bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Flow Restriction Training for the Rotator Cuff: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Brumitt Jason , Hutchison Marcey Keefer , Kang Dan , Klemmer Zach , Stroud Mike , Cheng Edward , Cayanan Neil Patrick , Shishido Sheldon
Published: August 2020

Context: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training utilizes a tourniquet, applied to the proximal portion of one or more extremities, to occlude blood flow during exercise. Significant gains in strength and cross-sectional area can be achieved in muscles, both distal and proximal to BFR cuff application. Purpose: To compare strength gains of the rotator cuff and changes in tendon size in subjects who performed side-lying external-rotation exercise with or without BFR. Methods: Forty-six subjects (mean age 25.0 [2.2] y) were randomized to either a BFR + exercise group or to the exercise-only group. Subjects performed 4 sets of the exercise (30/15/15/15 repetitions) at 30% 1-repetition maximum 2 days per week for 8 weeks. Results: Subjects in both groups experienced strength gains in the supraspinatus and the external rotators (P = .000, P = .000). However, there was no difference in strength gains between groups for the supraspinatus (P = .750) or the external rotators (P = .708). Subjects in both groups experienced increases in supraspinatus tendon thickness (BFR P = .041, exercise only P = .011). However, there was no difference between groups (P = .610). Conclusions: Exercise with BFR applied to the proximal upper extremity did not augment rotator cuff strength gains or tendon thickness when compared with subjects who only exercised. This study did demonstrate that performing multiple sets of high repetitions at a low load led to significant increases in rotator cuff strength and tendon size in the dominant upper extremity.
Small-Sided Games Are Not as Effective as Intermittent Running to Stimulate Aerobic Metabolism in Prepubertal Soccer Players
Authors: Massamba Anasthase , Dufour Stéphane P. , Favret Fabrice , Hureau Thomas J.
Published: August 2020

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the soccer pitch area during small-sided games (SSG) in prepubertal children on physiological and technical demands, and to compare them, for the physiological demands, to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).Methods:Ten young soccer players (13.0 [0.3] y) performed a HIIT and 3 SSG of various field sizes (30 × 20 m, 42 × 38 m, and 51 × 34 m). Each SSG was performed with 5 players per team, during 4 × 4-minutes interspaced with 1 minute of passive recovery in between. HIIT also followed a 4 × 4-minute protocol with running speed set on an individual basis. Heart rate (HR) was continuously monitored during training sessions. For each exercise modality, time spent above 90% of HRmax(T≥90%,HRmax) was calculated, and technical actions were quantified during SSG by video analysis.Results:T≥90%,HRmaxwas similar between the 3 SSG (∼587 [276] s;P > .2) but 24% to 37% lower than during HIIT (826 [140] s,P < .05). Coefficients of variations in T≥90%,HRmaxwere 2.3 to 3.5 times larger in SSG compared with HIIT. For technical actions, greater number of possessions (21 [6] vs ∼14 [4]), and lower ball touches per possession (2.4 [0.6] vs ∼2.9 [0.6]) were found in the small SSG compared with larger SSG, respectively (P < .05).Conclusion:The 3 SSG led to lower acute stimulation of the aerobic metabolism, suggesting a lower potential for chronic aerobic adaptations, compared with HIIT. Moreover, interindividual variability in the physiological response was substantially greater in SSG compared with HIIT, indicating increased heterogeneity among players performing the same training protocol.
Structural basis of transcription-translation coupling and collision in bacteria
Authors: Webster Michael William , Takacs Maria , Zhu Chengjin , Vidmar Vita , Eduljee Ayesha , Abdelkareem Mo’men , Weixlbaumer Albert
Published: August 2020

Cryo-EM structures of
Escherichia coli
transcription-translation complexes reveal how bacterial transcription and translation are coupled.
Succination inactivates gasdermin D and blocks pyroptosis
Authors: Humphries Fiachra , Shmuel-Galia Liraz , Ketelut-Carneiro Natalia , Li Sheng , Wang Bingwei , Nemmara Venkatesh V. , Wilson Ruth , Jiang Zhaozhao , Khalighinejad Farnaz , Muneeruddin Khaja , Shaffer Scott A. , Dutta Ranjan , Ionete Carolina , Pesiridis Scott , Yang Shuo , Thompson Paul R. , Fitzgerald Katherine A.
Published: August 2020

Fumarate targets pyroptosis

A form of inflammatory cell death called pyroptosis depends on the caspase-mediated cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD), the fragments of which assemble into permeability pores that then kill the cell. The mechanisms regulating this important cellular process are not yet fully understood. Humphries
et al.
now report that the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate fumarate can act as an inhibitor of pyroptosis (see the Perspective by Pickering and Bryant). Both endogenous fumarate and exogenously delivered dimethyl fumarate (DMF) convert the cysteines in GSDMD to S-(2-succinyl)-cysteines (a process called succination) to prevent its interaction with caspases and subsequent processing and activation. Administration of DMF to mice alleviated inflammation in models of multiple sclerosis and familial Mediterranean fever. These findings may explain the efficacy of DMF as a treatment for multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases and offer insights into future anti-inflammatory drug design.

