bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Molecular Description of a High-Copy IncQ1 KPC-2 Plasmid Harbored by the International ST15 Klebsiella pneumoniae Clone
Authors: Martins Willames M. B. S. , Nicolas Marisa F. , Yu Yang , Li Mei , Dantas Priscila , Sands Kirsty , Portal Edward , Almeida Luiz G. P. , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza R. , Medeiros Eduardo A. , Toleman Mark A. , Walsh Timothy R. , Gales Ana C. , Andrey Diego O.
Published: October 2020

In many parts of the world, carbapenem resistance is a serious public health concern. In Brazil, carbapenem resistance in
Enterobacterales
is mostly driven by the dissemination of KPC-2-producing
K. pneumoniae
clones. Despite being endemic in this country, only a few reports providing both clinical and genomic data are available in Brazil, which limit the understanding of the real clinical impact caused by the dissemination of different clones carrying
bla
KPC-2
in Brazilian hospitals. Although several of these KPC-2-producer
K. pneumoniae
isolates belong to the clonal complex 258 and carry Tn
4401
transposons located on large plasmids, a concomitant emergence and silent dissemination of small high-copy-number
bla
KPC-2
plasmids are of importance, as described in this study. Our data identify a small high-copy-number IncQ1 KPC plasmid, its clinical relevance, and the potential for conjugative transfer into several
K. pneumoniae
isolates, belonging to different international lineages, such as ST258, ST101, and ST15.
Precise Expression of
Afmed15
Is Crucial for Asexual Development, Virulence, and Survival of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Guan Luyu , Lu Ruiyang , Wu Zhengjun , Zhong Guowei , Zhang Shizhu
Published: October 2020

The identification and characterization of regulators essential for virulence or development constitute one approach for antifungal drug development. In this study, we screened and functionally characterized
Afmed15
, a novel developmental regulator in
A. fumigatus
. We demonstrate that the precise transcriptional expression of
Afmed15
is crucial for fungal asexual development, virulence, and survival. Downregulating the expression of
Afmed15
abolished the conidiation and decreased the fungal virulence in an insect model. In contrast, the overexpression of
Afmed15
caused fungal death accompanied by intensive autophagy. Our study provides a foundation for further studies to identify compounds perturbing the expression of
Afmed15
that may be used for the prevention of invasive
A. fumigatus
infections.
Physical Activity Shapes the Intestinal Microbiome and Immunity of Healthy Mice but Has No Protective Effects against Colitis in MUC2
−/−
Mice
Authors: Estaki Mehrbod , Morck Douglas W. , Ghosh Sanjoy , Quin Candice , Pither Jason , Barnett Jacqueline A. , Gill Sandeep K. , Gibson Deanna L.
Published: October 2020

Perturbation in the gut microbial ecosystem has been associated with various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. Habitual physical activity, through its ability to modulate the gut microbiome, has recently been shown to prophylactically protect against chemically induced models of murine colitis. Here, we (i) confirm previous reports that physical activity has limited but significant effects on the gut microbiome of mice and (ii) show that such changes are associated with anti-inflammatory states in the gut, such as increased production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids and lower levels of proinflammatory immune markers implicated in human colitis; however, we also show that (iii) these physical activity-derived benefits are completely lost in the absence of a healthy intestinal mucus layer, a hallmark phenotype of human colitis.
Clinical evaluation of an application aid for less-invasive surfactant administration (LISA)
Authors: Maiwald Christian Achim , Neuberger Patrick , Franz Axel R , Engel Corinna , Vochem Matthias , Poets Christian F
Published: October 2020

Background

Less-invasive surfactant administration (LISA) is increasingly used. We investigated the feasibility of a new LISA-device (Neofact®) in neonates.

Design

Prospective observational pilot study with open-label LISA in two tertiary neonatal intensive care units.

Patients

20 infants with a gestational age of ≥26+0/7 weeks and an indication for LISA (Respiratory Severity Score (RSS)≥5 or fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ≥0.30). Infants with respiratory tract malformations or unavailability of an instructed neonatologist were excluded.

Main outcome measures

Success of LISA, defined as laryngoscopy-confirmed intratracheal catheter position or a decrease in FiO2 by ≥0.05 or to 0.21, accompanied by an RSS decrease of ≥2; number of attempts needed for tracheal catheterisation.

Results

20/57 screened infants were enrolled. Successful application occurred in 19/20 (95%). One application failed after three attempts. No device-related adverse events occurred. The median number of attempts was 2, success rate per attempt 19/31 (61%).

Conclusion

LISA via Neofact® appears feasible.
Acute on-snow severe injury events in elite alpine ski racing from 1997 to 2019: the Injury Surveillance System of the Austrian Ski Federation
Authors: Barth Michael , Platzer Hans-Peter , Giger Anton , Nachbauer Werner , Schröcksnadel Peter
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The study aimed to (1) determine the incidence and gender-specific risk ratio of acute on-snow severe injury events (SIE) in elite alpine ski racing, (2) examine the development of SIE over 22 seasons, and (3) analyse SIE with respect to the severely injured body parts and structures.

