bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of features of cyber-attack goals based on analysis of data in open security data sources
Authors: Doynikova E V , Fedorchenko A V , Kryukov R O
Published: January 2020

The paper analyzes security databases including attack patterns database, vulnerability database and weaknesses database. Special attention is given to the schema that underlies the attack patterns database and specifies its objects and relations between them. This scheme is used for selection of features that characterize different classes of cyber-attack goals. The paper outlines metrics of security related objects, such as attacks, weaknesses and vulnerabilities provided by different schemas, the classes of cyber-attack goals, and analyzes relations between different goals and features of cyber-attacks. The experiments demonstrated dependency between the values of selected features and their applicability for determination of different classes of cyber-attack goals.
A combined method for designing operations using soft computing
Authors: Rastorguev D A , Zotov A V , Dema R R , Solomatin N S
Published: January 2020

The article considers the possibility and features of shared use of two approaches of modern artificial intelligence: neural networks and fuzzy logic. Taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of each of the methods considered, the method of sequential use of these systems is considered. Fuzzy systems can be used for the initial creation of an expert inference system with its subsequent adjustment by optimization methods. It is possible to use the formation of a fuzzy inference system based on a hybrid neural net inference system based on control points obtained analytically or experimentally, followed by the generation of dataset for training neural networks. The use of these methods together increases the speed of operation designing, reliability of output, flexibility of approach to the choice of parameters, expansion of capabilities in production environments characterized by a wide variety of operations, materials, processing methods. An example of using this approach for the cladding method is given.
The effect of electrization on the properties of flowing water-oil emulsion
Authors: Tyusenkov A S , Rubtsov A V
Published: January 2020

The electrization of the water-oil mixture is a negative factor, the study of which has so far been neglected. Electrostatic charges generated in the pipelines during oil transportation, are accumulated in oil-water mixture. It essentially changes the corrosion activity of the aqueous phase and enables water-oil emulsion stabilization. The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of electrostatic charges that are generated during oil transportation through pipelines on the stabilization of water-oil emulsions. It is established that the accumulation of electrostatic charges in the oil phase leads to the stabilization of the water-oil emulsion, i.e. to the increase of “water-oil” interphacial tension. It is shown that demulsifiers increase the redistribution of electrostatic charges between aqueous and oil phases. The proposed method preventing the stabilization of emulsion is based on reduction of electrostatic charges redistribution in “water-oil” system by introducing antistatic surfactants.
In Arctic - new technical means and technologies for the development of oil and gas fields in long-term freezing deepwater areas
Authors: Guseynov Ch S
Published: January 2020

The article presents the rationale for the need to create submarine oil and gas vessels / structures in the Arctic for the development of oil and gas fields in deep-sea long-freezing seas due to ice impacts that destroy offshore platforms. The need to solve the problems of developing oil and gas resources of the Russian sector of the Arctic seas of the Arctic Ocean (Arctic Ocean) is undeniable. However, the cost-effectiveness of implementing measures requires not only a careful selection of modern technologies and technical means, but also the development of new technical solutions with increasing consideration of the environmental safety problems of the entire oceans. Especially important is the fact that for the development of deeper long-term freezing Arctic seas, it is necessary to create subsea oil and gas production platforms, including, of course, drilling platforms that should be combined with production vessels. It is equally important for the Arctic deep-sea gas and gas condensate fields to use the new technology for liquefying natural gas, specially created for underwater conditions, since modern liquefaction technologies can only be used for surface conditions.
Improving the efficiency of particle deposition on the filter fiber through its modification
Authors: Yafizov R R , Solovev S A , Panenko D O , Badretdinova G R
Published: January 2020

In this work, we performed a numerical study of the parameters of a fiber filter that make the greatest contribution to the efficiency of particle deposition, using the example of a single fiber. The mechanism of inertial particle deposition is considered. The aerosol motion was numerically simulated in the ANSYS Fluent software package. The particle deposition efficiency was calculated for a single solid and porous fiber without a protrusion, with one protrusion and five protrusions. Based on the data obtained, the dependences of the particle deposition efficiency for a single fiber are graphically presented. A new method is proposed for increasing filter efficiency by creating modified fibers.
Method for evaluating the parameters of the flame front propagation process according to the indicator diagram in spark ignition engines
Authors: Smolenskaya Natalya , Smolenskii Victor , Korneev Nikolay , Prus Yuri
Published: January 2020

The paper presents a methodology for evaluating the parameters of the flame front propagation process using the experimentally obtained indicator pressure diagram in spark ignition engines. The proposed method allows us to determine the main parameters of the flame front propagation process (flame front propagation velocity, flame front heat release rate, flame front thickness, temperature of the burned mixture and temperature of the unburned mixture) from the experimental pressure indicator diagram obtained for a spark ignition engine.
Programmed research techniques for alternative-fuel diesel engine performance
Authors: Plotnikov Sergey , Lanskikh Yury , Pljago Anatoly , Kartashevich Anatoly
Published: January 2020

