bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact Wideband Frequency Reconfigurable Metamaterial Antenna Design
Authors: Y Iliyasu Adamu , Hamid Mohamad Rijal , A Rahim Mohamad Kamal , Aminu-Baba Murtala , Mohd Yusof Mohd Fairus
Published: April 2019

This paper presents the design of compact wideband frequency reconfigurable metamaterial (MTM) antenna. The design is based on the idea of obtaining single and multi-bands in wideband metamaterial antenna within the range of bandwidth. This is achieved by introducing capacitive slots which neutralize inductive properties and generate left handed capacitive parameter. The three series slots in the patch contribute for bandwidth enhancement while two PIN Diode Switches provide multi-bands operation. Computer Simulation Technology (CST) software is used to determine the operation and effectiveness of the proposed antenna. The approach has several notable merits which include improvement of spectrum utilization, minimize spectrum congestion, interference and provide bands selectivity.  From the simulation results, it was found that, bandwidth was improved to 2.8 GHz which is equivalent to 82% fractional bandwidth. Also, it can switch to seven different frequency bands of operation with only two number of switches. The realized peak gain is 2.44 dBi and 3.15 dBi at 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz respectively with average efficiency of 95%. The antenna can be utilized for wireless communication and cognitive radio application.
Analytical Prediction of Tubular Light-Pipe Performance Under Arbitrary Sky Conditions
Authors: Petržala Jaromír , Kómar Ladislav
Published: April 2019

The tubular light guides are devices allowing deliverance of solar light into deep interior rooms, offices, or underground spaces. Due to considerable costs of such systems, the reasonable assessment of their lighting performance is desirable. To predict accurately their efficiency, precise numerical computations have to be performed. Such computations may be strongly time consuming, mainly when mass calculations are required as it is in case of the so-called climate-based daylight modeling. This paper presents an analytical solution to the optical efficiency of cylindrical straight pipes that is applicable over a wide range of pipe’s parameters and under arbitrary sky luminance conditions. The proposed method gives results in good agreement with ray-tracing numerical simulations—the mean absolute percentage errors are less than 3%—but unlike them, the calculations are much faster. Therefore, it appears to be convenient for daylight modeling, which takes into account utilization of tubular light guide systems in buildings.
Development of the Oxygen-Enriched Burner Using Self-Induced Oscillation
Authors: Yamaguchi Masashi , Saito Takeshi , Yamamoto Yasuyuki , Hagihara Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2019

We have developed the novel oxygen-enriched burner using the self-induced oscillating phenomenon of jet flow which has excellent radiation heat transfer characteristics. We revealed that the flame property suitable for radiation heat transfer is obtained by extending the oscillation cycle. By optimizing the connecting tube length and diameter, we got the stable oscillating flame in 1 s-oscillation period. At this time, the relationship between the burner structure including the connecting tube and the oscillation period can be easily evaluated by the dimensionless tube length and Strouhal number. In addition, combining multi-staged combustion technology, the burner can improve heat transfer efficiency by 9.1% compared with the conventional oxygen-enriched burner. We confirmed that the burner has a low NOx emission level below 55 ppm.
Dengue researcher faces charges in vaccine fiasco
Authors: Arkin Fatima
Published: April 2019

Rose Capeding could face years in prison for role in tests.
Lab-grown tissue patch could fix ailing hearts
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: April 2019

Now in animal tests, patch is big enough to stitch to a human heart.
Long-term functional maintenance of primary human hepatocytes in vitro
Authors: Xiang Chengang , Du Yuanyuan , Meng Gaofan , Soon Yi Liew , Sun Shicheng , Song Nan , Zhang Xiaonan , Xiao Yiwei , Wang Jie , Yi Zhigang , Liu Yifang , Xie Bingqing , Wu Min , Shu Jun , Sun Da , Jia Jun , Liang Zhen , Sun Dong , Huang Yanxiang , Shi Yan , Xu Jun , Lu Fengmin , Li Cheng , Xiang Kuanhui , Yuan Zhenghong , Lu Shichun , Deng Hongkui
Published: April 2019

Keep hepatocytes fresh

Freshly isolated primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) quickly lose their identity and function in vitro, limiting their application in modeling infectious liver diseases and screening drugs. Xiang
et al.
describe a simple and effective five-chemical culture condition that can maintain the mature function of cultured PHHs for an extended period of time. PHHs cultured in this way can support the entire viral life cycle and recapitulate long-term infection of the hepatitis B virus. This system created a useful drug-screening platform for developing new antiviral strategies.

Science
, this issue p.
399
Multiplatform evaluation of global trends in wind speed and wave height
Authors: Young Ian R. , Ribal Agustinus
Published: April 2019

Ocean winds blowing harder

Two frequently asked questions about how climate warming will affect the environment are whether windiness might change and what effects that might have on ocean waves. Young and Ribal analyzed global satellite data over the period from 1985 to 2018 to determine if there are any trends in oceanic wind speed and wave height. They found small increases in both quantities, with the strongest increases in extreme conditions and in the Southern Ocean. These findings are important for understanding air-sea exchange of energy and carbon dioxide and for projecting sea levels during storms.

