bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium heckeshornense JCM 15655
T
, Closely Related to a Pathogenic Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Species, Mycobacterium xenopi
Authors: Yoshida Mitsunori , Fukano Hanako , Asakura Takanori , Suzuki Masato , Hoshino Yoshihiko
Published: March 2021

Mycobacterium heckeshornense
is a slow-growing mycobacterial species for which pathogenic features are unclear. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a
M. heckeshornense
type strain. This sequence will provide essential information for future taxonomic and comparative genome studies of these mycobacteria.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
Strain SJ1-7, a Soil Bacterial Isolate
Authors: Chi Won-Jae , Kim Da Som , Kim Soonok , Choi Eu Ddeum , Park Sook-Young
Published: March 2021

The draft genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. strain SJ1-7, a bacterial strain isolated from the rhizosphere of a
Pinus densiflora
plant, is reported. The whole-genome assembly comprised 7.9 Mbp, with a GC content of 71.80% and 4,262 predicted protein-coding genes.
Supplemental Material: Recalibrating Rodinian rifting in the northwestern United States
Authors: Brennan Daniel , al. et
Published: March 2021

Individual sample detrital zircon results, alternative maximum depositional age calculations, conventional laser-ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) methodology, rapid LA-ICP-MS methodology, sample locations, and detrital zircon U-Pb/Lu-Hf results for all analyses and compiled U-Pb data.
Supplemental Material: Reappraisal of the Mesozoic tectonic transition from the Paleo-Tethyan to Paleo-Pacific domains in South China
Authors: Gan Chengshi , Zhang Yuzhi , al. et
Published: March 2021

Synthesis of the formation ages of the Triassic and Jurassic mafic rocks, shoshonitic rocks and granitoids in the Southeastern South China Block; Table S2: Major oxide (wt%) and trace element (ppm) compositions for the Triassic and Jurassic mafic rocks, shoshonitic rocks and high-Mg andesite and granitoids in the Southeastern South China Block; Table S3: Sr-Nd isotope compositions for the Triassic and Jurassic mafic rocks, shoshonitic rocks and high-Mg andesite and granitoids in the Southeastern South China Block; Table S4: Zircon Hf isotope compositions for the Triassic and Jurassic mafic and shoshonitic rocks and granitoids in the Southeastern South China Block; Figure S1: (A) Ta/Yb-Ce/Yb diagram for the Triassic and Jurassic shoshonitic rocks and (B) SiO2-MgO diagram for the Jurassic high-Mg andesite in the Southeastern South China Block; Figure S2: The variations of high field strength elements (HFSE) with loss on ignition (LOI) for the Jurassic mafic rocks in the Southeastern South China Block.
Better visual outcome associated with early vitrectomy in the management of endophthalmitis
Authors: Welch Sarah , Bhikoo Riyaz , Wang Nancy , Siemerink Martin J , Shew William , Polkinghorne Philip J , Niederer Rachael L
Published: March 2021

Aims

To examine the role of early vitrectomy in the management of endophthalmitis from all causes.

Methods

Retrospective study of 290 consecutive subjects diagnosed with endophthalmitis at Auckland District Health Board between 1 January 2006 and 31 July 2019. Main outcome measure was visual acuity at 9-month follow-up and proportion of subjects with severe vision loss (≤20/200).

Results

Median age at presentation was 70.4 years and 151 subjects (52.1%) were women. Cataract surgery was the most common cause of endophthalmitis in 92 subjects (31.7%) followed by intravitreal injection in 57 (19.7%), endogenous endophthalmitis in 48 subjects (16.6%), non-surgical trauma in 42 subjects (14.5%), glaucoma surgery in 24 subjects (8.3%), vitrectomy in 22 subjects (7.6%) and corneal in 5 subjects (1.7%). Culture was positive in 136 (46.9%) with gram-positive organisms most common (76.5%). Early vitrectomy was performed in 82 subjects (28.3%). Median visual acuity at 9 months was 20/100 (IQR 20/30 to light perception), and severe vision loss occurred in 100 (43.5%). Retinal detachment occurred in 35 eyes (12.1%) and 26 eyes were enucleated. On multivariate analysis, younger age, poor presenting visual acuity and culture-positive endophthalmitis were associated with worse outcomes, and early vitrectomy was associated with better outcomes.

Conclusions

Early vitrectomy (within 24 hours) is associated with better visual outcomes at 9 months, while younger age, poor presenting visual acuity and culture-positive endophthalmitis are associated with poorer visual acuity outcomes.
Extension study of the safety and efficacy of CLS-TA for treatment of macular oedema associated with non-infectious uveitis (MAGNOLIA)
Authors: Khurana Rahul N , Merrill Pauline , Yeh Steven , Suhler Eric , Barakat Mark R , Uchiyama Eduardo , Henry Christopher Ryan , Shah Milan , Wang Robert C , Kapik Barry , Ciulla Thomas
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To assess the extended efficacy and safety of suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension (CLS-TA) among patients with macular oedema (ME) secondary to non-infectious uveitis (NIU).