The relevance of this work is due to the need of preliminary engineless assessment of performance factors for diesel engines working on alternative fuels. The aim of the work is a development of programmed techniques for performance characterization of a diesel engine. The work was carried out according to a standard methodology for determining combustion procedure performance factors developed by the Central Research Diesel Institute and Bauman Moscow State Technical University. The authors suggested performance calculation algorithms for preparatory and master phases of the combustion procedure in a diesel engine cylinder working on composite fuel and emulsions doped with aliphatic alcohols and plant oils. A calculation and a comparative assessment of precision of measurements in design and experimental data of an ignition delay period, cycle peak pressure and combustion procedure inflexibility were performed. Based on the results of the research, conclusions were drawn on the possibility of a preliminary performance assessment of diesel engines working on alternative fuels and potential effect of suggested research methods. Using the suggested makes it possible to forecast the performance of a diesel engine working on liquid alternative fuels. The results of the research can be applied to developing new kinds and compositions of alternative fuels as well as to assessing necessary remodeling of diesel engines in their practical application.
Matching orthogonal code symbols and modulation methods
Authors: Rabin A V
Published: January 2020

The objective of the article consists in a development and a research of the offered by the author orthogonal coding as a way of noise immunity’s increase using the example of the information communication systems with a phase-shift keying. It is shown that the orthogonal coding allows to provide the required quality of communication with the smaller energy cost. The energy gain in signal-to-noise ratio (up to 4.5 dB in the channels with the AWGN without error correcting) is provided by more effective use of energy of transmitted signals without increase in complexity and cost of transmitting/receiving devices. The main attention is paid to a development of the procedure of harmonization of symbols of an orthogonal code with phase-shift keying.
Co-infection with Staphylococcus aureus after primary influenza virus infection leads to damage of the endothelium in a human alveolus-on-a-chip model
Authors: Deinhardt-Emmer Stefanie , Rennert Knut , Schicke Elisabeth , Cseresnyés Zoltán , Windolph Maximilian , Nietzsche Sandor , Heller Regine , Siwczak Fatina , Haupt Karoline Frieda , Carlstedt Swen , Schacke Michael , Figge Marc Thilo , Ehrhardt Christina , Löffler Bettina , Mosig Alexander S
Published: January 2020

Pneumonia is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. The influenza virus can cause severe epidemics, which results in significant morbidity and mortality. Beyond the virulence of the virus itself, epidemiological data suggest that bacterial co-infections are the major cause of increased mortality. In this context, Staphylococcus aureus represents a frequent causative bacterial pathogen. Currently available models have several limitations in the analysis of the pathogenesis of infections, e.g. some bacterial toxins strongly act in a species-specific manner. Human 2D mono-cell culture models often fail to maintain the differentiation of alveolus-specific functions. A detailed investigation of the underlying pathogenesis mechanisms requires a physiological interaction of alveolus-specific cell types. The aim of the present work was to establish a human in vitro alveolus model system composed of vascular and epithelial cell structures with cocultured macrophages resembling the human alveolus architecture and functions. We demonstrate that high barrier integrity maintained for up to 14 d in our model containing functional tissue-resident macrophages. We show that flow conditions and the presence of macrophages increased the barrier function. The infection of epithelial cells induced a high inflammatory response that spread to the endothelium. Although the integrity of the epithelium was not compromised by a single infection or co-infection, we demonstrated significant endothelial cell damage associated with loss of barrier function. We established a novel immune-responsive model that reflects the complex crosstalk between pathogens and host. The in vitro model allows for the monitoring of spatiotemporal spreading of the pathogens and the characterization of morphological and functional alterations attributed to infection. The alveolus-on-a-chip represents a promising platform for mechanistic studies of host-pathogen interactions and the identification of molecular and cellular targets of novel treatment strategies in pneumonia.
Using nighttime lights to assess infrastructure expansion within and around protected areas in South America
Authors: Andrade-Núñez María José , Aide T Mitchell
Published: January 2020

Protected areas (PAs) are important mechanisms for conserving biodiversity and buffering anthropogenic pressures, but the expansion and intensification of human activities within and around PAs are threatening the biological diversity they are designed to protect. In South America, a region which includes many biodiversity hotspots (e.g., Atlantic Forest, Andes), agriculture, mining, oil and gas exploitation, dam construction, and settlements have been expanding and intensifying within and around PAs. These human activities need infrastructure (e.g., buildings, logistic facilities, ports), which leads to increased pressure on PAs. In this study, we used nighttime light data and the World Database on Protected Areas to evaluate the extent of intrusion of infrastructure in PAs in South America between 2001 and 2011. Our results show that in general PAs in all of the seven IUCN categories are buffering the intrusion of infrastructure within them, but this was not the case for PAs in multiple-use categories where there was a considerable increase in infrastructure within these PAs. The largest increase in infrastructure occurred within the first 60 km from the border of the PAs, and for multiple-use categories, the peak occurred in the first 10 km. In addition, infrastructure expansion around PAs in category I showed more variability and the largest extent. Infrastructure expansion within and around PAs varied among countries. There were only 23 of the 2,902 PAs with zero expansion, 16 were located in Brazil, four in Colombia, and one in Suriname, Venezuela, and French Guiana. Ecuador and Venezuela were the two countries that had the most infrastructure expansion within and around their PAs, while Guyana and French Guiana had the least development. Presently, South America has ∼22% of the land area under some type of protection. Hopefully, the management of PAs will improve to help buffer the impacts of human activities and improve biodiversity conservation. Unfortunately, our results show that opposite, infrastructure is expanding within and around the PAs, which will most likely lead to ecological degradation and isolation of many of these PAs.
Measures with specified support and arbitrary Assouad dimensions
Authors: Hare Kathryn , Mendivil Franklin , Zuberman Leandro
Published: January 2020