Science
, this issue p.
548
Nitroglycerin-Citrate-Ethanol Catheter Lock Solution Is Highly Effective for
In Vitro
Eradication of Candida auris Biofilm
Authors: Vargas-Cruz Nylev , Reitzel Ruth A. , Rosenblatt Joel , Chaftari Anne-Marie , Wilson Dib Rita , Hachem Ray , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Raad Issam I.
Published: April 2019

Candida auris
poses emerging risks for causing severe central line-associated bloodstream infections. We tested
in vitro
the ability of antifungal lock solutions to rapidly eradicate
C. auris
biofilms.
Structural evolution of central Death Valley, California, using new thermochronometry of the Badwater turtleback
Authors: Sizemore Travis , Wielicki Matthew M. , Çemen Ibrahim , Stockli Daniel , Heizler Matthew , Robinson Delores
Published: April 2019

The Badwater turtleback, Copper Canyon turtleback, and Mormon Point turtleback are three anomalously smooth, ∼2-km-high basement structures in the Black Mountains of Death Valley, California. Their structural evolution is linked to the Cenozoic tectonic history of the region. To explore their evolution, we apply (U-Th)/He, Ar/Ar, and U-Pb analyses, with multi-domain diffusion modeling to 10 samples from the Badwater turtleback. The cooling history of the Badwater turtleback is used as a proxy for its exhumation history as it uplifted from warmer depths.

We find slow (<2 °C/m.y.) cooling from ca. 32 to 6 Ma, followed by rapid (120–140 °C/m.y.) cooling from ca. 6 to 4.5 Ma, and finally moderate (30–120 °C/m.y.) cooling occurred from ca. 4.5 Ma until the present. When these data are added to previously published cooling paths of the Copper Canyon turtleback and Mormon Point turtleback, a northwest cooling pattern is broadly evident, consistent with a top-to-NW removal of the hanging wall along a detachment fault. We propose a six-phase tectonic history. Post-orogenic collapse and erosion dominated from ca. 32 to 16 Ma. At 16–14 Ma, a detachment fault formed with a breakaway south and east of the Black Mountains, with normal faults in the hanging wall. Moderate extension continued from 14 to 8 Ma causing exhumation of the turtlebacks through the brittle-ductile transition. Dextral transtension at 7–6 Ma produced a pull-apart basin across the Black Mountains with rapid extension. The locus of deformation transferred to the Panamint and Owens Valley fault systems from 4.5 to 3.5 Ma, slowing extension in the Black Mountains until present.
Examining the tectono-stratigraphic architecture, structural geometry, and kinematic evolution of the Himalayan fold-thrust belt, Kumaun, northwest India
Authors: Mandal Subhadip , Robinson Delores M. , Kohn Matthew J. , Khanal Subodha , Das Oindrila
Published: April 2019

Existing structural models of the Himalayan fold-thrust belt in Kumaun, northwest India, are based on a tectono-stratigraphy that assigns different stratigraphy to the Ramgarh, Berinag, Askot, and Munsiari thrusts and treats the thrusts as separate structures. We reassess the tectono-stratigraphy of Kumaun, based on new and existing U-Pb zircon ages and whole-rock Nd isotopic values, and present a new structural model and deformation history through kinematic analysis using a balanced cross section. This study reveals that the rocks that currently crop out as the Ramgarh, Berinag, Askot, and Munsiari thrust sheets were part of the same, once laterally continuous stratigraphic unit, consisting of Lesser Himalayan Paleoproterozoic granitoids (ca. 1850 Ma) and metasedimentary rocks. These Paleoproterozoic rocks were shortened and duplexed into the Ramgarh-Munsiari thrust sheet and other Paleoproterozoic thrust sheets during Himalayan orogenesis. Our structural model contains a hinterland-dipping duplex that accommodates ∼541–575 km or 79%–80% of minimum shortening between the Main Frontal thrust and South Tibetan Detachment system. By adding in minimum shortening from the Tethyan Himalaya, we estimate a total minimum shortening of ∼674–751 km in the Himalayan fold-thrust belt. The Ramgarh-Munsiari thrust sheet and the Lesser Himalayan duplex are breached by erosion, separating the Paleoproterozoic Lesser Himalayan rocks of the Ramgarh-Munsiari thrust into the isolated, synclinal Almora, Askot, and Chiplakot klippen, where folding of the Ramgarh-Munsiari thrust sheet by the Lesser Himalayan duplex controls preservation of these klippen. The Ramgarh-Munsiari thrust carries the Paleoproterozoic Lesser Himalayan rocks ∼120 km southward from the footwall of the Main Central thrust and exposed them in the hanging wall of the Main Boundary thrust. Our kinematic model demonstrates that propagation of the thrust belt occurred from north to south with minor out-of-sequence thrusting and is consistent with a critical taper model for growth of the Himalayan thrust belt, following emplacement of midcrustal Greater Himalayan rocks. Our revised stratigraphy-based balanced cross section contains ∼120–200 km greater shortening than previously estimated through the Greater, Lesser, and Subhimalayan rocks.
Acute presentation of an intraoral dermoid cyst causing airway compromise in a young child
Authors: Bhalla Sanjana , Acharya Vikas , Ally Munira , Taghi Ali
Published: April 2019

