bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landing Biomechanics in Adolescent Athletes With and Without a History of Sports-Related Concussion
Authors: Avedesian Jason M. , Covassin Tracey , Dufek Janet S.
Published: July 2020

Recent evidence suggests previously concussed athletes are at greater risk for lower-extremity (LE) injuries than are controls. However, little is known regarding the influence of sports-related concussion (SRC) on landing biomechanics that may provide a mechanistic rationale for LE injury risk. The purpose of this investigation was to examine LE drop-landing biomechanics in adolescent athletes with and without a previous SRC history. Participants included 10 adolescent athletes with an SRC history and 11 controls from multiple sports. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data associated with LE injury risk were analyzed across 5 trials for 30- and 60-cm landing heights. Multivariate analyses indicated group differences in landing patterns from the 30- (P = .041) and 60-cm (P = .015) landing heights. Follow-up analyses indicated that concussed adolescent athletes demonstrated significantly less ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion versus controls when performing drop landings. Our findings suggest that previously concussed adolescent athletes complete drop-landing maneuvers with ankle and knee joint kinematic patterns that suggest greater risk for LE injury. While limitations such as sport variety and explicit LE injury history are present, the results of this study provide a possible biomechanical rationale for the association between SRC and LE injury risk.
Synthetic lethality by targeting the RUVBL1/2-TTT complex in mTORC1-hyperactive cancer cells
Authors: Shin Seung Ho , Lee Ji Su , Zhang Jia-Min , Choi Sungbin , Boskovic Zarko V. , Zhao Ran , Song Mengqiu , Wang Rui , Tian Jie , Lee Mee-Hyun , Kim Jae Hwan , Jeong Minju , Lee Jung Hyun , Petukhov Michael , Lee Sam W. , Kim Sang Gyun , Zou Lee , Byun Sanguine
Published: July 2020

Cancer cells with high mTORC1 activity rely on the RUVBL1/2-TTT pathway for survival, thereby providing a therapeutic window.
Attosecond timing of electron emission from a molecular shape resonance
Authors: Nandi S. , Plésiat E. , Zhong S. , Palacios A. , Busto D. , Isinger M. , Neoričić L. , Arnold C. L. , Squibb R. J. , Feifel R. , Decleva P. , L’Huillier A. , Martín F. , Gisselbrecht M.
Published: July 2020

In a vibrating N
2
molecule, a mere 2% change in bond length can delay electron emission by 100 attoseconds near a shape resonance.
Life cycle energy use and environmental implications of high-performance perovskite tandem solar cells
Authors: Tian Xueyu , Stranks Samuel D. , You Fengqi
Published: July 2020

Scalable and high-efficiency perovskite tandem solar cells with long lifetime pave the way for sustainable photovoltaics.
NuRD mediates mitochondrial stress–induced longevity via chromatin remodeling in response to acetyl-CoA level
Authors: Zhu Di , Wu Xueying , Zhou Jun , Li Xinyu , Huang Xiahe , Li Jiasheng , Wu Junbo , Bian Qian , Wang Yingchun , Tian Ye
Published: July 2020

Acetyl-CoA links mitochondrial stress to the nuclear epigenome via NuRD complex for life-span regulation.
DNB-based on-chip motif finding: A high-throughput method to profile different types of protein-DNA interactions
Authors: Li Zhuokun , Wang Xiaojue , Xu Dongyang , Zhang Dengwei , Wang Dan , Dai Xuechen , Wang Qi , Li Zhou , Gu Ying , Ouyang Wenjie , Zhao Shuchang , Huang Baoqian , Gong Jian , Zhao Jing , Chen Ao , Shen Yue , Dong Yuliang , Zhang Wenwei , Xu Xun , Xu Chongjun , Jiang Yuan
Published: July 2020

DocMF uses HT DNB sequencing and sequential imaging to detect the cleavage/binding motifs involved in protein-DNA interactions.
Gut T cell–independent IgA responses to commensal bacteria require engagement of the TACI receptor on B cells
Authors: Grasset E. K. , Chorny A. , Casas-Recasens S. , Gutzeit C. , Bongers G. , Thomsen I. , Chen L. , He Z. , Matthews D. B. , Oropallo M. A. , Veeramreddy P. , Uzzan M. , Mortha A. , Carrillo J. , Reis B. S. , Ramanujam M. , Sintes J. , Magri G. , Maglione P. J. , Cunningham-Rundles C. , Bram R. J. , Faith J. , Mehandru S. , Pabst O. , Cerutti A.
Published: July 2020

Signaling by the B cell–activating receptor TACI drives T cell–independent IgA responses to gut commensal bacteria.
Enterococci from Wild Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) as an Indicator of Marine Ecosystem Health and Human Impact
Authors: Prichula Janira , Van Tyne Daria , Schwartzman Julia , Sant’Anna Fernando Hayashi , Pereira Rebeca Inhoque , da Cunha Gabriela Rosa , Tavares Maurício , Lebreton François , Frazzon Jeverson , d’Azevedo Pedro Alves , Seixas Adriana , Frazzon Ana Paula Guedes , Gilmore Michael S.
Published: July 2020

