bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum cytosensor for early detection of cancer
Authors: Ganesh Swarna , Venkatakrishnan Krishnan , Tan Bo
Published: December 2019

Current use of graphene quantum dot for cancer detection is highly impeded by the low Raman cross‐section and used as a carrier for plasmonic materials. Hence, there is a need for a sensor an efficient Raman cross‐section, with maintaining the cellular homeostasis to attain accurate detection. Here, we report a SERS‐activated graphene oxide (GO) quantum Cytosensor for whole cell cancer detection capable for the early detection of cancer down to a single cellular level. On approaching quantum scale, we achieved SERS activation of GO quantum dots by introducing the functionality of quantum confinement. By altering the density of functional groups on the surface, we facilitated accelerated self‐cellular uptake resulting in increased SERS sensitivity. Here, we demonstrate cancer detection by two approaches: biomarker detection in external environment and intracellular detection using three cell lines. The quantum Cytosensor advances cancer detection to the molecular level by sensing the complex biomolecular processes transpiring intracellularly to detect and differentiate cancerous attributes of a cell. We observed a 3000‐, 2500‐ and 3500‐fold increase in enhancement of DNA, RNA and protein, respectively. Discernment of SERS spectral signatures was obtained by employing machine learning techniques which primarily identified the differences between cancer cells and normal cells. The classification and clustering techniques provided a high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 84.83% with unparalleled accuracy of 92.3%. Detection of cancer down to a single cellular level using quantum Cytosensor via SERS integrated with machine learning provides a new stepping stone towards adoption of SERS‐based early detection of cancer.
The role of race and ethnicity in views toward and participation in genetic studies and precision medicine research in the United States: A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies
Authors: Fisher Elena R. , Pratt Rebekah , Esch Riley , Kocher Megan , Wilson Katie , Lee Whiwon , Zierhut Heather A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Racial/ethnic minority populations in the United States are consistently underrepresented in genetic research. Large‐scale public participation is required to ensure discoveries from precision medicine research are applicable to everyone. To evaluate views toward and facilitators of participation among minority populations in the United States, we conducted a systematic review of literature.

Methods

Six databases were searched for articles published from 2005 to 2018 assessing minority populations’ views and/or willingness to participate in genetic research. A thematic framework was applied to extracted data to synthesize findings, and the Socio‐Ecological Model was used to evaluate papers.

Results

Review of 2,229 titles and abstracts identified 27 papers (n = 8 qualitative, n = 19 quantitative). Themes included knowledge of genetics, engagement in research, facilitators and barriers to participation, and cultural considerations. Understanding of genetics was low, yet the majority of participants were willing to participate in genetic research among all populations included in the literature (range: 57%–97%). Recommendations for research included utilizing community‐based participatory approaches, evaluating participants’ informational needs, incentivizing participation, and providing direct benefits (e.g., genetic test results).

Conclusion

Results could influence future study designs that incorporate all levels of the Socio‐Ecological Model and better meet the needs of underrepresented groups, thereby ensuring precision medicine research findings are applicable to all.
Ergodicity for a class of semilinear stochastic partial differential equations
Authors: Dong Zhao , Zhang Rangrang
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we establish the existence and uniqueness of invariant measures for a class of semilinear stochastic partial differential equations driven by multiplicative noise on a bounded domain. The main results can be applied to SPDEs of various types such as the stochastic Burgers equation and the reaction‐diffusion equations perturbed by space‐time white noise.
Modified parallel projection methods for the multivalued lexicographic variational inequalities using proximal operator in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Ngoc Anh Pham , Thi Hoai An Le
Published: December 2019

In this paper, building upon projection methods and parallel splitting‐up techniques with using proximal operators, we propose new algorithms for solving the multivalued lexicographic variational inequalities in a real Hilbert space. First, the strong convergence theorem is shown with Lipschitz continuity of the cost mapping, but it must satisfy a strongly monotone condition. Second, the convergent results are also established to the multivalued lexicographic variational inequalities involving a finite system of demicontractive mappings under mild assumptions imposed on parameters. Finally, some numerical examples are developed to illustrate the behavior of our algorithms with respect to existing algorithms.
Car path tracking in traffic flow networks with bounded buffers at junctions
Authors: Dambach Theresa , Göttlich Simone , Knapp Stephan
Published: December 2019

This article deals with the modeling for an individual car path through a road network, where the dynamics is driven by a coupled system of ordinary and partial differential equations. The network is characterized by bounded buffers at junctions that allow for the interpretation of roundabouts or on‐ramps while the traffic dynamics is based on first‐order macroscopic equations of Lighthill‐Whitham‐Richards (LWR) type. Trajectories for single drivers are then influenced by the surrounding traffic and can be tracked by appropriate numerical algorithms. The computational experiments show how the modeling framework can be used as navigation device.
New idea of Atangana‐Baleanu time‐fractional derivative to advection‐diffusion equation
Authors: Tlili Iskander , Shah Nehad Ali , Ullah Saif , Manzoor Humera
Published: December 2019

