bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling Dynamics to Coexisting Periodic Solutions or Equilibrium Points of the n-Scroll Modified Chua’s Circuit
Authors: Fu Shihui , Han Ying , Ma Huizhen , Du Ying
Published: December 2019

The modified Chua’s circuit, which is first order differentiable, has degree-of-discontinuity [Formula: see text]. It has [Formula: see text] equilibrium points, including two boundary equilibrium points. For them, except boundary equilibrium points, we obtain in theory, conditions under which Hopf bifurcations exist, which implies coexisting periodic solutions. At the same time, we also show that equilibrium points are asymptotically stable when system parameters are within some limits. Furthermore, we theoretically design a linear feedback controller, which will not change the equilibrium points, with appropriate control parameters to control the dynamical behaviors including chaos to these periodic solutions or equilibrium points, and we verify it by numerical simulations.
Oscillations Induced by Quiescent Adult Female in a Reaction–Diffusion Model of Wild Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes
Authors: Aghriche A. , Yafia R. , Aziz Alaoui M. A. , Tridane A. , Rihan F. A.
Published: December 2019

This paper takes the reaction–diffusion approach to deal with the quiescent females phase, so as to describe the dynamics of invasion of aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are divided into three subpopulations: eggs, pupae and female. We mainly investigate whether the time of quiescence (delay) in the females phase can induce Hopf bifurcation. By means of analyzing the eigenvalue spectrum, we show that the persistent positive equilibrium is asymptotically stable in the absence of time delay, but loses its stability via Hopf bifurcation when time delay crosses some critical value. Using normal form and center manifold theory, we investigate the stability of the bifurcating branches of periodic solutions and the direction of the Hopf bifurcation. Numerical simulations are carried out to support our theoretical results.
A lower bound of crosscap numbers of alternating knots
Authors: Ito Noboru , Takimura Yusuke
Published: December 2019

We give a lower bound of the crosscap number of alternating knots using band surgery. This lower bound is equal to the minimum number of the first Betti number, i.e. one minus the maximal Euler characteristic, over all (orientable and non-orientable) surfaces spanning a given alternating knot.
Width of codimension two knots
Authors: Freedman Michael , Hillman Jonathan
Published: December 2019

We extend the classical definition of width to higher dimensional, smooth codimension two knots and show in each dimension there are knots of arbitrarily large width.
An estimation for the ascending numbers of knots by Γ-polynomials
Authors: Higa Ryuji
Published: December 2019

For a knot, the ascending number is the minimum number of crossing changes which are needed to obtain an descending diagram. We study the [Formula: see text]-polynomial of knots with a given ascending number. We give a lower bound of the ascending numbers by using [Formula: see text]-polynomials. We estimate the ascending numbers for 65 prime knots up to 10 crossings by using [Formula: see text]-polynomials, Conway polynomials, and the determinants.
Exploring the inflation of F(R) gravity
Authors: Inagaki Tomohiro , Sakamoto Hiroki
Published: December 2019

The early-time expansion of the spacetime, namely, inflation, is introduced to solve some cosmological problems. [Formula: see text] gravity is a simple extension of the general relativity to induce the inflationary expansion. The precise observation of the Cosmic Microwave Background gives us the information to inspect the model of the inflation. [Formula: see text] gravity can be transformed to the Einstein–Hilbert term with a scalar field that plays the role of the inflaton. The inflaton potential is described as an explicit function of the inflaton field with a noncanonical kinetic term. In this paper, we obtain general formulae to derive the inflationary parameters including the models with a noncanonical kinetic term. The inflationary parameters are described as functions of the inflaton potential and its derivatives. We evaluate a well-known model, [Formula: see text], to confirm the validity of our formulae. Then, we apply the procedure to a model, [Formula: see text], in which it is not possible to represent the potential as an explicit function of the inflaton field with a canonical kinetic term.
Complexity analysis of dynamical spherically-symmetric dissipative self-gravitating objects in modified gravity
Authors: Zubair M. , Azmat Hina
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we have worked on the concept of complexity factor for nonstatic spherically-symmetric self-gravitating source filled with anisotropic fluid distribution in [Formula: see text] gravity theory. The definition of complexity for dynamical sources, proposed by Herrera, is examined in the framework of [Formula: see text] gravity. We intended to analyze the behavior of complexity factor in modified theory. For this, we defined the scalar functions through orthogonal splitting of Reimann tensor in [Formula: see text] gravity and worked out the structure scalars. We considered the structure scalar [Formula: see text] as a complexity factor to evaluate the complexity of the structure of dynamical system and also to analyze the complexity of the evolutionary patterns of the system under consideration. We took into account the homologous condition and homogeneous expansion condition in order to present the simplest mode of evolution, and found that homologous evolution is the simplest one. We considered both dissipative and nondissipative cases and found that shearing behavior of the fluid is not the same in both cases, however it remained geodesic in both cases. In the end, we established the results for the vanishing of the complexity factor. It has been found that zero complexity condition is satisfied if the energy density inhomogeneity and pressure anisotropy of the fluid configuration cancel each other.
Gravitational entropy of wormholes with exotic matter and in galactic halos
Authors: Lima R. de C. , Nogales José A. C. , Pereira S. H.
Published: December 2019

