bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Analysis To Predict the Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous Isavuconazole in Patients with or without Hepatic Impairment
Authors: Huang Huiping , Xie Helin , Chaphekar Nupur , Xu Ruichao , Venkataramanan Raman , Wu Xuemei
Published: February 2021

Isavuconazole (ISA) is an azole antifungal used in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment have lower clearance (CL) than the healthy population.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Monte Carlo Simulation for Dosage Optimization of Fosfomycin in the Treatment of Osteoarticular Infections in Patients without Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Rinaldi Matteo , Cojutti Pier Giorgio , Zamparini Eleonora , Tedeschi Sara , Rossi Nicolò , Conti Matteo , Giannella Maddalena , Pea Federico , Viale Pierluigi
Published: February 2021

Fosfomycin is gaining interest in the treatment of complex osteoarticular infections (OI) due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Our aims were to conduct population pharmacokinetics of fosfomycin in a cohort of OI patients receiving 16 g daily by intermittent (II) or continuous (CI) infusion and to carry out Monte Carlo simulations for dosage optimization in the treatment of these infections.
GS-9822, a Preclinical LEDGIN Candidate, Displays a Block-and-Lock Phenotype in Cell Culture
Authors: Bruggemans Anne , Vansant Gerlinde , Balakrishnan Mini , Mitchell Michael L. , Cai Ruby , Christ Frauke , Debyser Zeger
Published: February 2021

The ability of HIV to integrate into the host genome and establish latent reservoirs is the main hurdle preventing an HIV cure. LEDGINs are small-molecule integrase inhibitors that target the binding pocket of LEDGF/p75, a cellular cofactor that substantially contributes to HIV integration site selection.
Molecular Epidemiology of Human Cryptosporidiosis in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Yang Xin , Guo Yaqiong , Xiao Lihua , Feng Yaoyu
Published: February 2021

Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most important causes for moderate to severe diarrhea and diarrhea-related mortality in children under 2 years in low- and middle-income countries. In recent decades, genotyping and subtyping tools have been used in epidemiological studies of human cryptosporidiosis.
The Changing Face of the Family
Enterobacteriaceae
(Order: “
Enterobacterales
”): New Members, Taxonomic Issues, Geographic Expansion, and New Diseases and Disease Syndromes
Authors: Janda J. Michael , Abbott Sharon L.
Published: February 2021

The family
Enterobacteriaceae
has undergone significant morphogenetic changes in its more than 85-year history, particularly during the past 2 decades (2000 to 2020). The development and introduction of new and novel molecular methods coupled with innovative laboratory techniques have led to many advances.
Genomic Surveillance and Improved Molecular Typing of Bordetella pertussis Using wgMLST
Authors: Weigand Michael R. , Peng Yanhui , Pouseele Hannes , Kania Dane , Bowden Katherine E. , Williams Margaret M. , Tondella M. Lucia
Published: February 2021

Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) provides allele-based characterization of bacterial pathogens in a standardized framework. However, classical MLST schemes for
Bordetella pertussis
, the causative agent of whooping cough, seldom reveal diversity among the small number of gene targets and thereby fail to delineate population structure.
Comparative Genomics and Integrated Network Approach Unveiled Undirected Phylogeny Patterns, Co-mutational Hot Spots, Functional Cross Talk, and Regulatory Interactions in SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Gupta Vipin , Haider Shazia , Verma Mansi , Singhvi Nirjara , Ponnusamy Kalaisaran , Malik Md. Zubbair , Verma Helianthous , Kumar Roshan , Sood Utkarsh , Hira Princy , Satija Shiva , Singh Yogendra , Lal Rup
Published: February 2021

In the current study, we presented a global view of mutational pattern observed in SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission. This provided a who-infect-whom geographical model since the early pandemic.
Characterization of Bicistronic Transcription in Budding Yeast
Authors: Wu Baojun , Cox Murray P.
Published: February 2021

Operons, where a single mRNA transcript encodes multiple adjacent proteins, are a widespread feature of bacteria and archaea. In contrast, the genes of eukaryotes are generally considered monocistronic.
Varicella zoster meningitis in a pregnant woman with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mroue Laura , Brar Harpreet , Gonik Bernard
Published: February 2021

We report the case of retrograde varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation presenting as aseptic meningitis without rash in a generally healthy pregnant patient. A 27-year-old nulliparous woman at 25 weeks of gestation presented to the emergency department with a 1-day history of severe headache associated with nausea, photophobia and neck stiffness. After ruling out a space-occupying lesion by brain imaging, lumbar puncture was performed. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis by PCR revealed the presence of VZV, making the diagnosis of acute varicella meningitis. The patient had immunoglobulin studies consistent with a history of primary VZV infection, thus confirming reactivation of VZV rather than primary infection. The patient was treated with acyclovir for 14 days and recovered fully. Her neonate was delivered full term without any evidence of vertical transmission. This is only the second reported case of VZV meningitis in a pregnant patient in the medical literature, and the first case in the US that was reported.
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a patient with celiacomesenteric trunk
Authors: Deshpande Swanit Hemant , Thomas Jenny , Chiranjeev Roshan , Pandya Jayashri Sanjay
Published: February 2021