Methods

Data recorded in the Austrian Ski Federation’s Injury Surveillance System over 22 seasons were analysed. The Austrian Ski Team consists of four groups: Team National (n=477), Team A (n=444), Team B (n=696) and Team C (n=608). Team National and Team A comprised World Cup, Team B European Cup and Team C junior alpine ski racers. Simple and multiple Poisson regressions were calculated.

Results

The SIE incidence was 15.7 (95% CI 14.2 to 17.5) per 100 skier seasons. ACL injury events accounted for 70.8% of severe knee injury events and 48.6% of SIE. The incidence of severe ACL injury events was 7.6 (95% CI 6.6 to 8.9). Female World Cup alpine ski racers had a 1.65 times (95% CI 1.02 to 2.69) higher risk of severe ACL injury events than their male counterparts.

Conclusion

The incidence of acute on-snow SIE in World Cup alpine ski racing was higher than previously reported. Despite various prevention efforts, the average seasonal incidence of SIE in World and European Cup alpine ski racers has grown from approximately 11 in 1997 to 23 in 2019; thus with roughly one more injured athlete every second season.
Portable negative pressure environment to protect staff during aerosol-generating procedures in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Nilson James , Bugaev Nikolay , Sekhar Pavan , Hojman Haracio , Gonzalez-Ciccarelli Luis , Quraishi Sadeq A
Published: October 2020

Patients with COVID-19 often need therapeutic interventions that are considered high aerosol-generating procedures. These are either being performed by healthcare providers with potentially inadequate personal protective equipment or the procedures are being delayed until patients clear their viral load. Both scenarios are suboptimal. We present a simple, cost-effective method of creating a portable negative pressure environment using equipment that is found in most hospitals to better protect healthcare providers and to facilitate more timely care for patients with COVID-19.
Identification of new enterosynes using prebiotics: roles of bioactive lipids and mu-opioid receptor signalling in humans and mice
Authors: Abot Anne , Wemelle Eve , Laurens Claire , Paquot Adrien , Pomie Nicolas , Carper Deborah , Bessac Arnaud , Mas Orea Xavier , Fremez Christophe , Fontanie Maxime , Lucas Alexandre , Lesage Jean , Everard Amandine , Meunier Etienne , Dietrich Gilles , Muccioli Giulio G , Moro Cedric , Cani Patrice D , Knauf Claude
Published: October 2020

Objective

The enteric nervous system (ENS) plays a key role in controlling the gut-brain axis under normal and pathological conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. The discovery of intestinal actors, such as enterosynes, able to modulate the ENS-induced duodenal contraction is considered an innovative approach. Among all the intestinal factors, the understanding of the role of gut microbes in controlling glycaemia is still developed. We studied whether the modulation of gut microbiota by prebiotics could permit the identification of novel enterosynes.

Design

We measured the effects of prebiotics on the production of bioactive lipids in the intestine and tested the identified lipid on ENS-induced contraction and glucose metabolism. Then, we studied the signalling pathways involved and compared the results obtained in mice to human.

Results

We found that modulating the gut microbiota with prebiotics modifies the actions of enteric neurons, thereby controlling duodenal contraction and subsequently attenuating hyperglycaemia in diabetic mice. We discovered that the signalling pathway involved in these effects depends on the synthesis of a bioactive lipid 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and the presence of mu-opioid receptors (MOR) on enteric neurons. Using pharmacological approaches, we demonstrated the key role of the MOR receptors and proliferator-activated receptor γ for the effects of 12-HETE. These findings are supported by human data showing a decreased expression of the proenkephalin and MOR messanger RNAs in the duodenum of patients with diabetic.

Conclusions

Using a prebiotic approach, we identified enkephalin and 12-HETE as new enterosynes with potential real beneficial and safety impact in diabetic human.
Effect of resolvins on sensitisation of TRPV1 and visceral hypersensitivity in IBS
Authors: Perna Eluisa , Aguilera-Lizarraga Javier , Florens Morgane V , Jain Piyush , Theofanous Stavroula A , Hanning Nikita , De Man Joris G , Berg Maya , De Winter Benedicte , Alpizar Yeranddy A , Talavera Karel , Vanden Berghe Pieter , Wouters Mira , Boeckxstaens Guy
Published: October 2020

Objective

Resolvins (RvD1, RvD2 and RvE1) are endogenous anti-inflammatory lipid mediators that display potent analgesic properties in somatic pain by modulating transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation. To what extent these molecules could also have a beneficial effect on TRPV1 sensitisation and visceral hypersensitivity (VHS), mechanisms involved in IBS, remains unknown.

Design

The effect of RvD1, RvD2 and RvE1 on TRPV1 activation and sensitisation by histamine or IBS supernatants was assessed on murine dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons using live Ca2+imaging. Based on the results obtained in vitro, we further studied the effect of RvD2 in vivo using a murine model of post-infectious IBS and a rat model of post-inflammatory VHS. Finally, we also tested the effect of RvD2 on submucosal neurons in rectal biopsies of patients with IBS.

