bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient Intestinal Colonization by a Live-Attenuated Oral Cholera Vaccine Induces Protective Immune Responses in Streptomycin-Treated Mice
Authors: Fakoya Bolutife , Sit Brandon , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: June 2020

Oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) are being deployed to combat cholera, but current killed OCVs require multiple doses and show little efficacy in young children. Live OCVs have the potential to overcome these limitations, but small-animal models for testing OCVs have shortcomings. We used an antibiotic treatment protocol for conventional adult mice to study the effects of short-term colonization by a single dose of HaitiV, a live-OCV candidate. Vaccinated mice developed vibriocidal antibodies against
V. cholerae
and delivered pups that were resistant to cholera, whereas mice vaccinated with inactivated HaitiV did not. These findings demonstrate HaitiV’s immunogenicity and suggest that this antibiotic treatment protocol will be useful for evaluating the efficacy of live OCVs.
Shedding-Resistant HIV-1 Envelope Glycoproteins Adopt Downstream Conformations That Remain Responsive to Conformation-Preferring Ligands
Authors: Lu Maolin , Ma Xiaochu , Reichard Nick , Terry Daniel S. , Arthos James , Smith Amos B. , Sodroski Joseph G. , Blanchard Scott C. , Mothes Walther
Published: June 2020

The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) opens in response to receptor CD4 binding from a pretriggered (state 1) conformation through a necessary intermediate to the three-CD4-bound conformation. The application of smFRET to test the conformational state of existing Env constructs and ligand complexes used for high-resolution structures recently revealed that they correspond to the downstream conformations. The structure of the pretriggered Env conformation, preferentially recognized by broadly neutralizing antibodies, remains unknown. Here, we identify experimental conditions that stabilize membrane-bound and shedding-resistant virus Env trimers in state 1, potentially facilitating structural characterization of this unknown conformational state.
Complete Genome Sequences of Six Salmonella enterica Serovar 4,[5],12:i:– Isolates from Canada
Authors: Walker Matthew , Landgraff Chrystal , Clark Clifford
Published: June 2020

Salmonella enterica
with antigenic formula 4,[5],12:i:– is a monophasic variant of
S. enterica
serovar Typhimurium that has emerged globally as a human pathogen over the last 3 decades. We describe the closed genomes and plasmids from six
S. enterica
4,[5],12:i:– isolates recovered from stool samples obtained during investigation of human food poisoning cases reported to PulseNet Canada that are suitable for use as reference strains.
Full-Genome Sequences of Two Newcastle Disease Virus Strains Isolated in West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Pandarangga P. , Cahyono M. I. , McAllister M. M. , Peaston A. E. , Tearle R. , Low W. Y. , Doan P. T. K. , Rabiei M. , Ignjatovic J. , Dharmayanti N. P. I. , Indriani R. , Tarigan S. , Hemmatzadeh F.
Published: June 2020

The full-genome sequences of strains chicken/Indonesia/Cilebut/010WJ/2015 and chicken/Indonesia/ITA/012WJ/1951, isolated in West Java, Indonesia, in 2015 and 1951, respectively, were examined. Chicken/Indonesia/Cilebut/010WJ/2015 (genotype VII) caused a 2015 disease outbreak in Indonesia, and chicken/Indonesia/ITA/012WJ/1951 (genotype VI) is used as a standard strain for challenge in Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine trials.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of an Unusual Human Papillomavirus (HPV71) from Latin America (Brazil)
Authors: Junior Edivaldo Costa Sousa , Silva Allan Kaio , Reis Laryssa Danielle da Silva , Fonseca Lana Patricia da Silva , da Silva Fabiano Reis , Santos Fabiolla da Silva dos , Ferreira Jessylene Almeida , de Lima Clayton Pereira Silva , de Abreu Michelle Carvalho , Silvestre Rodrigo Vellasco Duarte , Nunes Marcio Roberto Teixeira
Published: June 2020

We report the complete genome sequencing of human papillomavirus 71 from Latin America (Brazil).
Haemoptysis following shallow breath-hold diving in a cannabis user
Authors: Borg Janice , Cassar Julian , Bonello Sarah , Fsadni Peter
Published: June 2020

We report the first case of a healthy 24-year-old male with a 6-year history of regular cannabis use, who presented with haemoptysis after a shallow 3 m breath-hold dive. Blood investigations showed mild neutrophilia. CT thorax revealed focal ground-glass changes in the superior segment of the lower lobe. With a suspicion of pneumonia, oral antibiotics were initiated to poor effect. Through bronchoscopic visualisation and lavage, a diagnosis of diffuse alveolar haemorrhage was established. The clinical course was benign with resolution of symptoms and changes on CT thorax within 6 weeks of stopping marijuana use. Since all other causes of haemoptysis were excluded, pathophysiology was attributed to cannabis-induced lung parenchymal damage, exacerbated by a shallow breath-hold dive. To ensure appropriate management, a clinician should therefore have a high index of suspicion for drug use and other factors known to cause chronic lung damage in whom other causes of diffuse alveolar haemorrhage are excluded.
Community health workers for pandemic response: a rapid evidence synthesis
Authors: Bhaumik Soumyadeep , Moola Sandeep , Tyagi Jyoti , Nambiar Devaki , Kakoti Misimi
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), affects 213 countries or territories globally. We received a request from National Health Systems Resource Centre, a public agency in India, to conduct rapid evidence synthesis (RES) on community health workers (CHWs) for COVID-19 prevention and control in 3 days.