The analytical study of one‐dimensional generalized fractional advection‐diffusion equation with a time‐dependent concentration source on the boundary is carried out. The generalization consists into considering the advection‐diffusion equation with memory based on the time‐fractional Atangana‐Baleanu derivative with Mittag‐Leffler kernel. Analytical solution of the fractional differential advection‐diffusion equation along with initial and boundary value conditions has been determined by employing Laplace transform and finite sine‐Fourier transform. On the basis of the properties of Atangana‐Baleanu fractional derivatives and the properties of Mittag‐Leffler functions, the general solution is particularized for the fractional parameter α = 1 in order to find solution of the classical advection‐diffusion process. The influence of memory parameter on the solute concentration has been investigated using the analytical solution and the software Mathcad. From this analysis, it is found that for a constant concentration's source on the boundary, the solute concentration is increasing with fractional parameter, and therefore, an advection‐diffusion process described by Atangana‐Baleanu time‐fractional derivative leads to a smaller solute concentration than in the classical process.
Quantitative evaluation of lung injury caused by PM2.5 using hyperpolarized gas magnetic resonance
Authors: Zhang Ming , Li Haidong , Li Hongchuang , Zhao Xiuchao , Zhou Qian , Rao Qiuchen , Han Yeqing , Lan Yina , Deng He , Sun Xianping , Lou Xin , Ye Chaohui , Zhou Xin
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of 129Xe MR in evaluating the pulmonary physiological changes caused by PM2.5 in animal models.

Methods

Six rats were treated with PM2.5 solution (16.2 mg/kg) by intratracheal instillation twice a week for 4 weeks, and another six rats treated with normal saline served as the control cohort. Pulmonary function tests, hyperpolarized 129Xe multi‐b diffusion‐weighted imaging, and chemical shift saturation recovery MR spectroscopy were performed on all rats, and the pulmonary structure and functional parameters were obtained from hyperpolarized 129Xe MR data. Additionally, histological analysis was performed on all rats to evaluate alveolar septal thickness. Statistical analysis of all the obtained parameters was performed using unpaired 2‐tailed t tests.

Results

Compared with the control group, the measured exchange time constant increased from 11.74 ± 2.39 to 14.00 ± 2.84 ms (P < .05), and the septal wall thickness increased from 6.17 ± 0.48 to 6.74 ± 0.52 μm (P < .05) in the PM2.5 cohort by 129Xe MR spectroscopy, which correlated well with that obtained using quantitative histology (increased from 5.52 ± 0.32 to 6.20 ± 0.36 μm). Additionally, the mean TP/GAS ratio increased from 0.828 ± 0.115 to 1.019 ± 0.140 in the PM2.5 cohort (P = .021).

Conclusions

Hyperpolarized 129Xe MR could quantify the changes in gas exchange physiology caused by PM2.5, indicating that the technique has the potential to be a useful tool for evaluation of pulmonary injury caused by air pollution in the future.
Effects of Handling Methods of Gravid Channel Catfish on Cortisol Response and Reproductive Performance to Produce Hybrid Catfish Fry
Authors: Peterson Brian C , Chatakondi Nagaraj G
Published: December 2019

There is a need to optimize production protocols to improve the efficiency of embryo production in commercial catfish hatcheries for hybrid catfish (female Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus × male Blue Catfish I. furcatus). The present study compared two methods of handling broodfish from a Channel Catfish population while they are being transferred from pond to hatchery. Sexually mature females (average weight = 3.9 kg/fish) were seined and transported in a hauling truck to the hatchery prior to being injected with hormones. The fish that were placed in soft mesh bags (confined) were compared with fish that were allowed to swim freely (nonconfined) in the hauling truck and raceway in the hatchery. The fish were bled at seining (0 h), after transport to the hatchery (1 h), and while in the raceway at 4 and 24 h, respectively, and plasma levels of cortisol were measured. The broodfish that were suspended in soft mesh bags were monitored for ovulation and strip-spawned to determined their relative fecundity (eggs/kg of body weight) and fry/kg body weight. The results showed that cortisol levels were high after seining in both groups. The cortisol concentrations were significantly lower (P <0.05) at 1 and 4 h in the nonconfined than in the confined group. By 24 h, the cortisol levels had decreased in both of the treatment groups. The average relative fecundity (9,617 versus 8,576) and the number of fry/kg body weight (3,039 versus 2,710) were significantly higher (P <0.05) for the nonconfined fish than for the confined fish. Minimizing handling and confining stress of gravid Channel Catfish after seining during transport to the hatchery and holding them in hatchery tanks for 4 h prior to hormone injection appears to be beneficial to the hatchery production of hybrid catfish fry.
A micromorphic elastoplastic model and finite element simulation on failure behaviors of granular materials
Authors: Xiu Chenxi , Chu Xihua
Published: December 2019

