bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential replay of nonspatial task states in the human hippocampus
Authors: Schuck Nicolas W. , Niv Yael
Published: June 2019

Replay of activity in the human brain

Electrophysiological recordings in rats and mice have shown that specific hippocampal neuronal activity patterns are sequentially reactivated during rest periods or sleep. Does the human hippocampus also replay activity sequences, even in a nonspatial task, such as, for example, decision-making? Schuck and Niv studied functional magnetic resonance imaging signals in subjects after they had learned a decision-making task. While people rested, the replay of activity patterns in the hippocampus reflected the order of previous task-state sequences. Thus, sequential hippocampal reactivation might participate in decision-making in humans.

Science
, this issue p.
eaaw5181
Color and orientation are jointly coded and spatially organized in primate primary visual cortex
Authors: Garg Anupam K. , Li Peichao , Rashid Mohammad S. , Callaway Edward M.
Published: June 2019

Rethinking primary visual cortex function

Understanding how color is coded in the brain is central to vision research. The presently dominant model suggests that color and orientation are separately extracted in the primate primary visual cortex. These characteristics are thought to be represented by neurons located in different cortical columns that project separately to higher visual areas for further processing. Working with macaques, Garg
et al.
recorded from thousands of neurons using two-photon calcium imaging with single-neuron resolution. Nearly half of sampled hue-selective neurons responded more strongly to equiluminant colored stimuli than to full-contrast achromatic stimuli. A majority of strongly color-preferring neurons were also orientation selective. Processing of orientation and color is thus combined at the earliest stages of visual processing, which challenges existing models.

Science
, this issue p.
1275
Generation of extreme-ultraviolet beams with time-varying orbital angular momentum
Authors: Rego Laura , Dorney Kevin M. , Brooks Nathan J. , Nguyen Quynh L. , Liao Chen-Ting , San Román Julio , Couch David E. , Liu Allison , Pisanty Emilio , Lewenstein Maciej , Plaja Luis , Kapteyn Henry C. , Murnane Margaret M. , Hernández-García Carlos
Published: June 2019

Pulses with a twist and torque

Structured light beams can serve as vortex beams carrying optical angular momentum and have been used to enhance optical communications and imaging. Rego
et al.
generated dynamic vortex pulses by interfering two incident time-delayed vortex beams with different orbital angular momenta through the process of high harmonic generation. A controlled time delay between the pulses allowed the high harmonic extreme-ultraviolet vortex beam to exhibit a time-dependent angular momentum, called self-torque. Such dynamic vortex pulses could potentially be used to manipulate nanostructures and atoms on ultrafast time scales.

Science
, this issue p.
eaaw9486
Substrate processing by the Cdc48 ATPase complex is initiated by ubiquitin unfolding
Authors: Twomey Edward C. , Ji Zhejian , Wales Thomas E. , Bodnar Nicholas O. , Ficarro Scott B. , Marto Jarrod A. , Engen John R. , Rapoport Tom A.
Published: June 2019

Protein unfolding, one substrate at a time

Ubiquitin marks proteins for degradation by the proteasome. However, many substrates cannot be directly degraded because they are well folded or are located in cell membranes or in multimeric complexes. These proteins are first unfolded by the Cdc48 adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), which forms a hexameric assembly that pulls polypeptides through its central pore. Twomey
et al.
determined structures of Cdc48 at an initiation stage of substrate processing. Surprisingly, a ubiquitin molecule in the substrate-linked polyubiquitin chain could be unfolded simply by binding to the Cdc48 complex. A segment of the unfolded ubiquitin inserts into the ATPase ring and initiates substrate unfolding. This explains why Cdc48 can deal with a broad range of substrates—even ones that are folded. Cooney
et al.
report the cryo–electron microscopy structure of Cdc48 in complex with an authentic substrate. In contrast to previously reported Cdc48 structures, an asymmetric spiraling assembly wraps around the extended substrate polypeptide. Thus, Cdc48 uses a hand-over-hand mechanism of translocation, which supports a common mechanism for protein substrate unfolding for AAA+ ATPases.

Science
, this issue p.
eaax1033
, p.
502
Obesity remodels activity and transcriptional state of a lateral hypothalamic brake on feeding
Authors: Rossi Mark A. , Basiri Marcus L. , McHenry Jenna A. , Kosyk Oksana , Otis James M. , van den Munkhof Hanna E. , Bryois Julien , Hübel Christopher , Breen Gerome , Guo Wilson , Bulik Cynthia M. , Sullivan Patrick F. , Stuber Garret D.
Published: June 2019

Brain changes after overeating

A brain region called the lateral hypothalamic area is an integral node in the neurocircuitry controlling feeding behavior. In a mouse model of obesity, Rossi
et al.
found that a distinct class of neurons within this region acts as a brake on feeding, suppressing food intake (see the Perspective by Borgland). These neurons were potently and uniquely modified by diet-induced obesity. Thus, discrete populations of lateral hypothalamic area neurons are fundamental regulators of feeding behavior that might be targeted to treat eating disorders.

