bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Strength Training on Olympic Time-Based Sport Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lum Danny , Barbosa Tiago M.
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of strength training on Olympic time-based sports (OTBS) time-trial performance and provide an estimate of the impact of type of strength training, age, training status, and training duration on OTBS time-trial performance. Methods: A search on 3 electronic databases was conducted. The analysis comprised 32 effects in 28 studies. Posttest time-trial performance of intervention and control group from each study was used to estimate the standardized magnitude of impact of strength training on OTBS time-trial performance. Results: Strength training had a moderate positive effect on OTBS time-trial performance (effect size = 0.59, P < .01). Subgroup meta-analysis showed that heavy weight training (effect size = 0.30, P = .01) produced a significant effect, whereas other modes did not induce significant effects. Training status as factorial covariate was significant for well-trained athletes (effect size = 0.62, P = .04), but not for other training levels. Meta-regression analysis yielded nonsignificant relationship with age of the participants recruited (β = −0.04; 95% confidence interval, −0.08 to 0.004; P = .07) and training duration (β = −0.05; 95% confidence interval, −0.11 to 0.02; P = .15) as continuous covariates. Conclusion: Heavy weight training is an effective method for improving OTBS time-trial performance. Strength training has greatest impact on well-trained athletes regardless of age and training duration.
1890s Women’s Bicycle Racing: Forgotten, but Why?
Authors: Gilles Roger
Published: October 2019

This article discusses six factors that have contributed to what Clare S. Simpson called the “paucity of primary and secondary sources” related to women’s bicycle racing of the 1890s: efforts by the League of American Wheelman to suppress the sport, and the resulting lack of statistical compilations of the women’s accomplishments; the East Coast bias that prevailed then and through the twentieth century; the prominence of local, as opposed to national, sports coverage in the 1890s; the difficulty of accessing contemporary newspaper accounts of the women’s races; the brevity of the era itself, which lasted only a few years; and good old-fashioned gender bias. Fortunately, with the recent burst of publications about nineteenth century women’s racing, we can now look forward to a more balanced representation of bicycle racing history.
Genetics lab accused of misusing African DNA
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: October 2019

Sanger institute's aborted effort to commercialize gene chip could hinder research in Africa.
Clonal hematopoiesis in human aging and disease
Authors: Jaiswal Siddhartha , Ebert Benjamin L.
Published: October 2019

Cryptic signs of aging in our blood

Time is not a friend to our DNA. Aging is associated with an accumulation of somatic mutations in normal dividing cells, including the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that give rise to all blood cells. Certain mutations in HSCs confer a fitness advantage that results in clonal expansions of mutant blood cells that sometimes—but not always—forecast the development of cancer and other age-related diseases. Jaiswal and Ebert review this process of “clonal hematopoiesis,” including the mechanisms by which it arises and the current state of knowledge regarding its effects on human health.

Science
, this issue p.
eaan4673
A unified mechanism for unconfined deflagration-to-detonation transition in terrestrial chemical systems and type Ia supernovae
Authors: Poludnenko Alexei Y. , Chambers Jessica , Ahmed Kareem , Gamezo Vadim N. , Taylor Brian D.
Published: October 2019

Achieving unconfined supersonic explosions

In some forms of supernovae and chemical explosions, a flame moving at subsonic speeds (deflagration) spontaneously evolves into one driven by a supersonic shock (detonation), vastly increasing the power output. The mechanism of this deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) is poorly understood. Poludnenko
et al.
developed an analytical model to describe DDTs, then tested it with lab experiments and numerical simulations. Their model successfully reproduced the DDT seen in the experiments and predicted a DDT in type Ia supernovae, which is consistent with observational constraints. The same mechanism may apply to DDTs in any unconfined explosion.

