bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECS‐CP‐ABE: A lightweight elliptic curve signcryption scheme based on ciphertext‐policy attribute‐based encryption to secure downlink multicast communication in edge envisioned advanced metering infrastructure networks
Authors: Khasawneh Samer , Kadoch Michel
Published: September 2020

As an integral part of the smart grid, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) implements two‐way communication to enable the smart grid achieving the desired performance improvements over the legacy grid. Integrating communication in addition to the inherited weakness of the power grid paves the way to countless number of security threats to target its communication networks, therefore ensuring secure data exchange is a key concern for AMI networks. In this regard, many schemes are proposed in the literature to secure this two‐way communication, however, very little effort has been focused on multicast transmissions carried out between the control center and a group of smart meters. In order to empower efficient, authentic, and confidential data exchange, this article proposes a new signcryption scheme for multicast downlink communication in edge envisioned AMI networks. The proposed scheme is constructed based on ciphertext‐policy attribute‐based encryption to attain secure fine‐grained access control for the multirecipient communication between the utility control center and a group of smart meters. The novelty of our scheme lies behind the fact that it is an elliptic curve cryptosystem that is pairing free, in opposite to most ABE schemes. Instead of the complex bilinear pairing operations, we exploited faster elliptic curve point multiplication operations to construct the proposed signcryption model. we demonstrate the strength of our protocol in defending against passive, collusion, reply, data modification, and signature forgery attacks. Simulation results prove the efficiency of our protocol in terms of messages size and computation complexity when compared with other schemes.
Anti‐cholinesterase and antioxidant properties of alkaloid and phenolic‐rich extracts from pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf: A comparative study
Authors: Adedayo Bukola C. , Oyeleye Sunday I. , Okeke Bathlomew M. , Oboh Ganiyu
Published: September 2020

Carica papaya, commonly known as pawpaw, is a tropical plant cultivated for its edible ripe fruits. However, its leaf is being use traditionally against several life‐threatening illnesses, including Alzheimer disease (AD). This study compared the cholinesterases (ChEs) inhibitory effect and antioxidant property of alkaloid and phenolic [aqueous, acetone and methanol‐HCL (0.1:50 w/v)] rich extracts of Pawpaw leaf. The extracts were prepared to the concentration of 2 mg/mL, thereafter, effect on ChEs [acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)] activities, and production of quinolone (QA) and Fe‐induced thiobarbituric reactive acid species (TBARS)] as well as antioxidant [ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP), 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐ picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability] properties were determined. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the phenolic‐rich extracts, as well as gas chromatography analysis of an alkaloid extract, were carried out. Results revealed that hydromethanolic extract had the highest AChE inhibitory effect while aqueous extract had the highest BChE inhibitory potential. Hydromethanolic extract demonstrated highest inhibitory effect on Fe2+‐induced TBARS production, while alkaloid extract had strong inhibition on QA‐induced TBARS production. Aqueous extract had the highest total phenol content, while hydromethanolic extract had the highest total flavonoid content. All the extract exhibited anticholinesterases and antioxidant properties, however, hydromethanolic extract appears to be the most potent and could be as a result of its rich flavonoid content. The biological properties of the studied extract could be the underlying neuromodulatory mechanism of actions of pawpaw leaf in folklore against some neurological disorders.
Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus supplementation on oxidative stability of Cashmere goat
Authors: Luo Yulong , Su Lin , Su Rina , Wang Bohui , Liu Chang , Wang Zhenggang , Zhao Lihua , Jin Ye
Published: September 2020

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) provides a rich source of polysaccharides that can act as powerful antioxidants, but their potential as feed ingredients in the lamb industry still rarely exploited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary astragalus membranaceus supplementation on oxidative stability of goat muscles. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles from two groups of Cashmere goat (basal diet, C group; basal diet supplemented with 1% astragalus membranaceus root, AM group) were evaluated for lipid oxidation, myoglobin oxidation, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and antioxidant capacity. The results showed that color parameters in Cashmere goat of two feeding conditions were no significant difference (p > .05). In AM group, myoglobin (Mb) content was higher than C, while metmyoglobin (MMb) (p < .05) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < .01) were lower. Additionally astragalus membranaceus supplementation had a significant effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (p < .001). In whole, the AM group goats presented a relatively higher antioxidant capacity than C. Especially, RSA and CUPRAC values of AM group goats had significantly higher than C (p < .05). Consequently, the AM group goats ingested abundant astragalus membranaceus, which enhanced the antioxidant capacity. Thus, it can eliminate free radicals and effectively inhibit oxidation.
Doxorubicin and Trifolium pratense L. (Red clover) extract synergistically inhibits brain and lung metastases in 4T1 tumor‐bearing BALB/c mice
Authors: Akbaribazm Mohsen , Khazaei Mohammad Rasoul , Khazaei Fatemeh , Khazaei Mozafar
Published: September 2020