We show that if the upper Assouad dimension of the compact set

E
⊆

R

E\subseteq \mathbb {R}

is positive, then given any

D
>

dim

A

⁡
E

D>\dim _{A}E

there is a measure with support

E
E

and upper Assouad (or regularity) dimension

D
D

. Similarly, given any

0
≤
d
>

dim

L

⁡
E
,

0\leq d>\dim _{L}E,

there is a measure on

E
E

with lower Assouad dimension 

d
d

.
Noncommutative cyclic isolated singularities
Authors: Chan Kenneth , Young Alexander , Zhang James
Published: January 2020

The question of whether a noncommutative graded quotient singularity

A
G

A^G

is isolated depends on a subtle invariant of the

G
G

-action on

A
A

, called the pertinency. We prove a partial dichotomy theorem for isolatedness, which applies to a family of noncommutative quotient singularities arising from a graded cyclic action on the

(
−
1
)

(-1)

-skew polynomial ring. Our results generalize and extend some results of Bao, He, and the third-named author and results of Gaddis, Kirkman, Moore, and Won.
On the lifting of Hilbert cusp forms to Hilbert-Hermitian cusp forms
Authors: Yamana Shunsuke
Published: January 2020

We construct a lifting that associates to a Hilbert cusp form a Hilbert-Hermitian cusp form. This is a generalization of the lifting of elliptic cusp forms constructed by Ikeda to arbitrary Hilbert cusp forms.
The tight groupoid of the inverse semigroups of left cancellative small categories
Authors: Ortega Eduard , Pardo Enrique
Published: January 2020

We fix a path model for the space of filters of the inverse semigroup

S

Λ

\mathcal {S}_\Lambda

associated to a left cancellative small category

Λ
\Lambda

. Then, we compute its tight groupoid, thus giving a representation of its

C
∗

C^*

-algebra as a (full) groupoid algebra. Using it, we characterize simplicty for these algebras. Also, we determine amenability of the tight groupoid under mild, reasonable hypotheses.
On the structure of Hermitian manifolds with semipositive Griffiths curvature
Authors: Ustinovskiy Yury
Published: January 2020

In this paper we establish partial structure results on the geometry of compact Hermitian manifolds of semipositive Griffiths curvature. We show that after appropriate arbitrary small deformation of the initial metric, the null spaces of the Chern–Ricci two-form generate a holomorphic, integrable distribution. This distribution induces an isometric, holomorphic, almost free action of a complex Lie group on the universal cover of the manifold. Our proof combines the strong maximum principle for the Hermitian Curvature Flow (HCF), new results on the interplay of the HCF and the torsion-twisted connection, and observations on the geometry of the torsion-twisted connection on a general Hermitian manifold.
Estimation and inference for the population attributable risk in the presence of misclassification
Authors: Wong Benedict H W , Lee Jooyoung , Spiegelman Donna , Wang Molin
Published: January 2020

Because it describes the proportion of disease cases that could be prevented if an exposure were entirely eliminated from a target population as a result of an intervention, estimation of the population attributable risk (PAR) has become an important goal of public health research. In epidemiologic studies, categorical covariates are often misclassified. We present methods for obtaining point and interval estimates of the PAR and the partial PAR (pPAR) in the presence of misclassification, filling an important existing gap in public health evaluation methods. We use a likelihood-based approach to estimate parameters in the models for the disease and for the misclassification process, under main study/internal validation study and main study/external validation study designs, and various plausible assumptions about transportability. We assessed the finite sample perf ormance of this method via a simulation study, and used it to obtain corrected point and interval estimates of the pPAR for high red meat intake and alcohol intake in relation to colorectal cancer incidence in the HPFS, where we found that the estimated pPAR for the two risk factors increased by up to 317% after correcting for bias due to misclassification.
Virtual reality and real-time neurofeedback functional MRI: a breakthrough in foreseeing Alzheimer’s disease?
Authors: Agosta Federica , Canu Elisa , Filippi Massimo
Published: January 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Earliest amyloid and tau deposition modulate the influence of limbic networks during closed-loop hippocampal downregulation’ by Skouras etal. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa011).
Dynamic Changes in the Neurogenic Potential in the Ventricular–Subventricular Zone of Common Marmoset during Postnatal Brain Development
Authors: Akter Mariyam , Kaneko Naoko , Herranz-Pérez Vicente , Nakamura Sayuri , Oishi Hisashi , García-Verdugo Jose Manuel , Sawamoto Kazunobu
Published: January 2020