A 4-month-old boy presented with a cystic swelling at the floor of the mouth causing acute airway compromise. The only previous history of note, was a tongue tie release at 3 days old. CT scan suggested a dermoid cyst with extensive floor of mouth abscess. He had an excision of the cyst and drainage of the superimposed abscess and made a good recovery. The histology report revealed a dermoid cyst which is a rare diagnosis in a child, particularly within the oral cavity. Early treatment is required to remove these lesions especially when they cause airway compromise or swallowing difficulties. This is the first case to our knowledge which suggests tongue tie release procedures causes a predisposition to the development of dermoid cysts in the oral cavity.
Late complete heart block post-tetralogy of Fallot repair: a possible new predicting, precipitating factor and review of related cases
Authors: Hejazi Rayan , Balubaid Marwan , Alata Jameel , Waggass Rahaf
Published: April 2019

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease beyond the age of 3 months. Complete heart block (CHB) is rare but a serious sequalae post-repair of TOF. We present a case of an 18-month-old child who developed late CHB after around 1 year of the corrective surgery of the congenital anomaly. On the regular follow-up visit, the patient assessment was unremarkable. However, there was bradycardia, 55 beats/min. The ECG showed complete atrioventricular dissociation. Echocardiogram was done and demonstrated severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The patient required a permanent pacemaker and he is currently well. We are presenting this case as a late unexpected CHB, with a possibility of progressive right-side dilatation as a contributing factor to CHB due to severe TR.
Should home-based ovulation predictor kits be offered as an additional approach for fertility management for women and couples desiring pregnancy? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yeh Ping Teresa , Kennedy Caitlin E , Van der Poel Sheryl , Matsaseng Thabo , Bernard Laura , Narasimhan Manjulaa
Published: April 2019

Introduction

To inform the WHO Guideline on self-care interventions, we conducted a systematic review of the impact of ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) on time-to-pregnancy, pregnancy, live birth, stress/anxiety, social harms/adverse events and values/preferences.

Methods

Included studies had to compare women desiring pregnancy who managed their fertility with and without OPKs, measure an outcome of interest and be published in a peer-reviewed journal. We searched for studies on PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS and EMBASE through November 2018. We assessed risk of bias assessed using the Cochrane tool for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and the Evidence Project tool for observational studies, and conducted meta-analysis using random effects models to generate pooled estimates of relative risk (RR).

Results

Four studies (three RCTs and one observational study) including 1487 participants, all in high-income countries, were included. Quality of evidence was low. Two RCTs found no difference in time-to-pregnancy. All studies reported pregnancy rate, with mixed results: one RCT from the 1990s among couples with unexplained or male-factor infertility found no difference in clinical pregnancy rate (RR: 1.09, 95% CI 0.51 to 2.32); two more recent RCTs found higher self-reported pregnancy rates among OPK users (pooled RR: 1.40, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.80). A small observational study found higher rates of pregnancy with lab testing versus OPKs among women using donor insemination services. One RCT found no increase in stress/anxiety after two menstrual cycles using OPKs, besides a decline in positive affect. No studies measured live birth or social harms/adverse events. Six studies presented end-users’ values/preferences, with almost all women reporting feeling satisfied, comfortable and confident using OPKs.

Conclusion

A small evidence base, from high-income countries and with high risk of bias, suggests that home-based use of OPKs may improve fertility management when attempting to become pregnant with no meaningful increase in stress/anxiety and with high user acceptability.

Systematic review registration number

PROSPERO registration number CRD42019119402.
Developing measures for WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience: a conceptual framework and scoping review
Authors: Lattof Samantha R , Tunçalp Özge , Moran Allisyn C , Bucagu Maurice , Chou Doris , Diaz Theresa , Gülmezoglu Ahmet Metin
Published: April 2019

Objectives

In response to the newest WHO recommendations on routine antenatal care (ANC) for pregnant women and adolescent girls, this paper identifies the literature on existing ANC measures, presents a conceptual framework for quality ANC, maps existing measures to specific WHO recommendations, identifies gaps where new measures are needed to monitor the implementation and impact of routine ANC and prioritises measures for capture.

Methods

We conducted searches in four databases and five websites. Searches and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow approach for scoping reviews. Data were extracted on measure information, methodology, methodological work and implementation. We adapted and refined a conceptual framework for routine ANC based on these measures.

Results

This scoping review uncovered 58 resources describing 46 existing measures that align with WHO recommendations and good clinical practices for ANC. Of the 42 WHO-recommended ANC interventions and four good clinical practices included in this scoping review, only 14 WHO-recommended interventions and three established good clinical practices could potentially be measured immediately using existing measures. Recommendations addressing the integration of ANC with allied fields are likelier to have existing measures than recommendations that focus on maternal health. When mapped to our conceptual framework, existing measures prioritise content of care and health systems; measures for girls’ and women’s experiences of care are notably lacking. Available data sources for non-existent measures are currently limited.

