bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wide‐ranging transcriptome remodelling mediated by alternative polyadenylation in response to abiotic stresses in Sorghum
Authors: Chakrabarti Manohar , de Lorenzo Laura , Abdel‐Ghany Salah E. , Reddy Anireddy S. N. , Hunt Arthur G.
Published: January 2020

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) regulates diverse developmental and physiological processes through its effects on gene expression, mRNA stability, translatability, and transport. Sorghum is a major cereal crop in the world and, despite its importance, not much is known about the role of post‐transcriptional regulation in mediating responses to abiotic stresses in Sorghum. A genome‐wide APA analysis unveiled widespread occurrence of APA in Sorghum in response to drought, heat, and salt stress. Abiotic stress treatments incited changes in poly(A) site choice in a large number of genes. Interestingly, abiotic stresses led to the re‐directing of transcriptional output into non‐productive pathways defined by the class of poly(A) site utilized. This result revealed APA to be part of a larger global response of Sorghum to abiotic stresses that involves the re‐direction of transcriptional output into non‐productive transcriptional and translational pathways. Large numbers of stress‐inducible poly(A) sites could not be linked with known, annotated genes, suggestive of the existence of numerous unidentified genes whose expression is strongly regulated by abiotic stresses. Furthermore, we uncovered a novel stress‐specific cis‐element in intronic poly(A) sites used in drought‐ and heat‐stressed plants that might play an important role in non‐canonical poly(A) site choice in response to abiotic stresses.
Antenatal blood transfusion in South Africa: indications and practice in a high‐HIV‐prevalence setting
Authors: Bloch Evan M. , Hull Jennifer , Green‐Thompson Randolph , Ingram Charlotte , Crookes Robert L. , Fawcus Susan , Anthony John , Courtney Lauren , Roubinian Nareg , Jauregui Adam , Hilton Joan F. , Murphy Edward L. ,   for the NHLBI REDS‐III South Africa Program
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Globally, data on antenatal blood transfusion practices are scarce. We sought to characterize the epidemiology of antenatal transfusion in South Africa.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross‐sectional study was conducted of women who were transfused during pregnancy (>48 hr before anticipated delivery) at two hospitals in Durban and Soweto in 2014 to 2015. Medical record data on demographics, obstetric history, anemia, HIV status, and indications for blood transfusion were abstracted.

RESULTS

The records on a total of 560 transfused pregnant women were evaluated; mean age was 28 years, 98% were of black African ethnicity, and 28% were HIV positive. At time of transfusion, one‐half were in the first trimester. Hemorrhage was noted in 76% of women, most of which was associated with abortion (67%) or ectopic pregnancy (27%). Most women were transfused with red blood cells (RBCs; median, 2 units); 14% of women were transfused with plasma and 2% with platelets. Median pre‐ and posttransfusion hemoglobin levels were 6.9 g/dL and 9.2 g/dL, respectively; the latter differed by hospital (8.7 g/dL vs. 9.5 g/dL; p < 0.01). Hemorrhage was associated with missing HIV status, lower gestational age, and transfusion of 3 or more RBC units (all p < 0.01). In contrast, diagnoses of anemia (Soweto only) were associated with HIV infection, later gestational age, and lower (<3 units) RBC dose (all p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Abortion and ectopic pregnancy with associated hemorrhage were the leading indications for antenatal transfusion and were concentrated in early gestation. By contrast, anemia was associated with HIV infection and transfusion in the third trimester.
Understanding The Effects Of Exemplars, Types Of Message Appeals And Narrative Engagement On The Intention To Stop Smoking: A Field Experiment/ Memahami Kesan Kisah Teladan, Jenis Rayuan Mesej dan Pertalian Naratif dalam Meningkatkan Tahap Keinginan untuk Berhenti Merokok: Satu Eksperimen Lapangan
Authors: Jamil Juhaida , Mustafa Hasrina
Published: January 2020

Health education tools are important to stimulate responses and facilitate interaction among the participants during health education and counseling sessions. In addition to brochures, pictures and charts, exemplar is one of the most useful tools to engage participants during the sessions. Exemplar refers to a narrative or a story that elaborates on a person’s personal experience. The present study aims to examine the effects of exemplar (first and third person), message appeals (fear and motivational appeals) on the intention to stop smoking through the mediating role of narrative engagement. The study utilized a 2x2 between-subjects field experiment conducted among 16 counselling groups (with ten members in each group) who registered for the Stop Smoking Clinics under the Ministry of Health Malaysia. The result showed significant main effect of exemplars, message appeals and interaction effect of both variables on the intention to stop smoking. Narrative engagement was also found to play a significant mediating role in increasing  the intention to stop smoking. The study concludes that the use of the first person exemplars with fear appeal will lead to greater narrative engagement and eventually stronger intention to stop smoking. Findings derived from the study would assist health education practitioners in choosing the most effective exemplars that can be used in health counseling sessions.
Differences in Gluteal and Quadriceps Muscle Activation Among Adults With and Without Lumbar Hyperlordosis
Authors: Izadi Farhadi Mohammad H. , Seidi Foad , Minoonejad Hooman , Thomas Abbey C.
Published: January 2020