Methods

We searched PubMed, websites of ministries (n=3), public agencies (n=6), multilateral institutions (n=3), COVID-19 resource aggregators (n=5) and preprints (n=1) (without language restrictions) for articles on CHWs in pandemics. Two reviewers screened the records independently with a third reviewer resolving disagreements. One reviewer extracted data with another reviewer cross-checking it. A framework on CHW performance in primary healthcare not specific to pandemic was used to guide data extraction and narrative analysis.

Results

We retrieved 211 records and finally included 36 articles. Most of the evidence was from low-and middle-income countries with well-established CHW programmes. Evidence from CHW programmes initiated during pandemics and for CHW involvement in pandemic response in high-income countries was scant. CHW roles and tasks change substantially during pandemics. Clear guidance, training for changed roles and definition of what constitutes essential activities (ie, those that must to be sustained) is required. Most common additional activities during pandemics were community awareness, engagement and sensitisation (including for countering stigma) and contact tracing. CHWs were reported to be involved in all aspects of contact tracing - this was reported to affect routine service delivery. CHWs have often been stigmatised or been socially ostracised during pandemics. Providing PPE, housing allowance, equal training opportunities, transportation allowance, improving salaries (paid on time and for a broad range of services) and awards in high-profile public events contributed to better recruitment and retention. We also created inventories of resources with guiding notes on guidelines for health workers (n=24), self-isolation in the community (n=10) and information, education and counselling materials on COVID-19 (n=16).

Conclusions

CHWs play a critical role in pandemics. It is important to ensure role clarity, training, supportive supervision, as well as their work satisfaction, health and well-being. More implementation research on CHWs in pandemics is required.
Characteristics and attitudes of first round invitees in the Irish National Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme
Authors: O'Reilly Susanne M , Hughes Katie N , Mooney Therese , Fitzpatrick Patricia , O'Donoghue Diarmuid , McNally Sara , Codd Mary , Ryan Elizabeth , Doherty Glen , Mason Olivia , Mulcahy Hugh E , Cullen Garret
Published: June 2020

Background/objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is proven to reduce CRC-related mortality. Faecal immunochemical testing (FIT)-positive clients in the Irish National CRC Screening Programme underwent colonoscopy. Round 1 uptake was 40.2%. We sought to identify barriers to participation by assessing knowledge of CRC screening and examining attitudes towards FIT test and colonoscopy.

Methods

Questionnaires based on a modified Champion’s Health Belief Model were mailed to 3500 invitees: 1000 FIT-positive, 1000 FIT-negative and 1500 non-participants. 44% responded: 550 (46%) FIT-positive, 577 (48%) FIT-negative and 69 (6%) non-responders (NR).

Results

25% of respondents (n=286) did not perceive a personal risk of cancer, did not perceive CRC to be a serious disease and did not perceive benefits to screening. These opinions were more likely to be expressed by men (p=0.035). One-fifth (n=251) found screening stressful. Fear of cancer diagnosis and test results were associated with stress. FIT-positive clients, women and those with social medical insurance were more likely to experience stress.

Conclusions

The CRC screening process causes stress to one-fifth of participants. Greater use of media and involvement of healthcare professionals in disseminating information on the benefits of screening may lead to higher uptake in round 2.
Recent advances in percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Hoole Stephen P , Bambrough Paul
Published: June 2020

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) continues to advance at pace with an ever-broadening indication. In this article we will review the recent technological advances in PCI that have enabled more complex coronary disease to be treated. The choice of revascularisation strategy must take into account the evidence—just because we can treat by PCI does not necessarily mean we should. When PCI is indicated, a safe, precision PCI approach guided by physiology, imaging and optimal lesion preparation should be the goal to obtain complete revascularisation and a durable long-term result. When these standards are adhered to, the outcomes can be excellent, in even complex coronary disease. We provide contemporary trial evidence to justify PCI and treatment algorithms that ensure optimal revascularisation decision making to achieve the best patient outcomes.
Relational ethical approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jeffrey David Ian
Published: June 2020

Key ethical challenges for healthcare workers arising from the COVID-19 pandemic are identified: isolation and social distancing, duty of care and fair access to treatment. The paper argues for a relational approach to ethics which includes solidarity, relational autonomy, duty, equity, trust and reciprocity as core values. The needs of the poor and socially disadvantaged are highlighted. Relational autonomy and solidarity are explored in relation to isolation and social distancing. Reciprocity is discussed with reference to healthcare workers’ duty of care and its limits. Priority setting and access to treatment raise ethical issues of utility and equity. Difficult ethical dilemmas around triage, do not resuscitate decisions, and withholding and withdrawing treatment are discussed in the light of recently published guidelines. The paper concludes with the hope for a wider discussion of relational ethics and a glimpse of a future after the pandemic has subsided.
Intracranial aneurysms in microcephalic primordial dwarfism: a systematic review
Authors: Monteiro Andre , Cortez Gustavo M , Granja Manuel F , Agnoletto Guilherme J , Kranich Julia , Padilha Marcus Vinicius R , Aldana Philipp , Hanel Ricardo
Published: June 2020

Background

Microcephalic primordial dwarfism (MPD) is a heterogeneous group of rare disorders. Recent studies have reported a significant percentage of patients with MPD suffering from a spectrum of cerebrovascular abnormalities, including intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and moyamoya syndrome. The neurological literature has not as yet specifically assessed IAs in this population. This systematic review aimed to assess the clinical behavior, characteristics, treatment modalities and outcomes of IAs in patients with MPD.

