bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How well do multispecies coalescent methods perform with mitochondrial genomic data? A case study of butterflies and moths (Insecta: Lepidoptera)
Authors: Kim Min Jee , Kim Iksoo , Cameron Stephen L.
Published: April 2020

Despite the broad adoption of multispecies coalescent (MSC) methods for nuclear phylogenomics, they have yet to be applied to mitochondrial (mt) genomic data. As the potential sources of phylogenomic bias that MSC methods can address, such as incomplete lineage sorting, horizontal gene transfer and gene tree heterogeneity, have been found in mt genomic data, these approaches may improve the accuracy of phylogenetic inference with these data. In the present study, we examined the behaviour of MSC methods in reconstructing the phylogeny of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), a group for which mt genomic data are known to have strong resolving power. Traditional concatenation methods of analysing mt genomes for Lepidoptera infer topologies highly congruent with those generated from independent nuclear datasets. Individual mt gene trees performed poorly in recovering consensus relationships at deep levels (i.e. superfamily monophyly and inter‐relationships) and only moderately well for shallow relationships (i.e. within Papilionoidea). In contrast, MSC analyses with ASTRAL performed strongly with almost complete concordance to both concatenated mt genome analyses and independent nuclear analyses at both deep and shallow phylogenetic scales. Outgroup choice had a limited impact on tree accuracy, with even phylogenetically distant outgroups still resulting in topologies highly congruent with results from nuclear datasets, although MSC analyses appeared to be marginally more affected by outgroup choice than concatenation analyses. In general, discordance between concatenation and MSC analyses was found at nodes whose resolution varied between previous nuclear phylogenomic studies. The sensitivity of individual relationships to analysis with MSC vs concatenation can thus be used to test the robustness of phylogenetic hypotheses. For insect phylogenetics, MSC is a reliable inference method for mt genomic data and is thus a useful complement to the already widely used concatenation approaches.
Robust Tracking in Underactuated Systems Using Flatness-Based ADRC With Cascade Observers
Authors: Ramírez-Neria Mario , Madonski Rafal , Shao Sally , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: April 2020

In this work, the problem of trajectory tracking in uncertain underactuated systems is considered. To solve it, a combination of differential flatness and active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is proposed. The controller design is synthesized in the absence of detailed knowledge of the system model and focuses on dealing with over-amplification of measurement noise, typically seen in conventional single high-gain observer-centered control approaches. The introduced solution is based on fully utilizing the information already available about the governed system, without the necessity for additional measurement devices. To be easily implementable, it is expressed in an industry familiar error-based form with a straightforward tuning method. Through experimental verification, the proposed approach is shown to enhance the disturbance-rejection capabilities of the standard ADRC structure and reduce its sensitivity to measurement noise, thus increasing its practical appeal.
Harvesting Energy From an Ionic Polymer–Metal Composite in a Steady Air Flow
Authors: Sward J. A. , Scott P. C. , Wayne P. J. , Jackson N. , Vorobieff P. , Lumia R. , Poroseva S. V.
Published: April 2020

The paper presents the results of an investigation of a possibility for energy harvesting from a flexible material such as an ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) placed in a steady flow of air characteristic of conditions typical to a densely urbanized area. As electro-active devices require dynamic loading to produce current, their response is usually evaluated in unsteady and turbulent flows, where an electro-active polymer follows the movement of the medium surrounding the device. In our study, we examine the flow conditions at which flutter sets the IPMC strip in motion. Although flutter is often perceived as an unfavorable phenomenon for aerodynamic applications and civil structures, it may be beneficial for harvesting wind energy. Of particular interest is that this phenomenon may occur in a steady flow, which potentially expands the range of favorable flow conditions for energy harvesting. In the paper, the air speed at which flutter occurs and the speed range at which flutter is sustained are provided along with the estimated amount of power produced in an IPMC sample of specified dimensions.
Using Recurrent Neural Networks to Model Spatial Grammars for Design Creation
Authors: Yukish Michael A , Stump Gary M , Miller Simon W
Published: April 2020

The authors present preliminary results on successfully training a recurrent neural network to learn a spatial grammar embodied in a data set, and then generate new designs that comply with the grammar but are not from the data set, demonstrating generalized learning. For the test case, the data were created by first exercising generative context-free spatial grammar representing physical layouts that included infeasible designs due to geometric interferences and then removing the designs that violated geometric constraints, resulting in a data set from a design grammar that is of a higher complexity context-sensitive grammar. A character recurrent neural network (char-RNN) was trained on the positive remaining results. Analysis shows that the char-RNN was able to effectively learn the spatial grammar with high reliability, and for the given problem with tuned hyperparameters, having up to 98% success rate compared to a 62% success rate when randomly sampling the generative grammar. For a more complex problem where random sampling results in only 18% success, a trained char-RNN generated feasible solutions with an 89% success rate. Further, the char-RNN also generated designs differing from the training set at a rate of over 99%, showing generalized learning.
A Knowledge Graph-Aided Concept–Knowledge Approach for Evolutionary Smart Product–Service System Development
Authors: Li Xinyu , Chen Chun-Hsien , Zheng Pai , Wang Zuoxu , Jiang Zuhua , Jiang Zhixing
Published: April 2020