Context: Many factors have been reported contributing to altering the neuromuscular function of hip and knee muscles. The lumbar hyperlordosis, as a poor posture in some athletes, is thought to be associated with the alteration of the hip and knee muscles activity. Objective: To examine the activation of selected hip and knee muscles in athletes with and without lumbar hyperlordosis during functional activities. Design: Case-control study. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Twenty-six college male athletes (n = 13 with and n = 13 without lumbar hyperlordosis). Interventions: Surface electromyography of gluteus maximus (GMAX), gluteus medius (GMED), vastus medialis oblique (VMO), and vastus lateralis (VL) were recorded during single-leg squat and single-leg jump landing (SLJL) tasks. Main Outcome Measure: Preactivity; reactivity; and onset muscle during SLJL and eccentric activity during single-leg squat (GMAX, GMED, VMO, and VL along with the ratio of VMO:VL) were assessed. Results: Athletes with lumbar hyperlordosis had a higher level of activity in their GMAX (P = .003), VMO (P = .04), and VL (P = .01) muscles at the moment before foot contact during SLJL. These athletes also demonstrated a higher level of GMAX activity (P = .01) immediately after foot contact. Finally, athletes with lumbar hyperlordosis activated their GMAX sooner (P = .02) during the SLJL. Athletes with normal lumbar lordosis had more activity in their GMED muscle (P = .001) in the descending phase of the single-leg squat task and a higher VMO:VL (P = .01) at the moment after the foot contact during the SLJL. Conclusion: The altered activation of GMAX, GMED, VMO, VL, and VMO:VL can reveal the role of lumbar hyperlordosis in the knee and hip muscles’ alteration in athletes. Further study is needed to identify whether these alterations in the hip and knee muscles contribute to injury in athletes.
A Creative Writing Case Study of Gender-Based Violence in Coach Education: Stacey’s Story
Authors: Lewis Colin J. , Roberts Simon J. , Andrews Hazel , Sawiuk Rebecca
Published: January 2020

Creative nonfiction writing is the literary technique employed in this article to explore insights and assist our understanding of an “alleged” sexual assault in a sport coach education environment. Creative nonfiction employs various narrative tools—characters, setting, figurative language, sequences of events, plot, sub-plot, and dialogue—designed to render the sensitive and controversial elements of sexual assault significant. Readers are, therefore, invited to engage with Stacey’s Story and reflect on the actions of both the perpetrator(s) and the victim. While there are risks associated with the sharing of stories, especially those which are considered dangerous, it is envisaged that Stacey’s Story will be viewed as an opportunity to develop more critical responses and advance our understanding of gender-based violence in sport.
A Dimer, but Not Monomer, of Tobramycin Potentiates Ceftolozane against Multidrug-Resistant and Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Delays Resistance Development
Authors: Idowu Temilolu , Zhanel George G. , Schweizer Frank
Published: January 2020

Ceftolozane-tazobactam is a potent β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination approved for the treatment of complicated intraabdominal and complicated urinary tract infections and, more recently, the treatment of hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia. Although the activities of ceftolozane are not enhanced by tazobactam against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, it remains the most potent antipseudomonal agent approved to date.
Antigen Processing and Presentation Mechanisms in Myeloid Cells
Authors: Roche Paul A. , Cresswell Peter
Published: January 2020

Unlike B cells, CD8-positive and CD4-positive T cells of the adaptive immune system do not recognize intact foreign proteins but instead recognize polypeptide fragments of potential antigens. These antigenic peptides are expressed on the surface of antigen presenting cells bound to MHC class I and MHC class II proteins. Here, we review the basics of antigen acquisition by antigen presenting cells, antigen proteolysis into polypeptide fragments, antigenic peptide binding to MHC proteins, and surface display of both MHC class I-peptide and MHC class II-peptide complexes.
Role of
yoaE
Gene Regulated by CpxR in the Survival of
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Enteritidis in Antibacterial Egg White
Authors: Huang Xiaozhen , Hu Mengjun , Zhou Xiujuan , Liu Yanhong , Shi Chunlei , Shi Xianming
Published: January 2020

Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis is the predominant
Salmonella
serotype that causes human salmonellosis mainly through contaminated chicken eggs or egg products and has been a global public health threat. The spread and frequent outbreaks of this serotype through eggs correlate significantly with its exceptional survival in eggs, despite the antibacterial properties of egg white. Research on the survival mechanisms of
S.
Enteritidis in egg white will help develop effective strategies to control the contamination of eggs by this
Salmonella
serotype and help further elucidate the complex antibacterial mechanisms of egg white. This study revealed the importance of
yoaE
, a gene with unknown function, on the survival of
S.
Enteritidis in egg white, as well as its transcriptional regulation by CpxR. Our work provides the basis to reveal the mechanisms of survival of
S.
Enteritidis in egg white and the specific function of the
yoaE
gene.
Dissemination of the
bla
NDM-5
Gene via IncX3-Type Plasmid among
Enterobacteriaceae
in Children
Authors: Tian Dongxing , Wang Bingjie , Zhang Hong , Pan Fen , Wang Chun , Shi Yingying , Sun Yan
Published: January 2020