Science
, this issue p.
1271
; see also p.
1233
Thiostrepton Hijacks Pyoverdine Receptors To Inhibit Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ranieri Michael R. M. , Chan Derek C. K. , Yaeger Luke N. , Rudolph Madeleine , Karabelas-Pittman Sawyer , Abdo Hamdi , Chee Jessica , Harvey Hanjeong , Nguyen Uyen , Burrows Lori L.
Published: June 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a biofilm-forming opportunistic pathogen and is intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics. In a high-throughput screen for molecules that modulate biofilm formation, we discovered that the thiopeptide antibiotic thiostrepton (TS), which is considered to be inactive against Gram-negative bacteria, stimulated
P. aeruginosa
biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner.
In Vivo
Pharmacodynamic Study of Cefiderocol, a Novel Parenteral Siderophore Cephalosporin, in Murine Thigh and Lung Infection Models
Authors: Nakamura Rio , Ito-Horiyama Tsukasa , Takemura Miki , Toba Shinsuke , Matsumoto Shuhei , Ikehara Tatsuya , Tsuji Masakatsu , Sato Takafumi , Yamano Yoshinori
Published: June 2019

The pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters which correlated with the
in vivo
efficacy of cefiderocol were evaluated using neutropenic murine thigh and lung infection models in which the infections were caused by a variety of Gram-negative bacilli.
Calcium-Mediated Biophysical Binding of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts to Surfaces Is Sensitive to Oocyst Age
Authors: Sarkhosh Tooba , Zhang X. Frank , Jellison Kristen L. , Jedlicka Sabrina S.
Published: June 2019

The mechanisms by which pathogens bind to surfaces are of interest to a wide variety of scientific communities, as these mechanisms drive infectivity, fate, and transport of the pathogenic organisms. This study begins to reveal the mechanism of direct binding of
Cryptosporidium parvum
to surfaces containing both carboxylic acid and amine moieties, in an attempt to understand how much of the binding ability is due to long-range electrostatic forces versus other mechanisms (specific or nonspecific) of bonding. In addition to improving the scientific understanding of fate and transport of oocysts, an expanded understanding of the binding mechanisms may aid in the development of new tools and sensors designed to detect and track oocysts in waterways. Furthermore, the methods used to examine binding in this study could be translated to other waterborne pathogens of interest.
Pentagalloylglucose Inhibits the Replication of Rabies Virus via Mediation of the miR-455/SOCS3/STAT3/IL-6 Pathway
Authors: Tu Zhongzhong , Xu Mengxian , Zhang Jian , Feng Ye , Hao Zhuo , Tu Changchun , Liu Yan
Published: June 2019

Rabies virus causes lethal encephalitis in mammals and poses a serious public health threat in many parts of the world. Numerous strategies have been explored to combat rabies; however, their efficacy has always been unsatisfactory. We previously reported a new drug, PGG, which possesses a potent inhibitory activity on RABV replication. Herein, we describe the underlying mechanisms by which PGG exerts its anti-RABV activity. Our results show that RABV induces overactivation of STAT3 in BHK-21 cells, which facilitates viral replication. Importantly, PGG effectively inhibits the activity of STAT3 by disrupting the expression of miR-455-5p and increases the level of SOCS3 by directly targeting the 3′ UTR of SOCS3. Furthermore, the downregulated STAT3 inhibits the production of IL-6, thereby contributing to a reduction in the inflammatory response
in vivo
. Our study indicates that PGG effectively inhibits the replication of RABV by the miR-455-5p/SOCS3/STAT3/IL-6-dependent pathway.
Protracted magmatism and magnetization around the McClure Mountain alkaline igneous complex
Authors: Pivarunas Anthony F. , Meert Joseph G.
Published: June 2019

The McClure Mountain–Iron Mountain igneous complex is an alkalic intrusive center in the northern Wet Mountains of southern Colorado. It was emplaced in early Cambrian time into gneissic/granitic 1.75–1.45 Ga Proterozoic host rocks. Numerous dikes are associated with the complex, primarily along the western side. Although the main intrusive nepheline-syenite body is well dated, the ages of the surrounding dikes are poorly known. Crosscutting relationships and poorly defined K-Ar dates suggest that the dikes are younger than the main intrusion. Paleomagnetic samples were collected from dikes associated with the McClure Mountain igneous complex. Geochronologic samples were also collected from two dikes sampled for their paleomagnetism. We obtained U-Pb zircon ages of 526 ± 8 Ma for a lamprophyric extracomplex dike and 483 ± 2 Ma for a trachytic extracomplex dike. These ages suggest either multistage or protracted dike intrusion around the ca. 524 Ma McClure Mountain complex. Our paleomagnetic data are consistent with previously published results. Dikes of the complex primarily exhibit southeast and shallow paleomagnetic directions, with variable declinations. Results from several baked contact tests indicate that the magnetizations are secondary. A steeply inclined magnetization is pervasive and was acquired over a protracted interval from late Laramide time to the present day.
Randomised trial of estimating oral endotracheal tube insertion depth in newborns using suprasternal palpation of the tip or weight
Authors: Murphy Madeleine C , Donoghue Veronica B , O’Donnell Colm Patrick Finbarr
Published: June 2019

Background

Endotracheal tube (ETT) tip position is determined on chest X-ray (CXR) and should lie between the upper border of the first thoracic vertebra (T1) and the lower border of second thoracic vertebra (T2). Infant weight is commonly used to estimate how far the ETT should be inserted but frequently results in malpositioned ETT tips. Palpation of the ETT tip at the suprasternal notch has been recommended as an alternative.