Enterococci are host-associated microbes that have an unusually broad range, from the built hospital environment to the guts of insects and other animals in remote locations. Despite their occurrence in the guts of animals for hundreds of millions of years, we know little about the properties that confer this range or how anthropogenic activities may be introducing new selective forces. Magellanic penguins live at the periphery of human habitation. It was of interest to examine enterococci from these animals for the presence of antibiotic resistance and other markers reflective of anthropogenic selection. Diverse enterococcal lineages found discount the existence of a single well-adapted intrinsic penguin-specific species. Instead, they appear to be influenced by a carnivorous lifestyle and enterococci present in the coastal sea life consumed. These results indicate that currently, the penguin habitat remains relatively free of pollutants that select for adaptation to human-derived stressors.
Supplemental Material: Simultaneous Middle Pleistocene eruption of three widespread tholeiitic basalts in northern California (USA): Insights into crustal magma transport in an actively extending back arc
Authors: Downs Drew , al. et
Published: July 2020

Table S1 (paleomagnetic analysis methods and data); Table S2 (detailed X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis methods and data); Table S3 and Figures S1–S4 (40Ar/39Ar experimental results, age spectra, and radiometric dating methods); and Figure S5 (location map of basalts plotted in Figure 2B).
Desmopressin oral lyophilisate in young children: new insights in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Authors: Dossche Lien , Michelet Robin , De Bruyne Pauline , Van Herzeele Charlotte , Gasthuys Elke , Rittig Søren , Vermeulen An , Vande Walle Johan
Published: July 2020

Objective

To study the pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics of desmopressin (dDAVP) oral lyophilisate in children below the age of 8 years with special emphasis on age-related and size-related differences in bioavailability.

Design

Open label, non-randomised, interventional PK and PD trial.

Setting

Single-centre study.

Patients

Children (age: 6 months to 8 years) with nocturnal polyuria, including both children with uropathy or nephropathy (glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and children (age: 5–8 years) with severe monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis, who were unresponsive to treatment with 400 µg of the dDAVP tablet for at least 1 month.

Interventions

After a water load, dDAVP was administered sublingually as a single dose of oral lyophilisate. Subsequently, blood and urine samples were collected until 7 hours post-administration.

Main outcome measures

Non-compartmental analysis of PK parameters was performed based on dDAVP concentrations in both plasma and urine. To evaluate the effect of dDAVP lyophilisate (PD parameters), the urinary concentration capacity (urine osmolality (mOsm/kg)) and antidiuretic effect (diuresis rate (mL/kg/h)) were calculated.

Results

The PK data support the need for size-dependent dosing in children. Body weight was shown to be a significant covariate for apparent clearance (CL/F) and apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F). A double absorption peak of dDAVP lyophilisate in the first 2 hours post-administration was demonstrated.

Conclusions

For the first time, a double absorption profile of dDAVP lyophilisate was found in children, questioning extrapolation of bioequivalence from adults towards children. Moreover, the need for size-adapted dosing regimens of dDAVP lyophilisate in young children is indicated.

Trial registration number

NTC02584231.
Parafoveal atrophy after human amniotic membrane graft for macular hole in patients with high myopia
Authors: Tsai Der-Chong , Huang Yu-Hsuan , Chen Shih-Jen
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To report the surgical outcome and postoperative hypopigmented change around fovea among patients with high myopia who received human amniotic membrane (hAM) graft transplantation for macular hole (MH).

Method

This retrospective, interventional case series included 10 eyes of 10 consecutive patients (5 (50%) male) with high myopia (axial length over 26.5 mm) who received hAM graft to treat persisted or chronic MH with or without retinal detachment in two hospitals. Postoperative parafoveal atrophy was identified with colour fundus picture and structure optical coherent tomography. Baseline characteristics and short-term visual outcome were analysed.

Results

The preoperative mean (±SD) axial length and MH diameter were 29.9 (±1.8) mm and 881.8 (±438.5) μm, respectively. After hAM transplantation, seven (70%) eyes had complete MH closure and the mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 1.26 (±0.48) logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) before operation to 1.11 (±0.44) logMAR on the last visit (p=0.074). Patchy atrophy-like depigmentation developed around the MH lesion in four (40.0%) eyes as early as in the first month after surgery. None of them had visual worsening. In terms of demographics, axial length, MH size, ocular history, preoperative BCVA and postoperative BCVA, there was no significant difference between those with and without the parafoveal atrophy. No graft rejection and inflammation happened during the follow-up.

Conclusion

Parafovea atrophy, a rare complication in the conventional MH surgery, was observed in 40% of eyes with highly myopic MH after hAM graft transplantation. The pathogenesis and long-term consequence need further investigations.
Choice of ANaesthesia for EndoVAScular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke at posterior circulation (CANVAS II): protocol for an exploratory randomised controlled study
Authors: Liang Fa , Zhao Yan , Yan Xiang , Wu Youxuan , Li Xiuheng , Zhou Yang , Jian Minyu , Li Shu , Miao Zhongrong , Han Ruquan , Peng Yuming
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Observational and interventional studies indicate that the type of anaesthesia may be associated with the postprocedural neurological function in patients with anterior circulation acute ischaemic stroke undergoing endovascular treatment. Patients with acute posterior circulation ischaemic stroke may experience different physiological changes and result in severe neurological outcome. However, the effect of the type of anaesthesia on postprocedure neurological function remained unclear in this population.