Results

RvD1, RvD2 and RvE1 prevented histamine-induced TRPV1 sensitisation in DRG neurons at doses devoid of an analgesic effect. Of note, RvD2 also reversed TRPV1 sensitisation by histamine and IBS supernatant. This effect was blocked by the G protein receptor 18 (GPR18) antagonist O-1918 (3–30 µM) and by pertussis toxin. In addition, RvD2 reduced the capsaicin-induced Ca2+response of rectal submucosal neurons of patients with IBS. Finally, treatment with RvD2 normalised pain responses to colorectal distention in both preclinical models of VHS.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that RvD2 and GPR18 agonists may represent interesting novel compounds to be further evaluated as treatment for IBS.
Interactions between environmental pollutants and dietary nutrients: current evidence and implications in epidemiological research
Authors: Cano-Sancho Germán , Casas Maribel
Published: October 2020

Environmental pollutants and nutrients may be present in the same foodstuffs or dietary patterns; share internal mechanisms of transport, metabolism and cellular uptake; or target the same molecular signalling pathways and biological functions. Lipophilic pollutants and nutrients, like dioxins and polyunsaturated fatty acids, may often converge at all aforementioned levels and thus the interactions become more likely. Despite this fact, the topic seems overlooked in mainstream epidemiological research. In this essay, we illustrate different levels of documented interactions between pollutants and nutrients with experimental, interventional and epidemiological evidence, paying special attention to lipophilic chemicals. We first describe common pollutants and nutrients encountered in diets and the internal lipophilic interface such as adipose tissue and serum lipids. Next, we discuss the preventive effects of nutrients against absorption and the toxic effects of pollutants, as well as the pollutant-induced perturbation of nutrient metabolism. Finally, we discuss the implications of nutrient–pollutant interactions in epidemiology, providing some examples of negative confounding, modification effect and statistical interactions reported for different outcomes including fetal growth, diabetes and cancer. The evidence discussed in this essay supports that the health impacts of chemicals have likely been underestimated due to the high risk of residual and coexposure confounding in diseases where interactions between pollutants and nutrients may occur.
Socioeconomic inequalities across life and premature mortality from 1971 to 2016: findings from three British birth cohorts born in 1946, 1958 and 1970
Authors: Fluharty Meg E , Hardy Rebecca , Ploubidis George , Pongiglione Benedetta , Bann David
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Disadvantaged socioeconomic position (SEP) in early and adult life has been repeatedly associated with premature mortality. However, it is unclear whether these inequalities differ across time, nor if they are consistent across different SEP indicators.

Methods

British birth cohorts born in 1946, 1958 and 1970 were used, and multiple SEP indicators in early and adult life were examined. Deaths were identified via national statistics or notifications. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate associations between ridit scored SEP indicators and all-cause mortality risk—from 26 to 43 years (n=40 784), 26 to 58 years (n=35 431) and 26 to 70 years (n=5353).

Results

More disadvantaged SEP was associated with higher mortality risk—magnitudes of association were similar across cohort and each SEP indicator. For example, HRs (95% CI) from 26 to 43 years comparing lowest to highest paternal social class were 2.74 (1.02 to 7.32) in 1946c, 1.66 (1.03 to 2.69) in 1958c, and 1.94 (1.20 to 3.15) in 1970c. Paternal social class, adult social class and housing tenure were each independently associated with mortality risk.

Conclusions

Socioeconomic circumstances in early and adult life show persisting associations with premature mortality from 1971 to 2016, reaffirming the need to address socioeconomic factors across life to reduce inequalities in survival to older age.
COVID-19 epidemic outside China: 34 founders and exponential growth
Authors: Li Yi , Liang Meng , Yin Xianhong , Liu Xiaoyu , Hao Meng , Hu Zixin , Wang Yi , Jin Li
Published: October 2020

COVID-19 raised tension both within China and internationally. Here, we used mathematical modeling to predict the trend of patient diagnosis outside China in future, with the aim of easing anxiety regarding the emergent situation. According to all diagnosis number from WHO website and combining with the transmission mode of infectious diseases, the mathematical model was fitted to predict future trend of outbreak. Daily diagnosis numbers from countries outside China were downloaded from WHO situation reports. The data used for this analysis were collected from January 21, 2020 and currently end at February 28, 2020. A simple regression model was developed based on these numbers, as follows: [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the total diagnosed patient till the i-th day and t=1 at February 1, 2020. Based on this model, we estimate that there were approximately 34 undetected founder patients at the beginning of the spread of COVID-19 outside China. The global trend was approximately exponential, with an increase rate of 10-fold every 19 days. Through establishment of this model, we call for worldwide strong public health actions, with reference to the experiences learned from China and Singapore.
Point mutation inCD19facilitates immune escape of B cell lymphoma from CAR-T cell therapy
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Chen Xinfeng , Tian Yonggui , Li Feng , Zhao Xuan , Liu Jinyan , Yao Chang , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2020

Background

Tumor relapse due to mutation inCD19can hinder the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy. Herein, we focused on lymphoma patients whose B cells exhibited a point mutation inCD19of B cells after CAR-T cell infusion.

