bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indeterminate QuantiFERON Gold Plus Results Reveal Deficient Interferon Gamma Responses in Severely Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ward Jeremy D. , Cornaby Caleb , Schmitz John L.
Published: July 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus that has caused a recent pandemic. Most patients have a mild disease course, while approximately 20% have moderate to severe disease, often requiring hospitalization and, in some cases, care in the intensive care unit.
Regulation of Human Papillomavirus 18 Genome Replication, Establishment, and Persistence by Sequences in the Viral Upstream Regulatory Region
Authors: Coursey Tami L. , Van Doorslaer Koenraad , McBride Alison A.
Published: July 2021

Persistent infection with oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is responsible for ∼5% of human cancers. The viral DNA replicates as an extrachromosomal plasmid and is partitioned to daughter cells in dividing keratinocytes.
Multiple Gene Segments Are Associated with Enhanced Virulence of Clade 2.3.4.4 H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Mallards
Authors: Leyson Christina M. , Youk Sungsu , Ferreira Helena L. , Suarez David L. , Pantin-Jackwood Mary
Published: July 2021

Outbreaks of H5Nx HPAI viruses from the goose/Guangdong/96 lineage continue to occur in many countries and have resulted in substantial impact on wild birds and poultry. Epidemiological evidence has shown that wild waterfowl play a major role in the spread of these viruses.
Human Adenovirus Type 4 Comprises Two Major Phylogroups with Distinct Replicative Fitness and Virulence Phenotypes
Authors: Bair Camden R. , Zhang Wei , Gonzalez Gabriel , Kamali Arash , Stylos Daniel , Blanco Jorge C. G. , Kajon Adriana E.
Published: July 2021

Human adenovirus type 4 (HAdV-E4) is a prevalent causative agent of acute respiratory illness of variable severity and of conjunctivitis and comprises two major phylogroups that carry distinct coding variations in proteins involved in viral replication and modulation of host responses to infection. Our data show that phylogroup (PG) I and PG II are intrinsically different regarding their ability to grow and spread in culture and to cause pulmonary disease in cotton rats.
Defining Polysaccharide-Specific Antibody Targets against Vibrio cholerae O139 in Humans following O139 Cholera and following Vaccination with a Commercial Bivalent Oral Cholera Vaccine, and Evaluation of Conjugate Vaccines Targeting O139
Authors: Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Kelly Meagan , Charles Richelle C. , Harris Jason B. , Calderwood Stephen B. , Akter Aklima , Biswas Rajib , Kaisar M. Hasanul , Bhuiyan Taufiqur R. , Ivers Louise C. , Ternier Ralph , Jerome Jean-Gregory , Pfister Hélene B. , Lu Xiaowei , Soliman Sameh E. , Ruttens Bart , Saksena Rina , Mečárová Jana , Čížová Alžbeta , Qadri Firdausi , Bystrický Slavomír , Kováč Pavol , Xu Peng , Ryan Edward T.
Published: July 2021

Cholera is a severe dehydrating illness of humans caused byVibrio choleraeserogroup O1 or O139. Protection against cholera is serogroup specific, and serogroup specificity is defined by O-specific polysaccharide (OSP).
mSphere of Influence: Host Metabolism Is an Integral Part of the Immune Response to Infectious Diseases
Authors: Collins Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2021

Jeff Collins is a physician scientist in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University focused on using metabolomics and systems biology to better understand the pathophysiology of tuberculosis disease, identify new biomarkers, and elucidate targets for host-directed therapeutics.
Transmission Potential of Floridian Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes for Dengue Virus Serotype 4: Implications for Estimating Local Dengue Risk
Authors: Stephenson Caroline J. , Coatsworth Heather , Kang Seokyoung , Lednicky John A. , Dinglasan Rhoel R.
Published: July 2021

DENV-4 was found circulating in Florida (FL)
A. aegypti
mosquitoes in the absence of human index cases in the state (2016 to 2017). How DENV-4 was maintained locally is unclear, presenting a major gap in our understanding of DENV-4 public health risk.
Outer Membrane Vesicles Protect Gram-Negative Bacteria against Host Defense Peptides
Authors: Balhuizen Melanie D. , van Dijk Albert , Jansen Jeroen W. A. , van de Lest Chris H. A. , Veldhuizen Edwin J. A. , Haagsman Henk P.
Published: July 2021

Antibiotic resistance is a pressing problem and estimated to be a leading cause of mortality by 2050. Antimicrobial peptides, also known as host defense peptides (HDPs), and HDP-derived antimicrobials have potent antimicrobial activity and high potential as alternatives to antibiotics due to low resistance development.
Acute Inflammation Confers Enhanced Protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in Mice
Authors: Piergallini Tucker J. , Scordo Julia M. , Pino Paula A. , Schlesinger Larry S. , Torrelles Jordi B. , Turner Joanne
Published: July 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis disease, is estimated to infect one-fourth of the world’s population and is one of the leading causes of death due to an infectious disease worldwide. The high-level variability in tuberculosis disease responses in the human populace may be linked to immune processes related to inflammation.
Newly developed pseudogout arthritis after therapy with MAGE-A4 directed TCR T cells responded to treatment with tocilizumab
Authors: Kim Sang T. , Tayar Jean , Fu Siqing , Ke Danxia , Norry Elliot , Sun Amy , Miller Juli , Hong David S.
Published: July 2021