Objective

To determine whether estimating ETT insertion depth using suprasternal palpation of the ETT tip rather than weight results in more correctly positioned ETT tips.

Design

Single-centre randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a university maternity hospital.

Patients

Newborn infants without congenital anomalies intubated in the NICU.

Interventions

Participants were randomised to have ETT insertion depth estimated using palpation of the ETT tip at the suprasternal notch or weight [insertion depth (cm)=6 + wt (kg)].

Main outcome measure

Correct ETT position, that is, between the upper border of T1 and lower border of T2 on CXR, determined by one consultant paediatric radiologist masked to group assignment.

Results

There was no difference in the proportion of correctly placed ETT tips between the groups (suprasternal palpation 27/58 (47%) vs weight 23/60 (38%), p=0.456). Most incorrectly positioned ETTs were too low (56/68 (82%)).

Conclusion

Estimating ETT insertion depth using suprasternal palpation did not result in more correctly positioned ETTs.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13570106.
Longitudinal ellipsoid zone and subretinal fluid mapping following ocriplasmin injection in the prospective observational ORBIT trial
Authors: Lavine Jeremy A , Srivastava Sunil K , Dukles Neeley , Reese Jamie L , Ehlers Justis P
Published: June 2019

Background

Ocriplasmin is approved for the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular traction (VMT). However, several retrospective reports have identified ellipsoid zone (EZ) alterations on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) after ocriplasmin injection. This report quantitatively analysed outer retinal changes after intravitreal ocriplasmin.

Methods

Ocriplasmin Research to Better Inform Treatment is a prospective, observational phase IV clinical study where subjects received a single intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin for symptomatic VMT. Macular cube scans were imported into a semiautomated EZ mapping and fluid feature extraction software for SDOCT analysis. Change in visual acuity, VMT release, macular hole (MH) closure, EZ integrity/volume and subretinal fluid (SRF) volume on SDOCT macular cube scans were recorded and analysed.

Results

This analysis included 55 participants with 6 months of follow-up. Intravitreal ocriplasmin injection caused VMT release in 67% and MH closure in 82% of participants. Visual acuity improved by 4.5 letters (p<0.05) in the whole cohort and by 6.0 letters (p<0.05) in participants with VMT release. EZ volume was reduced by 23.4% at week 1 (p<0.001) and recovered to baseline by between months 3 and 6. EZ volume loss at week 1 did not correlate with ETDRS acuity at final visit.

Conclusion

Ocriplasmin treatment resulted in VMT release, MH closure and visual acuity gains in a significant portion of eyes. EZ volume was significantly reduced at week 1, but recovered to baseline levels by final follow-up and was not associated with final visual acuity.
Analysis of non-respondent pregnant women who were registered in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Kigawa Mika , Tsuchida Akiko , Miura Kayoko , Ito Mika , Tanaka Tomomi , Hamazaki Kei , Adachi Yuichi , Saito Shigeru , Origasa Hideki , Inadera Hidekuni
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Non-response to questionnaires in a longitudinal study reduces the effective sample size and introduces bias. We identified the characteristics of non-respondent pregnant women, and compared them with respondents in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) during the gestational period.

Design

This was a questionnaire-based, longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Questionnaires were provided by research coordinators to mothers at prenatal examinations (at obstetrics clinics) or by mail. Mothers were measured twice: during the first trimester and during the second/third trimester.

Participants

Data were collected from the 10 129 participating mothers of the 10 288 children surveyed in the 2011 baseline JECS. We excluded responses from mothers who had a miscarriage or stillbirth; therefore, we analysed data from 9649 participants.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Data concerning demographics, medical history, health characteristics, health-related behaviour and environmental exposure were collected via self-administered questionnaires. The response status of participants’ partners and contact with their obstetrician were also examined. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors related to non-response.

Results

Response was associated with living with one’s mother-in-law (ORs: 0.47, 95% CIs: 0.24 to 0.85), positive participation of participants’ partner (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.35) and multiple visits to the obstetrician (OR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.03). Participants who had a medical history of allergic rhinitis, had body pain or drank alcohol had higher odds of responding (ORs: 0.68, 0.96 and 0.36, 95% CIs: 0.48 to 0.95 and 0.95 to 0.98 and 0.16 to 0.72, respectively); those exposed to secondary smoke had lower odds of responding (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.23).

