bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physically active individuals look for more: An eye‐tracking study of attentional bias
Authors: Cheval Boris , Miller Matthew W. , Orsholits Dan , Berry Tanya , Sander David , Boisgontier Matthieu P.
Published: April 2020

Attentional capture by exercise‐related stimuli is important for the regulation of physical activity. Attentional processing underlying this capture has been investigated with indirect behavioral measures based on reaction times. To investigate more direct measures of visual spatial attention toward physical activity (vs. inactivity) stimuli, we used eye‐tracking and a visual dot probe task in 77 young adults with various level of physical activity. Reaction times to detect a dot appearing in the area previously occupied by a physical activity (vs. inactivity) stimulus were an indirect measure of attentional bias. The first picture gaze and viewing time were more direct measures of attentional orienting and attentional engagement, respectively. Pupil dilation was an indicator of arousal. Reaction times revealed a two‐way interaction between the location of the dot and participants’ usual level of physical activity. Only participants with a high level of physical activity more quickly detected a dot when it appeared in the area previously occupied by a physical activity stimulus. Eye‐tracking results showed greater odds of first gazing at physical activity stimuli and for a longer time, and a greater decrease in pupil size when viewing physical activity stimuli when usual level of physical activity was moderate or high, but not low. The variance explained in the outcomes ranged from 13.9% (pupil dilation) to 40% (reaction times). Overall, as hypothesized, compared to less physically active participants, participants who were more physically active demonstrated indirect (reaction times) and direct (first gaze, viewing time) evidence of a more pronounced attentional bias toward physical activity. Physical activity stimuli biased attention, with a pronounced effect when the level of physical activity was higher. These findings suggest that physical activity stimuli are relevant to the current concerns of moderately and highly active individuals.
Impact of obesity on dialysis and transplant and its management
Authors: Diwan Tayyab S. , Cuffy Madison C. , Linares‐Cervantes Ivan , Govil Amit
Published: April 2020

Obesity is increasing to unprecedented levels, including in the end‐stage kidney disease population, where upwards of 60% of kidney transplant patients are overweight or obese. Obesity poses additional challenges to the care of the dialysis patient, including difficulties in creating vascular access and inserting Tenckhoff catheters, higher rates of catheter malfunction and peritonitis, the need for longer and/or more frequent dialysis (or peritoneal dialysis [PD] exchanges) to achieve adequate clearance, increased metabolic complications particularly with PD, and obesity is a barrier to kidney transplantation. In this article, we review special considerations in performing PD, hemodialysis and transplant in the obese patient, as well as the evidence behind medical and surgical management of obesity in dialysis patients.
The effect of previous shoulder pain on supraspinatus tendon thickness changes following swimming practice
Authors: Porter Kirsten N. , Blanch Peter D. , Walker Helen M. , Shield Anthony J.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To assess if swimming practice results in changes in supraspinatus tendon thickness, acromiohumeral distance, and occupational ratio in shoulders of elite swimmers with and without a history of shoulder pain.

Design

Case‐Control study.

Methods

A convenience sample of fifty elite swimmers (14‐22 years) were recruited for this study. Groups were defined by the presence (history of pain, N = 37) or absence (pain free, N = 63) of significant interfering shoulder pain within the previous 6 months. The current study analyzed supraspinatus tendon thickness, acromiohumeral distance, and the occupational ratio, through the use of ultrasound. Measures were taken prior to swim practice; immediately after practice; and 6 hours post‐practice.

Results

No statistically significant difference in supraspinatus tendon thickness, acromiohumeral distance or ratio between shoulders with and without a history of pain were found at rest. Following a swimming practice, both shoulders with and without a history of pain had a significant increase in tendon thickness (0.27 & 0.17 mm; P ≤ .001 & <.001). The increase in thickness was significantly greater in the history of pain shoulders compared to pain‐free shoulders (P = .003). At 6‐hour post‐practice, the history of pain shoulders was still significantly thicker than their pre‐practice (rested) levels (P = .007). Despite changes in tendon thickness, the occupational ratio remained non‐significant between groups.

Conclusion

Shoulders with a history of pain show an altered response to swimming practice. The results of the current study have implications for training load and injury management. It should prompt investigation into how the tendon reacts under varying load conditions.
Identification of four novel HLA‐A alleles
Authors: Dard Céline , Senoussi Ornella , Buhler Stéphane , Bardy Béatrice , Masson Dominique
Published: April 2020

Four novel HLA‐A alleles were detected using two next‐generation sequencing technologies.
The novel HLA‐A*68 variant, HLA‐A*68:02:16, identified by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Ingrassia Francesco , Pecoraro Alice , Blando Maria , Bruno Floriana , Cappuzzo Valentina
Published: April 2020

HLA‐A*68:02:16 differs from A*68:02:01:01 by a single synonymous nucleotide change in codon 160 (CTG>CTA).
The importance of uninterrupted albendazole treatment in patients with unresectable alveolar echinococcosis undergoing liver transplantation
Authors: Zavoikin Valerij D. , Zelya Olga P. , Tumolskaya Nelli I.
Published: April 2020

Background

This study focused on the monitoring of patients who had undergone liver transplantation (LT) because of unresectable alveolar echinococcosis (AE). The role of long‐term administration of albendazole (ABZ) in patients with residual/recurrent AE lesions and without AE lesions was evaluated.