In order to meet user expectations and to optimize user experience with a higher degree of flexibility and sustainability, the Smart product–service system (Smart PSS), as a novel value proposition paradigm considering both online and offline smartness, was proposed. However, conventional manners for developing PSS require many professional consultations and still cannot meet with the new features of Smart PSS, such as user context-awareness and ever-evolving knowledge management. Therefore, aiming to assist Smart PSS development cost-effectively, this paper adopted the knowledge graph (KG) technique and concept–knowledge (C-K) model to propose an evolutionary design approach. Two knowledge graphs are firstly established with open-source knowledge, prototype specifications, and user-generated textual data. Then, triggered by personalized requirements, four KG-aided C-K operators are conducted based on graph-based query patterns and computational linguistics algorithms, thus generating innovative solutions for evolving Smart PSS. To validate the performance of the proposed approach, a case study of a smart nursing bed fulfilling multiple personalized requirements is conducted, and the evaluation result of its knowledge evolution is acceptable. It hopes that this work can offer insightful guidance to industrial organizations in their development of Smart PSS.
Simultaneous Packing and Routing Optimization Using Geometric Projection
Authors: Jessee Alex , Peddada Satya R. T. , Lohan Danny J. , Allison James T. , James Kai A.
Published: April 2020

A new method for optimizing the layout of device-routing systems is presented. Gradient-based topology optimization techniques are used to simultaneously optimize both device locations and routing paths of device interconnects. In addition to geometric considerations, this method supports optimization based on system behavior by including physics-based objectives and constraints. Multiple physics domains are modeled using lumped parameter and finite element models. A geometric projection for devices of arbitrary polygonal shape is developed along with sensitivity analysis. Two thermal-fluid systems are optimized to demonstrate the use of this method.
Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Line Contact of a Functionally Graded Material Coated Half-Plane
Authors: Su Jie , Ke Liao-Liang
Published: April 2020

The elastohydrodynamic lubrication line contact problem between a functionally graded material (FGM) coated half-plane and a rigid cylindrical punch is investigated. The inhomogeneous elastic properties of the FGM coating are expressed by the exponential model. The lubricant between two solids is supposed to be the Newtonian fluid. The fluid viscosity and density are considered to be dependent on the fluid pressure. To determine the unknown film thickness and fluid pressure at the lubricant contact region, a numerical iterative method is employed to simultaneously solve the flow rheology equation, Reynolds equation, load balance equation, and film thickness equation. Influences of the stiffness ratio of the FGM coating, the resultant normal load, the punch radius, and the entraining velocity on the lubricant film thickness and fluid pressure are analyzed.
Boundary Encryption-Based Monte Carlo Learning Method for Workspace Modeling
Authors: He Bin , Zhu Xuanren , Zhang Dong
Published: April 2020

As an important branch of machine learning, Monte Carlo learning has been successfully applied to engineering design optimization and product predictive analysis, such as design optimization of heavy machinery. However, the accuracy of the classical Monte Carlo algorithm is not high enough, and the existing improved Monte Carlo algorithm has a complex calculation process and difficult parameter control. In this paper, the Monte Carlo method based on boundary point densification is proposed to calculate workspace. This paper takes the calculation of 2000T offshore crane workspace as an example to verify the effectiveness and practicability of the algorithm. The D-H method is used to establish the workspace model of the offshore crane. The calculation method of crane workspace based on the Monte Carlo learning method with increased boundary point density is discussed in detail, and the correctness of crane workspace is verified. The steps of the algorithm include generate the basic space, extract and draw the boundary, increase the density of boundary points, and cyclic. The rationality of the method is proved by comparing the simulation results with the design experience and calculated values.
New development of nanoscale spectroscopy using scanning probe microscope
Authors: Minn Khant , Birmingham Blake , Zhang Zhenrong
Published: April 2020

Nanoscale spectroscopy and imaging, a hybrid technique that combines a scanning probe microscope (SPM) with spectroscopy, can provide nanoscale topographical, spectral, and chemical information of a sample. In recent years, developments in nanofabrication technology have dramatically advanced the field of nanospectroscopy for applications in various fields including nanoscale materials, electronics, catalysis, and biological systems. However, challenges in nanofocusing of light for excitation and extracting weak signals of individual molecules from the background signal persist in conventional nanoscale spectroscopy including tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, scanning near-field microscopy (SNOM/NSOM), and photoluminescence spectroscopy. This article reviews new approaches to design plasmonic SPM probes that improve important aspects of nanospectroscopy such as nanofocusing, far-to-near-field-coupling efficiency, background suppression, and ease of fabrication. The authors survey a diverse range of novel schemes to excite propagating surface plasmon polaritons on the probe surface to attain highly enhanced nanofocused light at the apex for nanoscale spectroscopies. These schemes include grating coupler configurations on the plasmonic SPM probes, aperture and apertureless plasmonic SNOM probes, nanostructured resonators coupled with a high-quality-factor photonic cavity, interfacing of the optical fiber with plasmonic nanowires, and nanoparticle-coupled plasmonic nanowires. These innovative probes merge the field of fiber optics, plasmonics, quantum optics, and nanomaterials. The authors provide a perspective on new approaches that combine the advantages of these probes and have the potential for significant advancement in nanoscale imaging and other types of nanoscale spectroscopies including scanning quantum spin spectroscopy and scanning thermal imaging microscopy.
Probability density function of ocean noise based on a variational Bayesian Gaussian mixture model
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yang Kunde , Yang Qiulong
Published: April 2020