One of the purposes in this study is to develop a modified micromorphic continuum model for granular materials on the basis of a micromechanics approach. A symmetric curvature tensor is proposed in this model, and a symmetric couple stress tensor is derived conjugating the symmetric curvature tensor. In addition, a correct derivation is presented to obtain the symmetric stress tensor conjugated with the symmetric strain tensor. The modified model provides a complete deformation mode for granular materials by considering the decomposition for motions (displacement and rotation) of particles. Consequently, the macroscopic constitutive relationships and constitutive moduli are derived in expressions of the microstructural information. Furthermore, the balance equations and boundary conditions are obtained for the modified micromorphic model. By considering the extended Drucker‐Prager yield criterion, the micromorphic elastoplastic model is developed. Another purpose of this study is to derive the finite element formulation for the developed micromorphic elastoplastic model. Based on the ABAQUS user element (UEL) interface, numerical simulations investigated the load‐displacement relationship and the strain localization behavior of granular materials and investigated the influence of microscopic parameters in the micromorphic model on these macroscopic mechanical responses. Numerical results illustrate the presented model's capability of simulating the strain‐softening and strain localization behaviors, and the capability of considering the influence of microstructural information on the macroscopic mechanical behaviors of granular materials.
Early sacral neuromodulation ameliorates urinary bladder function and structure in complete spinal cord injury minipigs
Authors: Keller Elena E. , Patras Irina , Hutu Ioan , Roider Karin , Sievert Karl‐Dietrich , Aigner Ludwig , Janetschek Günter , Lusuardi Lukas , Zimmermann Reinhold , Bauer Sophina
Published: December 2019

Aims

To determine the effects of early sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and pudendal neuromodulation (PNM) on lower urinary tract (LUT) function, minipigs with complete spinal cord injury (cSCI) were analyzed. SNM and PNM have been proposed as therapeutic approaches to improve bladder function, for example after cSCI. However, further evidence on efficacy is required before these methods can become clinical practice.

Methods

Eleven adults, female Göttingen minipigs with cSCI at vertebral level T11‐T12 were included: SNM (n = 4), PNM (n = 4), and SCI control (SCIC: n = 3). Tissue from six healthy minipigs was used for structural comparisons. Stimulation was started 1 week after cSCI. Awake urodynamics was performed on a weekly basis. After 16 weeks follow‐up, samples from the urinary bladder were taken for analyses.

Results

SNM improved bladder function with better capacities and lower detrusor pressures at voiding and avoided the emergence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD). PNM and untreated SCI minipigs had less favorable outcomes with either DSD or constant urinary retention. Structural results revealed SCI‐typical fibrotic alterations in all cSCI minipigs. However, SNM showed a better‐balanced distribution of smooth muscle to connective tissue with a trend towards the reduced progression of bladder wall scarring.

Conclusion

Early SNM led to an avoidance of the emergence of DSD showing a more physiological bladder function during a 4 month follow‐up period after cSCI. This study might pave the way for the clinical continuation of early SNM for the treatment of neurogenic LUT dysfunction after SCI.
Time‐dependent diffusion in undulating thin fibers: Impact on axon diameter estimation
Authors: Brabec Jan , Lasič Samo , Nilsson Markus
Published: December 2019

Diffusion MRI may enable non‐invasive mapping of axonal microstructure. Most approaches infer axon diameters from effects of time‐dependent diffusion on the diffusion‐weighted MR signal by modeling axons as straight cylinders. Axons do not, however, propagate in straight trajectories, and so far the impact of the axonal trajectory on diameter estimation has been insufficiently investigated. Here, we employ a toy model of axons, which we refer to as the undulating thin fiber model, to analyze the impact of undulating trajectories on the time dependence of diffusion. We study time‐dependent diffusion in the frequency domain and characterize the diffusion spectrum by its height, width, and low‐frequency behavior (power law exponent). Results show that microscopic orientation dispersion of the thin fibers is the main parameter that determines the characteristics of the diffusion spectra. At lower frequencies (longer diffusion times), straight cylinders and undulating thin fibers can have virtually identical spectra. If the straight‐cylinder assumption is used to interpret data from undulating thin axons, the diameter is overestimated by an amount proportional to the undulation amplitude and microscopic orientation dispersion of the fibers. At higher frequencies (shorter diffusion times), spectra from cylinders and undulating thin fibers differ. The low‐frequency behavior of the spectra from the undulating thin fibers may also differ from that of cylinders, because the power law exponent of undulating fibers can reach values below 2 for experimentally relevant frequency ranges. In conclusion, we argue that the non‐straight nature of axonal trajectories should not be overlooked when analyzing and interpreting diffusion MRI data.
Effects of divinylbenzene‐maleic anhydride copolymer hollow microspheres on crystallization behaviors, mechanical properties and heat resistance of poly(l‐lactide acid)
Authors: Qiao Hu , Guo Jia , Wang Li , Sun Jun , Jiang Shengling , Zhang Sheng , Yang Wantai , Gu Xiaoyu , Li Hongfei
Published: December 2019