The emergence of CRE strains resistant to multiple antibiotics is considered a substantial threat to human health. Therefore, all the efforts to provide a detailed molecular transmission mechanism of specific drug resistance can contribute positively to prevent the further spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Although the new superbug harboring
bla
NDM-5
has been reported in many countries, it was mostly identified among
E. coli
strains, and the gene transfer mechanism has not been fully recognized and studied. In this work, we identified 22
bla
NDM-5
-positive strains in different species of
Enterobacteriaceae
, including 16
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strains, four
Klebsiella aerogenes
strains, and two
Escherichia coli
strains, which indicated the horizontal gene transfer of
bla
NDM-5
among
Enterobacteriaceae
strains in pediatric patients. Moreover,
bla
NDM-5
was located on a 46-kb IncX3 plasmid, which is possibly responsible for this widespread horizontal gene transfer. The different genetic contexts of the
bla
NDM-5
gene indicated some minor evolutions of the plasmid, based on the complete sequences of the
bla
NDM-5
plasmids. These findings are of great significance to understand the transmission mechanism of drug resistance genes, develop anti-infection treatment, and take effective infection control measures.
Systematic Analysis of Impact of Sampling Regions and Storage Methods on Fecal Gut Microbiome and Metabolome Profiles
Authors: Liang Yali , Dong Tianyu , Chen Minjian , He Lianping , Wang Tingzhang , Liu Xingyin , Chang Hang , Mao Jian-Hua , Hang Bo , Snijders Antoine M. , Xia Yankai
Published: January 2020

The gastrointestinal microbiome and metabolome can provide a new angle to understand the development of health and disease. Stool samples are most frequently used for large-scale cohort studies. Standardized procedures for stool sample handling and storage can be a determining factor for performing microbiome or metabolome studies. In this study, we focused on the effects of stool sampling regions and stool sample storage conditions on variations in the gut microbiome composition and metabolome profile.
Analysis of Global Collection of Group A
Streptococcus
Genomes Reveals that the Majority Encode a Trio of M and M-Like Proteins
Authors: Frost Hannah R. , Davies Mark R. , Delforge Valérie , Lakhloufi Dalila , Sanderson-Smith Martina , Srinivasan Velusamy , Steer Andrew C. , Walker Mark J. , Beall Bernard , Botteaux Anne , Smeesters Pierre R.
Published: January 2020

While the GAS M protein has been the leading vaccine target for decades, the bacteria encode many other virulence factors of interest for vaccine development. In this work, we show that
emm
-like genes are encoded in a remarkable majority of GAS genomes and expressed at a level similar to that for the
emm
gene. In collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, we developed molecular definitions of the different
emm
and
emm
-like gene families. This clarification should abrogate mistyping of strains, especially in the area of whole-genome typing. We have also updated the
emm
-typing collection by removing
emm
-like gene sequences and provided in-depth analysis of Mrp and Enn protein sequence structure and diversity.
IS
26
Family Members IS
257
and IS
1216
Also Form Cointegrates by Copy-In and Targeted Conservative Routes
Authors: Harmer Christopher J. , Hall Ruth M.
Published: January 2020

IS
26
differs from other studied ISs in the reactions that it can undertake. The differences make IS
26
uniquely suited to its key role in the recruitment and spread of antibiotic resistance genes in Gram-negative bacteria. However, whether other ISs in the IS
6
/IS
26
family can perform the same reactions is not known. IS
257
/IS
431
and IS
1216
isoforms found associated with antibiotic resistance genes in the Gram-positive bacteria staphylococci, enterococci, streptococci, and clostridia are related to IS
26
. However, the way that they move had not been investigated, limiting interpretation of their role in resistance gene dissemination and in the formation of cointegrates and complex resistance regions in staphylococci and enterococci. Here, they are shown to share the broad catalytic capabilities of IS
26
, demonstrating that it is likely that all members of the redefined IS
6
/IS
26
family of bacterial ISs likewise are able to use both the copy-in and conservative routes.
Development and Evaluation of a Novel Protein-Based Assay for Specific Detection of KPC β-Lactamases from Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates
Authors: Lu Shuo , Soeung Victoria , Nguyen Hoang A. T. , Long S. Wesley , Musser James M. , Palzkill Timothy
Published: January 2020

Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
are associated with high therapeutic failure and mortality rates. Thus, it is critical to rapidly identify clinical isolates expressing KPC β-lactamases to facilitate administration of the correct antibiotic treatment and initiate infection control strategies. To address this problem, we developed a protein-based, KPC-specific binding assay in combination with a cell lysate inhibition assay that provided a 100% identification rate of KPC from clinical isolates of known genomic sequence. In addition, this protein sensor was adapted to the Carba-NP assay to provide a rapid strategy to detect KPC-producing isolates that will facilitate informed treatment of critically ill patients.
Abernethy malformation and hepatocellular carcinoma: a serious consequence of a rare disease
Authors: Jaklitsch Manuel , Sobral Mafalda , Carvalho Ana Maria , Marques Hugo Pinto
Published: January 2020

Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) are a rare vascular consequence of embryogenetic vascular alterations or the persistence of the fetal circulation elements, first described by John Abernethy in 1793 and classified by Morgan and Superina, into complete and partial portosystemic shunts. Its prevalence to this day has not been defined. We present a patient series of a 44-year-old and 47-year-old man and woman, with this rare congenital malformation and underlining hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment strategies. Over half of the individuals with CPSS have benign or malignant liver tumours, ranging from nodular regenerative hyperplasia, focal nodular hyperplasia, adenomas, HCC and hepatoblastomas. Additionally, it is known that half of individuals with Abernethy malformation type Ib will develop one or multiple types of tumours. There seems to be a direct association with tumorigenesis and CPSS, which is the primary consequence of absent portal flow. Surgery is the treatment of choice, either as a curative resection or orthotopic liver transplantation if recommended as per the criteria, in which replacing the hepatic parenchyma in the setting of an Abernathy malformation will correct the underlining hyper-arterialisation.
What is the inter-rater agreement of injury classification using the WHO minimum data set for emergency medical teams?
Authors: Jafar Anisa Jabeen Nasir , Sergeant Jamie C , Lecky Fiona
Published: January 2020

Background

In 2017, the WHO produced its first minimum data set (MDS) for emergency medical team (EMT) daily reporting during the sudden-onset disasters (SODs), following expert consensus. The MDS was deliberately designed to be simple in order to improve the rate of data capture; however, it is new and untested. This study assesses the inter-rater agreement between practitioners when performing the injury aspect of coding within the WHO EMT MDS.

Methods

25 clinical case vignettes were developed, reflecting potential injuries encountered in an SOD. These were presented online from April to July 2018 to practitioners who have experience of/training in managing patients in SODs The practitioners were from UK-Med’s members, Australian Medical Assistance Team’s Northern Territory members and New Zealand Medical Assistance Team members. Practitioners were asked to code injuries according to WHO EMT MDS case classifications. Randolph’s kappa statistic for free-marginal multirater data was calculated for the whole dataset as well as subgroups to ascertain inter-rater agreement.

Results

86 practitioners responded (20.6% response rate), giving >2000 individual case responses. Overall agreement was moderate at 67.9% with a kappa of 0.59 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.69). Despite subgroups of paramedics (kappa 0.63, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.72), doctors (kappa 0.61, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.69) and those with disaster experience (kappa 0.62, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.71) suggesting slightly higher agreement, their CIs (and those of other subgroups) suggest overall similar and moderate levels of practitioner agreement in classifying injuries according to the MDS categories.

Conclusions

An inter-rater agreement of 0.59 is moderate, at best, however, it gives ministries of health some sense of how tightly they may interpret injury data derived from daily reports using WHO EMT MDS. Furthermore, this kappa is similar to established but more complex (thus more contextually impractical) injury scores. Similar studies, with weighting for injury likelihood using sample data from SODs would further refine the level of expected inter-rater agreement.
Getting started in primary care research: choosing among six practical research approaches
Authors: Fetters Michael D
Published: January 2020

While many primary care practitioners want to conduct research, many also struggle with getting started. This article’s purpose is to assist emerging researchers in identifying a topic of interest, to try the ‘fit’ of feasible research approaches and commit to a research approach. The article addresses six objectives: (1) identify how important primary care research comes from clinical stories; (2) recognise how clinical stories become the source of research topics; (3) discern how the research process resembles the care of patients; (4) distinguish the essential features of six research approaches feasible for primary care researchers; (5) evaluate the fit of the six research approaches featured in this special issue; and (6) develop a list of steps that need to be taken to implement primary care research projects. Using ‘HPV (human papilloma) vaccination’ as a hypothetical topic, the article illustrates how an emerging researcher can complete the worksheets. Using the HPV topic, a worksheet illustration shows how to complete the worksheets, and examples from the literature illustrate how actual studies have used six feasible research approaches for primary care: (1) survey research, (2) semistructured qualitative interviews, (3) curriculum development, (4) continuous quality improvement, (5) clinical policy analysis and (6) case study research. The worksheet exercises support choosing a feasible research approach for emerging researchers. Emerging researchers using these exercises can identify a topic, choose a research strategy aligned with the researcher’s interest, create a study title, develop a list of the next steps, and be well positioned to implement an original research project
Using an interprofessional team to provide refugee healthcare in an academic medical centre
Authors: Elmore Catherine E , Tingen Jeffrey M , Fredgren Kelly , Dalrymple Sarah N , Compton Rebekah M , Carpenter Elizabeth L , Allen Claudia W , Hauck Fern R
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The International Family Medicine Clinic (IFMC) was established in 2002 by the University of Virginia Department of Family Medicine to provide comprehensive, timely, culturally sensitive and high-quality healthcare to the growing refugee and special immigrant population in Central Virginia, USA.

Methods

The purpose of this paper is to describe the IFMC, with a specific focus on interprofessional roles, interprofessional collaboration, community partnerships and the services and resources available to IFMC patients.