Conclusion

Our research updates prior efforts to develop comprehensive measures of quality ANC and raises awareness of the need to better assess experiences of ANC. Given the inadequate number and distribution of existing ANC measures across the quality of care conceptual framework domains, new standardised measures are required to assess quality of routine ANC. Girls’ and women’s voices deserve greater acknowledgement when measuring the quality and delivery of ANC.
Knowledge and intake of folic acid among teachers of childbearing age in the State of Qatar: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lolowa Al Mannai , Selim Nagah , Alkuwari Mohammad , Salem Ismail Mansoura
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To assess the knowledge and intake of folic acid among teachers of childbearing age and to identify barriers to folic acid intake.

Setting

Governmental schools, which included 14 primary models, 29 primary, 14 preparatory and 16 secondary schools. The proportion of teachers in each stratum was then determined, and a stratified random sampling design had been used with proportional allocation.

Study design

Cross-sectional study

Participants

A total of 406 non-pregnant teachers of childbearing age enrolled in the study. A validated questionnaire in the Arabic language was used.

Results

The overall response rate was 98%. About 34.6% reported the optimal period in which they should take folic acid, 28.3% reported the correct intake duration and only 29.5% could name food rich in folic acid. Friends and healthcare providers were the main sources of information for the participants; however, 44% said that they did not receive enough information from their healthcare providers.

Conclusion

There is a lack of knowledge and poor intake of folic acid among the participants. In particular, they lacked information about the appropriate time to start folic acid supplementations, the duration of intake and the folic acid-rich food. The most common reason being the limited advice given by their healthcare providers.

Awareness campaigns are recommended to emphasise the role of healthcare providers in counselling women about the proper use of folic acid before pregnancy.
Discussing suicidality with depressed patients: an observational study in Dutch sentinel general practices
Authors: Elzinga Elke , Gilissen Renske , Donker Gé A , Beekman Aartjan T F , de Beurs Derek P
Published: April 2019

Objectives

This paper aims to describe the degree to which general practitioners (GPs) explore suicidal behaviour among depressed patients in the Netherlands.

Design

An observational study of consultations between GPs and depressed patients.

Setting

39 sentinel GP practices within the Netherlands in 2017.

Participants

Patients with a registration of depression.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome measure is suicide exploration by the GP. Secondary outcome measures at patient level, assessed by surveying GPs, include prevalence and severity of suicidal thoughts. Secondary outcome measures at GP level include follow-up actions of GP and reasons not to explore suicidality.

Results

A total of 1034 questionnaires were included in the analyses. GPs assessed and explored suicidality in 44% of patients with depression (66% in patients with a new episode of depression). GPs explored suicidal feelings more often in patients with a new episode of depression (OR 4.027, p<0.001, 95% CI 2.924 to 5.588), male patients (OR 1.709, p<0.001, 95% CI 1.256 to 2.330) or younger patients (OR 1.017, p<0.001, 95% CI 1.009 to 1.026). Multilevel analysis showed that 22% of the variation in suicide exploration is due to differences in GP practice. Thirty-eight per cent of the patients who were asked by their GP, reported (severe) suicidal ideation. Most GPs (68%) did not explore suicidal feelings because they thought the patient would not be suicidal.

Conclusion

GPs explored suicidal thoughts in less than half of all depressed patients and in two-thirds of patients with a new episode of depression. Suicide prevention training is recommended to enhance suicide exploration.
Inter-relationship between sleep quality, insomnia and sleep disorders in professional soccer players
Authors: Khalladi Karim , Farooq Abdulaziz , Souissi Sofiane , Herrera Christopher P , Chamari Karim , Taylor Lee , El Massioui Farid
Published: April 2019

Objective

Insufficient sleep duration and quality has negative effects on athletic performance, injury susceptibility and athlete development. This study aimed to assess the sleep characteristics of professional Qatar Stars League (QSL) soccer players.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, QSL players (n=111; 23.7±4.8 years) completed three questionnaires to screen sleep disorders: (1) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), (2) Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and (3) Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Poor sleep quality was defined as PSQI≥5, excessive daytime sleepiness was defined by ESS>8 and insomnia was defined as ISI≥11.

Results

The prevalence of poor sleep quality (PSQI≥5) was 68.5%, with subthreshold insomnia (ISI≥11) 27.0% and daytime sleepiness 22.5% (ESS>8). Sleep quality was positively associated with insomnia (r=0.42, p<0.001) and daytime sleepiness (r=0.23, p=0.018). Age, anthropometry, body composition and ethnicity were not associated with any of the reported sleep quality parameters.

Conclusion

The prevalence of poor sleep quality (68.5%) reported should concern practitioners. Increasing awareness of the importance of sleep relative to athletic performance, recovery, injury and illness appears prudent. Further, regular qualitative/quantitative sleep monitoring may help target subsequent evidence-informed interventions to improve sleep in those demonstrating undesirable sleep traits.
Low plasma vitamin D is associated with adverse colorectal cancer survival after surgical resection, independent of systemic inflammatory response
Authors: Vaughan-Shaw P G , Zgaga L , Ooi L Y , Theodoratou E , Timofeeva M , Svinti V , Walker M , O’Sullivan F , Ewing A , Johnston S , Din F V N , Campbell H , Farrington S M , Dunlop M G
Published: April 2019

Objective

We assessed the effect of surgical resection of colorectal cancer (CRC) on perioperative plasma vitamin D (25OHD) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level. We investigated the relationship between circulating vitamin D level and CRC survival.