Methods

We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE and Ovid EMBASE for cases of MPD with IAs. We included three illustrative cases from our institution.

Results

Twenty-four patients with 71 aneurysms were included in this study. Twelve patients (50%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The majority of patients were aged ≤18 years (70.8%), with a mean age of 16.2 years at presentation. Median aneurysm size was 3 (IQR 1.8–6) mm, and the most frequent locations were the internal carotid (37.3%) and middle cerebral arteries (23.8%). Concomitant moyamoya disease was reported in nine (37.5%) patients. Median age of aneurysm detection in screened patients was significantly lower than in non-screened patients (P=0.02). Microsurgical clipping (55.3%) and endovascular coiling (26.3%) were the most used modalities. Twenty-two cases were managed conservatively. Overall, mortality occurred in 45.8% of cases.

Conclusions

Screening for cerebrovascular disease seems reasonable and effective to detect aneurysms at an earlier age in this population. Efforts in the literature to emphasize early and regular screening for these patients can positively impact outcomes in this population, however more evidence is needed.
A network of superconducting gravimeters as a detector of matter with feeble nongravitational coupling
Authors: Hu Wenxiang , Lawson Matthew M. , Budker Dmitry , Figueroa Nataniel L. , Kimball Derek F. Jackson , Mills Allen P. , Voigt Christian
Published: June 2020

Hidden matter that interacts only gravitationally would oscillate at characteristic frequencies when trapped inside of Earth. For small oscillations near the center of the Earth, these frequencies are around 300 μHz. Additionally, signatures at higher harmonics would appear because of the non-uniformity of Earth’s density. In this work, we use data from a global network of gravimeters of the International Geodynamics and Earth Tide Service (IGETS) to look for these hypothetical trapped objects. We find no evidence for such objects with masses on the order of 1014 kg or greater with an oscillation amplitude of 0.1 re. It may be possible to improve the sensitivity of the search by several orders of magnitude via better understanding of the terrestrial noise sources and more advanced data analysis.

Graphical abstract
Atomic hydrogen interactions with small polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons cations
Authors: Schlathölter Thomas , Mostafa Yahia , Kamman Amber , Dongelmans Arnold , Arribard Yann , Cazaux Stephanie , Hoekstra Ronnie
Published: June 2020

When exposed to a thermal beam of hydrogen atoms, gas-phase coronene cations C24H12+ can be sequentially hydrogenated. This process is accompanied by a gradual transition of the electronic structure from aromatic to aliphatic. The planar very stable coronene structure transforms into the significantly weaker corrugated structure, typical for aliphatic molecules. In this study, we have investigated the hydrogenation of 5 smaller polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon cations using a combination of radiofrequency ion trapping with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Anthracene (C14H10+), pyrene (C16H10+), triphenylene (C18H12+), tetracene (C18H12+) and 8-9-benzofluoranthene (C20H12+) only cover a small mass range, but differ in carbon/hydrogen ratio, number of outer-edge sites and overall structure. We have observed qualitatively similar initial hydrogenation patterns for all 5 molecular ions, with odd hydrogenation states being dominant. Strong quantitative differences in hydrogenation and in attachment-induced fragmentation were found. For the case of pyrene cations, we have also investigated exposure to atomic D. Clear lines of evidence for HD/D2 abstraction reactions of Eley–Rideal type were found, as previously observed for coronene cations.

Graphical abstract
Strange stars in energy–momentum-conserved f(R,T) gravity
Authors: Carvalho G. A. , Dos Santos S. I. , Moraes P. H. R. S. , Malheiro M.
Published: June 2020

For the accurate understanding of compact astrophysical objects, the Tolmann–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equation has proved to be of great use. Nowadays, it has been derived in many alternative gravity theories, yielding the prediction of different macroscopic features for such compact objects. In this work, we apply the TOV equation of the energy–momentum–conserved version of the [Formula: see text] gravity theory to strange quark stars. The [Formula: see text] theory, with [Formula: see text] being a generic function of the Ricci scalar [Formula: see text] and trace of the energy–momentum tensor [Formula: see text] to replace [Formula: see text] in the Einstein–Hilbert gravitational action, has shown to provide a very interesting alternative to the cosmological constant [Formula: see text] in a cosmological scenario, particularly in the energy–momentum conserved case (a general [Formula: see text] function does not conserve the energy–momentum tensor). Here, we impose the condition [Formula: see text] to the astrophysical case, particularly the hydrostatic equilibrium of strange stars. We solve the TOV equation by taking into account linear equations of state to describe matter inside strange stars, such as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], known as the MIT bag model, with [Formula: see text] the pressure and [Formula: see text] the energy density of the star, [Formula: see text] constant and [Formula: see text] the bag constant.
ARF family GTPases with links to cilia
Authors: Fisher Skylar , Kuna Damian , Caspary Tamara , Kahn Richard A. , Sztul Elizabeth
Published: June 2020

The ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) superfamily of regulatory GTPases, including both the ARF and ARF-like (ARL) proteins, control a multitude of cellular functions, including aspects of vesicular traffic, lipid metabolism, mitochondrial architecture, the assembly and dynamics of the microtubule and actin cytoskeletons, and other pathways in cell biology. Considering their general utility, it is perhaps not surprising that increasingly ARF/ARLs have been found in connection to primary cilia. Here, we critically evaluate the current knowledge of the roles four ARF/ARLs (ARF4, ARL3, ARL6, ARL13B) play in cilia and highlight key missing information that would help move our understanding forward. Importantly, these GTPases are themselves regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that activate them and by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) that act as both effectors and terminators of signaling. We believe that the identification of the GEFs and GAPs and better models of the actions of these GTPases and their regulators will provide a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the mechanisms that underly ciliary functions and the causes of a number of human ciliopathies.
Eye, head, and gaze contributions to smooth pursuit in macular degeneration
Authors: Shanidze Natela M. , Velisar Anca
Published: June 2020

This article is the first to look at eye and head movements in observers with macular degeneration. It is the first to show that in older individuals, regardless of central field defect, freedom of head movement may reduce pursuit gain. Despite oculomotor limitations due to eccentric fixation, individuals with macular degeneration do not rely on head movements more than age-matched controls, with both groups having a similarly heterogenous eye and head movement strategy for pursuit.
Real-world structure facilitates the rapid emergence of scene category information in visual brain signals
Authors: Kaiser Daniel , Häberle Greta , Cichy Radoslaw M.
Published: June 2020

Natural scenes are structured, with different types of information appearing in predictable locations. Here, we use EEG decoding to show that the visual brain uses this structure to efficiently analyze scene content. During early visual processing, the category of a scene (e.g., a church vs. a supermarket) could be more accurately decoded from EEG signals when the scene adhered to its typical spatial structure compared with when it did not.
Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation of Decoupling Economic Growth from Environment Costs in China’s Resource-Based Cities
Authors: Li Zhidong , Zhou Zhifan
Published: June 2020

Most of China’s resource-based cities are recently threatened by the problems of environmental pollution, resource depletion, and even economic recession. There is an urgent need for these cities to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation through improving resource utilization efficiency and eco-efficiency. This paper quantitatively evaluates the decoupling trends between GDP and environmental damage in major Chinese resource-based cities using big data. To explore the decoupling trends in the development of 115 resource-based cities in China, we develops a model to evaluate the eco-efficiency between economic growth and environmental pollution. Industrial pollutants are used as indicators of environmental degradation and GDP as an index for economic growth. This study finds diverse decoupling levels among the cities and that nearly one-third are developing unsustainably. The cities have encountered serious environmental problems due to past economic policies which have encouraged extensive GDP growth for the past 4 decades. This study demonstrates that the urban development and environmental protection of Chinese resource-based cities are not on a good path. It will be more difficult for the cities with quicker GDP growth to achieve a satisfactory decoupling trend. Therefore, there is an urgent need for industries to undertake resource-conserving and environmental protection measures, and, particularly, endorse technology innovation and the green economy. In order to achieve an overall balanced decoupling in China’s resource-based cities, it is essential for local governments to encourage environmentally friendly behaviors and enhance eco-efficiency when developing the country’s economy. Finally, the findings illustrate significant unbalanced decoupling levels across Chinese resource-based cities.
An Adaptive Data Placement Architecture in Multicloud Environments
Authors: Wang Pengwei , Zhao Caihui , Wei Yi , Wang Dong , Zhang Zhaohui
Published: June 2020

Cloud service providers (CSPs) can offer infinite storage space with cheaper maintenance cost compared to the traditional storage mode. Users tend to store their data in geographical and diverse CSPs so as to avoid vendor lock-in. Static data placement has been widely studied in recent works. However, the data access pattern is often time-varying and users may pay more cost if static placement is adopted during the data lifetime. Therefore, it is a pending problem and challenge of how to dynamically store users’ data under time-varying data access pattern. To this end, we propose ADPA, an adaptive data placement architecture that can adjust the data placement scheme based on the time-varying data access pattern and subject for minimizing the total cost and maximizing the data availability. The proposed architecture includes two main components: data retrieval frequency prediction module based on LSTM and data placement optimization module based on Q-learning. The performance of ADPA is evaluated through several experimental scenarios using NASA-HTTP workload and cloud providers information.
Efficient Protection Mechanism Based on Self-Adaptive Decision for Communication Networks of Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Zhao Min , Qin Danyang , Guo Ruolin , Xu Guangchao
Published: June 2020

The communication network of autonomous vehicles is composed of multiple sensors working together, and its dynamic topology makes it vulnerable to common attacks such as black hole attack, gray hole attack, rushing attack, and flooding attack, which pose a threat to the safety of passengers and vehicles; most of the existing safety detection mechanisms for a vehicle can only detect attacks but cannot intelligently defend against attacks. To this end, an efficient protection mechanism based on self-adaptive decision (SD-EPM) is proposed, which is divided into the offline phase and the online phase. The online phase consists of two parts: intrusion detection and efficient response. Attack detection and defense in the vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are performed in terms of the attack credibility value (AC), the network performance attenuation value (NPA), and the list of self-adaptive decision. The simulation results show that the proposed mechanism can correctly identify the attack and respond effectively to different attack types. And, the negative impact on VANETs is small.
Research on a Cournot–Bertrand Game Model with Relative Profit Maximization
Authors: Huang Yi-min , Li Qiu-xiang , Guo Yan-yan , Zhang Yu-hao
Published: June 2020

