bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The application of 1H NMR to explore the taste difference caused by taste‐active metabolites of different Chinese sauce‐stewed beef
Authors: Yang Yi , Wang Ying , Pan Daodong , Zhang Yuyu , He Jun , Xia Qiang , Cao Jinxuan
Published: July 2020

In this study, we developed a method for the quantification of taste‐active metabolites of Chinese commercial sauce‐stewed beef by using 1H NMR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate data analysis. This method was applied to analyze the taste difference which caused by taste‐active metabolites of different Chinese sauce‐stewed beef. Beef samples demonstrated to consist of 25 metabolites, including amino acids, sugars, organic acids, nucleic aides, and their derivatives. PC1 and PC2 explained a total of 85.1 and 13.1% of variables, respectively. Metabolites such as isoleucine, histidine, glutamate, pyroglutamate, sucrose, lactate, creatine, carnitine, and creatinine were kept at a higher levels compared with other metabolites in the four products. Sensory evaluation was also done to help analyze the taste difference. This microcosmic approach of using high‐resolution NMR spectrometry to analyze beef products has rarely been reported. This work established a feasible method to distinguish the taste difference of different Chinese sauce‐stewed beef.
Effect of soy fortification on the quality of Mkarango a traditional Kenyan fermented maize meal snack
Authors: Rapando Prisca Linda , Serrem Charlotte Atsango , Serem Dorcas Jepkorir
Published: July 2020

This study aimed at improving the quality and nutrient density of a Kenyan fermented maize meal snack (mkarango) through soy fortification to alleviate protein‐energy malnutrition (PEM) in children. Nine variations of the snack were prepared by replacing 0, 30, and 50% maize with soy and fermenting each for 0, 3, and 5 days at ambient temperature. To establish the physico‐chemical characteristics, the proximate composition, bulk density, water, and oil absorption capacities and titratable acidity were determined. Consumer acceptability was evaluated using a panel of 55 individuals. Fortification of maize with 50% soy increased protein, lipid, and ash content by 256, 284, and 78%, respectively, while carbohydrates reduced by 30%. Fermentation increased lipids and slightly reduced carbohydrate content. Energy ranged from 1,600 to 1641 kJ/100 g. Oil absorption capacity and bulk density reduced with fortification and fermentation while water absorption capacity increased. Fermentation reduced pH by 29 and 31% after days 3 and 5, respectively. There was no significant difference at p ≤ .05 between liking of the fortified snacks and the conventional mkarango, but increase in number of fermentation days reduced the overall acceptance. All fortified snack variations meet more than half the Recommended Daily Allowance for children aged 0.5 to 10 years. Fortification and fermentation improve nutrient density of snacks in terms of proteins, lipids, and ash as well as the functional properties. Preference for all fortified snacks was above average. The soy fortified fermented snack has the potential to alleviate protein‐energy malnutrition in developing countries.
Temporal integration as “common currency” of brain and self‐scale‐free activity in resting‐stateEEGcorrelates with temporal delay effects on self‐relatedness
Authors: Kolvoort Ivar R. , Wainio‐Theberge Soren , Wolff Annemarie , Northoff Georg
Published: July 2020

The self is a multifaceted phenomenon that integrates information and experience across multiple time scales. How temporal integration on the psychological level of the self is related to temporal integration on the neuronal level remains unclear. To investigate temporal integration on the psychological level, we modified a well‐established self‐matching paradigm by inserting temporal delays. On the neuronal level, we indexed temporal integration in resting‐state EEG by two related measures of scale‐free dynamics, the power law exponent and autocorrelation window. We hypothesized that the previously established self‐prioritization effect, measured as decreased response times or increased accuracy for self‐related stimuli, would change with the insertion of different temporal delays between the paired stimuli, and that these changes would be related to temporal integration on the neuronal level. We found a significant self‐prioritization effect on accuracy in all conditions with delays, indicating stronger temporal integration of self‐related stimuli. Further, we observed a relationship between temporal integration on psychological and neuronal levels: higher degrees of neuronal integration, that is, higher power‐law exponent and longer autocorrelation window, during resting‐state EEG were related to a stronger increase in the self‐prioritization effect across longer temporal delays. We conclude that temporal integration on the neuronal level serves as a template for temporal integration of the self on the psychological level. Temporal integration can thus be conceived as the “common currency” of neuronal and psychological levels of self.
Tail dependence between oil prices and China's A‐shares: Evidence from firm‐level data
Authors: Fang Sheng , Egan Paul
Published: July 2020

Research in the area of tail dependence between oil prices and the stock market is sparse, particularly at the firm level. This article investigates lower and upper tail dependences between the price of crude oil and China's A‐share market by estimating an empirical copula with a rolling window. Our results show that tail dependence is increasing over time and that there are differences between lower and upper tail dependences in terms of incremental magnitude. We also find that the impulse responses of tail dependences to shocks to variables of interests vary significantly over the sample period. Our results also indicate that lower tail dependence, in particular, is found to have more than one breakpoint, and the break dates are highly associated with financial crises. In addition, we find evidence of asymmetry in tail dependence, which varies across periods. Finally, we find that tail dependence is persistent in the short‐term but deteriorates as the duration increases. These findings have important implications for investors, risk managers and policy makers.
Intellectual capital performance in the financial sector: Evidence from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
Authors: Nazir Muhammad Imran , Tan Yong , Nazir Muhammad Rizwan
Published: July 2020