Methods

Patients with uveitic ME were treated with suprachoroidal CLS-TA at baseline and week 12 of the Efficacy and Safety of Suprachoroidal CLS-TA for Macular Edema Secondary to Noninfectious Uveitis: Phase 3 Randomized Trial (PEACHTREE) study. Time to rescue was evaluated over 24 additional weeks for MAGNOLIA. Safety data, visual acuity and retinal central subfield thickness (CST) reduction were also evaluated. Of the 53 eligible patients (46 CLS-TA and 7 control), 33 patients were enrolled (28 CLS-TA and 5 control).

Results

Over the entire 48-week period for PEACHTREE and MAGNOLIA, the median time to rescue therapy was 257 days versus 55.5 days for the CLS-TA and sham-control arms, respectively. Of 28 CLS-TA treated patients who participated in MAGNOLIA, 14 (50%) did not require rescue therapy through approximately 9 months after the second treatment. Among CLS-TA patients not requiring rescue, there was a mean gain of 12.1 letters and mean CST reduction of 174.5 µm at week 48. No serious adverse events related to study treatment were observed.

Conclusion

Approximately 50% of patients did not require additional treatment for up to 9 months following the last CLS-TA administration.
Epidemiological characteristics and clinical course of eyelid squamous cell carcinoma patients from a large tertiary centre between 2009 and 2020
Authors: Klingenstein Annemarie , Samel Christina , Messmer Elisabeth M , Garip-Kuebler Aylin , Priglinger Siegfried G , Hintschich Christoph R
Published: March 2021

Background/aims

To assess epidemiological tumour features, risk factors, clinical management and outcome of eyelid squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and changes thereof. Furthermore, we searched for validating predictors of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8 classification system.

Methods

We evaluated data of 117 patients with histologically proven eyelid SCC at a large tertiary German university centre between January 2009 and March 2020. This retrospective, monocentric analysis included descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (p<0.05).

Results

Histologically controlled excision and follow-up was performed in 88 (75.2%) patients. In the remaining patients with higher T-category, individual adjuvant therapy combinations were initiated. We found higher numbers of nodal metastasis and recurrence for male patients and higher T-category (p=0.035, p=0.008 and p=0.001, p<0.001). Recurrence rates proved higher for patients with multiple lesions (p=0.008). Disease-specific survival (DSS) was 95.7% at 2 and 94.9% at 5 years of follow-up. Six patients (5.1%) died from eyelid SCC with nodal metastasis and higher T-category being negative prognostic factors (p<0.001 and p=0.009). Mortality was associated with tumour location in the medial upper eyelid, nodal metastasis being more frequent (p=0.001 and p=0.009) and tumour of the lower eyelid alone as positive predictor (p=0.012). T category differed in 34 (29.1%) patients when comparing AJCC 7 and 8 (p<0.001). Changes in T category as per the AJCC 8 classification resulted in better prediction of DSS (p=0.024).

Conclusion

Special attention should be paid to male patients, tumour location in the upper medial eyelid and lymph node diagnostics. Prediction of DSS proved superior as per the AJCC 8 staging system.
Eye health indicators for universal health coverage: results of a global expert prioritisation process
Authors: McCormick Ian , Mactaggart Islay , Resnikoff Serge , Muirhead Debbie , Murthy GV , Silva Juan Carlos , Bastawrous Andrew , Stern Jude , Blanchet Karl , Wang Ningli , Yusufu Mayinuer , Cooper Andrew , Gichangi Michael ,   Eye Health Indicators Prioritisation Project Group, Burton Matthew J , Ramke Jacqueline
Published: March 2021

Introduction

In its recentWorld Report on Vision, the WHO called for an updated approach to monitor eye health as part of universal health coverage (UHC). This project sought to develop a consensus among eye health experts from all world regions to produce a menu of indicators for countries to monitor eye health within UHC.

Methods

We reviewed the literature to create a long-list of indicators aligned to the conceptual framework for monitoring outlined in WHO’sWorld Report on Vision. We recruited a panel of 72 global eye health experts (40% women) to participate in a two-round, online prioritisation exercise. Two-hundred indicators were presented in Round 1 and participants prioritised each on a 4-point Likert scale. The highest-ranked 95 were presented in Round 2 and were (1) scored against four criteria (feasible, actionable, reliable and internationally comparable) and (2) ranked according to their suitability as a ‘core’ indicator for collection by all countries. The top 30 indicators ranked by these two parameters were then used as the basis for the steering group to develop a final menu.

Results

The menu consists of 22 indicators, including 7 core indicators, that represent important concepts in eye health for 2020 and beyond, and are considered feasible, actionable, reliable and internationally comparable.