Science
, this issue p.
1633
; see also p.
1564
Plasma Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Assay for Identifying Pathogens: a Retrospective Review of Test Utilization in a Large Children's Hospital
Authors: Niles Denver T. , Wijetunge Dona S. S. , Palazzi Debra L. , Singh Ila R. , Revell Paula A.
Published: August 2020

Plasma metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a new diagnostic method used to potentially identify multiple pathogens with a single DNA-based diagnostic test. The test is expensive, and little is understood about where it fits into the diagnostic schema. We describe our experience at Texas Children’s Hospital with the mNGS assay by Karius from Redwood City, CA, to determine whether mNGS offers additional diagnostic value when performed within 1 week before or after conventional testing (CT) (i.
Supplemental Material: Fossilized reproductive modes reveal a protistan affinity of Chitinozoa
Authors: Liang Yan , al. et
Published: August 2020

Extended introduction to the materials and methods, Figures S1–S4, Tables S1 and S2, and supplemental movies (Movies S1–S3).
Supplemental Material: Taking time to twist a continent—Multistage origin of the New Zealand orocline
Authors: Lamb Simon , Mortimer Nick
Published: August 2020

Table of published paleomagnetic data used in this study.
Supplemental Material: Quaternary influx of proximal coarse-grained dust altered circum-Mediterranean soil productivity and impacted early human culture
Authors: Amit Rivka , al. et
Published: August 2020

Sampling approach, soil data, and landscape and soil profile photos.
Supplemental Material: Slip rate determined from cosmogenic nuclides on normal-fault facets
Authors: Tesson Jim , Benedetti Lucilla , al. et
Published: August 2020

Item S1 (additional information on the modeling) and Item S2, (additional information on the sampling, analysis, and obtained dataset).
Supplemental Material: Temperature change in subtropical southeastern Africa during the past 790,000 yr
Authors: Chevalier Manuel , al. et
Published: August 2020

Appendix S1 (pollen taxa used for the reconstruction), Appendices S2 and S3 (comparison of MAT and pollen diversity with independent regional and global temperature records), and Data Set S1 (MAT reconstructions from marine core MD96-2048).
Singapore Undiagnosed Disease Program: Genomic Analysis aids Diagnosis and Clinical Management
Authors: Bhatia Neha S , Lim Jiin Ying , Bonnard Carine , Kuan Jyn-Ling , Brett Maggie , Wei Heming , Cham Breana , Chin Huilin , Bosso-Lefevre Celia , Dharuman Perumal , Escande-Beillard Nathalie , Devasia Arun George , Goh Chew Yin Jasmine , Kam Sylvia , Liew Wendy Kein-Meng , Liew Woei Kang , Lin Grace , Jain Kanika , Ng Alvin Yu-Jin , Subramanian Deepa , Xie Min , Tan Yuen-Ming , Tawari Nilesh R , Tiang Zenia , Ting Teck Wah , Tohari Sumanty , Tong Cheuk Ka , Lezhava Alexander , Ng Sarah B , Law Hai Yang , Venkatesh Byrappa , Tomar Swati , Sethi Raman , Tan Grace , Shanmugasundaram Arthi , Goh Denise Li-Meng , Lai Poh San , Lai Angeline , Tan Ee Shien , Ng Ivy , Reversades Bruno , Tan Ene Choo , Foo Roger , Jamuar Saumya Shekhar
Published: August 2020

Objective

Use next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to improve our diagnostic yield in patients with suspected genetic disorders in the Asian setting.

Design

A diagnostic study conducted between 2014 and 2019 (and ongoing) under the Singapore Undiagnosed Disease Program. Date of last analysis was 1 July 2019.

Setting

Inpatient and outpatient genetics service at two large academic centres in Singapore.

Patients

Inclusion criteria: patients suspected of genetic disorders, based on abnormal antenatal ultrasound, multiple congenital anomalies and developmental delay. Exclusion criteria: patients with known genetic disorders, either after clinical assessment or investigations (such as karyotype or chromosomal microarray).

Interventions

Use of NGS technology—whole exome sequencing (WES) or whole genome sequencing (WGS).

Main outcome measures

(1) Diagnostic yield by sequencing type, (2) diagnostic yield by phenotypical categories, (3) reduction in time to diagnosis and (4) change in clinical outcomes and management.

Results

We demonstrate a 37.8% diagnostic yield for WES (n=172) and a 33.3% yield for WGS (n=24). The yield was higher when sequencing was conducted on trios (40.2%), as well as for certain phenotypes (neuromuscular, 54%, and skeletal dysplasia, 50%). In addition to aiding genetic counselling in 100% of the families, a positive result led to a change in treatment in 27% of patients.