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is an uncommon entity leading to compression of the duodenum between the aorta and the SMA. Normally the coeliac trunk and the superior mesenteric arteries have distinct origins from the abdominal aorta. The celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT) is the least frequently reported anatomic variation of all abdominal vascular anomalies. CMT denotes a common trunk of origin of the coeliac and superior mesenteric arteries. The coexistence of these anomalies has never been reported in the literature. We present a case of a 59-year-old man presenting with duodenal obstruction due to SMA syndrome with CMT. The aortomesenteric angle was 13 degrees and SMA-aorta distance was 8 mm. Patient underwent a gastrojejunostomy. After an uneventful recovery, the patient has been symptom free for 1-year follow-up.
Ectopic spleen presenting as a slowly enlarging lung nodule in the right lower lobe following gastric pull up operation
Authors: Alfahad Anas , Hussain Rima , Devaraj Mamatha , Svec Alexandr
Published: February 2021

This is a case report of an elderly man who was investigated at our respiratory clinic for slowly enlarging right lower lobe lung nodule on the background of oesophageal cancer diagnosed more than 11 years ago with gastric pull up. CT guided biopsy confirms the diagnosis of intrathoracic ectopic spleen.
Secondary vaginal atresia following caesarean section: an unreported entity
Authors: Sethi Pruthwiraj , Mohanty Girija Shankar , Kumari Supriya
Published: February 2021

Postpartum genital tract adhesions are infrequent and exact incidence is not reported. Severe dystocia, obstructed labour and frequent pelvic examinations have been proposed as possible causes of vaginal adhesion following vaginal delivery. Atresia/adhesions of vagina following caesarean section is very rare. Here, we report a rare case of 21-year-old P1L1 woman presenting with secondary amenorrhoea associated with cyclical abdominal pain following caesarean section. Per speculum examination showed a blind vagina with no communication with the upper one-third. We created a neovagina after adhesiolysis. We hope to increase the awareness of the obstetricians around the globe about postpartum genital tract adhesion, which may even occur as a rare secondary complication of caesarean section. We also wish to bring to the light of obstetricians that numerous pelvic examinations or difficult vaginal delivery may lead to genital tract trauma, and thus, must be minimised in an attempt to prevent postpartum genital tract adhesions.
Mediterranean spotted fever associated with leucocytoclastic vasculitis and acute pancraeatitis
Authors: Schattner Ami , Dubin Ina
Published: February 2021

A young healthy gardener became febrile with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea followed by palpable purpura, mostly on the legs and buttocks with associated arthralgia. Dehydration, azotemia and hyponatraemia resolved with fluid replacement. Tests demonstrated acute pancreatitis, hepatitis, thrombocytopenia, microscopic haematuria and proteinuria. He improved with doxycycline, but bipedal pitting oedema and punctate rash involving the soles/hands appeared. Microbiological tests revealed positive IgM and IgG serology for rickettsiae spotted fever. Skin biopsy of the purpura confirmed leucocytoclastic vasculitis, positive forRickettsiae conoriiby PCR amplification. Palpable purpura is a rare important manifestation of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), due to either secondary leucocytoclastic vasculitis or associated Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), which best explains the distribution of the rash, arthralgia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and microhaematuria not usually seen inR. conoriiinfections. Likewise, the patient’s acute pancreatitis may be interpreted as a rare presentation of HSP or a seldom-encountered feature of MSF.
Multiple enlarging hepatic and retroperitoneal myelolipomas in the setting of Cushing disease
Authors: Zhu Grace G , Witt Benjamin L , Winter III Thomas C , Rogers Douglas M
Published: February 2021

Myelolipomas are benign tumours typically occurring in the adrenal glands, made up of fat and trilineage haematopoeitic cells resembling bone marrow. Their aetiology is not well understood; however, they have a clear association with elevated serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Extra-adrenal myelolipomas are rare, and to our knowledge there are no previously reported cases of multiple enlarging hepatic and retroperitoneal myelolipomas in the setting of Cushing disease. We present the case of a patient with an ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma who developed multiple enlarging fat containing lesions in the liver and retroperitoneum, which were histologically proven multifocal myelolipomas.
Encephalopathy with progression to posterior reversible encephalopathy pattern in a patient with COVID-19: clinical, imaging findings and follow-up
Authors: Kerro Ali
Published: February 2021

Neurological conditions are being more recognised in patients with COVID-19, with encephalopathy being the most prevalent problem. Posterior reversible encephalopathy is suspected to occur due to elevated blood pressure and overproduction of inflammatory markers, both of which have been reported in the setting of COVID-19 infection. Encephalopathy was the main presentation in this case, without respiratory dysfunction initially, and with imaging findings indicative of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome as an aetiology. Follow-up imaging showed resolution of the abnormal results with mental status returning to baseline upon discharge.
Development of the retina and its relation with myopic shift varies from childhood to adolescence
Authors: Jin Peiyao , Deng Junjie , Lv Minzhi , Sun Sifei , Zhu Jianfeng , Xu Xun , He Xiangui , Zou Haidong
Published: February 2021

Aims

To elucidate the influence of age and myopic shift on retinal development.