Trifolium pratense L. (Red clover—T. pratense) commonly consumed as a healthy beverage has been demonstrated to have various biological activities including antioxidant and anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimetastasis effects of doxorubicin (DOX) and T. pratense extract in 4T1 tumor‐bearing BALB/c mice. In this study, 56 female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 8/group) to receive DOX and T. pratense extract in three different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day) for 35 days. On day 36 after starting treatments, serum cytokines (IL‐8 and IL‐6) were measured. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed for GATA‐3 in the brain and lung, and for CK5/6 in tumor tissues. Metastasis‐related gene (matrix metalloproteinase‐2 [MMP‐2] and sirtuin‐1 [SIRT‐1]) expressions were also measured by real‐time PCR. Our results showed that cotreatment with DOX and T. pratense extract improved stereological parameters (i.e., reduction in the volume of metastatic tumors) in the lung and brain and decreased the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐8 and IL‐6). DOX and T. pratense extract synergistically down‐regulated MMP‐2 and up‐regulated SIRT‐1 genes, decreased the number of CK5/6‐positive cells in tumor tissues, and inhibited metastasis of GATA‐3‐positive cells into the lung and brain. The combination of T. pratense extract and DOX synergistically inhibited the metastasis of 4T1 xenograft cells in a dose‐dependent manner.
Longitudinal atrophy in early Braak regions in preclinical Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Xie Long , Wisse Laura E. M. , Das Sandhitsu R. , Vergnet Nicolas , Dong Mengjin , Ittyerah Ranjit , de Flores Robin , Yushkevich Paul A. , Wolk David A. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2020

A major focus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) research has been finding sensitive outcome measures to disease progression in preclinical AD, as intervention studies begin to target this population. We hypothesize that tailored measures of longitudinal change of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) subregions (the sites of earliest cortical tangle pathology) are more sensitive to disease progression in preclinical AD compared to standard cognitive and plasma NfL measures. Longitudinal T1‐weighted MRI of 337 participants were included, divided into amyloid‐β negative (Aβ−) controls, cerebral spinal fluid p‐tau positive (T+) and negative (T−) preclinical AD (Aβ+ controls), and early prodromal AD. Anterior/posterior hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, Brodmann areas (BA) 35 and 36, and parahippocampal cortex were segmented in baseline MRI using a novel pipeline. Unbiased change rates of subregions were estimated using MRI scans within a 2‐year‐follow‐up period. Experimental results showed that longitudinal atrophy rates of all MTL subregions were significantly higher for T+ preclinical AD and early prodromal AD than controls, but not for T− preclinical AD. Posterior hippocampus and BA35 demonstrated the largest group differences among hippocampus and MTL cortex respectively. None of the cross‐sectional MTL measures, longitudinal cognitive measures (PACC, ADAS‐Cog) and cross‐sectional or longitudinal plasma NfL reached significance in preclinical AD. In conclusion, longitudinal atrophy measurements reflect active neurodegeneration and thus are more directly linked to active disease progression than cross‐sectional measurements. Moreover, accelerated atrophy in preclinical AD seems to occur only in the presence of concomitant tau pathology. The proposed longitudinal measurements may serve as efficient outcome measures in clinical trials.
A meta‐analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of divergent thinking using activation likelihood estimation
Authors: Cogdell‐Brooke Lucy S. , Sowden Paul T. , Violante Inês R. , Thompson Hannah E.
Published: September 2020

There are conflicting findings regarding brain regions and networks underpinning creativity, with divergent thinking tasks commonly used to study this. A handful of meta‐analyses have attempted to synthesise findings on neural mechanisms of divergent thinking. With the rapid proliferation of research and recent developments in fMRI meta‐analysis approaches, it is timely to reassess the regions activated during divergent thinking creativity tasks. Of particular interest is examining the evidence regarding large‐scale brain networks proposed to be key in divergent thinking and extending this work to consider the role of the semantic control network. Studies utilising fMRI with healthy participants completing divergent thinking tasks were systematically identified, with 20 studies meeting the criteria. Activation Likelihood Estimation was then used to integrate the neuroimaging results across studies. This revealed four clusters: the left inferior parietal lobe; the left inferior frontal and precentral gyrus; the superior and medial frontal gyrus and the right cerebellum. These regions are key in the semantic network, important for flexible retrieval of stored knowledge, highlighting the role of this network in divergent thinking.
Nonlinear engagement of action observation network underlying action anticipation in players with different levels of expertise
Authors: Chen Yin‐Hua , Chang Chih‐Yen , Huang Shih‐Kuei , Yen Nai‐Shing
Published: September 2020

The goal of this study was to reconcile inconsistency of neural engagement underlying action anticipation between experts and nonexperts, as well as between correct and incorrect anticipations. Therefore, we asked novice, intermediate, and skilled baseball batters (N, IB, and SB) to anticipate their swing decisions in response to pitching videos of a strike or ball, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Behavioral results confirmed the effect of expertise that is generally shown in a linear fashion. Imaging results instead revealed a nonlinear relationship between expertise level and the evoked response amplitude of nodes within the action observation network. The relationship was best captured by an inverted U‐shaped quadratic response profile across the three groups such that IB exhibited higher activation than did both SB and N. These empirical findings extend the framework of predictive coding as well as of neural efficiency in anticipating the action of others, and they might be associated with the underlying process to interpret the goal of the observed action and prepare one's own response. Furthermore, the right anterior cerebellum showed different levels of activation for correct and incorrect anticipations in all groups, adding novel evidence of its subtle involvement in anticipation processes irrespective of expertise status.
Hippocampal subfield volumes are nonspecifically reduced in premature‐born adults
Authors: Hedderich Dennis M. , Avram Mihai , Menegaux Aurore , Nuttall Rachel , Zimmermann Juliana , Schneider Sebastian C. , Schmitz‐Koep Benita , Daamen Marcel , Scheef Lukas , Boecker Henning , Zimmer Claus , Baumann Nicole , Bartmann Peter , Wolke Dieter , Bäuml Josef G. , Sorg Christian
Published: September 2020