Divinylbenzene‐maleic anhydride copolymer hollow microspheres (DMs) were used as novel organic nucleating agents to promote crystallization of poly(l‐lactide acid) (PLLA). The effects of these DMs on crystal behaviors of the PLLA were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). Both isothermal and non‐isothermal processes in DSC demonstrated that the DMs significantly altered the crystal behaviors of PLLA as both crystallization velocity and degree of crystallinity increased with increasing DM loadings from 0 to 3%. Our POM results also indicated that as nucleating agents, the DMs promoted nucleating densities and decreased spherulitic sizes. In addition, WAXD suggeted that the addition of DMs did not induce new types of crystals. Finally, our results showed that the ductility of the PLLA was enhanced by a small amount of DMs during the PLLA crystallization process since 0.5% DMs added to the PLLA resulted in 1.4‐fold increase in the elongation at break in comparision with the neat PLLA.
Mobility and localization of the iron deficiency‐induced transcription factor bHLH039 change in the presence of FIT
Authors: Trofimov Ksenia , Ivanov Rumen , Eutebach Monique , Acaroglu Büsra , Mohr Inga , Bauer Petra , Brumbarova Tzvetina
Published: December 2019

Regulation of iron (Fe) acquisition and homeostasis is critical for plant survival. In Arabidopsis, Fe deficiency‐induced bHLH039 forms a complex with the master regulator FIT and activates it to upregulate Fe acquisition genes. FIT is partitioned between cytoplasm and nucleus, whereby active FIT accumulates more in the nucleus than inactive FIT. At the same time, there is so far no information on the subcellular localization of bHLH039 protein and how it is controlled. We report here that the bHLH039 localization pattern changes depending on the presence of FIT in the cell. When expressed in cells lacking FIT, bHLH039 localizes predominantly in the cytoplasm, including cytoplasmic foci in close proximity to the plasma membrane. The presence of FIT enhances the mobility of bHLH039 and redirects the protein toward primarily nuclear localization, abolishing its accumulation in cytoplasmic foci. This FIT‐dependent change in localization of bHLH039 found in transient fluorescent protein expression experiments was confirmed in both leaves and roots of Arabidopsis transgenic plants, stably expressing hemagglutinin‐tagged bHLH039 in wild‐type or fit mutant background. This posttranslational mechanism for intracellular partitioning of Fe‐responsive transcription factors suggests a signaling cascade that translates Fe sensing at the plasma membrane to nuclear accumulation of the transcriptional regulators.
Regulation of bifunctional proteins in cells: Lessons from the phospholipase Cβ/G protein pathway
Authors: Jackson Lela , Qifti Androniqi , Pearce Katherine M. , Scarlata Suzanne
Published: December 2019

Some proteins can serve multiple functions depending on different cellular conditions. An example of a bifunctional protein is inositide‐specific mammalian phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ). PLCβ is activated by G proteins in response to hormones and neurotransmitters to increase intracellular calcium. Recently, alternate cellular function(s) of PLCβ have become uncovered. However, the conditions that allow these different functions to be operative are unclear. Like many mammalian proteins, PLCβ has a conserved catalytic core along with several regulatory domains. These domains modulate the intensity and duration of calcium signals in response to external sensory information, and allow this enzyme to inhibit protein translation in a noncatalytic manner. In this review, we first describe PLCβ's cellular functions and regulation of the switching between these functions, and then discuss the thermodynamic considerations that offer insight into how cells manage multiple and competitive associations allowing them to rapidly shift between functional states.
Peptides in proteins
Authors: Weber Benedikt , Maier Andreas , Buchner Johannes
Published: December 2019

The protein universe as we know is composed of folded structures and intrinsic disordered regions. The latter may adopt structures upon interaction with binding partners. In addition, some proteins contain C‐terminal extensions which act as independent functional units in the context of the protein. Since their activity does not depend on the protein context they can be considered as peptides in proteins. To illustrate this principle, we here discuss the C‐terminal extensions of IgM antibodies which dictate their assembly and the molecular chaperones Hsp90, Hsp70, and Hsp104 which use C‐terminal peptide extensions as a docking site for interaction with different co‐chaperones.
A Bayesian approach to sequential analysis in post‐licensure vaccine safety surveillance
Authors: Li Rongxia , Stewart Brock , Rose Charles
Published: December 2019

With rapid development of computing technology, Bayesian statistics have increasingly gained more attention in various areas of public health. However, the full potential of Bayesian sequential methods applied to vaccine safety surveillance has not yet been realized, despite acknowledged practical benefits and philosophical advantages of Bayesian statistics. In this paper, we describe how sequential analysis can be performed in a Bayesian paradigm in the field of vaccine safety. We compared the performance of the frequentist sequential method, specifically, Maximized Sequential Probability Ratio Test (MaxSPRT), and a Bayesian sequential method using simulations and a real world vaccine safety example. The performance is evaluated using three metrics: false positive rate, false negative rate, and average earliest time to signal. Depending on the background rate of adverse events, the Bayesian sequential method could significantly improve the false negative rate and decrease the earliest time to signal. We consider the proposed Bayesian sequential approach to be a promising alternative for vaccine safety surveillance.
Ignorance‐aware safety and reliability analysis: A heuristic approach
Authors: Yazdi Mohammad
Published: December 2019

In the current study, we aim to solve a group decision‐making problem on the basis of expert judgment with consideration of both global and local ignorance in system safety assessment. When data are acquired from various sources, especially subjective ones, the estimation of the data's precise value is challenging. In such a case, the basic belief assignment (bba) function is utilized to cope with the decision‐making procedure on the basis of Dempster‐Shafer theory (DST). DST, as an effective tool for manipulating inaccurate values, stills is not adequate to obtain the optimum values under the consideration of global and local subjective ignorance. To address the aforementioned subjects in this study, an innovative heuristic approach using a multiobjective programming model is introduced to derive the optimal values (bba) in the system safety assessment. An illustrative example is provided in detail to show the applicability and feasibility of the introduced heuristic approach.
A flexible copula‐based approach for the analysis of secondary phenotypes in ascertained samples
Authors: Tounkara Fodé , Lefebvre Geneviève , Greenwood Celia , Oualkacha Karim
Published: December 2019

Data collected for a genome‐wide association study of a primary phenotype are often used for additional genome‐wide association analyses of secondary phenotypes. However, when the primary and secondary traits are dependent, naïve analyses of secondary phenotypes may induce spurious associations in non‐randomly ascertained samples.