Even after birth, neuronal production continues in the ventricular–subventricular zone (V–SVZ) and hippocampus in many mammals. The immature new neurons (“neuroblasts”) migrate and then mature at their final destination. In humans, neuroblast production and migration toward the neocortex and the olfactory bulb (OB) occur actively only for a few months after birth and then sharply decline with age. However, the precise spatiotemporal profiles and fates of postnatally born neurons remain unclear due to methodological limitations. We previously found that common marmosets, small nonhuman primates, share many features of V–SVZ organization with humans. Here, using marmosets injected with thymidine analogue(s) during various postnatal periods, we demonstrated spatiotemporal changes in neurogenesis during development. V–SVZ progenitor proliferation and neuroblast migration toward the OB and neocortex sharply decreased by 4 months, most strikingly in a V–SVZ subregion from which neuroblasts migrated toward the neocortex. Postnatally born neurons matured within a few months in the OB and hippocampus but remained immature until 6 months in the neocortex. While neurogenic activity was sustained for a month after birth, the distribution and/or differentiation diversity was more restricted in 1-month-born cells than in the neonatal-born population. These findings shed light on distinctive features of postnatal neurogenesis in primates.
In-Depth Study of Transmembrane Mucins in Association with Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction During the Course of T Cell Transfer and DSS-Induced Colitis
Authors: Breugelmans Tom , Van Spaendonk Hanne , De Man Joris G , De Schepper Heiko U , Jauregui-Amezaga Aranzazu , Macken Elisabeth , Lindén Sara K , Pintelon Isabel , Timmermans Jean-Pierre , De Winter Benedicte Y , Smet Annemieke
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

There is evidence for a disturbed intestinal barrier function in inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Because mucins represent the major components of the mucus barrier and disturbed mucin expression is reported in the colon of IBD patients, we studied the association between mucin expression, inflammation and intestinal permeability in experimental colitis.

Methods

We quantified 4-kDa FITC-dextran intestinal permeability and the expression of cytokines, mucins, junctional and polarity proteins at dedicated time points in the adoptive T cell transfer and dextran sodium sulfate [DSS]-induced colitis models. Mucin expression was also validated in biopsies from IBD patients.

Results

In both animal models, the course of colitis was associated with increased interleukin-1β [IL-1β] and tumour necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] expression and increased Muc1 and Muc13 expression. In the T cell transfer model, a gradually increasing Muc1 expression coincided with gradually increasing 4-kDa FITC-dextran intestinal permeability and correlated with enhanced IL-1β expression. In the DSS model, Muc13 expression coincided with rapidly increased 4-kDa FITC-dextran intestinal permeability and correlated with TNF-α and Muc1 overexpression. Moreover, a significant association was observed between Muc1, Cldn1, Ocln, Par3 and aPKCζ expression in the T cell transfer model and between Muc13, Cldn1, Jam2, Tjp2, aPkcζ, Crb3 and Scrib expression in the DSS model. Additionally, MUC1 and MUC13 expression was upregulated in inflamed mucosa of IBD patients.

Conclusions

Aberrantly expressed MUC1 and MUC13 might be involved in intestinal barrier dysfunction upon inflammation by affecting junctional and cell polarity proteins, indicating their potential as therapeutic targets in IBD.
Species Diversity and Assemblages of Cerambycidae in the Aftermath of the Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buptrestidae) Invasion in Riparian Forests of Southern Michigan
Authors: Engelken Patrick J , McCullough Deborah G
Published: January 2020

Extensive ash (Fraxinus spp.) mortality has been reported across much of the area in eastern North America invaded by emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire), but indirect effects of emerald ash borer invasion on native forest insects are not well-studied. We assessed cerambycid beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) species captured in baited cross-vane panel traps during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. Traps were placed in 12 riparian forest sites distributed across three watersheds selected to represent the temporal gradient of the emerald ash borer invasion from southeastern to southwestern Michigan. Although ash species originally dominated overstory vegetation in all sites, >85% of ash basal area has been killed by emerald ash borer. We captured a total of 3,645 beetles representing 65 species and five subfamilies. Species assemblages in southeast sites, with the longest history of emerald ash borer invasion, differed from those in south central and southwest Michigan, which were similar. These differences were largely due to three species, which accounted for >60% of beetle captures in southeast Michigan. Associations among site-related variables and beetle captures indicated cerambycid species assemblages were associated most strongly with abundance and decay stage of coarse woody debris. During both years, >90% of cerambycid species were captured by mid-summer but seasonal activity differed among and within tribes. Numbers of beetles captured by canopy and ground traps were similar but species richness was higher in canopy traps than ground traps. Results suggest inputs of emerald ash borer-killed ash can have temporally lagged, secondary effects on cerambycid communities.
Does a farmland zoning program impact farm income: empirical evidence from farm households in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Hung-Hao , Lin Tzu-Chin
Published: January 2020