Methods

The CAR-T and CD19+B cells from peripheral blood or bone marrow were assessed using flow cytometry. Genome sequencing was conducted to identify the molecular characteristics of CAR-T and CD19+B cells from pre-relapse and postrelapse samples. CD19 in CARs comprising single chain fragments variable (scFV) antibody with FMC63 or 21D4 was constructed. The cytotoxic efficacy of CAR-T cells was also evaluated via in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Results

A patient with high-grade B cell lymphoma exhibited complete response, but the lymphoma relapsed in her left breast at 6 months afterCD19CAR (FMC63)-T cell infusion. A mutation was found in exon 3 ofCD19(p.163. R-L) in malignant B cells of the patient. In two lymphoma patients who exhibited resistance to CAR-T cell therapy, a mutation was detected in exon 3 ofCD19(p.174. L-V). Functional analysis revealed that FMC63 CAR-T cells exhibited antitumor ability against wild-type CD19+cells but were unable to eradicate these two types of mutated CD19+cells. Interestingly, 21D4 CAR-T cells were potentially capable of eradicating these mutated CD19+cells and exhibiting high antitumor capacity against CD19+cells with loss of exon 1, 2, or 3.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that point mutation can facilitate immune escape from CAR-T cell therapy and that alternative CAR-T cells can effectively eradicate the mutated B cells, providing an individualized therapeutic approach for lymphoma patients showing relapse.
Improving the therapeutic index in adoptive cell therapy: key factors that impact efficacy
Authors: Wang Ena , Cesano Alessandra , Butterfield Lisa H , Marincola Francesco
Published: October 2020

The therapeutic index (TI) is a quantitative assessment of a drug safety proportional to its effectiveness. The estimation is intuitive when the engagement of the product with its target is dependent on stable chemistry and predictable pharmacokinetics as is the case for small molecules or antibodies. But for therapeutics with complex biodistribution and context-dependent potency such as adoptive cell therapy (ACT) products, TI estimations need to consider a broader array of factors. These include product-dependent variability such as functional fitness, unpredictable pharmacokinetics due to non-specific trapping, sequestration and extravasation into normal tissues and variable rates of in vivo expansion. In the case of solid malignancies, additional modifiers dependent on individual tumor immune biology may affect pharmacodynamics, including differential trafficking to benign compared with cancer tissue, hampered engagement with target cells, immune suppression and cellular dysfunction due to unfavorable metabolic conditions. Here, we propose a patient-specific assessment of factors affecting on-tumor from off-tumor activity in disparate immunologic environments that impact ACT’s clinical efficacy and may favorably balance the TI. for ACT products.
Demonstrating ‘respect for persons’ in clinical research: findings from qualitative interviews with diverse genomics research participants
Authors: Kraft Stephanie A , Rothwell Erin , Shah Seema K , Duenas Devan M , Lewis Hannah , Muessig Kristin , Opel Douglas J , Goddard Katrina A B , Wilfond Benjamin S
Published: October 2020

The ethical principle of ‘respect for persons’ in clinical research has traditionally focused on protecting individuals’ autonomy rights, but respect for participants also includes broader, although less well understood, ethical obligations to regard individuals’ rights, needs, interests and feelings. However, there is little empirical evidence about how to effectively convey respect to potential and current participants. To fill this gap, we conducted exploratory, qualitative interviews with participants in a clinical genomics implementation study. We interviewed 40 participants in English (n=30) or Spanish (n=10) about their experiences with respect in the study and perceptions of how researchers in a hypothetical observational study could convey respect or a lack thereof. Most interviewees were female (93%), identified as Hispanic/Latino(a) (43%) or non-Hispanic white (38%), reported annual household income under US$60 000 (70%) and did not have a Bachelor’s degree (65%); 30% had limited health literacy. We identified four key domains for demonstrating respect: (1) personal study team interactions, with an emphasis on empathy, appreciation and non-judgment; (2) study communication processes, including following up and sharing results with participants; (3) inclusion, particularly ensuring materials are understandable and procedures are accessible; and (4) consent and authorisation, including providing a neutral informed consent and keeping promises regarding privacy protections. While the experience of respect is inherently subjective, these findings highlight four key domains that may meaningfully demonstrate respect to potential and current research participants. Further empirical and normative work is needed to substantiate these domains and evaluate how best to incorporate them into the practice of research.
Saudades de ser nihonjin: Japanese-Brazilian identity and mental health in literature and media
Authors: Bailey Yuki
Published: October 2020

Brazil is currently home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. In Brazil today, Japanese-Brazilians are considered to be successful members of Brazilian society. This was not always the case, however, and Japanese immigrants to Brazil endured much hardship to attain their current level of prestige. This essay explores this community’s trajectory towards the formation of the Japanese-Brazilian identity and the issues of mental health that arise in this immigrant community. Through the analysis of Japanese-Brazilian novels, TV shows, film and public health studies, I seek to disentangle the themes of gender and modernisation, and how these themes concurrently grapple with Japanese-Brazilian mental health issues. These fictional narratives provide a lens into the experience of the Japanese-Brazilian community that is unavailable in traditional medical studies about their mental health.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among occupational fishermen: a systematic literature review
Authors: Nørgaard Remmen Line , Fromsejer Heiberg Regina , Høyrup Christiansen David , Herttua Kimmo , Berg-Beckhoff Gabriele
Published: October 2020

Background

Commercial fishing constitutes an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), as it consists of heavy workloads and uncontrollable strenuous settings. The aims of this systematic review were to describe the prevalence of MSD among occupational fishermen and to identify risk factors for onset work-related MSD.