Previously, retrospective likelihood‐based methods have been proposed to correct for sampling biases arising in secondary trait association analyses. However, most methods have been introduced to handle studies featuring a case‐control design based on a binary primary phenotype. As such, these methods are not directly applicable to more complicated study designs such as multiple‐trait studies, where the sampling mechanism also depends on the secondary phenotype, or extreme‐trait studies, where individuals with extreme primary phenotype values are selected. To accommodate these more complicated sampling mechanisms, only a few prospective likelihood approaches have been proposed. These approaches assume a normal distribution for the secondary phenotype (or the latent secondary phenotype) and a bivariate normal distribution for the primary‐secondary phenotype dependence.

In this paper, we propose a unified copula‐based approach to appropriately detect genetic variant/secondary phenotype association in the presence of selected samples. Primary phenotype is either binary or continuous and the secondary phenotype is continuous although not necessary normal. We use both prospective and retrospective likelihoods to account for the sampling mechanism and use a copula model to allow for potentially different dependence structures between the primary and secondary phenotypes. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through simulation studies and by analyzing data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children cohort.
Mechanical Exfoliation of Select MAX Phases and Mo4Ce4Al7C3 Single Crystals to Produce MAXenes
Authors: Gkountaras Athanasios , Kim Youngsoo , Coraux Johann , Bouchiat Vincent , Lisi Simone , Barsoum Michel W. , Ouisse Thierry
Published: December 2019

MXenes—2D carbides/nitrides derived from their bulk nanolamellar Mn+1AXn phase (MAX) counterparts—are, for the most part, obtained by chemical etching. Despite the fact that the MA bonds in the MAX phases are not weak, in this work it is demonstrated that relatively large MAX single crystals can be mechanically exfoliated using the adhesive tape method to produce flakes whose thickness can be reduced down to half a unit cell. The exfoliated flakes, transferred onto SiO2/Si substrates, are analyzed using electric force microscopy (EFM). No appreciable variation in EFM signal with flake thickness is found. EFM contrast between the flakes and SiO2 not only depends on the contact surface potential, but also on the local capacitance. The contribution of the latter can be used to show the metallic character—confirmed by four‐contact resistivity measurements—of even the thinnest of flakes. Because the A‐layers are preserved, strictly speaking MXenes are not dealt with in this work, but rather MAXenes. This is important in the case where the “A” layers contain magnetic elements such as Mo4Ce4Al7C3, whose structure is a derivative of the MAX structure.
An Ultrafast Conducting Polymer@MXene Positive Electrode with High Volumetric Capacitance for Advanced Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Ke , Wang Xuehang , Li Shuo , Urbankowski Patrick , Li Jianmin , Xu Yuxi , Gogotsi Yury
Published: December 2019

Pseudocapacitors or redox capacitors that synergize the merits of batteries and double‐layer capacitors are among the most promising candidates for high‐energy and high‐power energy storage applications. 2D transition metal carbides (MXenes), an emerging family of pseudocapacitive materials with ultrahigh rate capability and volumetric capacitance, have attracted much interest in recent years. However, MXenes have only been used as negative electrodes as they are easily oxidized at positive (anodic) potential. To construct a high‐performance MXene‐based asymmetric device, a positive electrode with a compatible performance is highly desired. Herein, an ultrafast polyaniline@MXene cathode prepared by casting a homogenous polyaniline layer onto a 3D porous Ti3C2Tx MXene is reported, which enables the stable operation of MXene at positive potentials because of the enlarged work function after compositing with polyaniline, according to the first‐principle calculations. The resulting flexible polyaniline@MXene positive electrode demonstrates a high volumetric capacitance of 1632 F cm−3 and an ultrahigh rate capability with 827 F cm−3 at 5000 mV s−1, surpassing all reported positive electrodes. An asymmetric device is further fabricated with MXene as the anode and polyaniline@MXene as the cathode, which delivers a high energy density of 50.6 Wh L−1 and an ultrahigh power density of 127 kW L−1.
Outsourcing IOTA proof‐of‐work to volunteer public devices
Authors: Sarfraz Umair , Zeadally Sherali , Alam Masoom
Published: December 2019