Methods

This 1-year longitudinal study included 769 participants aged 6–17 years. Cycloplegic refraction, axial length and swept-source optical coherence tomography were examined at baseline and follow-up. The thickness changes in the retina, ganglion cell complex (GCC) and outer retinal layers (ORL) in the macular region were calculated, and their relation with age and myopic shift was analysed with multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The thickness of the central foveal retinal layers was increased in children (<10 years) but unchanged or decreased in adolescents (>13 years). The thickness changes in the retina, GCC and ORL decreased with age (r=−0.24,–0.23, −0.15, respectively, all p<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that the changes in central foveal retinal thickness (RT) and GCC thickness were independently associated with age and baseline spherical equivalent (SE), while the changes in ORL thickness were associated with age and SE changes. In children 8–9 years, a greater increase was observed in central foveal ORL thickness in those with no myopic shift (p<0.01). The thickness of the most parafoveal and perifoveal retinal layers was less increased or more decreased in children <9 years with myopic shift (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Retinal development and its relation with myopic shift varies from childhood to adolescence. Myopia-related retinal thinning may result from less increase in the RT in childhood rather than a decrease in RT in adolescents. Children under 9 years old could be at a critical age for future myopia-related retinal thinning.
Downregulation of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity in human airway epithelia after low temperature incubation
Authors: Yadav Sangya , Shaughnessy Ciaran A , Zeitlin Pamela L , Bratcher Preston E
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The incubation of airway epithelia cells at low temperatures is a common in vitro experimental approach used in the field of cystic fibrosis (CF) research to thermo-stabilise F508del-CFTR and increase its functional expression. Given that the airway epithelium includes numerous ion transporters other than CFTR, we hypothesised that there was an impact of low temperature incubation on CFTR-independent ionoregulatory mechanisms in airway epithelia derived from individuals with and without CF.

Methods

After differentiation at the air–liquid interface, nasal epithelia were incubated at either 37°C or 29°C (low temperature) for 48 hours prior to analysis in an Ussing chamber.

Results

While F508del-CFTR activity was increased after low temperature incubation, activity of CFTR in non-CF epithelia was unchanged. Importantly, cultures incubated at 29°C demonstrated decreased transepithelial potential difference (TEPD) and short-circuit currents (Isc) at baseline. The predominant factor contributing to the reduced baseline TEPD and Isc in 29°C cultures was the reduced activity of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), evidenced by a reduced responsiveness to amiloride. This effect was observed in cells derived from both non-CF and CF donors.

Discussion

Significant transcriptional downregulation of ENaC subunits β and γ were observed, which may partially explain the decreased ENaC activity. We speculate that low temperature incubation may be a useful experimental paradigm to reduce ENaC activity in in vitro epithelial cultures.
Bowel cancer screening workforce survey: developing the endoscopy workforce for 2025 and beyond
Authors: Ravindran Srivathsan , Munday Jane , Veitch Andrew M , Broughton Raphael , Thomas-Gibson Siwan , Penman Ian D , McKinlay Alistair , Fearnhead Nicola S , Coleman Mark , Logan Robert
Published: February 2021

Aim

The demand for bowel cancer screening (BCS) is expected to increase significantly within the next decade. Little is known about the intentions of the workforce required to meet this demand. The Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG), the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) developed the first BCS workforce survey. The aim was to assess endoscopist career intentions to aid in future workforce planning to meet the anticipated increase in BCS colonoscopy.

Methods

A survey was developed by JAG, BSG and ACPGBI and disseminated to consultant, clinical and trainee endoscopists between February and April 2020. Descriptive and comparative analyses were undertaken, supported with BCS data.

Results

There were 578 respondents. Screening consultants have a median of one programmed activity (PA) per week for screening, accounting for 40% of their current endoscopy workload. 38% of current screening consultants are considering giving up colonoscopy in the next 2–5 years. Retirement (58%) and pension issues (23%) are the principle reasons for this. Consultants would increase their screening PAs by 70% if able to do so. The top three activities that endoscopists would relinquish to further support screening were outpatient clinics, acute medical/surgical on call and ward cover. An extra 155 colonoscopists would be needed to fulfil increased demand and planned retirement at current PAs.

Conclusion

This survey has identified a serious potential shortfall in screening colonoscopists in the next 5–10 years due to an ageing workforce and job plan pressures of aspirant BCS colonoscopists. We have outlined potential mitigations including reviewing job plans, improving workforce resources and supporting accreditation and training.
Psychosocial consequences of invitation to colorectal cancer screening: a matched cohort study
Authors: Malmqvist Jessica , Siersma Volkert , Hestbech Mie Sara , Nicolaisdóttir Dagný Rós , Bang Christine Winther , Brodersen John
Published: February 2021

Background

Psychosocial consequences of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening can arise anywhere in the screening cascade. Previous studies have investigated the consequences of participating in CRC screening; however, we have not identified any studies investigating the psychosocial consequences of receiving the invitation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate psychosocial consequences of invitation to CRC screening.