Conclusion

Genomic sequencing is an effective method for diagnosing rare disease or previous ‘undiagnosed’ disease. The clinical utility of WES/WGS is seen in the shortened time to diagnosis and the discovery of novel variants. Additionally, reaching a diagnosis significantly impacts families and leads to alteration in management of these patients.
Gene of the month: TFE 3
Authors: Pinto Karen , Chetty Runjan
Published: August 2020

Transcription factor enhancer 3 (TFE3), on the short arm of chromosome Xp11.23 and its protein, belongs to the microphthalmia transcription family (MiTF) of transcription factors. It shares close homology with another member of the family, MiTF which is involved in melanocyte development. When a cell is stressed and/or starved, TFE3 protein translocates into the nucleus. TFE3 gene fusions with multiple different partner genes occur in several tumours with resultant nuclear expression of TFE3 protein. The main tumours associated with TFE3 gene fusions are: renal cell carcinoma, alveolar soft part sarcoma, a subset of epithelioid haemangioendotheliomas (EHE), some perivascular epithelioid cell tumours and rare examples of ossifying fibromyxoid tumour and malignant chondroid syringoma. TFE3 immunohistochemistry is of use in routine diagnostic practice with the aforementioned tumours harbouring TFE3 fusions leading to nuclear staining. In addition, there are tumours lacking TFE3 fusions but also display TFE3 nuclear immunolabeling, and these include: granular cell tumour, solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas and ovarian sclerosing stromal tumour.
De novo missense variants in LMBRD2 are associated with developmental and motor delays, brain structure abnormalities and dysmorphic features
Authors: Malhotra Alka , Ziegler Alban , Shu Li , Perrier Renee , Amlie-Wolf Louise , Wohler Elizabeth , Lygia de Macena Sobreira Nara , Colin Estelle , Vanderver Adeline , Sherbini Omar , Stouffs Katrien , Scalais Emmanuel , Serretti Alessandro , Barth Magalie , Navet Benjamin , Rollier Paul , Xi Hui , Wang Hua , Zhang Hainan , Perry Denise L , Ferrarini Alessandra , Colombo Roberto , Pepler Alexander , Schneider Adele , Tomiwa Kiyotaka , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Matsumoto Naomichi , Miyake Noriko , Taft Ryan , Mao Xiao , Bonneau Dominique
Published: August 2020

Objective

To determine the potential disease association between variants in LMBRD2 and complex multisystem neurological and developmental delay phenotypes.

Methods

Here we describe a series of de novo missense variants in LMBRD2 in 10 unrelated individuals with overlapping features. Exome sequencing or genome sequencing was performed on all individuals, and the cohort was assembled through GeneMatcher.

Results

LMBRD2 encodes an evolutionary ancient and widely expressed transmembrane protein with no known disease association, although two paralogues are involved in developmental and metabolic disorders. Exome or genome sequencing revealed rare de novo LMBRD2 missense variants in 10 individuals with developmental delay, intellectual disability, thin corpus callosum, microcephaly and seizures. We identified five unique variants and two recurrent variants, c.1448G>A (p.Arg483His) in three cases and c.367T>C (p.Trp123Arg) in two cases. All variants are absent from population allele frequency databases, and most are predicted to be deleterious by multiple in silico damage-prediction algorithms.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that rare de novo variants in LMBRD2 can lead to a previously unrecognised early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder. Further investigation of individuals harbouring LMBRD2 variants may lead to a better understanding of the function of this ubiquitously expressed gene.
Virtual volunteers: the importance of restructuring medical volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Pickell Zachary , Gu Kathleen , Williams Aaron M
Published: August 2020

Healthcare systems have postponed medical volunteering services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, much of the aid provided by these volunteers is crucial to patient care and hospital functioning in the American healthcare system. The adoption of online video conferencing platforms in healthcare—telehealth—offers a novel solution for volunteering during this pandemic. Virtual volunteering can alleviate pressures on medical workers, enhance patient experiences, reduce the risk of viral infection and provide a sense of normalcy for patients and families. Although further study is required, this should be an avenue considered by health systems.
Advances in the management of diabetes: new devices for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Wunna Wunna , Tsoutsouki Jovanna , Chowdhury Aisha , Chowdhury Tahseen Ahmad
Published: August 2020

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition that affects a significant number of people worldwide, with higher prevalence in white European populations. The condition is responsible for a high burden of microvascular complications, especially when poorly controlled. The condition is also burdensome on the patient and has major psychosocial and occupational impacts. It requires lifelong frequent blood glucose monitoring and regular insulin injections. Important technological advances in the management of T1D have occurred in recent years. These include the advent of new glucose testing devices using interstitial glucose, and new insulin delivery devices. These technologies may improve quality of life, and glucose management in this condition. This review aims to outline the current advances in the management of T1D for the general physician, with a particular focus on new technologies.
Watching the watchmen: an evaluation of educational supervision in a busy district general hospital
Authors: Heining Christopher James , Wheeler Marie , Fletcher Peter
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Educational supervisors (ESs) play a critical role in the training of Foundation doctors. Many hospital trusts do not currently offer formal mechanisms to ensure the quality of supervision is at a high standard. Our Trust wanted to empower trainees to offer objective feedback on the quality of the supervisors.

Methods

We introduced a feedback form sent to all Foundation doctors at our Trust. The questionnaire was designed to identify whether ESs were meeting their responsibilities as defined by the Health Education England South West’s Severn Deanery. We collected data throughout the academic year 2017–2018 (Year 1) as a pilot, before rolling out the definitive questionnaire with minor modifications from 2018 to 2019 (Year 2).

Results

All respondents met with their supervisor within the first month of the placement and 90.7% of the trainees found it easy to meet with their supervisor. The Trust received generally very good feedback for all of its supervisors. Low numbers (4/120 trainees) reported supervisors not engaging with the exception reporting process.