Science
, this issue p.
eaau7365
Dissecting primate early post-implantation development using long-term in vitro embryo culture
Authors: Niu Yuyu , Sun Nianqin , Li Chang , Lei Ying , Huang Zhihao , Wu Jun , Si Chenyang , Dai Xi , Liu Chuanyu , Wei Jingkuan , Liu Longqi , Feng Su , Kang Yu , Si Wei , Wang Hong , Zhang E. , Zhao Lu , Li Ziwei , Luo Xi , Cui Guizhong , Peng Guangdun , Izpisúa Belmonte Juan Carlos , Ji Weizhi , Tan Tao
Published: October 2019

In vitro development of monkey embryos

Owing to technical and ethical limitations, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying primate gastrulation are far from clear (see the Perspective by Tam). Two independent studies used an in vitro culture system to study cynomolgus monkey embryo postimplantation development up to and beyond gastrulation (day 9 to day 20). Niuet al.observed in vivo morphogenetic events and used single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell chromatin accessibility to study the distinct cell lineages in developing embryos. Maet al.also observed that key events of in vivo early development were recapitulated in their system, and single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed molecular signatures of postimplantation cell types. These systems will help elucidate the dynamics and regulation of gastrulation in primates, including possible relevance to human development.

Science, this issue p.eaaw5754, p.eaax7890; see also p.798
Neonicotinoids disrupt aquatic food webs and decrease fishery yields
Authors: Yamamuro Masumi , Komuro Takashi , Kamiya Hiroshi , Kato Toshikuni , Hasegawa Hitomi , Kameda Yutaka
Published: October 2019

Cascading effects of pesticide use

It is now well known that neonicotinoids negatively affect pollinators. As research has expanded, it has become clear that these globally used insecticides directly affect other ecosystem components, including vertebrates. Yamamuro
et al.
now show that these compounds are indirectly affecting species through trophic cascades (see the Perspective by Jensen). Since the application of neonicotinoids to agricultural fields began in the 1990s, zooplankton biomass has plummeted in a Japanese lake surrounded by these fields. This decline has led to shifts in food web structure and a collapse of two commercially harvested freshwater fish species. The authors argue that such dynamics are likely occurring widely.

Science
, this issue p.
620
; see also p.
566
Reversible epitaxial electrodeposition of metals in battery anodes
Authors: Zheng Jingxu , Zhao Qing , Tang Tian , Yin Jiefu , Quilty Calvin D. , Renderos Genesis D. , Liu Xiaotun , Deng Yue , Wang Lei , Bock David C. , Jaye Cherno , Zhang Duhan , Takeuchi Esther S. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Marschilok Amy C. , Archer Lynden A.
Published: October 2019

Controlling electrode growth

Batteries with metal anodes can grow dendrites during cycling, which can cause short circuits in a battery or subsequently reduce the charge capacity. Zheng
et al.
developed a process to electrodeposit zinc on a graphene-coated stainless-steel electrode, such that the zinc forms plates with preferential orientation parallel to the electrode. This is achieved by depositing a graphene layer on stainless steel designed to epitaxially match the basal (002) plane of metallic zinc, minimizing lattice strain. During cycling, the zinc will redeposit in plate form rather than as a dendrite such that the batteries show excellent reversibility over thousands of cycles.

Science
, this issue p.
645
Barely porous organic cages for hydrogen isotope separation
Authors: Liu Ming , Zhang Linda , Little Marc A. , Kapil Venkat , Ceriotti Michele , Yang Siyuan , Ding Lifeng , Holden Daniel L. , Balderas-Xicohténcatl Rafael , He Donglin , Clowes Rob , Chong Samantha Y. , Schütz Gisela , Chen Linjiang , Hirscher Michael , Cooper Andrew I.
Published: October 2019

Quantum sieves for hydrogen isotopes

One method for improving the efficiency of separation of hydrogen from deuterium (D) is to exploit kinetic quantum sieving with nanoporous solids. This method requires ultrafine pore apertures (around 3 angstroms), which usually leads to low pore volumes and low D
2
adsorption capacities. Liu
et al.
used organic synthesis to tune the pore size of the internal cavities of organic cage molecules. A hybrid cocrystal contained both a small-pore cage that imparted high selectivity and a larger-pore cage that enabled high D
2
uptake.