Conclusions

The non-response rate decreased when participants reported health-related behaviour or characteristics. Obtaining the understanding of people around each participant might help increase response rates.
Developing the Network Pain Rehabilitation Limburg: a feasibility study protocol
Authors: Lamper Cynthia , Kroese Mariëlle , Köke Albère , Ruwaard Dirk , Verbunt Jeanine , Huijnen Ivan
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Patients having chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) face challenges as mismatches often exist between the complexity of patient’s pain problem and the rehabilitation treatment offered. This can result in less efficient care for the patient and increased medical shopping. The Network Pain Rehabilitation Limburg (NPRL), a transmural integrated healthcare network, will be designed to improve daily care for patients with CMP. NPRL focusses on improving patient’s level of functioning despite pain by stimulating a biopsychosocial approach given by all involved healthcare professionals. A feasibility study will be performed which will give insight into the barriers and facilitators, perceived value, acceptability and implementation strategies for NPRL.

Methods and analysis

This study has a three-phase iterative and incremental design, based on key principles of a user-centred design. Mixed methods will be used in which healthcare professionals and patients involved in NPRL will participate. In phase 1, NPRL will be developed and healthcare professionals educated. Phase 2 focusses on the implementation and phase 3 on the transferability of NPRL. In addition, preliminary data on patient’s work status, general health and participation level will be collected. The qualitative results of each phase will be analysed following the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and will be used to refine NPRL in daily practise.

Ethics and dissemination

Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The results of this feasibility study will form the basis for refinement of NPRL and planning of a large-scale process and effect evaluation of the Quadruple Aim outcomes. Dissemination will include publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Ethical approval for this study was granted by the Medical Ethics Committee Z, the Netherlands, METC 17 N-133.
The use of brain functional magnetic resonance imaging to determine the mechanism of action of gabapentin in managing chronic pelvic pain in women: a pilot study
Authors: Seretny Marta , Murray Sarah Rose , Whitaker Lucy , Murnane Jonathan , Whalley Heather , Pernet Cyril , Horne Andrew W
Published: June 2019

Objective

To inform feasibility and design of a future randomised controlled trial (RCT) using brain functional MRI (fMRI) to determine the mechanism of action of gabapentin in managing chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women.

Design

Mechanistic study embedded in pilot RCT.

Setting

University Hospital.

Participants

Twelve women (18–50 years) with CPP and no pelvic pathology (follow-up completed March 2014).

Intervention

Oral gabapentin (300–2700 mg) or matched placebo.

Outcome measures

After 12 weeks of treatment, participants underwent fMRI of the brain (Verio Siemens 3T MRI) during which noxious heat and punctate stimuli were delivered to the pelvis and arm. Outcome measures included pain (visual analogue scale), blood oxygen level dependent signal change and a semi-structured acceptability questionnaire at study completion prior to unblinding.

Results

Full datasets were obtained for 11 participants. Following noxious heat to the abdomen, the gabapentin group (GG) had lower pain scores (Mean: 3.8 [SD 2.2]) than the placebo group (PG) (Mean: 5.8 [SD 0.9]). This was also the case for noxious heat to the arm with the GG having lower pain scores (Mean: 2.6 [SD 2.5]) than the PG (Mean: 6.2 [SD 1.1]). Seven out of 12 participants completed the acceptability questionnaire. 71% (five out of seven) described their participation in the fMRI study as positive; the remaining two rated it as a negative experience.

Conclusions

Incorporating brain fMRI in a future RCT to determine the mechanism of action of gabapentin in managing CPP in women was feasible and acceptable to most women.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN70960777.
Diarrhoea: interventions, consequences and epidemiology in the intensive care unit (DICE-ICU): a protocol for a prospective multicentre cohort study
Authors: Dionne Joanna C , Sullivan Kristen , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Takaoka Alyson , Duan Erick Huaileigh , Alhazzani Waleed , Devlin John W , Duprey Matthew , Moayyedi Paul , Armstrong David , Thabane Lehana , Tsang Jennifer L Y , Jaeschke Roman , Hamielec Cindy , Karachi Tim , Cartin-Ceba Rodrigo , Muscedere John , Alshahrani Mohammed Saeed Saad , Cook Deborah J
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Diarrhoea is a frequent concern in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, increased length of ICU stay, skin breakdown and renal dysfunction. However, its prevalence, aetiology and prognosis in the critically ill have been poorly studied. The primary objectives of this study are to determine the incidence, risk factors and consequences of diarrhoea in critically ill adults. The secondary objectives are to estimate the incidence ofClostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) in ICU patients and to validate the Bristol Stool Chart and Bliss Stool Classification System characterising bowel movements in the ICU. Our primary outcome is the incidence of diarrhoea . Our secondary outcomes include: CDAD, ICU and hospital mortality and ICU and hospital length of stay.

