bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
By Binding CD80 and CD86, the Vaccinia Virus M2 Protein Blocks Their Interactions with both CD28 and CTLA4 and Potentiates CD80 Binding to PD-L1
Authors: Kleinpeter Patricia , Remy-Ziller Christelle , Winter Eline , Gantzer Murielle , Nourtier Virginie , Kempf Juliette , Hortelano Julie , Schmitt Doris , Schultz Huguette , Geist Michel , Brua Catherine , Hoffmann Chantal , Schlesinger Yasmin , Villeval Dominique , Thioudellet Christine , Erbs Philippe , Foloppe Johann , Silvestre Nathalie , Fend Laetitia , Quemeneur Eric , Marchand Jean-Baptiste
Published: March 2019

The vaccinia virus harbors in its genome several genes dedicated to the inhibition of the host immune response. Among them, M2L was reported to inhibit the intracellular NF-κB pathway. We report here several new putative immunosuppressive activities of M2 protein. M2 protein is secreted and binds cornerstone costimulatory molecules (CD80/CD86). M2 binding to CD80/CD86 blocks their interaction with soluble CD28/CTLA4 but also favors the soluble PD-L1-CD80 association. These findings open the way for new investigations deciphering the immune system effects of soluble M2 protein. Moreover, a vaccinia virus with a deletion of its M2L has been generated and characterized as a new oncolytic platform. The replication and oncolytic activities of the M2L-deleted vaccinia virus are indistinguishable from those of the parental virus. More investigations are needed to characterize in detail the immune response triggered against both the tumor and the virus by this M2-defective vaccinia virus.
Deciphering Within-Host Microevolution of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
through Whole-Genome Sequencing: the Phenotypic Impact and Way Forward
Authors: Ley S. D. , de Vos M. , Van Rie A. , Warren R. M.
Published: March 2019

The
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
genome is more heterogenous and less genetically stable within the host than previously thought. Currently, only limited data exist on the within-host microevolution, diversity, and genetic stability of
M. tuberculosis
.
Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated RNA Release in
Histoplasma capsulatum
Authors: Alves Lysangela R. , Peres da Silva Roberta , Sanchez David A. , Zamith-Miranda Daniel , Rodrigues Marcio L. , Goldenberg Samuel , Puccia Rosana , Nosanchuk Joshua D.
Published: March 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play important roles in cellular communication and pathogenesis. The RNA molecules in EVs have been implicated in a variety of processes. EV-associated RNA classes have recently been described in pathogenic fungi; however, only a few reports of studies describing the RNAs in fungal EVs are available. Improved knowledge of EV-associated RNA will contribute to the understanding of their role during infection. In this study, we described the RNA content in EVs produced by two isolates of
Histoplasma capsulatum
. Our results add this important pathogen to the current short list of fungal species with the ability to use EVs for the extracellular release of RNA.
Influence of political and medical leaders on parental perception of vaccination: a cross-sectional survey in Australia
Authors: Zhang Elissa J , Chughtai Abrar Ahmad , Heywood Anita , MacIntyre Chandini Raina
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The aim of this survey was to investigate parental vaccination attitudes and responses to vaccine-related media messages from political and medical leaders.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study using a semiquantitative questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, X2tests and logistic regression.

Setting

Data were collected from a web-based questionnaire distributed in Australia by a market research company in May of 2017.

Participants

411 participants with at least one child under 5 were included in this study. The sample was designed to be representative of Australia in terms of gender and state of residence.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measures were parental attitudes towards childhood immunisation before and after viewing vaccine-related messages from political and medical leaders, including Donald Trump (USA), Pauline Hanson (Australia) and Michael Gannon (Australia). Parents were classified as having ‘susceptible’ (not fixed) or ‘fixed’ (positive or negative) views towards vaccination based on a series of questions.

Results

Parents with fixed vaccination views constituted 23.8% (n=98) of the total sample; 21.7% (n=89) were pro-vaccination and 2.2% (n=9) were anti-vaccination. The remaining 76.2% of participants were classified as having susceptible views towards vaccination. Susceptible parents were more likely to report a change in their willingness to vaccinate after watching vaccine-related messages compared with fixed-view parents, regardless of whether the messaging was positive or negative (Trump OR 2.54, 95% CI (1.29 to 5.00); Hanson OR 2.64, 95% CI (1.26 to 5.52); Gannon OR 2.64, 95% CI (1.26 to 5.52)). Susceptible parents were more likely than fixed-view parents to report increased vaccine hesitancy after viewing negative vaccine messages (Trump OR 2.14, 95% CI (1.11 to 4.14), Hanson OR 2.34, 95% CI (1.21 to 4.50)).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that most parents including the vaccinating majorty are susceptible to vaccine messaging from political and medical leaders. Categorising parents as ‘fixed-view’ or ‘susceptible’ can be a useful strategy for designing and implementing future vaccine promotion interventions.
Prevalence of non-acute ischaemic cardiomyopathy in a Pakistani cohort
Authors: Ghazni Muhammad Salman , Aijaz Saba , Malik Rehan , Pathan Asad Z
Published: March 2019

Heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a frequently encountered clinical scenario. Coronary angiography (CAG) is usually performed to assess obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease (CAD) and the resultant ischaemia as causes of HFrEF.