In this work, we study and compare the features of gravitational entropy near the throat of transversable wormholes formed by exotic matter and wormholes in galactic halos. We have verified that gravitational entropy and entropy density of these wormholes in regions near their throats are indistinguishable for objects of same throat, despite the fact that they are described by different metrics and by distinct energy–momentum tensors. We have found that the gravitational entropy density diverges near the throat for both cases, probably due to a nontrivial topology at this point, however, allowing the interesting interpretation that a maximum flux of information can be carried through the throat of these wormholes. In addition, we have found that both are endowed with an entropic behaviour similar to Hawking–Bekenstein’s entropy of nonrotating and null charge black holes.
GENERAL ANALYSIS OF LONG-TERM INTEREST RATES
Authors: BIAGINI FRANCESCA , GNOATTO ALESSANDRO , HÄRTEL MAXIMILIAN
Published: December 2019

We introduce here the idea of a long-term swap rate, characterized as the fair rate of an overnight indexed swap (OIS) with infinitely many exchanges. Furthermore, we analyze the relationship between the long-term swap rate, the long-term yield, (F. Biagini, A. Gnoatto & M. Härtel (2018) Affine HJM Framework on [Formula: see text] and long-term yield, Applied Mathematics and Optimization 77 (3), 405–441, F. Biagini & M. Härtel (2014) Behavior of long-term yields in a lévy term structure, International Journal of Theoretical and Applied Finance 17 (3), 1–24, N. El Karoui, A. Frachot & H. Geman (1997) A note on the behavior of long zero coupon rates in a no arbitrage framework. Working Paper. Available at Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5066730) , and the long-term simple rate (D. C. Brody & L. P. Hughston (2016) Social discounting and the long rate of interest, Mathematical Finance 28 (1), 306–334) as long-term discounting rate. Finally, we investigate the existence of these long-term rates in two-term structure methodologies, the Flesaker–Hughston model and the linear-rational model. A numerical example illustrates how our results can be used to estimate the nonoptional component of a CoCo bond.
Collapsing of charged cylindrical symmetric source in f(R,G) gravity with heat flux
Authors: Khan Suhail , Shah Hassan , Ahmad Zahid
Published: December 2019

This investigation deals with the dynamics of charged cylindrical gravitational collapse with anisotropic pressure and heat flux in [Formula: see text] gravity. For this purpose, we adopt the Misner–Sharp formalism to construct the dynamical equations and derive transport equation. Furthermore, we examine the collapsing rate by coupling the transport and dynamical equations. It is observed that the higher-order curvature terms influence the whole collapsing process such that the presence of positive curvature terms speeds up the collapsing process. It is also noted that for constant [Formula: see text] model the collapsing rate reduces.
Adapted connections on Kaehler–Norden Golden manifolds and harmonicity
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Gupta Garima , Rani Rachna
Published: December 2019

We study almost complex Norden Golden manifolds and Kaehler–Norden Golden manifolds. We derive connections adapted to almost complex Norden Golden structure of an almost complex Norden Golden manifold and of a Kaehler–Norden Golden manifold. We also set up a necessary and sufficient condition for the integrability of almost complex Norden Golden structure. We define twin Norden Golden Hessian metric for a Kaehler–Norden Golden Hessian manifold. Finally, we prove that a complex Norden Golden map between Kaehler–Norden Golden manifolds is a harmonic map.
Real-time Traffic Assignment Using Engineered Customizable Contraction Hierarchies
Authors: Buchhold Valentin , Sanders Peter , Wagner Dorothea
Published: December 2019

Given an urban road network and a set of origin-destination pairs, the traffic assignment problem asks for the traffic flow on each road segment. Common solution algorithms require a large number of shortest-path computations. In this article, we significantly accelerate the computation of flow patterns, enabling interactive transportation and urban planning applications. We achieve this by building a traffic assignment procedure upon customizable contraction hierarchies (CCH), revisiting and carefully engineering CCH customization and queries, and adapting CCH to compute batched point-to-point shortest paths. Although motivated by the traffic assignment problem, our optimizations apply to CCH in general. In contrast to previous work, our evaluation uses real-world production data for all parts of the input. On a metropolitan area encompassing about 2.7 million inhabitants, we decrease the flow-pattern computation for a typical 1-hour morning peak (a quarter million trips) from 90.9 to 14.1 seconds on one core and 2.4 seconds on a 16-core machine. This represents a speedup of 37 over the state of the art and more than three orders of magnitude over the Dijkstra-based baseline.
Finding Hamiltonian Cycle in Graphs of Bounded Treewidth
Authors: Ziobro Michał , Pilipczuk Marcin
Published: December 2019

The notion of treewidth, introduced by Robertson and Seymour in their seminal Graph Minors series, turned out to have tremendous impact on graph algorithmics. Many hard computational problems on graphs turn out to be efficiently solvable in graphs of bounded treewidth: graphs that can be sweeped with separators of bounded size. These efficient algorithms usually follow the dynamic programming paradigm.