Distributed ledger technologies will play an important role in the communication and data integrity of internet of things (IoT) devices in the future. IOTA is a public distributed ledger that can serve as a scalable, secure and feeless settlement layer for IoT transactions. It enables micro‐transactions for smart devices and offers a highly scalable architecture for network consensus and overcomes the inefficiencies of existing distributed ledgers. Like most mining‐based ledgers, IOTA also require solving a computational puzzle for every request to the ledger to avoid unwanted (ie, spam) content added to the ledger. We propose a system architecture that consumes the available computational resources of public volunteer devices for solving the expensive computational puzzles. We show that our proposed architecture can integrate with the global data and network layer of the IOTA ledger and acts as a middleware for providing computational resources from public volunteer devices to the IOTA network.
Administration of moclobemide facilitates fear extinction and attenuates anxiety‐like behaviors by regulating synaptic‐associated proteins in a rat model of post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Xiao Bing , Han Fang , Shi Yuxiu
Published: December 2019

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a long‐lasting mental disorder and accompanied by worse fear extinction. Enhanced fear memory or poor fear extinction are typical features of PTSD. Dysfunction of the serotonergic neurotransmitter system is involved in numerous mental and behavioral disorders. Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is important in the metabolism of serotonin and play an important role in behavious. The aim of this study was to explore the change of MAOA and effect of MAOA on fear memory in PTSD. We used single prolonged stress (SPS) to create animal model of PTSD. A startle/fear box and elevated plus maze were used to observe fear memory and anxiety level, respectively. We examined the expression of MAOA and synaptic marker protein, as well as the immunological activity of MAOA in the infralimbic cortex (IL) area, which is a critical brain region involved in emotions, especially fear regulation. We found increased anxiety‐like behavior, dysfunction in fear extinction, and increased MAOA in SPS rats. After treatment with moclobemide (a selective inhibitor of MAOA), SPS rats showed significantly improved fear memory and decreased anxiety‐like behavior, which indicated that moclobemide could reverse fear extinction deficit and attenuate abnormally increased levels of anxiety caused by SPS in short term. On the contrary, decreased PSD‐95 and SYN1 expression in the IL region were also reversed by moclobemide. These results suggest that increased MAOA play a negative role in fear extinction and levels of anxiety in PTSD, which may be involved in change in PSD‐95 and SYN1.
5ʹUTR polymorphism in the serotonergic receptor HTR3A gene is differently associated with striatal Dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability in the right putamen in Fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls—Preliminary evidence
Authors: Ledermann Katharina , Hasler Gregor , Jenewein Josef , Sprott Haiko , Schnyder Ulrich , Martin‐Soelch Chantal
Published: December 2019

Background

Extensive literature has investigated the role of serotonin (5‐HT) in the control of the central dopamine (DA) systems, and their dysfunction in the pathological conditions. 5‐HT stimulates the local DA release in striatal regions via activation of various receptors including serotonin receptor‐3 (5‐HT3). Several studies have related polymorphisms (SNPs) in the serotonin receptor‐3 (HTR3) genes to be associated with the pain modulation and endogenous pain suppression. A few studies suggested a functional role of 5ʹUTR SNP in the serotonergic receptorHTR3Agene (rs1062613) in the development of the chronic pain and Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in particular. Here, we investigated the effect of a 5ʹUTR SNP in the serotonergic receptorHTR3Agene (rs1062613) on striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor (DRD2) availability and reward‐associated DA release in response to unpredictable monetary rewards in 23 women with FMS and 17 age‐matched healthy female controls. Furthermore, we aimed to examine if SNP rs1062613 is associated with thermal pain and pain tolerance thresholds.

Methods

We used PET and [11C]raclopride to assess the DRD2 availability. In the same participants we used the [11C]raclopride PET bolus‐plus‐infusion method to measure the [11C]raclopride receptor binding potential (ΔBP) between an unpredictable reward condition and a sensorimotor control condition. DRD2 availability and ΔBP were assessed in MRI‐based striatal regions of interest. Thermal pain and pain tolerance thresholds were assessed outside the scanner.

Results

The frequency of SNP rs1062613 genotype differed significantly between groups, indicating that CC homozygotes were more frequent in FMS patients (82.6%) than in healthy controls (41.3%). Our results showed a significant main effect of SNP rs1062613 on [11C]raclopride binding potential in the right caudate nucleus indicating a higher DRD2 receptor availability for CC‐genotype of this SNP. Furthermore, we found a significant group × SNP interaction on [11C]raclopride binding potential in the right putamen, indicating a higher DRD2 availability in T‐carriers compared to CC genotype of SNP rs1062613 in FMS patients, whereas this effect was not present in healthy controls. However, we did not find an influence of SNP rs1062613 on reward‐related DA release. In addition, there was no association between SNP rs1062613 and pain threshold or pain tolerance threshold in our data.