Methods

The study was a longitudinal study performed in Region Zealand, Denmark. Participants included in this study were a random sample of 1000 CRC screening invitees and 1000 control persons, not invited to screening, matched in a 1:1 design on sex, age and municipality. We assessed psychosocial consequences before and after invitation in both study groups concurrently. The primary outcomes were psychosocial consequences measured with the condition-specific questionnaire Consequences of Screening in ColoRectal Cancer.

Results

Preinvitation response rates were 575 (57.5%) and 610 (61.0%) for the invitation group and control group, respectively. Postinvitation response rates were 442 (44.2%) for the invitation group and 561 (56.1%) for the control group.

No differences in mean change in scale score were seen except for the scale ‘Change in body perception’. The invitation group had a 0.39 lower change (99% CI (−0.78 to −0.004), p=0.009) in mean score than the control group in the direction of a less negative body perception after invitation.

Conclusions

This study did not identify an association between invitation to CRC screening and negative psychosocial consequences.
Redetermination of the strong-interaction width in pionic hydrogen
Authors: Hirtl A. , Anagnostopoulos D. F. , Covita D. S. , Fuhrmann H. , Gorke H. , Gotta D. , Gruber A. , Hennebach M. , Indelicato P. , Jensen Th. S. , Bigot E.-O. Le , Liu Y.-W. , Markushin V. E. , Marton J. , Nekipelov M. , Santos J. M. F. dos , Simons L. M. , Strauch Th. , Trassinelli M. , Veloso J. F. C. A. , Zmeskal J.
Published: February 2021

The hadronic width of the ground state of pionic hydrogen has been redetermined by X-ray spectroscopy to be $$\varGamma ^{\pi \mathrm {H}}_{1s}=(856\,\pm \,16_\mathrm{stat}\,\pm \,22_\mathrm{sys})$$

Γ

1
s

π
H

=

(
856

±

16
stat

±

22
sys

)

 meV. The experiment was performed at the high-intensity low-energy pion beam of the Paul Scherrer Institute by using the cyclotron trap and a high-resolution Bragg spectrometer with spherically bent crystals. Coulomb de-excitation was studied in detail by comparing its influence on the line shape by measuring the three different transitions K$$\alpha $$
α
, K$$\beta $$
β
, and K$$\gamma $$
γ
at various hydrogen densities. The pion-nucleon scattering lengths and other physical quantities extracted from pionic-atom data are in good agreement with the results obtained from pion-nucleon and nucleon-nucleon scattering experiments and confirm that a consistent picture is achieved for the low-energy pion-nucleon sector with respect to the expectations of chiral perturbation theory.
Power corrections in a transverse-momentum cut for vector-boson production at NNLO: the qg-initiated real-virtual contribution
Authors: Oleari Carlo , Rocco Marco
Published: February 2021

We consider the production of a vector boson (Z, $$W^\pm $$

W
±

or $$\gamma ^*$$

γ
∗

) at next-to-next-to-leading order in the strong coupling constant $$\alpha _\mathrm{S}$$

α
S

. We impose a transverse-momentum cutoff, $$q_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{cut}}$$

q

T

cut

, on the vector boson produced in the qg-initiated channel. We then compute the power corrections in the cutoff, up to the second power, of the real-virtual interference contribution to the cumulative cross section at order $$\alpha _\mathrm{S}^2$$

α

S

2

. Other terms with the same kinematics, originating from the subtraction method applied to the double-real contribution, have been also considered. The knowledge of such power corrections is a required ingredient in order to reduce the dependence on the transverse-momentum cutoff of the QCD cross sections at next-to-next-to-leading order, when the $$q_{\mathrm{T}}$$

q
T

-subtraction method is applied. In addition, the study of the dependence of the cross section on $$q_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{cut}}$$

q

T

cut

allows as well for an understanding of its behaviour in the small transverse-momentum limit, giving hints on the structure at all orders in $$\alpha _\mathrm{S}$$

α
S

and on the identification of universal patterns. Our result are presented in an analytic form, using the process-independent procedure described in a previous paper for the calculation of the all-order power corrections in $$q_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{cut}}$$

q

T

cut

.
Running in the ALPs
Authors: Chala Mikael , Guedes Guilherme , Ramos Maria , Santiago Jose
Published: February 2021

The couplings of axion-like particles are probed by different experiments across a huge range of energy scales. Accordingly, a consistent analysis of the corresponding constraints requires the use of the renormalization group equations. We compute the full one-loop renormalization group evolution of all – relevant and marginal – parameters in the effective field theory for axion-like particles up to dimension five, above and below the electroweak scale, assuming only that new physics does not violate CP. We also include a detailed discussion of the different bases used in the literature, the relations among them and the interplay of the CP and shift symmetries.
Generalizations of Code Languages with Marginal Errors
Authors: Ko Sang-Ki , Han Yo-Sub , Salomaa Kai
Published: February 2021