Methods and analysis

This is an exploratory randomised controlled trial that will be carried out at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. Patients with acute posterior circulation ischaemic stroke and deemed suitable for emergency endovascular recanalisation will be recruited in this trial. Eighty-four patients will be randomised to receive either general anaesthesia or conscious sedation with 1:1 allocation ratio. The primary endpoint is the 90-day modified Rankin Scale.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been reviewed by and approved by Ethics Committee of Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University (KY2017-074-02). If the results are positive, the study will indicate whether the type of anaesthesia affects neurological outcome after endovascular treatment of posterior stroke. The findings of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national or international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03317535.
Development and testing of Australian prehospital care quality indicators: study protocol
Authors: Pap Robin , Lockwood Craig , Stephenson Matthew , Simpson Paul
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Historically, ambulance services were established to provide rapid transport of patients to hospital. Contemporary prehospital care involves provision of sophisticated ‘mobile healthcare’ to patients across the lifespan presenting with a range of injuries or illnesses of varying acuity. Because of its young age, the paramedicine profession has until recently experienced a lack of research capacity which has led to paucity of a discipline-specific, scientific evidence-base. Therefore, the performance and quality of ambulance services has traditionally been measured using simple, evidence-poor indicators forming a deficient reflection of the true quality of care and providing little direction for quality improvement efforts. This paper reports the study protocol for the development and testing of quality indicators (QIs) for the Australian prehospital care setting.

Methods and analysis

This project has three phases. In the first phase, preliminary work in the form of a scoping review was conducted which provided an initial list of QIs. In the subsequent phase, these QIs will be developed by aggregating them and by performing related rapid reviews. The summarised evidence will be used to support an expert consensus process aimed at optimising the clarity and evaluating the validity of proposed QIs. Finally, in the third phase those QIs deemed valid will be tested for acceptability, feasibility and reliability using mixed research methods. Evidence-based indicators can facilitate meaningful measurement of the quality of care provided. This forms the first step to identify unwarranted variation and direction for improvement work. This project will develop and test quality indicators for the Australian prehospital care setting.

Ethics and dissemination

This project has been approved by the University of Adelaide Human Research Ethics Committee. Findings will be disseminated by publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at appropriate scientific conferences, as well as posts on social media and on the project’s website.
Ensemble programme for early intervention in informal caregivers of psychiatric adult patients: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rexhaj Shyhrete , Monteiro Shadya , Golay Philippe , Coloni-Terrapon Claire , Wenger Daniel , Favrod Jérôme
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Informal caregivers play a major role in the support and maintenance of community patients with severe psychiatric disorders. A pilot study showed that an individualised brief intervention such as the Ensemble programme leads to significant improvements in psychological health state and optimism.

Methods and analysis

This randomised controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of using Ensemble in improving informal caregivers’ psychological health states and the ability to play an active role in their situations with that of support as usual. Improvements on the psychological health global index will be measured three times (T0-pre, T1-post and T3 2 months follow) with standardised questionnaires (the Global Severity Index of Brief Inventory Symptoms, the Life Orientation Test-Revised, the 36-item Medical Outcome Study Short-Form Health Survey and the French Zarit Burden Interview). Differences between groups in post-test and pretest values will be examined using an analysis of covariance for each outcome variable. The severity of illness measured by the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale will also be collected at T0 and T2 to compare eventual patient improvements. At the end of the programme, the experiences of the 20 patients participating in the Ensemble programme will be evaluated qualitatively.

Ethics and dissemination

The research protocol received full authorisation from the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Vaud state, Switzerland. The principal paper will concern the results of the experimental design used to test the Ensemble programme. The research team will prioritise open access publications.

Trial registration number

NCT04020497
Estimating the market size for a dual prevention pill: adding contraception to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to increase uptake
Authors: Begg Lorna , Brodsky Rebecca , Friedland Barbara , Mathur Sanyukta , Sailer Jim , Creasy George
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Uptake of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains low. The objective of this analysis was to estimate the potential market size in priority sub-Saharan African countries for a 28-day dual prevention pill (DPP) regimen containing the active pharmaceutical ingredients in oral PrEP and oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) for the prevention of HIV and unintended pregnancy.

Methods

We selected 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa for analysis. Population estimates were based on United Nations Population Division data from 2017. Low, medium and high rates (range 0.25% to 25%) of estimated conversion from current contraceptive method to the DPP were applied by country based on HIV prevalence (≥10% vs <10%), current contraceptive method (OCP, condom or unmet need for contraception) and age group (15–24 or 25–49 years).

Results

In these 15 countries, between 250 000 and 1.25 million women could switch from their current contraceptive method to the DPP. Given that current PrEP use in the 15 countries combined is estimated to be 113 250 (women and men), the most conservative market size estimate would more than double the number of women currently using PrEP.