Extensive ocean noise records have kurtoses markedly different from the Gaussian distribution and therefore exhibit non-Gaussianity, which influences the performance of many sonar signal processing methods. To model the amplitude distribution, this paper studies a Bayesian Gaussian mixture model (BGMM) and its associated learning algorithm, which exploits the variational inference method. The most compelling feature of the BGMM is that it automatically selects a suitable number of effective components and then can approximate a sophisticated distribution in practical applications. The probability density functions (PDFs) of three types of noise in different frequency bands collected in the South China Sea—ambient noise, ship noise, and typhoon noise—are modeled and the goodness of fit is examined by applying the one-sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. The results demonstrate that: (i) Ambient noise in the low-frequency band may be slightly non-Gaussian, ship noise in each considered band is apparently non-Gaussian, and typhoons affect the noise in the low-frequency band to make it apparently non-Gaussian, while the noise in the high-frequency band is less affected and appears to be Gaussian. (ii) BGMM has higher goodness of fit than the Gaussian or Gaussian mixture model. (iii) In the non-Gaussian case, despite some components having small mixing coefficients, they are of great significance for describing the PDF.
Determination of propagation model matrix in generalized cross-correlation based inverse model for broadband acoustic source localization
Authors: Chu Zhigang , Weng Jing , Yang Yang
Published: April 2020

The generalized cross-correlation (GCC) based inverse model is a promising time domain localization technique for a broadband acoustic source. Its performance is affected by the temporal width threshold of the propagation model matrix. The appropriate threshold should vary with focus distance, array geometry, and array size, but there is still a lack of uniform and effective methods to determine it. To solve this issue and perfect the technique, a method is proposed based on the cumulative probability of all differences of time delay estimation between the focus point and the microphone pair. Further, an alternative propagation model matrix is derived, which circumvents the threshold. Both proposed methods are effective under different simulation and experimental configurations, with strong stability and adaptability to focus distance, array geometry, and array size. The GCC based inverse model with either proposed method not only enjoys satisfactory source localization performance, including narrow mainlobes, few spurious sources, and highlighted source positions, but also can correctly estimate the sound level, which is comparable to that with the preset appropriate temporal width threshold. In terms of the computational time, the inverse model with the latter proposed method outperforms that with the former one.
Effect of Sand on Landing Knee Valgus During Single-Leg Land and Drop Jump Tasks: Possible Implications for ACL Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
Authors: Richardson Mark C. , Wilkinson Andrew , Chesterton Paul , Evans William
Published: April 2020

Context: Despite significant emphasis on anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention, injury rates continue to rise and reinjury is common. Interventions to reduce injury have included resistance, balance, and jump training elements. The use of sand-based jump training has been postulated as an effective treatment. However, evidence on landing mechanics is limited. Objective: To determine potential differences in landing strategies and subsequent landing knee valgus when performing single-leg landing (SLL) and drop jump (DJ) tasks onto sand and land, and to compare between both male and female populations. Design: A randomized repeated-measures crossover design. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Thirty-one participants (20 males and 11 females) from a university population. Interventions: All participants completed DJ and SLL tasks on both sand and land surfaces. Main Outcome Measures: Two-dimensional frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) of knee valgus was measured in both the DJ and SLL tasks (right and left) for both sand and land conditions. Results: FPPA was lower (moderate to large effect) for SLL in sand compared with land in both legs (left: 4.3° [2.8°]; right: 4.1° [3.8°]) for females. However, effects were unclear (left: −0.7° [2.2°]) and trivial for males (right: −1.1° [1.9°]). FPPA differences for males and females performing DJ were unclear; thus, more data is required. Differences in FPPA (land vs sand) with respect to grouping (sex) for both SLL left (4.9° [3.0°]) and right (5.1° [4.0°]) were very likely higher (small)/possibly moderate for females compared with males. Conclusions: The effects of sand on FPPA during DJ tasks in males and females are unclear, and further data is required. However, the moderate to large reductions in FPPA in females during SLL tasks suggest that sand may provide a safer alternative to firm ground for female athletes in anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention and rehabilitation programs, which involve a SLL component.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Study on the Synergistic Effect of Minocycline and Azoles against Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Gao Lujuan , Sun Yi , Yuan Mingzhu , Li Ming , Zeng Tongxiang
Published: April 2020

In vitro
and
in vivo
interactions of minocycline and azoles, including itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole, against filamentous pathogenic fungi were investigated. A total of 56 clinical isolates were studied
in vitro
via broth microdilution checkerboard technique, including 20 strains of
Aspergillus fumigatus
, 7 strains of
Aspergillus flavus
, 16 strains of
Exophiala dermatitidis
, 10 strains of
Fusarium solani
, and 3 strain s of
Fusarium oxysporum
.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Yeast
Rhodotorula
sp. Strain CCFEE 5036, Isolated from McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Authors: Coleine Claudia , Masonjones Sawyer , Onofri Silvano , Selbmann Laura , Stajich Jason E.
Published: April 2020