Results

The clinic has served over 3100 refugees from 60 countries in its 16-year history. In 2019, the clinic staff now includes 4 attending physicians, 2 nurse practitioners and 14 residents who have dedicated clinic time to see refugees; a registered nurse care coordinator and a social worker dedicated to the IFMC refugee population; 2 clinical psychologists and doctoral students in clinical psychology; and a clinical pharmacist. The IFMC also provides onsite psychiatric care. A process flow map depicts the interconnectivity of interprofessional team members working together with other specialty care providers within the medical centre and with community partners on behalf of refugee patients through the resettlement process.

Conclusion

Individuals who arrive in the USA as refugees are a particularly vulnerable patient group and often require an interprofessional team approach. The IFMC may serve as a model for other institutions interested in starting a similar interprofessional, refugee-centred medical home.
Preparedness of community-based organisations in biohazard: reliability and validity of an assessment tool
Authors: Rezaei Fatemeh , Maracy Mohammad R , Yarmohammadian Mohammad H , Ardalan Ali , Keyvanara Mahmood
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop a tool for community-based health organisations (CBHOs) to evaluate the preparedness in biohazards concerning epidemics or bioterrorism. We searched concepts on partnerships of CBHOs with health systems in guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and literature. Then, we validated the researcher-made tool by face validity, content validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and criterion validity. Data were collected by sending the tool to 620 CBHOs serving under supervision of Iran’s ministry of health. Opinions of health professionals and stakeholders in CBHOs were used to assess face and content validity. Factor loads in EFA were based on three-factor structure that verified by CFA. We used SPSS V.18 and Mplus7 software for statistical analysis. About 105 health-based CBHOs participated. After conducting face validity and calculating content validity ratio and content validity index, we reached 54 items in the field of planning, training and infrastructure. We conducted construct validity using 105 CBHOs. Three items exchanged between the fields according to factor loads in EFA, and CFA verified the model fit as Comparative Fit Index, Tucker-Lewis index and root mean square error of approximation were 0.921, 0918 and 0.052, respectively. The Cronbach’s of the whole tool was 0.944. Spearman correlation coefficient confirmed criterion validity as coefficient was 0.736. Planning, training and infrastructure fields are the most important aspects of preparedness in health-based CBHOs. Applying the new assessment tool in future studies will show the weaknesses and capabilities of health-based CBHOs in biohazard and clear necessary intervention actions for health authorities.
Glycaemic control, antidiabetic medications and influenza vaccination coverage among patients with diabetes in Udine, Italy
Authors: Valent Francesca , Tullio Annarita
Published: January 2020

Objective

The objectives of this study were to estimate influenza vaccination coverage among patients with diabetes mellitus in an Italian 250 000-inhabitant area in the 2017–2018 season and to assess whether glycaemic control and pharmacological treatment were associated with the likelihood of being vaccinated.

Design

In this cross-sectional study, we analysed anonymous health administrative databases, linked with each other at the individual patient level through a stochastic key: diabetes mellitus registry, vaccinations, drug prescriptions and laboratory database.

Setting

The study was conducted in the catchment area of the University Hospital of Udine (‘the Udine area’), a 250 000-inhabitant area in the northeast of Italy.

Participants

The study included all subjects included in the regional registry of patients with diabetes mellitus, living in the Udine area as of 1 October 2017.

Main outcome measures

Vaccination coverage in the 2017–2018 influenza season was calculated. The association between patients’ characteristics and the likelihood of being vaccinated was assessed through multivariate log binomial regression.

Result

53.0% of 15 900 patients with diabetes living in the area were vaccinated. Coverage increased with age, approaching 75% at ≥85 years. Patients lacking recent glycated haemoglobin testing were less likely to be vaccinated (43.4% vaccination coverage), as were those not treated pharmacologically (44.4% vaccination coverage). Patients treated with both insulin, metformin and other antidiabetic medications were more likely to be vaccinated than those treated with metformin alone (58.1% vaccination coverage; adjusted relative risk=1.07, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.14).

Conclusion

Influenza vaccination coverage was suboptimal in this Italian population of patients with diabetes. Strategies to improve diabetes management could in turn positively affect influenza coverage.
Orbit design and thruster requirement for various constant arm space mission concepts for gravitational-wave observation
Authors: Wang Gang , Ni Wei-Tou , Wu An-Ming
Published: January 2020

In previous papers, we have addressed the issues of orbit design and thruster requirement for the constant arm versions of Astrodynamical Middle-frequency Interferometric Gravitational-wave Observatory (AMIGO) mission concept and for the constant arm gravitational wave (GW) mission concept of Atom Interferometric Gravitational-wave Space Observatory (AIGSO). In this paper, we apply similar methods to the orbit design and thruster requirement for the constant arm GW missions B-DECIGO and DECIGO, and estimate the yearly propellant requirements at the specific impulse [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s. For the geocentric orbit options of B-DECIGO which we have explored, the fuel mass requirement is a concern. For the heliocentric orbit options of B-DECIGO and DECIGO, the fuel requirement to keep the arm equal and constant should be easily satisfied. Furthermore, we explore the thruster and propellant requirements for constant arm versions of LISA and TAIJI missions and find the fuel mass requirement is not a show stopper either. The proof mass actuation noise is a concern. To have enough dynamical range, an alternate proof mass is required. Detailed laboratory study is warranted.
xVA: DEFINITION, EVALUATION AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Authors: WU LIXIN , ZHANG DAWEI
Published: January 2020