It is no doubt that successful organizations tend to be those that persistently innovate, believing on new technologies and emphasizing on abilities and knowledge of their employees. Knowledge has become one of the most imperative intangible assets of financial institutions in recent years. The aspiring organizations have recognized that Intellectual Capital Efficiency is important in promoting the performance of financial institutions. This paper tests the relationship between intellectual capital and performance using a sample of 76 financial institutions from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan over the period 2006–2016. The results show that intellectual capital efficiency has a significant and positive impact on the profitability of financial institutions, while human capital and structural capital are not significantly related to the performance of financial institutions in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The present research extends the knowledge of intellectual capital between managers, academicians, and highlights its contribution to the value creation. These results determine that the financial institutions need to emphasize on the elements of intellectual capital, to enhance the best financial performances in these countries.
The near‐infrared autofluorescence fingerprint of the brain
Authors: Lifante José , del Rosal Blanca , Chaves‐Coira Irene , Fernández Nuria , Jaque Daniel , Ximendes Erving
Published: July 2020

The brain is a vital organ involved in most of the central nervous system disorders. Their diagnosis and treatment require fast, cost‐effective, high‐resolution and high‐sensitivity imaging. The combination of a new generation of luminescent nanoparticles and imaging systems working in the second biological window (near‐infrared II [NIR‐II]) is emerging as a reliable alternative. For NIR‐II imaging to become a robust technique at the preclinical level, full knowledge of the NIR‐II brain autofluorescence, responsible for the loss of image resolution and contrast, is required. This work demonstrates that the brain shows a peculiar infrared autofluorescence spectrum that can be correlated with specific molecular components. The existence of particular structures within the brain with well‐defined NIR autofluorescence fingerprints is also evidenced, opening the door to in vivo anatomical imaging. Finally, we propose a rational selection of NIR luminescent probes suitable for low‐noise brain imaging based on their spectral overlap with brain autofluorescence.
Upregulation of cyclin D1 can act as an independent prognostic marker for longer survival time in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yijun , Liu Qingluan , Wang Zhicheng , Chen Meilin , Chen Yi , Li Xiayu , Huang Donghai , Fan Songqing , Xiong Wei , Li Guiyuan , Zhang Wenling
Published: July 2020

Background

Cyclin D1 is an essential part of oncogenic transformation. We previously proved that cyclin D1 was upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and promoted the NPC cell proliferation. But the association between cyclin D1 and the clinical outcome of NPC has not yet been determined. The study explores the possible relevance between the cyclin D1 expression and clinical parameters and its predictive value of prognosis in NPC patients.

Methods

We analyzed the clinical data from 379 NPC patients and 112 non‐NPC patients in our previous study, which made further statistics. Receiver operating curve (ROC) was applied to select the optimal cutoff points. By analyzing the clinical data from 101 NPC patients using Chi‐squared test, we estimated the relationship between the cyclin D1 expression level and clinicopathological parameters. We also used Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test assess and compared the disease‐free survival (DFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate. The Cox proportional hazards model was adopted to perform the univariate and multivariate analyses.

Result

Receiver operating curve analysis reported that cyclin D1 was used to differentiate between NPC patients and non‐NPC patients (P < .001, sensitivity: 53.6%, specificity: 85.7%, AUC = 0.752). Cyclin D1 was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = .015). A survival analysis of the 101 NPC patients indicated that the positive expression of cyclin D1 was predictive of a good prognosis (DFS: P = .010, OS: P = .019). Multivariate analysis showed that cyclin D1 could be used independently to predict NPC patients' prognosis (DFS: P = .038).

Conclusion

The overexpression of cyclin D1 is a good prognostic marker for NPC.
Effects of prebiotic consumption on serum intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein levels in patients with diabetes: A case‐control study
Authors: Hou Yi‐Cheng , Lai Chien‐Wen , Cheng Ching‐Feng , Lin Yi‐Ying , Hsieh Tsung‐Han , Hui Wu Jing , Tzeng I‐Shiang , Kuo Chan‐Yen
Published: July 2020

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a condition involving several molecular mechanisms related to the intestinal microbiota for its development. Intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein (I‐FABP) is a sensitive marker to study enterocyte damage. A prebiotic is a non‐digestible food ingredient that improves host health by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activities of bacteria in the colon. We aimed to clarify the currently described effects of prebiotics in the prevention and management of T2DM.

Methods

In this case‐control study, we chose 68 participants with T2DM and 52 healthy participants. Both groups were further divided based on consumption of prebiotics. Forty participants with T2DM consumed prebiotics, and 28 did not; 30 healthy volunteers consumed prebiotics, and 22 did not. We used the analysis of variance to compare the inflammation levels between the case and control groups. Multiple linear regression was performed for the significantly correlated groups to estimate the influence of prebiotics on inflammation level.