A draft genome sequence was assembled and annotated of the basidiomycetous yeast
Rhodotorula
sp. strain CCFEE 5036, isolated from Antarctic soil communities. The genome assembly is 19.07 megabases and encodes 6,434 protein-coding genes. The sequence will contribute to understanding the diversity of fungi inhabiting polar regions.
Draft Genome Sequences of Thiorhodococcus mannitoliphagus and Thiorhodococcus minor, Purple Sulfur Photosynthetic Bacteria in the Gammaproteobacterial Family
Chromatiaceae
Authors: Aviles Fabiola A. , Meyer Terry E. , Kyndt John A.
Published: April 2020

We have determined the draft genome sequences of
Thiorhodococcus mannitoliphagus
and
Thiorhodococcus minor
for comparison with those of
T. drewsii
and
Imhoffiella purpurea
. According to average nucleotide identity (ANI) and whole-genome phylogenetic comparisons, these two species are clearly distinct from the
Imhoffiella
species and
T. drewsii
.
Draft Genome Sequences of Clinical and Environmental Isolates of Aspergillus tamarii from Colombia
Authors: Gómez Oscar M. , Freyle Carmen G. , Torres Susana , Rúa Álvaro L. , Tamayo Diana P. , McEwen Juan G. , Borges Clayton L. , Hernández Orville
Published: April 2020

Aspergillus
is a very diverse genus of fungi that are common in the environment and can affect human health. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two Colombian isolates of
Aspergillus tamarii
, an emerging pathogenic species. One isolate was obtained from an infected patient and the other from the environment in a hospital.
Unintentional injuries in Mexico, 1990–2017: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Authors: Híjar Martha , Pérez-Núñez Ricardo , Hidalgo-Solórzano Elisa , Hernández Prado Bernardo , Valdez-Santiago Rosario , Hamilton Erin B , James Spencer L , Bertolacci Gregory J , Cunningham Matthew , Dingels Zachary V , Fox Jack T , Liu Zichen , Roberts Nicholas L S , Sylte Dillon O , Agudelo-Botero Marcela , Borges Guilherme , Cahuana-Hurtado Lucero , Campos-Nonato Ismael R , Cárdenas Rosario , Dávila-Cervantes Claudio Alberto , Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , Diaz Daniel , Lansingh Van C , Martinez Gabriel , Montero-Zamora Pablo A , Serván-Mori Edson , Lozano Rafael
Published: April 2020

Background

To date, the burden of injury in Mexico has not been comprehensively assessed using recent advances in population health research, including those in the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 (GBD 2017).

Methods

We used GBD 2017 for burden of unintentional injury estimates, including transport injuries, for Mexico and each state in Mexico from 1990 to 2017. We examined subnational variation, age patterns, sex differences and time trends for all injury burden metrics.

Results

Unintentional injury deaths in Mexico decreased from 45 363 deaths (44 662 to 46 038) in 1990 to 42 702 (41 439 to 43 745) in 2017, while age-standardised mortality rates decreased from 65.2 (64.4 to 66.1) in 1990 to 35.1 (34.1 to 36.0) per 100 000 in 2017. In terms of non-fatal outcomes, there were 3 120 211 (2 879 993 to 3 377 945) new injury cases in 1990, which increased to 5 234 214 (4 812 615 to 5 701 669) new cases of injury in 2017. We estimated 2 761 957 (2 676 267 to 2 859 777) disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to injuries in Mexico in 1990 compared with 2 376 952 (2 224 588 to 2 551 004) DALYs in 2017. We found subnational variation in health loss across Mexico’s states, including concentrated burden in Tabasco, Chihuahua and Zacatecas.

Conclusions

In Mexico, from 1990 to 2017, mortality due to unintentional injuries has decreased, while non-fatal incident cases have increased. However, unintentional injuries continue to cause considerable mortality and morbidity, with patterns that vary by state, age, sex and year. Future research should focus on targeted interventions to decrease injury burden in high-risk populations.
Child maltreatment surveillance following the ICD-10-CM transition, 2016-2018
Authors: Hunter Amy A , Livingston Nina , DiVietro Susan , Schwab Reese Laura , Bentivegna Kathryn , Bernstein Bruce
Published: April 2020

Background

Child maltreatment is poorly documented in clinical data. The International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) represents the first time that confirmed and suspected child maltreatment can be distinguished in medical coding. The utility of this distinction in practice remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate the application of these codes by patient demographic characteristics and injury type.

Methods

We conducted secondary data analysis of emergency department (ED) discharge records of children under 18 years with an ICD-10-CM code for confirmed (T74) or suspected (T76) child maltreatment. Child age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status and co-occurring injuries (S00-T88) were compared by maltreatment type (confirmed or suspected).