xVA is a collection of valuation adjustments made to the classical risk-neutral valuation of a derivative or derivatives portfolio for pricing or for accounting purposes, and it has been a matter of debate and controversy. This paper is intended to clarify the notion of xVA as well as the usage of the xVA items in pricing, accounting or risk management. Based on bilateral replication pricing using shares and credit default swaps, we attribute the P&L of a derivatives trade into the compensation for counterparty default risks and the costs of funding. The expected present values of the compensation and the funding costs under the risk-neutral measure are defined to be the bilateral CVA and FVA, respectively. The latter further breaks down into FCA, MVA, ColVA and KVA. We show that the market funding liquidity risk, but not any idiosyncratic funding risks, can be bilaterally priced into a derivative trade, without causing price asymmetry between the counterparties. We call for the adoption of VaR or CVaR methodologies for managing funding risks. The pricing of xVA of an interest-rate swap is presented.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS FOR THREE FIXTURES OF PAUWELLS-II BY THE BIOMECHANICAL FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: PENG MATTHEW JIAN-QIAO , XU HONGWEN , CHEN HAI-YAN , JU XIANGYANG , HU YONG , AYOUB ASHRAF , KHAMBAY BALVINDER , GUO YUEMING , BAI BO
Published: January 2020

Little is known about why and how biomechanics govern the hypothesis that three-Lag-Screw (3LS) fixation is a preferred therapeutic technique. A series models of surgical internal-fixation for femoral neck fractures of Pauwells-II will be constructed by an innovative approach of finite element so as to determine the most stable fixation by comparison of their biomechanical performance. Seventeen sets of CT scanned femora were imported onto Mimics extracting 3D models; these specimens were transferred to Geomagic Studio for a simulative osteotomy and kyrtograph; then, they underwent UG to fit simulative solid models; three sorts of internal fixators were expressed virtually by Pro-Engineer. Processed by Hypermesh, all compartments were assembled onto three systems actually as “Dynamic hip screw (DHS), 3LS and DHS+LS”. Eventually, numerical models of Finite Elemental Analysis (FEA) were exported to AnSys for solution. Three models for fixtures of Pauwells-II were established, validated and analyzed with the following findings: Femoral-shaft stress for [Formula: see text](3LS) is the least; Internal-fixator stress (MPa) for [Formula: see text]; Integral stress (MPa) for [Formula: see text]; displacement of femoral head (mm) for a[Formula: see text](DHS+LS) = 0.735; displacement of femoral shaft (mm) for [Formula: see text]; and displacement of fixators for [Formula: see text]. Mechanical comparisons for other femoral parks are insignificantly different, and these data can be abstracted as follows: the stress of 3LS-system was checked to be the least, and an interfragmentary displacement of DHS+LS assemblages was assessed to be the least”. A 3LS-system should be recommended to clinically optimize a Pauwells-II facture; if treated by this therapeutic fixation, breakage of fixators or secondary fracture is supposed to occur rarely. The strength of this study is that it was performed by a computer-aided simulation, allowing for design of a preoperative strategy that could provide acute correction and decrease procedure time, without harming to humans or animals.
Thick branes in higher-dimensional f(R) gravity
Authors: Dzhunushaliev V. , Folomeev V. , Nurtayeva G. , Odintsov S. D.
Published: January 2020

We study the thick brane model within [Formula: see text] the modified gravity in [Formula: see text]-dimensional spacetimes with [Formula: see text]. The system under consideration consists of two branes orthogonal to each other: the four-dimensional Lorentzian brane and [Formula: see text]-dimensional Euclidean one. It is numerically shown that, for a given [Formula: see text], regular vacuum asymptotically anti-de Sitter solutions exist only in the range [Formula: see text]. Depending on the values of [Formula: see text] and boundary conditions imposed on the Lorentzian brane, the solutions can pass or not pass through a fixed point located on the Lorentzian brane, and also be [Formula: see text]-symmetric or nonsymmetric. In the large-[Formula: see text] limit, we find the approximate analytic solutions. It is also shown that a test scalar field is trapped on the Lorentzian brane at any [Formula: see text].
A Switchable Sound Tunnel by Using an Acoustic Metasurface
Authors: Song Xinpei , Chen Tianning , Zhu Jian , He Yanbin , Zhang Junzhe
Published: January 2020

An acoustic metasurface (AM) is proposed to achieve a sound tunnel with switchable functionalities of asymmetric transmission and bidirectional sound isolation, which is composed of an array of steel containers filled with two inert gases, argon and xenon. Acoustic asymmetric transmission can be observed when the AM is placed vertically. The functionality of the tunnel can be switched to bidirectional sound isolation by simply rotating the AM without changing the physical structure of the device. The proposed switchable tunnel has broadband multi-functional response with a simple adjustment method, showing potential for bidirectional sound isolation and sound sensing.
Trace and Axial Anomalies on Equal Footing
Authors: Jora Renata
Published: January 2020