Results

Age was a significant factor for difference in I‐FABP levels (standardized coefficient: 0.06; P = .047). The analysis of eating habits showed that vegetarian diets produced lower I‐FABP levels than non‐vegetarian diets (standardized coefficient: −2.55; P = .022). Results showed that patients with T2DM who consumed prebiotics expressed lower I‐FABP levels, reflecting an improvement in inflammation level, than the healthy volunteers who did not consume prebiotics (standardized coefficient: −3.20; P = .019).

Conclusions

For patients with T2DM, prebiotics supplemented produced no significant impact on serum I‐FABP levels.
Using photovoice to increase social inclusion of people with disabilities: Reflections on the benefits and challenges
Authors: Labbé Delphine , Mahmood Atiya , Routhier François , Prescott Mike , Lacroix Émilie , Miller William C. , Mortenson W. Ben
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to understand the mobility experiences of mobility device users regarding the environmental and social barriers and facilitators in their community and to discuss the benefits and challenges of using photovoice, as a participatory methodology, to increase social participation for people with disabilities. Photovoice was used with mobility device users (n = 70) in two different locations in Canada. The participants took pictures for two weeks and then participated in individual interviews and focus group sessions to discuss their photographs. The participants took over 1,000 pictures that were grouped into five themes around social participation and accessibility. They chose the most illustrative pictures to share in an exhibit to create a dialogue with different stakeholders. Using photovoice offered many benefits such as allowing the participants to be equal partners of the research and made their voices heard, but also presented disability and study‐related challenges.
Seeds of change: A qualitative case study of a neighborhood youth program
Authors: Roberts Lindsey T. , Stein Catherine , Tompsett Carolyn J.
Published: July 2020

Even within economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, programs fostering protective factors can shape youth outcomes. One positive youth development (PYD) program— Seeds of Change—employs teenagers in an urban neighborhood in Ohio and uses goats and community gardens to promote adolescent development. The current study used semi‐structured interviews with adolescents (N  =  7, ages 16–20) to conduct a case study of the program. The case study describes youth's perceptions of the neighborhood, the program, and future directions; responses were analyzed using content analysis. Youth described that Seeds of Change enacts change on multiple levels of the social ecology by emphasizing individual growth, building a social support system with peers and adults, and increasing both tangible resources and positive relationships throughout the neighborhood. Seeds of Change promotes positive socialization, increases resources, and embodies multiple elements of effective PYD programming.
Virodhamine, an endocannabinoid, induces megakaryocyte differentiation by regulating MAPK activity and function of mitochondria
Authors: Sharma Durga Shankar , Raghuwanshi Sanjeev , Kovuru Narasaiah , Dahariya Swati , Gautam Dushyant Kumar , Paddibhatla Indira , Gutti Ravi Kumar
Published: July 2020

Endocannabinoids are well‐known regulators of neurotransmission by activating the cannabinoid (CB) receptors. Endocannabinoids are being used extensively for the treatment of various neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Although endocannabinoids are well studied in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation in various neurological disorders and several cancers, the functional role in the regulation of blood cell development is less examined. In the present study, virodhamine, which is an agonist of CB receptor‐2, was used to examine its effect on megakaryocytic development from a megakaryoblastic cell. We observed that virodhamine increases cell adherence, cell size, and cytoplasmic protrusions. Interestingly, we have also observed large nucleus and increased expression of megakaryocytic marker (CD61), which are the typical hallmarks of megakaryocytic differentiation. Furthermore, the increased expression of CB2 receptor was noticed in virodhamine‐induced megakaryocytic cells. The effect of virodhamine on megakaryocytic differentiation could be mediated through CB2 receptor. Therefore, we have studied virodhamine induced molecular regulation of megakaryocytic differentiation; mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, mitochondrial function, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were majorly affected. The altered mitochondrial functions and ROS production is the crucial event associated with megakaryocytic differentiation and maturation. In the present study, we report that virodhamine induces megakaryocytic differentiation by triggering MAPK signaling and ROS production either through MAPK effects on ROS‐generating enzymes or by the target vanilloid receptor 1‐mediated regulation of mitochondrial function.
The expanding role of CDR1‐AS in the regulation and development of cancer and human diseases
Authors: Azari Hanieh , Mousavi Pegah , Karimi Elham , Sadri Fatemeh , Zarei Mahboobeh , Rafat Milad , Shekari Mohammad
Published: July 2020

CircRNAs are a superabundant and highly conserved group of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that are characterized by their high stability and integrity compared with linear forms of ncRNAs. Recently, their critical role in gene expression regulation has been shown; thus, it is not far‐fetched to believe that their abnormal expression can be a cause of different kinds of diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune diseases. They can have a function in variety of biological processes such as microRNA (miRNA) sponging, interacting with RNA‐binding proteins, or even an ability to translate to proteins. A huge challenge in finding diagnostic biomarkers is finding noninvasive biomarkers that can be detected in human fluids, especially blood samples. CircRNAs are becoming candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of these diseases through their ability to transverse from the blood‐brain barrier and their broad presence in circulating exosomes. The circRNA for miRNA‐7 (ciRS‐7) is newly recognized, and acknowledged to being related to human pathology and cancer progression. In this review, we first briefly summarize the latest studies about their characteristics, biogenesis, and their mechanisms of action in the regulation and development of human diseases. Finally, we provide a list of diseases that are linked to one member of this novel class of ncRNAs called ciRS‐7.
The Hippo in the room: Targeting the Hippo signalling pathway for osteosarcoma therapies
Authors: Rothzerg Emel , Ingley Evan , Mullin Benjamin , Xue Wei , Wood David , Xu Jiake
Published: July 2020