Methods

Albendazole therapy was prescribed to patients diagnosed with AE 4‐6 weeks after LT on the background of continuous suppressive therapy while following the protocol for managing patients after LT. Clinical data (general condition, blood counts, and level of hepatic transaminases), ultrasound scans (USs), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or multispiral computed tomography (MSCT), and serological data were collected from four patients with residual/recurrent AE lesions and without AE lesions. The results of the USs, MRI, and MSCT examinations at diagnosis and at the end of follow‐up were retrospectively reviewed for all patients.

Results

Observation of patients over a long period (up to 10 years) showed that the continuous (without interruption) use of ABZ restrained the development of metacestodes. Interruptions in taking the drug, associated with the manifestation of hepatotoxicity in some patients, led to the development of lesions in other organs in which the parasite had not previously been detected. No new foci were found in the transplanted livers of the patients.

Conclusion

Liver transplantation, together with continuous anti‐relapse chemotherapy, prolongs the patient's life, both in the absence and in the presence of metastases in other organs.
New findings of ptyctimous mites of the family Steganacaridae (Acari, Oribatida, Phthiracaroidea) from Yunnan Province, Southwest China

Authors: Liu Dong
Published: April 2020

Two new species of steganacarid mites (Oribatida: Phthiracaroidea) from Yunnan Province, Southwest China, Plonaphacarus chuxiongensis sp. nov. and Hoplophthiracarus jianchuanensis sp. nov., are described and illustrated. Keys to all known species of Plonaphacarus and Hoplophthiracarus from China are proposed to facilitate further studies of these groups.
Structural Basis of Reduced Susceptibility to Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Cefiderocol in
Enterobacter cloacae
Due to AmpC R2 Loop Deletion
Authors: Kawai Akito , McElheny Christi L. , Iovleva Alina , Kline Ellen G. , Sluis-Cremer Nicolas , Shields Ryan K. , Doi Yohei
Published: April 2020

Ceftazidime-avibactam and cefiderocol are two of the latest generation β-lactam agents that possess expanded activity against highly drug-resistant bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacterales
. Here, we show that structural changes in AmpC β-lactamases can confer reduced susceptibility to both agents. A multidrug-resistant
Enterobacter cloacae
clinical strain (Ent385) was found to be resistant to ceftazidime-avibactam and cefiderocol without prior exposure to either agent.
Legacy of a Butterfly’s Parental Microbiome in Offspring Performance
Authors: Paniagua Voirol Luis R. , Weinhold Arne , Johnston Paul R. , Fatouros Nina E. , Hilker Monika
Published: April 2020

Resident bacterial communities are almost absent in larvae of butterflies and thus are unlikely to affect their host. In contrast, adult butterflies contain conspicuous amounts of bacteria. While the host plant and immune state of adult parental butterflies are known to affect offspring traits, it has been unclear whether also the parental microbiome imposes direct effects on the offspring. Here, we show that disturbance of the bacterial community in parental butterflies by an antibiotic treatment has a detrimental effect on those offspring larvae feeding on a different host plant than their parents. Hence, the study indicates that disturbance of an insect’s parental microbiome by an antibiotic treatment shapes how the offspring individuals can adjust themselves to a novel host plant.
Role of the ESCRT Pathway in Laccase Trafficking and Virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Park Yoon-Dong , Chen Shu Hui , Camacho Emma , Casadevall Arturo , Williamson Peter R.
Published: April 2020

The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) plays a crucial role in the transportation and degradation of proteins. We determined that Vps27, a key protein of the ESCRT-0 complex, is required for the transport of the virulence factor laccase to the cell wall in
Cryptococcus neoformans
. Laccase activity was perturbed, as was melanin production, in
vps27
Δ strains. In the absence of
VPS27
, there was an accumulation of multivesicular bodies with vacuolar fragmentation and mistargeting of the vacuolar carboxypeptidase CPY/Prc1, resulting in an extracellular localization.
Species Identification and Antibiotic Resistance Prediction by Analysis of Whole-Genome Sequence Data by Use of ARESdb: an Analysis of Isolates from the Unyvero Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Trial
Authors: Ferreira Ines , Beisken Stephan , Lueftinger Lukas , Weinmaier Thomas , Klein Matthias , Bacher Johannes , Patel Robin , von Haeseler Arndt , Posch Andreas E.
Published: April 2020

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is now routinely performed in clinical microbiology laboratories to assess isolate relatedness. With appropriately developed analytics, the same data can be used for prediction of antimicrobial susceptibility. We assessed WGS data for identification using open-source tools and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) prediction using ARESdb compared to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) identification and broth microdilution phenotypic susceptibility testing on clinical isolates from a multicenter clinical trial of the FDA-cleared Unyvero lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) application (Curetis).
Detection of Intestinal Protozoa in Trichrome-Stained Stool Specimens by Use of a Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Mathison Blaine A. , Kohan Jessica L. , Walker John F. , Smith Richard Boyd , Ardon Orly , Couturier Marc Roger
Published: April 2020