We discussed that for some particular nonsupersymmetric theories, a generalized symmetry that includes both the scale and axial transformations and leads to a single current may contain also a pseudoscalar term. The method, inspired by the superconformal anomalies, has important application for low-energy effective models where it allows the introduction of a single complex glueball field with a scalar and a pseudoscalar component on the same footing with the complex meson nonet fields made of quarks. Both axial and trace anomalies are satisfied in accordance to the meson structure and the QCD requirements.
Association of Tobacco Smoking with Physical Fitness of Military Males in Taiwan: The CHIEF Study
Authors: Su Fang-Ying , Wang Sheng-Huei , Lu Henry Horng-Shing , Lin Gen-Min
Published: January 2020

Tobacco smoking has been found associated with lower cardiorespiratory fitness in white and black males; however, few studies have not been conducted to clarify such relationship in Asian males. We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the association between tobacco smoking status and physical fitness in 3,669 military males, averaged 29.4 years of age, from the cardiorespiratory fitness and hospitalization events in armed forces (CHIEF) study in Taiwan during 2014. There were 1,376 current smokers, and the others were noncurrent smokers. The effective sample size estimated was 1,230 participants, as the margin of error was ±3% at the 99% confidence level. Physical fitness was evaluated by time for a 3000-meter run test (aerobic fitness) and repetitive numbers of 2-minute sit-ups and 2-minute push-ups (anaerobic fitness) where all procedures were standardized by using computerized scoring systems. A multiple linear analysis adjusting for age, service specialty, body mass index, heart rate, alcohol intake, and training frequency was used to determine the relationship. As compared with noncurrent smoking, current smoking was inversely correlated with longer time for a 3000-meter run (β = 15.66 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 10.62, 20.70)) and fewer repetitive numbers of 2-minute sit-ups and 2-minute push-ups (β = −1.53 (95% CI: −2.08, −0.97) and −1.31 (95% CI: −2.12, −0.50), respectively). Our finding reconfirms the concept that tobacco smoking might reduce both aerobic and anaerobic fitness among young Asian males.
Thermal Noise-Boosting Effects in Hot-Wire-Based Micro Sensors
Authors: Piotto Massimo , Catania Alessandro , Nannini Andrea , Bruschi Paolo
Published: January 2020

This article proposes an original approach aimed at modelling the noise density in sensors based on a single hot wire or pairs of thermally coupled wires. The model consists in an original combination of a previous electrothermal model of the wire with well-established assumptions on the thermal noise in conductors that carry moderate current densities. A simple method for estimating the model parameters with simple impedance spectroscopy is suggested. The predicted power spectral densities of the wire thermal noise differ from the result of previously presented analytical models, stimulating further experimental studies. The effects of the electrothermal feedback of both hot wires and hot-wire pairs on flicker noise is also intrinsically covered by the proposed approach.
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Atmospheric Ducts in Alaska and Its Relationship with the Arctic Vortex
Authors: Mai Yanbo , Sheng Zheng , Shi Hanqing , Liao Qixiang , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2020

Inthis paper, global position system high-resolution sounding data from 1998 to 2008 were used to statistically analyze the spatiotemporal distribution and determine the probability, thickness, and intensity of atmospheric ducts at 12 stations in Alaska. In addition, the singular value decomposition (SVD) was used to examine the relationship between the Arctic vortex and atmospheric ducts. The annual average probability of atmospheric ducts, primarily surface and elevation ducts, was approximately 30% in Alaska. The probability of elevation ducts was greater than that of surface ducts. The Arctic vortex area and intensity index of each subarea were significantly negatively correlated with the occurrence of atmospheric ducts. Thus, when the area of the Arctic vortex increased and the intensity index of each subarea strengthened, the probability of atmospheric ducts decreased and their characteristics weakened.
Metformin Promotes Axon Regeneration after Spinal Cord Injury through Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Stabilizing Microtubule
Authors: Wang Haoli , Zheng Zhilong , Han Wen , Yuan Yuan , Li Yao , Zhou Kailiang , Wang Qingqing , Xie Ling , Xu Ke , Zhang Hongyu , Xu Huazi , Wu Yanqing , Xiao Jian
Published: January 2020

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating disease that may lead to lifelong disability. Thus, seeking for valid drugs that are beneficial to promoting axonal regrowth and elongation after SCI has gained wide attention. Metformin, a glucose-lowering agent, has been demonstrated to play roles in various central nervous system (CNS) disorders. However, the potential protective effect of metformin on nerve regeneration after SCI is still unclear. In this study, we found that the administration of metformin improved functional recovery after SCI through reducing neuronal cell apoptosis and repairing neurites by stabilizing microtubules via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway with LY294002 partly reversed the therapeutic effects of metformin on SCI in vitro and vivo. Furthermore, metformin treatment weakened the excessive activation of oxidative stress and improved the mitochondrial function by activating the nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription and binding to the antioxidant response element (ARE). Moreover, treatment with Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 partially abolished its antioxidant effect. We also found that the Nrf2 transcription was partially reduced by LY294002 in vitro. Taken together, these results revealed that the role of metformin in nerve regeneration after SCI was probably related to stabilization of microtubules and inhibition of the excessive activation of Akt-mediated Nrf2/ARE pathway-regulated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Overall, our present study suggests that metformin administration may provide a potential therapy for SCI.
In SituDESI-MSI Lipidomic Profiles of Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes and Precursor Lesions
Authors: Santoro Adriana Leandra , Drummond Rodrigo D. , Silva Israel Tojal , Ferreira Severino S. , Juliano Luiz , Vendramini Pedro H. , Lemos Monique Batista da Costa , Eberlin Marcos N. , Andrade Victor Piana
Published: January 2020