Objectives

To determine the frequency of obstructive CAD (OCAD) in patients with HFrEF and its independent predictors and outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective observational study in Tabba Heart Institute on patients who underwent CAG during the past 4 years. Patients with prior known CAD or revascularisation were excluded. OCAD was defined as per the criteria from Felker et al. Regression modelling was performed to evaluate the predictors of OCAD. Survival was compared between the groups using the log rank test.

Results

Out of 2235 patients who underwent CAG, 260 had HFrEF as a primary indication for CAG and, of these, 119 (45.8%) had OCAD. Major predictors of OCAD were age >50 years at presentation (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.7), presence of chest pain (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.3 to 8.1), family history of premature CAD (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.9) and utilisation of non-invasive (NIV) stress testing before CAG (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.8 to 7.1). Survival was significantly lower (log rank p<0.001) in patients with OCAD with no revascularisation compared with OCAD with revascularisation or those who had non-obstructive CAD, and the latter two groups had comparable survival.

Conclusions

OCAD is detected in nearly half of the patients with reduced left ventricular systolic function undergoing CAG. Clinical judgement based on thorough history and use of NIV stress testing can help in appropriate patient selection for this test.
Role of catecholamines in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Dhalla Naranjan S. , Ganguly Pallab K. , Bhullar Sukhwinder K. , Tappia Paramjit S.
Published: March 2019

Although the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of cardiac function, the overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system under stressful conditions including diabetes has been shown to result in the excessive production of circulating catecholamines as well as an increase in the myocardial concentration of catecholamines. In this brief review, we provide some evidence to suggest that the oxidation products of catecholamines such as aminochrome and oxyradicals, lead to metabolic derangements, Ca2+-handling abnormalities, increase in the availability of intracellular free Ca2+, as well as activation of proteases and changes in myocardial gene expression. These alterations due to elevated levels of circulatory catecholamines are associated with oxidative stress, subcellular remodeling, and the development of cardiac dysfunction in chronic diabetes.
Quantum field theory in phase space
Authors: Amorim R. G. G. , Khanna F. C. , Malbouisson A. P. C. , Malbouisson J. M. C. , Santana A. E.
Published: March 2019

The tilde conjugation rule in thermofield dynamics, equivalent to the modular conjugation in a [Formula: see text]-algebra, is used to develop unitary representations of the Poincaré group, where the Hilbert space has the phase space content, a symplectic Hilbert space. The state is described by a quasi-amplitude of probability, which is a sort of wave function in phase space, associated with the Wigner function. The quantum field theory in phase space is then constructed, including the quantization rules for the Klein–Gordon and the Dirac fields, the derivation of the electrodynamics in phase space and elements of a relativistic quantum kinetic theory. Towards a physical interpretation of the theory, propagators are associated with the corresponding Wigner functions. The Feynman rules follow accordingly with vertices similar to those of usual non-Abelian quantum field theories.
Practices to Improve Risk Management in Agile Projects
Authors: Tavares Breno Gontijo , da Silva Carlos Eduardo Sanches , de Souza Adler Diniz
Published: March 2019

Risk management contributes to software projects success, but agile software development methods do not offer specific activities to manage risks. Therefore, this study aims to propose a list of risk management practices for agile projects, aiming to increase their chances of success. We analyzed 129 works on agile methods that afforded 127 risk management practices. We categorized and ranked practices using the AHP multi-criteria method with the participation of experts in the subject. The study presents risk management practices for daily meetings, increment, prototype, product backlog and Sprint planning as the most important for the risk management effectiveness. This study identified specific risk management practices for agile methods, not converging with other studies. Results contribute to the risk management improvement in agile projects and, consequently, increase their chances of success.
A Novel Algorithm for Identifying Key Function Nodes in Software Network Based on Evidence Theory
Authors: Wang Qian , Shan Chun , Zhao Xiaolin , Dong Jun , Ren Jiadong , Liu Jiaxin
Published: March 2019

In a software network system, it is of great significance to identify key functions for software fault detection and maintenance. In order to better understand the characteristics and internal structure of software, a key Node Discovery algorithm based on Evidence Theory called NDET is proposed in this paper. First, the software complex network model is constructed according to the execution process of the software. Based on the Dempster-Shafer evidence theory (D-S evidence theory), the discernment frame is formed, the maximum and minimum values of the network degree and strength are determined. Second, the Basic Probability Assignment (BPA) of each node degree is calculated by considering the node degree distribution ratio value. Third, based on Dempster’s rule of combination, the evidential centrality of the node itself and the fluctuation value of the node influenced by neighbor nodes are considered for the key measurement. Finally, by using the Susceptible–Infected–Recovered (SIR) model to simulate the spreading process on real software networks, the performance of NDET is evaluated. Experiment results verify the validity and accuracy of NDET for identifying key function nodes in software.
Refractive Index Influence on the Quantum Dots Fluorescence Near the Gold Nanorods
Authors: Muravitskaya A. O. , Trotsiuk L. L. , Kulakovich O. S. , Gurinovich L. I. , Gaponenko S. V. , Antanovich A. V.
Published: March 2019