Reduced global hippocampus volumes have been demonstrated in premature‐born individuals, from newborns to adults; however, it is unknown whether hippocampus subfield (HCSF) volumes are differentially affected by premature birth and how relevant they are for cognitive performance. To address these questions, we investigated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐derived HCSF volumes in very premature‐born adults, and related them with general cognitive performance in adulthood. We assessed 103 very premature‐born (gestational age [GA] <32 weeks and/or birth weight <1,500 g) and 109 term‐born individuals with cognitive testing and structural MRI at 26 years of age. HCSFs were automatically segmented based on three‐dimensional T1‐ and T2‐weighted sequences and studied both individually and grouped into three functional units, namely hippocampus proper (HP), subicular complex (SC), and dentate gyrus (DG). Cognitive performance was measured using the Wechsler‐Adult‐Intelligence‐Scale (full‐scale intelligence quotient [FS‐IQ]) at 26 years. We observed bilateral volume reductions for almost all HCSF volumes in premature‐born adults and associations with GA and neonatal treatment intensity but not birth weight. Left‐sided HP, SC, and DG volumes were associated with adult FS‐IQ. Furthermore, left DG volume was a mediator of the association between GA and adult FS‐IQ in premature‐born individuals. Results demonstrate nonspecifically reduced HCSF volumes in premature‐born adults; but specific associations with cognitive outcome highlight the importance of the left DG. Data suggest that specific interventions toward hippocampus function might be promising to lower adverse cognitive effects of prematurity.
Motion opponency examined throughout visual cortex with multivariate pattern analysis of fMRI data
Authors: Silva Andrew E. , Thompson Benjamin , Liu Zili
Published: September 2020

This study explores how the human brain solves the challenge of flicker noise in motion processing. Despite providing no useful directional motion information, flicker is common in the visual environment and exhibits omnidirectional motion energy which is processed by low‐level motion detectors. Models of motion processing propose a mechanism called motion opponency that reduces flicker processing. Motion opponency involves the pooling of local motion signals to calculate an overall motion direction. A neural correlate of motion opponency has been observed in human area MT+/V5, whereby stimuli with perfectly balanced motion energy constructed from dots moving in counter‐phase elicit a weaker response than nonbalanced (in‐phase) motion stimuli. Building on this previous work, we used multivariate pattern analysis to examine whether the activation patterns elicited by motion opponent stimuli resemble that elicited by flicker noise across the human visual cortex. Robust multivariate signatures of opponency were observed in V5 and in V3A. Our results support the notion that V5 is centrally involved in motion opponency and in the reduction of flicker. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the utility of multivariate analysis methods in revealing the role of additional visual areas, such as V3A, in opponency and in motion processing more generally.
Temporal bone carcinoma: Novel prognostic score based on clinical and histological features
Authors: Zanoletti Elisabetta , Franz Leonardo , Cazzador Diego , Franchella Sebastiano , Calvanese Leonardo , Nicolai Piero , Mazzoni Antonio , Marioni Gino
Published: September 2020

Background

This study aimed to develop a novel temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma (TBSCC) prognosis scoring system and compare it with the revised Pittsburgh staging system.

Methods

Forty‐four consecutive TBSCC patients were assessed to identify predictors of recurrence. Each predictor's hazard ratio for recurrence was used to develop our novel scoring system.

Results

Based on variables with P < .10 in Cox's regression model, our score included: revised Pittsburgh stage; non‐anterior spread of T4 carcinoma; dural involvement; and histological grade. A higher recurrence rate (P = .000) and shorter disease‐free survival (P = .000) were associated with scores of ≥5. The area under the curve of our score was larger than that of the revised Pittsburgh stage for both recurrence and disease‐specific mortality (P = .0178 and P = .0193, respectively).