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant bone tumour which usually occurs in children and adolescents. OS is primarily a result of chromosomal aberrations, a combination of acquired genetic changes and, hereditary, resulting in the dysregulation of cellular functions. The Hippo signalling pathway regulates cell and tissue growth by modulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration in developing organs. Mammalian STE20‐like 1/2 (MST1/2) protein kinases are activated by neurofibromatosis type 2, Ras association domain family member 2, kidney and brain protein, or other factors. Interactions between MST1/2 and salvador family WW domain‐containing protein 1 activate large tumour suppressor kinase 1/2 proteins, which in turn phosphorylate the downstream Yes‐associated protein 1/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (YAP/TAZ). Moreover, dysregulation of this pathway can lead to aberrant cell growth, resulting in tumorigenesis. Interestingly, small molecules targeting the Hippo signalling pathways, through affecting YAP/TAZ cellular localisation and their interaction with members of the TEA/ATTS domain family of transcriptional enhancers are being developed and hold promise for the treatment of OS. This review discusses the existing knowledge about the involvement of the Hippo signalling cascade in OS and highlights several small molecule inhibitors as potential novel therapeutics.
Biodegradation kinetic studies and optimization for the elimination of azoic and triphenylmethane dyes using an integrated process combining biological treatment and gliding arc plasma
Authors: Njiki Alain , Kamgang‐Youbi Georges , Nola Moïse , Laminsi Samuel
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

The discharge of liquid textile effluents remains a major concern for the ecosystem. The combination of glidarc plasma and biological treatment is an excellent technique that overcomes the disadvantages of each method used separately, but the kinetics of degradation and the energetic studies are poorly known. This study reports on the optimization of the kinetics of biodegradation of Bismark brown (BB) and crystal violet (CV) dyes using an integrated process.

RESULTS

The biodegradation of BB and CV by a bacterium model Aeromonas hydrophila followed pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. The prior exposure of dyes to glidarc treatment for t* (5, 10, and 15 min) did not modify the biodegradation kinetic model but the rate constants were significantly improved according to the linear relationships: k(h−1) = 0.017 × t*(min) + 0.006 for BB and k(h−1) = 0.052 × t*(min)−0.124 for CV. Otherwise, the total removal of the BB and CV by the plasma alone required a specific energy of 10.22 and 4.80 kWh g−1, respectively; whereas, using the coupled process, it was 1.64 and 1.20 kWh g−1. A large part of the electric energy injected due to the plasma process alone was thus saved.

CONCLUSION

The integrated glidarc/biodegradation process significantly reduces the energy cost of the disposal of textile effluents by accelerating their kinetic rates. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Histomorphological investigation of intrahepatic connective tissue for surgical anatomy based on modern computer imaging analysis
Authors: Ikeda Tetsuo , Okano Shinji , Hashimoto Naotaka , Kimura Koichi , Kudo Kensuke , Tsutsumi Ryosuke , Sasaki Shun , Kawasaki Junji , Miyashita Yu , Wada Hiroya
Published: July 2020

Background/Purpose

Computer‐assisted tissue imaging and analytical techniques were used to clarify the histomorphological structure of hepatic connective tissue as a practical guide for surgeons.

Methods

Approximately 5000 histological slides were prepared from liver specimens of five autopsied patients. Three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction was performed and subjected to computer imaging analysis. Scanning electron microscopy was also performed on the liver specimens.

Results

The 3D reconstructed images revealed the running form of the vasculature and the relationship between the hepatic lobule and connective tissue. The hepatic capsule or portal pedicle was consistently located at the periphery of the hepatic lobules. An artificial intelligence random forest approach clearly segmented hepatic cells, type I collagen (CF), type III collagen (RF), and other cells. The hepatic lobule, portal region, and hepatic capsule were significantly distinguished based on CF and RF occupancy. The capsule directly covering the liver lobule with an RF concentration up to 87% was provisionally named the proper hepatic capsule. The existence of a proper hepatic ligament with distinct occupation rates of CF and RF was also suggested.

Conclusions

The identified proper hepatic capsule and ligament can be important markers for demarcating the dissecting layer during surgical procedures.
Serum procalcitonin as an early diagnostic marker of severe postoperative complications after elective pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Hata Tatsuo , Mizuma Masamichi , Motoi Fuyuhiko , Hayashi Hiroki , Ishida Masaharu , Ohtsuka Hideo , Nakagawa Kei , Morikawa Takanori , Kamei Takashi , Unno Michiaki
Published: July 2020

Background/Purpose

To evaluate the clinical utility of serum procalcitonin (PCT) as a diagnostic marker for the severe postoperative complications associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Methods

A total of 387 patients were enrolled and the PCT and C‐reactive protein (CRP) values were compared between the non‐severe complications group (Clavien–Dindo classification Grade IIIb and lower) and severe complications (Grade IVa and higher).