Methods and analysis

This international prospective cohort study will enrol patients over 10 weeks in 12 ICUs in Canada, the USA, Poland and Saudi Arabia. We will include all patients 18 years of age and older who are admitted to the ICU for at least 24 hours and follow them daily until ICU discharge. Our primary outcome is the incidence of diarrhoea based on the WHO definition, during the ICU stay. Our secondary outcomes include: CDAD, ICU and hospital mortality and ICU and hospital length of stay. We will use logistic regression to identify factors associated with diarrhoea (as defined using WHO criteria) and the kappa statistic to measure agreement on diarrhoea rates between the WHO definition and the Bristol Stool Chart and Bliss Stool Classification System.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol has been approved by the research ethics board of all participating centres. The diarrhoea interventions, consequences and epidemiology in the intensive care unit (DICE-ICU) study will generate evidence about diarrhoea and its frequency, predisposing factors and consequences, to inform critical care practice and future research.

Lay summary

Diarrhoea is a frequent clinical problem for hospitalised patients including those who are critically ill in the ICU. Diarrhoea can cause complications such as skin damage, dehydration and kidney problems. It is not clear how common diarrhoea is in the ICU, the factors that cause it or the best way for clinicians to assess it. The DICE-ICU study is an international prospective observational study to examine the frequency, risk factors and outcomes of diarrhoea during critical illness.
Getting irritable about irritability?
Authors: Malhi Gin , Bell Erica , Outhred Tim
Published: June 2019

Despite irritability being considered a symptom of several psychiatric disorders, there is no standardised definition or measurement of the construct within psychiatry. This lack of definition is in part due to a fundamental lack of understanding of what it means to be irritable and the foundational mechanisms that lead to its manifestation. This then poses a cyclical problem, whereby because the concept of irritability is poorly defined and is defined variably in different contexts, research utilising these various definitions and measures is inherently inconsistent. Hence, a new approach to studying irritability is required, one that examines the construct as being a product of tensions that arise because of discrepancies between expectations and reality. This new bottom-up definition of irritability does not rely on phenomenology alone, and therefore can be neurocognitively mapped and tested experimentally with greater precision. By establishing more sophisticated terminology and progressing to a standardised definition, the examination of irritability can progress in a meaningful way. However, this progress cannot be achieved without collaboration and multifaceted efforts from all schools of thought. Therefore, by getting irritable about irritability ourselves, we hope that a more constructive dialogue concerning this pervasive and important concept can be instigated, involving researchers from all schools of thought.
Niche differentiation of tallgrass prairie plants species along soil hydrological gradients
Authors: Markham John
Published: June 2019

This study addressed whether the distribution of species in frequently burned lowland tallgrass prairies is driven by gradients in soil hydrology. On three study sites, the hydrological conditions in 1 m2vegetation survey plots where quantified as the number of days the soil was anaerobic less than 15 cm below the surface, and the surface of the soil was drier than 0.4 m3·m−3. On each site, the centroid of each species hydrological niche was defined as the hydrological conditions in plots where it occurred, weighted by its abundance. Species found on all sites maintained a consistent ranking between sites along the soil drying gradient, but not the anaerobic gradient. The levels of niche overlap between species pairs along both hydrological gradients were significantly less than the overlap from randomly assigning species to the hydrological gradients. Indicator species analysis suggested that on each site the communities were best described as consisting of two subgroups. The hydrological niches of the species in these subgroups were significantly different from one another, suggesting that these subgroups are associated with wet or dry habitats. Overall, these analyses suggest that hydrology plays a major role in determining the structure of these frequently disturbed communities.
Modulation of the optical properties of zigzag silicene nanoribbons by double carbon chains
Authors: Lu Dao-Bang , Song Yu-Ling , Huang Xiao-yu
Published: June 2019

Using first-principles calculations, we investigate the electronic and optical properties of zigzag silicene nanoribbons substituted with double carbon chains. The results show that the chains are pulled nearly straight and produce a rather obvious transverse contraction in the width direction of the ribbon. The double carbon chains introduce defect states that appear as two degenerate bands across the Fermi level. These nanoribbons are always metallic regardless of the position of the carbon chains or the ribbon width. Under the same bandwidth, the imaginary parts of the dielectric functions in the Ex and Ey directions reveal red- and blue-shifts, respectively, with increasing distance between the two C chains. The imaginary parts of the dielectric functions in the Ex and Ey directions reveal blue- and redshifts, respectively, with increasing ribbon width. Three major peaks in the imaginary part of the dielectric function correspond to the intrinsic plasma frequencies originating from electron transitions of silicon and carbon. Such excellent electronic and optical properties may lead to some important applications of the nanoribbons in short-wavelength optoelectronic devices.
Spherically symmetric spacetime with radiating fluids in f(𝒢, T) gravity
Authors: Shamir M. Farasat , Uzair Nabeeha
Published: June 2019