Design

We sequentially sampled 92 patients undergoing CRC resection, and measured plasma 25OHD and CRP. For survival analyses, we assayed 25OHD and CRP in two temporally distinct CRC patient cohorts (n=2006, n=2100) and investigated the association between survival outcome, circulating vitamin D and systemic inflammatory response.

Results

Serial sampling revealed a postoperative fall (mean 17.3 nmol/L; p=3.6e-9) in plasma 25OHD (nadir days 1–2). CRP peaked 3–5 days postoperatively (143.1 mg/L; p=1.4e-12), yet the postoperative fall in 25OHD was independent of CRP. In cohort analyses, 25OHD was lower in the 12 months following operation (mean=48.8 nmol/L) than preoperatively (54.8 nmol/L; p=1.2e-5) recovering after 24 months (52.2 nmol/L; p=0.002). Survival analysis in American Joint Committee on Cancer stages I–III demonstrated associations between 25OHD tertile and CRC mortality (HR=0.69; 95% CI 0.46 to 0.91) and all-cause mortality (HR=0.68; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.85), and was independent of CRP. We observed interaction effects between plasma 25OHD and rs11568820 genotype (functional VDR polymorphism) with a strong protective effect of higher 25OHD only in patients with GG genotype (HR=0.51; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.81). We developed an online tool for predicted survival (https://apps.igmm.ed.ac.uk/mortalityCalculator/) that incorporates 25OHD with clinically useful predictive performance (area under the curve 0.77).

Conclusions

CRC surgery induces a fall in circulating 25OHD. Plasma 25OHD level is a prognostic biomarker with low 25OHD associated with poorer survival, particularly in those with rs11568820 GG genotype. A randomised trial of vitamin D supplementation after CRC surgery has compelling rationale.
Validation of a questionnaire measuring patient knowledge of atrial fibrillation in an Asian cohort
Authors: Hoe Rebecca , Lin Wanyun , Bautista Mary Ann Cruz , Vrijhoef Hubertus Johannes Maria , Lim Toon Wei
Published: April 2019

Background

Poor patient understanding of atrial fibrillation (AF) may contribute to underuse of anticoagulation. There are no validated instruments to measure patient knowledge in Asian cohorts. This study aims to validate a disease-specific questionnaire measuring the level of understanding of AF and its treatment among patients with AF in Singapore.

Methods

A 10-item interviewer-administered questionnaire was created based on previously published questionnaires. Face and content validity were assessed. 165 participants were identified by convenience sampling at cardiology clinics of a tertiary hospital. The questionnaire was administered in either English (n = 53) or Mandarin (n = 112). Exploratory factor analysis was performed using principal component method. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.

Results

Face validity was tested by surveying 10 cardiologists who could all identify what the questionnaire was designed to measure. Mean content validity ratio across items was 0.9. Participants were 68.7 (SD 10.5) years old. 55.8% were male. 95.2% were on oral anticoagulation. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure was 0.67 and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (p < 0.01). Four factors were retained based on the eigenvalue > 1. These were knowledge of the following: disease characteristics, disease-specific treatment, role of treatment in symptom management and treatment mechanisms. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.71).

Conclusions

A questionnaire on the knowledge of AF and its treatment was validated in a cohort of Asian patients in English and Mandarin. It allows quantification of patient knowledge and may be useful in Asian populations to assess the efficacy of interventions to improve patient understanding of AF.
Prevalence of germline pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants in sequential epithelial ovarian cancer cases
Authors: Morgan Robert D , Burghel George J , Flaum Nicola , Bulman Michael , Clamp Andrew R , Hasan Jurjees , Mitchell Claire L , Schlecht Helene , Woodward Emma R , Lallo Fiona I , Crosbie Emma J , Edmondson Richard J , Wallace Andrew J , Jayson Gordon C , Evans D Gareth R
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors significantly improve progression-free survival in platinum-sensitive high-grade serous and endometrioid ovarian carcinoma, with greatest benefits observed in women with a pathogenic BRCA1/2 variant. Consequently, the demand for germline BRCA1/2 testing in ovarian cancer has increased substantially, leading to the screening of unselected populations of patients. We aimed to determine the prevalence of pathogenic germline BRCA1/2 variants in women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer, categorised according to the established risk factors for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and the Manchester BRCA Score, to inform risk stratification.

Methods

A cohort of sequential epithelial ovarian cancer cases recruited between June 2013 and September 2018 underwent germline BRCA1/2 testing by next-generation sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.

Results

Five hundred and fifty-seven patients were screened. Of these, 18% had inherited a pathogenic BRCA1/2 variant. The prevalence of pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants was >10% in women diagnosed with ovarian cancer earlier than 60 years of age (21%) and those diagnosed later than 60 years of age with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer (17%) or a medical history of breast cancer (34%). The prevalence of pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants was also >10% in women with a Manchester BRCA Score of ≥15 points (14%).