Conclusions

By leveraging the existing market for OCPs and assuming modest conversion from condom users and women with an unmet need for contraception, the DPP could lead to a 2- to 10-fold increase in PrEP usage in these 15 sub-Saharan African countries, expanding the broader public health benefit of this proven HIV prevention strategy.
Non-neoplastic colorectal disease biopsies: evaluation and differential diagnosis
Authors: Moore Michelle , Feakins Roger M , Lauwers Gregory Y
Published: July 2020

A wide variety of non-neoplastic conditions may be encountered on colorectal biopsy encompassing idiopathic, infectious, vascular and immune-mediated aetiologies. Although interpretation of such biopsies may be challenging, appreciation of the dominant pattern of injury and subsequent host response may allow for a more focused histological diagnosis in the correct clinical and endoscopic setting. This article aims to provide a systematic, methodical approach to the assessment of such biopsies, concentrating mainly on diagnoses other than inflammatory bowel disease.
Heterozygous KIF1A variants underlie a wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Nicita Francesco , Ginevrino Monia , Travaglini Lorena , D'Arrigo Stefano , Zorzi Giovanna , Borgatti Renato , Terrone Gaetano , Catteruccia Michela , Vasco Gessica , Brankovic Vesna , Siliquini Sabrina , Romano Silvia , Veredice Chiara , Pedemonte Marina , Armando Michelina , Lettori Donatella , Stregapede Fabrizia , Bosco Luca , Sferra Antonella , Tessarollo Valeria , Romaniello Romina , Ristori Giovanni , Bertini Enrico , Valente Enza Maria , Zanni Ginevra
Published: July 2020

Background

Dominant and recessive variants in the KIF1A gene on chromosome 2q37.3 are associated with several phenotypes, although only three syndromes are currently listed in the OMIM classification: hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 2 and spastic paraplegia type 30, both recessively inherited, and mental retardation type 9 with dominant inheritance.

Methods

In this retrospective multicentre study, we describe the clinical, neuroradiological and genetic features of 19 Caucasian patients (aged 3–65 years) harbouring heterozygous KIF1A variants, and extensively review the available literature to improve current classification of KIF1A-related disorders.

Results

Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised patients with a complex phenotype with prominent pyramidal signs, variably associated in all but one case with additional features (ie, epilepsy, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, optic nerve atrophy); conversely, patients in group 2 presented an early onset or congenital ataxic phenotype. Fourteen different heterozygous missense variants were detected by next-generation sequencing screening, including three novel variants, most falling within the kinesin motor domain.

Conclusion

The present study further enlarges the clinical and mutational spectrum of KIF1A-related disorders by describing a large series of patients with dominantly inherited KIF1A pathogenic variants ranging from pure to complex forms of hereditary spastic paraparesis/paraplegias (HSP) and ataxic phenotypes in a lower proportion of cases. A comprehensive review of the literature indicates that KIF1A screening should be implemented in HSP regardless of its mode of inheritance or presentations as well as in other complex neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental disorders showing congenital or early onset ataxia.
Drivers of variation in 90-day episode payments after mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Daou Badih J , Yost Monica L , Syrjamaki John D , Fearer Kelsey J , Koduri Sravanthi , Burke James F , Gemmete Joseph J , Chaudhary Neeraj , Thompson Byron Gregory , Pandey Aditya S
Published: July 2020

Background

Although mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke from a large vessel occlusion is now the standard of care, little is known about cost variations in stroke patients following thrombectomy and factors that influence these variations.

Methods

We evaluated claims data for 2016 to 2018 for thrombectomy-performing hospitals within Michigan through a registry that includes detailed episode payment information for both Medicare and privately insured patients. We aimed to analyze price-standardized and risk-adjusted 90-day episode payments in patients who underwent thrombectomy. Hospitals were grouped into three payment terciles for comparison. Statistical analysis was carried out using unpaired
t
-test, Chi-square, and ANOVA tests.

Results

1076 thrombectomy cases treated at 16 centers were analyzed. The average 90-day episode payment by hospital ranged from $53 046 to $81,767, with a mean of $65 357. A $20 467 difference (35.1%) existed between the high and low payment hospital terciles (P<0.0001), highlighting a significant payment variation across hospital terciles. The primary drivers of payment variation were related to post-discharge care which accounted for 38% of the payment variation (P=0.0058, inter-tercile range $11,977–$19,703) and readmissions accounting for 26% (P=0.016, inter-tercile range $3,315–$7,992). This was followed by professional payments representing 20% of the variation (P<0.0001, inter-tercile range $7525–$9,922), while index hospitalization payment was responsible for only 16% of the 90-day episode payment variation (P=0.10, inter-tercile range $35,432–$41,099).

Conclusions

There is a wide variation in 90-day episode payments for patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy across centers. The main drivers of payment variation are related to differences in post-discharge care and readmissions.
Maternal preconception and first trimester exposure to PM10and the risk of oral clefts in offspring: a population-based, case–control study
Authors: Liu Fang-Hua , Dai Hui-Xu , Gong Ting-Ting , Zhang Jia-Yu , Li Jing , Chen Zong-Jiao , Li Li-Li , Chen Yan-Ling , Liu Shu , Jiang Cheng-Zhi , Huang Yan-Hong , Zhao Yu-Hong , Wu Qi-Jun
Published: July 2020

Background

Current literature describes limited and controversial evidence on the associations between maternal preconception and first trimester exposure to particulate matter with a diameter ≤10 µm (PM10) and the risk of oral cleft (OC).