This paper considers a Cournot–Bertrand game model based on the relative profit maximization with bounded rational players. The existence and stability of the Nash equilibrium of the dynamic model are investigated. The influence of product differentiation degree and the adjustment speed on the stability of the dynamic system is discussed. Furthermore, some complex properties and global stability of the dynamic system are explored. The results find that the higher degree of product differentiation enlarges the stable range of the dynamic system, while the higher unit product cost decreases the stable range of price adjustment and increases the one of output adjustment; period cycles and aperiodic oscillation (quasi-period and chaos) occur via period-doubling or Neimark–Sacker bifurcation, and the attraction domain shrinks with the increase of adjustment speed values. By selecting appropriate control parameters, the chaotic system can return to the stable state. The research of this paper is of great significance to the decision-makers’ price decision and quantity decision.
Improvement of the Angle of Arrival Measurement Accuracy for Indoor UWB Localization
Authors: Awarkeh N. , Cousin J.-C. , Muller M. , Samama N.
Published: June 2020

This paper shows that the accuracy of azimuth angle measurement for an interferometric localization system used to locate tags in its Line-of-Sight (LoS) can be improved by exploiting Impulse Radio-Ultra WideBand (IR-UWB) signals and without increasing the frequency bandwidth. This solution uses a Phase Correlation (PC) method, initially applied for Continuous Wave (CW) signals, adapted for Ultra WideBand (UWB) pulse signals. The obtained results are compared to those computed by a classical Energy Detection (ED) method where it becomes impossible to estimate azimuth angles for tag positions close to the orthogonal centered axis of the localization system baseline.
Characterization and Expression of KT/HAK/KUP Transporter Family Genes in Willow under Potassium Deficiency, Drought, and Salt Stresses
Authors: Liang Meixia , Gao Yachao , Mao Tingting , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhang Shaoying , Zhang Hongxia , Song Zhizhong
Published: June 2020

The K+ transporter/high‐affinity K+/K+ uptake (KT/HAK/KUP) transporters dominate K+ uptake, transport, and allocation that play a pivotal role in mineral homeostasis and plant adaptation to adverse abiotic stresses. However, molecular mechanisms towards K+ nutrition in forest trees are extremely rare, especially in willow. In this study, we identified 22 KT/HAK/KUP transporter genes in purple osier willow (designated as SpuHAK1 to SpuHAK22) and examined their expression under K+ deficiency, drought, and salt stress conditions. Both transcriptomic and quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) analyses demonstrated that SpuHAKs were predominantly expressed in stems, and the expression levels of SpuHAK1, SpuHAK2, SpuHAK3, SpuHAK7, and SpuHAK8 were higher at the whole plant level, whereas SpuHAK9, SpuHAK11, SpuHAK20, and SpuHAK22 were hardly detected in tested tissues. In addition, both K+ deficiency and salt stress decreased the tissue K+ content, while drought increased the tissue K+ content in purple osier plant. Moreover, SpuHAK genes were differentially responsive to K+ deficiency, drought, and salt stresses in roots. K+ deficiency and salt stress mainly enhanced the expression level of responsive SpuHAK genes. Fifteen putative cis‐acting regulatory elements, including the stress response, hormone response, circadian regulation, and nutrition and development, were identified in the promoter region of SpuHAK genes. Our findings provide a foundation for further functional characterization of KT/HAK/KUP transporters in forest trees and may be useful for breeding willow rootstocks that utilize potassium more efficiently.
Effectof Unit Hydrographs and Rainfall Hyetographs on Critical Rainfall Estimates of Flash Flood
Authors: Kong Fanzhe , Huang Wei , Wang Zhilin , Song Xiaomeng
Published: June 2020