Science
, this issue p.
613
Order emerging from disorder
Authors: Dragoe Nita , Bérardan David
Published: October 2019

Entropy stabilization provides a new direction for developing functional materials
Pesticide impacts through aquatic food webs
Authors: Jensen Olaf P.
Published: October 2019

Effects of neonicotinoid insecticides ricochet all the way to fisheries yields
cfr
(B),
cfr
(C), and a New
cfr
-Like Gene,
cfr
(E), in Clostridium difficile Strains Recovered across Latin America
Authors: Stojković Vanja , Ulate María Fernanda , Hidalgo-Villeda Fanny , Aguilar Emmanuel , Monge-Cascante Camilo , Pizarro-Guajardo Marjorie , Tsai Kaitlyn , Tzoc Edgardo , Camorlinga Margarita , Paredes-Sabja Daniel , Quesada-Gómez Carlos , Fujimori Danica Galonić , Rodríguez César
Published: October 2019

Cfr is a radical
S
-adenosyl-
l
-methionine (SAM) enzyme that confers cross-resistance to antibiotics targeting the 23S rRNA through hypermethylation of nucleotide A2503. Three
cfr
-like genes implicated in antibiotic resistance have been described, two of which,
cfr
(B) and
cfr
(C), have been sporadically detected in
Clostridium difficile
. However, the methylase activity of Cfr(C) has not been confirmed.
Hash-Based Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing for Clostridium difficile
Authors: Eyre David W. , Peto Tim E. A. , Crook Derrick W. , Walker A. Sarah , Wilcox Mark H.
Published: October 2019

Pathogen whole-genome sequencing has huge potential as a tool to better understand infection transmission. However, rapidly identifying closely related genomes among a background of thousands of other genomes is challenging. Here, we describe a refinement to core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) in which alleles at each gene are reproducibly converted to a unique hash, or short string of letters (hash-cgMLST).
Screening for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection by Use of a Fourth-Generation Antigen/Antibody Assay and Dried Blood Spots: In-Depth Analysis of Sensitivity and Performance Assessment in a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Stefic Karl , Guinard Jerome , Peytavin Gilles , Saboni Leïla , Sommen Cécile , Sauvage Claire , Lot Florence , Laperche Syria , Velter Annie , Barin Francis
Published: October 2019

We evaluated the performance of a fourth-generation antigen/antibody (Ag/Ab) assay for detecting HIV-1 infection on dried blood spots (DBS) both in a conventional laboratory environment and in an epidemiological survey corresponding to a real-life situation. Although a 2-log loss of sensitivity compared to that with plasma was observed when using DBS in an analytical analysis, the median delay of positivity between DBS and crude serum during the early phase postacute infection was 7 days.
Labyrinthopeptins Exert Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity through Lipid-Binding-Mediated Virolysis
Authors: Prochnow Hans , Rox Katharina , Birudukota N. V. Suryanarayana , Weichert Loreen , Hotop Sven-Kevin , Klahn Philipp , Mohr Kathrin , Franz Sergej , Banda Dominic H. , Blockus Sebastian , Schreiber Janine , Haid Sibylle , Oeyen Merel , Martinez Javier P. , Süssmuth Roderich D. , Wink Joachim , Meyerhans Andreas , Goffinet Christine , Messerle Martin , Schulz Thomas F. , Kröger Andrea , Schols Dominique , Pietschmann Thomas , Brönstrup Mark
Published: October 2019

For many viral infections, current treatment options are insufficient. Because the development of each antiviral drug is time-consuming and expensive, the prospect of finding broad-spectrum antivirals that can fight multiple, diverse viruses—well-known viruses as well as (re)emerging species—has gained attention, especially for the treatment of viral coinfections. While most known broad-spectrum agents address processes in the host cell, we found that targeting lipids of the free virus outside the host cell with the natural products labyrinthopeptin A1 and A2 is a viable strategy to inhibit the proliferation of a broad range of viruses from different families, including chikungunya virus, dengue virus, Zika virus, Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, and cytomegalovirus. Labyrinthopeptins bind to viral phosphatidylethanolamine and induce virolysis without exerting cytotoxicity on host cells. This represents a novel and unusual mechanism to tackle medically relevant viral infections.
Amino Acid Mutations A286V and T437M in the Nucleoprotein Attenuate H7N9 Viruses in Mice
Authors: Ma Shujie , Zhang Bo , Shi Jianzhong , Yin Xin , Wang Guangwen , Cui Pengfei , Liu Liling , Deng Guohua , Jiang Yongping , Li Chengjun , Chen Hualan
Published: October 2019