Conclusion

Our Trust provides ESs of a high standard. The authors believe collecting feedback for ESs will achieve three things: 1) Drive up standards through increasing accountability of ESs receiving objective feedback. This will be of critical importance in the context of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic and the changes to our work it has necessitated. 2) Empower trainees to make informed decisions about where they wish to train and under which supervisors. 3) Facilitate revalidation and appraisal for supervisors by collecting data from trainees on the quality of their supervision.
Comparison of five major airflow limitation criteria to identify high-risk individuals with COPD: a contemporary population-based cohort
Authors: Çolak Yunus , Nordestgaard Børge G , Vestbo Jørgen , Lange Peter , Afzal Shoaib
Published: August 2020

Background

Different airflow limitation criteria are often used to diagnose COPD. We investigated head-to-head whether Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) (FEV1/FVC <0.70) and four lower limit of normal (LLN) (FEV1/FVC <LLN) criteria to diagnose airflow limitation differ in identifying individuals at risk of COPD exacerbations and mortality.

Methods

108 246 individuals aged 20–100 years randomly selected from the general population were followed from 2003 through 2018 to determine risk of COPD exacerbations, respiratory mortality and all-cause mortality. LLN criteria used equations from Global Lung Initiative (GLI), National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), European Community for Steel and Coal (ECSC) and Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS)/Copenhagen General Population Study (CGPS).

Results

Prevalence of airflow limitation was 17% for GOLD, 8.6% for GLI, 10% for NHANES, 8.2% for ECSC and 14% for CCHS/CGPS. During 14.4 years follow-up, we observed 2745 COPD exacerbations, 762 respiratory deaths and 10 338 all-cause deaths. Comparing individuals with versus without airflow limitation, HRs for COPD exacerbations were 17 (95% CI 14 to 20) for GOLD, 21 (18 to 24) for GLI, 20 (17 to 23) for NHANES, 21 (18 to 24) for ECSC and 18 (16 to 21) for CCHS/CGPS. Corresponding HRs for respiratory mortality were 3.7 (3.1 to 4.3), 6.4 (5.6 to 7.5), 5.7 (4.9 to 6.6), 6.2 (5.3 to 7.2) and 4.5 (3.9 to 5.2), and for all-cause mortality 1.5 (1.4 to 1.5), 1.9 (1.8 to 2.0), 1.8 (1.7 to 1.9), 1.9 (1.8 to 2.0) and 1.7 (1.6 to 1.7), respectively. Differences in Harrell’s C were minute for these outcomes; nonetheless, Harrell’s C was slightly higher for LLN criteria compared with GOLD for mortality outcomes.

Conclusions

The prevalence of airflow limitation ranged from 8% to 17% using GOLD and four different LLN criteria; however, identified individuals with the five different criteria had similar risk of COPD exacerbations and mortality.
Hydrogeological and geophysical properties of the very-slow-moving Ripley Landslide, Thompson River valley, British Columbia
Authors: Huntley David , Holmes Jessica , Bobrowsky Peter , Chambers Jonathan , Meldrum Philip , Wilkinson Paul , Donohue Shane , Elwood David , Sattler Kelvin , Hendry Michael , Macciotta Renato , Roberts Nicholas J.
Published: August 2020

Landslides along a 10 km reach of Thompson River south of Ashcroft, British Columbia, have repeatedly damaged vital railway infrastructure, while also placing public safety, the environment, natural resources, and cultural heritage features at risk. Government agencies, universities, and the railway industry are focusing research efforts on a representative test site — the very-slow-moving Ripley Landslide — to manage better the geohazard risk in this corridor. We characterize the landslide’s form and function through hydrogeological and geophysical mapping. Field mapping and exploratory drilling distinguish 10 hydrogeological units in surficial deposits and fractured bedrock. Electrical resistivity tomography, frequency domain electromagnetic conductivity measurements, ground-penetrating radar, seismic pressure wave refraction, and multispectral analysis of shear waves; in conjunction with downhole measurement of natural gamma radiation, induction conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility provide a detailed, static picture of soil moisture and groundwater conditions within the hydrogeological units. Differences in electrical resistivity of the units reflect a combination of hydrogeological characteristics and climatic factors, namely temperature and precipitation. Resistive earth materials include dry glaciofluvial outwash and nonfractured bedrock; whereas glaciolacustrine clay and silt, water-bearing fractured bedrock, and periodically saturated subglacial till and outwash are conductive. Dynamic, continuous real-time monitoring of electrical resistivity, now underway, will help characterize water-flow paths, and possible relationships to independently monitor pore pressures and slope creep. These new hydrogeological and geophysical data sets enhance understanding of the composition and internal structure of this landslide and provide important context to interpret multiyear slope stability monitoring ongoing in the valley.
Potential-field modelling of the prospective Chibougamau area (northeastern Abitibi subprovince, Quebec, Canada) using geological, geophysical, and petrophysical constraints
Authors: Maleki Amir , Smith Richard , Eshaghi Esmaeil , Mathieu Lucie , Snyder David , Naghizadeh Mostafa
Published: August 2020