Does farmland zoning affect farm income, and why? This study addresses these questions using a case study in Taiwan. We use a unique farmland-level dataset and apply the regression discontinuity design to quantify the effects of zoning on farm income. We find that the zoning program decreases farm income. The programme effects are heterogeneous, as they are more pronounced for farms in the higher percentiles of the farm income distribution. Moreover, a larger effect is found for elderly farm operators. Concerning the mechanism, we argue that the zoning program generated an optional benefit or wealth effect for eligible farms. This wealth effect then reallocates family labour to off-farm jobs. Consequently, the zoning program reduces income from farming.
Plasma lipids and risk of aortic valve stenosis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Nazarzadeh Milad , Pinho-Gomes Ana-Catarina , Bidel Zeinab , Dehghan Abbas , Canoy Dexter , Hassaine Abdelaali , Ayala Solares Jose Roberto , Salimi-Khorshidi Gholamreza , Smith George Davey , Otto Catherine M , Rahimi Kazem
Published: January 2020

Aims 

Aortic valve stenosis is commonly considered a degenerative disorder with no recommended preventive intervention, with only valve replacement surgery or catheter intervention as treatment options. We sought to assess the causal association between exposure to lipid levels and risk of aortic stenosis.

Methods and results 

Causality of association was assessed using two-sample Mendelian randomization framework through different statistical methods. We retrieved summary estimations of 157 genetic variants that have been shown to be associated with plasma lipid levels in the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium that included 188 577 participants, mostly European ancestry, and genetic association with aortic stenosis as the main outcome from a total of 432 173 participants in the UK Biobank. Secondary negative control outcomes included aortic regurgitation and mitral regurgitation. The odds ratio for developing aortic stenosis per unit increase in lipid parameter was 1.52 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22–1.90; per 0.98 mmol/L] for low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, 1.03 (95% CI 0.80–1.31; per 0.41 mmol/L) for high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and 1.38 (95% CI 0.92–2.07; per 1 mmol/L) for triglycerides. There was no evidence of a causal association between any of the lipid parameters and aortic or mitral regurgitation.

Conclusion 

Lifelong exposure to high LDL-cholesterol increases the risk of symptomatic aortic stenosis, suggesting that LDL-lowering treatment may be effective in its prevention.
Heart failure can affect everyone: the ESC Geoffrey Rose lecture
Authors: Sliwa Karen
Published: January 2020

The principle of ‘sick individuals vs. sick population’, a concept pioneered by Geoffrey Rose 35 years ago, is particularly applicable to heart failure (HF). This perspective article summarizes and expands on the Geoffrey Rose lecture given at the European Society of Cardiology meeting held in conjunction with the World Congress of Cardiology, in Paris, 2019. This article focuses on the fact that, clearly, HF not only affects a large spectrum of the population globally, but it occurs in all ages and equally in both genders. Heart failure, in most parts of the world, is clearly not a disease of the elderly. There are multiple and complex pathways leading to HF which include various risk factors (including communicable diseases and exposure to indoor and environmental pollutants), poverty and overcrowding, as well as sub-optimal access to health care systems due to socioeconomic inequities. Reflecting on Geoffrey Rose’s concept 35 years later motivates us to confront our global responsibility to address the population distribution of risk factors more effectively, instead of focusing solely on interventions that target high-risk individuals.
Extrathoracic collaterals to critical segmental arteries after endovascular thoraco-abdominal aneurysm repair
Authors: Shijo Takayuki , Kuratani Toru , Shimamura Kazuo , Kin Keiwa , Masada Kenta , Goto Takasumi , Ide Toru , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVES

The risk of spinal cord injury after thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair increases when the segmental arteries (SAs) in the critical segment are sacrificed. Such critical SAs cannot be reconstructed when performing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). We aimed to elucidate extrathoracic collaterals to the critical SAs (T9–L1) that develop after TEVAR.

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2018, the critical SAs (T9–L1) of 38 patients were sacrificed during TEVAR. Nineteen of these patients who underwent multidetector row computed tomography 6 months after surgery were included (mean age 60 ± 13 years; 10 male; Crawford extent II:III, 14:5). We retrospectively assessed extrathoracic collaterals to the sacrificed critical SAs.

RESULTS

Ninety-four collaterals to the critical SAs were observed, originating from the subclavian (26/94), external iliac (50/94) and internal iliac (18/94) arteries. Twenty-five of the 26 (96%) collaterals from the subclavian artery were from its lateral descending branch, and 19 of the 26 (73%) collaterals fed into T9. Forty-three of the 50 (86%) collaterals from the external iliac artery were from its lateral ascending branch, and 25 of the 50 (50%) collaterals communicated with T11. Patients with a history of left thoracotomy (no collaterals in 6 patients) had fewer collaterals via the lateral descending branch of the left subclavian artery in comparison with the patients without (10 collaterals in 13 patients) (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

After critical SAs were sacrificed, extrathoracic collaterals developed with certain regularity. Previous left thoracotomy could influence the development of extrathoracic collaterals from the left subclavian artery.
Review of New Trends in the Analysis of Allergenic Residues in Foods and Cosmetic Products
Authors: Tuzimski Tomasz , Petruczynik Anna
Published: January 2020

Background

Allergies represent an important health problem in industrialized countries. Allergen sensitization is an important risk factor for the development of allergic diseases; thus, the identification of an individual’s allergen sensitization is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Objective

This review compares different modern methods applied for the analysis of allergens in various matrices (from 2015 to the end of September 2019).