The H7N9 influenza viruses that emerged in China in 2013 have caused over 1,500 human infections, with a mortality rate of nearly 40%. The viruses were initially low pathogenic but became highly pathogenic in chickens at the beginning of 2017 and caused severe disease outbreaks in poultry. Several studies suggested that the highly pathogenic H7N9 viruses have increased virulence in mammals; however, the genetic basis of the virulence of H7N9 viruses in mammals is not fully understood. Here, we found that two amino acids, 286A and 437T, in NP are prerequisites for the virulence of H7N9 viruses in mice and the mutations A286V and T437M collectively eliminate the virulence of H7N9 viruses in mice. Our study further demonstrated that the virulence of influenza viruses is a polygenic trait, and the newly identified virulence-related residues in NP may provide new targets for attenuated influenza vaccine and antiviral drug development.
USP7-Dependent Regulation of TRAF Activation and Signaling by a Viral Interferon Regulatory Factor Homologue
Authors: Xiang Qiwang , Ju Hyunwoo , Nicholas John
Published: October 2019

Human herpesvirus 8-encoded IRF homologues were the first to be identified in a virus. Through inhibitory interactions with cellular IRFs and other mediators of antiviral signaling, the vIRFs are believed to be essential for productive replication and also for latency in particular cell types. The deubiquitinase USP7 is a regulator of key cellular pathways, modulates HHV-8 latent and lytic infection, and is targeted by vIRFs 1, 3, and 4. Here, we report that vIRF-2 also interacts with USP7, via a means distinguishable from USP7 interactions with other vIRFs and other proteins, that this interaction modulates antiviral signaling via disruption of USP7 interactions with innate immune signaling proteins TRAF3 and TRAF6, and that vIRF-2 targeting of USP7 regulates HHV-8 productive replication. The presented data are the first to identify vIRF-2 targeting of USP7 and its role in HHV-8 biology, expanding our understanding of the repertoire and importance of virus-host interactions.
Finally, a Role Befitting A
star
: Strongly Conserved, Unessential Microvirus A* Proteins Ensure the Product Fidelity of Packaging Reactions
Authors: Roznowski Aaron P. , Doore Sarah M. , Kemp Sundance Z. , Fane Bentley A.
Published: October 2019

Double-stranded DNA viruses typically package their genomes into a preformed capsid. In contrast, single-stranded RNA viruses assemble their coat proteins around their genomes via extensive nucleotide-protein interactions. Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses appear to blend both strategies, using nucleotide-protein interactions to organize their genomes into preformed shells, likely by a controlled process. Chaotic genome-capsid associations could inhibit packaging or genome release during the subsequent infection. This process appears to be partially controlled by the unessential A* protein, a shorter version of the essential A protein that mediates rolling-circle DNA replication. Protein A* may elevate fitness by ensuring the product fidelity of packaging reactions. This phenomenon may be widespread in ssDNA viruses that simultaneously synthesize and package DNA with rolling circle and rolling circle-like DNA replication proteins. Many of these viruses encode smaller, unessential, and/or functionally undefined in-frame versions of A/A*-like proteins.
Integrin β1 Promotes Peripheral Entry by Rabies Virus
Authors: Shuai Lei , Wang Jinliang , Zhao Dandan , Wen Zhiyuan , Ge Jinying , He Xijun , Wang Xijun , Bu Zhigao
Published: October 2019

Rabies is a severe zoonotic disease caused by rabies virus (RABV). However, the nature of RABV entry remains unclear, which has hindered the development of therapy for rabies. It is suggested that modulations of RABV glycoprotein and multiple host factors are responsible for RABV invasion. Here, we showed that integrin β1 (ITGB1) directly interacts with RABV glycoprotein, and both proteins are internalized together into host cells. Differential expression of ITGB1 in mature muscle and cerebral cortex of mice led to A-4 (ITGB1-specific antibody), and RGD peptide (competitive inhibitor for interaction between ITGB1 and fibronectin) blocked street RABV infection via intramuscular but not intracerebral inoculation in mice, suggesting that ITGB1 plays a role in RABV peripheral entry. Our study revealed this distinct cellular factor in RABV infection, which may be an attractive target for therapeutic intervention.
Optimised transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for fibromyalgia—targeting the endogenous pain control system: a randomised, double-blind, factorial clinical trial protocol
Authors: Castelo-Branco Luis , Uygur Kucukseymen Elif , Duarte Dante , El-Hagrassy Mirret M , Bonin Pinto Camila , Gunduz Muhammed Enes , Cardenas-Rojas Alejandra , Pacheco-Barrios Kevin , Yang Yiling , Gonzalez-Mego Paola , Estudillo-Guerra Anayali , Candido-Santos Ludmilla , Mesia-Toledo Ines , Rafferty Haley , Caumo Wolnei , Fregni Felipe
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common debilitating condition with limited therapeutic options. Medications have low efficacy and are often associated with adverse effects. Given that FM is associated with a defective endogenous pain control system and central sensitisation, combining interventions such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and aerobic exercise (AE) to modulate pain-processing circuits may enhance pain control.