Results

Severe complications occurred in 16 patients. In the severe complications group, CRP levels peaked on postoperative day (POD) 3, whereas PCT levels peaked on POD 1. The PCT levels on PODs 1–5 were significantly higher in the severe complications group. Regarding the diagnostic performance, the PCT value on POD 2 higher than 2.1 ng/mL revealed the highest performance, with 66.7% sensitivity and 78.6% specificity. Based on the postoperative kinetics and multivariate analysis, PCT and CRP both act independently of each other and the combination assay improved the diagnostic power (area under the curve 0.781; sensitivity 60.0%; specificity 85.6%). Preoperative biliary drainage was found to affect the perioperative PCT values and subgroup analysis stratified by the drainage procedure improved diagnostic sensitivity (~85%).

Conclusions

Procalcitonin in the early postoperative period can serve as an earlier detector for the development of severe complications after PD.
SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostics in the virology laboratory of a University Hospital in Rome during the lockdown period
Authors: Turriziani Ombretta , Sciandra Ilaria , Mazzuti Laura , Di Carlo Daniele , Bitossi Camilla , Calabretto Marianna , Guerrizio Giuliana , Oliveto Giuseppe , Riveros Cabral Rodolfo J. , Viscido Agnese , Falasca Francesca , Gentile Massimo , Pietropaolo Valeria , Rodio Donatella M. , Carattoli Alessandra , Antonelli Guido
Published: July 2020

Italy was one of the most affected nations by coronavirus disease 2019 outside China. The infections, initially limited to Northern Italy, spread to all other Italian regions. This study aims to provide a snapshot of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) epidemiology based on a single‐center laboratory experience in Rome. The study retrospectively included 6565 subjects tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 at the Laboratory of Virology of Sapienza University Hospital in Rome from 6 March to 4 May. A total of 9995 clinical specimens were analyzed, including nasopharyngeal swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, gargle lavages, stools, pleural fluids, and cerebrospinal fluids. Positivity to SARS‐CoV‐2 was detected in 8% (527/6565) of individuals, increased with age, and was higher in male patients (P  < .001). The number of new confirmed cases reached a peak on 18 March and then decreased. The virus was detected in respiratory samples, in stool and in pleural fluids, while none of gargle lavage or cerebrospinal fluid samples gave a positive result. This analysis allowed to gather comprehensive information on SARS‐CoV‐2 epidemiology in our area, highlighting positivity variations over time and in different sex and age group and the need for a continuous surveillance of the infection, mostly because the pandemic evolution remains unknown.
Transmission route and introduction of pandemic SARS‐CoV‐2 between China, Italy, and Spain
Authors: Nabil Benazi , Sabrina Bounab , Abdelhakim Bounab
Published: July 2020

We present a phylodynamic and phylogeographic analysis of this new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus in this report. A tree of maximum credibility was constructed using the 72 entire genome sequences of this virus, from the three countries (China, Italy, and Spain) available as of 26 March 2020 on the GISAID reference frame. To schematize the current SARS‐CoV‐2 migration scenario between and within the three countries chosen, using the multitype bearth‐death model implemented in BEAST2. Bayesian phylogeographic reconstruction shows that SARS‐CoV‐2 has a rate of evolution of 2.11 × 10−3 per sites per year (95% highest posterior density: 1.56 × 10−3 to 3.89 × 10−3), and a geographic origin in Shanghai, where time until the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) emerged, according to the analysis of the molecular clock, around 13 November 2019. While for Italy and Spain, there are two tMRCA for each country, which agree with the assumption of several introductions for these countries. That explains also this very short period of subepidermal circulation before the recent events. A total of 8 (median) migration events occurred during this short period, the largest proportion of which (6 events [75%]) occurred from Shanghai (China) to Spain and from Italy to Spain. Such events are marked by speeds of migration that are comparatively lower as compared with that from Shanghai to Italy. Shanghai's R0 and Italy's are closer to each other, though Spain's is slightly higher. All these results allow us to conclude the need for an automatic system of mixed, molecular and classical epidemiological surveillance, which could play a role in this global surveillance of public health and decision‐making.
Two‐ and three‐dimensional optical coherence tomography to differentiate degenerative changes in a rat meniscectomy model
Authors: Kushida Yoshihisa , Ozeki Nobutake , Mizuno Mitsuru , Katano Hisako , Otabe Koji , Tsuji Kunikazu , Koga Hideyuki , Kishima Koichiro , Soma Yoshio , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: July 2020