Photoluminescent properties of CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals (quantum dots, QDs) in complexes with elongated gold nanoparticles was found to be dependent on the effective refractive index of the medium. It has been experimentally shown that changes in the refractive index make possible to increase the photoluminescence intensity by several times.
Temperature Dependence of Photoluminescence for Spin-Coated Semiconductor Quantum Dots and Quantum Dot-Dye Nanoassemblies on Quartz Substrate
Authors: Zenkevich E. , Stupak A. , von Borczyskowski C.
Published: March 2019

The attachment of pyridyl substituted porphyrin molecule to the surface of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots in solutions is realized in the competition with capping ligand TOPO molecules resulting in the specific change of photoluminescence for the quantum dots across the temperature range of 77–290[Formula: see text]K. We have shown that fixation of alone quantum dots or quantum dot-porphyrin nanoassemblies on quartz substrate changes significantly temperature dependence of photoluminescence. In contrast to the samples in a glass-forming solution no phase transition of the TOPO capping layer was observed upon removal of the capping layer.
Nanoparticle-Enhanced Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Using Copper–Silver and Nickel–Carbon Nanocomposites on Aluminium
Authors: Kiris V. V. , Butsen A. V. , Ershov-Pavlov E. A. , Nedelko M. I. , Nevar A. A.
Published: March 2019

Composite Ag–Cu and Ni–C nanoparticles were synthesized by laser ablation and spark discharge in liquid, respectively. An amplification of the signal during laser induced breakdown spectroscopy was observed after deposition of the nanoparticles on the surface of an aluminum foil. The emission intensity of the laser plume increased from 2 to 20 times depending on the spectral lines used for the measurements. The intensity growth was higher for Ag–Cu nanoparticles.
(Lr,Ls) Resolvent estimate for the sphere off the line 1 r −1 s = 2 n
Authors: Ren Tianyi
Published: March 2019

We extend the resolvent estimate on the sphere to exponents off the line [Formula: see text]. Since the condition [Formula: see text] on the exponents is necessary for a uniform bound, one cannot expect estimates off this line to be uniform still. The essential ingredient in our proof is an [Formula: see text] norm estimate on the operator [Formula: see text] that projects onto the space of spherical harmonics of degree [Formula: see text]. In showing this estimate, we apply an interpolation technique first introduced by Bourgain [J. Bourgain, Estimations de certaines fonctions maximales, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris Sér. I Math. 301(10) (1985) 499–502.]. The rest of our proof parallels that in Huang–Sogge [S. Huang and C. D. Sogge, Concerning [Formula: see text] resolvent estimates for simply connected manifolds of constant curvature, J. Funct. Anal. 267(12) (2014) 4635–4666].
Domain Analysis and Description Principles, Techniques, and Modelling Languages
Authors: Bjørner Dines
Published: March 2019

We present a
method
for
analysing and describing domains
.

By a
domain
we shall understand a
rationally describable
segment of a
human assisted
reality, i.e., of the world, its
physical parts:
natural
[“God-given”] and
artifactual
[“human-made”], and
living species
:
plants
and
animals
including, notably,
humans
. These are
endurants
(“still”), as well as
perdurants
(“alive”). Emphasis is placed on “
human-assistedness
,” that is, that there is
at least one (human-made)
artifact
and, therefore, that
humans
are a primary cause for change of endurant
states
as well as perdurant
behaviours
.

By a
method
we shall mean a set of
principles
of
analysis
and for
selecting
and
applying
a number of
techniques
and
tools
in the construction of some artifact, say a domain description. We shall present a method for constructing domain descriptions. Among the tools we shall only be concerned with are the analysis and synthesis languages.

Domain science and engineering
marks a new area of
computing science
. Just as we are
formalising
the
syntax
and
semantics
of programming languages
, so we are
formalising
the
syntax and semantics of human-assisted domains
. Just as
physicists
are studying the
natural physical world
, endowing it with
mathematical models
, so we,
computing scientists
, are studying these
domains
, endowing them with
mathematical models
, A difference between the endeavours of physicists and ours lies in the tools: The physics models are based on
classical mathematics
,
differential equations
and
integrals
, and so on; our models are based on
mathematical logic
,
set theory
, and
algebra
[1].

Where physicists thus classically use a variety of
differential
and
integral calculi
to model the physical world, we shall be using the
analysis and description calculi
presented in this article to model primarily artifactual domains.
REGISTOR
Authors: Pei Shuyi , Yang Jing , Yang Qing
Published: March 2019

This article presents REGISTOR, a platform for
r
egular
e
xpression
g
rabbing
i
nside
stor
age. The main idea of Registor is accelerating regular expression (regex) search inside storage where large data set is stored, eliminating the I/O bottleneck problem. A special hardware engine for regex search is designed and augmented inside a flash SSD that processes data on-the-fly during data transmission from NAND flash to host. To make the speed of regex search match the internal bus speed of a modern SSD, a deep pipeline structure is designed in Registor hardware consisting of a file semantics extractor, matching candidates finder, regex matching units (REMUs), and results organizer. Furthermore, each stage of the pipeline makes the use of maximal parallelism possible. To make Registor readily usable by high-level applications, we have developed a set of APIs and libraries in Linux allowing Registor to process files in the SSD by recombining separate data blocks into files efficiently. A working prototype of Registor has been built in our newly designed NVMe-SSD. Extensive experiments and analyses have been carried out to show that Registor achieves high throughput, reduces the I/O bandwidth requirement by up to 97%, and reduces CPU utilization by as much as 82% for regex search in large datasets.
Repeat-Associated Non-ATG Translation: Molecular Mechanisms and Contribution to Neurological Disease
Authors: Nguyen Lien , Cleary John Douglas , Ranum Laura P.W.
Published: March 2019