This paper focusses on obtaining a better understanding of the subsurface geology of the Chibougamau area, in the northeast of the Abitibi greenstone belt (Superior craton), using geophysical data collected along a 128 km long traverse with a rough southwest–northeast orientation. We have constructed two-dimensional (2D) models of the study area that are consistent with newly collected gravity data and high-resolution magnetic data sets. The initial models were constrained at depth by an interpretation of a new seismic section and at surface by the bedrock geology and known geometry of lithological units. The attributes of the model were constrained using petrophysical measurements so that the final model is compatible with all available geological and geophysical data. The potential-field data modelling resolved the geometry of plutons and magnetic bodies that are transparent on seismic sections. The new model is consistent with the known structural geology, such as open folding, and provides an improvement in estimating the size, shape, and depth of the Barlow and Chibougamau plutons. The Chibougamau pluton is known to be associated with Cu–Au magmatic-hydrothermal mineralisation and, as the volume and geometry of intrusive bodies is paramount to the exploration of such mineralisation, the modelling presented here provides a scientific foundation to exploration models focused on such mineralisation.
Ten simple rules to facilitate evidence implementation in the environmental sciences
Authors: Lortie Christopher J. , Owen Malory
Published: August 2020

There is a gap between fundamental science and managers. There are many general solutions including the need to better leverage the primary scientific literature for decision-making. Herein, we provide a list of 10 simple rules to support environmental management through better scientific writing and suggest practices for more transparent publications. These rules can also be used as a checklist for reusing the primary literature when searching for relevant evidence in the environmental sciences. We need to better structure knowledge in papers for connections within sustainable societies.
Molecular confirmation of varietal status in bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) using genotyping-by-sequencing
Authors: Konan Jacky Amenan , Guyot Romain , Koffi Kouamé Kevin , Vroh-Bi Irié , Zoro Arsène Irié Bi
Published: August 2020

Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is an important food, medicinal, and utilitarian crop with a large pan-tropical distribution. Two morphologically different types in the siceraria subspecies are sufficiently different to be considered as varieties, but they are assigned into different taxonomic ranks. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of 95 different accessions from the Nangui Abrogoua University collection was used to confirm the varietal status in bottle gourd. This analysis produced 22 575 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Cluster analyses conducted with 2250 (9.96%) SNPs distinctly separated hard-shelled from soft-shelled types. Analysis of 23 SNPs located in 11 genes coding for traits that differentiate the two types of gourds revealed that genes in the soft-shelled types had about 21% fewer SNPs than genes within hard-shelled gourds, but the latter had more non-synonymous SNPs. Cluster analyses conducted with the 23 SNPs fitted well with the structure defined by the 2250 SNPs, suggesting the implication of these SNPs in the varietal differentiation of bottle gourd. These nucleotide changes along with the genetic relationships between the accessions provide molecular proof supporting the status of two varieties. To prevent the confusion inherent in the use of synonyms and homonyms in bottle gourd, we suggest the terms hard-shelled and soft-shelled to designate, respectively, the varieties used as utensils and those grown for their edible seeds.
Erratum to: The Hamiltonian dynamics of Hořava gravity
Authors: Devecioğlu Deniz O. , Park Mu-In
Published: August 2020

This erratum corrects some typos in the article.
Space-time collocation method: Loop quantum Hamiltonian constraints
Authors: Yonika A. , Heryudono A. , Khanna G.
Published: August 2020

A space-time collocation method (STCM) using asymptotically-constant basis functions is proposed and applied to the quantum Hamiltonian constraint for a loop-quantized treatment of the Schwarzschild interior. Canonically, these descriptions take the form of a partial difference equation (PDE). The space-time collocation approach presents a computationally efficient, convergent, and easily parallelizable method for solving this class of equations, which is the main novelty of this study. Results of the numerical simulations will demonstrate the benefit from a parallel computing approach; and show general flexibility of the framework to handle arbitrarily-sized domains. Computed solutions will be compared, when applicable, to a solution computed in the conventional method via iteratively stepping through a predefined grid of discrete values, computing the solution via a recursive relationship.
Worst-case approximability of functions on finite groups by endomorphisms and affine maps
Authors: Bors Alexander
Published: August 2020

We study the maximum Hamming distance (or rather, the complementary notion of “minimum approximability”) of a general function on a finite group [Formula: see text] to either of the sets End(G) and Aff(G), of group endomorphisms of [Formula: see text] and affine maps on [Formula: see text], respectively, the latter being a certain generalization of endomorphisms. We give general bounds on these two quantities and discuss an infinite class of extremal examples (where each of the two Hamming distances can be made as large as generally possible). Finally, we compute the precise values of the two quantities for all finite groups [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text].
Constructions of polynomially complete quasigroups of arbitrary order
Authors: Artamonov V. A. , Chakrabarti S. , Markov V. T. , Pal S. K.
Published: August 2020

Large order cryptographically suitable quasigroups have important applications in the development of crypto-primitives and cryptographic schemes. These present new perspectives of cryptography and information security. From algebraic point of view polynomial completeness is one of the most important characteristic for cryptographically suitable quasigroups. In this paper, we propose four different methods to construct polynomially complete quasigroups of any order [Formula: see text]. First method is based on a starting quasigroup of same order, second method is based on a particular permutation of [Formula: see text] and third and fourth methods are based on products of lower order quasigroups. In the last case, all quasigroups and their isotopes are polynomially complete. We also develop and implement an algorithm to derive a permutation for a given permutation of [Formula: see text] so that they generate whole [Formula: see text].
First-principles Study of a Half-metallic Ferrimagnetic New Full-Heusler Mn2OsGe Alloy
Authors: Maizia A. , Belkharroubi F. , Bourdim M. , Khelfaoui F. , Azzi S. , Amara K.
Published: August 2020