Conclusion

We believe this list can inform the development of new national eye health monitoring frameworks, monitor progress on key challenges to eye health and be considered in broader UHC monitoring indices at national and international levels.
Leber congenital amaurosis/early-onset severe retinal dystrophy: current management and clinical trials
Authors: Daich Varela Malena , Cabral de Guimaraes Thales Antonio , Georgiou Michalis , Michaelides Michel
Published: March 2021

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a severe congenital/early-onset retinal dystrophy. Given its monogenic nature and the immunological and anatomical privileges of the eye, LCA has been particularly targeted by cutting-edge research. In this review, we describe the current management of LCA, and highlight the clinical trials that are on-going and planned. RPE65-related LCA pivotal trials, which culminated in the first Food and Drug Administration-approved and European Medicines Agency-approved ocular gene therapy, have paved the way for a new era of genetic treatments in ophthalmology. At present, multiple clinical trials are available worldwide applying different techniques, aiming to achieve better outcomes and include more genes and variants. Genetic therapy is not only implementing gene supplementation by the use of adeno-associated viral vectors, but also clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated gene editing and post-transcriptional regulation through antisense oligonucleotides. Pharmacological approaches intending to decrease photoreceptor degeneration by supplementing 11-cis-retinal and cell therapy’s aim to replace the retinal pigment epithelium, providing a trophic and metabolic retinal structure, are also under investigation. Furthermore, optoelectric devices and optogenetics are also an option for patients with residual visual pathway. After more than 10 years since the first patient with LCA received gene therapy, we also discuss future challenges, such as the overlap between different techniques and the long-term durability of efficacy. The next 5 years are likely to be key to whether genetic therapies will achieve their full promise, and whether stem cell/cellular therapies will break through into clinical trial evaluation.
Past-season, pre-season and in-season risk assessment of groin problems in male football players: a prospective full-season study
Authors: Esteve Ernest , Casals Marti , Saez Marc , Rathleff Michael Skovdal , Clausen Mikkel Bek , Vicens-Bordas Jordi , Hölmich Per , Pizzari Tania , Thorborg Kristian
Published: March 2021

Objective

We assessed past-season, pre-season and in-season risk factors to investigate their association with an in-season groin problem in male amateur football players.

Methods

Past-season groin-pain information and pre-season short-lever and long-lever adductor squeeze strength were obtained at baseline, together with anthropometrics (weight, lower limb lever length) and player age. In-season hip-related and groin-related sporting function was monitored every 4 weeks using the Sports and Recreation (Sport) subscale from the Hip And Groin Outcome Score questionnaire (HAGOS (Sport)). Groin problems, including time-loss groin injuries and groin pain irrespective of time loss, were collected over a 39-week competitive in-season. We estimated relative risk (RR), and 95% credibility interval (ICr) from logistic regressions fitted in a Bayesian framework.

Results

Players (n=245) suffering from groin pain during the past-season had 2.4 times higher risk of experiencing a groin problem in the new season (2.40 RR; 95% ICr 1.5 to 3.7). This risk was reduced by 35% (0.65 RR; 95% ICr 0.42 to 0.99) per unit (N·m/kg) increase in the long-lever adductor squeeze test. Player age, short-lever squeeze test and the HAGOS (Sport) scores were not associated with the risk of a groin problem.

Conclusions

Past-season groin pain increased the risk of a groin problem in the new in-season. This risk was reduced by higher pre-season long-lever adductor squeeze strength. Past-season groin-pain information and long-lever adductor squeeze strength can be quickly obtained during pre-season to identify players with an elevated risk of in-season groin problems. This may be key to reduce these problems in the new season.
Anterior cruciate ligament injury: towards a gendered environmental approach
Authors: Parsons Joanne L , Coen Stephanie E , Bekker Sheree
Published: March 2021

Background

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rate for girls/women has not changed in over 20 years, and they remain 3–6 times more likely to experience injury compared with boys/men. To date, ACL injury prevention and management has been approached from a sex-based biological point of view which has furthered our understanding of injury risk factors, mechanisms, and prevention and rehabilitation programmes. However, the traditional sex-based approach does not take into account the growing recognition of how sex and gender (a social construct) are ‘entangled’ and influence each other.

Objective

This paper discusses the curious absence of gender as an influencer in the dialogue surrounding ACL injuries. We propose adding gender as a pervasive developmental environment as a new theoretical overlay to an established injury model to illustrate how gender can operate as an extrinsic determinant from the presport, training and competition environments through to ACL injury and the treatment environment.

Approach

We draw on social epidemiological theories of the embodiment of gender and health to provide plausible examples of how gender may influence ACL injury, and demonstrate the opportunity for new, interdisciplinary research in the field.

Conclusion

Over 20 years of research has failed to decrease the ACL injury rate disparity between girls/women and boys/men. Embedding gender in the study of ACL injury will heighten awareness of possible influences outside the traditional biological elements, challenge us to think about the inextricable ‘entanglement’ of sex and gender, and inform more effective approaches to ACL injury prevention and treatment.
Reducing COVID-19 risk in schools: a qualitative examination of secondary school staff and family views and concerns in the South West of England
Authors: Lorenc Ava , Kesten Joanna May , Kidger Judi , Langford Rebecca , Horwood Jeremy
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate student, parent/carer and secondary school staff attitudes towards school COVID-19 mitigation measures.

Methods

Recruitment used school communication, community organisations and snowball sampling in South West England. Audio recorded online or phone individual/group semi-structured interviews were conducted in July–Septtember 2020 and lasted 30–60 min. Interviews focused on views towards social distancing, hand hygiene and testing. Framework analysis was performed on interview notes/transcripts.