The [Formula: see text]-prefix-free, [Formula: see text]-suffix-free and [Formula: see text]-infix-free languages generalize the prefix-free, suffix-free and infix-free languages by allowing marginal errors. For example, a string [Formula: see text] in a [Formula: see text]-prefix-free language [Formula: see text] can be a prefix of up to [Formula: see text] different strings in [Formula: see text]. We also define finitely prefix-free languages in which a string [Formula: see text] can be a prefix of finitely many strings. We present efficient algorithms that determine whether or not a given regular language is [Formula: see text]-prefix-free, [Formula: see text]-suffix-free or [Formula: see text]-infix-free, and analyze the time complexity of the algorithms. We establish undecidability results for deciding these properties for (linear) context-free languages.
The pilot of Taiji program — From the ground to Taiji-2
Authors:   The Taiji Scientific Collaboration
Published: February 2021

The Taiji-1 satellite is a pilot satellite mission of Taiji program, which is used to verify Taiji’s key technology and also to testify the feasibility of Taiji roadmap. Taiji-1 was launched on 31st August 2019 and its designed mission was completed. The results of Taiji-1 first scientific run are briefly introduced. A detailed analysis on how Taiji-1 can bridge the gap between ground experiment and Taiji pathfinder is presented. To report current progresses and achievements on Taiji program made by Taiji scientific collaboration, we publish this special issue with including 26 articles.
Evaluation of Kriging-NARX Modeling for Uncertainty Quantification of Nonlinear SDOF Systems with Degradation
Authors: Gao Xiaoshu , Hou Hetao , Huang Liang , Yu Guangquan , Chen Cheng
Published: February 2021

Structural assessment for collapse is commonly approached by observing the failure or collapse of systems fully incorporating degradation. Challenges however exist in the performance indicator or damage measure due to compound impacts of uncertainties of external (seismic excitation) and internal (structural properties) characteristics with degradation behavior. To account for the impacts of uncertainties, the state-of-the-art kriging nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous (NARX) model is explored in this study to replicate the response of nonlinear single-degree-of-freedom systems. The generalized hysteretic Bouc-Wen model with internal uncertainties is selected to emulate the stiffness and strength degradation. A probabilistic stochastic ground motion model is introduced to represent the external uncertainties. The global terms of NARX model are selected by least-angle regression algorithm and the kriging model is utilized to surrogate uncertain parameters into corresponding NARX model coefficients. The predictions of kriging NARX models are further compared with that of the polynomial chaos nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input form model as well as Monte Carlo simulation. The comparisons show that kriging NARX model presents an effective and efficient meta-model technique for uncertainty quantification of systems with degradation.
Analysis of Structural Vibrations of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blades via Hamilton’s Principle — Part 3: Pitch Angle and Equilibrium State
Authors: Huang Jianyou , Chang Chia-Ou , Chang Chien-Cheng
Published: February 2021

Pitch angle is one of the most important parameters of wind turbine blade. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of the pitch angle on the deformation of a VAWT. Lagrangian mechanics and Euler’s beam theory are used to derive the motion equations of linear structural vibration for straight blade vertical axis wind turbine blade with the pitch angle [Formula: see text]. The complete equations of motion take account of the 4-DOF deformation of flexural–flexural–torsion–extension as well as the material damping. Vibration analysis of generalized displacement about the equilibrium state (GDAES) is carried out with respect to the displacement of the equilibrium state (DOES), which is separated from the motion of vibration. After simplifying the equilibrium equation of 4-DOF into 1-DOF system, the exact solution of displacement [Formula: see text] of the equilibrium state is derived. The correction [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] due to the pitch angle and the characteristics of [Formula: see text] with constant linear speed are analyzed. Furthermore, we investigate the coupling effect of lateral bending and axial extension of the blade on [Formula: see text] is analyzed. Finally, the exact solution of [Formula: see text] is verified by the central difference method.
Optical penetration of surface-enhanced micro-scale spatial offset Raman spectroscopy in turbid gel and biological tissue
Authors: Zhang Yumin , Lin Li , He Jing , Ye Jian
Published: February 2021