Methods and analysis

A prospective, randomised (1:1:1:1), placebo-controlled, double-blind, factorial clinical trial will test the hypothesis that optimised tDCS (16 anodal tDCS sessions combined with AE) can restore of the pain endogenous control system. Participants with FM (n=148) will undergo a conditioning exercise period and be randomly allocated to one of four groups: (1) active tDCS and AE, (2) sham tDCS and AE, (3) active tDCS and non-aerobic exercise (nAE) or (4) sham tDCS and nAE. Pain inhibitory activity will be assessed using conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and temporal slow pain summation (TSPS)—primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes will include the following assessments: Transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography as cortical markers of pain inhibitory control and thalamocortical circuits; secondary clinical outcomes on pain, FM, quality of life, sleep and depression. Finally, the relationship between the two main mechanistic targets in this study—CPM and TSPS—and changes in secondary clinical outcomes will be tested. The change in the primary efficacy endpoint, CPM and TSPS, from baseline to week 4 of stimulation will be tested with a mixed linear model and adjusted for important demographic variables.

Ethics and dissemination

This study obeys the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Partners Healthcare under the protocol number 2017P002524. Informed consent will be obtained from participants. Study findings will be reported in conferences and peer-reviewed journal publications.

Trial registration number

NCT03371225.
Management of patients with increased risk for familial pancreatic cancer: updated recommendations from the International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening (CAPS) Consortium
Authors: Goggins Michael , Overbeek Kasper Alexander , Brand Randall , Syngal Sapna , Del Chiaro Marco , Bartsch Detlef K , Bassi Claudio , Carrato Alfredo , Farrell James , Fishman Elliot K , Fockens Paul , Gress Thomas M , van Hooft Jeanin E , Hruban R H , Kastrinos Fay , Klein Allison , Lennon Anne Marie , Lucas Aimee , Park Walter , Rustgi Anil , Simeone Diane , Stoffel Elena , Vasen Hans F A , Cahen Djuna L , Canto Marcia Irene , Bruno Marco
Published: October 2019

Background and aim

The International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening Consortium met in 2018 to update its consensus recommendations for the management of individuals with increased risk of pancreatic cancer based on family history or germline mutation status (high-risk individuals).

Methods

A modified Delphi approach was employed to reach consensus among a multidisciplinary group of experts who voted on consensus statements. Consensus was considered reached if ≥75% agreed or disagreed.

Results

Consensus was reached on 55 statements. The main goals of surveillance (to identify high-grade dysplastic precursor lesions and T1N0M0 pancreatic cancer) remained unchanged. Experts agreed that for those with familial risk, surveillance should start no earlier than age 50 or 10 years earlier than the youngest relative with pancreatic cancer, but were split on whether to start at age 50 or 55. Germline ATM mutation carriers with one affected first-degree relative are now considered eligible for surveillance. Experts agreed that preferred surveillance tests are endoscopic ultrasound and MRI/magnetic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, but no consensus was reached on how to alternate these modalities. Annual surveillance is recommended in the absence of concerning lesions. Main areas of disagreement included if and how surveillance should be performed for hereditary pancreatitis, and the management of indeterminate lesions.

Conclusions

Pancreatic surveillance is recommended for selected high-risk individuals to detect early pancreatic cancer and its high-grade precursors, but should be performed in a research setting by multidisciplinary teams in centres with appropriate expertise. Until more evidence supporting these recommendations is available, the benefits, risks and costs of surveillance of pancreatic surveillance need additional evaluation.
Nationwide trends in acute coronary syndrome by subtype in New Zealand 2006–2016
Authors: Wang Tom Kai Ming , Grey Corina , Jiang Yannan , Jackson Rodney T , Kerr Andrew J
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Recent studies in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have reported mixed results for trends in ACS subtypes. The All New Zealand Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement (ANZACS-QI) 31 study evaluated trends in ACS event rates, invasive management and mortality of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA) in New Zealand.