Clinically meaningful molecular subtypes for classification of breast cancers have been established, however, initiation and progression of these subtypes remain poorly understood. The recent development of desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) facilitates the convergence of analytical chemistry and traditional pathology, allowing chemical profiling with minimal tissue pretreatment in frozen samples. Here, we characterized the chemical composition of molecular subtypes of breast cancer with DESI-MSI. Regions of interest were identified, including invasive breast cancer (IBC), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and adjacent benign tissue (ABT), and metabolomic profiles at 200 μm elaborated using Biomap software and the Lasso method. Top ions identified in IBC regions included polyunsaturated fatty acids, deprotonated glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids. Highly saturated lipids, as well as antioxidant molecules [taurine (m/z 124.0068), uric acid (m/z 167.0210), ascorbic acid (m/z 175.0241), and glutathione (m/z 306.0765)], were able to distinguish IBC from ABT. Moreover, luminal B and triple-negative subtypes showed more complex lipid profiles compared with luminal A and HER2 subtypes. DCIS and IBC were distinguished on the basis of cell signaling and apoptosis-related ions [fatty acids (341.2100 and 382.3736 m/z) and glycerophospholipids (PE (P-16:0/22:6, m/z 746.5099, and PS (38:3), m/z 812.5440)]. In summary, DESI-MSI identified distinct lipid composition between DCIS and IBC and across molecular subtypes of breast cancer, with potential implications for breast cancer pathogenesis.

Significance:

These findings present the first in situ metabolomic findings of the four molecular subtypes of breast cancer, DCIS, and normal tissue, and add to the understanding of their pathogenesis.
Combined MEK and PI3K/p110β Inhibition as a Novel Targeted Therapy for Malignant Mesothelioma Displaying Sarcomatoid Features
Authors: Marqués Miriam , Tranchant Robin , Risa-Ebrí Blanca , Suárez-Solís María L. , Fernández Luis C. , Carrillo-de-Santa-Pau Enrique , del Pozo Natalia , Martínez de Villarreal Jaime , Meiller Clément , Allory Yves , Blum Yuna , Pirker Christine , Hegedus Balazs , Barry Simon T. , Carnero Amancio , Berger Walter , Jean Didier , Real Francisco X.
Published: January 2020

Among malignant mesotheliomas (MM), the sarcomatoid subtype is associated with higher chemoresistance and worst survival. Due to its low incidence, there has been little progress in the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms associated with sarcomatoid MM, which might help to define novel therapeutic targets. In this work, we show that loss of PTEN expression is frequent in human sarcomatoid MM and PTEN expression levels are lower in sarcomatoid MM than in the biphasic and epithelioid subtypes. Combined Pten and Trp53 deletion in mouse mesothelium led to nonepithelioid MM development. In Pten;Trp53-null mice developing MM, the Gαi2-coupled receptor subunit activated MEK/ERK and PI3K, resulting in aggressive, immune-suppressed tumors. Combined inhibition of MEK and p110β/PI3K reduced mouse tumor cell growth in vitro. Therapeutic inhibition of MEK and p110β/PI3K using selumetinib (AZD6244, ARRY-142886) and AZD8186, two drugs that are currently in clinical trials, increased the survival of Pten;Trp53-null mice without major toxicity. This drug combination effectively reduced the proliferation of primary cultures of human pleural (Pl) MM, implicating nonepithelioid histology and high vimentin, AKT1/2, and Gαi2 expression levels as predictive markers of response to combined MEK and p110β/PI3K inhibition. Our findings provide a rationale for the use of selumetinib and AZD8186 in patients with MM with sarcomatoid features. This constitutes a novel targeted therapy for a poor prognosis and frequently chemoresistant group of patients with MM, for whom therapeutic options are currently lacking.

Significance:

Mesothelioma is highly aggressive; its sarcomatoid variants have worse prognosis. Building on a genetic mouse model, a novel combination therapy is uncovered that is relevant to human tumors.
Early Hybrid Extracorporeal Therapies in Pediatric Acute Liver Failure of Unknown Etiology
Authors: Rossetti Emanuele , Polisca Francesco , Tortora Francesca , Bianchi Roberto , Picardo Sergio
Published: January 2020

We describe a 9-year-old boy with acute liver failure of unknown etiology, unresponsive to standard medical therapy, with increasing hyperammonemia blood level, lactate elevation, a pediatric end liver stage of 20, a hepatic encephalopathy (HE) score of 2, and scheduled for emergent liver transplantation on the waiting list. We admitted him in the pediatric intensive care unit and managed him in the early stages with continuous renal replacement therapy and therapeutic plasma exchange as soon as neurologic impairment started to worsen. He recovered from his HE after 3 days of blood purification and was removed from the transplantation waiting list due to progressive liver function improvement.