In recent years, we have seen a rapid and quite unexpected development of involved techniques for solving various computational problems in graphs of bounded treewidth. One of the most surprising directions is the development of algorithms for connectivity problems that have only single-exponential dependency (i.e., 2

O
(
t
)

) on the treewidth in the running time bound, as opposed to slightly superexponential (i.e., 2

O
(
t
log
t
)

) stemming from more naive approaches. In this work, we perform a thorough experimental evaluation of these approaches in the context of one of the most classic connectivity problems, namely, H
AMILTONIAN
C
YCLE
.
3D Printed Microfluidics
Authors: Nielsen Anna V. , Beauchamp Michael J. , Nordin Gregory P. , Woolley Adam T.
Published: December 2019

Traditional microfabrication techniques suffer from several disadvantages, including the inability to create truly three-dimensional (3D) architectures, expensive and time-consuming processes when changing device designs, and difficulty in transitioning from prototyping fabrication to bulk manufacturing. 3D printing is an emerging technique that could overcome these disadvantages. While most 3D printed fluidic devices and features to date have been on the millifluidic size scale, some truly microfluidic devices have been shown. Currently, stereolithography is the most promising approach for routine creation of microfluidic structures, but several approaches under development also have potential. Microfluidic 3D printing is still in an early stage, similar to where polydimethylsiloxane was two decades ago. With additional work to advance printer hardware and software control, expand and improve resin and printing material selections, and realize additional applications for 3D printed devices, we foresee 3D printing becoming the dominant microfluidic fabrication method.
miR-130b is a potent stimulator of hepatic very-low-density lipoprotein assembly and secretion via marked induction of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein
Authors: Zhang Jing , Jazii Ferdous Rastgar , Haghighi Mahdi Montazer , Alvares Danielle , Liu Lipei , Khosraviani Negar , Adeli Khosrow
Published: December 2019

miR-130b is a microRNA whose expression is particularly elevated within adipose tissue and in the circulation in diabetic states. Hepatic miR-130b expression has been linked to hepatocellular carcinoma and changes in lipid metabolism. Here, we investigated the role of miR-130b in hepatic lipid homeostasis and lipoprotein export. We observed that overexpression of miR-130b-3p or -5p in HepG2 cells markedly enhanced the secretion of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles, enhanced the secretion of [3H]glycerol metabolically labeled triglyceride (TG), and significantly increased the number or the average size of lipid droplets (LDs), respectively. Overexpression of miR-130b also altered the expression of key genes involved in lipid metabolism and in particular markedly increased both mRNA and protein expression levels of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP). Conversely, the miR-130b inhibitor decreased mRNA levels of MTP and fatty acid synthase ( FAS) in HepG2 cells. However, dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that MTP is not a direct target of miR-130b-3p. miR-130b overexpression did not alter de novo synthesized TG or the stability and secretion of apolipoprotein B 100. Interestingly, knockdown of phosphatase and tensin homolog ( PTEN) blocked the upregulation of MTP mRNA induced by miR-130b. Finally, miR-130b-induced stimulation of VLDL secretion was also observed in a second hepatocyte cell culture model, immortalized human hepatocytes, confirming the effects observed in HepG2 cells. Overall, these data suggest a potential role for miR-130b in promoting hepatic VLDL assembly and secretion mediated by marked stimulation of MTP expression and TG mobilization. Thus miR-130b overexpression corrects the defect in VLDL production in HepG2 cells.
Acute interaction between human epicardial adipose tissue and human atrial myocardium induces arrhythmic susceptibility
Authors: Babakr Aram A. , Fomison-Nurse Ingrid C. , van Hout Isabelle , Aitken-Buck Hamish M. , Sugunesegran Ramanen , Davis Philip J. , Bunton Richard W. , Williams Michael J. A. , Coffey Sean , Stiles Martin K. , Jones Peter P. , Lamberts Regis R.
Published: December 2019

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) deposition has a strong clinical association with atrial arrhythmias; however, whether a direct functional interaction exists between EAT and the myocardium to induce atrial arrhythmias is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether human EAT can be an acute trigger for arrhythmias in human atrial myocardium. Human trabeculae were obtained from right atrial appendages of patients who have had cardiac surgery ( n = 89). The propensity of spontaneous contractions (SCs) in the trabeculae (proxy for arrhythmias) was determined under physiological conditions and during known triggers of SCs (high Ca2+, β-adrenergic stimulation). To determine whether EAT could trigger SCs, trabeculae were exposed to superfusate of fresh human EAT, and medium of 24 h-cultured human EAT treated with β1/2 (isoproterenol) or β3 (BRL37344) adrenergic agonists. Without exposure to EAT, high Ca2+ and β1/2-adrenergic stimulation acutely triggered SCs in, respectively, 47% and 55% of the trabeculae that previously were not spontaneously active. Acute β3-adrenergic stimulation did not trigger SCs. Exposure of trabeculae to either superfusate of fresh human EAT or untreated medium of 24 h-cultured human EAT did not induce SCs; however, specific β3-adrenergic stimulation of EAT did trigger SCs in the trabeculae, either when applied to fresh (31%) or cultured (50%) EAT. Additionally, fresh EAT increased trabecular contraction and relaxation, whereas media of cultured EAT only increased function when treated with the β3-adrenergic agonist. An acute functional interaction between human EAT and human atrial myocardium exists that increases the propensity for atrial arrhythmias, which depends on β3-adrenergic rather than β1/2-adrenergic stimulation of EAT.
Capillary blood tests may overestimate ketosis: triangulation between three different measures of β-hydroxybutyrate
Authors: Norgren Jakob , Sindi Shireen , Sandebring-Matton Anna , Kåreholt Ingemar , Akenine Ulrika , Nordin Karin , Rosenborg Staffan , Ngandu Tiia , Kivipelto Miia
Published: December 2019

The ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), assessed by a point-of-care meter in venous whole blood (BHBv), was used as the main outcome in a study on nutritional ketosis in healthy older adults. Two other BHB measures were also used in the study for validation and exploratory purposes, and here we report findings on correlation and agreement between those three methods. Ketosis in the range of 0–1.5 mmol/L was induced in 15 healthy volunteers by intake of medium-chain fatty acids after a 12-h fast. BHBv was assessed at 12 time points for 4 h. The same point-of-care meter was also used to test capillary blood (BHBc) at three time points, and a laboratory test determined total ketones (TK) in plasma (BHBp + acetoacetate) at four time points. A total of 180 cases included simultaneous data on BHBv, BHBc, BHBp, and TK. TK correlated with BHBp (Pearson’s r = 0.99), BHBv ( r = 0.91), and BHBc ( r = 0.91), all P < 0.0001. BHBv and BHBp had good agreement in absolute values. However, the slope between BHBc and BHBv, measured with the same device, was in the range of 0.64–0.78 in different regression models, indicating substantially higher BHB concentrations in capillary versus venous blood. We conclude that all three methods are valid to detect relative changes in ketosis, but our results highlight the importance of method considerations and the possible need to adjust cutoffs, e.g., in the management of ketoacidosis and in the evaluation and comparison of dietary interventions.
Vertebral Compression Fractures Treated in Acute by Instrumented Kyphoplasty: Early and Mid-Term Clinical and Radiological Results
Authors: Descamps Jules , Lamerain Mayalen , Chenguel Zied , Jubert Perrine , Rousseau Marc-Antoine
Published: December 2019

The treatment of traumatic low-degree vertebral compression fracture remains in a wide range between functional treatment, bracing, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and even surgical fixation. The objective was to assess the innovation of instrumented kyphoplasty and to report the early and mid-term functional and radiological results. This study is a retrospective review of patients enrolled from 2012 to 2017. 104 consecutive endovertebral implantations of instrumented kyphoplasty were reviewed for the study. There were 56 women and 48 men. 93 of 104 patients were evaluated, of whom 27 were evaluated only by retrospective medical record review and 66 with follow-up visit. Clinical parameters were the pain rating scale (VAS) and the Oswestry score questionnaire. The radiological parameters were the vertebral kyphosis, vertebral height, lumbar lordosis, and adjacent disc degeneration (UCLA scale). Statistical correlations between before/after surgery/last follow-up were performed. The average follow-up was 26.7 months (3 to 55). The average VAS decreased from 8.2 to 3.2 the day after surgery, allowing immediate standup. The average Oswestry score was 14.6 at follow-up. The average vertebral kyphosis decreased from 12.9° to 6.5° post-op and stabilized at 8.0° at the last follow-up, corresponding to 28% gain on vertebral height. The lumbar lordosis was restored (+6.6°). Adjacent disc degeneration increased by 1 UCLA grade in 17 patients (16.3%) at follow-up. The instrumented kyphoplasty in acute led to immediate and lasting pain relief, with no bracing or bed rest, short stay in hospital, and quick return to daily life including professional activities. The good clinical results were associated to a stable radiological restoration of the vertebral anatomy.
Genotypes and Hot Spot Mutations of Hepatitis B Virus in Northwest Chinese Population and Its Correlation with Diseases Progression
Authors: Wang Wei , Shu Yi , Bao Han , Zhao Wenliang , Wang Weihua , Wang Qin , Lei Xiaoying , Cui Daxiang , Yan Zhen
Published: December 2019

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a critical incentive for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Different genotypes and genome mutations of HBV have been found to be related to the progression of these liver diseases. However, their clinical significance is still under debate. The objective of this study was to determine the association of HBV genotypes and hot spot mutations in the reverse transcriptase (RT) and basal core promoter-precore (BCP-PreC) region with HBV-infected diseases in a northwest Chinese population. HBV genotyping and DNA sequencing were performed in samples of 980 patients. Appropriate statistical methods were adopted to assess HBV genetic features and its clinical association. It was found that the prevalent HBV genotype in northwestern Chinese patients was HBV/C (61.33%), followed by HBV/B (36.63%). In RT region, in addition to the reported nucleoside analogue- (NA-) resistance missense mutations, new silent mutations at rt169 and rt180 were found to raise the risk of HCC in patients with HBV/C. And the heterozygous mutation status of rt169/rt180 was associated with the increased risk of both HCC and NA resistance (OR > 1, P<0.01) regardless of HBV genotypes. In BCP-PreC region, multiple mutations and combinations, especially at nt 1762/1764 and nt 1896/1899, were characterized to be the causes of spurious HBeAg negativity and liver function injury, as well as the risk factors for HCC progression (P<0.01). Additionally, a novel mutation at nt1799G>C was likely found to increase the risk of HCC in patients with HBV/B. These findings revealed an association between HBV genotypes and HBV genetic mutations in RT and BCP-PreC region and progression of hepatitis B. It would be helpful for risk evaluation and diagnostic improvement based on these genetic features.
Study on Pharmacokinetic and Bioavailability of Tamarixetin after Intravenous and Oral Administration to Rats
Authors: Shen Jiayuan , Jia Qi , Huang Xuhua , Yao Guangzhe , Ma Wenjuan , Chang Yanxu , Ouyang Huizi , He Jun
Published: December 2019