Conclusion

Our TBSCC scoring system is based on variables that are obtainable preoperatively from clinical and radiological data and biopsies. Its prognostic value should be validated for published TBSCC series and then in prospective settings.
Antibody Response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome‐ Corona Virus 2, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Ishay Yuval , Kessler Asa , Schwarts Asaf , Ilan Yaron
Published: September 2020

The immune response against severe acute respiratory syndrome‐corona virus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is comprised of both cellular and humoral arms. While current diagnostic methods are mainly based on polymerase chain reaction, they suffer from insensitivity. Therefore, antibody‐based serologic tests are being developed to achieve higher sensitivity and specificity. Current efforts in treating SARS‐CoV‐2 infection include blocking of viral entry into the host cells, prohibiting viral replication and survival in the host cells, and reducing the exaggerated host immune response. Administration of convalescent plasma containing antiviral antibodies was proposed to improve the outcome in severe cases. In this paper, we review some of the aspects associated with the development of antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 and their potential use for improved diagnosis and therapy.
Incorporating genomic medicine into primary‐level health care for chronic non‐communicable diseases in Mexico: A qualitative study
Authors: Bravo María L. , Santiago‐Angelino Tania M. , González‐Robledo Luz M. , Nigenda Gustavo , Seiglie Jacqueline A. , Serván‐Mori Edson
Published: September 2020

Objective

To analyze the viability of incorporating genomic medicine technology into the process of detecting and diagnosing chronic non‐communicable diseases (CNCDs) at primary‐care facilities in Mexico, and to discuss its implications for health systems in other countries with similar characteristics.

Material and methods

We conducted 29 semi‐structured interviews with health authorities as well as providers and users of health services in the state of Morelos. We investigated knowledge of genomic technology among interviewees; the accessibility, management, and organization of health services; and CNCDs prevention, control, and care practices.

Results

The incorporation of genomic medicine technology into the CNCDs primary‐care process is viable. However, the following challenges were identified: a lack of knowledge and limited information among interviewees regarding the effectiveness and benefits of genomic medicine technology, coupled with the need to mobilize and reassign trained human resources for drawing, registering, safeguarding, transporting, and controlling the quality of the genetic samples, as well as for the outsourcing of private laboratory services.

Conclusion

Using genetic information to detect CNCDs at an early stage offers an enormous potential for upgrading CNCDs prevention and control efforts. This, in turn, could translate into more efficient and financially sustainable health systems in Mexico and other low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Numerical investigation on location of protrusions and dimples during slot jet impingement on a concave surface using hybrid ANN–GA
Authors: Singh Alankrita
Published: September 2020

Numerical simulations using ANSYS Fluent 17.2 are explored for a detailed discussion on jet impingement over a compound dimpled and protrusioned concave surface. Previous researchers have proved that both dimples and protrusions help in heat transfer augmentation. However, the combined effect of dimple and protrusion over a concave surface is still not studied, which may show a significant improvement in heat transfer. Therefore, the present study is devoted to the alternate location of dimple and protrusion over a concave surface for enhancement in impingement heat transfer. Simulations are performed for several arrangements of dimples and protrusions over a concave surface. It is noticed that a particular arrangement of dimples and protrusions leads to an increase in heat transfer compared with a fully protruded or fully dimpled concave surface. Furthermore, it is also noticed that protrusions/dimples at the stagnation region degrade overall impingement heat transfer. The wall shear stress profile is found to be similar to its corresponding local Nusselt number profile. Lastly, the optimal location of dimples and protrusions is predicted using an artificial neural network and a specially formulated discrete version of genetic algorithm.
Comments on “Mechanism of Soret‐Dufour, magnetohydrodynamics, heat and mass transfer flow with buoyancy force, and viscous dissipation effects‏‏”
Authors: Awad M. M.
Published: September 2020

This commentary shows that the correct units of mass expansion coefficient (βc) must be m3/mol (ie, the inverse of the concentration [C] units) so that the product βc(C − C∞) is dimensionless in the momentum equation. Also, the correct units of magnetic field strength (B0) must be Tesla so that the last term in RHS of the momentum equation has the units of m/s2. In addition, the correct units of dynamic viscosity (μ) must be kg/m·s so that the last term in RHS of the energy equation has the units of K·s. These correct units must be used too in the converted momentum and energy equations after introducing the stream function Ψ(x, y). Using these wrong units will cause some dimensionless parameters such as Grashof number (Gb) and magnetic parameter (M) will be dimensional.
Interleukin‐6‐mediated resistance to immunotherapy is linked to impaired myeloid cell function
Authors: Beyranvand Nejad Elham , Labrie Camilla , van der Sluis Tetje C. , van Duikeren Suzanne , Franken Kees L. M. C. , Roosenhoff Rueshandra , Arens Ramon , van Hall Thorbald , van der Burg Sjoerd H.
Published: September 2020