Results

Participants were 15 staff, 20 parents and 17 students (11–16 years) from 14 diverse schools. Concerns about COVID-19 risk at school, especially to vulnerable individuals, were outweighed by perceived risks of missed learning. Some staff felt guilt around being a potential ‘spreader’ by teaching multiple classes. Findings highlighted a wide variety of school COVID-19 mitigation measures being deployed due to ambiguous government guidance. Participants generally saw mitigation measures as an acceptable and pragmatic solution to the perceived impossibility of social distancing in crowded schools, although anticipated challenges changing habitual behaviour. Participants supported school COVID-19 testing but identified the need to consider data security and stigma around COVID-19 diagnosis. Staff were concerned about unintended consequences of risk-reduction strategies on student behaviour, learning and pastoral care, particularly for those with Special Educational Needs or mental health issues who may find the measures especially challenging, and resultant widening inequalities.

Conclusion

Families and staff supported COVID-19 mitigation measures in schools and would welcome the roll out school COVID-19 testing. Clear messaging and engendering collective responsibility are important for compliance and success of COVID-19 mitigation measures. However, schools and policy-makers should consider unintended consequences of measures, providing extra support for vulnerable students and those with additional needs, and consider ways to avoid widening educational and health inequalities. Findings demonstrate the acceptability of school COVID-19 infection control measures is likely to be influenced by the balance of risks and benefits to students.
CXCR4/ACKR3/CXCL12 axis in the lymphatic metastasis of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Rusetska Natalia , Kowalski Kamil , Zalewski Kamil , Zięba Sebastian , Bidziński Mariusz , Goryca Krzysztof , Kotowicz Beata , Fuksiewicz Malgorzata , Kopczynski Janusz , Bakuła-Zalewska Elwira , Kowalik Artur , Kowalewska Magdalena
Published: March 2021

Aims

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) spreads early and mainly locallyviadirect expansion into adjacent structures, followed by lymphatic metastasis to the regional lymph nodes (LNs). In the lymphatic metastasis, cancer cells bearing CXCR4 and ACKR3 (CXCR7) receptors are recruited to the LNs that produce the CXCL12 ligand. Our study aimed to assess the role of the CXCR4/ACKR3/CXCL12 axis in VSCC progression.

Methods

Tumour and LN tissue samples were obtained from 46 patients with VSCC and 51 patients with premalignant vulvar lesions. We assessed CXCR4, ACKR3 and CXCL12 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the tissue samples. Additionally, CXCL12 levels were determined by ELISA in the sera of 23 patients with premalignant lesions, 37 with VSCC and 16 healthy volunteers.

Results

CXCR4 and ACKR3 proteins were virtually absent in vulvar precancers, while in VSCC samples the IHC staining was strong. In the LNs of patients with VSCC, 98% of metastatic cells expressed CXCR4 and 85% expressed ACKR3. Neither CXCR4 nor ACKR3 presence was correlated with tumour human papilloma virus status. Few CXCL12-positive cells were found in the analysed tissue samples, but serum CXCL12 levels were significantly increased in both patients with premalignant vulvar lesions and with VSCC compared with healthy volunteers.

Conclusions

It appears that during progression and lymphatic spread of VSCC, the CXCR4/ACKR3/CXCL12 axis is activated. Moreover, our data suggest that CXCR4 antagonists merit further attention as a possible therapeutic option in patients with VSCC.
Performance at medical school selection correlates with success in Part A of the intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination
Authors: Ellis Ricky , Brennan Peter , Scrimgeour Duncan S G , Lee Amanda J , Cleland Jennifer
Published: March 2021

Medical schools in the UK typically use prior academic attainment and an admissions test (University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) or the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)) to help select applicants for interview. To justify their use, more information is needed about the predictive validity of these tests. Thus, we investigated the relationship between performance in admissions tests and the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination.

The UKMED database (https://www.ukmed.ac.uk) was used to access medical school selection data for all UK graduates who attempted MRCS Part A (n=11 570) and Part B (n=5690) between 2007 and 2019. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models identified independent predictors of MRCS success. Pearson correlation coefficients examined the linear relationship between test scores and MRCS performance.

Successful MRCS Part A candidates scored higher in A-Levels, UCAT, BMAT and GAMSAT (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed for MRCS Part B. All admissions tests were found to independently predict MRCS Part A performance after adjusting for prior academic attainment (A-Level performance) (p<0.05). Admission test scores demonstrated statistically significant correlations with MRCS Part A performance (p<0.001).

The utility of admissions tests is clear with respect to helping medical schools select from large numbers of applicants for a limited number of places. Additionally, these tests appear to offer incremental value above A-Level performance alone. We expect this data to guide medical schools' use of admissions test scores in their selection process.
Use of preclinical models for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Shamseddin Marie , Obacz Joanna , Garnett Mathew J , Rintoul Robert Campbell , Francies Hayley Elizabeth , Marciniak Stefan John
Published: March 2021