With durable cancer responses, genetically modified cell therapies are being implemented in various cancers. However, these immune effector cell therapies can cause toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Pseudogout arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis induced by deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals. Here, we report a case of pseudogout arthritis in a patient treated with MAGE-A4 directed T cell receptor T cells, for fallopian tube cancer. The patient developed CRS and ICANS 7 days after infusion of the T cells. Concurrently, the patient newly developed sudden onset of left knee arthritis. Synovial fluid analyses revealed the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal. Notably, the pseudogout arthritis was resolved with tocilizumab, which was administered for the treatment of CRS and ICANS. Immunoprofiling of the synovial fluid showed that the proportion of inflammatory interleukin 17 (IL-17)-producing CD4+ T (Th17) cells and amount of IL-6 were notably increased, suggesting a potential role of Th17 cells in pseudogout arthritis after T-cell therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pseudogout arthritis after cell therapy. Clinicians, especially hematologists, oncologists and rheumatologists, should be aware that pseudogout arthritis can be associated with CRS/ICANS.
Cumulative exposure to psychosocial stressors at work and global cognitive function: the PROspective Quebec Study on Work and Health
Authors: Duchaine Caroline S. , Brisson Chantal , Talbot Denis , Gilbert-Ouimet Mahée , Trudel Xavier , Vézina Michel , Milot Alain , Diorio Caroline , Ndjaboué Ruth , Giguère Yves , Mâsse Benoît , Dionne Clermont E , Maunsell Elizabeth , Laurin Danielle
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Psychosocial stressors at work have been proposed as modifiable risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cumulative exposure to psychosocial stressors at work on cognitive function.

Methods

This study was conducted among 9188 white-collar workers recruited in 1991–1993 (T1), with follow-ups 8 (T2) and 24 years later (T3). After excluding death, losses to follow-up and retirees at T2, 5728 participants were included. Psychosocial stressors at work were measured according to the Karasek’s questionnaire. Global cognitive function was measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Cumulative exposures to low psychological demand, low job control, passive job and high strain job were evaluated using marginal structural models including multiple imputation and inverse probability of censoring weighting.

Results

In men, cumulative exposures (T1 and T2) to low psychological demand, low job control or passive job were associated with higher prevalences of more severe presentation of MCI (MSMCI) at T3 (Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% CIs of 1.50 (1.16 to 1.94); 1.38 (1.07 to 1.79) and 1.55 (1.20 to 2.00), respectively), but not with milder presentation of MCI. In women, only exposure to low psychological demand or passive job at T2 was associated with higher prevalences of MSMCI at T3 (PRs and 95% CI of 1.39 (0.97 to 1.99) and 1.29 (0.94 to 1.76), respectively).

Conclusions

These results support the deleterious effect of a low stimulating job on cognitive function and the cognitive reserve theory. Psychosocial stressors at work could be part of the effort for the primary prevention of cognitive decline.
Early reduction of left atrial function predicts adverse clinical outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Sabatino Jolanda , De Rosa Salvatore , Leo Isabella , Strangio Antonio , La Bella Sabrina , Sorrentino Sabato , Mongiardo Annalisa , Spaccarotella Carmen , Polimeni Alberto , Indolfi Ciro
Published: July 2021

Aims

To investigate the changes in left atrial strain (LAS) after correction of severe aortic stenosis (AS) with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and assess its prognostic impact.

Methods and results

One hundred consecutive patients with severe symptomatic AS who underwent TAVR at the Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro underwent echocardiographic examination including assessment of LAS before and after TAVR. Independent investigators collected outcome data and information. The primary study outcome was the difference in ΔLAS (postTAVR–preTAVR) between patients those met the main clinical endpoint (a composite of cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalisation) and those not meeting the endpoint.

During a median follow-up of 31 months, 35 patients (35%) met the combined clinical endpoint. The difference between LAS post-TAVR and LAS pre-TAVR (ΔLAS) was significantly larger in patients who met the combined endpoint (HR=0.76 (0.67–0.86); p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis including ΔLAS, EuroSCORE II and left ventricular ejection fraction showed that ΔLAS (HR=0.80, p<0.001) was the only independent predictor of the combined clinical endpoint. Finally, a Kaplan-Maier analysis showed that patients with a ΔLAS above its median value had a significantly better event-free survival compared with those below the median (p<0.001).

Conclusions

A lower reduction in ΔLAS after TAVR was an independent predictor of the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death and hospitalisation for heart failure.
Junior doctors and fitness to practice procedures in the UK: analysis of factors prompting tribunal referrals and outcomes
Authors: Grote Helen , Greig Flora
Published: July 2021

Purpose of the study

To ascertain factors influencing referral to, and outcomes from medical tribunals for junior doctors with less than 7 years of postgraduate training.

Study design

A mixed methods analysis of 49 publicly available determinations from the UK Medical Practitioner Tribunal Service (MPTS) between 2014 and 2020 was undertaken. Data on demographics, training grade, type of case and outcomes from the tribunal were recorded. A qualitative thematic analysis of the determinations was also undertaken, with themes being identified based on frequency and pertinence to the process of determination.