Methods

All studies investigating MSD in occupational fishermen were systematically identified and reviewed. Searched databases were PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL. Two independent researchers performed the quality assessments of the studies.

Results

From 292 articles identified, 16 articles consisting of 13 studies were suitable for inclusion. Prevalence of overall MSD ranged from 15% to 93%. The only consistent work-related risk factor was ‘working part time’, while other risk factors, such as vessel and job type showed conflicting results.

Conclusion

MSDs in occupational fishermen are common across countries. Variations observed in MSD prevalence might be due to differences in methodology, populations and definitions of MSD. Evidence on work-related risk factors for MSD is sparse and most studies were of poor methodological quality. Only working part time was identified as a consistent risk factor for MSD possibly caused by a healthy worker effect. There is a need for investigating causality in longitudinal studies, including both active and retired fishermen to better understand the complexity of MSD.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020147318
Self-reported disposal of leftover opioids among US adults 50–80
Authors: Harbaugh Calista M , Malani Preeti , Solway Erica , Kirch Matthias , Singer Dianne , Englesbe Michael J , Brummett Chad M , Waljee Jennifer F
Published: October 2020

Objective

To test the association between self-reported opioid disposal education and self-reported disposal of leftover opioids among older adults.

Design

Web-based survey from the National Poll on Healthy Aging (March 2018) using population-based weighting for nationally representative estimates.

Subjects

Older adults aged 50–80 years who reported filling an opioid prescription within the past 2 years.

Methods

Respondents were asked whether they received education from a prescriber or pharmacist on how to dispose of leftover opioids and whether they disposed of leftover opioids from recent prescriptions. The association between self-reported opioid disposal education and self-reported disposal of leftover opioids was estimated with multivariable logistic regression, testing for interactions with respondent demographics.

Results

Among 2013 respondents (74% response rate), 596 (28.9% (26.8%–31.2%)) were prescribed opioids within the past 2 years. Education on opioid disposal was reported by 40.1% of respondents (35.8%–44.5%). Among 295 respondents with leftover medication, 19.0% (14.6%–24.5%) disposed of the leftover medications. Opioid disposal education was associated with a greater likelihood of self-reported disposal of leftover opioids among non-white respondents as compared with white non-Hispanic respondents (36.7% (16.8%–56.6%) vs 7.8% (0.1%–15.6%), p<0.01).

Conclusions

In this nationally representative survey, 49% had leftover opioids, yet only 20% of older adults reported disposal of leftover opioids. Opioid disposal education was variable in delivery, but was associated with disposal behaviors among certain populations. Strategies to promote disposal should integrate patient education on the risks of leftover opioid medications and explore additional barriers to accessing opioid disposal methods.
Virulence potential of Listeria monocytogenes strains recovered from pigs in Spain
Authors: Gómez‐Laguna Jaime , Cardoso‐Toset Fernando , Meza‐Torres Jazmín , Pizarro‐Cerdá Javier , Quereda Juan J
Published: October 2020

Background

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterial pathogen that causes listeriosis, an infectious disease in animals and people, with pigs acting as asymptomatic reservoirs. In August 2019 an outbreak associated with the consumption of pork meat caused 222 human cases of listeriosis in Spain. Determining the diversity as well as the virulence potential of strains from pigs is important to public health.

Methods

The behaviour of 23 L monocytogenes strains recovered from pig tonsils, meat and skin was compared by studying (1) internalin A, internalin B, listeriolysin O, actin assembly‐inducing protein and PrfA expression levels, and (2) their invasion and intracellular growth in eukaryotic cells.

Results

Marked differences were found in the expression of the selected virulence factors and the invasion and intracellular replication phenotypes of L monocytogenes strains. Strains obtained from meat samples and belonging to serotype 1/2a did not have internalin A anchored to the peptidoglycan. Some strains expressed higher levels of the studied virulence factors and invaded and replicated intracellularly more efficiently than an epidemic L monocytogenes reference strain (F2365).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the presence of virulent L monocytogenes strains with virulent potential in pigs, with valuable implications in veterinary medicine and food safety.
Canadian Geotechnical Colloquium: three-dimensional remote sensing, four-dimensional analysis and visualization in geotechnical engineering — state of the art and outlook
Authors: Lato Matthew
Published: October 2020

Successful geotechnical projects occur when the design is based on a thorough understanding of the geologic and environmental systems and the interaction of these systems over time. The ability to examine and track movement through space and time has been an essential part of the geoprofessional’s toolkit since the onset of the practice. Since the early 2000s, high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) topographic data have begun to transform how we map and understand movement through time across spatially extensive regions at unprecedented levels of accuracy and confidence. This paper examines how high-resolution 3D topographical data, four-dimensional (4D) analysis, and visualization of data in 3D environments can improve our ability to better understand changes in the morphology and material behaviour through time, leading to better decisions and better outcomes. Evolution of advancements made over the past 20 years is presented through case studies where positive impacts were realized through the adoption of 3D remote sensing and 4D analysis, and cases where data could be used in the future to improve outcomes. The paper presents current research being done to further improve processing techniques and exploit new data collection and computational processing capabilities, pushing the capability of time-dependant 4D geotechnical monitoring to new limits.
MoO2 nanoparticles confined in N,P-codoped graphene aerogels with excellent pseudocapacitance performance
Authors: Chen Jianfa , Jin Tianxiang , Deng Hangchun , Huang Jie , Ren Guangyuan , Qian Yong
Published: October 2020