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an attractive tool for evaluating cartilage. We developed an OCT system that reconstructs and analyzes a three‐dimensional (3D) OCT image by determining the cartilage surface and cartilage‐bone boundary from the image taken with currently available OCT devices. We examined the usefulness of 3D renderings of OCT images. In a rat meniscectomized model, the tibia was harvested after 0, 2, 4, or 8 weeks (n = 6). We scanned 300 slices in the y‐plane to cover a 4 × 3 × 6‐mm section (x‐plane; 10 µm × 400 pixels, y‐plane; 10 µm × 300 pixels, z‐plane; 12.66 µm × 500 pixels) of the medial tibial cartilage. The cartilage surface line and the cartilage‐bone boundary were plotted semi‐automatically. Slices from 300 two‐dimensional (2D) sequential images were systematically and visually checked and corrected, as necessary. We set a region of interest in the cartilage and quantified the cartilage volume in the 3D image. The Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) histological score was also obtained. The cartilage volume determined using 3D OCT images was 0.291 ± 0.022 mm3 in the normal, 0.264 ± 0.009 mm3 at 2 weeks, 0.210 ± 0.012 mm3 at 4 weeks, and 0.205 ± 0.011 mm3 at 8 weeks. The cartilage volume significantly decreased at 4 and 8 weeks and was significantly correlated with the OARSI histological score (r = −0.674; P = .002). Although the 3D image information could be obtained from the 2D images, the 3D OCT images provided easier‐to‐understand information because the 3D reconstructed cartilage provided information about the smoothness of the surface, the area, and depth of the defect at a glance.
Nonthyroidal Illness Syndrome in Patients With Short‐Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Wan Songlin , Yang Jianbo , Gao Xuejin , Zhang Li , Wang Xinying
Published: July 2020

Background

Nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) is prevalent in critical illness and is associated with poor outcomes. However, only few studies have focused on the relationship between NTIS and short‐bowel syndrome (SBS). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, etiology, and prognosis of NTIS and its correlation with clinical variables in adult patients with SBS.

Methods

Sixty‐one eligible adults diagnosed with SBS, from December 2016 to December 2018, were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database. Demographic and clinical characteristics (including thyroid hormones and nutrition variables) were evaluated for each participant.

Results

The prevalence of NTIS in adults with SBS was 52.5%. Patients with NTIS tended to have a longer duration of hospital stay and poor survival, but the results were not significant. A decreased, standard thyroid‐stimulating hormone index and sum activity of deiodinases and an increased secretory capacity by the thyroid were observed in the NTIS group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) had better performance for distinguishing NTIS from patients with euthyroidism, with an area under the curve of 0.862 (cutoff, 101.0; sensitivity, 0.813; and specificity, 0.800).

Conclusions

NTIS is a common complication in adult patients with SBS. Patients with NTIS tend to have a worse nutrition status and poor prognosis. A potential pituitary thyrotroph dysfunction and hypodeiodination condition may play a role in the pathophysiology of NTIS in SBS. Furthermore, IGF‐1 is a meaningful predictor for distinguishing NTIS from euthyroid.
Effect of pullulan concentration and pH on the interactions between whey protein concentrate and pullulan during gelation
Authors: Zhang Minghao , Sun Haiyue , Liu Yankai , Wang Yu , Piao Chunhong , Cai Dan , Wang Yuhua , Liu Jingsheng
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Whey protein concentrate (WPC)/pullulan (PUL) hydrogel is applied as a microencapsulation wall material to protect probiotics. However, the interactions between WPC and PUL during gelation have not been clarified. In the present study, the effects of PUL concentration and pH on the interactions between WPC and PUL during gelation were evaluated with respect to appearance, zeta‐potential, sulfhydryl group amount, surface hydrophobicity and infrared spectroscopy measurements. The rheological properties of WPC/PUL gels were also determined.

RESULTS

The results obtained showed that a proper concentration (0.40 g mL–1) of PUL could improve the gel by enhancing the strength of hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions and exposure of hydrophobic groups, whereas too much PUL inhibited the formation of disulfide bonds. Furthermore, hydrophobic interactions, disulfide bonds and hydrogen bonds were destroyed in varying degrees under an alkaline environment. The rheological results also demonstrated a similar effect of PUL concentration and pH on the storage modulus (G') of WPC/PUL gels.

CONCLUSION

When the WPC/PUL gel was formed at PUL concentration of 0.40 g mL–1 and pH 7.0, the interaction between WPC and PUL could be enhanced, which is beneficial for the future application of WPC/PUL gels in the food industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of Radioiodine Treatment on Doppler Flow Parameters in the Central Retinal Artery and Ophthalmic Artery in Patients With Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Walasik‐Szemplińska Dorota , Kamiński Grzegorz , Sudoł‐Szopińska Iwona
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify changes in Doppler flow parameters in the central retinal artery (CRA) and ophthalmic artery (OA) that could be indicative of de novo development of thyroid‐associated orbitopathy in the early period after radioiodine treatment.

Methods

Eighty‐two patients with hyperthyroidism were enrolled: 44 with Graves disease and 38 with toxic nodular goiter. In both groups, blood flow parameters in the CRA and OA were analyzed before and 2 and 4 weeks after radioiodine administration. The peak systolic velocity and end‐diastolic velocity (EDV) were evaluated, and the resistive index (RI) was calculated.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the peak systolic velocity, EDV or RI between groups at baseline and 4 weeks after radioiodine administration. Two weeks after radioiodine administration, the RI in the CRA (P = .034) and EDV in the OA (P = .026) were significantly lower, and the EDV in the CRA (P = .004) was higher in patients with Graves disease than in patients with toxic nodular goiter. There was an inverse correlation between baseline thyrotropin receptor autoantibody (TRAb) levels and the difference between the RI at weeks 4 and 2 (RI3‐RI2) in the CRA (r = −0.458; P < .05) and a positive correlation between the baseline anti‐thyroid peroxidase antibody concentration and RI3‐RI2 in the OA (r = 0.435; P < .05).