Intestinal protozoa are responsible for relatively few infections in the developed world, but the testing volume is disproportionately high. Manual light microscopy of stool remains the gold standard but can be insensitive, time-consuming, and difficult to maintain competency. Artificial intelligence and digital slide scanning show promise for revolutionizing the clinical parasitology laboratory by augmenting the detection of parasites and slide interpretation using a convolutional neural network (CNN) model.
Lysosome-Associated Membrane Proteins Support the Furin-Mediated Processing of the Mumps Virus Fusion Protein
Authors: Ueo Ayako , Kubota Marie , Shirogane Yuta , Ohno Shinji , Hashiguchi Takao , Yanagi Yusuke
Published: April 2020

The cellular protease furin mediates proteolytic cleavage of many host and pathogen proteins and plays an important role in viral envelope glycoprotein maturation. MuV, an enveloped RNA virus of the
Paramyxoviridae
family and an important human pathogen, enters the cell through the fusion of its envelope with the plasma membrane of the target cell. Membrane fusion is mediated by the viral attachment protein and the F protein. Cleavage of MuV-F into two subunits by furin is a prerequisite for fusion and virus infectivity. Here, we show that LAMPs support the furin-mediated cleavage of MuV-F. Expression levels of LAMPs affect the processing of MuV-F and MuV-mediated membrane fusion. Among LAMPs, the interferon-stimulated gene product LAMP3 is most critical in certain cells. Our study provides potential targets for anti-MuV therapeutics.
Development of a 3Mut-Apex-Stabilized Envelope Trimer That Expands HIV-1 Neutralization Breadth When Used To Boost Fusion Peptide-Directed Vaccine-Elicited Responses
Authors: Chuang Gwo-Yu , Lai Yen-Ting , Boyington Jeffrey C. , Cheng Cheng , Geng Hui , Narpala Sandeep , Rawi Reda , Schmidt Stephen D. , Tsybovsky Yaroslav , Verardi Raffaello , Xu Kai , Yang Yongping , Zhang Baoshan , Chambers Michael , Changela Anita , Corrigan Angela R. , Kong Rui , Olia Adam S. , Ou Li , Sarfo Edward K. , Wang Shuishu , Wu Winston , Doria-Rose Nicole A. , McDermott Adrian B. , Mascola John R. , Kwong Peter D.
Published: April 2020

A major hurdle to the development of an effective HIV-1 vaccine is the elicitation of serum responses capable of neutralizing circulating strains of HIV, which are extraordinarily diverse in sequence and often highly neutralization resistant. Recently, we showed how sera with 20 to 30% neutralization breadth could, nevertheless, be elicited in standard vaccine test animals by priming with the most prevalent N-terminal 8 residues of the HIV-1 fusion peptide (FP8), followed by boosting with a stabilized BG505-envelope (Env) trimer. Here, we show that subsequent boosting with a 3mut-apex-stabilized consensus C-Env trimer, modified to have the second most prevalent FP8 sequence, elicits higher neutralization breadth than that induced by continued boosting with the stabilized BG505-Env trimer. With increased neutralizing breadth elicited by boosting with a heterologous trimer containing the second most prevalent FP8 sequence, the fusion peptide-directed immune-focusing approach moves a step closer toward realizing an effective HIV-1 vaccine regimen.
Regulation of Mumps Virus Replication and Transcription by Kinase RPS6KB1
Authors: Briggs Kelsey , Wang Leyi , Nagashima Kaito , Zengel James , Tripp Ralph A. , He Biao
Published: April 2020

Mumps virus is an important human pathogen. In recent years, MuV has reemerged in the United State, with outbreaks occurring in young adults who have been vaccinated. Our work provides insight into a previously unknown mumps virus-host interaction. RPS6KB1 negatively regulates MuV replication, likely through its interaction with the P protein. Understanding virus-host interactions can lead to novel antiviral drugs and enhanced vaccine production.
Field investigation of shallow soft-soil highway subgrade treated by mass carbonation technology
Authors: Liu Song-Yu , Cai Guang-Hua , Du Guang-Yin , Wang Liang , Li Jiang-Shan , Qian Xing-Chen
Published: April 2020

The innovative carbonation technique based on reactive MgO and CO2 has been identified as an environmentally friendly and efficient method in the improvement of weak soils. Previous laboratory studies have indicated that carbonated MgO-admixed soils had significant improvement in mechanical properties. However, there are to date limited investigations on the soft-soil field application of this technique. In this study, a field trial was conducted to ascertain the feasibility of the MgO mass carbonation technique in improving shallow soft-soil subgrades. A series of field tests, including temperature, dynamic cone penetrometer, and light-weight deflectometer tests, were undertaken. The results indicated that compared with uncarbonated soil layers, there was two to three times increase in dynamic resilient moduli and soil resistances of carbonated MgO-admixed soils. The outcomes of this field investigation will contribute to the utilization of the combined stabilizer of MgO and CO2 and the mass carbonation technology in subgrade improvement.
Step-by-step structural design methods for adjustable low-frequency sound insulation based on infinite plate-type acoustic metamaterial panel
Authors: Ye Ying-Rui , Wang Xiao-Peng , Chen Tian-Ning , Chen Yong-Yong
Published: April 2020