Results

From 2016 to 2018, child maltreatment was documented in 1650 unique ED visits, or 21.7 per 10 000 child ED visits. Suspected maltreatment was documented most frequently (58%). Half of all maltreatment-related visits involved sexual abuse, most often in females and individuals of non-Hispanic white race. Physical abuse was coded in 36% of visits; injuries to the head were predominant. Non-Hispanic black children were more frequently documented with confirmed physical abuse than suspected (38.7% vs 23.7%, p<0.01). The rate of co-occurring injuries documented with confirmed and suspected maltreatment differed by 30% (9.2 vs 12.5 per 10 000 ED visits, respectively).

Conclusions

The ability to discriminate confirmed and suspected maltreatment may help mitigate clinical barriers to maltreatment surveillance associated with delayed diagnosis and subsequent intervention. Racial disparities in suspected and confirmed cases were identified which may indicate biased diagnostic behaviours in the ED.
Mesenchymal folliculin is required for alveolar development: implications for cystic lung disease in Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome
Authors: Chu Ling , Luo Yongfeng , Chen Hui , Miao Qing , Wang Larry , Moats Rex , Wang Tiansheng , Kennedy John C , Henske Elizabeth P , Shi Wei
Published: April 2020

Background

Pulmonary cysts and spontaneous pneumothorax are presented in most patients with Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome, which is caused by loss of function mutations in thefolliculin(FLCN) gene. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying the cystic lung disease in BHD are poorly understood.

Methods

MesenchymalFlcnwas specifically deleted in mice or in cultured lung mesenchymal progenitor cells using a Cre/loxP approach. Dynamic changes in lung structure, cellular and molecular phenotypes and signalling were measured by histology, immunofluorescence staining and immunoblotting.

Results

Deletion ofFlcnin mesoderm-derived mesenchymal cells results in significant reduction of postnatal alveolar growth and subsequent alveolar destruction, leading to cystic lesions. Cell proliferation and alveolar myofibroblast differentiation are inhibited in theFlcnknockout lungs, and expression of the extracellular matrix proteins Col3a1 and elastin are downregulated. Signalling pathways including mTORC1, AMP-activated protein kinase, ERK1/2 and Wnt-β-catenin are differentially affected at different developmental stages. All the above changes have statistical significance (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Mesenchymal Flcn is an essential regulator during alveolar development and maintenance, through multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms. The mesenchymalFlcnknockout mouse model provides the first in vivo disease model that may recapitulate the stages of cyst development in human BHD. These findings elucidate the developmental origins and mechanisms of lung disease in BHD.
Modulation of HOXA9 after skeletal muscle denervation and reinnervation
Authors: Lu Xiaomei , Liang Bingsheng , Li Shuaijie , Chen Zhi , Chang Wenkai
Published: April 2020

Homeobox A9 (HOXA9), the expression of which is promoted by mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) and WD-40 repeat protein 5 (WDR5), is a homeodomain-containing transcription factor that plays an essential role in regulating stem cell activity. HOXA9 has been found to inhibit skeletal muscle regeneration and delay recovery after muscle wounding in aged mice, but little is known about its role in denervated/reinnervated muscles. We performed detailed time-dependent expression analyses of HOXA9 and its promoters, MLL1 and WDR5, in rat gastrocnemius muscles after the following three types of sciatic nerve surgeries: nerve transection (denervation), end-to-end repair (repair), and sham operation (sham). Then, the specific mechanisms of HOXA9 were detected in vitro by transfecting primary satellite cells with empty pIRES2-DsRed2, pIRES2-DsRed2-HOXA9, empty pPLK/GFP-Puro, and pPLK/GFP-Puro-HOXA9 small hairpin RNA (shRNA) plasmids. We found, for the first time, that HOXA9 protein expression simultaneously increased with increasing denervated muscle atrophy severity and that upregulated MLL1 and WDR5 expression was partly associated with denervation. Indeed, in vitro experiments revealed that HOXA9 inhibited myogenic differentiation, affected the best known atrophic signaling pathways, and promoted apoptosis but did not eliminate the differentiation potential of primary satellite cells. HOXA9 may promote denervated muscle atrophy by regulating the activity of satellite cells.
Irradiation-induced senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells aggravates osteogenic differentiation dysfunction via paracrine signaling
Authors: Bai Jiangtao , Wang Yuyang , Wang Jianping , Zhai Jianglong , He Feilong , Zhu Guoying
Published: April 2020