Conclusion

These preliminary results indicate that SNP rs1062613 in the serotonergic receptorHTR3A genepossibly modulates the DRD2 receptor availability.
Experimental investigation on buckling‐restrained braces using mortar‐filled steel tubes with steel lining channels
Authors: Gao Yuan , Yuan Yue , Wang Chun‐Lin , Zeng Bin , Guo Lihang
Published: December 2019

A new type of buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) using mortar‐filled steel tubes with steel lining channels is proposed to reduce the frictional force between the core member and the restraining member. After covering the core plate with the unbonding material, steel lining channels are set on the surface along the longitudinal direction, thus transforming the contact property between the core plate and the restraining member from steel–mortar interface to steel–steel interface. First, comparative cyclic tests are conducted on two new BRBs with steel lining channels and one conventional BRB. All the specimens exhibit stable hysteretic performance without visible global or local instability prior to failure. It is confirmed that the steel lining channels can improve the interface evenness between the core plate and the restraining member, reduce the compression strength adjustment factor, and improve the low‐cycle fatigue behavior and energy dissipation capacity of the BRB. Furthermore, the analytical model for the local stability of the restraining tube is proposed when the core plate buckles about the strong axis, and the corresponding practical design criteria are provided. The influence of various core plate layouts on the local stability of the restraining tube is finally investigated.
The management impact of 68gallium-tris(hydroxypyridinone) prostate-specific membrane antigen (68Ga-THP-PSMA) PET-CT imaging for high-risk and biochemically recurrent prostate cancer
Authors: Kulkarni Meghana , Hughes Simon , Mallia Andrew , Gibson Victoria , Young Jennifer , Aggarwal Ajay , Morris Stephen , Challacombe Ben , Popert Rick , Brown Christian , Cathcart Paul , Dasgupta Prokar , Warbey Victoria S. , Cook Gary J. R.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To determine the impact on clinical management of patients with high-risk (HR) prostate cancer at diagnosis and patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) using a new kit form of 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), namely tris(hydroxypyridinone) (THP)-PSMA, with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT).

Methods

One hundred eighteen consecutive patients (50 HR, 68 BCR) had management plans documented at a multidisciplinary meeting before 68Ga-THP-PSMA PET-CT. Patients underwent PET-CT scans 60-min post-injection of 68Ga-THP-PSMA (mean 159 ± 21.2 MBq). Post-scan management plans, Gleason score, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and PSA doubling time (PSAdt) were recorded.

Results

HR group: 12/50 (24%) patients had management changed (9 inter-modality, 3 intra-modality). Patients with PSA < 20 μg/L had more frequent management changes (9/26, 34.6%) compared with PSA > 20 μg/L (3/24, 12.5%). Gleason scores > 8 were associated with detection of more nodal (4/16, 25% vs 5/31, 16.1%) and bone (2/16, 12.5% vs 2/31, 6.5%) metastases. BCR group: Clinical management changed in 23/68 (34%) patients (17 inter-modality, 6 intra-modality). Forty out of 68 (59%) scans were positive. Positivity rate increased with PSA level (PSA < 0.5 μg/L, 0%; PSA 0.5–1.0 μg/L, 35%; PSA 1.0–5.0 μg/L, 69%; PSA 5.0–10.0 μg/L, 91%), PSAdt of < 6 months (56% vs 45.7%) and Gleason score > 8 (78.9% vs 51.2%).

Conclusions

68Ga-THP-PSMA PET-CT influences clinical management in significant numbers of patient with HR prostate cancer pre-radical treatment and is associated with PSA. Management change also occurs in patients with BCR and is associated with PSA and Gleason score, despite lower scan positivity rates at low PSA levels < 0.5 μg/L.
Reversing One‐Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Surgery due to Severe and Refractory Hypoalbuminemia
Authors: Keleidari Behrouz , Mahmoudieh Mohsen , Shahabi Shahab , Sheikhbahaei Erfan , Rezaei Mohammadtaghi , Sayadi Masoud , Melali Hamid
Published: December 2019

Background

Laparoscopic one‐anastomosis gastric bypass (LOAGB) has to be reverse under some circumstances. This study is aimed to introduce and review a series of LOAGB cases that had to be reversed to normal anatomy due to severe hypoalbuminemia and its related symptoms after a few months.

Methods

Patients who had LOAGB from 2014 to 2018 and then reversed after some months were included in this study. Their first and second surgical data were collected and reviewed for important and relevant information.

Results

From 846 cases of LOAGB, 12 patients reversed after a mean of 12.1 months. All of them were women with mean age of 46 years. All of the gastrojejunostomy anastomosis had been made 200 cm after the Treitz ligament, and all of the patients had at least 250 cm common channel. The mean excess body mass index loss before the reversal surgery was 107.7%. None patients lost or died during the study.

Conclusion

Regarding anastomosis, 200 cm from Treitz ligament is not suitable for all of the patients and common channel more than 250 cm cannot prevent hypoalbuminemia. The surgeon should decide as quickly as possible whether his/her patients need reversal surgery or not. Appropriate patients should be selected for LOAGB.
Somatostatin receptors (SSTR1-5) on inhibitory interneurons in the barrel cortex
Authors: Lukomska Agnieszka , Dobrzanski Grzegorz , Liguz-Lecznar Monika , Kossut Malgorzata
Published: December 2019