Results

The largest group of junior doctors referred to an MPTS tribunal (38%) was those on the foundation programme; in their first 2 years postgraduation. Fifty-three per cent of all junior doctors referred to a tribunal were erased from the medical register. Erasure from the register was significantly associated with male gender, less than 4 years postqualification, non-attendance at the tribunal hearing, lack of legal representation and lack of insight or remorse at the tribunal hearing. Several cases involved dishonesty in relation to academic achievements and workplace-based assessments.

Conclusion

Consideration should be given as to how best to support the transition in professional identity from student to doctor. Teaching medical professionalism should be a priority in undergraduate and early postgraduate education, with lessons from fitness to practice tribunals shared for educational purposes.
Removing residual airborne sensor motion for measuring seismic signals from a drone
Authors: Rapstine Thomas , Sava Paul
Published: July 2021

Acquiring seismic data using drones requires excellent knowledge of the drone’s motion since positional measurements made from an airborne sensor represent a combination of sensor and ground motion. Recent advancements in laser Doppler vibrometry and repeat lidar surveys show that the frequency and resolution of non-contact motion measurements is increasing to the point necessary for measuring seismic signals. We explore the conditions under which separation of sensor motion from ground motion can be accomplished in practice. We assume (i) that the translation and rotation of a stabilized airborne sensor follows an analytic form in time that is either known or can be estimated from the sensor’s measurements, (ii) that the seismic signal we observe has compact support contained within the measurement window, and (iii) that the ground motion can be described by a rigid translation. We analyze the effectiveness of our signal separation problem as a function of peak signal, sensor noise level, sensor rotation angle, and sensor point sampling density by defining a boundary where SNR = 0 dB for various combinations of these parameters. We find that under the set of assumptions, lower rotation angles, lower sensor noise, and denser point samplings on the ground provide better signal separation using our method.
Upper limits on the temperature of inspiraling astrophysical black holes
Authors: Chung Adrian Ka-Wai , Sakellariadou Mairi
Published: July 2021

We present a method to constrain the temperature of astrophysical black holes through detecting the inspiral phase of binary black hole coalescences. At sufficient separation, inspiraling black holes can be regarded as isolated objects, hence their temperature can still be defined. Due to their intrinsic radiation, inspiraling black holes lose part of their masses during the inspiral phase. As a result, coalescence speeds up, introducing a correction to the orbital phase. We show that this dephasing may allow us to constrain the temperature of inspiraling black holes through gravitational-wave detection. Using the binary black-hole coalescences of the first two observing runs of the Advanced LIGO and Virgo detectors, we constrain the temperature of parental black holes to be less than about $$ 10^9 $$

10
9

 K. Such a constraint corresponds to luminosity of about $$ 10^{-16} M_{\odot }~\mathrm{s}^{-1} $$

10

-
16

M
⊙

s

-
1

for a black hole of $$ 20 M_{\odot } $$

20

M
⊙

, which is about 20 orders of magnitude below the peak luminosity of the corresponding gravitational-wave event, indicating no evidence for strong quantum-gravity effects through the detection of the inspiral phase.
WHEN DOES A BEDFORD–MCMULLEN CARPET HAVE EQUAL HAUSDORFF AND TOPOLOGICAL HAUSDORFF DIMENSIONS?
Authors: RUAN HUO-JUN , XIAO JIAN-CI
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we provide a complete characterization on when the Hausdorff and topological Hausdorff dimension of a given Bedford–McMullen carpet coincide. These two dimensions have a common value if and only if the carpet is either the Cartesian product of [Formula: see text] and a self-similar set, or it is one of the two diagonals of the unit square.
RESEARCH ON THE EFFECT OF SURFACE ROUGHNESS ON GAS DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT OF POROUS MEDIA EMBEDDED WITH A FRACTAL-LIKE TREE NETWORK
Authors: ZHENG QIAN , WANG HUILI , GUO XIUYA
Published: July 2021

This work investigates the effect of surface roughness on gas diffusion behavior in the composite, which is composed of porous media embedded with a fractal-like tree network. Based on rough elements of wall surfaces of the tree network of this composite following the fractal scaling law, gas diffusion coefficient is expressed as a function of micro-structural parameters of this composite (such as the relative roughness, the porosity, the diameter ratio, the length ratio, the branching level and the branching angle). It is found that our model is more consistent with available experimental data than empirical correlations. In addition, the influence of the relative roughness and the other micro-structural parameters on gas diffusion has been analyzed. It is believed that the current model could reveal more physical mechanisms than empirical models.
FRACTIONAL QUANTUM LOGISTIC MAP AND ITS APPLICATION IN IMAGE ENCRYPTION TECHNOLOGY
Authors: LIU ZE-YU , XIA TIECHENG , WANG YI-PING
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a novel fractional quantum logistic map (FQLM) based on fractional difference is proposed and image encryption algorithm based on it are exploited. First, the FQLM is proposed and its dynamical behaviors are observed with bifurcation diagram, phase portraits and largest Lyapunov exponent plots. After that, the ECC is utilized to cover up the encryption keys and the FQLM is used for the permutation and diffusion process of image encryption. Finally, the cryptosystem is used in image encryption and the algorithm is analyzed in four respects, showing a distinct advantage of the proposed cryptosystem over some of existing ones.
LIE GROUP ANALYSIS OF FRACTAL DIFFERENTIAL-DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS
Authors: WANG YAN , XU LI , WANG YU-JIN , LIU JIAN-GEN
Published: July 2021