High serum levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) correlate with poor prognosis and chemotherapy resistance in several cancers. The underlying mechanisms and its effects on immunotherapy are largely unknown. To address this, we developed a human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16)‐associated tumor model expressing IL‐6 to investigate the impact of tumor‐expressed IL‐6 during cisplatin chemotherapy and HPV16 synthetic long peptide vaccination as immunotherapy. The effects of tumor‐produced IL‐6 on tumor growth, survival and the tumor microenvironment were analyzed. Our data demonstrated that tumor‐produced IL‐6 conferred resistance to cisplatin and therapeutic vaccination. This was not caused by a changed in vitro or in vivo growth rate of tumor cells, or a changed sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy or T‐cell‐mediated killing. Furthermore, no overt differences in the frequencies of tumor‐infiltrating subsets of T cells or CD11b+ myeloid cells were observed. IL‐6, however, affected the systemic and local function of myeloid cells, reflected by a strong reduction of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression on all major myeloid cell subtypes. Resistance to both therapies was associated with a changed intratumoral influx of MHC class II+ myeloid cells toward myeloid cells with no or lower MHC class II expression. Importantly, while these IL‐6‐mediated effects provided resistance to the immunotherapy and chemotherapy as single therapies, their combination still successfully mediated tumor control. In conclusion, IL‐6‐mediated therapy resistance is caused by an extrinsic mechanism involving an impaired function of intratumoral myeloid cells. The fact that resistance can be overcome by combination therapies provides direction to more effective therapies for cancer.
Alternative nivolumab duration and scheduling in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer: A real‐world evidence
Authors: Dudnik Elizabeth , Moskovitz Mor , Agbarya Abed , Gottfried Teodor , Shochat Tzippy , Urban Damien , Zer Alona , Rotem Ofer , Moore Assaf , Yust Shlomit , Peled Nir , Wollner Mira , Bar Jair ,   Israel Lung Cancer Group
Published: September 2020

In advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (aNSCLC), stopping nivolumab after 12 months negatively affects outcomes. We performed a world data‐based analysis assessing the value of nivolumab continuation and optimal dosing beyond 24 months. Out of 697 consecutive patients with aNSCLC in whom nivolumab was initiated between 2015 and 2018, 45 patients receiving nivolumab for ≥24 months were selected. These were divided into Groups A: nivolumab administered at a dose 3 mg/kg q2 weeks/240 mg q2 weeks/480 mg q4 weeks, n = 25; B: nivolumab re‐scheduled to a nonstandard dose 3 mg/kg q3 weeks‐q8 weeks, n = 13; C: nivolumab stopped after 24 months, n = 7; (in Groups B and C—for reasons other than progressive disease or intolerable toxicity). Progression‐free survival (PFS) (Revised Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1) and safety (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.03) were assessed. With median follow‐up of 35.6 months (interquartile range 28.4‐41.8), 4%, 31%, 29% and 30% of patients progressed in Groups A, B, C and B+C, respectively. PFS at 36 months since nivolumab initiation comprised 100%, 67%, 67% and 67%, in Groups A, B, C and B+C, respectively. PFS at 40 months since nivolumab initiation comprised 83%, 67%, 67% and 67%, in Groups A, B, C and B+C, respectively. Allocation to Group A vs Group B, C and B+C was associated with hazard ratio for PFS‐0.20 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02‐1.77, P‐.15), 0.20 (95% CI, 0.02‐2.25, P‐.19) and 0.20 (95% CI, 0.02‐1.66, P‐.14), respectively. No differences in newly occurring or worsening adverse events between the groups were observed. A trend for worse PFS was observed with alternative nivolumab scheduling or quitting 24 months after initiation. Continuing nivolumab at a standard dose until disease progression or intolerable toxicity remains the standard treatment option.
muTarget: A platform linking gene expression changes and mutation status in solid tumors
Authors: Nagy Ádám , Győrffy Balázs
Published: September 2020

Large oncology repositories have paired genomic and transcriptomic data for all patients. We used these data to perform two independent analyses: to identify gene expression changes related to a gene mutation and to identify mutations altering the expression of a selected gene. All data processing steps were performed in the R statistical environment. RNA‐sequencing and mutation data were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The DESeq2 algorithm was applied for RNA‐seq normalization, and transcript variants were annotated with AnnotationDbi. MuTect2‐identified somatic mutation data were utilized, and the MAFtools Bioconductor program was used to summarize the data. The Mann‐Whitney U test was used for differential expression analysis. The established database contains 7876 solid tumors from 18 different tumor types with both somatic mutation and RNA‐seq data. The utility of the approach is presented via three analyses in breast cancer: gene expression changes related to TP53 mutations, gene expression changes related to CDH1 mutations and mutations resulting in altered progesterone receptor (PGR) expression. The breast cancer database was split into equally sized training and test sets, and these data sets were analyzed independently. The highly significant overlap of the results (chi‐square statistic = 16 719.7 and P < .00001) validates the presented pipeline. Finally, we set up a portal at http://www.mutarget.com enabling the rapid identification of novel mutational targets. By linking somatic mutations and gene expression, it is possible to identify biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in different types of solid tumors. The registration‐free online platform can increase the speed and reduce the development cost of novel personalized therapies.
Price discovery in two‐tier markets
Authors: Bjønnes Geir H. , Osler Carol L. , Rime Dagfinn
Published: September 2020

This paper examines the price discovery process in a two‐tier market, specifically the foreign‐exchange market. The goal is to identify the sources of private information and to gain insights into the process through which that information influences the market price. Using a transactions database that includes trading‐party identities, we show that sustained post‐trade returns rise with bank size, implying that larger banks have an information advantage. The larger banks exploit this information advantage in placing limit orders as well as market orders. We also show that the bank's private information does not come from their corporate or government customers or from some asset managers. Instead, the bank's private information appears to come from other asset managers, including hedge funds, and from the bank's own analysis.
Role of financial development in economic growth in the light of asymmetric effects and financial efficiency
Authors: Shahbaz Muhammad , Nasir Muhammad A. , Lahiani Amine
Published: September 2020