Conclusions

Immunological methods are still most frequently used for detection of allergens. These methods are sensitive, but the lack of specificity and cross-reaction of some antibodies can still be a relevant source of errors. DNA-based methods are fast and reliable for determination of protein allergens, but the epitopes of protein allergens with posttranslational modifications and their changes, originated during various processing, cannot be identified through the use of this method. Methods based on application of biosensors are very rapid and easy to use, and can be readily implemented as screening methods to monitor allergens. Recent developments of new high-resolution MS instruments are encouraging and enable development in the analysis of allergens. Fast, very sensitive, reliable, and accurate detection and quantification of allergens in complex samples can be used in the near future. Mass spectrometry coupled with LC, GC, or electrophoretic methods bring additional advances in allergen analysis. The use of LC-MS or LC-MS/MS for the quantitative detection of allergens in various matrices is at present gaining acceptance as a protein-based confirmatory technique over the routinely performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Quantitation of Fentanyl and Metabolites from Liver Tissue Using a Validated QuEChERS Extraction and LC–MS-MS Analysis
Authors: Cox Joseph , Train Alex , Field Avery , Ott Colby , DelTondo Joseph , Kraner James , Bailey Kristen , Gebhardt Myron , Arroyo-Mora Luis E
Published: January 2020

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than one hundred people die every day from opioid overdose. Overdose fatalities have risen as the availability of potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, has increased. A forensic postmortem toxicological specimen is often in various stages of decomposition, experiencing autolysis and putrefaction, which complicates the extraction, creating a difficult challenge for toxicologists. Isolating the target drug, while creating an efficient and simplified analytical scheme, is a goal for most toxicology laboratories. The validation of a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe extraction protocol is presented in this study as an alternative analytical method for efficient extraction and detection of fentanyl and its major metabolites: norfentanyl and despropionyl fentanyl (4-ANPP). The liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis was validated following the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board (ASB) standard 036 proposed requirements. Evaluated parameters include selectivity, matrix effects (MEs), linearity, processed sample stability, bias, precision and proof of applicability using liver samples from authentic postmortem cases. MEs (represented as percent ionization suppression or enhancement) at low and high concentrations were −10.0% and 1.4% for fentanyl, −2.1% and −0.3% for 4-ANPP and 3.1% and 2.8% for norfentanyl, respectively. Bias for the three analytes ranged from −8.5% to −19.9% for the low concentrations, −3.6% to −14.7% for the medium concentrations and 1.5% to −16.1% for the high concentrations with all being within the ±20% guideline. Precision for the three analytes ranged from 2.2% to 15.1%. The linear range for the fentanyl and norfentanyl was 0.5–100 and 4-ANPP had a linear range of 0.4–80 μg/kg. The authentic postmortem liver samples ranged in fentanyl concentrations from 56.6 to 462.3 μg/kg with a mean of 149.2 μg/kg (n = 10). The range of norfentanyl concentrations were 1.9 to 50.0 μg/kg with a mean of 14.1 μg/kg (n = 10). The range of 4-ANPP concentrations were 3.2 to 23.7 μg/kg with a mean of 7.5 μg/kg (n = 7).
Mating-Induced Differential Expression in Genes Related to Reproduction and Immunity in Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Female Moths
Authors: Gao Bo , Song Xiao-Qian , Yu Hong , Fu Da-Ying , Xu Jin , Ye Hui
Published: January 2020

Mating promotes reproductive activity, which may impact immune performance. Paradoxically, mating frequently challenges females’ immunity (e.g., infections). Therefore, studies of postmating resource allocation between reproduction and survival are likely to shed new light on life-history trade-off and sexual selection. Here, we used RNAseq to test whether and how mating affected mRNA expression in genes related to reproduction and immunity in Spodoptera litura female moths. Results show a divergent change in the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between reproduction and immunity: the immune response was largely downregulated shortly after mating (~6 h postmating), which has some recovery at 24 h postmating; reproductive response is trivial shortly after mating (~6 h postmating), but it largely upregulated at 24 h postmating (e.g., egg maturation related genes were highly upregulated). Considering the fact that most of the total DEGs downregulated from 0 to 6 h postmating (from 51/68 to 214/260) but most of the total DEGs upregulated at 24 h postmating (816/928), it is possible that trade-offs between reproduction and immunity occurred in mated females. For example, they may shut down immunity to favor sperm storage and save limited resources to support the increased energy required in reproduction (e.g., egg maturation and oviposition). Mating-induced infections should be trivial due to low polyandry in S. litura. A reduced immune defense may have no threat to S. litura survival but may benefit reproduction significantly. Furthermore, obvious expression changes were detected in genes related to hormone production, suggesting that endocrine changes could play important roles in postmating responses.
Breast Cancer Incidence Trends by Estrogen Receptor Status Among Asian American Ethnic Groups, 1990–2014
Authors: Tuan Alyssa W , Davis Lynn Brittny C , Chernyavskiy Pavel , Yu Mandi , Gomez Scarlett L , Gierach Gretchen L , Rosenberg Philip S
Published: January 2020

Background

Westernization and etiologic heterogeneity may play a role in the rising breast cancer incidence in Asian American (AA) women. We report breast cancer incidence in Asian-origin populations.