With the development of acoustic metamaterials (AMM), more and more researchers focus on the study of plate-type acoustic metamaterial panel (PAMMP). With the goal of industrial applications, the structural design methods of large-scale PAMMP are important. In this research, we establish an infinite plate-type acoustic metamaterial panel (IPAMMP) model, and experimental and simulation results show that the sound transmission loss (STL) curves of IPAMMP and large-scale PAMMP have good consistency in an interested range. On this basis, a set of step-by-step structural design methods for single-frequency and multi-frequency sound insulation are proposed. By adjusting the structural parameters of IPAMMP, the single-frequency STL peak could be shifted. Further study shows that multiple STL peaks could be realized in the low-frequency range by placing different masses on IPAMMP. Finally, taking transformers 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 300 Hz, 400 Hz and 500 Hz as examples, the feasibility of the structural design methods is verified by simulation. Consequently, the proposed step-by-step structural design methods could address the single-frequency and multi-frequency sound insulation at a specific frequency, demonstrating adjustability.
A Comparison of Resampling Techniques for Medical Data Using Machine Learning
Authors: Alahmari Fahad
Published: April 2020

Data imbalance with respect to the class labels has been recognised as a challenging problem for machine learning techniques as it has a direct impact on the classification model’s performance. In an imbalanced dataset, most of the instances belong to one class, while far fewer instances are associated with the remaining classes. Most of the machine learning algorithms tend to favour the majority class and ignore the minority classes leading to classification models being generated that cannot be generalised. This paper investigates the problem of class imbalance for a medical application related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening to identify the ideal data resampling method that can stabilise classification performance. To achieve the aim, experimental analyses to measure the performance of different oversampling and under-sampling techniques have been conducted on a real imbalanced ASD dataset related to adults. The results produced by multiple classifiers on the considered datasets showed superiority in terms of specificity, sensitivity, and precision, among others, when adopting oversampling techniques in the pre-processing phase.
Spatial and temporal characterization of polarization entanglement
Authors: Nomerotski Andrei , Katramatos Dimitrios , Stankus Paul , Svihra Peter , Cui Guodong , Gera Sonali , Flament Mael , Figueroa Eden
Published: April 2020

We describe the full temporal and spatial characterization of polarization-entangled photons produced by Spontaneous Parametric Down Conversions using an intensified high-speed optical camera, Tpx3Cam. This novel technique allows for precise determination of Bell inequality parameters and for new characterization methods for the spatial distribution of entangled quantum information. We also discuss a technique to synchronize multiple cameras separated by vast distances, which will be required for a distributed quantum network.
Getting Women on Board: Some Reflections on Research on Board Gender Diversity
Authors: Hardies Kris , Breesch Diane
Published: April 2020

Al-Shaer and Harakehn (2020) and Lopatta et al. (2020) study different aspects of the relationship between board gender diversity and corporate outcomes, respectively executive compensation and non-financial performance. In this discussion, we offer a broad overview of the main results of both studies, provide some points of discussion in relationship to these specific studies, and elaborate on a number of additional points that link the current studies to the broader literature on board gender diversity and gender research in accounting more generally. We conclude with some suggestions for future research.
INTANGIBLE RESOURCES AND INSTITUTION PERFORMANCE: THE CONCERN OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL, EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE, JOB SATISFACTION, AND ITS IMPACT ON ORGANIZATION PERFORMANCE
Authors: MUWARDI DIDI , SAIDE SAIDE , EKO INDRAJIT RICHARDUS , IQBAL MOHAMMAD , SITI ASTUTI ENDANG , HERZAVINA HERZAVINA
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The aim of this research paper is to examine the relationships between intangible assets, employee’s performance, and job satisfaction (JS) with structural model. The research explores both the practical and theoretical basis of these paradigms on organisation performance. This research also aims to identify whether a relation can be established between these aspects in the context of non-profit organisation performance in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach: Reviewing the literature explores a theoretical existence of related context preceding the organisational performance. The authors used structural equation modelling to check the research prototype with a sample of 121 respondents. The respondents were heads of departments and general employees. In addition, SPSS was used to measure demographic, non-response bias, and generate descriptive statistics. Findings: Overall, the results demonstrate that organisation with a higher level of intellectual capital (IC), employee performance (EP), and job performance (JP) are important predictors of organisational performance in this sample. Similarly, JS and IC predicted EP. It is acknowledged that emotional intelligence such as satisfaction and dissatisfaction are important incentives to necessitate action tendencies. Research limitations/implications: This research is focused on organisations. Further research may extend the focus to different types of organisations and countries. Practical implications: The findings of this study may help institutions and HR departments to initiate new strategies such as integrating the traditional company performance measurement systems based on various indicators of this study. These factors succeed in providing an effective representation of a set of intangible assets that are developed by the company and that contribute to the improvement of company’s performance. Additionally, to maximise IC assets, the company can implement knowledge sharing practices among employees and experts as well. Original value/knowledge contribution: This research is useful for organisations and academics as a reference of the comparative and intersecting explanation of enhancing organisational performance. Moreover, various main concepts/theories are combined, namely, IC, JS, and employee’s performance to solve the obstacles of organisation performance.
Variational Autoencoder-Based Dimensionality Reduction for High-Dimensional Small-Sample Data Classification
Authors: Mahmud Mohammad Sultan , Huang Joshua Zhexue , Fu Xianghua
Published: April 2020

