breakdown using a truncated emission spectrum for trapped radiation
Authors: Roberds N. A. , Hopkins M. M. , Yee B. T. , Fierro A. , Moore C. H.
Published: April 2020

Spontaneously emitted radiation from excited atoms can be of principle importance in certain modes of electrical breakdown, especially positive streamers and some regimes of Townsend breakdown. The electrostatic particle-in-cell code Aleph utilizes the direct simulation Monte Carlo method to compute radiation transport. When there is strong radiation trapping, this approach is limited in that it must resolve the timescale associated with self-absorption. This renders many cases computationally intractable as sub-femtosecond time steps can be required to compute solutions for phenomena that occur over nanoseconds or microseconds. For two specific cases which exhibit strong radiation trapping, we find that spontaneous emissions having a frequency near the line center are inactive in the breakdown process and can be neglected. This enables larger time steps and a computational speedup of up to two orders of magnitude is observed. Some considerations for determining the validity of making such an approximation for Townsend breakdown problems and positive ionization wave problems are presented.
Atomic simulation of interaction mechanism between dislocation and amorphous phase in dual-phase crystalline/amorphous Mg/MgAl alloys
Authors: Dai J. L. , Song H. Y. , An M. R. , Wang J. Y. , Deng Q. , Li Y. L.
Published: April 2020

The introduction of the amorphous phase and crystalline–amorphous interface (CAI) is an efficient approach for enhancing the mechanical performance of the Mg-based composites. Here, the interaction behavior between dislocations and amorphous phase in the dual-phase crystalline/amorphous Mg/MgAl alloys is investigated under tensile loading by molecular dynamics simulation. The results indicate that when the amorphous phase orientation (i.e., the angle between the tensile direction and the normal direction of CAI) is 0°, the amorphous phase with a larger thickness (≥ the critical value of 2.0 nm) can effectively prevent dislocation slips, and the plastic deformation of the alloys is dominated by the nucleation and growth of a new grain in the crystalline phase. The research also shows that, with the increase in the amorphous phase orientation from 0° to 90°, the deformation mechanism changes from dislocation activities to CAI slips and then again to the nucleation and movement of dislocations. The change in the deformation mode is attributed to the variation of the quasi-Schmid factor of the amorphous layer in different orientations of the amorphous phase. Moreover, some qualitative and quantitative analyses about the plastic deformation behavior of the dual-phase nanostructure Mg alloy are also presented.
Quantum cascade laser based, fiber coupled demultiplexed mid-infrared local oscillator for cryogenic applications
Authors: Ren Yuan , Zhang DaiXi , Wang Zheng , Zhou KangMin , Zhong JiaQiang , Liu Dong , Miao Wei , Zhang Wen , Shi ShengCai
Published: April 2020

We have developed a fiber coupled demultiplexed local oscillator (LO) source for cryogenic applications based on a distributed feedback quantum cascade laser (QCL) at an operating wavelength of 10.6 μm. The coupling scheme relies on the combination of a phase grating generating multiple LO beams and a polycrystalline fiber delivering the demultiplexed LO signal to a superconducting mixer at 4 K in a closed-cycle cryostat. This scheme eases the use of a beam splitter in front of the mixer. Reflection phase grating generating 2 × 2 beams has been achieved with a total power efficiency of 64% based on a gold covered etched silicon nanostructure. The diffraction beam has been readily coupled into a 2 m long polycrystalline fiber, where a single-lobe circular beam has been delivered at the fiber output. By aligning the fiber core position to the center of a superconducting hot electron bolometer mixer at the rear side, we demonstrate the application of a fiber coupled demultiplexed QCL source for pumping the superconducting mixer with adequate LO power.
Genomics and drug discovery
Authors: L Hazell Stuart
Published: April 2020

Genomics represents a new tool in drug discovery. Microbial genomics have been at the forefront of a new era of whole cell molecular biology because genomic data provides a quantum leap in available genetic data. But while the tool is valuable and important, it is not the complete answer.
Blastocystis or Dientamoeba? Morphological similarities when fixed and stained
Authors: Cott Russell
Published: April 2020

Many laboratories will use a wet preparation of faeces to check for enteric protozoa. The appearance of Blastocystis hominis in these films is straightforward.Dientamoeba can be present as well but itrequires an enormous amount of skill to identify if you have not prepared a fixed and stained smear. The appearance of these two organisms in the iron haematoxylin stain can be very similar.
From the new editor
Authors: Bishop Penny
Published: April 2020

There have been a number of changes in the team producing Microbiology Australia this year. Corinne Rann, who has edited the journal for the last 3 years, has resigned due to pressure of other commitments. Corinne has done an excellent job and the editorial board and ASM members thank her for her dedication and the excellent journal she has produced. I have now taken over from Corinne and look forward to continuing the tradition of previous editors in providing a top quality journal for ASM members.
The ?good? bacteria ? healthy gut foods
Authors: Playne Martin
Published: April 2020

The idea of ingesting beneficial bacteria in order to maintain a healthy microbial balance in the gut was first proposed by Elie Metchnikoff in 1907, although fermented milk products have been consumed by humans for perhaps thousands of years. The term ?probiotics? was coined relatively recently (1957) to describe these health promoting microorganisms. These bacteria, which at present consist predominantly of members of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, are now often added to yoghurts in addition to the traditional yoghurt bacteria. Additionally, there are fermented milk products and dried live culture powders and capsules containing exclusively probiotics.
Development of the LAFTI range of probiotic cultures
Authors: L Harvey M , Henriksson A , W Dunn N
Published: April 2020

Probiotics are mono or mixed cultures of live microorganisms which, when applied to man or animal, beneficially affect the host by improving the properties of the indigenous microflora. Some of the beneficial effects that a probiotic culture can have on its host include improved digestion and absorption of various nutrients (e.g. lactose, starch), production of vitamins and growth factors, protection against pathogens, stimulation of the immune response, reduction of cholesterol levels and reduction of diarrhoea.
Collaboration and commitment
Authors: Della-Porta Tony
Published: April 2020

October 2001 was a demonstration of the ability of the Australian emergency services and microbiologists to collaborate effectively in handling the over 3,000 ?white powder? incidents that occurred around Australia during the first three weeks.
Bioterrorism preparedness and the Public Health Laboratory Network (PHLN)
Authors: W Smith David
Published: April 2020

The anthrax events that occurred in the USA in 2001 demonstrated that bioterrorism remains a real possibility in the modern world. Although Australia was spared the genuine anthrax events, we did experience many hoax events and massive disruption. Biological agents can cause terror not only by the real risk when one is released, but also by the social and economic disruption resulting from credible threats. Laboratory capacity is fundamental to the bioterrorist response and members of the Public Health Laboratory Network (PHLN) had a major role in the Australian white powder incidents.
Bioterrorism surveillance during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games
Authors: Hills Michael
Published: April 2020

Surveillance will not discover a bioterrorist attack and, on its own, would be futile in attempting to manage a suspected attack. Lessons from the West Nile Virus encephalitis outbreak in New York in 1999 and the release of Bacillus anthracis through the US postal system in 2001 demonstrate the primacy of clinical diagnosis in recognition.