The growth effects of financial development might be asymmetric and nonlinear according to the level of financialization of countries. As a corollary to this notion, in the subject study, we developed a three‐regime threshold autoregressive distributed lags (TARDL) model, which allows us to accommodate the asymmetric effect of financial development on economic growth in top 10 financially developed countries. We augmented the TARDL model by including trade openness, capital formation and labour as potential determinants of economic growth. The empirical findings revealed the existence of threshold asymmetric co‐integration between variables. In particular, in the upper regime, financial development boosts economic growth in Singapore while it exerts a negative impact on economic growth in Finland. In the middle regime, financial development increases economic growth in Australia and Singapore. However, in the lower regime, financial development hampers economic growth in the US, Malaysia and Singapore. Trade openness has a positive long‐run influence on economic growth in Canada, South Africa, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Finland and Norway. Capital formation strengthens economic growth in the US and Malaysia in the long‐run. Labour is found to sustain economic growth in the long‐run for Malaysia and Singapore. The dynamic multipliers which depict the response path of economic growth to a one‐unit shock of financial development in the three regimes highlight the discrepancies in the reaction of economic growth to financial development shocks occurring in different regimes. Important policy implications can be instigated from the empirical results.
Investigating foreign portfolio investment holdings: Gravity model with social network analysis
Authors: Mazur Luke , Suesse Thomas , Krivitsky Pavel N.
Published: September 2020

Foreign portfolio investment (FPI) has been modelled with the aim of observing patterns, discovering potential inefficiencies and providing evidence for theories. Over the course of many studies, bilateral FPI appears to increase with an increase in the correlation between the gross domestic product growth rates of the sender and the receiver. The Capital Asset Pricing Model in financial theory predicts the opposite—and this is known as the correlation puzzle. One possible explanation is that the correlation is a proxy for both diversification benefits and informational asymmetry. Using seven cross‐sections of bilateral FPI holdings data from the CEPII Coordinated Portfolio Investment Survey for the years 2000–2006, we attempt to explain the correlation puzzle by augmenting the gravity model with random effects to account for heterogeneity in propensity to send and receive investments and with latent space position models to account for effects of unobserved country attributes, as well as transitivity, clustering, and balance in order to capture the information asymmetry and leave the correlation coefficient as a measure of the diversification benefit. We use maximum likelihood Heckman sample selection estimators to account for potential bias in estimators that can be caused by frequent zeros in our data, describing a model for the presence or absence of FPI between the two countries and a model for the level of FPI between two countries conditional on its presence. We find that if there is a presence of FPI between country s and country r, then as the correlation between the economic growth of these countries increases, the level of investment will decrease. However, this correlation has no significant impact on the decision of country s to invest in country r.
A novel case of uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex‐cord tumor (UTROSCT) recurrent with GREB1‐NCOA2 fusion
Authors: Chen Zhengyi , Lan Jianfa , Chen Qionghua , Lin Dianchao , Hong Yihuang
Published: September 2020

The patient suffered a recurrence of uterine tumors 14 years after radical treatment. Incomplete cytoreductive surgery enabled a diagnosis of UTROSCT with a novel genetic fusion.
Random forest and rotation forest ensemble methods for classification of epileptic EEG signals based on improved 1D‐LBP feature extraction
Authors: Geran Malek Amirreza , Mansoori Mojtaba , Omranpour Hesam
Published: September 2020

In this study, an efficient method for extracting and selecting features of unrefined Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals according to the one‐dimensional local binary pattern (1D‐LBP) is presented. Considering that taking a correct decision on various issues particularly in the field of diagnosing diseases, such as epilepsy, is of paramount importance, a functional approach is designed to extract the optimal features of EEG signals. The proposed method is comprised of two main steps: First, extraction and selection of features is performed based on a novel improved 1D‐LBP model followed by data normalization through principal component analysis (PCA); as combining 1D‐LBP neighboring models and PCA (1D‐LBPc2p) method. The second step includes classification using two of the best ensemble classification algorithms, that is, random forest and rotation forest. A comparative evaluation is performed between the proposed methods and 13 distinct reported approaches including uniform and non‐uniform 1D‐LBP. The results are demonstrating that the combining method presented in our approaches has superiority along with efficiency by providing higher accuracy compared to the other models and classifiers. The proposed method in this paper can be considered as a new method for feature extraction and selection of other kinds of EEG signals and data sets.
A Reference chart for clinical biochemical tests of hemolyzed serum samples
Authors: Ni Jun , Zhu Wenbo , Wang Yanyang , Wei Xuefei , Li Jingjing , Peng Lu , Zhang Kui , Bai Bing
Published: September 2020

Background

Although the effect of hemolysis has been extensively evaluated on clinical biochemical tests, a practical guidance for laboratory staff to rapidly determine whether a hemolyzed blood sample is acceptable and how to interpret the results is lacking. Here, we introduce a chart as a convenient reference for dealing with such samples.