Methods

All ACS hospitalisations between 2006 and 2016 were identified from routinely collected national data and categorised into STEMI, NSTEMI, UA and MI unspecified (MIU). Annual hospitalisation, coronary procedure, 28-day and 1-year mortality rates were calculated and trends tested using Poisson regression adjusting for age and sex.

Results

Over the 11-year study period, there were 188 264 ACS admissions, of which 16.0% were STEMI, 54.5% NSTEMI, 25.7% UA and 3.8% MIU. Event rates of all ACS subtypes fell: STEMI by 3.4%/year, NSTEMI by 5.9%/year and UA by 8.5%/year, while the proportion of patients with ACS receiving angiography and revascularisation increased by 5.6% per year. Rates of percutaneous coronary intervention rose for STEMI, NSTEMI and UA, but coronary artery bypass grafting increased only for NSTEMI and UA. Mortality at 28 days and 1 year was higher for STEMI than NSTEMI and lowest for UA. There was a relative 1.6%/year decline in 1 year mortality for NSTEMI (p<0.001), but no significant change for STEMI and UA.

Conclusions

We observed declines in the event rates of all ACS subtypes and increases in revascularisation rates. The finding that mortality declined in patients with NSTEMI, but not in patients with STEMI and UA, despite increases in invasive procedures, requires further investigation.
Non-inferiority trials in cardiology: what clinicians need to know
Authors: Leung James T , Barnes Stephanie L , Lo Sidney T , Leung Dominic Y
Published: October 2019

Clinical trials traditionally aim to show a new treatment is superior to placebo or standard treatment, that is, superiority trials. There is an increasing number of trials demonstrating a new treatment is non-inferior to standard treatment. The hypotheses, design and interpretation of non-inferiority trials are different to superiority trials. Non-inferiority trials are designed with the notion that the new treatment offers advantages over standard treatment in certain important aspects. The non-inferior margin is a predetermined margin of difference between the new and standard treatment that is considered acceptable or tolerable for the new treatment to be considered ‘similar’ or ‘not worse’. Both relative difference and absolute difference methods can be used to define the non-inferior margin. Sequential testing for non-inferiority and superiority is often performed. Non-inferiority trials may be necessary in situations where it is no longer ethical to test any new treatment against placebo. There are inherent assumptions in non-inferiority trials which may not be correct and which are not being tested. Successive non-inferiority trials may introduce less and less effective treatments even though these treatments may have been shown to be non-inferior. Furthermore, poor quality trials favour non-inferior results. Intention-to-treat analysis, the preferred way to analyse randomised trials, may favour non-inferiority. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses should be recommended in non-inferiority trials. Clinicians should be aware of the pitfalls of non-inferiority trials and not accept non-inferiority on face value. The focus should not be on the p values but on the effect size and confidence limits.
Expression of the checkpoint receptors LAG-3, TIM-3 and VISTA in peripheral T cell lymphomas
Authors: Murga-Zamalloa Carlos A , Brown Noah A. , Wilcox Ryan A.
Published: October 2019

Aims

Peripheral T cell lymphomas represent approximately 10%–15% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas and are characterised by an aggressive clinical courses and poor outcomes. Ligands provided by constituents of the tumour microenvironment engage receptors expressed by malignant T cells, promoting tumour growth and chemotherapy resistance. In addition to stimulatory receptors that promote the growth and survival of malignant T cells, recent studies suggest that homologous inhibitory receptors may have an opposing effect and function as tumour suppressors. For example, recent data suggest that programmed cell death 1 blockade may lead to increased lymphoma growth. Therefore, the identification of alternative checkpoint receptors in T cell lymphoproliferative neoplasms is an important and clinically relevant question.

Methods

The checkpoint receptors T cell immunoglobulin-3 (TIM-3), V-domain Ig-containing suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) play fundamental roles in peripheral tolerance, and their ligands are exploited by many solid tumours to evade host immunity. However, their expression in T cell lymphoproliferative neoplasms has not been evaluated. In this study, we evaluated the expression of TIM-3, VISTA and LAG-3 in a cohort of peripheral T cell lymphomas cases by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometric analysis.