Microsatellite mutations involving the expansion of tri-, tetra-, penta-, or hexanucleotide repeats cause more than 40 different neurological disorders. Although, traditionally, the position of the repeat within or outside of an open reading frame has been used to focus research on disease mechanisms involving protein loss of function, protein gain of function, or RNA gain of function, the discoveries of bidirectional transcription and repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) have blurred these distinctions. Here we review what is known about RAN proteins in disease, the mechanisms by which they are produced, and the novel therapeutic opportunities they provide.
Exploring the Node Importance and Its Influencing Factors in the Railway Freight Transportation Network in China
Authors: Sun Qipeng , Guo Xiaozhuang , Jiang Wenjing , Ding Haiying , Li Tingzhen , Xu Xingbo
Published: March 2019

Node importance is a key factor affecting the overall operation efficiency of a railway freight transportation network (RFTN) that can be measured with the indicators of Hub and PageRank. Based on complex network theory and the national railway cargo exchange data of China’s provinces, this study constructs an RFTN model with the 31 provinces as the nodes and measures the values of Hub and PageRank for the 31 provinces. Then, the time evolution law of the importance of the provincial nodes is analyzed comprehensively, and, using a regression model, the influencing factors of the importance of the provincial nodes are identified. The results show the following. (1) The uneven distribution of natural resources will affect the spatial changes in the importance of RFTN nodes. The Hub values tended to cluster around the average, and the economic structure of the output-oriented provinces improved as a whole. At the same time, the PageRank values of many provinces in the central and western regions significantly increased, and those provinces exhibited more frequent exchanges of goods with other provinces and closer economic ties with other regions. (2) The traffic fixed asset investments and the population density have the most obvious influences on the importance of the provincial nodes with a positive effect. In contrast, the railway freight concentration (RFC) coefficient, geographical location (longitude and latitude), and coastal region all have negative effects on the importance of provincial nodes. The results of this study provide scientific decision-making support for the reasonable establishment and distribution of RFTN hubs in China.
Applicability of FTIR-ATR Method to Measure Carbonyls in Blood Plasma after Physical and Mental Stress
Authors: Bujok Jolanta , Gąsior-Głogowska Marlena , Marszałek Michał , Trochanowska-Pauk Natalia , Zigo František , Pavľak Alexander , Komorowska Małgorzata , Walski Tomasz
Published: March 2019

Introduction. Oxidative stress is a state of imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses. It results in the oxidation of all cellular elements and, to a large extent, proteins, causing inter alia the formation of carbonyl groups in their structures. The study focused on assessment of changes in the plasma protein-bound carbonyls in police horses after combat training and after rest and the applicability of infrared spectroscopy with a Fourier transform, utilizing the attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) in detecting plasma protein oxidation. Methods. We evaluated the influence of both the different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and combat training on protein carbonylation in horse blood plasma. The oxidation of plasma proteins was assessed using a spectrophotometric method based on the carbonyl groups derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH). The measured values were correlated with the carbonyl groups concentrations determined by means of the FTIR-ATR method. Results. The linear correlation between the DNPH and FTIR-ATR methods was shown. The concentration of plasma protein-bound carbonyls significantly deceased in police horses after one-day rest when compared to the values measured directly after the combat training (a drop by 23%, p<0.05 and 29%, p<0.01 measured by DNPH and FTIR-ATR methods, respectively). These results were consistent with the proteins phosphorylation analysis. Conclusion. The FTIR-ATR method may be applied to measure the level of plasma proteins peroxidation.
Extraction and Filter Algorithm of Roll Angular Rate for High Spinning Projectiles
Authors: Zhao Hui , Su Zhong , Liu Fuchao , Li Chao , Li Qing , Liu Ning
Published: March 2019

The accurate measurement of roll angular rate for high spinning projectile has long been a challenging problem. Aiming to obtain the accurate roll angular rate of high spinning projectile, a novel extraction and filter algorithm, BSCZT‐KF, is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a compound angular motion model of high spinning projectile is established. According to the model, we translate the roll angular rate measurement problem into a frequency estimation problem. Then the improved CZT algorithm, BSCZT, was employed to realize an accurate estimation of the narrowband signal frequency. Combined with the peak detection method, the BSCZT‐KF algorithm is presented to further enhance the frequency estimation accuracy and the real‐time performance. Finally, two sets of actual flight tests were conducted to verify the effectiveness and accuracy of the algorithm. The test results show that the average error of estimated roll angular rate is about 0.095% of the maximum of roll angular rate. Compared with the existing methods, the BSCZT‐KF has the highest frequency estimation accuracy for narrowband signal.
Intestinal Schwannoma: A Clinicopathological, Immunohistochemical, and Prognostic Study of 9 Cases
Authors: Shu Zhenbo , Li Chunsheng , Sun Mingze , Li Zhongmin
Published: March 2019