Methods

We conducted a case–control study involving 3086 OC cases and 7950 controls, registered in the Maternal and Child Health Certificate Registry in Liaoning Province between 2010 and 2015. PM10concentrations were obtained from the Environment Protection Bureau. The exposure windows included the 3 months before pregnancy, the first trimester and the individual months. Unconditional logistic regression model was performed to estimate the OR and 95% CI for the association between PM10exposure and the risk of OC, cleft lip only (CLO), cleft palate only (CPO), and cleft lip and palate (CLP).

Results

Maternal PM10exposure was positively associated with an increased risk for OC during the 3 months preconception (per 10 µg/m3increment: OR=1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07; highest vs lowest quartile: OR=1.23, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.45) and the first trimester (per 10 µg/m3increment: OR=1.05, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.08; highest vs lowest quartile: OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.64). Analyses based on individual months presented similar positive associations, particularly in the second month of pregnancy (OR=1.77, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.09) for highest versus lowest quartile. In the subtype analysis, stronger associations were observed for CLO, whereas there was negligible evidence for CPO and CLP. Sensitivity analyses using propensity score matching generated similar findings.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that PM10exposure during the 3 months preconception and the first trimester increases the risk of OC.
Calorimetry with deep learning: particle simulation and reconstruction for collider physics
Authors: Belayneh Dawit , Carminati Federico , Farbin Amir , Hooberman Benjamin , Khattak Gulrukh , Liu Miaoyuan , Liu Junze , Olivito Dominick , Pacela Vitória Barin , Pierini Maurizio , Schwing Alexander , Spiropulu Maria , Vallecorsa Sofia , Vlimant Jean-Roch , Wei Wei , Zhang Matt
Published: July 2020

Using detailed simulations of calorimeter showers as training data, we investigate the use of deep learning algorithms for the simulation and reconstruction of single isolated particles produced in high-energy physics collisions. We train neural networks on single-particle shower data at the calorimeter-cell level, and show significant improvements for simulation and reconstruction when using these networks compared to methods which rely on currently-used state-of-the-art algorithms. We define two models: an end-to-end reconstruction network which performs simultaneous particle identification and energy regression of particles when given calorimeter shower data, and a generative network which can provide reasonable modeling of calorimeter showers for different particle types at specified angles and energies. We investigate the optimization of our models with hyperparameter scans. Furthermore, we demonstrate the applicability of the reconstruction model to shower inputs from other detector geometries, specifically ATLAS-like and CMS-like geometries. These networks can serve as fast and computationally light methods for particle shower simulation and reconstruction for current and future experiments at particle colliders.
Constraints on electroweak gauged unparticle model from the oblique parameters S and T
Authors: Taibi H. , Mebarki N.
Published: July 2020

We calculate the one loop contribution from an unparticle gauged model, based on the group SU(2)[Formula: see text]U(1), to the electroweak oblique parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Using the current bounds on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] from electroweak measurements, we find the constraints on the scale dimension [Formula: see text] of the unparticle fermionic fields to be [Formula: see text] and the constraints on the conformal breaking scale [Formula: see text] to be [Formula: see text] Gev. The bounds on [Formula: see text] impose a lower limit on the conformal window of the unparticle fields which means that unparticle are not detectable below [Formula: see text] Gev.
Study of Tsallis holographic dark energy model in the framework of fractal cosmology
Authors: Al Mamon Abdulla
Published: July 2020

In this work, we study the evolution of a fractal universe composed of Tsallis holographic dark energy (THDE) and a pressureless dark matter that interact with each other through a mutual interaction. We then reconstruct the interaction term of this model by considering the Hubble length as the IR cut-off scale. We also study the behavior of different cosmological parameters during the cosmic evolution from the early matter-dominated era until the late-time acceleration. The present study shows that the universe undergoes a smooth transition from a decelerated to an accelerated phase of expansion in the recent past. Moreover, we also shown the evolution of the normalized Hubble parameter for our model and compared that with the latest cosmic chronometer data. Finally, we test the viability of the model by exploring its stability against small perturbation by using the squared of the sound speed.
Anisotropic solution for compact objects in f(𝒢,𝒯) gravity
Authors: Sharif M. , Naeem Aroob
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we consider a new solution to discuss the physical aspects of anisotropic compact celestial bodies in the background of [Formula: see text] theory. We take static spherically symmetric metric to describe the internal region of the stellar objects and apply the embedding class-I method to get the metric solution corresponding to a specific [Formula: see text] model. By matching the interior and exterior geometries at the boundary, we find the values of unknown constants. We check the stability and viability of the resulting solution through various parameters that include energy bounds, causality condition, Herrera’s condition, role of adiabatic index, redshift and compactness factor. The graphical interpretation is done for some particular compact star candidates, i.e. LMC X-4, Cen X-3, 4U 1820-30 and Vela X-1. We conclude that our model provides physically acceptable structure of the considered compact objects and is also stable.
A Novel Electromagnetic Energy Harvester Based on Double-Ring Core for Power Line Energy Harvesting
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Tian Xingliang , Li Jie , Yan Dong
Published: July 2020