To obtain critical rainfall (CR) estimates similar to the rainfall value that causes minor basin outlet flooding, and to reduce the flash flood warning missed/false alarm rate, the effect of unit hydrographs (UHs) and rainfall hyetographs on computed threshold rainfall (TR) values was investigated. The Tanjia River basin which is a headwater subbasin of the Greater Huai River basin in China was selected as study basin. Xin’anjiang Model, with subbasins as computation units, was constructed, and time-variant distributed unit hydrographs (TVUHs) were used to route the channel network concentration. Calibrated Xin’anjiang Model was employed to derive the TVUHs and to obtain the maximum critical rainfall duration (Dmax) of the study basin. Initial soil moisture condition was represented by the antecedent precipitation index (Pa). Rainfall hyetographs characterized by linearly increasing, linearly decreasing, and uniform hyetographs were used. Different combinations of the three hyetographs and UHs including TVUHs and time-invariant unit hydrographs (TIVUHs) were utilized as input to the calibrated Xin’anjiang Model to compute the relationships between TR and Pa (TR-Pa curves) by using trial and error methodology. The computed TR-Pa curves reveal that, for given Pa and UH, the TR corresponding to linearly increasing hyetograph is the minimum one. So, the linearly increasing hyetograph is the optimum hyetograph type for estimating CR. In the linearly increasing hyetograph context, a comparison was performed between TR-Pa curves computed from different UHs. The results show that TR values for different TIVUHs are significantly different and the TR-Pa curve gradient of TVUHs is lower than that of TIVUHs. It is observed that CR corresponds to the combination of linearly increasing hyetograph and TVUHs. The relationship between CR and Pa (CR-Pa curves) and that between CR and duration (D) (CR-D curves) were computed. Warnings for 12 historical flood events were performed. Warning results show that the success rate was 91.67% and that the critical success index (CSI) was 0.91. It is concluded that the combination of linearly increasing hyetograph and TVUHs can provide the CR estimate similar to the minimum rainfall value necessary to cause flash flooding.
Drug‐Coated Balloon Angioplasty and Debulking for the Treatment of Femoropopliteal In‐Stent Restenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tong Zhu , Guo Lianrui , Qi Lixing , Cui Shijun , Gao Xixiang , Li Yang , Guo Jianming , Gu Yongquan
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this article was to compare the efficiency and safety of drug‐coated balloon angioplasty (DCB) and atherectomy with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in patients with femoropopliteal in‐stent restenosis (ISR). Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (all up to March 2019) were searched systematically. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted. 5 studies with 599 participants were included. Compared with PTA, DCB significantly increased the rate of patency (6 months: RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.09, P < 0.01; 12 months: RR 2.38, 95% CI 1.71 to 3.30, P < 0.01) and the rate freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR) (6 months: RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.28, P < 0.01; 12 months: RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.82, P < 0.01) at 6 and 12 months follow‐up, and the TSA results showed these outcomes were reliable. The rate of clinical improvement by ≥1 Rutherford category in the DCB group was higher than that in the PTA group (6 months: RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.75, P = 0.03; 12 months: RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.82, P < 0.01) at 6 and 12 months. There is no statistically difference of ABI, all‐cause mortality, and incidence of amputation between DCB group and PTA group (MD 0.03, 95% CI ‐0.03 to 0.08, P = 0.40; RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.46 to 3.34, P = 0.67; RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.61, P = 0.48). Compared with PTA, the rate of patency and freedom from TLR in the laser atherectomy (LD) group was higher than that in the PTA group (patency: 6 months: RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.64, P < 0.05, 12 months: RR 2.25, 95% CI 1.14 to 4.44, P < 0.05; freedom from TLR: 6 months: RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.53, P = 0.01, 12 months: RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.25, P = 0.01) at 6 and 12 months follow‐up. In conclusion, DCB and LD had superior clinical (freedom from TLR and clinical improvement) and angiographic outcomes (patency rate) compared with PTA for the treatment of femoropopliteal ISR. Moreover, DCB and LD had a low incidence of amputation and mortality and were relatively safe methods.
Ultrasound‐Guided Percutaneous Irrigation of Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy (US‐PICT): Patient Experience
Authors: Albano Domenico , Gambino Angelo , Messina Carmelo , Chianca Vito , Gitto Salvatore , Faenza Simone , Galia Massimo , Sconfienza Luca Maria
Published: June 2020

Purpose. To assess patients’ experience of ultrasound‐guided percutaneous irrigation of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (US‐PICT). Methods. Ninety‐one patients (58 females; mean age: 50.5 ± 8.3 years) treated by US‐PICT (local anesthesia, single‐needle lavage, and intrabursal steroid injection) answered to a list of questions regarding their experience of the procedure before treatment, immediately after treatment, and three months later. The Borg CR10 scale was used to evaluate perceived pain, discomfort during anesthetic injection, and anxiety. The Wilcoxon, Spearman’s rho, linear regression, and chi‐square statistics were used. Results. 81/91 patients complained mild discomfort during the injection of anesthetics (2, 1‐2). Pain scores during US‐PICT were very low (0, 0‐1), with 70% patients having not experienced pain. After treatment, we found a significant reduction of pain (before: 8, 7‐8; 3‐month: 3, 1‐6; p < .001) and anxiety (before: 5, 2‐7; during treatment: 2, 1‐7; p = 0.010), with high overall satisfaction (immediately after: 10, 9‐10; 3‐month: 9, 7‐10) and confidence in the possibility of recovery (immediately after: 9, 8‐10; 3‐month: 10, 8‐10), respectively. Treatments performed before US‐PICT were not statistically associated with pain relief (p = 0.389) and clinical improvement (p = 0.937). We found a correlation between satisfaction immediately postprocedure and confidence in the possibility of recovery (p = 0.002) and between satisfaction three months after treatment and clinical improvement (p < 0.001) and patients’ reminds about the description of the procedure (p = 0.005) and of the potential complications (p = 0.035). Conclusions. US‐PICT is a mildly painful, comfortable, and well‐tolerated procedure, regardless of any previous treatments. Patients’ satisfaction is correlated with clinical benefit and full explanation of the procedure and its complications.
Investigation of the Models of Flow through Fractured Rock Masses Based on Borehole Data
Authors: Tan Long , Xiang Wei , Luo Jin , Liu Qingbing , Zuo Xu
Published: June 2020