In this study, a sensitive and reliable HPLC-MS/MS method was established to quantify tamarixetin in rat plasma. This method was then applied to research on the pharmacokinetic and bioavailability of tamarixetin after intravenous and oral administrationin vivo. The study was performed on CORTECS C18column (4.6 mm × 150 mm, 2.7 μm) using mobile phase composed of methanol-water-formic acid (85 : 15 : 0.1, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min by a tandem mass system with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source in the negative multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The calibration curves showed good linearity in the range of 5–4000 ng/mL. The intra- and interday precision of tamarixetin was less than 8.7% and 4.8%, respectively, and accuracy was within ±9.5%. Extraction recovery (91.4–100.0%) and matrix effect (99.4–107.4%) met the guidelines published by regulatory authorities. The oral bioavailability of tamarixetin was 20.3 ± 12.4%.
Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Maps to Chromosome 7q11.23: An Autopsy Case Report of a Novel Genetic Variant
Authors: Krishnamurthy Kritika , Castellano-Sanchez Amilcar A. , Febres-Aldana Christopher A. , Kochiyil Jyotsna , Brathwaite Carole , Poppiti Robert J.
Published: December 2019

Pontocerebellar hypoplasias are a group of autosomal recessive neurodevelopmetal disorders with varied phenotypic presentations and extensive genetic mutational landscape that are currently classified into ten subtypes. This classification is based predominantly on the genetic iterations as the phenotypic presentations are often broad and overlapping. Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type-3 (PCH3) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a small cerebellar vermis, hyperreflexia, and seizures, described in Middle Eastern families in association with a homozygous truncating mutation of the PCLO gene in locus 7q11-21. This is a case of PCH, with previously unreported novel genetic alterations. The patient is a 1-week-old girl, born at term to a 26-year-old G4P0A3 woman in a nonconsanguinous relation. At birth, the baby was depressed and hypertonic with abnormal tonic-clonic movements of extremities. MRI revealed cerebellar and brainstem hypoplasia. Postmortem examination revealed a palmar simian crease. The cerebellum measured 2.5 cm from side to side and 1 cm from rostral to caudal. The vermis was rudimentary. Sectioning revealed a flattened linear fourth ventricle, scant abortive cerebellar foliae, and a markedly small cerebellum when compared with the cerebrum and with age-matched size. H&E-stained sections of cerebellum revealed scant rudimentary foliae. A rudimentary unilateral embolliform nucleus was identified. The remaining cerebellar nuclei were absent. Chromosomal microarray showed an interstitial duplication of 841 kB on chromosome 7q11.23. Locus 7q11.23 contains FGL2 and GSAP genes and is 5 MB upstream of the 7q11-21 region, suggesting a possible linkage. This novel genomic finding possibly represents a new familial variant of PCH closely associated with PCH-3 and further strengthens its association with the 7q11 locus.
Unilateral Vulvar Pneumatocele (Pneumolabium) Diagnosed during Robotic Hysterectomy
Authors: Zoorob Dani , Spalsbury Mahala , Slutz Tiffany , Oliver Madeleine , Tsolakian Ibrahim , Judis Jeffrey
Published: December 2019

Background. Persistent canal of Nuck may manifest in adulthood and be detected after increased abdominal pressure. Case. A 52-year -old female undergoing a robotic hysterectomy developed an acute left labial enlargement. The patient was discovered to have an 8 × 4 × 4 cm swelling in the left labium majus. Palpation revealed the mass to be air-filled and reducible by gentle compression with slow redevelopment upon release of the pressure while intra-abdominal insufflation was maintained. Conclusion. We present the first case of a labial pneumatocele during robotic hysterectomy. We theorize that the underlying cause to be a patent canal of Nuck that, once supplied with increasing abdominal peritoneal pressure, allowed air to travel into the labia majora through the inguinal canal. Simple reduction corrected the pneumatocele and no complications or recurrence was noted postop. This case suggests that pathologies of the canal of Nuck should be considered in the differential of an adult presenting with inguinal or genital swelling.
Vimentin 3 Allows Differentiation between Normozoospermia and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
Authors: Funke Timo , von Brandenstein Melanie , Paffenholz Pia , Köditz Barbara , Nestler Tim , Herden Jan , Montesinos-Rongen Manuel , Isachenko Evgenia , Rahimi Gohar , Fries Jochen W. U. , Heidenreich Axel , Salem Johannes
Published: December 2019