A novel electromagnetic energy harvester (EMEH) based on double-ring core for power line energy harvesting is proposed in this paper. Due to large magnetic reluctance caused by the inherent air gap at the opening of core, the magnetic flux leakage in magnetic core severely limits the output power of EMEH. A double-ring core with lower magnetic flux leakage is developed. The internal magnetic reluctance of the double-ring core is reduced by changing the distribution of the air gap with a fixed volume. The simulation results show that the double-ring core can produce the highest average magnetic induction, which is 2.42 times, 1.82 times and 1.7 times that of the single-ring opening, stepped opening and V-shaped opening, respectively. In order to improve the output performance of the EMEH, the resonance matching is used for the power management. The power management unit through the resonant matching can increase the acquisition efficiency by 2.23 times and achieve a maximum output power of 32.78[Formula: see text]mW at a 10[Formula: see text]A current across the power line. The EMEH can drive a low-power wireless node operating for 29[Formula: see text]min. A valuable solution is provided for high-efficiency self-powered systems in smart applications.
Maximum likelihood estimation for symmetric α-stable Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes
Authors: Chen Zhifen , Chen Xiaopeng
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we consider the maximum likelihood estimation for the symmetric [Formula: see text]-stable Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (S[Formula: see text]S-OU) processes based on discrete observations. Since the closed-form expression of maximum likelihood function is hard to obtain in the Lévy case, we choose a mixture of Cauchy and Gaussian distribution to approximate the probability density function (PDF) of the S[Formula: see text]S distribution. By means of transition function and Laplace transform, we construct an explicit approximate sequence of likelihood function, which converges to the likelihood function of S[Formula: see text]S distribution. Based on the approximation of likelihood function we give an algorithm for computing maximum likelihood estimation. We also numerically simulate some experiments which demonstrate the accuracy and stability of the proposed estimator.
ACES
Authors: Fraternali Francesco , Balaji Bharathan , Agarwal Yuvraj , Gupta Rajesh K.
Published: July 2020

Many modern smart building applications are supported by wireless sensors to sense physical parameters, given the flexibility they offer and the reduced cost of deployment. However, most wireless sensors are powered by batteries today, and large deployments are inhibited by the requirement of periodic battery replacement. Energy harvesting sensors provide an attractive alternative, but they need to provide adequate quality of service to applications given the uncertainty of energy availability. We propose ACES, which uses reinforcement learning to maximize sensing quality of energy harvesting sensors for periodic and event-driven indoor sensing with available energy. Our custom-built sensor platform uses a supercapacitor to store energy and Bluetooth Low Energy to relay sensors data. Using simulations and real deployments, we use the data collected to continually adapt the sensing of each node to changing environmental patterns and transfer learning to reduce the training time in real deployments. In our 60-node deployment lasting 2 weeks, nodes stop operations only 0.1% of the time, and collection of data is comparable with current battery-powered nodes. We show that ACES reduces the node duty-cycle period by an average of 33% compared to three prior reinforcement learning techniques while continuously learning environmental changes over time.
Diversification of Neotropical Freshwater Fishes
Authors: Albert James S. , Tagliacollo Victor A. , Dagosta Fernando
Published: July 2020

Neotropical freshwater fishes (NFFs) constitute the most diverse continental vertebrate fauna on Earth, with more than 6,200 named species compressed into an aquatic footprint <0.5% of the total regional land-surface area and representing the greatest phenotypic disparity and functional diversity of any continental ichthyofauna. Data from the fossil record and time-calibrated molecular phylogenies indicate that most higher taxa (e.g., genera, families) diversified relatively continuously through the Cenozoic, across broad geographic ranges of the South American platform. Biodiversity data for most NFF clades support a model of continental radiation rather than adaptive radiation, in which speciation occurs mainly in allopatry, and speciation and adaptation are largely decoupled. These radiations occurred under the perennial influence of river capture and sea-level oscillations, which episodically fragmented and merged portions of adjacent river networks. The future of the NFF fauna into the Anthropocene is uncertain, facing numerous threats at local, regional, and continental scales.
Hedgerows as Ecosystems: Service Delivery, Management, and Restoration
Authors: Montgomery Ian , Caruso Tancredi , Reid Neil
Published: July 2020

Hedge density, structure, and function vary with primary production and slope gradient and are subject to other diverse factors. Hedgerows are emerging ecosystems with both above- and belowground components. Functions of hedges can be categorized as provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting ecosystem services; these functions include food production, noncrop food and wood production, firewood production, pollination, pest control, soil conservation and quality improvement, mitigation of water flux and availability, carbon sequestration, landscape connectivity and character maintenance, and contributions to biodiversity. Urban hedges provide a relatively equitable microclimate and critical connections between green spaces and enhance human health and well-being through contact with biodiversity. Soil and water conservation are well researched in tropical hedges but less is known about their contribution to pollination, pest control, and biodiversity. Establishing a minimum hedge width and longer intervals between cutting of temperate hedges would enhance biosecurity and promote carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Hedges have a global role in mitigating biodiversity loss and climate change, which restoration should maximize, notwithstanding regional character.
Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Value and Risk
Authors: Majumder Mary A. , Guerrini Christi J. , McGuire Amy L.
Published: July 2020