In this work, MoO2@NPGA nanocomposites were successfully prepared via a simple hydrothermal and calcination route. The as-prepared MoO2@NPGA composites exhibit a synergistic effect between MoO2 and N,P-codoped graphene aerogels, which can significantly improve the electrochemical performance of the MoO2@NPGA electrodes. Moreover, the results also proved that the mass loading of MoO2 has a huge effect on the electrochemical properties of MoO2@NPGA composites. With an appropriate amount of MoO2, the MoO2@NPGA composite shows a high specific capacitance (335 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) and excellent cycle stability (capacitance remains at 88% after 6000 cycles). Furthermore, the assembled symmetric supercapacitor displays a high energy density of 23.75 W h kg−1 at a power density of 300 W kg−1 and can maintain an energy density of 17.1 W h kg−1 when the power density reaches up to 6005 W kg−1.
Long-term nitrogen fertilization shaped the nifH, nirK, and nosZ gene community patterns in red paddy soil in south China
Authors: Zhang Cunzhi , Cao Kaixun , Li Yue , Zhao Juan , Peng Wentao , Cao Hui , Xiao Xin
Published: October 2020

To understand the diversities of diazotrophs and denitrifiers in red paddy soil under long-term fertilization conditions, nifH, nirK, and nosZ libraries were constructed by PCR–RFLP. nirK gene diversity proved to be lower than that of nosZ and nifH, and nirK and nosZ genes were more sensitive to different fertilization treatments than the nifH gene was. The 3 libraries were dominated by diverse microbes, including the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta subclasses of the Proteobacteria. Long-term addition of urea with straw mulch and azophoska increased the abundance of nonsymbiotic diazotrophs, which indicated that nonsymbiotic diazotrophs were responsible for the majority of the nitrogen-fixing ability in paddy soil. In addition, a potential link between nifH and nosZ was found due to the existence of nitrogen fixers, such as Bradyrhizobium and Ralstonia, in the nosZ library. The main chemical factors affecting the 3 genes were identified: pH was the most important factor of the nifH community; the nirK gene was more affected by pH and organic matter; available potassium and the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio significantly influenced the community structure of the nosZ gene.
An EGD model in the background of embedding class I space–time
Authors: Maurya S. K. , Tello-Ortiz Francisco , Jasim M. K.
Published: October 2020

This work is devoted to the study of relativistic anisotropic compact objects. To obtain this class of solutions of the Einstein field equations, we have developed a general scheme to generate the metric of the space–time describing the interior of the compact structure. This approach is based on the class I space–time and the extended gravitational decoupling by means of an extended geometric deformation (EGD). The class I condition provides a differential equation relating both metric potential $$\nu $$
ν
and $$\lambda $$
λ
, whilst the EGD translates the metric potentials to $$ \nu =\xi +\beta \,h(r)$$

ν
=
ξ
+
β

h
(
r
)

and $$ \lambda =-\ln [\mu +\beta \,f(r)]$$

λ
=
-
ln
[
μ
+
β

f
(
r
)
]

, where h(r) and f(r) are the deformation functions and $$\beta $$
β
a dimensionless constant. In this case the pair $$\{\xi ,\mu \}$$

{
ξ
,
μ
}

represents the seed solution satisfying the class I condition without any deformation. Once the deformed metric potentials are inserted into the class I, the main task is to obtain h(r) or f(r). So, in this case a particular ansatz for h(r) is considered in conjunction with $$\beta =0.5$$

β
=
0.5

to get f(r). In order to check feasibility of our model, we have performed a thoroughly physical, mathematical and graphical analysis.
NOISY HIGH FREQUENCY DATA-BASED ESTIMATION OF VOLATILITY FUNCTION WITH APPLICATIONS
Authors: LIN JINGUAN , YE XUGUO , ZHAO YANYONG , HAO HONGXIA
Published: October 2020

Diffusion models have been widely used to describe the stochastic dynamics of the underlying economic variables. Renò ( 2008 ) introduced a nonparametric estimator of the volatility function, which is based on the estimation of quadratic variation between observations by means of realized variance. However, they may be misleading when one uses intraday data to implement directly the estimator, because intraday data display microstructure effects that could seriously distort the estimation. To filter out the impact of microstructure noise on the estimation of the volatility function, in this paper we propose an improved estimator when there is microstructure noise in the observed price. Also, we show that the proposed estimator has the same asymptotic properties as the Renò estimator when the step of discretization inclines to zero. Some simulations and empirical applications on Shanghai Stock Exchange data from March 3, 2002 to December 31, 2008 are used to illustrate the finite sample performance of the proposed estimator.
Dark parameterization approach to the Benjamin–Ono equation
Authors: Fei Jin-Xi , Cao Wei-Ping , Ma Zheng-Yi
Published: October 2020