Conclusions

Administration of radioiodine results in more prominent features of hyperkinetic circulation. Patients with Graves disease and high TRAb titers have a lower sensitivity to radioiodine treatment. High TRAb titers suggest higher disease activity and a weaker therapeutic effect of radioiodine.
Hydrogen embrittlement of nodular cast iron
Authors: Sahiluoma Patrik , Yagodzinskyy Yuriy , Forsström Antti , Hänninen Hannu , Bossuyt Sven
Published: July 2020

Ferritic nodular cast iron, intended for use as the material for inserts of canisters for long‐term geological disposal of spent nuclear fuel, was studied for hydrogen sensitivity. In the canisters, the insert provides the mechanical strength against external loads. Hydrogen was charged from 0.1 N H2SO4 solution in free‐corrosion tests and under controlled cathodic potential. Hydrogen uptake and trapping were then measured using thermal desorption spectroscopy. The hydrogen desorption rate after hydrogen charging manifests two distinct peaks. Plastic deformation during hydrogen charging increases the hydrogen uptake considerably. Hydrogen reduces the elongation to fracture and time to fracture in slow strain rate testing and constant load testing (CLT), respectively. Especially, the strain rate in CLT is dramatically increased. The appearance of hydrogen‐induced cracking in the ferrite phase changes from ductile dimple fracture to brittle cleavage fracture due to hydrogen charging, which initiates from the interphases of the graphite nodules. The results are discussed in terms of the role of hydrogen and the graphite nodules in hydrogen embrittlement of ductile cast iron.
Modelling daily soil temperature at different depths via the classical and hybrid models
Authors: Mehdizadeh Saeid , Ahmadi Farshad , Kozekalani Sales Ali
Published: July 2020

Soil temperature (ST) is one of the crucial variables of soil and it plays a fundamental role in different research scopes such as underground soil physical and agricultural applications. The study explores the modelling performance of a time series‐based model (i.e. bi‐linear, BL), and an artificial intelligence‐based approach including adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), for modelling the daily ST of different soil depths (5, 10, 50 and 100 cm). The study also develops and proposes two diverse types of the hybrid models through coupling the ANFIS with the BL and wavelet analysis (W) to improve the accuracy of the ST modelling. Two stations in Iran (i.e. Isfahan and Urmia) were selected as the study locations. The results demonstrated that the ANFIS generally presented better results than the BL. Furthermore, the hybrid models (i.e. W‐ANFIS and ANFIS‐BL) gave superior performances than the classical ANFIS and BL for modelling the daily ST of the studied areas at various soil depths. In addition to the local evaluation of the ANFIS (i.e. modelling the ST at a specific depth by using the original ST data at that depth), an external analysis was also conducted. In doing so, the daily ST data at a 5 cm depth were modelled via the corresponding ST data at a 10 cm depth, and vice versa. The results denoted the applicability of the ST data at another depth for modelling the ST of each specific/target depth.
N‐lump and interaction solutions of localized waves to the (2 + 1)‐dimensional asymmetrical Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov equation arise from a model for an incompressible fluid
Authors: Manafian Jalil , Ilhan Onur Alp , Avazpour Ladan , Alizadeh As'ad
Published: July 2020

The present article deals with M‐soliton solution and N‐soliton solution of the (2 + 1)‐dimensional asymmetrical Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov equation by virtue of Hirota bilinear operator method. The obtained solutions for solving the current equation represent some localized waves including soliton, breather, lump, and their interactions, which have been investigated by the approach of the long‐wave limit. Mainly, by choosing the specific parameter constraints in the M‐soliton and N‐soliton solutions, all cases of the one breather or one lump can be captured from the two, three, four, and five solitons. In addition, the performances of the mentioned technique, namely, the Hirota bilinear technique, are substantially powerful and absolutely reliable to search for new explicit solutions of nonlinear models. Meanwhile, the obtained solutions are extended with numerical simulation to analyze graphically, which results in localized waves and their interaction from the two‐, three‐, four‐, and five‐soliton solutions profiles. They will be extensively used to report many attractive physical phenomena in the fields of acoustics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, classical mechanics, and so on.
Existence and uniqueness of the solution for a general system of Fredholm integral equations
Authors: Filip Alexandru‐Darius , Petruşel Adrian
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper is to present existence and uniqueness results for the solution of a general system of Fredholm integral equations by applying the vectorial form of Maia's fixed‐point theorem. A Gronwall‐type lemma and comparison theorems are also obtained.
Slice‐selective extended phase graphs in gradient‐crushed, transient‐state free precession sequences: An application to MR fingerprinting
Authors: Ostenson Jason , Smith David S. , Does Mark D. , Damon Bruce M.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Slice‐selective, gradient‐crushed, transient‐state sequences such as those used in MR fingerprinting (MRF) relaxometry are sensitive to slice profile effects. Whereas balanced steady‐state free precession MRF profile effects have been studied, less attention has been given to gradient‐crushed MRF forms. Extensions of the extended phase graph (EPG) formalism, called slice‐selective EPG (ssEPG), are proposed that model slice profile effects.