Discussion

Our study suggests that age at diagnosis, family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, medical history of breast cancer or a Manchester BRCA Score of ≥15 points are associated with a >10% prevalence of germline pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants in epithelial ovarian cancer.
Comparative genome analysis of completely sequencedCupriavidusgenomes provides insights into the biosynthetic potential and versatile applications ofCupriavidus alkaliphilusASC-732
Authors: Kutralam-Muniasamy Gurusamy , Pérez-Guevara Fermín
Published: April 2019

The genome analysis of microorganisms provides valuable information to endorse more extensive research on their potential applications. In this paper, the genome of Cupriavidus alkaliphilus ASC-732, isolated from agave rhizosphere in northeastern Mexico, was analyzed and compared with the genomes of other Cupriavidus species to gain better insight into the parts in the genetic makeup responsible for essential metabolic pathways and others of biotechnological importance. Here, the key genes related to glycolysis, pentose phosphate, and the Entner–Doudoroff and tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways were predicted. Comparative genome analysis revealed that the key genes for hydrogenotrophic growth and carbon fixation pathway, i.e., those coding for hydrogenase and enzymes Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle, are absent in C. alkaliphilus ASC-732. Furthermore, capabilities for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates and extracellular polysaccharide matrix and degrading xenobiotics were found, and the related pathways are explained. Moreover, biofilm formation and the production of exopolysaccharides and polyhydroxyalkanoates were corroborated with crystal violet staining, calcofluor, and Nile red fluorochromes, confirming the presence of the products of the active genes in these pathways and their related metabolic routes, respectively. Additionally, a large group of genes essential for the resistance and detoxification of several heavy metals were also found. Thus, the present study demonstrates that this strain can respond to various environmental signals, such as energy source, nutrient limitations, virulence, and extreme metals concentration, indicating the possibility to foster C. alkaliphilus ASC-732 in diverse biotechnological applications.
Bed bugs: The move to humans as hosts
Authors: Talbot Benoit , Keyghobadi Nusha , Fenton Brock
Published: April 2019

Cimicid insects, bed bugs and their allies, include about 100 species of blood-feeding ectoparasites. Among them, a few have become widespread and abundant pests of humans. Cimicids vary in their degree of specialization to hosts. Whereas most species specialize on insectivorous birds or bats, the common bed bug can feed on a range of distantly related host species, such as bats, humans, and chickens. We suggest that association with humans and generalism in bed bugs led to fundamentally different living conditions that fostered rapid growth and expansion of their populations. We propose that the evolutionary and ecological success of common bed bugs reflected exploitation of large homeothermic hosts (humans) that sheltered in buildings. This was a departure from congeners whose hosts are much smaller and often heterothermic. We argue that interesting insights into the biology of pest species may be obtained using an integrated view of their ecology and evolution.
Relativistic Lippmann–Schwinger equation as an integral equation
Authors: Sakhnovich Lev
Published: April 2019

The relativistic Lippmann–Schwinger equation was earlier formulated in terms of the limit values of the corresponding resolvent. In the present paper, we write down the limit values of the resolvent in an explicit form, and so the relativistic Lippmann–Schwinger equation is presented as an integral equation. Using this integral equation, we investigate the stationary scattering problems (relativistic case, Dirac equation). We consider the dynamical scattering problems (relativistic case, Dirac equation) as well.
The search for fractional order in heavy quarkonia spectra
Authors: Al-Jamel Ahmed
Published: April 2019

Using the concept of conformable fractional derivative, we study the properties of fractional [Formula: see text]-dimensional Schrödinger equation for the potential [Formula: see text]. The extended Nikiforov–Uvarov method is generalized to the fractional domain and then employed to obtain the analytic exact energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions and their dependence on the fractional order [Formula: see text] and the dimension [Formula: see text]. To test its applicability, we apply the method on heavy quarkonia systems, and reproduce their mass spectra and fractional radial probabilities at different values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Comparing the mass spectra with the experimental data, we discuss to what extent fractional models can account for some features in the description of heavy quarkonia at certain dimensional space.
Proton internal pressure in pp and p̄p elastic scattering
Authors: Campos S. D.
Published: April 2019

In this work, one proposes the use of a damped confinement potential to mimic the proton internal energy. The internal pressure is calculated taking into account the occurrence of a phase transition in the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] total cross-section. The model predicts the inversion of the positive and negative pressure regions depending on the squared energy [Formula: see text], where the total cross-section achieves its minimum value. Considering energies below the phase transition, the expected results are in accordance with the recent proton internal pressure measurement. For energies above [Formula: see text], the model predicts a negative pressure region near the center of the hadron surrounded by a positive pressure region.
GARCH in spinor field
Authors: Pincak Richard , Kanjamapornkul Kabin
Published: April 2019