Vimentin is a structural protein predominantly located in the head of sperms. The function and localization of the previously identified truncated version, Vimentin 3 (Vim3), are still unknown. To investigate whether the expression of Vim3 can be used as a reliable marker for the differentiation of sperm quality, we analyzed ejaculates from patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) syndrome and normozoospermia. We identified sperms with head, neck, and tail changes, which were less positive for Vim3 in OAT syndrome compared to normozoospermia. The expression of Vim3 was significantly downregulated in patients with OAT syndrome compared to sperms from patients with normozoospermia (∗∗p<0.01). The ELISA analysis showed similar results as ejaculates from normozoospermic patients showed a significantly higher Vim3 concentration than patients with OAT syndrome (∗∗∗p<0.001). This study demonstrates that Vim3 is more highly expressed in ejaculates from patients with normozoospermia compared to ejaculates from patients with OAT syndrome. Therefore, we postulate that Vim3 can be used to determine ejaculate quality. Furthermore, we identified the marker, Vim3, to differentiate between mature sperms with no morphological changes and sperms with head, neck, and tail changes. A lateral flow assay that allows quick analysis is currently under development.
Rare BRIP1 Missense Alleles Confer Risk for Ovarian and Breast Cancer
Authors: Moyer Cassandra L. , Ivanovich Jennifer , Gillespie Jessica L. , Doberstein Rachel , Radke Marc R. , Richardson Marcy E. , Kaufmann Scott H. , Swisher Elizabeth M. , Goodfellow Paul J.
Published: December 2019

Germline loss-of-function mutations in BRCA1 interacting protein C-terminal helicase 1 (BRIP1) are associated with ovarian carcinoma and may also contribute to breast cancer risk, particularly among patients who develop disease at an early age. Normal BRIP1 activity is required for DNA interstrand cross-link (ICL) repair and is thus central to the maintenance of genome stability. Although pathogenic mutations have been identified in BRIP1, genetic testing more often reveals missense variants, for which the impact on molecular function and subsequent roles in cancer risk are uncertain. Next-generation sequencing of germline DNA in 2,160 early-onset breast cancer and 1,199 patients with ovarian cancer revealed nearly 2% of patients carry a very rare missense variant (minor allele frequency < 0.0001) in BRIP1. This is 3-fold higher than the frequency of all rare BRIP1 missense alleles reported in more than 60,000 individuals of the general population (P < 0.0001, χ2 test). Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology and rescue assays, we functionally characterized 20 of these missense variants, focusing on the altered protein's ability to repair ICL damage. A total of 75% of the characterized variants rendered the protein hypomorph or null. In a clinical cohort of >117,000 patients with breast and ovarian cancer who underwent panel testing, the combined OR associated with BRIP1 hypomorph or null missense carriers compared with the general population was 2.30 (95% confidence interval, 1.60–3.30; P < 0.0001). These findings suggest that novel missense variants within the helicase domain of BRIP1 may confer risk for both breast and ovarian cancer and highlight the importance of functional testing for additional variants.

Significance:

Functional characterization of rare variants of uncertain significance in BRIP1 revealed that 75% demonstrate loss-of-function activity, suggesting rare missense alleles in BRIP1 confer risk for both breast and ovarian cancer.
TBCRC 032 IB/II Multicenter Study: Molecular Insights to AR Antagonist and PI3K Inhibitor Efficacy in Patients with AR+ Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Lehmann Brian D. , Abramson Vandana G. , Sanders Melinda E. , Mayer Erica L. , Haddad Tufia C. , Nanda Rita , Van Poznak Catherine , Storniolo Anna Maria , Nangia Julie R. , Gonzalez-Ericsson Paula I. , Sanchez Violeta , Johnson Kimberly N. , Abramson Richard G. , Chen Sheau-Chiann , Shyr Yu , Arteaga Carlos L. , Wolff Antonio C. , Pietenpol Jennifer A.
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

Preclinical data demonstrating androgen receptor (AR)–positive (AR+) triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells are sensitive to AR antagonists, and PI3K inhibition catalyzed an investigator-initiated, multi-institutional phase Ib/II study TBCRC032. The trial investigated the safety and efficacy of the AR-antagonist enzalutamide alone or in combination with the PI3K inhibitor taselisib in patients with metastatic AR+ (≥10%) breast cancer.

Patients and Methods:

Phase Ib patients [estrogen receptor positive (ER+) or TNBC] with AR+ breast cancer received 160 mg enzalutamide in combination with taselisib to determine dose-limiting toxicities and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Phase II TNBC patients were randomized to receive either enzalutamide alone or in combination with 4 mg taselisib until disease progression. Primary endpoint was clinical benefit rate (CBR) at 16 weeks.

Results:

The combination was tolerated, and the MTD was not reached. The adverse events were hyperglycemia and skin rash. Overall, CBR for evaluable patients receiving the combination was 35.7%, and median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.4 months. Luminal AR (LAR) TNBC subtype patients trended toward better response compared with non-LAR (75.0% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.06), and increased PFS (4.6 vs. 2.0 months, P = 0.082). Genomic analyses revealed subtype-specific treatment response, and novel FGFR2 fusions and AR splice variants.