Although the explosive growth of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing has moderated, a substantial number of patients are choosing to undergo genetic testing outside the purview of their regular healthcare providers. Further, many industry leaders have been expanding reports to cover many more genes, as well as partnering with employers and others to expand access. This review addresses continuing concerns about DTC genetic testing quality, psychosocial impact, integration with medical practice, effects on the healthcare system, and privacy, as well as emerging concerns about third-party interpretation services and non-health-related uses such as investigative genetic genealogy. It concludes with an examination of two possible futures for DTC genetic testing: merger with traditional modes of healthcare delivery or continuation as a parallel system for patient-driven generation of health-relevant information. Each possibility is associated with distinctive questions related to value and risk.
Field-Effect Transistor Based on Percolation Network of Reduced Graphene Oxide for Real-Time ppb-Level Detection of Lead Ions in Water
Authors: Sui Xiaoyu , Pu Haihui , Maity Arnab , Chang Jingbo , Jin Bing , Lu Ganhua , Wang Yale , Ren Ren , Mao Shun , Chen Junhong
Published: July 2020

Real-time lead ion monitoring for drinking water is in an urgent demand, due to the high biotoxicity of lead. We fabricated a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) percolation network based field-effect transistor (FET) by using an easy and scalable micromolding-in-capillary method for lead ion detection in water. The percolation theory analysis elucidates that the required GO mass concentration for a 2D continuum connection converges at a predictable value. Guided by the theoretical analysis, the prepared rGO network was constructed with 1–4 layers of rGO flakes and exhibits comparable electrical properties with single-layer rGO devices. A thin Al2O3 layer was deposited on the device to isolate the analyte from the FET device. With the specific L-Glutathione reduced (GSH) probe, the sensor can reach a limit of detection (LOD) in ppb-level to lead ions. In addition, good selectivity and the high sensing response to Pb2+ concentrations around 15 ppb (maximum contaminant level of lead for drinking water, US Environmental Protection Agency) suggest our sensor holds great potential for lead ion monitoring in drinking water.
Rapid and Highly Sensitive Extended Gate FET-Based Sensors for Arsenite Detection Using a Handheld Device
Authors: Tatavarthi Sai Sudheer , Wang Shin-Li , Wang Yu-Lin , Chen Jung-Chih
Published: July 2020

Heavy metals are very harmful to the environment and is toxic which affects the human health. Monitoring the heavy metal ion in food and water is necessary. In this research, we developed a FET based ion selective sensor for detecting Arsenite (As(III)) ions by a hand held device. The sensor characteristics are carried out and illustrated. This selective sensor shows higher sensitivity (35.19 mV/log [As3+]) than the ideal Nernstian slope. The dynamic range of the Arsenite based ion sensor is from 10−10 M to 10−4 M. The detection limit of this FET based ion selective sensor is below 10−10 M and is comparable to ICP-MS. The sensor captures the particular target ion and is not affected by the interfering ions such as Cadmium and Lead. The sensitivity and selectivity characteristics are comparatively better than the traditional potentiometric Ion selective electrode (ISE). The sensor has shorter response time and is easy to operate. This sensor is affordable for everyone and convenient to use for monitoring the food and drinking water frequently.
Pt Nanoparticles Anchored on Cu-MOF-74: An Efficient and Durable Ultra-low Pt Electrocatalyst toward Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Parkash Anand
Published: July 2020

Catalysts for slow oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are of great importance for long-term operation and wide application for the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Herein, an efficient approach used for the rational synthesis of an effective ORR electrocatalyst by encapsulating Pt nanoparticles with ultra-low content (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 wt.% Pt) on the surface of a copper-based organic metal frame (Cu-MOF-74) and then carbonized at 900 °C, for the first time. The catalyst Pt1%/Cu/NC-900 from the series of prepared catalysts exhibits a highly efficient ORR activity with an onset potential (Eo) 1.01 V vs RHE and half-wave potential (E1/2) 0.88 V vs RHE compare to commercial Pt/C (Eo 0.96 V and E1/2 0.86 V vs RHE). It has also displayed excellent long-term stability in an alkaline solution. The Pt1%/Cu/NC-900 performance and stability are dramatically improved, which may be attributed to the interaction of Pt with Cu and carbon carriers. Such an architecture provides an efficient approach for direct application of MOFs to electrocatalysts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time we have used bimetallic Pt-Cu catalysts with ultra-low Pt contents for the ORR in the alkaline solution with superior activity than commercial Pt/C.
Melatonin Alleviates Neuroinflammation and Metabolic Disorder in DSS-Induced Depression Rats
Authors: Lv Wei-jie , Liu Cui , Yu Lin-zeng , Zhou Jia-hao , Li Yue , Xiong Ying , Guo Ao , Chao Li-min , Qu Qian , Wei Guang-wei , Tang Xing-gang , Yin Yu-long , Guo Shi-ning
Published: July 2020