A difference equation can well describe a lattice problem, and its dynamical property was always modeled approximately by a differential-difference equation. This paper suggests a fractal differential-difference model by taking into account the lattice’s geometry. The fractal differential-difference Burgers equation and the fractal Klein–Gordon equation are used as examples to study the solution properties by the Lie group method, and various Lie algebras of the corresponding Lie transformation group are also obtained.
VARIATIONAL APPROACH TO FRACTAL SOLITARY WAVES
Authors: HE JI-HUAN , HOU WEI-FAN , HE CHUN-HUI , SAEED TAREQ , HAYAT TASAWAR
Published: July 2021

The morphology of a shallow-water wave is affected by the unsmooth boundary, while its peak is rarely changed. This phenomenon cannot be explained by a differential model. This paper adopts a fractal modification of the Boussinesq equation, and its traveling solitary solution is studied through its fractal variational principle, the results reveal the basic properties of solitary waves in fractal space.
ON A GENERALIZATION OF STRONGLY η-CONVEX FUNCTIONS VIA FRACTAL SETS
Authors: ROBLES ZARONI , SANABRIA JOSÉ E. , SÁNCHEZ C. RAINIER V.
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this paper is to study a generalization of strongly [Formula: see text]-convex functions using the local fractional calculus developed by Yang [Advanced Local Fractional Calculus and Its Applications (World Science Publisher, New York, 2012)], namely generalized strongly [Formula: see text]-convex function. Among other results, we obtain some Hermite–Hadamard and Fejér type inequalities for this class of functions.
A FRACTAL PRESSURE DROP MODEL FOR CABLE-IN-CONDUIT CONDUCTORS BASED ON POROUS MEDIA ANALOGY
Authors: MA ZHICAI , GAO YUANWEN
Published: July 2021

Assessment of the pressure drop that occurs in cable-in-conduit conductors (CICCs) requires a reliable predictive model. In this paper, a fractal model to predict the pressure drop of helium flows in CICCs is proposed based on the porous media analogy and fractal theory. A fractal friction factor correlation is also derived using the proposed pressure drop model. The good agreement between the predictions and the experimental data for conductors with [Formula: see text] verifies the validity of both the fractal pressure drop model and the friction factor correlation for such configuration conductors. The fractal correlation indicates that the friction factor of the cable bundle in a CICC is related not only to the void fraction but also to the average hydraulic diameter, the tortuosity of the fluid flow paths, the maximum pore size and the fractal dimension of the cable cross-section. This theoretical correlation does not contain any fitting constants and each parameter has a clear physical meaning.
EDGE DOMINATION NUMBER AND THE NUMBER OF MINIMUM EDGE DOMINATING SETS IN PSEUDOFRACTAL SCALE-FREE WEB AND SIERPIŃSKI GASKET
Authors: ZHOU XIAOTIAN , ZHANG ZHONGZHI
Published: July 2021

As a fundamental research object, the minimum edge dominating set (MEDS) problem is of both theoretical and practical interest. However, determining the size of a MEDS and the number of all MEDSs in a general graph is NP-hard, and it thus makes sense to find special graphs for which the MEDS problem can be exactly solved. In this paper, we study analytically the MEDS problem in the pseudofractal scale-free web and the Sierpiński gasket with the same number of vertices and edges. For both graphs, we obtain exact expressions for the edge domination number, as well as recursive solutions to the number of distinct MEDSs. In the pseudofractal scale-free web, the edge domination number is one-ninth of the number of edges, which is three-fifths of the edge domination number of the Sierpiński gasket. Moreover, the number of all MEDSs in the pseudofractal scale-free web is also less than that corresponding to the Sierpiński gasket. We argue that the difference of the size and number of MEDSs between the two studied graphs lies in the scale-free topology.
ENTEROTYPE-LIKE MICROBIOME STRATIFICATION AS EMERGENT STRUCTURE IN COMPLEX ADAPTIVE SYSTEMS: A MATHEMATICAL MODEL
Authors: MARTÍN MIGUEL ÁNGEL , CRAWFORD JOHN W. , NEAL ANDREW , GARCÍA-GUTIÉRREZ CARLOS
Published: July 2021

Metagenomics provides a new window into the structure and function of the human gut microbiome. Results suggest that certain properties of the adult gut microbial community are conserved across host populations and show remarkable resilience. The non-random clustering of taxa in gut microbiomes is evidence for the existence of functional networks in communities that may be involved in underlying dynamical processes giving rise to these patterns. Models for understanding the underlying structure (including enterotypes) and derived properties are in demand by researchers. We propose a simple random function system to model adaption and self-organization of the microbiome taxonomic space when fostering the optimal functioning of the system. The construction of this model is based on key facts of microbiota functioning, reported in recent studies. We aim to demonstrate the existence of a probability distribution as a microbiome attractor resulting from an intermittent adaption process. Its mathematical structural properties explain the stability of gut microbiota and its resilience to perturbation after occasional stress. The model is consistent with microbiome clustering results and provides precise mathematical meaning to reported gradients among enterotypes. The model also explains how intermittent perturbations, such as long-term dietary patterns, may affect microbiome structure; these results are consistent with reported experimental results. The mathematical facts implied by the model reveal an underlying mechanism that may explain gut microbiome structure and related experimental findings. Within this framework, stability and resilience properties of human gut microbiota are explained as a consequence of the model.
Leavitt path algebras for power graphs of finite groups
Authors: Das Sumanta , Sen M. K. , Maity S. K.
Published: July 2021