Classification problems in which the number of features (dimensions) is unduly higher than the number of samples (observations) is an essential research and application area in a variety of domains, especially in computational biology. It is also known as a high-dimensional small-sample-size (HDSSS) problem. Various dimensionality reduction methods have been developed, but they are not potent with the small-sample-sized high-dimensional datasets and suffer from overfitting and high-variance gradients. To overcome the pitfalls of sample size and dimensionality, this study employed variational autoencoder (VAE), which is a dynamic framework for unsupervised learning in recent years. The objective of this study is to investigate a reliable classification model for high-dimensional and small-sample-sized datasets with minimal error. Moreover, it evaluated the strength of different architectures of VAE on the HDSSS datasets. In the experiment, six genomic microarray datasets from Kent Ridge Biomedical Dataset Repository were selected, and several choices of dimensions (features) were applied for data preprocessing. Also, to evaluate the classification accuracy and to find a stable and suitable classifier, nine state-of-the-art classifiers that have been successful for classification tasks in high-dimensional data settings were selected. The experimental results demonstrate that the VAE can provide superior performance compared to traditional methods such as PCA, fastICA, FA, NMF, and LDA in terms of accuracy and AUROC.
A Data-driven Characterization of Modern Android Spyware
Authors: Pierazzi Fabio , Mezzour Ghita , Han Qian , Colajanni Michele , Subrahmanian V. S.
Published: April 2020

According to Nokia’s 2017 Threat Intelligence Report, 68.5% of malware targets the Android platform; Windows is second with 28%, followed by iOS and other platforms with 3.5%. The Android spyware family U
A
P
USH
was responsible for the most infections, and several of the top 20 most common Android malware were spyware. Simply put, modern spyware steals the basic information needed to fuel more deadly attacks such as ransomware and banking fraud. Not surprisingly, some forms of spyware are also classified as banking trojans (e.g., A
CE
C
ARD
). We present a data-driven characterization of the principal factors that distinguish modern Android spyware (July 2016–July 2017) both from goodware and other Android malware, using both traditional and deep ML. First, we propose an Ensemble Late Fusion (ELF) architecture that combines the results of multiple classifiers’ predicted probabilities to generate a final prediction. We show that ELF outperforms several of the best-known traditional and deep learning classifiers. Second, we automatically identify key features that distinguish spyware both from goodware and from other malware. Finally we present a detailed analysis of the factors distinguishing five important families of Android spyware: U
A
P
USH
, P
INCER
, H
E
H
E
, USBC
LEAVER
, and A
CE
C
ARD
(the last is a hybrid spyware-banking trojan).
Current-Driven Vanadium Crossover as a Function of SOC and SOD in the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Vardner Jonathan T. , Ye Angela A. , Valdes David A. , West Alan C.
Published: April 2020

The performance of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) is impacted by the diffusion and migration of the vanadium species across the separator. In this work, the vanadium crossover as a function of current density for vanadium-containing electrolytes of various state of charge (SOC) and state of discharge (SOD) is measured. Experiments conducted with electrolytes at complete charge/discharge yielded direct measurements of the transference numbers of the vanadium species. The transference numbers of V2+, V3+, VO2+, and VO2
+ were estimated to be 0.064 ± 0.002, 0.087 ± 0.003, 0.068 ± 0.003, and 0.018 ± 0.002, respectively. Experiments conducted with electrolytes at intermediate states of charge/discharge yielded direct measurements of the sum of transport numbers of the vanadium species. The transport number estimates are quantitatively related to faradaic efficiency loss and capacity fade of a working VRFB.
High Throughput Approaches to Unravel the Mechanism of Action of a New Vanadium-Based Compound against Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Mosquillo M. Florencia , Smircich Pablo , Lima Analía , Gehrke Sergio A. , Scalese Gonzalo , Machado Ignacio , Gambino Dinorah , Garat Beatriz , Pérez-Díaz Leticia
Published: April 2020

Treatment for Chagas disease, a parasitosis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, has always been based on two drugs, nifurtimox and benznidazole, despite the toxic side effects described after prolonged prescription. In this work, we study a new prospective antitrypanosomal drug based on vanadium, here named VIVO(5Brsal)(aminophen). We found a good IC50 value, (3.76 ± 0.08) μM, on CL Brener epimastigotes. The analysis of cell death mechanism allowed us to rule out the implication of a mechanism based on early apoptosis or necrosis. Recovery assays revealed a trypanostatic effect, accompanied by cell shape and motility alterations. An uptake mostly associated with the insoluble fraction of the parasites was deduced through vanadium determinations. Concordantly, no drastic changes of the parasite transcriptome were detected after 6 h of treatment. Instead, proteomic analysis uncovered the modulation of proteins involved in different processes such as energy and redox metabolism, transport systems, detoxifying pathways, ribosomal protein synthesis, and proteasome protein degradation. Overall, the results here presented lead us to propose that VIVO(5Brsal)(aminophen) exerts a trypanostatic effect on T. cruzi affecting parasite insoluble proteins.
[Retracted] Effect of Moderate‐Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Hepatic Fat Content and Visceral Lipids in Hepatic Patients with Diabesity: A Single‐Blinded Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Abdelbasset Walid Kamal , Elsayed Shereen H. , Nambi Gopal , Alrawaili Saud M. , Elnegamy Tamer E. , Khalil Mona A. , Tantawy Sayed A. , Soliman Gaber S. , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Kamel Dalia M.
Published: April 2020