The aim of this paper is to examine the irregularity factors of a self-gravitating stellar system in the existence of anisotropic fluid. We investigate the dynamics of field equations within [Formula: see text] background, where [Formula: see text] is the Gauss–Bonnet invariant and [Formula: see text] is the trace of the energy–momentum tensor. Moreover, we have investigated two differential equations using the conservation law and the Weyl tensor. We have determined the irregularity factors of spherical stellar system for some specific conditions of anisotropic and isotropic fluids, dust, radiating and non-radiating systems in [Formula: see text] gravity. It has been noted that the dissipative matter results in anisotropic stresses and makes the system more complex. The inhomogeneity factor is correlated to one of the scalar functions.
Cosmology from multimeasure multifield model
Authors: Staicova Denitsa , Stoilov Michail
Published: June 2019

We consider the cosmological application of a (variant of) relatively newly proposed model1 unifying inflation, dark energy, dark matter, and the Higgs mechanism. The model was originally defined using additional non-Riemannian measures, but it can be reformulated into effective quintessential model unifying inflation, dark energy and dark matter. Here, we demonstrate numerically that it is capable of describing the entire evolution of the Universe in a seamless way, but this requires some revision of the model setup. The main reason is that there is a strong effective friction in the model, a feature which has been neglected in the pioneer work. This improves the model potential for proper description of the evolution of the Universe, because the friction ensures a finite time inflation with dynamically maintained low-value slow-roll parameters in the realistic scenarios. In addition, the model predicts the existence of a constant scalar field in late Universe.
2-GHz 2×VDD 28-nm CMOS Digital Output Buffer with Slew Rate Auto-Adjustment Against Process and Voltage Variations
Authors: Wang Chua-Chin , Hou Zong-You , Deng Yu-Lin , Chio U-Fat , Wang Wei
Published: June 2019

A 2[Formula: see text]VDD CMOS output buffer with process, voltage and leakage (PVL) detection mechanism is proposed such that slew rate is auto-adjusted to reduce the variations at different corners. To boost the driving current, low threshold voltage transistors are used instead of devices with typical threshold voltage in the driving transistor of output stage. More importantly, to prevent large leakage of those large low threshold voltage devices, leakage detection resistors are added at the gates of the always-on low threshold voltage transistors to clamp the leakage. The static power consumption is reduced when it is not activated. Another feature of the proposed design is that the gate-oxide leakage is also reduced by lengthening the driving transistors. Besides, all biases in the proposed design are generated from bandgap circuits such that not only is the variation caused by temperature drifting reduced, the area overhead and power dissipation are also minimized. The proposed design is carried out by using 28-nm CMOS process. The data rate proved by physical measurement is proved to be 2.0[Formula: see text]GHz given 1.8/1.05[Formula: see text]V supply voltage, namely, VDD or 2[Formula: see text]VDD, when the proposed PVL detection as well as the compensation circuitry are activated.
WBAT Job Scheduler: A Multi-Objective Approach for Job Scheduling Problem on Cloud Computing
Authors: Hariharan B. , Paul Raj D.
Published: June 2019

The main objective of the proposed methodology is multi-objective job scheduling using hybridization of whale and BAT optimization algorithm (WBAT) which is used to change existing solution and to adopt a new good solution based on the objective function. The scheduling function in the proposed job scheduling strategy first creates a set of jobs and cloud node to generate the population by assigning jobs to cloud node randomly and evaluate the fitness function which minimizes the makespan and maximizes the quality of jobs. Second, the function uses iterations to regenerate populations based on WBAT behavior to produce the best job schedule that gives minimum makespan and good quality of jobs. The experimental results show that the performance of the proposed methods is better than the other methods of job scheduling problems.
How to do better with gender on surveys
Authors: Spiel Katta , Haimson Oliver L. , Lottridge Danielle
Published: June 2019

Community + Culture features practitioner perspectives on designing technologies for and with communities. We highlight compelling projects and provocative points of view that speak to both community technology practice and the interaction design field as a whole.
--- Sheena Erete, Editor
Hardwood Species Classification with Hyperspectral Microscopic Images
Authors: Zhao Peng , Wang Cheng-Kun
Published: June 2019

We propose a hardwood species identification method based on wood hyperspectral microscopic images. A SOC710VP hyperspectral stereomicroscope was used to acquire microscopic images of a hardwood cross section. In these microscopic images, each part’s spectral features are discussed. We found that the spectral divisibility of wood vessels’ peripheral and central regions in the hyperspectral microscopic images can be used for hardwood species recognition. Mathematical morphological operation and K-L divergence were used to extract spectral features at the wood vessels’ peripheral regions and central regions, respectively. By comparing wood vessels’ spectral similarity across wood species samples, we found that wood vessels’ peripheral spectral divisibility is larger than its central. Finally, the spectral information from randomly selected regions of interest (i.e., ROI) and that of wood vessels’ peripheral and central regions have value as a classification basis. In our hardwood species classification experiments, three dimensionality reduction algorithms, principal component analysis (PCA), kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), and multidimensional scaling (MDS), and the three classifiers, BP neural network, support vector machine (SVM), and Mahalanobis distance (MD), are combined to perform hardwood species classification work. Experimental results indicate that the best recognition effect can be achieved at the peripheral region of wood vessels using PCA or MDS with the MD algorithm.
Zebrafish Xenograft Model of Human Lung Cancer for Evaluating Osimertinib Resistance
Authors: Li Xin-ying , Huang Li-tang , Wu Jia-qi , He Ming-fang , Zhu Su-hua , Zhan Ping , Lv Tang-feng , Song Yong
Published: June 2019