The aim of this paper is the characterization of algebraic properties of Leavitt path algebra of the directed power graph [Formula: see text] and also of the directed punctured power graph [Formula: see text] of a finite group [Formula: see text]. We show that Leavitt path algebra of the power graph [Formula: see text] of finite group [Formula: see text] over a field [Formula: see text] is simple if and only if [Formula: see text] is a direct sum of finitely many cyclic groups of order 2. Finally, we prove that the Leavitt path algebra [Formula: see text] is a prime ring if and only if [Formula: see text] is either cyclic [Formula: see text]-group or generalized quaternion [Formula: see text]-group.
Galois criterion for torsion points of Drinfeld modules
Authors: Chen Chien-Hua
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we formulate the Drinfeld module analogue of a question raised by Lang and studied by Katz on the existence of rational points on abelian varieties over number fields. Given a maximal ideal [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], the question essentially asks whether, up to isogeny, a Drinfeld module [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] contains a rational [Formula: see text]-torsion point if the reduction of [Formula: see text] at almost all primes of [Formula: see text] contains a rational [Formula: see text]-torsion point. Similar to the case of abelian varieties, we show that the answer is positive if the rank of the Drinfeld module is [Formula: see text], but negative if the rank is [Formula: see text]. Moreover, for rank [Formula: see text] Drinfeld modules we classify those cases where the answer is positive.
Divisibility of integers obtained from truncated periodic sequences
Authors: Dubickas Artūras , Jonuška Lukas
Published: July 2021

A finite set of prime numbers [Formula: see text] is called unavoidable with respect to [Formula: see text] if for each [Formula: see text] the sequence of integer parts [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] contains infinitely many elements divisible by at least one prime number [Formula: see text] from the set [Formula: see text]. It is known that an unavoidable set exists with respect to [Formula: see text] and that it does not exist if [Formula: see text] is an integer such that [Formula: see text] is not square free. In this paper, we show that no finite unavoidable sets exist with respect to [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is a prime number or [Formula: see text] belongs to some explicitly given arithmetic progressions, for instance, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]
Consecutive square-free numbers and square-free primitive roots
Authors: Jing Mengyao , Liu Huaning
Published: July 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a positive integer and let [Formula: see text] be an odd prime. For [Formula: see text], we study the distribution of consecutive square-free numbers of the forms [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. In addition, we study the distribution of consecutive square-free primitive roots modulo [Formula: see text] of the forms [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], respectively.
AEC Classifier: A Tree-Based Classifier with Error Control for Medical Disease Diagnosis and Other Applications
Authors: Bokhari Wasif , Bansal Ajay
Published: July 2021

In medical disease diagnosis, the cost of a false negative could greatly outweigh the cost of a false positive. This is because the former could cost a life, whereas the latter may only cause medical costs and stress to the patient. The unique nature of this problem highlights the need of asymmetric error control for binary classification applications. In this domain, traditional machine learning classifiers may not be ideal as they do not provide a way to control the number of false negatives below a certain threshold. This paper proposes a novel tree-based binary classification algorithm that can control the number of false negatives with a mathematical guarantee, based on Neyman–Pearson (NP) Lemma. This classifier is evaluated on the data obtained from different heart studies and it predicts the risk of cardiac disease, not only with comparable accuracy and AUC-ROC score but also with full control over the number of false negatives. The methodology used to construct this classifier can be expanded to many more use cases, not only in medical disease diagnosis but also beyond as shown from analysis on different diverse datasets.
Lithium isotopes in kimberlites, lamproites and lamprophyres as tracers of source components and processes related to supercontinent cycles
Authors: Krmíček Lukáš , Magna Tomáš , Pandey Ashutosh , Chalapathi Rao N. V. , Kynický Jindřich
Published: July 2021