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer most commonly caused by prior exposure to asbestos. Median survival is 12–18 months, since surgery is ineffective and chemotherapy offers minimal benefit. Preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the genomic and histopathological features of cancer are critical for the development of new treatments. The most commonly used models of MPM are two-dimensional cell lines established from primary tumours or pleural fluid. While these have provided some important insights into MPM biology, these cell models have significant limitations. In order to address some of these limitations, spheroids and microfluidic chips have more recently been used to investigate the role of the three-dimensional environment in MPM. Efforts have also been made to develop animal models of MPM, including asbestos-induced murine tumour models, MPM-prone genetically modified mice and patient-derived xenografts. Here, we discuss the available in vitro and in vivo models of MPM and highlight their strengths and limitations. We discuss how newer technologies, such as the tumour-derived organoids, might allow us to address the limitations of existing models and aid in the identification of effective treatments for this challenging-to-treat disease.
Fatty acid profile and chemical composition of meat from Nellore steers finished on pasture with different amounts of supplementation
Authors: Silva Robério R. , do Prado Ivanor N. , da Silva Fabiano F. , Rotta Polyana P. , Rodrigues Laoan B.O. , do Prado Rodolpho M. , de Carvalho Mesquita Bruna M.A. , Alba Henry D.R. , de Carvalho Gleidson G.P.
Published: March 2021

The use of supplements to feed grazing ruminants may improve the productivity and profitability of beef cattle productive systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different supplementation amounts on the meat quality of Nellore steers finished on pasture. A total of 40 steers were maintained on Brachiaria brizantha ‘Marandu’ pasture and finished on different concentrate supplementation amounts: 0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, and 0.9% of body weight (BW). There was no effect (P > 0.10) of supplementation on 14:0, 14:1 n-5, 15:0, 15:1 n-6, 16:1 n-10, 16:1 n-9, 16:1 n-7, 18:1 c-9, 18:1 t-9, 18:2 n-6, conjugated linoleic acid, 20:4 n-6, 22:0 and 22:5 n-3. However, the 17:1 n-10 decreased linearly (P < 0.01), whereas 18:0 increased linearly (P < 0.01) when supplementation was added. There was a quadratic effect (P < 0.10) for 16:0 and 18:1 t-11, as well as for 18:3 n-6. The total concentration of n-3 was linearly reduced, whereas the n-6/n-3 ratio was linearly increased. The use of concentrate supplements for Nellore steers finished on pasture, at amounts up to 0.9% of BW, does not improve the unsaturated fatty acids content. In contrast, the supplementation increases the content of saturated fatty acids in meat of steers.
Seismicbvalue within the Montney play of northeastern British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Babaie Mahani Alireza
Published: March 2021

Critical analysis of induced earthquake occurrences requires comprehensive data sets obtained by dense seismographic networks. In this study, using such data sets, I take a detailed investigation into induced seismicity that occurred in the Montney play of northeastern British Columbia, mostly caused by hydraulic fracturing. The frequency–magnitude distribution (FMD) of earthquakes in several temporal and spatial clusters show fundamental discrepancies between seismicity in the southern Montney play (2014–2018) and the northern area (2014–2016). In both regions, FMDs follow the linear Gutenberg–Richter (G–R) relationship for magnitudes up to 3.0. While in southern Montney, within the Fort St. John graben complex, the number of earthquakes at larger magnitudes falls off rapidly below the G–R line, within the northern area with a dominant compressional regime, the number of events increases above the G–R line. This systematic difference may have important implications with regard to seismic hazard assessments from induced seismicity in the two regions, although caution in the interpretation is warranted due to local variabilities. While for most clusters within the southern Montney area, the linear or truncated G–R relationship provide reliable seismicity rates for events below magnitude 4.0, the G–R relationship underestimates the seismicity rate for magnitudes above 3.0 in northern Montney. Using a well-located data set of earthquakes in southern Montney, one can observe generally that (1) seismic productivity correlates well with the injected volume during hydraulic fracturing and (2) there is a clear depth dependence for the G–R b value; clusters with deeper median depths show lower b values than those with shallower depths.
Classifications of quotion Yamabe solitons on Euclidean submanifolds with concurrent vector fields
Authors: Mofarreh Fatemah , Ali Akram , Turki Nasser Bin , Ali Rifaqat
Published: March 2021

The aim of this paper is to obtain some results for quotion Yamabe solitons with concurrent vector fields. We prove quotion Yamabe soliton [Formula: see text] on a hypersurface in Euclidean space [Formula: see text] contained either in a hyperplane or in a sphere [Formula: see text].
Modeling and stability analysis of HIV/HTLV-I co-infection
Authors: Elaiw A. M. , AlShamrani N. H.
Published: March 2021