Methods

Using a specialized Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-9 Plus API Database (1990–2014), we analyzed breast cancer incidence overall, by estrogen receptor (ER) status, and age group among non-Hispanic white (NHW) and AA women. We used age-period-cohort models to assess time trends and quantify heterogeneity by ER status, race and ethnicity, and age.

Results

Overall, breast cancer incidence increased for most AA ethnicities (Filipina: estimated annual percentage change [EAPC] = 0.96%/year, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61% to 1.32%; South Asian: EAPC = 1.68%/year, 95% CI = 0.24% to 3.13%; Chinese: EAPC = 0.65%/year, 95% CI = 0.03% to 1.27%; Korean: EAPC = 2.55%/year, 95% CI = 0.13% to 5.02%; and Vietnamese women: EAPC = 0.88%/year, 95% CI = 0.37% to 1.38%); rates did not change for NHW (EAPC = -0.2%/year, 95% CI = -0.73% to 0.33%) or Japanese women (EAPC = 0.22%/year, 95% CI = -1.26% to 1.72%). For most AA ethnicities, ER-positive rates statistically significantly increased, whereas ER-negative rates statistically significantly decreased. Among older women, ER-positive rates were stable for NHW and Japanese women. ER-negative rates decreased fastest in NHW and Japanese women among both age groups.

Conclusions

Increasing ER-positive incidence is driving an increase overall for most AA women despite declining ER-negative incidence. The similar trends in NHW and Japanese women (vs other AA ethnic groups) highlight the need to better understand the influences of westernization and other etiologic factors on breast cancer incidence patterns in AA women. Heterogeneous trends among AA ethnicities underscore the importance of disaggregating AA data and studying how breast cancer differentially affects the growing populations of diverse AA ethnic groups.
Speech and Language Presentations of FTLD-TDP Type B Neuropathology
Authors: Lee Daniel J , Bigio Eileen H , Rogalski Emily J , Mesulam M -Marsel
Published: January 2020

Four right-handed patients who presented with an isolated impairment of speech or language had transactive response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) type B pathology. Comportment and pyramidal motor function were preserved at presentation. Three of the cases developed axial rigidity and oculomotor findings late in their course with no additional pyramidal or lower motor neuron impairments. However, in all 4 cases, postmortem examination disclosed some degree of upper and lower motor neuron disease (MND) pathology in motor cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. Although TDP-43 type B pathology is commonly associated with MND and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, it is less recognized as a pathologic correlate of primary progressive aphasia and/or apraxia of speech as the presenting syndrome. These cases, taken together, contribute to the growing heterogeneity in clinical presentations associated with TDP pathology. Additionally, 2 cases demonstrated left anterior temporal lobe atrophy but without word comprehension impairments, shedding light on the relevance of the left temporal tip for single-word comprehension.
Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Using Gastric Aspirates in Pediatric Patients in Haiti
Authors: Pierre-Louis Marvah Hill , Rouzier Vanessa , Rivera Vanessa , Systrom Hannah K , Julma Pierrot , Jean Elsie , Francois Lovely Cassandra , Pape Jean W , Ocheretina Oksana , Wright Peter F
Published: January 2020

Background

We aimed to determine whether the Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assay is a useful adjunct to culture for the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) using gastric lavage aspirates (GLAs) in children aged < 5 years.

Methods

We reviewed the yield from diagnostic modalities in children suspected of having TB followed at an infectious disease research and treatment center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, from 2011 to 2016.

Results

In 187 children clinically diagnosed with TB, a microbiologic diagnosis could be established in 40 (21%). Cultures, Xpert, and smears were positive in 30 (19%), 28 (17%), and 3 (1.6%) children, respectively. Ten cases that would not have been diagnosed by culture alone were found by the use of the Xpert assay. Collecting 2 GLA samples optimized microbiologic yield.

Conclusions

In GLAs, Xpert increased the yield of microbiologically documented cases by 33%. Additionally, the rapidity of diagnosis potentially makes Xpert a valuable adjunct in initiating treatment for TB in children. Smear microscopy has low sensitivity in GLA and did not add to the documented cases. Our findings also highlight the low rate of microbiologic confirmation of clinically diagnosed TB.
Angioleiomyoma presenting as a lateral neck lump: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Moore Tyson A , Pham Toan D , Bui Hai T
Published: January 2020

Angioleiomyomas are defined as benign dermal or subcutaneous tumours consisting of smooth muscle cells arranged around vascular channels. Head and neck angioleiomyomas are rarely encountered as they usually occur in the extremities. We report a case of a 71-year-old male, who presented with a 3-month history of a painless lateral neck lump. Ultrasound and computed tomography scans localised the suspicious hypervascular tumour to the right supraclavicular fossa between the two heads of sternocleidomastoid muscle. He subsequently underwent an excisional biopsy, where histological analysis determined that the lateral neck mass was a venous subtype angioleiomyoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the third reported case of an angioleiomyoma in the supraclavicular fossa. Although supraclavicular masses are typically synonymous with malignancy, this case report highlights that angioleiomyoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis when investigating patients with a lateral neck lump.
Stellar escapers from M67 can reach solar-like Galactic orbits
Authors: Jørgensen Timmi G , Church Ross P
Published: January 2020