When only limited borehole data are available, making optimum use of the existing data is crucial for performing a preliminary assessment of the investigated site. In this paper, the relationships between the borehole data and the permeability coefficient were first analyzed. These relationships were then used to establish a model for estimating the permeability coefficient of rock mass that takes into account the influence from the confining pressure on the seepage flow. The proposed model can reduce the number of hydraulic tests which are time consuming and very costly and allow the determination of change in the permeability coefficient throughout the borehole. The flow model could assist in providing important references for selecting an appropriate permeability coefficient in hydrogeological simulation and in evaluating the condition of large cracks developed in boreholes. In general, the seepage flow model developed in this study will contribute to the design practice of a tunnel project constructed in fractured rock masses.
PLP2 Expression as a Prognostic and Therapeutic Indicator in High‐Risk Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Bai Hua , Zhu Yudi , Xu Peipei , Chen Bing
Published: June 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a devastating cancer with a highly heterogeneous outcome. Because of the heterogeneity of myeloma cells, risk stratification is important for making therapeutic regimens. Nevertheless, no immunohistochemical predictive and prognostic marker has been constructed yet. In the present study, we explored the prognostic value of proteolipid protein 2 (PLP2) in MM patients using immunohistochemistry (IHC). We assessed PLP2 expression in bone marrow (BM) biopsy specimens obtained from 87 newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients. Correlations between PLP2 expression and clinicopathological features were analyzed. PLP2 expression was present in high‐risk MM patients, which was increased with disease progression and poor prognosis. PLP2 was increasing in parallel with high beta‐2 microglobulin (β2‐MG) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Furthermore, MM patients with low PLP2 expression could achieve a favorable treatment response. PLP2 may be a novel biomarker for prognostic prediction and a therapeutic target for anti‐MM treatments.
Image Retrieval Based on the Combination of Region and Orientation Correlation Descriptors
Authors: Xie Guangyi , Huang Zhe , Guo Baolong , Zheng Yan , Yan Yunyi
Published: June 2020

A large number of growing digital images require retrieval effectively, but the trade-off between accuracy and speed is a tricky problem. This paperwork proposes a lightweight and efficient image retrieval approach by combining region and orientation correlation descriptors (CROCD). The region color correlation pattern and orientation color correlation pattern are extracted by the region descriptor and the orientation descriptor, respectively. The feature vector of the image is extracted from the two correlation patterns. The proposed algorithm has the advantages of statistic and texture description methods, and it can represent the spatial correlation of color and texture. The feature vector has only 80 dimensions for full color images specifically. Therefore, it is very efficient in image retrieving. The proposed algorithm is extensively tested on three datasets in terms of precision and recall. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms other state-of-the-art algorithms.
Nonlinear Torsional Dynamics of Star Gearing Transmission System of GTF Gearbox
Authors: Wang Siyu , Zhu Rupeng
Published: June 2020

Considering time-varying meshing stiffness, comprehensive errors, and piecewise backlash nonlinearities of gear and spline, a torsional nonlinear dynamic model of star gear-rotor coupling transmission system of (Geared Turbofan Engine) GTF aeroengine is established. By using the Runge–Kutta numerical integration method, the dynamic responses are solved, analyzed, and illustrated with the bifurcation parameters including input rotational speed, gear backlash, damping ratio, and comprehensive meshing errors. The motions of the star gearing system and diverse nonlinear dynamic characteristics are identified through global bifurcation, FFT spectra, Poincaré map, and the phase diagram. The results reveal that the star gear-rotor system exhibits abundant torsional nonlinear behaviors, including multiperiodic, quasi-periodic, and chaotic motions. Furthermore, the roads to chaos via quasi-periodicity, period-doubling scenario, and mutation are demonstrated. These results provide an understanding of undesirable torsional dynamic motion for the GTF transmission system and provide a reference for the design and control of gear system.
A Hemodynamic-Based Evaluation of Applying Different Types of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts to Coronary Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Wang Haoran , Anzai Hitomi , Liu Youjun , Qiao Aike , Xie Jinsheng , Ohta Makoto
Published: June 2020

Coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs), including saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) or left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafts, are recently applied to treat coronary artery aneurysm (CAA). Surgical outcomes are considered to be related to surgical strategies (types of the bypass graft and whether CAA ligated or not) and the size of the CAA (usually characterized by diameter). However, the understanding of the relationship between the surgical outcomes and the abovementioned factors is limited. Previous studies related to CABG treatments have shown hemodynamic studies could help evaluate surgical outcomes through graft mass flow rate, wall shear stress (WSS), and oscillatory shear index (OSI). It is believed that the hemodynamic study of applying CABGs to CAA, which is not studied yet, could help us understand the different CABG surgeries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the hemodynamic differences among different surgical methods. To do this, eight three-dimensional models were constructed, representing application of SVGs and LIMA grafts to CAAs (whether ligated or not) with diameters two, three, and five times the normal diameter, to perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The lumped-parameter model (LPM) was coupled to the boundary of the 3D models which increase the complexity of the simulation, but it can ensure the stability of the simulation boundary conditions. The results show that SVG (no matter whether ligated or not) hemodynamic characteristics are positive, with an average high graft mass flow rate of 70 ml/min, an average WSS of 0.479 Pa, and a low OSI of 0.001. LIMA with CAA ligation has the same characteristics with higher WSS (average 1.701 Pa). The hemodynamic characteristics of LIMA without CAA ligation are negative, including high reverse mass flow rate and high OSI (0.367). The results indicate that the surgical outcomes of LIMA with CAA ligation are likely to be the best among these models. The surgical outcomes of LIMA without CAA ligation seem to be undesirable due to the high reverse mass flow and high OSI. The CAA diameter may not have a significant effect on surgical outcomes.
Chloroquine Improves Deoxynivalenol-Induced Inflammatory Response and Intestinal Mucosal Damage in Piglets
Authors: Liao Simeng , Tang Shengguo , Tan Bie , Li Jianjun , Qi Ming , Cui Zhijuan , Zha Andong , Wang Yanan , Yin Yulong , Sun Peng , Tang Yulong
Published: June 2020