Objective. Limited studies have assessed the effect of moderate‐intensity continuous aerobic exercise on hepatic fat content and visceral lipids in hepatic patients with diabesity. This study was designed to evaluate hepatic fat content and visceral lipids following moderate‐intensity continuous aerobic exercise in hepatic patients with diabesity. Design. A single‐blinded randomised controlled trial. Methods. Thirty‐one diabetic obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease were recruited into this study. The patients were randomly classified into exercise and control groups, fifteen patients in the exercise group and sixteen patients in the control group. The exercise group received an 8‐week moderate‐intensity continuous aerobic exercise program with standard medical treatment, while the control group received standard medical treatment without any exercise program. Hepatic fat content and visceral lipids were assessed before and after intervention at the end of the study. Results. Baseline and clinical characteristics showed a nonsignificant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). At the end of the intervention, the aerobic exercise showed significant improvements (serum triglycerides and low‐density lipoproteins (LDLs), p ≤ 0.002, total cholesterol, p = 0.004, visceral fats, p = 0.016, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), p = 0.022, high‐density lipoproteins (HDLs), p = 0.038, alanine transaminases (AL), p = 0.044, intrahepatic triglyceride and HOMA‐IR, p = 0.046, and body mass index (BMI), p = 0.047), while the control group showed a nonsignificant difference (p > 0.05). The postintervention analysis showed significant differences in favor of the aerobic exercise group (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Moderate‐intensity continuous aerobic exercise reduces the hepatic fat content and visceral lipids in hepatic patients with diabesity. Recommendations should be prescribed for encouraging moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise training, particularly hepatic patients with diabesity.
Chitoheptaose Promotes Heart Rehabilitation in a Rat Myocarditis Model by Improving Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Properties
Authors: Zhao Qini , Yin Liquan , Zhang Lirong , Jiang Dongli , Liu Long , Ji Hong
Published: April 2020

Background. Myocarditis is one of the important causes of dilated cardiomyopathy, cardiac morbidity, and mortality worldwide. Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) may have anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects on myocarditis. However, the exact molecular mechanism for the effects of functional COS on myocarditis remains unclear. Methods. Anti-inflammatory activities of COS (chitobiose, chitotriose, chitotetraose, chitopentaose, chitohexaose, chitoheptaose, and chitooctaose) were measured in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated RAW264.7 cells. A rat model with myocarditis was established and treated with chitopentaose, chitohexaose, chitoheptaose, and chitooctaose. Serum COS were measured by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in all rats. Myocarditis injury, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), inflammatory factors, and apoptotic factors were also measured. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to explore the relationship between the levels of ROS/RNS and cardiac parameters. Results. Among all chitosan oligosaccharides, the COS>degrees of polymerization DP 4 showed anti-inflammatory activities (the activity order was chitopentaose<chitohexaose<chitoheptaose<chitooctaose) by reducing the levels of interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-17A, and interferon- (IFN-) γ and increasing the level of IL-10. However, the serum level of chitooctaose was low whereas it showed significant therapeutic effects on myocarditis by improving cardiac parameters (left ventricular internal dimension, both end-systolic and end-diastolic, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening), inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10, IL-17A, and IFN-γ), oxidative factors (ROS and RNS), and apoptotic factors (caspase 3, BAX, and BCL-2) when compared with chitopentaose, chitohexaose, and chitooctaose (COS DP>4). The levels of ROS/RNS had a strong relationship with cardiac parameters. Conclusions. Chitoheptaose plays a myriad of cardioprotective roles in the myocarditis model via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities.
A Sufficient Condition for Planar Graphs of Maximum Degree 6 to be Totally 7-Colorable
Authors: Zhu Enqiang , Rao Yongsheng
Published: April 2020

A total k-coloring of a graph is an assignment of k colors to its vertices and edges such that no two adjacent or incident elements receive the same color. The total coloring conjecture (TCC) states that every simple graph G has a total ΔG+2-coloring, where ΔG is the maximum degree of G. This conjecture has been confirmed for planar graphs with maximum degree at least 7 or at most 5, i.e., the only open case of TCC is that of maximum degree 6. It is known that every planar graph G of ΔG≥9 or ΔG∈7,8 with some restrictions has a total ΔG+1-coloring. In particular, in (Shen and Wang, 2009), the authors proved that every planar graph with maximum degree 6 and without 4-cycles has a total 7-coloring. In this paper, we improve this result by showing that every diamond-free and house-free planar graph of maximum degree 6 is totally 7-colorable if every 6-vertex is not incident with two adjacent four cycles or three cycles of size p,q,ℓ for some p,q,ℓ∈3,4,4,3,3,4.
MitoQ Modulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction via Regulating Nrf2 Signaling
Authors: Zhang Shengfeng , Zhou Qingniao , Li Youcheng , Zhang Yunli , Wu Yinmei
Published: April 2020