The role of cellular senescence induced by radiation in bone loss has attracted much attention. As one of the common complications of anticancer radiotherapy, irradiation-induced bone deterioration is common and clinically significant, but the pathological mechanism has not been elucidated. This study was performed to explore the cellular senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) induction of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by irradiation and its role in osteogenic differentiation dysfunction. It was observed that irradiated BMSCs lost typical fibroblast-like morphology, exhibited suppressed viability and differentiation potential accompanied with senescence phenotypes, including an increase in senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining-positive cells, and upregulated senescence-related genes p53/p21, whereas no changes happened to p16. Additionally, DNA damage γ-H2AX foci, G0/G1 phase of cell cycle arrest, and cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased in an irradiation dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, the JAK1/STAT3 pathway was activated and accompanied by an increase in SASP secretion, such as IL-6, IL-8, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), whereas 0.8 μM JAK1 inhibitor (JAKi) treatment effectively inhibited the JAK pathway and SASP production. Furthermore, conditioned medium (CM) from irradiation-induced senescent (IRIS) BMSCs exhibited a markedly reduced ability in osteogenic differentiation and marker gene expression of osteoblasts, whereas CM with JAKi intervention may effectively improve these deterioration effects. In conclusion, irradiation could provoke BMSC senescence and SASP secretion and further aggravate osteogenic differentiation dysfunction via paracrine signaling, whereas SASP targeting may be a possible intervention strategy for alleviating irradiation-induced bone loss.
NADPH oxidase-mediated endothelial injury in HIV- and opioid-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Agarwal Stuti , Sharma Himanshu , Chen Ling , Dhillon Navneet K.
Published: April 2020

We previously demonstrated that the combined exposure of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) to morphine and viral protein(s) results in the oxidative stress-mediated induction of autophagy, leading to shift in the cells from early apoptotic to apoptosis-resistant proliferative status associated with the angioproliferative remodeling observed in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In this study, we tried to delineate the major source of HIV-1 protein Tat and morphine induced oxidative burst in HPMECs and its consequences on vascular remodeling and PAH in an in vivo model. We observed switch from the initial increased expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX) 2 in response to acute treatment of morphine and HIV-Tat to later increased expression of NOX4 on chronic treatment in the endoplasmic reticulum of HPMECs without any alterations in the mitochondria. Furthermore, NOX-dependent induction of autophagy was observed to play a pivotal role in regulating the endothelial cell survival. Our in vivo findings showed significant increase in pulmonary vascular remodeling, right ventricular systolic pressure, and Fulton index in HIV-transgenic rats on chronic administration of morphine. This was associated with increased oxidative stress in lung tissues and rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells. Additionally, endothelial cells from morphine-treated HIV-transgenic rats demonstrated increased expression of NOX2 and NOX4 proteins, inhibition of which ameliorated their increased survival upon serum starvation. In conclusion, this study describes NADPH oxidases as one of the main players in the oxidative stress-mediated endothelial dysfunction on the dual hit of HIV-viral protein(s) and opioids.
Coupling of head and hand movements during eye-head-hand coordination: there is more to reaching than meets eye
Authors: Hadjidimitrakis Kostas
Published: April 2020

Does arm reaching affect eye-head shifts? Does the head alter eye-hand coordinated movements? Sensorimotor research has focused on either eye-head or eye-hand coordination, with only occasional works studying all these effectors together. Arora et al. (Arora HK, Bharmauria V, Yan X, Sun S, Wang H, Crawford JD. J Neurophysiol 122: 1946–1961, 2019) examined eye-head-hand coordination for the first time in nonhuman primates and provide evidence suggesting that head and hand movements are more coupled than traditionally considered.
Altering attention to split-belt walking increases the generalization of motor memories across walking contexts
Authors: Mariscal Dulce M. , Iturralde Pablo A. , Torres-Oviedo Gelsy
Published: April 2020

Little is known about how attention affects the generalization of motor recalibration induced by sensorimotor adaptation paradigms. We showed that altering attention to movements on a split-belt treadmill led to greater adaptation effects in subjects walking overground. Thus our results suggest that altering patients’ attention to their actions during sensorimotor adaptation protocols could lead to greater generalization of corrected movements when moving without the training device.
Stability of reaching during standing in stroke
Authors: Tomita Yosuke , Turpin Nicolas A. , Piscitelli Daniele , Feldman Anatol G. , Levin Mindy F.
Published: April 2020

Reaching from standing requires simultaneous adjustments of end point and center-of-mass (COM) positions. We used uncontrolled manifold analysis to investigate the impact of stroke on the ability to use kinematic redundancy in this task. Our results showed that COM position was stabilized, whereas end-point trajectory was more variable in stroke than healthy subjects. Enhancing the capacity to meet multiple task goals may be beneficial for motor recovery after stroke.
Inexact Version of Bregman Proximal Gradient Algorithm
Authors: Kabbadj S.
Published: April 2020

The Bregman Proximal Gradient (BPG) algorithm is an algorithm for minimizing the sum of two convex functions, with one being nonsmooth. The supercoercivity of the objective function is necessary for the convergence of this algorithm precluding its use in many applications. In this paper, we give an inexact version of the BPG algorithm while circumventing the condition of supercoercivity by replacing it with a simple condition on the parameters of the problem. Our study covers the existing results, while giving other.
Computer Vision Syndrome among Undergraduate Medical Students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abudawood Ghufran A. , Ashi Heba M. , Almarzouki Nawaf K.
Published: April 2020