Full-Heuslers are a group of materials that have repeatedly attracted the curiosity of scientists and researchers, especially for their use in the field of spintronics. In this work, we undertook a study on the structural, elastic, electronic, magnetic and thermodynamic properties of the full-Heusler Mn2OsGe alloy using the calculations of the first principles. Two approximations are used: the generalized approximation of the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof GGA–PBE gradient for electron-correlation exchange and the new modified Tran-Blaha form of the modified Becke-Johnson mBJ–GGA-PBE potential. As important results, we found that the compound Mn2OsGe is stable in the CuHg2Ti structure; on the other hand, we could also verify its mechanical stability at zero temperature and pressure. For the calculation of the electronic properties, we were able to determine the half-metallic ferrimagnetic character of our compound, which exhibits a metallic behavior in the state of the majority spins, and a semiconductor behavior in the state of the minority spins. An integer value of 2[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] has been recorded for a magnetic moment and this conforms to the Slater–Pauling rule.
A conversation with Gürkan Solmaz
Authors: Anjum Bushra
Published: August 2020

In this interview, Ubiquity's senior editor Dr. Bushra Anjum chats with Dr. Gürkan Solmaz, a senior researcher at NEC Laboratories Europe, Germany, about his work focused on building new situation classification frameworks for smart cities (IoT). They then discuss the three major design aspects for such systems, namely, certainty, efficiency, and privacy.
Jacques Calmet dies at 77
Authors: Seiler Werner M.
Published: August 2020

The computer algebra community lost one of its pioneers when Jacques Calmet died on 7th April 2019 aged 77. Born in Marseille, he studied physics at the University of Aix-Marseille where he received his Ph.D. in 1966 and his Doctorat-és-Sciences in 1970. He was from 1965 to 1988 first a researcher, then a research director with the French CNRS. Until 1981 he was mainly working in physics at the Centre de Physique Théorique de Marseille, then he moved to Grenoble to work first at IMAG and then at LIFIA more in the field of computer science. During this time, he spent repeatedly longer spells at foreign universities and research centres like the Universities of Utah and Delaware in the USA, the University of Karlsruhe, Germany, and the CERN Theory Division in Geneva, Switzerland. In 1988 he moved permanently to the University of Karlsruhe where he was a professor of computer science until his retirement in 2007.
Muscle fiber typology is associated with the incidence of overreaching in response to overload training
Authors: Bellinger Phillip , Desbrow Ben , Derave Wim , Lievens Eline , Irwin Chris , Sabapathy Surendran , Kennedy Ben , Craven Jonathan , Pennell Evan , Rice Hal , Minahan Clare
Published: August 2020

Variability in the performance responses following an overload training period and subsequent taper was associated with the variation in the muscle fiber typology of the gastrocnemius. Runners with an estimated higher proportion of type I fibers (i.e., lower carnosine z-score) were able to maintain performance in response to an overload training period and subsequently achieve a superior performance supercompensation. These findings show that muscle fiber typology contributes to the variability in performance responses following training.
Improving lung aeration in ventilated newborn preterm rabbits with a partially aerated lung
Authors: Pryor Emily J. , Kitchen Marcus J. , Croughan Michelle K. , Crossley Kelly J. , Wallace Megan J. , Lee Katie , te Pas Arjan B. , McGillick Erin V. , Hooper Stuart B.
Published: August 2020

Preterm newborns commonly receive intermittent positive pressure ventilation (iPPV) at birth, but the optimal approach that facilitates uniform lung aeration is unknown, particularly in a partially aerated lung. Using phase contrast X-ray imaging, we showed that combining a long inflation time (1.0 s) with surfactant improved lung mechanics and aeration in the immediate newborn period. The current clinical practice of using short inflation times during iPPV might be suboptimal, and a different approach is needed.
Fractal analysis of muscle activity patterns during locomotion: pitfalls and how to avoid them
Authors: Santuz Alessandro , Akay Turgay
Published: August 2020

Despite the lack of consensus on how to perform fractal analysis of physiological time series, many studies rely on this technique. Here, we shed light on the potential pitfalls of using the Higuchi’s fractal dimension and the Hurst exponent. We expose and suggest how to solve the drawbacks of such methods when applied to data from normal and perturbed locomotion by combining in vivo recordings and computational approaches.
Establishment and Analysis of a Combined Diagnostic Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Random Forest and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Xie Ning-Ning , Wang Fang-Fang , Zhou Jue , Liu Chang , Qu Fan
Published: August 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common metabolic and reproductive endocrinopathies. However, few studies have tried to develop a diagnostic model based on gene biomarkers. In this study, we applied a computational method by combining two machine learning algorithms, including random forest (RF) and artificial neural network (ANN), to identify gene biomarkers and construct diagnostic model. We collected gene expression data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database containing 76 PCOS samples and 57 normal samples; five datasets were utilized, including one dataset for screening differentially expressed genes (DEGs), two training datasets, and two validation datasets. Firstly, based on RF, 12 key genes in 264 DEGs were identified to be vital for classification of PCOS and normal samples. Moreover, the weights of these key genes were calculated using ANN with microarray and RNA‐seq training dataset, respectively. Furthermore, the diagnostic models for two types of datasets were developed and named neuralPCOS. Finally, two validation datasets were used to test and compare the performance of neuralPCOS with other two set of marker genes by area under curve (AUC). Our model achieved an AUC of 0.7273 in microarray dataset, and 0.6488 in RNA‐seq dataset. To conclude, we uncovered gene biomarkers and developed a novel diagnostic model of PCOS, which would be helpful for diagnosis.
Characteristics and Unexpected COVID‐19 Diagnoses in Resuscitation Room Patients during the COVID‐19 Outbreak—A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Bergrath Sebastian , Aretz Olaf , Haake Hendrik , Ringelstein Adrian , Greiffendorf Ingo , Graeven Ullrich , Windfuhr Jochen
Published: August 2020