The limited penetration of photons in biological tissue restricts the deep-tissue detection and imaging application. The micro-scale spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (micro-SORS) with an optical fiber probe, colleting photons from deeper regions by offsetting the position of laser excitation from the collection optics in a range of hundreds of microns, shows great potential to be integrated with endoscopy for inside-body noninvasive detection by circumventing this restriction, particularly with the combination of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). However, a detailed tissue penetration study of micro-SORS in combination with SERS is still lacking. Herein, we compared the signal decay of enhanced Raman nanotags through the tissue phantom of agarose gel and the biological tissue of porcine muscle in the near-infrared (NIR) region using a portable Raman spectrometer with a micro-SORS probe (2.1[Formula: see text]mm in diameter) and a conventional hand-held probe (9.7[Formula: see text]mm in diameter). Two kinds of Raman nanotags were prepared from gold nanorods decorated with the nonresonant (4-nitrobenzenethiol) or resonant Raman reporter molecules (IR-780 iodide). The SERS measurements show that the penetration depths of two Raman nanotags are both over 2[Formula: see text]cm in agarose gel and 3[Formula: see text]mm in porcine muscle. The depth could be improved to over 4[Formula: see text]cm in agarose gel and 5[Formula: see text]mm in porcine tissue when using the micro-SORS system. This demonstrates the superiority of optical-fiber micro-SORS system over the conventional Raman detection for the detection of nanotags in deeper layers in the turbid medium and biological tissue, offering the possibility of combining the micro-SORS technique with SERS for noninvasive in vivo endoscopy-integrated clinical application.
Simulation of stimulated Raman scattering signal generation in scattering tissues excited by Bessel beams
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Wang Lin , Lin Peng , Xie Hui , Xu Xinyi , Zeng Qi , Zhan Yonghua , Chen Xueli
Published: February 2021

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy has the ability of noninvasive imaging of specific chemical bonds and been increasingly used in biomedicine in recent years. Two pulsed Gaussian beams are used in traditional SRS microscopes, providing with high lateral and axial spatial resolution. Because of the tight focus of the Gaussian beam, such an SRS microscopy is difficult to be used for imaging deep targets in scattering tissues. The SRS microscopy based on Bessel beams can solve the imaging problem to a certain extent. Here, we establish a theoretical model to calculate the SRS signal excited by two Bessel beams by integrating the SRS signal generation theory with the fractal propagation method. The fractal model of refractive index turbulence is employed to generate the scattering tissues where the light transport is modeled by the beam propagation method. We model the scattering tissues containing chemicals, calculate the SRS signals stimulated by two Bessel beams, discuss the influence of the fractal model parameters on signal generation, and compare them with those generated by the Gaussian beams. The results show that, even though the modeling parameters have great influence on SRS signal generation, the Bessel beams-based SRS can generate signals in deeper scattering tissues.
Star chromatic number of some graphs
Authors: Akbari S. , Chavooshi M. , Ghanbari M. , Taghian S.
Published: February 2021

A proper vertex coloring of a graph [Formula: see text] is called a star coloring if every two color classes induce a forest whose each component is a star, which means there is no bicolored [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we show that the Cartesian product of any two cycles, except [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], has a [Formula: see text]-star coloring.
The sum of two independent polynomially-modified hyperbolic secant random variables with application in computational finance
Authors: Zadeh A. A. L. , Zakerzadeh Hojatollah , Torabi Hamzeh
Published: February 2021

In this paper, by reshaping the hyperbolic secant distribution using Hermite polynomial, we devise a polynomially-modified hyperbolic secant distribution which is more flexible than secant distribution to capture the skewness, heavy-tailedness and kurtosis of data. As a portfolio possibly consists of multiple assets, the distribution of the sum of independent polynomially-modified hyperbolic secant random variables is derived. In exceptional cases, we evaluate risk measures such as value at risk and expected shortfall (ES) for the sum of two independent polynomially-modified hyperbolic secant random variables. Finally, using real datasets from four international computers stocks, such as Adobe Systems, Microsoft, Nvidia and Symantec Corporations, the effectiveness of the proposed model is shown by the goodness of Gram–Charlier-like expansion of hyperbolic secant law, for performance of value at risk and ES estimation, both in and out of the sample period.
Modeling of Chemo-Mechanical Multi-Particle Interactions in Composite Electrodes for Liquid and Solid-State Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Bistri Donald , Di Leo Claudio V.
Published: February 2021

Modeling of the chemo-mechanical interactions between active particles in battery electrodes remains a largely unexplored research avenue. Of particular importance is modeling the local current densities which may vary across the surface of active particles under galvanostatic charging conditions. These depend on the local, stress-coupled electrochemical potential and may also be affected by mechanical degradation. In this work, we formulate and numerically implement a constitutive framework, which captures the complex chemo-mechanical multi-particle interactions in electrode microstructures, including the potential for mechanical degradation. A novel chemo-mechanical surface element is developed to capture the local non-linear reaction kinetics and concurrent potential for mechanical degradation. We specialize the proposed element to model the electrochemical behavior of two electrode designs of engineering relevance. First, we model a traditional liquid Li-ion battery electrode with a focus on chemical interactions. Second, we model a next generation all-solid-state composite cathode where mechanical interactions are particularly important. In modeling these electrodes, we demonstrate the manner in which the proposed simulation capability may be used to determine optimized electro-chemical and mechanical properties as well as the layout of the electrode microstructure, with a focus on minimizing mechanical degradation and improving electrochemical performance.
Characteristics of TiO2 Nanotubes Fabricated by High-Frequency Cyclic Anodization
Authors: Wei Fang , Chen Zhenhui , Lin Yue , Qian Qun , Jiang Hongyi , Su Penghao , Liao Dexiang , Feng Daolun
Published: February 2021