Background. Gut barrier dysfunction with alterant mucosal permeability during sepsis is a challenge problem in clinical practice. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are strongly involved in mucosal oxidative stress and inflammatory response. The current study aimed at investigating the effect of MitoQ, a mitochondrial targeted antioxidant, in the treatment of intestinal injury and its potential mechanism during sepsis. Methods. 30 minutes before sepsis induction by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment, mice were treated with MitoQ. Intestinal histopathology, mucosal permeability, inflammatory cytokines, and mucosal barrier proteins were evaluated in the present study. Results. MitoQ pretreatment significantly decreased the levels of plasma diamine oxidase, D-lactate, and intestinal histological damage and markedly restored the levels of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) following LPS challenge. Furthermore, MitoQ inhibited the LPS-induced intestinal oxidative stress and inflammatory response, evidenced by increased levels of intestinal superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and decreased levels of intestinal IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and nitric oxide levels. Mechanically, we found that MitoQ inhibited the oxidative stress via activating nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and its downstream antioxidant genes, including HO-1, NQO-1, and GCLM. Conclusions. MitoQ exerts antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects against sepsis-associated gut barrier injury by promoting Nrf2 signaling pathway.
State Estimation of Lithium Batteries for Energy Storage Based on Dual Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Xu Xinming , Wu Di , Yang Lei , Zhang Huai , Liu Guangjun
Published: April 2020

In general, battery packs are monitored by the battery management system (BMS) to ensure the efficiency and reliability of the energy storage system. SOC and SOH represent the battery’s energy and lifetime, respectively. They are the core aspects of the battery BMS. The traditional method assumes that the SOC is determined by the integral of the current input and output from the battery over time, which is an open-loop-based approach and often accompanies by poor estimation accuracy and the accumulation of sensor errors. The contribution of this work is to establish a new equivalent circuit model based on the lithium battery external characteristic, and the battery parameters are identified by considering the influence of capacity fade, voltage rebound, and internal capacitance-resistance performance. The correlation between the ohmic internal resistance and real capacity is obtained by degradation test. Then, the dual extended Kalman filter (DEKF) is used to perform real-time prediction of the lithium battery state. And through the simulation analysis and experiments, the feasibility and precision of the estimation method are well proved.
High-Order Breather Solutions, Lump Solutions, and Hybrid Solutions of a Reduced Generalized (3 + 1)-Dimensional Shallow Water Wave Equation
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Biao
Published: April 2020

We investigate a reduced generalized (3 + 1)-dimensional shallow water wave equation, which can be used to describe the nonlinear dynamic behavior in physics. By employing Bell’s polynomials, the bilinear form of the equation is derived in a very natural way. Based on Hirota’s bilinear method, the expression of N-soliton wave solutions is derived. By using the resulting N-soliton expression and reasonable constraining parameters, we concisely construct the high-order breather solutions, which have periodicity in x,y-plane. By taking a long-wave limit of the breather solutions, we have obtained the high-order lump solutions and derived the moving path of lumps. Moreover, we provide the hybrid solutions which mean different types of combinations in lump(s) and line wave. In order to better understand these solutions, the dynamic phenomena of the above breather solutions, lump solutions, and hybrid solutions are demonstrated by some figures.
Anti-Inflammatory Profile of Jungia sellowii Less. by Downregulation of Proinflammatory Mediators and Inhibition of NF-κB and p38 Pathways
Authors: Vicente Geison , Moon Yeo Jim Kinoshita , Rosa Daniela Weingärtner , Lima Luíse Azevedo , Saleh Najla Adel , da Rosa Julia Salvan , Creczynski-Pasa Tânia Beatriz , Biavatti Maique Weber , Dalmarco Eduardo Monguilhott , Fröde Tânia Silvia
Published: April 2020

Jungia sellowii Less. (Asteraceae) is a native plant found in Southeast Brazil used traditionally to treat inflammatory diseases. This study was conducted (1) to investigate the toxicity of the crude extract (CE) and (2) to investigate the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory action of J. sellowii L. roots. The potential acute toxicity of CE was performed by administration of only different doses of CE (500, 1,000, and 2,000 i.p.) on mice for 14 days. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using carrageenan-induced acute pleural cavity inflammation in a mouse model, evaluated through the following inflammatory variables: leukocyte, protein concentrations of the exudate, myeloperoxidase (MPO), adenosine deaminase (ADA), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), and proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin- (IL-) 6, and IL-12) levels in mouse pleural fluid leakage. The p65 protein phosphorylation of nuclear factor NF-kappa B (p65 NF-κB) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) phosphorylation were analyzed in lung tissue. Our results demonstrated that the administration of CE up to 2,000 mg/kg did not present a toxic effect. In addition, the pretreatment of mice with CE; its derived fractions (aqueous fraction (AqF), butanol fraction (BuOHF), and ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAcF)); and isolated compounds (curcuhydroquinone O-β-glucose (CUR) and α and β piptizol (Pip)) reduced the following inflammatory variables: neutrophils, protein concentrations of the exudate, MPO, ADA, NOx, and proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-12) levels in mouse pleural fluid leakage. The compounds CUR and Pip also decreased the p65 protein phosphorylation of NF-kappa B and p38 (MAPK) in lung tissue. J. sellowii L. has important anti-inflammatory activity with potential applications in drug development against inflammatory disorders. These effects found can be attributed to the ability of the new isolated compounds CUR and Pip to suppress p65 NF-κB and p-p38 MAPK pathways.
Screening of a Novel Upregulated lncRNA, A2M‐AS1, That Promotes Invasion and Migration and Signifies Poor Prognosis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Fang Kai , Caixia Hu , Xiufen Zhang , Zijian Guo , Li Lihua
Published: April 2020