Introduction. Emergency department (ED) triage regarding infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is challenging. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak in Germany, the diagnostic outcomes of critically ill patients admitted to the resuscitation room in the ED of our academic 754‐bed hospital should be analyzed. Methods. All resuscitation room patients between March 1st and April 15th 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Every patient with suspicion of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection received a pharyngeal swab for real‐time polymerase chain reaction (rt‐PCR), divided in the clinical subgroups of “highly suspicious for COVID‐19” and “COVID‐19 as differential diagnosis.” All respiratory and infectious symptoms were included as at least “differential diagnosis” as an expanded suspicion strategy. Results. Ninety‐five patients were included (trauma n = 14, critically ill n = 81). Of 3 highly suspicious patients, 2 had rt‐PCR positive pharyngeal swabs. In 39 patients, COVID‐19 was defined as differential diagnosis, and 3 were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. Of them, pharyngeal swabs were positive in 1 case, while in 2 cases, only tracheal fluid was rt‐PCR positive while the pharyngeal swabs were negative. In one of these 2 cases, chest computed tomography (CT) was also negative for ground‐glass opacities but showed a pulmonary abscess and pulmonary embolism. Conclusion. We recommend an expanded suspicion strategy for COVID‐19 due to unexpected diagnostic outcomes. Personal protective equipment should be used in every resuscitation room operation due to unexpected cases and initial knowledge gaps. Furthermore, tracheal fluid should be tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 in every intubated patient due to cases with negative pharyngeal swabs and negative chest CT.
Malaria in Pregnancy in Endemic Regions of Colombia: High Frequency of Asymptomatic and Peri-Urban Infections in Pregnant Women with Malaria
Authors: Vásquez Ana-María , Zuluaga-Idárraga Lina , Arboleda Margarita , Usuga Luz-Yáned , Gallego-Marin Carolina , Lasso Alvaro , Carbal Luisa , Piñeros-Jiménez Juan-Gabriel , Tobón-Castaño Alberto
Published: August 2020

Background. Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is limited information on MiP in low transmission regions as Colombia. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of MiP through active surveillance of infections by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2016 and January 2017 in five municipalities (Apartadó, Turbo, El Bagre, Quibdó, and Tumaco) in Colombia. Pregnant women self-presenting at health centers for antenatal care visits, seeking medical care for suspected malaria, or delivery, were enrolled. Diagnosis of Plasmodium spp was made in peripheral and placental blood samples by microscopy and PCR. Results. A total of 787 pregnant women were enrolled; plasmodial infection was diagnosed by microscopy in 4.2% (95% CI 2.8-5.6; 33/787) or by nPCR in 5.3% (95% CI 3.8-6.9; 42/787) in peripheral blood. Most of the infections were caused by P. falciparum (78.5%), and 46% were afebrile (asymptomatic). Women in the first and second trimester of pregnancy were more likely to be infected (aOR=3.06, 95%CI=1.6−5.8). To live in the urban/peri-urban area (aOR=3.04, 95%CI=1.4−6.56), to have a history of malaria during last year (aOR=5.45, 95%IC=2.16−13.75), and the infrequent bed net usage (aOR=2.8, 95%CI=1.31−5.97) were associated with the infection. Pregnant infected women had a higher risk of anaemia (aOR=2.18, 95%CI=1.15−4.12) and fever (aOR=14.2, 95%CI=6.89−29.8). Conclusion. The screening for malaria during antenatal care in endemic areas of Colombia is highly recommended due to the potential adverse effects of Plasmodium spp. infection in pregnancy and as an important activity for the surveillance of asymptomatic infections in the control of malaria.
Kangtaizhi Granule Alleviated Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats and HepG2 Cells via AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Jiaxin , Du Haixia , Shen Menglan , Zhao Zhengqi , Ye Xinmiao
Published: August 2020