Conclusions:

The combination of enzalutamide and taselisib increased CBR in TNBC patients with AR+ tumors. Correlative analyses suggest AR protein expression alone is insufficient for identifying patients with AR-dependent tumors and knowledge of tumor LAR subtype and AR splice variants may identify patients more or less likely to benefit from AR antagonists.
Risk Factors Associated with Major Complications after Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Renal Biopsy of Native Kidneys
Authors: Pombas Beatriz , Rodríguez Eva , Sánchez Juan , Radosevic Aleksandar , Gimeno Javier , Busto Marcos , Barrios Clara , Sans Laia , Pascual Julio , Soler María José
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) of native kidneys is an important tool for diagnosis and management of renal disease. In this study, we analyzed the success, safety, and risk complications of PRB in our center. Methods: A retrospective review of ultrasound-guided PRB done at our institution from January 1998 to December 2017 was performed. Clinical and laboratory data were collected for 661 PRBs. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variable and chi-square test for categorical variables. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with increased risk of complications after PRB. Results: The median age was 56 (42–68) years old, the majority were male (64%) and white (82%). Ten glomeruli were present in 63.5% of PRBs. Overall, the rate of complications was 16.6%, where 15.1% of them were minor complications and 1.5% were major complications. Perinephritic hematoma accounted for the minor complication that occurred most frequently, whereas the need of a blood transfusion was the prevalent for major complications. By multivariate analysis, increased activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT; OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.035–1.180) and prebiopsy lower hemoglobin (Hgb; OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.086–2.304) were identified as independent risk factors for major complications. In addition, older patients (OR 1.057, 95% CI 1.001–1.117) were identified as an independent risk factor for blood transfusion requirement. Conclusion: The current risk of complications after native PRB is low. Major complications are most common in case of increased aPTT and decreased Hgb baseline level.
Continuous Sound Collection Using Smartphones and Machine Learning to Measure Cough
Authors: Cesnakova Lucia , Boza Vladimir , Dubec Peter , Majernik Martin , Bogar Jan , Jamison Jamileh , Goldsack Jennifer C. , Kimmel Duncan J. , Karlin Daniel R.
Published: December 2019

Background: Despite the efforts of research groups to develop and implement at least partial automation, cough counting remains impractical. Analysis of 24-h cough frequency is an established regulatory endpoint which, if addressed in an automated manner, has the potential to ease cough symptom evaluation over multiple 24-h periods in a patient-centric way, supporting the development of novel treatments for chronic cough, an unmet clinical need. Objectives: In light of recent technological advancements, we propose a system based on the use of smartphones for objective continuous sound collection, suitable for automated cough detection and analysis. Two capabilities were identified as necessary for naturalistic cough assessment: (1) recording sound in a continuous manner (sound collection), and (2) detection of coughs from the recorded sound (cough detection). Methods: This work did not involve any human subject testing or trials. For sound collection, we designed, built, and verified technical parameters of a smartphone application for sound collection. Our cough detection work describes the development of a mathematical model for sound analysis and cough identification. Performance of the model was compared to previously published results of commercially available solutions and to human raters. The compared solutions use the following methods to automatically or semi-automatically assess cough: 24-h sound recording with an ambulatory device with multiple microphones, automatic silence removal, and manual recording review for cough count. Results: Sound collection: the application demonstrated the ability to continuously record sounds using the phone’s internal microphone; the technical verification informed the configuration of the technical and user experience parameters. Cough detection: our cough recognition sensitivity to cough as determined by human listeners was 90 at 99.5% specificity preset and 75 at 99.9% specificity preset for a dataset created from publicly available data. Conclusions: Sound collection: the application reliably collects sound data and uploads them securely to a remote server for subsequent analysis; the developed sound data collection application is a critical first step toward future incorporation in clinical trials. Cough detection: initial experiments with cough detection techniques yielded encouraging results for application to patient-collected data from future studies.
Uncanny Mirroring: A Developmental Perspective on the Neurocognitive Origins of Self-Disorders in Schizophrenia
Authors: Poletti Michele , Raballo Andrea
Published: December 2019

Varieties of anomalous subjective experiences, i.e. “basic self-disorders” (SDs), have been empirically demonstrated as core clinical features of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, predating full-blown psychotic symptoms. However, the clinical stage in which SDs emerge and their putative neurocognitive origins remain unsolved issues. Focusing on a prototypical anomalous mirror experience (i.e., a stable, trait-like subjective feeling of nonexisting while looking at oneself in the mirror) reported by an 11-year-old boy at familial high risk for schizophrenia and diagnosed as attenuated psychosis syndrome, we outline some possible developmental pathways leading to SDs. Such pathways are hypothesized in accordance with the documented early impairments in perceptual integration across distinct modalities in children at risk for schizophrenia spectrum disorders and to the specific features of mirror experience as provided by phenomenological and developmental psychology perspectives. We conclude that SDs could presumably have an early developmental origin, although children become progressively more aware of them. Although further hypothesis testing in clinical samples and longitudinal empirical investigation of at-risk children is badly needed, we propose that age-appropriate, phenomenologically oriented assessment of SDs could be useful for the early identification of psychotic risk.
Development and Application of Transposable Element-Based Chromosomal Markers for the St Genome in Triticeae
Authors: Liu Ruijuan , Yu Feng , Wei Linna , Liu Bo , Liu Demei , Dou Quanwen
Published: December 2019