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) are two retroviruses that infect the susceptible CD[Formula: see text]T cells. It is known that HIV and HTLV-I have in common a way of transmission through direct contact with certain body fluids related to infected individuals. Therefore, it is not surprising that a mono-infected person with one of these viruses can be co-infected with the other virus. In the literature, a great number of mathematical models has been presented to describe the within-host dynamics of HIV or HTLV-I mono-infection. However, the within-host dynamics of HIV/HTLV-I co-infection has not been modeled. In this paper, we develop a new within-host HIV/HTLV-I co-infection model. The model includes the impact of Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) immune response, which is important to control the progression of viral co-infection. The model describes the interaction between susceptible CD[Formula: see text]T cells, silent HIV-infected cells, active HIV-infected cells, silent HTLV-infected cells, Tax-expressing HTLV-infected cells, free HIV particles, HIV-specific CTLs and HTLV-specific CTLs. We first show the nonnegativity and boundedness of the model’s solutions and then we calculate all possible equilibria. We derive the threshold parameters which govern the existence and stability of all equilibria of the model. We prove the global asymptotic stability of all equilibria by utilizing Lyapunov function and LaSalle’s invariance principle. We have presented numerical simulations to illustrate the effectiveness of our main results. In addition, we discuss the effect of HTLV-I infection on the HIV-infected patients and vice versa.
Analysis and simulation of a single-phase seven-level inverter controlled by modified sinusoidal PWM technique
Authors: Srinath V. , Agarwal Man Mohan , Chaturvedi D. K.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a modified sinusoidal pulse width modulation (MSPWM) technique and a modified single-phase H-bridge seven-level inverter is proposed. The switching pulses for the proposed seven-level inverter are generated using a single triangular carrier waveform, a fully rectified sinusoidal signal, and three stepped reference signals (Uref1, Uref2 and Uref3). Using optimization technique, the magnitude of the stepped reference signal is determined so that the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output voltage waveform is minimum and the fundamental component, RMS value of the voltage is improved for a given modulation index Ma as compared to the sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM). By the implementation of the new scheme, the seven-level of the inverter output voltage level (+Vdc, +2Vdc/3, +Vdc/3, 0, −Vdc, −2Vdc/3, −Vdc) is obtained for any given modulation index. Similarly, if only two stepped reference signals are used then the inverter will act as a five-level inverter for any modulating index Ma. The proposed MSPWM and seven-level inverter are simulated on MATLAB/SIMULINK for R, R-L load and on a single-phase capacitor-start and capacitor-start-run Induction Motor.
Interpreting Deep Learning-based Vulnerability Detector Predictions Based on Heuristic Searching
Authors: Zou Deqing , Zhu Yawei , Xu Shouhuai , Li Zhen , Jin Hai , Ye Hengkai
Published: March 2021

Detecting software vulnerabilities is an important problem and a recent development in tackling the problem is the use of deep learning models to detect software vulnerabilities. While effective, it is hard to explain why a deep learning model predicts a piece of code as vulnerable or not because of the black-box nature of deep learning models. Indeed, the interpretability of deep learning models is a daunting open problem. In this article, we make a significant step toward tackling the interpretability of deep learning model in vulnerability detection. Specifically, we introduce a high-fidelity explanation framework, which aims to identify a small number of tokens that make significant contributions to a detector’s prediction with respect to an example. Systematic experiments show that the framework indeed has a higher fidelity than existing methods, especially when features are not independent of each other (which often occurs in the real world). In particular, the framework can produce some vulnerability rules that can be understood by domain experts for accepting a detector’s outputs (i.e., true positives) or rejecting a detector’s outputs (i.e., false-positives and false-negatives). We also discuss limitations of the present study, which indicate interesting open problems for future research.
Ionic Liquid Mediated Decoration of Pt Nanoparticles on Graphene and Its Electrocatalytic Characteristics
Authors: Badam Rajashekar , Vedarajan Raman , Okaya Kazuki , Matsutani Koichi , Matsumi Noriyoshi
Published: March 2021

In most of the conventional ionic liquid (IL) or poly-ionic liquid (PIL) mediated Pt carbon catalyst preparations, IL or PIL are covalently linked to the carbon involving complex reaction procedures. IL or PIL acts as the interface between Pt and carbon which increases the internal resistance of the material resulting in high overpotentials for electrocatalysis. In this regard we present a novel methodology to ionically tag IL to graphene that can easily be removed during the chemical reduction procedure for Pt decoration. We successfully prepared platinum nanparticles decorated on ionic liquid treated graphene (Pt-TMIm-rGO) material using a simple and scalable preparation method and systematically characterized. To understand the electrocatalytic efficiency of the material prepared, oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) characterization were studied and benchmarked with commercial counterparts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results revealed a modulation ofd-bandcentre of Pt and strong metal substrate interaction that reduced the over potential and increased durability. Pt-TMIm-rGO showed very high mass activity, low over potential compared to its counterparts in both ORR and MOR catalytic reactions. Pt-TMIm-rGO showed a high mass activity of ∼346 A g−1at 0.9 V vs RHE in the case of ORR and 195.2 mA g−1in case of MOR at 0.86 V vs RHE.
Development of a carboxyl-terminated indium tin oxide electrode for improving cell adhesion and facilitating low noise, real-time impedance measurements
Authors: Ilyas A. M. Olabisi , Alam Md Kowsar , Musah Jamal-Deen , Saw Lin Oo , Venkatesh Shishir , Yeung Chi-Chung , Yang Mengsu , Vellaisamy A. L. R. , Lau Condon
Published: March 2021