We investigated the effects of rapamycin (RAPA) and chloroquine (CQ) in supporting growth performance and the intestinal mucosal barrier in response to deoxynivalenol (DON) in piglets. A total of 32 healthy weaned piglets (bodyweight 7.10±0.58 kg) were divided into four groups and treated daily with RAPA (1 mg/kg BW), CQ (10 mg/kg BW), or a control volume of normal saline (two groups) until the end of the experiment. After feeding a basal diet for seven days, three groups were then switched to mildewed feed containing 1 mg kg/DON for a further seven days. In contrast to the control group, DON-treated piglets showed decreased average daily gain (ADG) and daily feed intake (ADFI), as well as negatively affected intestinal morphology as indicated by villus height, crypt depth, and tight junction protein expression. A group treated with RAPA and DON showed increased intestinal autophagy, aggravated inflammatory responses, and damage to the intestinal mucosa and permeability, leading to reduced growth performance. Meanwhile, a group treated with CQ and DON showed indices comparable to the non-DON control group, with alleviated inflammatory cytokines and healthy intestinal morphology and structure. They also showed better growth performance compared to DON treatment alone. These findings have important implications for mediating autophagy against DON in vivo, as well as the potential for CQ in improving growth performance and maintaining intestinal barrier integrity in weanling piglets.
p300-Mediated Acetylation of Histone Demethylase JMJD1A Prevents Its Degradation by Ubiquitin Ligase STUB1 and Enhances Its Activity in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Xu Songhui , Fan Lingling , Jeon Hee-Young , Zhang Fengbo , Cui Xiaolu , Mickle McKayla B. , Peng Guihong , Hussain Arif , Fazli Ladan , Gleave Martin E. , Dong Xuesen , Qi Jianfei
Published: June 2020

The androgen receptor (AR) pathway plays a central role in the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The histone demethylase JMJD1A has been shown to regulate activities of AR and c-Myc transcription factors and promote prostate cancer progression. Here, we report that JMJD1A protein stability is controlled by the ubiquitin ligase STUB1. High levels of JMJD1A were strongly correlated with low STUB1 levels in human CRPC specimens. STUB1 inhibited AR activity, AR-V7 levels, and prostate cancer cell growth partly through degradation of JMJD1A. Furthermore, the acetyltransferase p300 acetylated JMJD1A at lysine (K) 421, a modification that recruits the BET family member BRD4 to block JMJD1A degradation and promote JMJD1A recruitment to AR targets. Increased levels of both total and K421-acetylated JMJD1A were observed in prostate cancer cells as they developed resistance to the AR antagonist enzalutamide. Treatment of prostate cancer cells with either p300 or BET inhibitors destabilized JMJD1A, and enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells were more sensitive than parental cells to these inhibitors. Together, our findings identify a critical role for acetylation of JMJD1A in regulating JMJD1A stability and AR activity in CRPC. These newly identified mechanisms controlling JMJD1A protein stability provide potential druggable targets to encourage the development of additional therapies for advanced prostate cancer.

Significance:

Identification of mechanisms regulating JMJD1A protein stability reveals new strategies to destabilize JMJD1A and concomitantly inhibit AR activities as potential prostate cancer therapy.
When Poisons Cure: The Case of Arsenic in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Gurnari Carmelo , De Bellis Eleonora , Divona Mariadomenica , Ottone Tiziana , Lavorgna Serena , Voso Maria Teresa
Published: June 2020

Arsenic has been known for centuries for its double-edged potential: a poison and at the same time a therapeutic agent. The name “arsenikon,” meaning “potent,” speaks itself for the pharmaceutical properties of this compound, questioned and analyzed for at least 2000 years. In the last decades, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has evolved from a highly fatal to a curable disease, due to the use of all-trans-retinoic acid and, more recently, arsenic trioxide combinations. The success of these entirely chemo-free regimens increased the awareness of APL and reduced the prevalence of early deaths, which was an impending issue in this disease. Further improvements are expected with the next use of oral arsenic formulations, which will allow a complete outpatient approach, at least in the post-induction settings, further improving patients’ quality of life. The wide use of standardized approaches in APL will also help unravel long-standing open questions, including the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of the differentiation syndrome and of short-term organ toxicities. In the long term, the study of survivorship issues, such as fertility and organ-related and psychological damages, in the increasing number of survivors will help further improve their life after APL.