We investigate the possibility that the Sun could have been born in M67 by carrying out N-body simulations of M67-like clusters in a time-varying Galactic environment, and following the Galactic orbits of stars that escape from them. We find that model clusters that occupy similar orbits to M67 today can be divided up into three groups, which we call hot, depleted, and scattered clusters. Hot clusters are born with a high initial $z$-velocity; depleted clusters are born on dynamically cold orbits but are destroyed by GMC encounters in the Galactic disc; and scattered clusters are born on dynamically cold orbits and survive to have more than 1000 stars at an age of 4.6 Gyr. We find that all cluster models in all three cluster groups have stellar escapers that are kinematically similar to the Sun. Hot clusters have the lowest fraction of escapers with solar-like kinematics, f⊙ = 0.06 per cent, whilst depleted clusters have the highest fraction, f⊙ = 6.61 per cent. We calculate that clusters that are destroyed in the Galactic disc have a specific frequency of escapers that end up on solar-like orbits that is ∼ 2 times that of escapers from clusters that survive their journey.
Chemical abundances of Seyfert 2 AGNs – II. N2 metallicity calibration based on SDSS
Authors: Carvalho S P , Dors O L , Cardaci M V , Hägele G F , Krabbe A C , Pérez-Montero E , Monteiro A F , Armah M , Freitas-Lemes P
Published: January 2020

We present a semi-empirical calibration between the metallicity (Z) of Seyfert 2 active galactic nuclei and the N2 = log([N ii]λ6584/H α) emission-line intensity ratio. This calibration was derived through the [O iii]λ5007/[O ii]λ3727 versus N2 diagram containing observational data and photoionization model results obtained with the cloudy code. The observational sample consists of 463 confirmed Seyfert 2 nuclei (redshift $z \: \lesssim 0.4$) taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey DR7 data set. The obtained Z–N2 relation is valid for the range $0.3 \: \lesssim \: (Z/{\rm Z}_{\odot }) \: \lesssim \: 2.0$ that corresponds to $-0.7 \: \lesssim \: ({\rm N}2) \: \lesssim \: 0.6$. The effects of varying the ionization parameter (U), electron density and the slope of the spectral energy distribution on the Z estimations are of the order of the uncertainty produced by the error measurements of N2. This result indicates the large reliability of our Z –N2 calibration. A relation between U and the [O iii]/[O ii] line ratio, almost independent of other nebular parameter, was obtained.
The paradox of youth for ALMA planet candidates
Authors: Nayakshin S
Published: January 2020

Recent ALMA observations indicate that the majority of bright protoplanetary discs show signatures of young moderately massive planets. I show that this result is paradoxical. The planets should evolve away from their observed states by radial migration and gas accretion in about 1 per cent of the system age. These systems should then hatch tens of giant planets in their lifetime, and there should exist a very large population of bright planet-less discs; none of this is observationally supported. An alternative scenario, in which the population of bright ALMA discs is dominated by secondary discs recently rejuvenated by deposition of new gas, is proposed. The data are well explained if the gaseous mass of the discs is comparable to a Jovian planet mass, and they last a small fraction of a Million years. Self-disruptions of dusty gas giant protoplanets, previously predicted in the context of the Tidal Downsizing theory of planet formation, provide a suitable mechanism for such injections of new fuel, and yield disc and planet properties commensurate with ALMA observations. If this scenario is correct, then the secondary discs have gas-to-dust ratios considerably smaller than 100, and long look ALMA and NIR/optical observations of dimmer targets should uncover dusty, not yet disrupted, gas clumps with sizes of order an au. Alternatively, secondary discs could originate from late external deposition of gas into the system, in which case we expect widespread signatures of warped outer discs that have not yet come into alignment with the planets.
TheThreeHundred project: backsplash galaxies in simulations of clusters
Authors: Haggar Roan , Gray Meghan E , Pearce Frazer R , Knebe Alexander , Cui Weiguang , Mostoghiu Robert , Yepes Gustavo
Published: January 2020

In the outer regions of a galaxy cluster, galaxies either may be falling into the cluster for the first time or have already passed through the cluster centre at some point in their past. To investigate these two distinct populations, we utilize TheThreeHundred project, a suite of 324 hydrodynamical resimulations of galaxy clusters. In particular, we study the ‘backsplash population’ of galaxies: those that have passed within R200 of the cluster centre at some time in their history, but are now outside of this radius. We find that, on average, over half of all galaxies between R200 and 2R200 from their host at $z$ = 0 are backsplash galaxies, but that this fraction is dependent on the dynamical state of a cluster, as dynamically relaxed clusters have a greater backsplash fraction. We also find that this population is mostly developed at recent times ($z$ ≲ 0.4), and is dependent on the recent history of a cluster. Finally, we show that the dynamical state of a given cluster, and thus the fraction of backsplash galaxies in its outskirts, can be predicted based on observational properties of the cluster.