Inhibitory interneurons in the cerebral cortex contain specific proteins or peptides characteristic for a certain interneuron subtype. In mice, three biochemical markers constitute non-overlapping interneuron populations, which account for 80–90% of all inhibitory cells. These interneurons express parvalbumin (PV), somatostatin (SST), or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). SST is not only a marker of a specific interneuron subtype, but also an important neuropeptide that participates in numerous biochemical and signalling pathways in the brain via somatostatin receptors (SSTR1-5). In the nervous system, SST acts as a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter affecting, among others, memory, learning, and mood. In the sensory cortex, the co-localisation of GABA and SST is found in approximately 30% of interneurons. Considering the importance of interactions between inhibitory interneurons in cortical plasticity and the possible GABA and SST co-release, it seems important to investigate the localisation of different SSTRs on cortical interneurons. Here, we examined the distribution of SSTR1-5 on barrel cortex interneurons containing PV, SST, or VIP. Immunofluorescent staining using specific antibodies was performed on brain sections from transgenic mice that expressed red fluorescence in one specific interneuron subtype (PV-Ai14, SST-Ai14, and VIP-Ai14 mice). SSTRs expression on PV, SST, and VIP interneurons varied among the cortical layers and we found two patterns of SSTRs distribution in L4 of barrel cortex. We also demonstrated that, in contrast to other interneurons, PV cells did not express SSTR2, but expressed other SSTRs. SST interneurons, which were not found to make chemical synapses among themselves, expressed all five SSTR subtypes.
Relaxation therapy as a treatment for tics in patients with Tourette syndrome: a systematic literature review
Authors: Tilling Florence , Cavanna Andrea E.
Published: December 2019

Background

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by the presence of multiple motor and phonic tics, often associated with co-morbid behavioural problems. Tics can be modulated by environmental factors and are characteristically exacerbated by psychological stress, among other factors. This observation has led to the development of specific behavioural treatment strategies, including relaxation therapy.

Objective

This review aimed to assess the efficacy of relaxation therapy to control or reduce tic symptoms in patients with TS.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review of original studies on the major scientific databases, including Medline, EMBASE, and PsycInfo, according to the standards outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Outcomes measures included both tic severity and tic frequency.

Results

Our literature search identified three controlled trials, with a total number of 40 participants (range: 6–18 participants). In all three studies, relaxation therapy decreased the severity and/or the frequency of tic symptoms. However, the only trial comparing relaxation therapy to two other behavioural techniques found relaxation therapy to be the least effective intervention, as it reduced the number of tics by 32% compared to 44% with self-monitoring and 55% with habit reversal.

Discussion

The results of this systematic literature review provide initial evidence for the use of relaxation therapy as a behavioural treatment intervention for tics in patients with TS. Caution is needed in the interpretation of these findings, because the reviewed trials had small sample sizes and there was high heterogeneity across the study protocols.
Clinical evaluation of fully automated thigh muscle and adipose tissue segmentation using a U-Net deep learning architecture in context of osteoarthritic knee pain
Authors: Kemnitz Jana , Baumgartner Christian F. , Eckstein Felix , Chaudhari Akshay , Ruhdorfer Anja , Wirth Wolfgang , Eder Sebastian K. , Konukoglu Ender
Published: December 2019

Objective

Segmentation of thigh muscle and adipose tissue is important for the understanding of musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoarthritis. Therefore, the purpose of this work is (a) to evaluate whether a fully automated approach provides accurate segmentation of muscles and adipose tissue cross-sectional areas (CSA) compared with manual segmentation and (b) to evaluate the validity of this method based on a previous clinical study.

Materials and methods

The segmentation method is based on U-Net architecture trained on 250 manually segmented thighs from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). The clinical evaluation is performed on a hold-out test set bilateral thighs of 48 subjects with unilateral knee pain.

Results

The segmentation time of the method is < 1 s and demonstrated high agreement with the manual method (dice similarity coeffcient: 0.96 ± 0.01). In the clinical study, the automated method shows that similar to manual segmentation (− 5.7 ± 7.9%, p < 0.001, effect size: 0.69), painful knees display significantly lower quadriceps CSAs than contralateral painless knees (− 5.6 ± 7.6%, p < 0.001, effect size: 0.73).

Discussion

Automated segmentation of thigh muscle and adipose tissues has high agreement with manual segmentations and can replicate the effect size seen in a clinical study on osteoarthritic pain.
Followers’ HEXACO personality traits and preference for charismatic, relationship-oriented, and task-oriented leadership
Authors: Breevaart Kimberley , de Vries Reinout E.
Published: December 2019

The aim of the current study was to examine the HEXACO personality traits in relation to followers’ preference for charismatic, relationship-oriented, and task-oriented leadership. Based on the similarity perspective, we expected followers high on Honesty-Humility, Extraversion, and Openness to Experience to prefer a charismatic leader, and those followers high on conscientiousness and low on Openness to Experience to prefer a task-oriented leader. In addition, from a need fulfillment perspective, we expected followers high on Emotionality to prefer a task- and a relationship-oriented leader. We examined these expectations using paper vignette methodology in a sample of 272 undergraduates. The results showed that most participants preferred a relationship-oriented leader over a charismatic or task-oriented leader. In addition, we found support for all our hypotheses, with the exception of the relations between Honesty-Humility and preference for charismatic leadership, and Conscientiousness and preference for task-oriented leadership. Our findings contribute to the nomological network of the role of follower characteristics in the leader-follower relationship. Implications and suggestions for research on charismatic leadership are provided.