Understanding of prognostic factors and therapeutic targets for breast cancer is imperative for guidance of patient care. We studied 1203 tumour samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to evaluate potential genes related to breast cancer. R software was used to analyse differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the RNA microarray expression profiles GSE45827 and GSE65216 and to identify a series of differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with human breast cancer. Of these lncRNAs, A2M‐AS1, a lncRNA that has not been previously reported, was significantly upregulated in human breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent nontumour tissues. Importantly, A2M‐AS1 upregulation was significantly associated with ER‐negative, HER2‐positive, and basal‐like breast cancer and with poor recurrence‐free survival and metastasis‐free survival in breast cancer patients. After validating these results in 96 collected human breast cancer tissues and 64 paired adjacent noncancerous tissues, we further investigated the roles of A2M‐AS1 in human ER‐negative and basal‐like breast cancer cells. The results revealed that A2M‐AS1 significantly promotes human breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis of genes coexpressed with A2M‐AS1 in the context of human breast cancer combined with qRT‐PCR and Western blot assays revealed that A2M‐AS1 exerts regulatory effects on downstream factors in the cell adhesion molecule pathway, including CD2 and SELL. These results imply that A2M‐AS1 might be a promising candidate prognostic factor and therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Mothers and fathers improve immature baboon foraging success
Authors: Lynch Emily C. , Johnson Caley A. , Lynch Robert F. , Rothman Jessica M. , Di Fiore Anthony , Palombit Ryne A.
Published: April 2020

For many animal species, immatures are less efficient foragers than their adult counterparts and must use multiple strategies to fulfill their nutritional needs through effective learning of social and feeding behaviour. To overcome these challenges, young animals are predicted to rely on adult relatives to gain foraging competency, partly because kin are more likely to tolerate the proximity of immatures, upon which socially facilitated learning of food selection and foraging skills depends. While evidence suggests that mothers improve the foraging success of their offspring, little is known about the potential contribution of fathers to the development of feeding skills. Here, we investigate the influence of both mothers and fathers on the foraging behaviour of young olive baboons (Papio anubis) in Laikipia, Kenya. Behavioural data were gathered via focal animal sampling and genetic relatedness was determined by microsatellite genotyping of non-invasively collected faecal DNA samples. We also conducted analyses to assess the nutritional and energetic content of staple foods consumed by the baboons. We found that, compared to when feeding near unrelated adults or alone, immatures were more likely to consume high energy foods when they were near their mothers and preliminary results suggest access to similar effects when near fathers. These data advance well-documented maternal influences on the foraging competence of offspring in a matrilocal society, and additionally suggest the importance (and possible long-term fitness benefits) of associations between offspring and their fathers.
Fashioning the Materiality of the Pilgrimage: The ḥajj Travelogue of Muḥammad Labīb al-Batanūnī
Authors: Kateman Ammeke
Published: April 2020

In 1911, the Egyptian travel writer Muḥammad Labīb al-Batanūnī published a highly informative account of his pilgrimage journey, al-Riḥla al-Ḥijāziyya. This article is interested in al-Batanūnī’s representation (or fashioning) of the ḥajj and its materiality, as it reflects the conventions of his time and with which the author simultaneously hopes to shape the interpretations and practices of his contemporaries. Specifically, the article focuses on the way al-Batanūnī represents the objects and matters of the ḥajj (for example, Zemzem water) in opposition to interpretations and practices of his contemporaries within, as well as beyond, Islam.
Khomeini and Muḥammad al-Shīrāzī: Revisiting the Origins of the “Guardianship of the Jurisconsult” (wilāyat al-faqīh)
Authors: Scharbrodt Oliver
Published: April 2020

This article revisits the origins of Khomeini’s concept of the guardianship of the jurisconsult (wilāyat al-faqīh) and argues that his own formulation of this concept needs to be embedded in debates around the clerical mandate in the state among clerical activists in Iraq he encountered during his exile. Focus will be on the so-called Shīrāzī network around the brothers Muḥammad (1928-2001), Ḥasan (1927-80) and Ṣādiq al-Shīrāzī (b. 1942) and their nephew Muḥammad Taqī al-Mudarrisī (b. 1945) The article discusses the close relationship between Khomeini and Muḥammad al-Shīrāzī and the important role the religio-political networks associated with the Shīrāzī brothers played in early post-revolutionary Iran. A detailed discussion of the writings of the Shīrāzī brothers and Taqī al-Mudarrisī, written between 1960 and 1970, is undertaken to illustrate that debates around wilāyat al-faqīh among Iraqi clerical activists preceded Khomeini’s own lectures on the concept in Najaf in 1970.