Theory and methods

The hard‐pulse approximation to slice‐selective excitation in the spatial domain is reformulated in k‐space. Excitation is modeled by standard EPG shift and transition operators. This ssEPG modeling is validated against Bloch simulations and phantom slice profile measurements. ssEPG relaxometry accuracy and variability are compared with other EPG methods in phantoms and human leg in vivo. The role of ∆B0 interactions with slice profile and gradient crushers is investigated.

Results

Simulations and slice profile measurements show that ssEPG can model highly dynamic slice profile effects of gradient‐crushed sequences. The MRF ssEPG T2 estimates over 0 < T2 < 100 ms improve accuracy by > 10 ms at some values relative to other modeling approaches. Small deviations in B0 can produce substantial bias in T2 estimations from a range of MRF sequence types, and these effects can be modeled and understood by ssEPG.

Conclusion

Transient‐state, gradient‐crushed sequences such as those used in MRF are sensitive to slice profile effects, and these effects depend on RF pulse choice, gradient crusher strength, and ∆B0. It was found ssEPG was the most accurate EPG‐based means to model these effects.
Accelerating cardiac cine MRI using a deep learning‐based ESPIRiT reconstruction
Authors: Sandino Christopher M. , Lai Peng , Vasanawala Shreyas S. , Cheng Joseph Y.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To propose a novel combined parallel imaging and deep learning‐based reconstruction framework for robust reconstruction of highly accelerated 2D cardiac cine MRI data.

Methods

We propose DL‐ESPIRiT, an unrolled neural network architecture that utilizes an extended coil sensitivity model to address SENSE‐related field‐of‐view (FOV) limitations in previously proposed deep learning‐based reconstruction frameworks. Additionally, we propose a novel neural network design based on (2+1)D spatiotemporal convolutions to produce more accurate dynamic MRI reconstructions than conventional 3D convolutions. The network is trained on fully sampled 2D cardiac cine datasets collected from 11 healthy volunteers with IRB approval. DL‐ESPIRiT is compared against a state‐of‐the‐art parallel imaging and compressed sensing method known as

‐ESPIRiT. The reconstruction accuracy of both methods is evaluated on retrospectively undersampled datasets (R = 12) with respect to standard image quality metrics as well as automatic deep learning‐based segmentations of left ventricular volumes. Feasibility of DL‐ESPIRiT is demonstrated on two prospectively undersampled datasets acquired in a single heartbeat per slice.

Results

The (2+1)D DL‐ESPIRiT method produces higher fidelity image reconstructions when compared to

‐ESPIRiT reconstructions with respect to standard image quality metrics (P < .001). As a result of improved image quality, segmentations made from (2+1)D DL‐ESPIRiT images are also more accurate than segmentations from

‐ESPIRiT images.

Conclusions

DL‐ESPIRiT synergistically combines a robust parallel imaging model and deep learning‐based priors to produce high‐fidelity reconstructions of retrospectively undersampled 2D cardiac cine data acquired with reduced FOV. Although a proof‐of‐concept is shown, further experiments are necessary to determine the efficacy of DL‐ESPIRiT in prospectively undersampled data.
A variable resolution approach for improved acquisition of hyperpolarized 13C metabolic MRI
Authors: Gordon Jeremy W. , Autry Adam W. , Tang Shuyu , Graham Jasmine Y. , Bok Robert A. , Zhu Xucheng , Villanueva‐Meyer Javier E. , Li Yan , Ohilger Michael A. , Abraham Maria Roselle , Xu Duan , Vigneron Daniel B. , Larson Peder E. Z.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To ameliorate tradeoffs between a fixed spatial resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for hyperpolarized 13C MRI.

Methods

In MRI, SNR is proportional to voxel volume but retrospective downsampling or voxel averaging only improves SNR by the square root of voxel size. This can be exploited with a metabolite‐selective imaging approach that independently encodes each compound, yielding high‐resolution images for the injected substrate and coarser resolution images for downstream metabolites, while maintaining adequate SNR for each. To assess the efficacy of this approach, hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate data were acquired in healthy Sprague‐Dawley rats (n = 4) and in two healthy human subjects.

Results

Compared with a constant resolution acquisition, variable‐resolution data sets showed improved detectability of metabolites in pre‐clinical renal studies with a 3.5‐fold, 8.7‐fold, and 6.0‐fold increase in SNR for lactate, alanine, and bicarbonate data, respectively. Variable‐resolution data sets from healthy human subjects showed cardiac structure and neuro‐vasculature in the higher resolution pyruvate images (6.0 × 6.0 mm2 for cardiac and 7.5 × 7.5 mm2 for brain) that would otherwise be missed due to partial‐volume effects and illustrates the level of detail that can be achieved with hyperpolarized substrates in a clinical setting.

Conclusion

We developed a variable‐resolution strategy for hyperpolarized 13C MRI using metabolite‐selective imaging and demonstrated that it mitigates tradeoffs between a fixed spatial resolution and SNR for hyperpolarized substrates, providing both high resolution pyruvate and coarse resolution metabolite data sets in a single exam. This technique shows promise to improve future studies by maximizing metabolite SNR while minimizing partial‐volume effects from the injected substrate.