The novel coupling Benjamin–Ono system is obtained with the dark parameterization approach.By solving these coupling equations, three typical explicit solutions including the traveling wave solution are constructed through the special property of the anyon-[Formula: see text] algebra. Several novel types of localized excitations are depicted with some solutions.
Thermal conductivity and heat capacity of water/Iβ cellulose nanofluids: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Deng Xinxin , Wu Zhuangjun , Wang Guoqiang
Published: October 2020

Cellulose nanofluids have a great application potential in the energy industry, and their thermal properties are substantially affected by the components and microstructures of nanofluids. Therefore, this study investigated the isobaric heat capacity and thermal conductivity of cellulose I[Formula: see text] nanofluids mixing with H2O by molecular dynamics (MD). The results showed that the existence of water in cellulose increased the isobaric heat capacity of the system, especially for the random cellulose/H2O nanofluids. Additionally, nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations based on the Fourier law of thermal conduction were conducted to examine the thermal conductivity of the simulated systems. As indicated by our results, the cellulose I[Formula: see text] crystal was advantageous in terms of its high directional thermal conductivity along the chain direction. Thus, the thermal conductivity of the cellulose/H2O nanofluids along the chain direction used the high directional thermal conductivity of the cellulose I[Formula: see text] crystal. Consequently, the cellulose/H2O nanofluids integrated the superiorities of high isobaric heat capacity of water and great directional thermal conductivity of cellulose I[Formula: see text] crystal, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency in thermodynamic systems. In addition, the potential energy of the cellulose crystal system was mainly generated by intermolecular repulsion, while those of the cellulose/H2O nanofluid systems were mainly produced through intermolecular attraction.
Numerical modeling and MHD stagnation point flow of ferrofluid (non-Newtonian) with Ohmic heating and viscous dissipation
Authors: Maqbool Rukiya , Ijaz Khan M. , Qayyum Sumaira , Hayat T.
Published: October 2020

Ferroliquids are made out of exceptionally tiny nanoscale particles (usually diameter 10 nanometers or less) of hematite, magnetite or some other compound comprising iron and a liquid. This is small enough for thermal agitation to scatter them equally inside a transporter liquid, and for them to contribute to general magnetic response of the liquid. The composition of the typical ferroliquid is about 5% magnetic solids, 10% surfactant and 85% carrier by volume. There are frequent applications of ferrofluids in mechanical and industrial engineering. Ferrofluids have innovative characteristics and their impact in magnetic fields prompts many fascinating applications. Albeit magnetic liquids are already utilized in certain devices they have not yet been abused to any level. It is trusted that this research communication may investigate the analyst to think of considering new uses for this entrancing material. Therefore, modeling is developed for the ferrofluid stagnation flow over a stretched surface with Ohmic heating and dissipation. The Tiwari–Das model is used for mathematical modeling of nanofluid. The nonlinear system of differential equations is first converted into first order and then tackled through the built-in-Shooting method. The impact of the different pertinent flow parameters is discussed on the velocity, temperature, Nusselt number and skin friction coefficient through the various plots and tables.
Synthetic Reliability Assessment Model Involving Temperature–Humidity Step-Stress Based on Wiener Process
Authors: Suo Bin , Zhao Liang
Published: October 2020