We extend generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (GARCH) errors in the Euclidean plane of the scalar field to the tensor field and to the spinor field [Formula: see text], the so-called spinor garch, S-GARCH. We use the model of S-GARCH to explain the stylized fact in financial time series, the so-called volatility cluster, by using hyperbolic coordinate with induced complex lag of delay time scale in mirror symmetry concept. As the result of this theory, we obtain an equivalent form of Yang–Mills equation for financial time series as the interaction between the behavior of traders, the so-called, fundamentalist, chatlist and noise trader, by using volatility in spinor field with invariant of the gauge group [Formula: see text], the so-called modeling of the financial market in icosahedral supersymmetry gauge group.
Modulation of first-passage time for gene expression via asymmetric cell division
Authors: Wen Kunwen , Huang Lifang , Wang Qi , Yu Jianshe
Published: April 2019

How to balance the size of exponentially growing cells has always been a focus of biologists. Recent experiments have uncovered that the cell is divided into two daughter cells only when the level of time-keeper protein reaches a fixed threshold and cell division in prokaryote is not completely symmetric. The timing of cell division is essentially random because gene expression is stochastic, but cells seen to manage to have precise timing of cell division events. Although the inter-cellular variability of gene expression has attracted much attention, the randomness of event timing has been rarely studied. In our analysis, the timing of cell division is formulated as the first-passage time (denoted by FPT) for time-keeper protein’s level to cross a critical threshold firstly, we derive exact analytical formulae for the mean and noise of FPT based on stochastic gene expression model with asymmetric cell division. The results of numerical simulation show that the regulatory factors (division rate, newborn cell size, exponential growth rate and threshold) have significant influence on the mean and noise of FPT. We also show that both the increase of division rate and newborn cell size could reduce the mean of FPT and increase the noise of FPT, the larger the exponential growth rate is, the smaller the mean and noise of FPT will be; and the larger the threshold value is, the higher the mean of FPT is and the lower the noise is. In addition, compared with symmetric division, asymmetric division can reduce the mean of FPT and improve the noise of FPT. In summary, our results provide insight into the relationship between regulatory factors and FPT and reveal that asymmetric division is an effective mechanism to shorten the mean of FPT.
Energy, Exergy and Economic Analysis of a Solar Hybrid Power System Integrated Double-Effect Vapor Absorption System-Based Cold Storage
Authors: De Ramen Kanti , Ganguly Aritra
Published: April 2019

In this paper, an attempt has been made to propose a multi-commodity cold storage to store a variety of high value perishable commodities round the year. To maintain the favorable micro-climate inside the cold storage space for the selected commodities, a cooling system based on double-effect vapor absorption cycle has been developed. To meet the year-round thermal and electrical load of the proposed cold storage, a solar thermal-PV-based hybrid power system has been designed. A computer program in MATLAB-R2017a has been developed to predict the year-round performance of the proposed system for a complete calendar year for the climatic condition of Kolkata, India (22.57∘N, 88.36∘E). An exergy analysis of the proposed system has also been included in the study. Finally, a life cycle cost analysis of the integrated solar hybrid power system has been performed to estimate its payback period. The study reveals that the mutual generation from 45 numbers of parabolic trough collectors along with 225 numbers of SPV modules is sufficient to meet the year-round energy demand of the proposed cold storage. The study thus reinforces the need and viability of double-effect VAR system-based multi-commodity cold storage powered through solar energy for developing countries like India, where significant amount of agricultural production gets wasted due to inadequate warehousing facilities.
Evidential SLAM Fusing 2D Laser Scanner and Stereo Camera
Authors: Valente Michelle , Joly Cyril , de La Fortelle Arnaud
Published: April 2019

This work introduces a new complete Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) framework that uses an enriched representation of the world based on sensor fusion and is able to simultaneously provide an accurate localization of the vehicle. A method to create an Evidential grid representation from two very different sensors, laser scanner and stereo camera, allows a better handling of the dynamic aspects of the urban environment and a proper management of errors to create a more reliable map, thus having a more precise localization. A life-long layer with high level states is presented, it maintains a global map of the entire vehicle’s trajectory and distinguishes between static and dynamic obstacles. Finally, we propose a method that at each current map creation estimates the vehicle’s position by a grid matching algorithm based on image registration techniques. Results on a real road dataset show that the environment mapping data can be improved by adding relevant information that could be missed without the proposed approach. Moreover, the proposed localization method is able to reduce the drift and improve the localization compared to other methods using similar configurations.
LINC01018 confers a novel tumor suppressor role in hepatocellular carcinoma through sponging microRNA-182-5p
Authors: Wang Shuai , Xu Mingfang , Sun Zhengang , Yu Xiao , Deng Yan , Chang Hong
Published: April 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the development and progression of HCC. Herein, the current study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of LINC01018 in regulating the progression of HCC. Initially, the expression of LINC01018, microRNA-182-5p (miR-182-5p), and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) was quantified in 72 paired HCC and adjacent normal tissue samples as well as HCC cells, followed by identification of the interaction among them. To define the contributory role of LINC01018 in the progression of HCC, the expression of LINC01018, miR-182-5p, or FOXO1 was altered in HCC cells, followed by evaluation of cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and cell apoptosis. Finally, in vivo tests were performed to further verify the role of LINC01018 in HCC. It was observed that LINC01018 and FOXO1 were poorly expressed but miR-182-5p was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells. The upregulation of LINC01018 was shown to decrease proliferation while promoting apoptosis of HCC cells. LINC01018 acted as a sponge of miR-182-5p, which targeted FOXO1. Last, mice injected with Hep3B overexpressing FOXO1 displayed suppressed xenograft tumor formation. Collectively, overexpression of LINC01018 represses proliferation and promotes apoptosis of HCC cells via upregulation of FOXO1 by sponging miR-182-5p, which highlights overexpression of LINC01018 as a candidate suppressor of HCC.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides evidence for understanding the molecular mechanism involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and identifies a novel network of LINC01018/miR-182-5p/FOXO1. We also conducted in vivo experiments in nude mice to validate the anti-tumor effect of LINC01018.
Predictors of an Invasive Breast Cancer Recurrence after DCIS: A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Groen Emma J. , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Lips Esther H. , Schmidt Marjanka K. , Wesseling Jelle
Published: April 2019