Background. Intestinal schwannoma is a type of intestinal interstitial tumor with a very low incidence. At present, there are few studies on intestinal schwannoma.Methods. From January 2010 to January 2018, the patients diagnosed with intestinal schwannoma at the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University were retrospectively reviewed. The patients’ clinicopathological features and prognosis were analyzed.Results. This study enrolled 9 patients with intestinal schwannoma, including 3 males and 6 females. The main symptoms of the patients were abdominal pain and melena. Abdominal computed tomography showed intussusception, slightly high-density shadowing in the intestine, thickening of the intestinal wall, and an intestinal mass. Colonoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography showed submucosal masses without ulcer formation. Two patients underwent endoscopic biopsy, and the pathological results revealed inflammation and necrosis. One patient had increased neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the tumor cells were positive for S-100 and negative for CD117, DOG-1, desmin, and smooth muscle actin. An average of 17 lymph nodes were found around the intestines in 4 patients, all of which demonstrated reactive hyperplasia. No recurrence or metastasis occurred during postoperative follow-up.Conclusions. Intestinal schwannoma is a rare tumor, and in our study its incidence was higher in women than in men. The main symptoms were abdominal pain and melena. Preoperative increases in NSE levels might contribute to a diagnosis. Complete surgical resection with free negative margins is the standard treatment for benign schwannoma. There was no recurrence or metastasis after complete surgical resection, suggesting that follow-up may not be required.
Stationary Dynamic Stress Solutions for a Rectangular Load Applied within a 3D Viscoelastic Isotropic Full‐Space
Authors: Romanini E. , Labaki J. , Mesquita E. , Silva R. C.
Published: March 2019

This paper presents stress influence functions for uniformly distributed, time‐harmonic rectangular loads within a three‐dimensional, viscoelastic, isotropic full‐space. The coupled differential equations relating displacements and stresses in the full‐space are solved through double Fourier integral transforms in the wave number domain, in which they can be solved algebraically. The final stress fields are expressed in terms of double indefinite integrals arising from the Fourier transforms. The paper presents numerical schemes with which to integrate these functions accurately. The article presents numerical validation of the synthesized stress kernels and their behavior for high frequencies and large distances from the excitation source. The influence of damping ratio on the dynamic results is also investigated. This article is complementary to previous results of the authors in which the corresponding displacement solutions were derived. Stress influence functions, together with their displacement counterparts, are a fundamental part of many numerical methods of discretization such the boundary element method.
Influence of the Arrangement of Surgical Light Axes on the Air Environment in Operating Rooms
Authors: Kai Tetsuya , Ayagaki Nobuyasu , Setoguchi Hidekazu
Published: March 2019

Purpose. Surgical lights in the operating rooms are typically installed in a single axis in the center of the room or in two axes on both sides of the operating table. In the single-axis installation, the air-conditioning outlet cannot be placed in the center of the ceiling, which may affect the air current. Therefore, we measured the air current and cleanliness in two equivalent operating rooms using a vertical laminar airflow system equipped with either single-axis or double-axis surgical lights. Methods. Air current was measured using a three-dimensional ultrasonic anemometer. Cleanliness was evaluated by measuring the amount of dust before and after air-conditioner activation. To visualize the air current, smoke was illuminated on a sheet of laser light while the air-conditioning was stopped, and changes after air-conditioning activation were observed. Results. In the single-axis room, an oblique fast air current flowing from the surrounding air outlet toward the center was observed, and the flow velocity fluctuated greatly. In the double-axis room, uniform downward laminar airflow was observed. The amount of dust at the center decreased significantly faster in the double-axis room; thus, the cleanliness at the center was higher in the double-axis room. Persistent stagnation of smoke was observed below the single-axis lighting, whereas smoke below the double-axis lighting was immediately dispersed and the air cleared even when surgical lights were in the position for surgery. Conclusion. Uniform vertical laminar airflow was formed and high cleanliness was achieved in the center of the room when the surgical lights were arranged in two axes.
Synthetic House-Tree-Person Drawing Test: A New Method for Screening Anxiety in Cancer Patients
Authors: Sheng Lijuan , Yang Guifang , Pan Qian , Xia Chunfang , Zhao Liping
Published: March 2019

The synthetic house-tree-person (S-HTP) drawing test is a projective measure primarily designed to assess specific complex personality traits. It is widely used in general psychological problems and mental illness such as psychological crisis intervention. Applicability and validity of S-HTP drawing test in cancer patients suffering from anxiety are still unclear and there are no reports on such research. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of anxiety in cancer patients and to investigate the applicability of S-HTP drawing test in such patients. Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and the S-HTP drawing test were applied to 167 cancer patients (58.7% male; 41.3% female), 52.92±10.43 years old. On SAS, anxiety rate was found in 16.17% cancer patients. Using the evaluation results from SAS as the dependent variable and the anxiety drawing characteristics as the independent variables, the logistic regression equation was established, and 9 drawing features were employed in the regression equation (χ2=56.982, P≤0.001, Nagelkerke R2=0.492). It is concluded that there is a positive correlation between S-HTP drawing test and SAS for anxiety state of cancer patients (p<0.01). S-HTP drawing test and SAS have interrater reliability and test-retest reliability. Our findings indicate that the S-HTP drawing test could help in screening anxiety in cancer patients.
Influence of the La3+, Eu3+, and Er3+ Doping on Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties of BiFeO3 Nanoparticles Synthesized by Microwave-Assisted Solution Combustion Method
Authors: Wrzesinska Angelika , Khort Alexander , Bobowska Izabela , Busiakiewicz Adam , Wypych-Puszkarz Aleksandra
Published: March 2019