There are always some difficulties in storage reliability evaluation of high-reliability, long-life, and high-value products, such as the test sample being small, degradation speed being slow, and failure data being inadequate. Temperature–humidity step-stress accelerated degradation test (THSS-ADT) is an effective method to evaluate the reliability of this type of products, but the test data processing is an extremely complex work. The motivation of this paper is to provide a clear, effective, and convenient method to evaluate the reliability on the basis of THSS-ADT data. Considering the stochastic volatility in degradation process, Wiener process is used to modeling the accelerated degradation process. The methods to estimate the parameters of Peck accelerated model and degradation model are discussed under temperature–humidity step-stress. As ordinary optimization algorithms (such as Newton Iteration Method and impelling function method) find it difficult to get the solutions, particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is used to solve the problem of maximum-likelihood estimation. Finally, the proposed methods are demonstrated for two examples, in which one is a numerical simulation, and another is an engineering practice of a microwave power amplifier.
Twisted deformations vs. cocycle deformations for quantum groups
Authors: García Gastón Andrés , Gavarini Fabio
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we study two deformation procedures for quantum groups: deformations by twists, that we call “comultiplication twisting”, as they modify the coalgebra structure, while keeping the algebra one — and deformations by [Formula: see text]-cocycle, that we call “multiplication twisting”, as they deform the algebra structure, but save the coalgebra one. We deal with quantized universal enveloping algebras (in short QUEAs), for which we accordingly consider those arising from twisted deformations (in short TwQUEAs) and those arising from [Formula: see text]-cocycle deformations, usually called multiparameter QUEAs (in short MpQUEAs). Up to technicalities, we show that the two deformation methods are equivalent, in that they eventually provide isomorphic outputs, which are deformations (of either kinds) of the “canonical”, well-known one-parameter QUEA by Jimbo and Lusztig. It follows that the two notions of TwQUEAs and of MpQUEAs — which, in Hopf algebra theoretical terms are naturally dual to each other — actually coincide; thus, that there exists in fact only one type of “pluriparametric deformation” for QUEAs. In particular, the link between the realization of any such QUEA as a MpQUEA and that as a TwQUEA is just a (very simple, and rather explicit) change of presentation.
Deformation limit and bimeromorphic embedding of Moishezon manifolds
Authors: Rao Sheng , Tsai I-Hsun
Published: October 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a holomorphic family of compact complex manifolds over an open disk in [Formula: see text]. If the fiber [Formula: see text] for each nonzero [Formula: see text] in an uncountable subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is Moishezon and the reference fiber [Formula: see text] satisfies the local deformation invariance for Hodge number of type [Formula: see text] or admits a strongly Gauduchon metric introduced by D. Popovici, then [Formula: see text] is still Moishezon. We also obtain a bimeromorphic embedding [Formula: see text]. Our proof can be regarded as a new, algebraic proof of several results in this direction proposed and proved by Popovici in 2009, 2010 and 2013. However, our assumption with [Formula: see text] not necessarily being a limit point of [Formula: see text] and the bimeromorphic embedding are new. Our strategy of proof lies in constructing a global holomorphic line bundle over the total space of the holomorphic family and studying the bimeromorphic geometry of [Formula: see text]. S.-T. Yau’s solutions to certain degenerate Monge–Ampère equations are used.
Sharma–Mittal holographic dark energy model in conharmonically flat space-time
Authors: Dubey Vipin Chandra , Sharma Umesh Kumar , Pradhan Anirudh
Published: October 2020

In this work, we explore the accelerated expansion of the conharmonically flat space in relation to an isotropic and spatially homogeneous Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe through a newly proposed dark energy (DE) model namely Sharma–Mittal holographic DE (SMHDE) by taking Hubble horizon as an IR cut-off and also by considering the deceleration parameter as a linear function of Hubble parameter as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are arbitrary constants. The analysis of different cosmological parameters, equation of state (EoS) parameter, squared speed of sound, statefinder, [Formula: see text] pair, and quintessence field model has been calculated and discussed in detail. Analyzing the behavior of such cosmological parameters graphically, it is found that the SMHDE model can lead to the accelerated expansion of the universe at present epoch. We have also reconciled the DE with scalar field potential. For this analysis, we take into account the quintessence field for this reconstruction.
The coexistence of fast and slow diffusion processes in the life cycle of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Lupica Antonella , Palumbo Annunziata
Published: October 2020

A new model that describes the life cycle of mosquitoes of the species Aedes aegypti, main carriers of vector-borne diseases, is proposed. The novelty is to include in the model the coexistence of two independent diffusion processes, one fast which obeys the constitutive Fick’s law, the other slow which satisfies the Cattaneo evolution equation. The analysis of the corresponding ODE model shows the overall stability of the Mosquitoes-Free Equilibrium (MFE), together with the local stability of the other equilibrium point admitted by the system. Traveling wave type solutions have been investigated, providing an estimate of the minimal speed for which there are monotone waves that connect the homogeneous equilibria allowed by the system. A special section is dedicated to the analysis of the hyperbolic model obtained neglecting the fast diffusive contribution. This particular case is suitable to describe the biological process as it overcomes the paradox of infinite speed propagation, typical of parabolic systems. Several numerical simulations compare the existing models in the literature with those presented in this discussion, showing that although the generalized model is parabolic, the associated wave velocity admits upper bound represented by the speed of the waves linked to the classic parabolic model present in the published literature, so the presence of a slow flux together with a fast one slows down the speed with which a population spreads.
IoT Botnet Detection Using Various One-Class Classifiers
Authors: Raj Mehedi Hasan , Rahman A. N. M. Asifur , Akter Umma Habiba , Riya Khayrun Nahar , Nijhum Anika Tasneem , Rahman Rashedur M.
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, the Internet of Things (IoT) is a common word for the people because of its increasing number of users. Statistical results show that the users of IoT devices are dramatically increasing, and in the future, it will be to an ever-increasing extent. Because of the increasing number of users, security experts are now concerned about its security. In this research, we would like to improve the security system of IoT devices, particularly in IoT botnet, by applying various machine learning (ML) techniques. In this paper, we have set up an approach to detect botnet of IoT devices using three one-class classifier ML algorithms. The algorithms are: one-class support vector machine (OCSVM), elliptic envelope (EE), and local outlier factor (LOF). Our method is a network flow-based botnet detection technique, and we use the input packet, protocol, source port, destination port, and time as features of our algorithms. After a number of preprocessing steps, we feed the preprocessed data to our algorithms that can achieve a good precision score that is approximately 77–99%. The one-class SVM achieves the best accuracy score, approximately 99% in every dataset, and EE’s accuracy score varies from 91% to 98%; however, the LOF factor achieves lowest accuracy score that is from 77% to 99%. Our algorithms are cost-effective and provide good accuracy in short execution time.