The St genome, originating from Pseudoroegneria (Nevski) Á. Löve, plays an important role in Triticeae. In this study, the Pseudoroegneria stipifolia genome (2n = 2x = 14, StSt) was screened to identify sequences that could be used for FISH. A total of 163 effective clones were obtained from the genomic plasmid library which was constructed by DNase I digestion of P. stipifolia nuclear genomic DNA. Analysis of these clones identified 112 with characteristics of transposable elements (TEs), 13 with characteristics of tandem repetitive sequences, 8 with characteristics of mRNA sequences, and 30 unknown sequences. Fluorescent signals were detected for 11 of 41 TE sequences on P. stipifolia chromosomes after in situ hybridization and were divided into 4 types according to signal distribution patterns: over the whole St genome chromosomes, telomere to pericentromeric regions, centromere to pericentromeric regions, and terminal regions. The affinity between St and Y genomes was studied using the 11 TE probes in 3 StStYY species. Five TE probes showed no obvious difference between subgenomes, 2 probes displayed divergence only in 2 StStYY species, and 4 probes exhibited significant differences among 3 StStYY species. These results provide a preliminary understanding of the sequence composition of the St genome and enabled 11 novel TE probes to be developed and applied.
The Effect of Dream Anxiety on Sleep Quality in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Kani Haluk Tarik , Sakalli Kani Ayse , Dural Uzay , Basgoze Emre , Aksu Cagri , Kahraman Merve Meric , Ozen Alahdab Yesim , Atug Ozlen , Kuscu Kemal , Imeryuz Nese
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Declining sleep quality is a well-known issue in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but dream characteristics of patients with IBD and their role in sleep quality are unknown. In this study, we aimed to examine whether and how patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) differ on sleep quality, sleepiness level, and dream anxiety (DA) level compared to healthy controls (HC), controlling for their depressive and anxious tendencies. Methods: Patients and HCs were enrolled prospectively into the study. The Van DA Scale, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Beck Depression Index, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventories were used to assess DA, sleep quality, sleepiness, depression, and anxiety, respectively. Results: Patients with IBD had significantly lower depression (p = 0.004), state anxiety (p = 0.0001), trait anxiety (p = 0.004), and DA (p = 0.0001) than HCs. Although no statistically significant difference in sleep quality was found (p = 0.99), daytime sleepiness was more common in HCs than in IBD patients (p = 0.0001). No statistically significant difference was seen in depression, state anxiety, trait anxiety, DA, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness between patients with CD and those with UC. No correlation was found between disease activity indices and psychological parameters. Conclusion: In contrast to previous studies, this study found lower anxiety and depression levels in patients with IBD than in HCs. Moreover, DA score was higher in HCs. For the first time, we revealed that DA may be one of the factors leading to sleep disturbance in patients with IBD.
Serological survey of Rickettsia in equids from Vale do Paraíba, São Paulo, Brazil, and their tick identification and molecular investigation of Rickettsia
Authors: Budweg Claudia Iorio , Sousa Amanda Oliveira de , Carvalho Tânia Regina Vieira de , Souza Zahi Êni Santos , Serpa Maria Carolina de Azevedo , Martins Thiago Fernandes , Nieri-Bastos Fernanda , Marcili Arlei , Labruna Marcelo Bahia , Moraes-Filho Jonas
Published: December 2019

Brazilian spotted fever is a serious and lethal illness for humans and is caused by the Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria. In the state of São Paulo/SP (Brazil), the etiological agent of this disease is transmitted by the Amblyomma sculptum tick. It was already shown that horses infected with this bacteria produce a strong immune response and could be important sentinels for the detection of the disease in a proper region. The present investigation performed a serological survey in horses from five farms of Vale do Paraíba, São Paulo state, Brazil, searching for antibodies against, Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri, Rickettsia amblyommatis, Rickettsia rhipicephali, and Rickettsia bellii. In each farm, ticks were also collected that were taxonomically identified and examined by real-time PCR for Rickettsia spp DNA. Blood samples were collected from 206 horses, and 334 ticks were picked up from these animals from January to December 2017. Eighty ticks wereA. sculptum and 254 Dermacentor nitens. Of the blood samples, 7.3% seroconverted to Rickettsia spp. Of these, 0.97% had a positive serological response to R. bellii. None of the 80 A. sculptum ticks were positive through real-time PCR for Rickettsia spp. Although there was no detection of ticks infected by Rickettsia spp in five farms of Paraíba Valley, the horses presented serological positive reactions against this agent. Thus, further large studies should be conducted in the area targeting hosts and vectors to generate data for control measures of the transmission of Brazilian spotted fever.