About half of NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation had secondary mutation T790M after treatment with a first-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), Gefitinib. The third-generation of EGFR-TKI Osimertinib is suitable for patients with EGFR mutation and T790M mutation. However, drug screening for NSCLC patients after the emergence of acquired resistance has become a difficult problem for clinicians. In this study, we established drug-resistant cell lines of Gefitinib and Osimertinib to evaluate cell proliferation in vitro. And we investigated the inhibitory effect of different drug concentration gradients on cancer cells. Zebrafish with high homology to human genes were selected as xenotransplantation models to compare the effects of different concentrations of Osimertinib on the proliferation and angiogenesis of zebrafish tumors after transplantation of different lung cancer cell lines. It was confirmed that Osimertinib could inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells with EGFR mutation and T790M resistance mutation in zebrafish, which was consistent with the clinical research conclusion.
A Rare Cause of Hypovolemic Shock in Prepubertal Girl: Vaginal Leech Infestation
Authors: Lahmini W. , Bourrous M. , Harou K.
Published: June 2019

Vaginal bleeding in girls is an alarming symptom for both parents and pediatricians. Serious underlying causes should be always evoked. Case Report. We describe here a 9-year-old girl who was admitted at our emergency department for vaginal bleeding and severe anemia. No history of trauma and no evidence of prior abuse were reported by the parents. Full Blood Count showed profound anemia (hemoglobin at 4 g/dl). The child was managed as a hypovolemic shock and resuscitated with intravenous fluids and urgent blood transfusion. Gynecologic examination found a live leech at the vulva and the extraction was facilitated by applying a saline solution. The child was clinically stable and discharged home the next day with ambulatory treatment. Conclusion. This case emphasizes that a through external genital exam with possible exam under anesthesia should be undertaken in all girls with unexplained vaginal bleeding and that in those living in rural areas without potable water, leech infection should be considered.
Low Cost Antenna Array Based Drone Tracking Device for Outdoor Environments
Authors: Oliveira Marcos T. de , Miranda Ricardo K. , Costa João Paulo C. L. da , Almeida André L. F. de , Sousa Rafael T. de
Published: June 2019

Applications of direction of arrival (DoA) techniques have dramatically increased in various areas ranging from the traditional wireless communication systems and rescue operations to GNSS systems and drone tracking. Particularly, police forces and security companies have drawn their attention to drone tracking devices, in order to provide the safeness of citizens and of clients, respectively. In this paper, we propose a low cost antenna array based drone tracking device for outdoor environments. The proposed solution is divided into hardware and software parts. The hardware part of the proposed device is based on off-the-shelf components such as an omnidirectional antenna array, a 4-channel software defined radio (SDR) platform with carrier frequency ranging from 70 MHz to 6 GHz, a FPGA motherboard, and a laptop. The software part includes algorithms for calibration, model order selection (MOS), and DoA estimation, including specific preprocessing steps and a tensor-based estimator to increase the DoA accuracy. We evaluate the performance of our proposed low cost solution in outdoor scenarios. According to our measurement campaigns, we show that when the array is in the front fire position, i.e., with a DoA ranging from -60° to 60°, the maximum and the average DoA errors are 6° and 1,9°, respectively.
Analysis of Synonymous Codon Usage Bias in Flaviviridae Virus
Authors: Yao Huipeng , Chen Mengyu , Tang Zizhong
Published: June 2019

Background. Flaviviridae viruses are single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses, which threat human constantly mediated by mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. Considering the recent increase in the prevalence of the family virus and its risk potential, we investigated the codon usage pattern to understand its evolutionary processes and provide some useful data to develop the medications for most of Flaviviridae viruses. Results. The overall extent of codon usage bias in 65 Flaviviridae viruses is low with the average value of GC contents being 50.5% and the highest value being 55.9%; the lowest value is 40.2%. ENC values of Flaviviridae virus genes vary from 48.75 to 57.83 with a mean value of 55.56. U- and A-ended codons are preferred in the Flaviviridae virus. Correlation analysis shows that the positive correlation between ENC value and GC content at the third nucleotide positions was significant in this family virus. The result of analysis of ENC, neutrality plot analysis, and correlation analysis revealed that codon usage bias of all the viruses was affected mainly by natural selection. Meanwhile, according to correspondence analysis (CoA) based on RSCU and phylogenetic analysis, the Flaviviridae viruses mainly are made up of two groups, Group I (Yellow fever virus, Apoi virus, Tembusu virus, Dengue virus 1, and others) and Group II (West Nile virus lineage 2, Japanese encephalitis virus, Usutu virus, Kedougou virus, and others). Conclusions. All in, the bias of codon usage pattern is affected not only by compositional constraints but also by natural selection. Phylogenetic analysis also illustrates that codon usage bias of virus can serve as an effective means of evolutionary classification in Flaviviridae virus.
Biomarkers of Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery: A Narrative Review
Authors: Wu Binbin , Chen Jianghua , Yang Yi
Published: June 2019

Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a major and serious complication in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and is independently associated with perioperative mortality and mortality. Therapeutic intervention aiming at reversing kidney dysfunction seems disappointing across multiple settings. Consequently, attention has shifted from treatment to prevention and early detection. The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines have unified diagnostic standards mainly based on the serum creatinine (Scr) level or urine output, but neither marker is kidney specific. Efforts have been made to identify novel biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity. The diagnostic capabilities of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and G1 cell cycle arrest biomarker as biomarkers have been confirmed in a large number of clinical trials. The utility of biomarkers of cardiac function and inflammation has been validated in clinical studies. Aiming to offer valuable information for further research, we summarize the progress in defining current markers relevant to CSA-AKI in the last three years.
Experimental Investigation of the Size Effect of the Mode I Static Fracture Toughness of Limestone
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Wang Longfei , Gao Mingzhong
Published: June 2019

To study the size effect of the fracture toughness of notched semicircular bend (NSCB) specimens, the dimensionless energy release rate equation of the NSCB specimen was deduced on the basis of the Bažant energy release rate. The influence of the crack length and the specimen size on the fracture toughness was analyzed. The Bažant scale equation was obtained using the International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems, and Structures (RILEM) method. Finally, the Bažant equation was used to analyze the fracture toughness of an NSCB specimen with a radius of 75 mm, and the degree of variation was predicted. The results show that a longer fracture is correlated with a lower fracture toughness value for the same sample size and that a larger specimen radius is correlated with a higher fracture toughness value for the same crack length. The obtained Bažant equation correctly reflects the scale law of the fracture toughness of the NSCB specimen and provides highly accurate predictions of the fracture toughness of large specimens, with an error of not more than 3%. The results obtained in this study provide a new reference method and theoretical basis for the future testing work.
Vibration Control of Blade Section Based on Sliding Mode PI Tracking Method and OPC Technology
Authors: Liu Tingrui
Published: June 2019

Vibration control of the blade section of a wind turbine is investigated based on the sliding mode proportional‐integral (SM‐PI) method, i.e., sliding mode control (SMC) based on a PI controller. The structure is modeled as a 2D pretwisted blade section integrated with calculation of structural damping, which is subjected to flap/lead‐lag vibrations of instability. To facilitate the hardware implementation of the control algorithm, the SM‐PI method is applied to realize tracking for limited displacements and velocities. The SM‐PI algorithm is a novel SMC algorithm based on the nominal model. It combines the effectiveness of the sliding mode algorithm for disturbance control and the stability of PID control for practical engineering application. The SM‐PI design and stability analysis are discussed, with superiority and robustness and convergency control demonstrated. An experimental platform based on human‐computer interaction using OPC technology is implemented, with position tracking for displacement and control input signal illustrated. The platform verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the SM‐PI algorithm in solving practical engineering problems, with online tuning of PI parameters realized by applying OPC technology.
Molecular Monitoring in Adult Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with the Variant e13a3BCR-ABL1Fusion
Authors: Crampe Mireille , Kearney Laura , O’Brien David , Bacon C. Larry , O’Shea Derville , Langabeer Stephen E.
Published: June 2019

MonitoringBCR-ABL1transcript levels in patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) is a widely adopted method to assess response to therapy. However, a small minority of Ph+ ALL patients express variantBCR-ABL1transcript types, usually due to splicing of alternativeBCRorABL1exons. Whether patients expressing these rare, variantBCR-ABL1transcripts have a distinct phenotype or response to therapy is not known due to the limited number of reported cases. Here, we report the presenting features of Ph+ ALL in a young adult with a variant e13a3BCR-ABL1fusion. Molecular monitoring reflected the disease response from diagnosis through allogeneic stem cell transplantation which resulted in undetectable e13a3BCR-ABL1transcripts. This case highlights the value of molecular monitoring in Ph+ ALL patients with variantBCR-ABL1transcripts and the requirement for standardization of such assays.
Cancer Clinical Investigators Should Converge with Pharmacometricians
Authors: Maitland Michael L. , O'Cearbhaill Roisin E. , Gobburu Jogarao
Published: June 2019

The applied quantitative science pharmacometrics has significantly enhanced cancer therapeutics development. Pharmacometrics is now improving our understanding of complex diagnostics. Through the concept of convergence and methods of quantitative and systems pharmacology, pharmacometrics is poised to interconnect mathematical models of disease and therapy to advance cancer care.

See related article by Colomban et al., p. 5342
Jurisprudência
Authors: Revista de Direito Sanitário Editores
Published: June 2019

Seleção de decisões sobre o direito à saúde da Argentina e do Uruguai