The working electrode’s surface property is crucial to cell adhesion and signal collection in electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS). To date, the indium tin oxide (ITO)-based working electrode is of interest in ECIS study due to its high transparency and biocompatibility. Of great concern is the impedance signal loss, distortion, and data interpretation conflict profoundly created by the movement of multiple cells during ECIS study. Here, a carboxyl-terminated ITO substrate was prepared by stepwise surface amino silanization, with N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) treatment, respectively. We investigated the stepwise changes in the property of the treated ITO, cell-substrate adhesion, collective cell mobility, and time course of change in absolute impedance from multiple Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells [(Δt-Δ|Z|)CELLS]. The carboxyl-terminated ITO substrate with a surface roughness of 6.37 nm shows enhanced conductivity, 75% visible light transparency, improved cell adherence, reduced collective cell migration speed by approximately twofold, and diminished signal distortion in the [(Δt-Δ|Z|)CELLS]. Thus, our study provides an ITO surface-treatment strategy to reduce multiple cell movement effects and to obtain essential cell information from the ECIS study of multiple cells through undistorted (Δt-Δ|Z|)CELLS.
Superficial peroneal neuromodulation of persistent bladder underactivity induced by prolonged pudendal afferent nerve stimulation in cats
Authors: Chen Jialiang , Mohapatra Anand , Zhao Jun , Zhong Yihua , Shen Bing , Wang Jicheng , Shen Zhijun , Beckel Jonathan , de Groat William C. , Tai Changfeng
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to determine whether superficial peroneal nerve stimulation (SPNS) can reverse persistent bladder underactivity induced by prolonged pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS). In 16 α‐chloralose-anesthetized cats, PNS and SPNS were applied by nerve cuff electrodes. Skin surface electrodes were also used for SPNS. Bladder underactivity consisting of a significant increase in bladder capacity to 157.8 ± 10.9% of control and a significant reduction in bladder contraction amplitude to 56.0 ± 5.0% of control was induced by repetitive (4–16 times) application of 30-min PNS. SPNS (1 Hz, 0.2 ms) at 1.5–2 times threshold intensity (T) for inducing posterior thigh muscle contractions was applied either continuously (SPNSc) or intermittently (SPNSi) during a cystometrogram (CMG) to determine whether the stimulation can reverse the PNS-induced bladder underactivity. SPNSc or SPNSi applied by nerve cuff electrodes during the prolonged PNS inhibition significantly reduced bladder capacity to 124.4 ± 10.7% and 132.4 ± 14.2% of control, respectively, and increased contraction amplitude to 85.3 ± 6.2% and 75.8 ± 4.7%, respectively. Transcutaneous SPNSc and SPNSi also significantly reduced bladder capacity and increased contraction amplitude. Additional PNS applied during the bladder underactivity further increased bladder capacity, whereas SPNSc applied simultaneously with the PNS reversed the increase in bladder capacity. This study indicates that a noninvasive superficial peroneal neuromodulation therapy might be developed to treat bladder underactivity caused by abnormal pudendal nerve somatic afferent activation that is hypothesized to occur in patients with Fowler’s syndrome.
Chemokine Profiles Are Affected in Serum of Patients with Acute Rejection of Kidney Allograft
Authors: Krupickova Lenka , Fialova Martina , Novotny Marek , Svachova Veronika , Mezerova Kristyna , Cecrdlova Eva , Viklicky Ondrej , Striz Ilja
Published: March 2021

Kidney allograft transplantation improved the prognosis and quality of life of patients with end-stage renal diseases but the occurrence of acute rejection represents a limitation of the final outcome. Noninvasive biomarkers are needed as well as further advancements in the understanding of immune mechanisms of reaction to the allograft. Our study of 138 patients focused on one-year monitoring of serum concentrations of 12 chemokines regulating the recruitment of different immune cells into transplanted allograft and on in vitro regulation of the same chemokines release by interactions of renal proximal epithelial cells with monocyte/macrophage cell line stimulated with TNF alpha. In a group of 44 patients with acute rejection, higher serum pretransplant levels of CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL6, CCL2, CCL21, and particularly CXCL10 and CX3CL1(both

p
<
0.001

) were found suggesting their higher proinflammatory status as compared to subjects with the uncomplicated outcome. In samples collected at the day of biopsy positive for acute rejection, chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL11 attracting preferentially Th1 lymphocytes were found to be upregulated. In our in vitro model with TNF alpha induction, renal proximal epithelial cells seemed to be a more potent source of chemokines attracting neutrophils as compared to monocyte/macrophage cell line but the coculture of these cells potentiated release of neutrophilic chemokines CXCL5 and CXCL6. Similar augmentation of chemokine production was found also in the case of CCL2. On the other hand, adding of monocytes/macrophages to a culture of renal epithelial cells suppressed the release of CXCL10 and CXCL11 attracting T lymphocytes. We assume from our data that in kidney allograft transplantation, chemokines attracting neutrophils, T lymphocytes, and monocytes are induced simultaneously and measurement some of them in combination might be used as biomarkers of acute rejection. Mutual cell-cell interactions of immune cells with renal parenchyma seem to be important for fine regulation of chemokine release.
On Conformable Laplace’s Equation
Authors: Martínez Francisco , Martínez Inmaculada , Kaabar Mohammed K. A. , Paredes Silvestre
Published: March 2021