Our pilot study reveals potential Li isotope fingerprints recorded in the Mesoproterozoic (
c.
1.4–1.1 Ga) kimberlites, lamproites and lamprophyres from the Eastern Dharwar Craton and Paleocene (62 Ma) orangeite from the Bastar Craton in India. The new data are interpreted in the context of available Li isotope composition of lamproitic to lamprophyric rocks occurring in Variscan (Bohemian Massif) and Alpine–Himalayan (SW Tibet) orogenic belts formed in response to Gondwana–Pangea amalgamation and break-up. As a result of the development of supercontinents, kimberlites from the Eastern Dharwar Craton and ‘orangeite’ from the Bastar Craton show clear presence of a component with a heavy Li isotope signature (δ
7
Li up to 9.7‰) similar to ancient altered oceanic crust, whereas the Eastern Dharwar Craton lamproites (2.3–6.3‰) and lamprophyres (3.3–6.7‰) show Li isotope signatures indicative of a dominant contribution from heterogeneous lithospheric mantle. Variscan lamprophyric to lamproitic rocks and post-collisional mantle-derived (ultra)potassic volcanic rocks from SW Tibet, i.e. rocks from the orogenic belts outside the cratonic areas, are characterized by a clear Li isotope shift towards an isotopically lighter component (δ
7
Li as low as –9.5‰) comparable with the involvement of evolved continental crust and high-pressure metamorphic rocks in their orogenic mantle source. Such components with isotopically light Li are strikingly missing in the source of cratonic kimberlites, lamproites and lamprophyres.
Passivity of Holmium Studied Theoretically by Potential-pH Diagrams for Selection of Electrolytes and Experimental Proof of the Formation of Ultra-Thin Anodic Films
Authors: Shahzad Khurram , Kollender Jan Philipp , Mardare Cezarina Cela , Mardare Andrei Ionut , Hassel Achim Walter
Published: July 2021

We present an efficient strategy to identify anodizing electrolytes by coupling conventional Eh–pH diagrams with first-principles density functional theory calculations. Herein, the growth of ultra-thin films having a thickness of 10–20 nm is successfully demonstrated on thermally evaporated holmium. Considering only thermodynamic basis, simulated Eh-pH diagrams, and solubility analysis, electrolytes having different compositions and pH values are suggested for the efficient growth of anodic films. The Eh–pH diagrams are modified by incorporation of oxide–forming species in such a way to appreciably extend the stability domain. The predicted diagrams showed a strong agreement with the experimental observations and provide a better understanding of Ho–H2O based aqueous systems and can serve as a guide in other rare-earth elements anodizing. Grown film properties are investigated by using electrochemical impedance studies which disclose a linear increase in inverse capacitance with formation voltage indicating a uniform growth of anodic films irrespective of electrolyte selection. Formation factor, k, of anodic films grown up to 10 V varies from 1.16 to 1.95 nm V
−1 in selected electrolytes. The k values greater than unity may contribute to the uniform film growth at different pH values.
Immunoengineering approaches for cytokine therapy
Authors: Mansurov Aslan , Lauterbach Abigail , Budina Erica , Alpar Aaron T. , Hubbell Jeffrey A. , Ishihara Jun
Published: July 2021

Since the discovery of cytokines, much effort has been put forth to achieve therapeutic translation for treatment of various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. Despite these efforts, very few cytokines have cleared regulatory approval, and those that were approved are not commonly used due to their challenging toxicity profile and/or limited therapeutic efficacy. The main limitation in translation has been that wild-type cytokines have unfavorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, either eliciting unwanted systemic side effects or insufficient residence in secondary lymphoid organs. In this review, we address protein-engineering approaches that have been applied to both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines to enhance their therapeutic indices, and we highlight diseases in which administration of engineered cytokines is especially relevant.
Bee bread mitigates downregulation of steroidogenic genes, decreased spermatogenesis, and epididymal oxidative stress in male rats fed with high-fat diet
Authors: Suleiman Joseph Bagi , Abu Bakar Ainul Bahiyah , Noor Mahanem Mat , Nna Victor Udo , Othman Zaidatul Akmal , Zakaria Zaida , Eleazu Chinedum Ogbonnaya , Mohamed Mahaneem
Published: July 2021

The high-fat diet utilized in the present study induced obesity in the male rats. Bee bread supplementation mitigated impaired steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, mating behavior, and fertility potential by counteracting the downregulation of steroidogenic genes, thus increasing testosterone levels and suppressing epididymal oxidative stress. These benefits may be due to the abundance of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in bee bread.
Independent of mitochondrial respiratory function, dietary nitrate attenuates HFD-induced lipid accumulation and mitochondrial ROS emission within the liver
Authors: DesOrmeaux Geneviève J. , Petrick Heather L. , Brunetta Henver S. , Holloway Graham P.
Published: July 2021

The mechanism(s) for how dietary nitrate prevents high-fat diet (HFD)-induced glucose intolerance remain poorly defined. We show that dietary nitrate attenuates HFD-induced increases in lipid accumulation, mitochondrial-specific reactive oxygen species (ROS) emission, and markers of oxidative stress within the liver. The beneficial effects of nitrate were independent of changes 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase signaling, mitochondrial content/respiratory capacity, or lipid-supported respiratory sensitivity. Combined, these data provide potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of dietary nitrate.
Erythrocytes identify complement activation in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Lam L. K. Metthew , Reilly John P. , Rux Ann H. , Murphy Sophia J. , Kuri-Cervantes Leticia , Weisman Ariel R. , Ittner Caroline A. G. , Pampena M. Betina , Betts Michael R. , Wherry E. John , Song Wen-Chao , Lambris John D. , Meyer Nuala J. , Cines Douglas B. , Mangalmurti Nilam S.
Published: July 2021

COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can progress to multisystem organ failure and viral sepsis characterized by respiratory failure, arrhythmias, thromboembolic complications, and shock with high mortality. Autopsy and preclinical evidence implicate aberrant complement activation in endothelial injury and organ failure. Erythrocytes express complement receptors and are capable of binding immune complexes; therefore, we investigated complement activation in patients with COVID-19 using erythrocytes as a tool to diagnose complement activation. We discovered enhanced C3b and C4d deposition on erythrocytes in COVID-19 sepsis patients and non-COVID sepsis patients compared with healthy controls, supporting the role of complement in sepsis-associated organ injury. Our data suggest that erythrocytes may contribute to a precision medicine approach to sepsis and have diagnostic value in monitoring complement dysregulation in COVID-19-sepsis and non-COVID sepsis and identifying patients who may benefit from complement targeted therapies.
An Algorithm to Compute the H-Bases for Ideals of Subalgebras
Authors: Rabia  , Binyamin Muhammad Ahsan , Jabeen Nazia , Aslam Adnan , Anoh Yannick Kraidi
Published: July 2021

The concept of H-bases, introduced long ago by Macauly, has become an important ingredient for the treatment of various problems in computational algebra. The concept of H-bases is for ideals in polynomial rings, which allows an investigation of multivariate polynomial spaces degree by degree. Similarly, we have the analogue of H-bases for subalgebras, termed as SH-bases. In this paper, we present an analogue of H-bases for finitely generated ideals in a given subalgebra of a polynomial ring, and we call them “HSG-bases.” We present their connection to the SAGBI-Gröbner basis concept, characterize HSG-basis, and show how to construct them.
Performance Analysis of Group Selection in UAV Networks with Backhaul‐Aware Biasing
Authors: Wang Shusheng , Du Yuanyuan , Zhang Hongtao
Published: July 2021

The limited wireless backhaul capacity has become the major bottleneck for UAV communications, while in existing researches of UAV networks, the relation between cell selection and backhaul capacity has not been modeled. This paper proposes cell group selection with backhaul‐aware biasing for UAV networks and analyzes system performance by deriving the rate outage probability via stochastic geometry, where the user’s maximum data rate is constrained by backhaul capacity. Specifically, cell group selection is no longer distance‐based and considered with backhaul capacity bias factor, where UAVs with higher backhaul capacity will have a larger bias factor to match the backhaul variance. In addition, the dynamic UAV group is organized with the N largest bias reference signal receiving power (BRSRP), where users can utilize the diversity gain by adjusting serving UAV dynamically as the channel conditions change. Analytical results show that the outage probability is decreased by 58% when cell group size N = 3 and UAV optimal density λu = 600/km2 when UAV height h = 150 m.
Nonsurgical Management of a Papillary Fibroelastoma of the Aortic Valve
Authors: Grande Antonino M. , Castiglione Nicoletta , Iervolino Adelaide , Nappi Francesco , Fiore Antonio
Published: July 2021

We report the case of a 63-year-old woman who had an incidental echocardiographic diagnosis of papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) of the right coronary cusp of the aortic valve. The patient was informed about the embolic risk due to the pedunculated mass located on the aortic valve but she refused the proposed surgical removal. She was followed up yearly, and each follow-up included an echocardiographic evaluation of the mass. The lady is taking lysine acetylsalycilate 160 mg daily, and after more than 19 years later, she does not complain any symptoms or complications as a result of possible embolic episodes. If on one hand, our report is provocative for PFE nonsurgical management; on the other, we do believe that in symptomatic patients PFE located in the left heart chambers, the standard of care remains surgical excision after diagnosis. Anyway, our analysis shows that further data in this issue are needed in asymptomatic patients, and surgical indication should be proposed considering carefully the risk-benefit balance.
Experimental Investigation on Effects of Bacterial Concentration, Crack Inclination Angle, Crack Roughness, and Crack Opening on the Fracture Permeability Using Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation
Authors: Zou Yulin , Bai Hao , Shen Fan , Xu Hong , Shou Yundong
Published: July 2021

Uncontrollable leakage has significant effects on the safety of fractured rock mass, and microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an effective way to control the seepage. In this study, four sets of seepage experiments are conducted on transparent rock‐like specimens containing MICP filled single cracks to investigate the effects of bacterial concentration, crack inclination angle, crack roughness, and crack opening on fracture permeability. The experimental results show that calcium carbonate precipitation is produced when Sporosarcina pasteurii and cementing fluid are injected into the cracks, which can seal the cracks and reduce the permeability of the cracks. Moreover, the calcium carbonate produced by Sporosarcina pasteurii increases with increasing bacterial concentration. Furthermore, the fracture permeability of the MICP filled crack increases first and then decreases with increasing inclination, roughness, and opening of cracks. The experimental results provide a better understanding of the influence of different construction conditions on fracture permeability when the MICP technology is applied in rock engineering.
De Novo Mutation of the ADAMTS13 Gene with Mesenteric Ischemia in an Infant with Congenital Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Alharbi Ibrahim , Alqarni Sarah , Khayyat Wed , Almatrafi Amirah
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by ADAMTS13 deficiency or a severe decrease in its activity that is caused by homozygous or combined heterozygous mutations in its encoding gene. Here, we describe a de novo genetic mutation of the ADAMTS13 gene and a rare complication of cTTP in a neonate. Case Presentation. A full-term baby boy developed tachypnea, bradycardia, and oxygen desaturation at 2 h of life and was shifted to the newborn intensive care unit. He was oliguric in the first 24 h of life and had one episode of epistaxis. Blood-stained urine was observed in the urine catheter, and a coffee-ground-colored fluid was drained from the orogastric tube. Histopathological analysis revealed gastric perforation with features of ischemic insult. On day 8, genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of autosomal recessive familial thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and revealed a unique homozygous deletion mutation on exon 23 of ADAMTS13: c.2883del p.(Cys962Alafs