We performed a systematic review with meta-analyses to summarize current knowledge on prognostic factors for invasive disease after a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Eligible studies assessed risk of invasive recurrence in women primarily diagnosed and treated for DCIS and included at least 10 ipsilateral-invasive breast cancer events and 1 year of follow-up. Quality in Prognosis Studies tool was used for risk of bias assessment. Meta-analyses were performed to estimate the average effect size of the prognostic factors. Of 1,781 articles reviewed, 40 articles met the inclusion criteria. Highest risk of bias was attributable to insufficient handling of confounders and poorly described study groups. Six prognostic factors were statistically significant in the meta-analyses: African-American race [pooled estimate (ES), 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–1.79], premenopausal status (ES, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.20–2.11), detection by palpation (ES, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.47–2.29), involved margins (ES, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.14–2.32), high histologic grade (ES, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.04–1.77), and high p16 expression (ES, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.04–2.19). Six prognostic factors associated with invasive recurrence were identified, whereas many other factors need confirmation in well-designed studies on large patient numbers. Furthermore, we identified frequently occurring biases in studies on invasive recurrence after DCIS. Avoiding these common methodological pitfalls can improve future study designs.
Cotreatment of IGF1 and Fadrozole Upregulates the Expression of RSPO1, SOX9, and AMH in Chicken Embryos
Authors: Rahaie Ahmadreza , Toghyani Majid , Eghbalsaied Shahin
Published: April 2019

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) and anti-aromatase synergistically increase the rate and stability of female-to-male sex reversal as well as pre- and postnatal weight gains in hatched chickens. This study aimed at assessing gene expression profiles of chicken embryos treated with IGF1 and fadrozole. Day 3.5 fertile eggs were in ovo injected with one of IGF1, fadrozole anti-aromatase, combined IGF1 and fadrozole, or sham injection. The expression profile was studied on day 6 and day 11 of the embryonic development following gonadal differentiation. On day 6 of embryonic development, simultaneous injection of IGF1 and fadrozole significantly upregulated the expression of RSPO1, AMH, and SOX9 in genetically female embryos compared to single injections and control groups. Also, a higher expression of ESR1 and BMP4 was observed in genetically male embryos on day 6 compared to the control group. In day 11 embryos, a higher expression of BMP4 was detected in both males and females of the IGF1 and fadrozole-administered group compared to the sham injection cohort. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that combined effects of IGF1 and fadrozole induce female-to-male sex reversal by increasing the expression of testis developmental factors rather than attenuating ovary developmental factors.
Normal Growth despite Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency
Authors: El Kholy Mohamed , Elsedfy Heba , Perin Laurence , Abi Habid Walid , Thibaud Nathalie , Bozzola Mauro , Rossignol Sylvie , Leneuve Patricia , Godeau François , Chantot-Bastaraud Sandra , Netchine Irène , Le Bouc Yves
Published: April 2019

Background: The paradox of normal growth despite a lack of growth hormone (GH) is an unexplained phenomenon described in some pathological (sellar, suprasellar, and hypothalamic disorders) and overgrowth syndromes. It has been suggested that the paradoxical growth is due to other GH variants, GH-like moieties, prolactin, insulin, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), and unidentified serum factors or growth mechanisms. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism underlying this normal growth without GH. Case Description: We describe here growth, hormonal, and genetic analyses for an adolescent boy with panhypopituitarism who achieved an adult height above his genetic potential. Results: Normal growth was observed despite low serum GH, IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) and acid labile subunit (ALS) concentrations, but the IGF-II/IGFBP-3 molar ratio was slightly high. Panhypopituitarism was associated with a heterozygous missense mutation of HESX1, with variable penetrance in heterozygous relatives. Exome analysis detected heterozygous missense mutations of various genes involved in intracellular signaling pathways. The growth-promoting activity of the patient’s serum was unable to induce AKT phosphorylation in the MCF-7 cell line. Conclusion: The high IGF-II/IGFBP-3 molar ratio was not the cause of the sustained high growth velocity, due to the low affinity of IGF-II for IGF type 1 receptor. The key finding was the HESX1 mutation, as similar cases have been described before, suggesting a common mechanism for growth without GH. However, the variable penetrance of this variant in heterozygous relatives suggests that modifier genes or mechanisms involving combinations with mutations of other genes involved in intracellular signaling pathways might be responsible.