This study investigates the fabrication of TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) using the cyclic anodization of Ti foil with high frequency. High-frequency cyclic anodization with increasing duty cycles yields longer, larger, and more regular TNTs, but the walls of the TNTs are thinner. The photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye by TNTs indicates that a higher duty cycle during the fabrication of TNTs yields improved performance. For example, the reaction rate constant with a 75% duty cycle (0.0151 ± 0.0003 min−1) is 1.28 times higher than that with a 0% duty cycle (0.0118 ± 0.0018 min−1). It only takes half the time for a 75% duty cycle to reach 70% degradation percentage as compared to, that for the 0% duty cycle. Nevertheless, high-frequency cyclic anodization with increasing duty cycles tends to generate more nanograss on the TNTs and causes a reduction in the TNT strength. Additionally, increasing the duty cycle yields few improvements in the photocurrent and the preferential orientation of anatase TNTs.
Exploring Residential Heterogeneity through Multiscalar Lens: A Case Study of Hangzhou, China
Authors: Huang Qinshi , Song Weixuan , Liu Liyan , Liu Chunhui , Zhang Xinyi , He Ge
Published: February 2021

The pattern, process, and mechanism of residential heterogeneity vary significantly with different geographical scales. However, most traditional methods ignore the checkboard and modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP), which may cover up the complexity and hierarchy of social space. Taking Hangzhou city as an example, a multiscalar method was proposed based on the information entropy theory to estimate residential heterogeneity and its scale sensitivity. Based on the sixth population census of Hangzhou and the housing price database of 6,536 residential districts from 2008 to 2018, we explore the scale effect and dynamic characteristics of residential heterogeneity. The results of spatial simulation and geostatistical analysis based on Python Spatial Analysis Library (PySAL) module show that the multiscalar algorithm better presents the real segregation pattern than traditional method, which is one of the new models and technologies in urban geography complex system. Exploring residential heterogeneity through multiscalar lens provides an important basis for the gradual and refined urban renewal.
Analysis of Gas Content and Permeability Change Pattern of a Coal Reservoir in the Tectonic Positions Based on a THM Coupled Model
Authors: Ye Zhenni , Hou Enke , Li Huantong , Duan Zhonghui , Wu Fan
Published: February 2021

The theory of coalbed methane distribution controlled by tectonism is a hot issue in the field of geofluid-geotectonic interaction research. Taking the geological structure in the scale range of the 1302 working face of a Guojiahe wellfield in a Yonglong mining area as the background, this paper focuses on the basic research problem of the influence of geological structure on the control of coal reservoir gas content and uses a THM coupling model to analyze the change of coalbed gas content and distribution characteristics of different tectonic positions. The change of CBM content and permeability in the anticline, syncline, and faults is analyzed. Accordingly, the variation distance of gas content and reservoir permeability controlled by tectonism of different geological structures is quantified to provide guidance for the selection of CBM-favorable areas. The research results show that the gentle dip syncline hinge zone is a potential gas-rich area with heat preservation and low permeability, while the gentle dip anticline hinge zone is a gas-poor area with low temperature and low pressure and high permeability. The thick coal seam zone of the syncline hinge zone is the potential gas accumulation zone, and the high-permeability area is near the fault plane of a normal fault. The coal matrix near the normal fault is subjected to tensile tectonic stresses to form tensional fissures, and the coal seam in the fault plane area is susceptible to coalbed gas dispersion and increases the permeability of the coal reservoir. The variation distance of gas content and reservoir permeability controlled by the normal fault within the Guojiahe wellfield is 37 m and 54 m from the fault plane, respectively.
Generalized Thermopiezoelectricity with Memory‐Dependent Derivative and Transient Thermoelectromechanical Responses Analysis
Authors: Sun Jianzhong , Wu Yaping
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a novel generalized thermoelastopiezoelectric model is established by introducing memory‐dependent derivative, which might be superior to fractional ones: the form is unique, while the fractional‐order theories have various expressions with different authors; it is more intuitionistic for reflecting the memory effect; the physical meanings of the related memory‐dependent differential equations are more clear, which are determined by the essence of their definitions; the time‐delay and kernel function can be chosen freely based on the necessity of practical applications. The newly constructed model is applied to the transient shock analysis for piezoelectric medium under heating loads. Laplace transformation techniques are employed to solve the governing equations. In numerical implementation, the problem of a semi‐infinite piezoelectric medium is considered under the two different cases. The transient responses, that is, temperature, displacement, stress, and electric potential, are illustrated graphically. The parametric studies are performed to analyze the effects of time‐delay and kernel function on the transient thermoelastopiezoelectric responses. This work may provide a new approach to explore the transient responses’ behavior for piezoelectric materials serving in nonisothermal environment.
Evaluation of the Response of Sorghum to Tillage Systems and Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Ramadhan Marwan , Muhsin Sadiq
Published: February 2021