Methods

Serum samples with 0.1%, 0.3%, 1%, 3%, and 10% hemolysis were prepared from sonicated endogenous red blood cells and received 35 wet and 22 dry clinical biochemical tests, respectively. The contributing part in the biochemical test result at each hemolysis condition was derived by subtracting the original test result of this sample with no hemolysis. The net results were used for analyses and preparation of the reference chart.

Results

The reference chart displayed the analytically calculated hemolysis interference and related statistical analyses. The chart also provided the color appearance of serum samples at each hemolysis condition for clinical staffs to determine whether a hemolyzed sample could be accepted.

Conclusion

In clinical laboratories, preparation of such a reference chart is extremely useful in dealing with hemolyzed blood samples for clinical biochemical tests.
Muscle memory: myonuclear accretion, maintenance, morphology, and miRNA levels with training and detraining in adult mice
Authors: Murach Kevin A. , Mobley C. Brooks , Zdunek Christopher J. , Frick Kaitlyn K. , Jones Savannah R. , McCarthy John J. , Peterson Charlotte A. , Dungan Cory M.
Published: September 2020

Background

In the context of mass regulation, ‘muscle memory’ can be defined as long‐lasting cellular adaptations to hypertrophic exercise training that persist during detraining‐induced atrophy and may facilitate future adaptation. The cellular basis of muscle memory is not clearly defined but may be related to myonuclear number and/or epigenetic changes within muscle fibres.

Methods

Utilizing progressive weighted wheel running (PoWeR), a novel murine exercise training model, we explored myonuclear dynamics and skeletal muscle miRNA levels with training and detraining utilizing immunohistochemistry, single fibre myonuclear analysis, and quantitative analysis of miRNAs. We also used a genetically inducible mouse model of fluorescent myonuclear labelling to study myonuclear adaptations early during exercise.

Results

In the soleus, oxidative type 2a fibres were larger after 2 months of PoWeR (P = 0.02), but muscle fibre size and myonuclear number did not return to untrained levels after 6 months of detraining. Soleus type 1 fibres were not larger after PoWeR but had significantly more myonuclei, as well as central nuclei (P < 0.0001), the latter from satellite cell‐derived or resident myonuclei, appearing early during training and remaining with detraining. In the gastrocnemius muscle, oxidative type 2a fibres of the deep region were larger and contained more myonuclei after PoWeR (P < 0.003), both of which returned to untrained levels after detraining. In the gastrocnemius and plantaris, two muscles where myonuclear number was comparable with untrained levels after 6 months of detraining, myonuclei were significantly elongated with detraining (P < 0.0001). In the gastrocnemius, miR‐1 was lower with training and remained lower after detraining (P < 0.002).

Conclusions

This study found that (i) myonuclei gained during hypertrophy are lost with detraining across muscles, even in oxidative fibres; (ii) complete reversal of muscle adaptations, including myonuclear number, to untrained levels occurs within 6 months in the plantaris and gastrocnemius; (iii) the murine soleus is resistant to detraining; (iv) myonuclear accretion occurs early with wheel running and can be uncoupled from muscle fibre hypertrophy; (v) resident (non‐satellite cell‐derived) myonuclei can adopt a central location; (vi) myonuclei change shape with training and detraining; and (vii) miR‐1 levels may reflect a memory of previous adaptation that facilitates future growth.
Attitudes and perceptions of dental students towards artificial intelligence
Authors: Yüzbaşıoğlu Emir
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a burning topic and use of AI in our day‐to‐day life has increased exponentially. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of Turkish dental students towards AI and to provide information about their opinions to use of AI in dentistry.

Methods

A 22‐question survey was distributed through Google Forms to all dental students at 9 Turkish dental schools in March 2019. It consisted of various sections aiming to evaluate the dental students’ knowledge and attitudes toward AI and possible applications in dentistry. Respondents’ anonymity was ensured.

Results

A total of 1103 students (650 female, 453 male; mean age was 21.36 ± 1.93 years) responded to the questionnaire for a 21.69% response rate. Of these, about 48.40% had basic knowledge about AI technologies and 10.6% stated that they had no information sources about AI. 85.70% agreed that dentistry would be revolutionized by AI but 28.60% did not agree that AI could replace themselves in the near future. In addition, 74.60% and 79.80% of agreed on topics about AI to be included in undergraduate and postgraduate dental education, respectively.

Conclusions

Although participants have insufficient knowledge of AI, they are willing to improve their knowledge in this field. Participants shared an optimistic views and thought that AI will have a positive impact on dental future practice. Follow‐up surveys and multinational studies should be conducted to further explore these issues.
Fracture load and microcrack comparison of crowns manufactured from tooth‐shaped and traditional blocks
Authors: Arslan Merve , Tosun İlgi
Published: September 2020