Introduction. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is “a complex of eye and vision problems related to near work experienced during computer use.” It is one of the rising health concerns related to technology (cell phones and tablets) due to continuous use of computers among students. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CVS, associated risk factors, and commonly associated symptoms and to assess the awareness and proper practice of using computers for studying. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 651 undergraduate medical students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. An electronic survey was conducted to collect the data. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21. The chi-square test (Fisher’s exact test when required) was used to study the significance of associations. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. High prevalence of CVS was observed, in which 95% (558) reported at least one symptom during studying using computers. Most frequently reported symptoms were excessive tearing and neck, shoulder, or back pain. Female students had a higher risk of CVS (P=0.003). Students who are myopic or hyperopic showed no association. Astigmatism was associated significantly with CVS (P=0.03). Using spectacles or contact lens showed no association. Students with dry eye disease revealed a significant association with CVS (P=0.01). The most significant risk factors related to the daily usage of computer were longer duration of studying (P<0.001), short distance from the screen (P<0.05), and high brightness of the screen (P<0.05). The most significant preventive measure taken to relieve the symptoms was applying the 20-20-20 rule. Conclusion. CVS is common among medical students; significant risk factors need to be addressed to reduce the symptom and to ensure a better productivity of work. It is a necessity to raise awareness among medical students regarding computer-related health problems.
Lung Transplantation in a Patient with COPA Syndrome
Authors: Mallea Jorge M. , Kornafeld Anna , Khoor Andras , Erasmus David B.
Published: April 2020

COPA syndrome is a newly discovered, rare genetic autoimmune disorder, which can affect the lungs, joints, and kidneys. It is difficult to recognize, and the survival benefit of lung transplantation for these patients is not yet known. We present a case of a 24-year-old woman who received bilateral lung transplant for COPA syndrome. At 15 months posttransplant, her pulmonary function is stable with no episodes of acute cellular- or antibody-mediated rejection and no evidence of disease recurrence.
Physical Activity and Insulin Resistance in 6,500 NHANES Adults: The Role of Abdominal Obesity
Authors: Fowler James R. , Tucker Larry A. , Bailey Bruce W. , LeCheminant James D.
Published: April 2020

This cross-sectional investigation studied differences in insulin resistance across levels of physical activity in 6,500 US adults who were randomly selected as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Another important objective was to determine the influence of abdominal obesity on the physical activity and insulin resistance relationship. MET-minutes were utilized to quantify total activity based on participation in 48 different physical activities. Two strategies were employed to categorize levels of physical activity: one was based on relative MET-minutes (quartiles), and the other approach was based on the US physical activity guidelines. Insulin resistance was indexed using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA). Abdominal obesity was indexed using waist circumference. Effect modification was tested by dividing waist circumferences into sex-specific quartiles and then evaluating the relationship between physical activity and HOMA-IR within each quartile separately. Results showed that relative physical activity level was associated with HOMA-IR after controlling for demographic and demographic and lifestyle covariates (F = 11.5, P<0.0001 and F = 6.0, P=0.0012, respectively). Adjusting for demographic and demographic and lifestyle covariates also resulted in significant relationships between guideline-based activity and HOMA-IR (F = 8.0, P<0.0001 and F = 4.9, P=0.0017, respectively). However, statistically controlling for differences in waist circumference with the other covariates nullified the relationship between total physical activity and HOMA-IR. Effect modification testing showed that when the sample was delimited to adults with abdominal obesity (Quartile 4), relative (F = 5.6, P=0.0019) and guideline-based physical activity (F = 3.7, P=0.0098) and HOMA-IR were significantly associated. Physical activity and HOMA-IR were not related within the other three quartiles. In conclusion, it appears that differences in physical activity may play a meaningful role in insulin resistance in those with abdominal obesity, but total activity does not seem to account for differences in insulin resistance among US adults with smaller waists.
A Review of Nonanesthetic Uses of Ketamine
Authors: Pribish Abby , Wood Nicole , Kalava Arun
Published: April 2020

Ketamine, a nonselective NMDA receptor antagonist, is used widely in medicine as an anesthetic agent. However, ketamine’s mechanisms of action lead to widespread physiological effects, some of which are now coming to the forefront of research for the treatment of diverse medical disorders. This paper aims at reviewing recent data on key nonanesthetic uses of ketamine in the current literature. MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases were queried to find articles related to ketamine in the treatment of depression, pain syndromes including acute pain, chronic pain, and headache, neurologic applications including neuroprotection and seizures, and alcohol and substance use disorders. It can be concluded that ketamine has a potential role in the treatment of all of these conditions. However, research in this area is still in its early stages, and larger studies are required to evaluate ketamine’s efficacy for nonanesthetic purposes in the general population.
Appropriate Blood Pressure in Cerebral Aneurysm Clipping for Prevention of Delayed Ischemic Neurologic Deficits
Authors: Thongrong Cattleya , Kasemsiri Pornthep , Duangthongphon Pichayen , Kitkhuandee Amnat
Published: April 2020