There is a bidirectional relationship between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and depression/anxiety. Emerging evidences indicate that the liver may be involved in microbiota-gut-brain axis. This experiment focused on the role of melatonin in regulating the gut microbiota and explores its mechanism on dextran sulphate sodium- (DSS-) induced neuroinflammation and liver injury. Long-term DSS-treatment increased lipopolysaccharide (LPS), proinflammation cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, and gut leak in rats, breaking blood-brain barrier and overactivated astrocytes and microglia. Ultimately, the rats showed depression-like behavior, including reduction of sucrose preference and central time in open field test and elevation of immobility time in a forced swimming test. Oral administration with melatonin alleviated neuroinflammation and depression-like behaviors. However, melatonin supplementation did not decrease the level of LPS but increase short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production to protect DSS-induced neuroinflammation. Additionally, western blotting analysis suggested that signaling pathways farnesoid X receptor-fibroblast growth factor 15 (FXR-FGF 15) in gut and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) in the liver overactivated in DSS-treated rats, indicating liver metabolic disorder. Supplementation with melatonin markedly inhibited the activation of these two signaling pathways and its downstream p38. As for the gut microbiota, we found that immune response- and SCFA production-related microbiota, like Lactobacillus and Clostridium significantly increased, while bile salt hydrolase activity-related microbiota, like Streptococcus and Enterococcus, significantly decreased after melatonin supplementation. These altered microbiota were consistent with the alleviation of neuroinflammation and metabolic disorder. Taken together, our findings suggest melatonin contributes to reshape gut microbiota and improves inflammatory processes in the hippocampus (HPC) and metabolic disorders in the liver of DSS rats.
Risk Factors Discovery for Cancer Survivability Analysis Using Graph-Rule Mining
Authors: Yang Chaoyu , Yang Jie , Yang Zhenyu
Published: July 2020

Mining and understanding patients’ disease-development pattern is a major healthcare need. A huge number of research studies have focused on medical resource allocation, survivability prediction, risk management of diagnosis, etc. In this article, we are specifically interested in discovering risk factors for patients with high probability of developing cancers. We propose a systematic and data-driven algorithm and build around the idea of association rule mining. More precisely, the rule-mining method is firstly applied on the target dataset to unpack the underlying relationship of cancer-risk factors, via generating a set of candidate rules. Later, this set is represented as a rule graph, where informative rules are identified and selected with the aim of enhancing the result interpretability. Compared to hundreds of rules generated from the standard rule-mining approach, the proposed algorithm benefits from a concise rule subset, without losing the information from the original rule set. The proposed algorithm is then evaluated using one of the largest cancer data resources. We found that our method outperforms existing approaches in terms of identifying informative rules and requires affordable computational time. Additionally, relevant information from the selected rules can also be used to inform health providers and authorities for cancer-risk management.
Simultaneous Determination of 13 Organic Acids in Liquid Culture Media of Edible Fungi Using High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Yu Changxia , Wang Yan , Cao Hui , Zhao Yan , Li Zhengpeng , Wang Hong , Chen Mingjie , Tang Qingjiu
Published: July 2020

The study aimed at detecting 13 organic acids (oxalic acid, maleic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, quinic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, and butyric acid) by establishing a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The analysis was performed using two sugar columns, i.e., SH1011 column and KC‐811 column. The optimal conditions were as follows: 4 mmol/L HClO4 solution as the eluent with UV‐visible detector (210 nm), a flow rate of 1 mL/min at the temperature of 60°C, and the injection volume at 10 μL. The results showed that all the calibration curves had excellent linearity (R2 > 0.9991) within the test ranges. The RSD values of the thirteen analytes were lower than 2.94% at three levels, the recoveries were 91.9%‐102.0%, the limit of detection (LOD) was between 0.05 and 10.63 μg/mL, and the quantification (LOQ) was between 0.10 and 19.53 μg/mL. Finally, the proposed methodology was successfully applied for the analysis of organic acids in the culture medium of edible fungi. In conclusion, the study findings proved that the method was sensitive, accurate, reproducible, and could be readily applied to analyze the organic acids in the samples.
Fuzzy Covering-Based Three-Way Clustering
Authors: Yang Dandan
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates the three-way clustering involving fuzzy covering, thresholds acquisition, and boundary region processing. First of all, a valid fuzzy covering of the universe is constructed on the basis of an appropriate fuzzy similarity relation, which helps capture the structural information and the internal connections of the dataset from the global perspective. Due to the advantages of valid fuzzy covering, we explore the valid fuzzy covering instead of the raw dataset for RFCM algorithm-based three-way clustering. Subsequently, from the perspective of semantic interpretation of balancing the uncertainty changes in fuzzy sets, a method of partition thresholds acquisition combining linear and nonlinear fuzzy entropy theory is proposed. Furthermore, boundary regions in three-way clustering correspond to the abstaining decisions and generate uncertain rules. In order to improve the classification accuracy, the k-nearest neighbor (kNN) algorithm is utilized to reduce the objects in the boundary regions. The experimental results show that the performance of the proposed three-way clustering based on fuzzy covering and kNN-FRFCM algorithm is better than the compared algorithms in most cases.