In this study, nanocrystalline (18–28 nm) perovskite-like bismuth ferrite rare earth-doped powders (Bi0.9RE0.1FeO3, where RE = La (BLaFO), Eu (BEuFO), and Er (BErFO)) were obtained by microwave-assisted modification of solution combustion synthesis (SCS). The influence of high load La3+, Eu3+, and Er3+ doping on structural, optical, and electrical properties of BiFeO3 was investigated. It was found that rare earth doping along with fast phase formation and quenching significantly distorts the crystal cells of the obtained materials, which results in the formation of mixed rhombohedral- (R3c-) orthorhombic (Pbnm) crystal structures with decreased lengths of Bi-O and Fe-O bonds along with a decreasing radius size of doping ions. This promotes reduction of the optical band gap energy and suppression of ionic polarization at high frequencies and results in enhanced dielectric permittivity of the materials at 1 MHz.
Postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging following Arthroscopic Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair
Authors: van der List Jelle P. , Mintz Douglas N. , DiFelice Gregory S.
Published: March 2019

Introduction. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in arthroscopic primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair. To date, no studies have assessed the role of postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the status and maturation of the repaired ligament. The goal of this study was therefore to assess (I) the accuracy of MRI on rerupture of the repaired ligament and (II) the maturation of the repaired ACL.Methods. All postoperative MRIs of patients that underwent arthroscopic primary ACL repair were included. A musculoskeletal radiologist, blinded for MRI indication, surgery-MRI time interval, and clinical stability, retrospectively assessed the ligament continuity and graded ligament maturation as hypointense (similar to intact PCL), isointense (>50% similar to PCL), or hyperintense (<50% similar to PCL).Results. Thirty-seven MRIs were included from 36 patients. Mean age was 30 years (range: 14–57 years), and mean surgery-MRI interval was 1.5 years (range: 0.1–4.9 years). The radiologist recognized 6 out of 8 reruptures and 26 out of 29 intact ligaments (sensitivity 75%, specificity 90%, and accuracy 86%). Ligaments in the first year were more often hyperintense than after one year (60% vs. 11%,p=0.02), most often isointense (60%) between one and two years, and more often hypointense after two years than before two years (56% vs. 10%,p=0.03).Conclusion. Postoperative MRI was found to accurately predict the rerupture of the primarily repaired ACL. Furthermore, it can be expected that the repaired ligament is hyperintense within the first year, while the signal becomes similar to the intact PCL after two years.
Effects of a Portable Peritoneal Lavage Device on Dogs with Seawater-Immersed Open Abdominal Injury
Authors: Zhou Song , Nie Kai , Zhang Wenhua , Shao Zhihong , Zhong Wei , Ye Qinglin , Lin Xiaoqiang , Chen Yuefeng , Wang Xiaowen
Published: March 2019

Background. Seawater-immersed open abdominal injury is a special injury during marine activities. Effective warmed peritoneal lavage in the field early after injury is the key to treatment. This pilot study aimed at exploring the treatment effects of a self-developed portable peritoneal lavage device compared with conventional treatment model. Material and Methods. Beagle dogs were used to develop models of seawater-immersed open abdominal injury. A conventional lavage method or a novel peritoneal lavage device was used for lavage and rewarming. The vital signs, electrolyte, serum inflammatory cytokine expression levels, histological changes of mucosa, and microstructure variety of different groups were observed and compared before and after immersion and 2 h, 1 d, 3 d, and 5 d after lavage. Results. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ, VEGF, and TGF-β in the blood and the damage of tissues and cells in three groups were increased after immersion and decreased at the later points of time after lavage. The concentration of Na+, K+, Cl-, lactate, and lactate dehydrogenase in the plasma was significantly higher than that before immersion (P<0.05), and the concentration of Ca2+ and HCO3- and plasma pH decreased slightly (P<0.05). The degree of tissue inflammation and mucosal injury in the delayed control group and device group was lower than the control group. Conclusions. Timely lavage and rewarming using a portable peritoneal lavage device reduced the inflammatory response of seawater-immersed open abdominal injury dogs and reduced the damage of multiple organs. The dogs recovered better and faster than the conventional treatment group.
Hadron Resonance Gas EoS and the Fluidity of Matter Produced in HIC
Authors: Kadam Guruprasad , Pawar Swapnali
Published: March 2019