∗

3). Conclusion. cTTP is a rare life-threatening autosomal recessive disease with a high mortality rate. Early detection and initiation of aggressive treatment with plasma infusion could be a life-saving strategy in such cases.
Contraceptive Use and Its Associated Factors among Women Who Gave Birth within 12 Months in Dubti Town, Pastoral Community, of Afar Region Northeast, Ethiopia
Authors: Yimam Abdu , Fisseha Girmatsion , Kalayu Mebrahtu , Anbesu Etsay Woldu
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Substantial numbers of women are not using contraceptives in their postpartum period and die due to avoidable causes related to birth complications. Contraceptives use within 12 months of childbirth has given less attention in Ethiopia. Thus, this study is aimed to assess contraceptive use and its associated factors among women who gave birth within 12 months in Dubti town, pastoral community of Afar region, Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 342 women in the Dubti town. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to identify and enroll women. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were done, and logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the factors associated with contraceptive use. The statistical association was measured by odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval.

p

value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results. In this study, 103 (30.1%) [95% CI: 25.4%, 35.1%] women have used contraceptives. Women who had secondary educational level (

AOR
=
3.53

, 95% CI (1.68, 7.36), had antenatal care follow-up (

AOR
=
1.93

, 95% CI (1.01, 3.69), and visited by health worker after delivery (

AOR
=
2.54

, 95% CI (1.37, 4.68) were associated with increased odds of contraceptives use. Conclusions. This study revealed that the prevalence of contraceptive use was low compared to the national recommended figure. Secondary educational level, having antenatal care follow-up, and being visited by health workers after delivery were predictors of contraceptive use. Thus, increase the educational status of women, antenatal care follow-up service, and visiting after delivery by health workers are important interventions to promote the use of contraceptives in the postpartum period.
Influence of Fiber Orientation on Impact Resistance Behavior of Woven Sisal Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composite
Authors: Dress Genetu A. , Woldemariam M. H. , Redda D. T.
Published: July 2021

Woven natural fiber reinforced polymer composites have better tensile, flexural, and compressive strength compared to the mechanical properties of unidirectional and randomly oriented NFRPC because of the interlacing of fiber bundles. However, the characterization of impact behavior with different fiber orientation such as 30°/60°, 0/90°, 30°/−45°, and 45°/−45° woven sisal fiber reinforced polyester composite was not studied vigorously. Thus, this paper focuses on the experimental characterization of the impact resistance behavior on woven sisal fiber reinforced polyester composite materials for semistructural part by using Izod impact testing setup. The 30°/60°, 30°/−45°, 0°/90°, and 45°/−45° woven sisal fiber was prepared using nailed wooden frame as a warp and weft guider. The woven sisal fiber was impregnated in order to make woven sisal fiber dimensionally stable. Using 40% by weight of fiber and 60% by weight of polyester, the composite was developed using hand layup process. The morphology and cross‐sectional elemental detection was carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM) assessment in leather development institute (LDI). Finally, impact tests were carried out using Izod impact testing setup in Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (ASTU). The average impact strength of a 40 wt% fiber 45°/−45° woven sisal fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composite (WSFRPC) test specimen with consecutive warp and weft tow spacing of 2 mm was 342.67 J/m and this was greater energy compared to the other orientations. But the average impact strength of a 40 wt% fiber 30°/60° WSFRPC of test specimen with consecutive warp and weft tow spacing of 2 mm was 241.33 J/m.
ESAT-6 and Ag85A Synthetic Peptides as Candidates for an Immunodiagnostic Test in Children with a Clinical Suspicion of Tuberculosis
Authors: Araujo Zaida , Fernández de Larrea Carlos , López Diana , Isern-Kebschull Jaime , de Waard Jacobus Henri , Hagel Isabel , Camargo Milena , Vanegas Magnolia , Patarroyo Manuel A.
Published: July 2021

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) is being underdetected in children as most are smear-negative. This work was aimed at evaluating ESAT-6 and Ag85A synthetic peptides’ serodiagnostic potential for diagnosing children having a clinical suspicion of TB. Methods. The study involved 438 children: 77 Creole nonindigenous (13 suspected of having TB and 64 healthy ones) and 361 Warao indigenous children (39 suspected of TB and 322 healthy children). The approach’s diagnostic information was compared using operational characteristics and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results. Ag85A P-29879 had 94.6% sensitivity (

AUC
=
0.741

: 0.651 to 0.819 95% CI) in indigenous children. ESAT-6 P-12036 and P-12037 had 100% and 92.3% of sensitivity (

AUC
=
0.929

: 0.929: 0.846 to 0.975 95% CI and 0.791: 63.9 to 98.7 95% CI, respectively) in Creole children. ESAT-6 peptides also allowed a differentiation between children with TB and healthy ones. Conclusions. Further validation of this approach could lead to developing a complementary tool for rapid TB diagnosis in children.