This study intended to analyze microcracks and fractographic markings on the surface of all ceramic crowns after milling and compare the fracture loads. 90 crowns were manufactured from two feldspathic (Priticrown‐Pr and Vita Mark II‐Vi) and a lithium disilicate (EmaxCAD‐Em) blocks (n = 30). Two groups (n = 15) were prepared for each ceramic. In the first group, crowns were analyzed twice via the fluorescent penetrant method for microcrack detection, after the manufacturing process and thermal cycles. The load to fracture test was applied at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until catastrophic failure. Second group crowns were directly cemented onto the Co‐Cr dies following the manufacturing process and loaded to fracture. Fractographic markings were analyzed through scanning electron microscope. Spearman correlation analysis, Kruskal–Wallis H test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were applied (α = .05). Fracture loads of Em crowns were higher than other groups (p < .05), with and without the aging procedure. Except for second group Pr (r = −.532), no significant relationship was found between microcrack numbers and fracture loads (p > .05). Thermal cycling did not affect microcrack numbers and fracture loads (p > .05). Tooth‐shaped multilayered Pr blocks did not provide an advantage in terms of microcrack and fracture loads.
Synthesis of a truncated tetradenolide
Authors: Dávila García Álvaro , Bernès Sylvain , Sartillo‐Piscil Fernando , Meza‐León Rosa Luisa
Published: September 2020

The enantiopure synthesis of a truncated tetradenolide is presented. Starting from the versatile Chiron 7,3‐lactone‐xylofuranose derivative (7,3‐LXF), the enantiomerically pure synthesis of the title compound is obtained in six steps with a 40% overall yield.
Novel synthetic aromatic thiourea derivatives and investigations on their cytotoxic potential efficacy
Authors: Ray Ujjayinee , John Franklin , Pooppadi Sayeesh , George Jinu , Sharma Shivangi , Raghavan Sathees C
Published: September 2020

Aromatic thiourea derivatives were synthesized by standard reactions from isothiocyanates in high yield. An efficient one‐pot synthesis of primary amine with carbon disulfide involving the intermediate dithiocarbamate conversion using T3P (propane phosphonic anhydride) to isothiocyanate is reported. Newly synthesized compounds showed excellent luminescence property. Cytotoxic investigation with different human cancer cell lines showed IC50 values varying from of 17 to 40 μM for N‐phenethyl‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinoline‐2(1H)‐carbothioamide (SCR172) among other molecules. Increase in Sub G1 population and increased depolarisation of mitochondria were evident in cells treated with SCR172, suggesting its role as a cancer therapeutic agent. This provides a lead structure for further synthetic modifications.
P2Y11: The CD4 T cell mitochondrial shepherd
Authors: Borges da Silva Henrique
Published: September 2020

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Association of mortality and recent Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Amin Deepak , McKitish Kristin , Shah Prakesh S.
Published: September 2020

To compare characteristics and outcomes of patients who had COVID‐19 with Mycoplasma pneumoniae immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to those without M. pneumoniae antibodies. We retrospectively reviewed cases admitted over a 4‐week period between 17 March 2020 and 14 April 2020 to the Hoboken University Medical Center, NJ, USA. We compared the outcomes of COVID‐19 patients who were positive for M. pneumoniae IgM with those who were negative for M. pneumoniae IgM. The primary outcome was mortality. The adjusted odds ratio was calculated after controlling for baseline differences. Of 139 patients admitted with COVID‐19, 79 were positive for M. pneumoniae IgM. The mortality among those who were M. pneumoniae IgM positive was significantly higher (adjusted odds ratio: 2.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.03 to 5.03) compared with those who were M. pneumoniae IgM negative. Patients with coinfection (COVID‐19 and mycoplasma) have higher mortality compared with patients with just COVID‐19 disease.
Locus Coeruleus and neurovascular unit: From its role in physiology to its potential role in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis
Authors: Giorgi Filippo Sean , Galgani Alessandro , Puglisi‐Allegra Stefano , Limanaqi Fiona , Busceti Carla Letizia , Fornai Francesco
Published: September 2020

Locus coeruleus (LC) is the main noradrenergic (NA) nucleus of the central nervous system. LC degenerates early during Alzheimer's disease (AD) and NA loss might concur to AD pathogenesis. Aside from neurons, LC terminals provide dense innervation of brain intraparenchymal arterioles/capillaries, and NA modulates astrocyte functions. The term neurovascular unit (NVU) defines the strict anatomical/functional interaction occurring between neurons, glial cells, and brain vessels. NVU plays a fundamental role in coupling the energy demand of activated brain regions with regional cerebral blood flow, it includes the blood–brain barrier (BBB), plays an active role in neuroinflammation, and participates also to the glymphatic system. NVU alteration is involved in AD pathophysiology through several mechanisms, mainly related to a relative oligoemia in activated brain regions and impairment of structural and functional BBB integrity, which contributes also to the intracerebral accumulation of insoluble amyloid. We review the existing data on the morphological features of LC‐NA innervation of the NVU, as well as its contribution to neurovascular coupling and BBB proper functioning. After introducing the main experimental data linking LC with AD, which have repeatedly shown a key role of neuroinflammation and increased amyloid plaque formation, we discuss the potential mechanisms by which the loss of NVU modulation by LC might contribute to AD pathogenesis. Surprisingly, thus far not so many studies have tested directly these mechanisms in models of AD in which LC has been lesioned experimentally. Clarifying the interaction of LC with NVU in AD pathogenesis may disclose potential therapeutic targets for AD.