We study the equation of state (EoS) of hot and dense hadron gas by incorporating the excluded volume corrections into the ideal hadron resonance gas (HRG) model. The total hadron mass spectrum of the model is the sum of the discrete mass spectrum consisting of all the experimentally known hadrons and the exponentially rising continuous Hagedorn states. We confront the EoS of the model with lattice quantum chromodynamics (LQCD) results at finite baryon chemical potential. We find that this modified HRG model reproduces the LQCD results up to T=160 MeV at zero as well as finite baryon chemical potential. We further estimate the shear viscosity within the ambit of this model in the context of heavy-ion collision experiments.
Ultrasensitive Optical Chemosensor for Cu(II) Detection
Authors: Saleh Sayed M. , Ali Reham , Alminderej Fahad , Ali Ibrahim A. I.
Published: March 2019

Herein, the main objective of this research is to design and synthesize a novel optical chemosensor, 2,6-Bis(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-4-(dicyanomethylene)-cyclohexane-1,1-dicarbo-nitrile (BDC), for detection of one of the most significant metal ions Cu(II). This novel fluorescent chemosensor exhibits unique optical properties with large Stokes shift (about 170 nm) approximately. The fluorescence and UV–vis absorption performance among the BDC probe and Cu(II) ions were examined in 1:9 (v/v) methanol–HEPES buffer (pH = 7.2) solution. Also, BDC displays high selectivity for Cu(II) concerning other cations. Moreover, this probe provides high selectivity and sensitivity based on their fluorescence properties and recognition abilities within a detection limit of the Cu(II) contents (LOD 2.3 x 10−7 M). The suggested mechanism of BDC sensor is attributed to the chelation process with Cu(II), to establish a 1:1 metal-ligand ratio complex with a binding constant (Kbind = 7.16 x 104 M−1). The detection process is accompanied by quenching the main emission peak of the BDC at 571 nm. All the experimental data were collected to investigate the effects of several important parameters such as reversibility and the concentration limits. Besides, we study the interference of various metal ions on selectivity and detection capacity of this significant Cu (II) ion. This novel chemosensor shows ultrasensitive, fast tracing of Cu(II) in the physiological pH range (pH 7.2) and therefore may propose a novel promising method for the investigation of the biological functions of Cu(II) in living cells.
Lactulose to the Rescue: A Case of Toxic Hepatic Encephalopathy Caused by Portosystemic Shunting and Epistaxis in a Patient with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Shah Ruchit N. , Makar Michael , Akhtar Nasir , Forster Erin
Published: March 2019

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an uncommon autosomal dominant disorder characterized by telangiectasias and arteriovenous malformations. Multiple organ systems are involved including the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and brain. Hepatic encephalopathy is an extremely rare complication of HHT and early diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving. We present a rare case of hepatic encephalopathy caused by HHT-induced portosystemic shunting treated with lactulose.
Nuclear Imaging of Glucose Metabolism: Beyond 18F-FDG
Authors: Feng Han , Wang Xiaobo , Chen Jian , Cui Jing , Gao Tang , Gao Yongju , Zeng Wenbin
Published: March 2019

Glucose homeostasis plays a key role in numerous fundamental aspects of life, and its dysregulation is associated with many important diseases such as cancer. The atypical glucose metabolic phenomenon, known as the Warburg effect, has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer and serves as a promising target for tumor specific imaging. At present, 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-glucose (18F-FDG)-based positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) represented the state-of-the-art radionuclide imaging technique for this purpose. The powerful impact of 18F-FDG has prompted intensive research efforts into other glucose-based radiopharmaceuticals for positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Currently, glucose and its analogues have been labeled with various radionuclides such as 99mTc, 111In, 18F, 68Ga, and 64Cu and have been successfully investigated for tumor metabolic imaging in many preclinical studies. Moreover, 99mTc-ECDG has advanced into its early clinical trials and brings a new era of tumor imaging beyond 18F-FDG. In this review, preclinical and early clinical development of glucose-based radiopharmaceuticals for tumor metabolic imaging will be summarized.
Common Fixed Points of(α,η)−(θ,ϝ)Rational Contractions with Applications
Authors: Abbas Mujahid , Iqbal Hira , De La Sen Manuel
Published: March 2019

We present the notion of set valued(α,η)-(θ,ϝ)rational contraction mappings and then some common fixed point results of such mappings in the setting of metric spaces are established. Some examples are presented to support the concepts introduced and the results proved in this paper. These results unify, extend, and refine various results in the literature. Some fixed point results for both single and multivalued(θ,ϝ)rational contractions are also obtained in the framework of a space endowed with partial order. As application, we establish the existence of solutions of nonlinear elastic beam equations and first-order periodic problem.
ISAR Autofocus Imaging Algorithm for Maneuvering Targets Based on Phase Retrieval and Keystone Transform
Authors: Shi Hongyin , Yang Ting , Liu Yue , Si Jingjing
Published: March 2019