The most important properties of the conformable derivative and integral have been recently introduced. In this paper, we propose and prove some new results on conformable Laplace’s equation. We discuss the solution of this mathematical problem with Dirichlet-type and Neumann-type conditions. All our obtained results will be applied to some interesting examples.
An IoT Time Series Data Security Model for Adversarial Attack Based on Thermometer Encoding
Authors: Yang Zhongguo , Abbasi Irshad Ahmed , Algarni Fahad , Ali Sikandar , Zhang Mingzhu
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, an Internet of Things (IoT) device consists of algorithms, datasets, and models. Due to good performance of deep learning methods, many devices integrated well-trained models in them. IoT empowers users to communicate and control physical devices to achieve vital information. However, these models are vulnerable to adversarial attacks, which largely bring potential risks to the normal application of deep learning methods. For instance, very little changes even one point in the IoT time-series data could lead to unreliable or wrong decisions. Moreover, these changes could be deliberately generated by following an adversarial attack strategy. We propose a robust IoT data classification model based on an encode-decode joint training model. Furthermore, thermometer encoding is taken as a nonlinear transformation to the original training examples that are used to reconstruct original time series examples through the encode-decode model. The trained ResNet model based on reconstruction examples is more robust to the adversarial attack. Experiments show that the trained model can successfully resist to fast gradient sign method attack to some extent and improve the security of the time series data classification model.
PSSPNN: PatchShuffle Stochastic Pooling Neural Network for an Explainable Diagnosis of COVID-19 with Multiple-Way Data Augmentation
Authors: Wang Shui-Hua , Zhang Yin , Cheng Xiaochun , Zhang Xin , Zhang Yu-Dong
Published: March 2021

Aim. COVID-19 has caused large death tolls all over the world. Accurate diagnosis is of significant importance for early treatment. Methods. In this study, we proposed a novel PSSPNN model for classification between COVID-19, secondary pulmonary tuberculosis, community-captured pneumonia, and healthy subjects. PSSPNN entails five improvements: we first proposed the n-conv stochastic pooling module. Second, a novel stochastic pooling neural network was proposed. Third, PatchShuffle was introduced as a regularization term. Fourth, an improved multiple-way data augmentation was used. Fifth, Grad-CAM was utilized to interpret our AI model. Results. The 10 runs with random seed on the test set showed our algorithm achieved a microaveraged F1 score of 95.79%. Moreover, our method is better than nine state-of-the-art approaches. Conclusion. This proposed PSSPNN will help assist radiologists to make diagnosis more quickly and accurately on COVID-19 cases.
C‐Type Lectin‐Like Molecule‐1 as a Biomarker for Diagnosis and Prognosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Wang Jinghua , Wang Weida , Chen Hao , Li Wenmin , Huang Tian , Zhang Weiya , Ling Wei , Lai Peilong , Wang Yulian , Geng Suxia , Li Minming , Du Xin , Weng Jianyu
Published: March 2021

Objective. AML is a heterogeneous disease both in genomic and proteomic backgrounds, and variable outcomes may appear in the same cytogenetic risk group. Therefore, it is still necessary to identify new antigens that contribute to diagnostic information and to refine the current risk stratification. Methods. The expression of C‐type lectin‐like molecule‐1 (CLL‐1) in AML blasts was examined in 52 patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory AML and was compared with two other classic markers CD33 and CD34 in AML, in order to assess the value of CLL‐1 as an independent biomarker or in combination with other markers for diagnosis in AML. Subsequently, the value of CLL‐1 as a biomarker for prognosis was assessed in this malignant tumor. Results. The results showed that CLL‐1 was expressed on the cell surface of the majority of AML blasts (78.8%) and also expressed on leukemic stem cells in varying degree but absent on normal hematopoietic stem cells. Notably, CLL‐1 was able to complement the classic markers CD33 or CD34. After dividing the cases into CLL‐1high and CLL‐1low groups according to cutoff 59.0%, we discovered that event‐free survival and overall survival (OS) of the CLL‐1low group were significantly lower than that of the CLL‐1high group, and low CLL‐1 expression seems to be independently associated with shorter OS. Conclusions. These preliminary observations identified CLL‐1 as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of AML.
Experimental Study of Volumetric Fracturing Properties for Shale under Different Stress States
Authors: Wang Hongjian , Li Jin , Zhao Fei , Dong Jinyu , Cui Yanzong , Gong Wanlin
Published: March 2021

Shale gas can be commercially produced using the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) with multistage fracturing or multiwell synchronous fracturing. These fracturing technologies can produce additional stress fields that significantly influence the crack initiation pressure and the formation of an effective fracture network. Therefore, this study primarily investigated the evolution of crack initiation and propagation in a hydraulic rock mass under various stress conditions. Combining the in situ stress characteristics of a shale reservoir and fracturing technology, three types of true triaxial volumetric fracturing simulation experiments were designed and performed on shale, including three-dimensional constant loading, one-dimensional pressurization disturbance, and one-dimensional depressurization disturbance. The results indicate that the critical failure strength of the shale rock increases as the three-dimensional constant loads are increased. The rupture surface is always parallel to the maximum principal stress plane in both the simulated vertical and horizontal wells. Under the same in situ stress conditions in the wellbore direction, if the lateral pressure becomes larger, the critical failure strength of shale rock would increase. Additionally, when the lateral in situ stress difference coefficient is smaller, the rock specimen has an evident trend to form more complex cracks. When the shale rock was subjected to lateral disturbance loads, the critical failure strength was approximately 10 MPa less than that in the state of constant loading, indicating that the specimen with disturbance loads is more likely to be fractured. Moreover, shale rock under the depressurization disturbance load is more easily fractured compared with the pressurization disturbance. These findings could provide a theoretical basis and technical support for multistage or multiwell synchronous fracturing in shale gas production.