In the subtropical semi-arid zones, sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.) productivity is limited by numerous constraints. Relatively few studies have been conducted to measure the response of grain sorghum varieties to tillage and nitrogen. For sustainable crop production, selected tillage practice and fertilizer application are important. Field experiments were conducted at Al Qurna (QL), 74 km northwest Basrah province and Shatt al-Arab (SHL) and 17 km east Basrah province. A randomized complete block design, arranged in a split-split plot, was used with three replications. The tillage system was no tillage (NT), reduced tillage (RT), and conventional tillage (CT), while sorghum varieties were Inqadh, Rabih, and Cavire 2, and four levels of N fertilizer, viz., 0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1. The objective of research was to evaluate two sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) varieties to tillage system and nitrogen (N) fertilizer. The application of tillage was shown to enhance the growth of sorghum as observed in the plant height, leaf area, number of grains panicle−1, 1000-grain weight, yield, biomass yield, and root dry matter. CT surpassed the other treatments for all studied traits. The highest value of plant height, number of grains panicle−1, grain yield, biomass yield, and root dry matter in the QL and SHL locations, respectively, were produced by Cavire 2. The plots fertilized with 120 kg N ha−1 maximize the values of plant height (132.33 cm in the SHL location), leaf area (3040.53 and 2751.47 cm2 in the QL and SHL location respectively), number of grains panicle−1 (1431.37 in the SHL location), 1000-grain weight (31.77 g in the QL location), biomass yield (15752.00 kg ha−1 in the SHL location), and root dry matter (22.42 and 20.75 g root cm−3 in the QL and SHL locations, respectively). Cavire 2 variety under CT with 80 kg N ha−1 in the QL location was the best (observed as the most promising) in terms of grain yield. Whereas Cavire 2 under CT showed best performance with 120 kg N ha−1 in the QL location in terms of biomass yield character.
A Blockchain-Based Public Auditing Protocol with Self-Certified Public Keys for Cloud Data
Authors: Li Hongtao , Guo Feng , Wang Lili , Wang Jie , Wang Bo , Wu Chuankun
Published: February 2021

Cloud storage can provide a way to effectively store and manage big data. However, due to the separation of data ownership and management, it is difficult for users to check the integrity of data in a traditional way, which leads to the introduction of the auditing techniques. This paper proposes a public auditing protocol with a self-certified public key system using blockchain technology. The user's operational information and metadata information of the file are formed to a block after verified by the checked nodes and then to be put into the blockchain. The chain structure of the block ensures the security of auditing data source. The security analysis shows that attackers can neither derive user’s secret key nor derive users’ data from the collected auditing information in the presented scheme. Furthermore, it can effectively resist against not only the signature forging attacks but also the proof forging attacks. Compared with other public auditing schemes, our scheme based on the self-certified public key system has been improved in storage overhead, communication bandwidth, and verification efficiency.
IL-13 Augments Histone Demethylase JMJD2B/KDM4B Expression Levels, Activity, and Nuclear Translocation in Airway Fibroblasts in Asthma
Authors: Bajbouj Khuloud , Hachim Mahmood Y. , Ramakrishnan Rakhee K. , Fazel Huwaida , Mustafa Jumana , Alzaghari Shahed , Eladl Mahmoud , Shafarin Jasmin , Olivenstein Ronald , Hamid Qutayba
Published: February 2021

Purpose. Asthma is one of the most common obstructive pulmonary diseases worldwide. Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, have been reported to contribute to asthma pathogenesis. Since the inflammation mediator and remodeling trigger, IL-13, is known to play a central role in the pathophysiology of asthma, this study was aimed to identify novel IL-13-regulated epigenetic modifiers in asthma that may contribute to subepithelial fibrosis. Methods. Publicly available transcriptomic datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were used to identify differentially expressed genes on an epigenetic level upon IL-13 exposure in lung fibroblasts. Bronchial fibroblasts isolated from healthy and asthmatic individuals were assessed for the gene and protein expression levels of the identified gene at baseline and upon IL-13 treatment using qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Its subcellular localization and tissue distribution were examined in bronchial fibroblasts as well as bronchial biopsies by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. Results. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the differential expression of the histone demethylase JMJD2B/KDM4B, a well-known epigenetic modulator that leads to the demethylation of different lysine residues on histones, in IL-13-treated lung fibroblasts. The baseline expression levels of JMJD2B were higher in asthmatic fibroblasts and in bronchial biopsies in comparison to healthy ones. There was also an increase in JMJD2B activity as evidenced by the demethylation of its downstream target, H3K36me3. Furthermore, IL-13 stimulation induced JMJD2B expression and further demethylation of H3K36me3 in asthmatic fibroblasts. This was accompanied by increased translocation of JMJD2B into the nucleus. Conclusion. This study highlights the novel pathological involvement of the histone demethylase JMJD2B/KDM4B in asthmatic airway fibroblasts that are regulated by IL-13. Clinical implications. Given that there is no single therapeutic medicine to effectively treat the various subtypes of asthma, this study provides promising insights into JMJD2B as a new therapeutic target that could potentially improve the treatment and management of asthma.