In the current scenario of high-range resolution radar and noncooperative target, the rotational motion parameters of the target are unknown and migration through resolution cells (MTRC) is apparent in the obtained inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR)images, in both slant-range and cross-range directions. In the case of the high-speed maneuvering target with a small value of rotation, the phase retrieval algorithm can be applied to compensate for the translational motion to form an autofocusing image. However, when the target has a relatively large rotation angle during the coherent integration time, phase retrieval method cannot get an acceptable image for viewing and analysis as the location of the scatterer will not be true due to the Doppler shift imposed by the target’s rotational motion. In this paper, a novel ISAR imaging method for maneuvering targets based on phase retrieval and keystone transform is proposed, which can effectively solve the above problems. First, the keystone transform is used to solve the MTRC effects caused by the rotation component. Next, phase errors caused by the remaining translational motion will be removed by employing phase retrieval algorithm, allowing the scatterers are always kept in their range cells. Finally, the Doppler frequency shifts of scatterers will be time invariant in the phase of the received signal. Furthermore, this approach does not need to estimate the motion parameters of the target, which simplifies the processing steps. The simulated results demonstrate the validity of this method.
High-Dose Aspirin Reverses Tartrazine-Induced Cell Growth Dysregulation Independent of p53 Signaling and Antioxidant Mechanisms in Rat Brain
Authors: Alsalman Nouf , Aljafari Abdulaziz , Wani Tanveer A. , Zargar Seema
Published: March 2019

Tartrazine, an azo dye used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals with the effects on cell cycle, is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated the toxicity of tartrazine in rat brain with high-dose aspirin. Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into (C) control, (T) tartrazine (700 mg/kg body weight [BW] at weeks 1 and 2), (A) aspirin (150 mg/kg [BW] at weeks 1, 2, and 3), and (TA) aspirin + tartrazine (150 mg/kg [BW] aspirin at weeks 1, 2, and 3 and 700 mg/kg [BW] tartrazine at weeks 1 and 2) groups. The expression of p53, B cell lymphoma-2 extra-large (Bcl-xL), cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), p27, and Ki67 was evaluated by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. A histopathological analysis of brain tissue and oxidative stress level was assessed based on reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (AA), and malondialdehyde levels. We found that Bcl-xL, Ki67, CDK2, and p27 were upregulated and p53 was downregulated in the tartrazine-treated group as compared to the control group. Aspirin administration reversed these changes except P53 expression. Tartrazine had no effect on lipid peroxidation but altered AA and GSH levels with no reversal by aspirin treatment. Histopathological analysis revealed that aspirin prevented tartrazine-induced damage including increased perivascular space and hemorrhage. These results indicate that aspirin protects the brain from tartrazine-induced toxicity independent of p53 signaling and antioxidant mechanisms.
Essential Thrombocythemia Complicated by Occlusive Thrombosis of the Abdominal Aorta
Authors: Geringer Jamie , Fenderson Joshua , Osswald Michael
Published: March 2019

Introduction. Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm of excessive platelet production complicated by thrombohemorrhagic events. Thrombosis typically occurs in small to medium vessels; thrombosis of large vessels is rare. Case Presentation. A 75-year-old woman with ET complicated by bilateral retinal vein occlusion was evaluated for fatigue, early satiety, and unintentional weight loss. Her hypertension was well controlled, and her chronic lower extremity claudication from peripheral artery disease was stable. She reported adherence to aspirin 81 mg and hydroxyurea 1000 mg daily, and her platelets (375 × 109/L) were at goal. Bone marrow biopsy was consistent with ET without progression to myelofibrosis or leukemia. CT abdomen demonstrated complete occlusion of the infrarenal aorta, extending into the common iliac arteries, with reconstitution of flow distally via collaterals. The addition of clopidogrel, for platelet inhibition, and cilostazol, for claudication, caused symptom improvement without further thrombosis or bleeding. Discussion. There are few published reports of ET complicated by aortic thrombosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of aortic thrombosis occurring in an ET patient with normal platelet count on antiplatelet and cytoreductive therapies. There is limited evidence to guide treatment, but medical management with triple antiplatelet therapy may be effective in selected patients.
Cross-Talk between Receptor Tyrosine Kinases AXL and ERBB3 Regulates Invadopodia Formation in Melanoma Cells
Authors: Revach Or-Yam , Sandler Oded , Samuels Yardena , Geiger Benjamin
Published: March 2019

The invasive phenotype of metastatic cancer cells is accompanied by the formation of actin-rich invadopodia, which adhere to the extracellular matrix and degrade it. In this study, we explored the role of the tyrosine kinome in the formation of invadopodia in metastatic melanoma cells. Using a microscopy-based siRNA screen, we identified a series of regulators, the knockdown of which either suppresses (e.g., TYK2, IGFR1, ERBB3, TYRO3, FES, ALK, PTK7) or enhances (e.g., ABL2, AXL, CSK) invadopodia formation and function. Notably, the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL displayed a dual regulatory function, where both depletion or overexpression enhanced invadopodia formation and activity. This apparent contradiction was attributed to the capacity of AXL to directly stimulate invadopodia, yet its suppression upregulates the ERBB3 signaling pathway, which can also activate core invadopodia regulators and enhance invadopodia function. Bioinformatic analysis of multiple melanoma cell lines points to an inverse expression pattern of AXL and ERBB3. High expression of AXL in melanoma cells is associated with high expression of invadopodia components and an invasive phenotype. These results provide new insights into the complexity of metastasis-promoting mechanisms and suggest that targeting of multiple invadopodia signaling networks may serve as a potential anti-invasion therapy in melanoma.

Significance:

These findings uncover a unique interplay between AXL and ERBB3 in invadopodia regulation that points to the need for combined therapy in order to prevent invadopodia-mediated metastasis in melanoma.