Kangtaizhi granule (KTZG) is a Chinese medicine compound prescription and has been proven to be effective in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) treatment clinically. However, the underlying mechanisms under this efficacy are rather elusive. In the present study, network pharmacology and HPLC analysis were performed to identify the chemicals of KTZG and related target pathways for NAFLD treatment. Network pharmacology screened 42 compounds and 79 related targets related to NAFLD; HPLC analysis also confirmed six compounds in KTZG. Further experiments were also performed. In an in vivo study, SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (rats fed with normal diet), NAFLD (rats fed with high-fat diet), and KTZG 0.75, 1.5, and 3 groups (NAFLD rats treated with KTZG 0.75, 1.5, and 3 g/kg, respectively). Serum lipids were biochemically determined; hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation were evaluated with HE and oil red O staining. In an in vitro study, HepG2 cells were incubated with 1 mM FFA to induce lipid accumulation with or without KTZG treatment. MTT assay, intracellular TG level, oil red O staining, and glucose uptake in cells were detected. Western blotting and immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining were also performed to determine the expression of lipid-related genes PPAR-γ, SREBP-1, p-AKT, FAS, and SIRT1 and genes in the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. In high-fat diet-fed rats, KTZG treatment significantly improved liver organ index and serum lipid contents of TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, ALT, and AST significantly; HE and oil red O staining also showed that KTZG alleviated hepatic steatosis and liver lipid accumulation. In FFA-treated HepG2 cells, KTZG treatment decreased the intracellular TG levels, lipid accumulation, and attenuated glucose uptake significantly. More importantly, lipid-related genes PPAR-γ, SREBP-1, p-AKT, FAS, and SIRT1 expressions were ameliorated with KTZG treatment in high-fat diet-fed rats and FFA-induced HepG2 cells. The p-AMPK and p-mTOR expressions in the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway were also modified with KTZG treatment in high-fat diet-fed rats and HepG2 cells. These results indicated that KTZG effectively ameliorated lipid accumulation and hepatic steatosis to prevent NAFLD in high-fat diet-fed rats and FFA-induced HepG2 cells, and this effect was associated with the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Our results suggested that KTZG might be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of NAFLD.
Introducing Our New Chief Editor
Authors: Yorek Mark
Published: August 2020

Journal of Diabetes Research is delighted to announce the installation of Dr. Mark Yorek as the new Chief Editor for the journal. In this Editorial, Dr. Yorek discusses his research background, his ideas for the journal’s development, and his views on the direction of the field of diabetes.
Development of an Immune‐Related Risk Signature in Patients with Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Yaofei , Wang Yibing , Li Cong , Zou Zhenhong , Liang Bo
Published: August 2020

With recent advances in immunooncology and tumor microenvironment, the treatment landscape of bladder urothelial carcinoma has been changing dramatically. We aim to construct an immune gene‐related signature which can predict BLCA patients’ overall survival. Transcriptomic data of BLCA patients was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and immune‐related genes were downloaded from the Immunology Database and Analysis Portal database. Prognostic immune‐related genes were identified. We then constructed and validated an immune gene‐related signature. Tumor‐related transcription factors were downloaded from the Cistrome database, and a network between them and prognostic immune‐related genes was generated. Cox’s proportional hazards model and the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were performed to assess our signature’s prognostic ability. Relationship between the signature and patients’ clinicopathologic features was then explored to validate its clinical value. We further downloaded concentration of six types of immune cells from the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource database to explore immune‐related potential mechanisms of the signature.
Design of an Unmatching Observer-Based Controller for Discrete-Time Fuzzy Systems with Time Delay
Authors: Zhang Zejian , Wang Dawei
Published: August 2020

The problem of an unmatching observer-based controller design for discrete-time fuzzy systems with time delay is investigated, in which the fuzzy controller shares different membership functions from the fuzzy model. The objective is to design a state observer and unmatching fuzzy controller such that the discrete closed-loop system with time delay is asymptotically stable. A sufficient condition that contains the information of the membership functions of fuzzy model and fuzzy controller for the stabilization via an unmatching observer-based output feedback is presented. The proposed control scheme is well capable of enhancing the design flexibility, and the stability condition is less conservative. Three numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.
Association between the Lymphotoxin‐α A252g Gene Polymorphism and the Risk of Sepsis and Mortality: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Guo Shujin , Zuo Qiunan , Li Xiaohui , He Ye , Zhou Yutian
Published: August 2020

Background. The association between the lymphotoxin‐α (LTA) A252G polymorphism and sepsis risk has been extensively studied, but the results have been controversial. This study is aimed at investigating the overall association between the LTA A252G polymorphism and the risk of sepsis/septic shock and sepsis‐related mortality. Methods. We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify studies that investigated the association between the LTA A252G polymorphism and risks of sepsis, septic shock, and mortality. The relevant data were extracted, and statistical analyses were performed using the Revman 5.0 and STATA 12 software. Results. A total of 32 publications were included in the meta‐analysis. The results demonstrated that the LTA A252G polymorphism showed no significant association with sepsis risk (GG+GA vs. AA: OR = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.79–1.07, p = 0.27) or with sepsis shock risk (GG+GA vs. AA: OR = 1.01, 95%CI = 0.84–1.22, p = 0.91). However, in the subgroup analyzed by ethnicity, the LTA A252G polymorphism significantly decreased sepsis risk in the Asian population for the recessive model [GG vs. GA+AA: OR = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.68–0.99, p = 0.04] but not in the Caucasian population. Moreover, comparisons between sepsis patients who survived and those who did not suggested that the LTA A252G polymorphism decreases the risk of mortality [GG+GA vs. AA: OR = 0.57, 95%CI = 0.41–0.80, p < 0.01]. Conclusion. Our results suggested that the A252G polymorphism in the LTA gene decreased the risk of sepsis in Asians and may reduce mortality in septic individuals.