Background. Delayed ischemic neurologic deficit (DNID) is a problem after cerebral aneurysm clipping. Intraoperative hypotension seems to be indicated as a risk factor, but it remains a controversial issue with varying low-blood pressure levels accepted. Methods. A retrospective, hospital-based, case-control study was performed with patients who received general anesthesia for cerebral aneurysm clipping. 42 medical record charts were randomly selected and matched 1 : 2 (1 case with DNID : 2 controls without DNID) based on the type of general anesthetic techniques and severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage. The optimal cutoff points of hemodynamic response were calculated by the area under the curve. Results. Data suggested that the optimal cutoff points for lowest blood pressure for prevention of DNID should be systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 95 mmHg (sensitivity of 78.6%; specificity of 53.6%), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 50 mmHg (sensitivity of 71.4%; specificity of 67.9%), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 61.7 mmHg (sensitivity of 85.7%; specificity of 35.7%). Furthermore, the optimal cutoff point mean difference baseline blood pressure was recommended as Δ SBP of 36 mmHg (sensitivity of 85.7%; specificity of 60.7%), Δ DBP of 27 mmHg (sensitivity of 92.9%; specificity of 71.4%), and Δ MAP of 32 mmHg (sensitivity of 92.9%; specificity of 85.7%). No significant difference between DNID and non-DNID groups was found for end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and has poor diagnostic value for predicting DNID. Conclusion. To prevent DNID, we recommend that optimal blood pressure should not be lower than 95 for SBP, 50 for DBP, and 61.7 mmHg for MAP. Additionally, we suggest that Δ SBP, Δ DBP, and Δ MAP should be less than 36, 27, and 32 mmHg, respectively.
Gender‐Specific Body Composition Relationships between Adipose Tissue Distribution and Peak Bone Mineral Density in Young Chinese Adults
Authors: Xiao Zeyu , Xu Hao
Published: April 2020

Background. The relationships between adipose tissue distribution and peak bone mineral density (BMD) in young adults are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the body composition associations between fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), regional adipose tissue distribution, and peak BMD across a cohort of young Chinese adults. Methods. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were performed on 786 men and 825 women aged from 20 to 40 years old to measure the markers for whole‐body LM, FM, and BMD in the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total hip (TH) areas. The android/gynoid FM ratio (A/G FMR) based on the DXA scans was calculated as an indicator of adipose tissue distribution. Pearson’s correlation and multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the body composition relationships between adipose tissue distribution and BMD of each skeletal site. Results. The body composition characteristics were different in young males and females: a higher body FM percentage was found in females, while males had higher LM and A/G FMR. The markers for WBLM and WBFM had significant positive correlations with BMD among the linear regression analyses in both genders, while the relationships between A/G FMR and BMD were different in males and females; significant inverse associations were showed in all skeletal sites for women (standard β ranged from ‐0.266 to ‐0.170, P < 0.001 for all), but no significant relationships were found in men except for an inverse association in the LS skeletal site (standard β with ‐0.115, P = 0.016). Conclusions. In this sample of young Chinese adults, both whole‐body lean mass and fat mass had significant positive relationships with BMD in both genders. The A/G FMR, as an indicator of central adipose tissue distribution, was inversely associated with BMD, especially in females.
Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Dissotis rotundifolia Whole Plant Protects against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Damage
Authors: Adinortey Michael Buenor , Ansah Charles , Aboagye Benjamin , Sarfo Justice Kwabena , Martey Orleans , Nyarko Alexander Kwadwo
Published: April 2020

Dissotis rotundifolia is a plant in the family Melastomataceae. The methanolic extract of the whole plant is reported to be rich in C-glycosylflavones such as vitexin and orientin. Though there are several reports on the ethnomedicinal use of this plant extract in stomach ulcers, experimental-based data is unavailable. The drive for carrying out this research was to obtain data on the possible ameliorative effect of the whole plant extract of Dissotis rotundifolia (DRE) in gastric ulcerations induced by ethanol in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. SD rats were pretreated with 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg of DRE for 14 days after which an ulcerogen-ethanol was administered. Gross examinations of the stomach lining and histological analysis of gastric lesions were carried out coupled with an assessment of the antioxidant activity of gastric mucosa using MDA, GSH, CAT, and SOD as indicators. The data suggested a significant attenuation in gastric mucosal damage in DRE-pretreated ethanol-induced gastric ulcer reflected in the antioxidant status. There was also a reduction or absence of hemorrhage, edema, and leucocytes infiltration in DRE-treated groups compared to the negative control group. DRE conserved glutathione (GSH) levels, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and enhanced catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme levels. The present study shows that DRE possess protective effects against ethanol-induced ulcer damage in the stomach of rats, which could be attributed to its antioxidant activity.
Green’s Function and Positive Solutions of a Third-Order Equation with Periodic Boundary Conditions
Authors: Kosmatov Nickolai
Published: April 2020

We apply the fixed point index to obtain positive solutions of a nonresonant periodic boundary value problem for a third-order differential equation u‴+ρ3u=λfu.
Synchronizability of Multilayer Star and Star-Ring Networks
Authors: Deng Yang , Jia Zhen , Yang Feimei
Published: April 2020

Synchronization of multilayer complex networks is one of the important frontier issues in network science. In this paper, we strictly derived the analytic expressions of the eigenvalue spectrum of multilayer star and star-ring networks and analyzed the synchronizability of these two networks by using the master stability function (MSF) theory. In particular, we investigated the synchronizability of the networks under different interlayer coupling strength, and the relationship between the synchronizability and structural parameters of the networks (i.e., the number of nodes, intralayer and interlayer coupling strengths, and the number of layers) is discussed. Finally, numerical simulations demonstrated the validity of the theoretical results.