Results

Our results demonstrate that TIM-3, VISTA and LAG-3 expression is rarely identified within a large cohort of T cell lymphomas and its tumour microenvironment.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that immune-regulatory roles for TIM-3, VISTA and LAG-3 may be predominant in lymphomas subsets different than the ones analysed in the current study. However, a potential role for these checkpoint receptors as tumour suppressors in T cell lymphomas remains to be elucidated.
PML isoform expression and DNA break location relative to PML nuclear bodies impacts the efficiency of homologous recombination
Authors: Attwood Kathleen M. , Salsman Jayme , Chung Dudley , Mathavarajah Sabateeshan , Van Iderstine Carter , Dellaire Graham
Published: October 2019

Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML NBs) are nuclear subdomains that respond to genotoxic stress by increasing in number via changes in chromatin structure. However, the role of the PML protein and PML NBs in specific mechanisms of DNA repair has not been fully characterized. Here, we have directly examined the role of PML in homologous recombination (HR) using I-SceI extrachromosomal and chromosome-based homology-directed repair (HDR) assays, and in HDR by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. We determined that PML loss can inhibit HR in an extrachromosomal HDR assay but had less of an effect on CRISPR/Cas9-mediated chromosomal HDR. Overexpression of PML also inhibited both CRISPR HDR and I-SceI-induced HDR using a chromosomal reporter, and in an isoform-specific manner. However, the impact of PML overexpression on the chromosomal HDR reporter was dependent on the intranuclear chromosomal positioning of the reporter. Specifically, HDR at the TAP1 gene locus, which is associated with PML NBs, was reduced compared with a locus not associated with a PML NB; yet, HDR could be reduced at the non-PML NB-associated locus by PML overexpression. Thus, both loss and overexpression of PML isoforms can inhibit HDR, and proximity of a chromosomal break to a PML NB can impact HDR efficiency.
Northward subglacial drainage during the Mackinaw Interstade in the Cayuga basin, central New York, USA
Authors: Karig Daniel E. , Miller Todd S.
Published: October 2019

The history of deglaciation in the Finger Lakes region since the Valley Heads readvance is questioned by recent research in the Cayuga basin, which concludes that, instead of forming a series of proglacial lakes, drainage during the Mackinaw Interstade was into the Laurentide ice sheet. First suspected in the Dryden–Virgil Valley where there is an absence of a lake outlet or surficial lacustrine deposits, this conclusion was explicitly revealed in the Sixmile–Willseyville trough where ice margin channels funneled water into the ice front. Further support was found in the Cayuga Inlet Valley, where a kettle kame terrane sloped northward into the ice front. Northward drainage was preceded by southerly drainage, with reversal occurring about 16.3 kyr ago. Multi-channel seismic profiles at the south end of Lake Cayuga reveal a south-sourced subaqueous sedimentary fan at the base of the lacustrine sequence. This fan is correlated with a coarse and heterogeneous clastic sequence penetrated in water wells in the City of Ithaca and requires northward drainage into a subglacial lake, which precludes the existence of proglacial lakes Ithaca, Newberry, and Hall. The proposed subglacial flow path is through the Cayuga trough, exiting the ice front eastward in the Mohawk Valley. Subglacial drainage from the Cayuga trough probably was part of a regional subglacial drainage system during the Mackinaw Interstade. Studies north of Lake Ontario have led to the proposal of a subglacial lake in the Ontario basin at that time, which likely also drained into the Mohawk Valley.
Complex symmetric weighted composition operators on Dirichlet spaces and Hardy spaces in the unit ball
Authors: Hu Xiaohe , Yang Zicong , Zhou Zehua
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we investigate when weighted composition operators acting on Dirichlet spaces [Formula: see text] are complex symmetric with respect to some special conjugations. We then provide some characterizations of Hermitian weighted composition operators on [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we give a sufficient and necessary condition for [Formula: see text]-symmetric weighted composition operators on Hardy spaces [Formula: see text] to be unitary or Hermitian, then some new examples of complex symmetric weighted composition operators on [Formula: see text] are obtained. We also discuss the normality of complex symmetric weighted composition operators on [Formula: see text].
Supersymmetric integrable AB system
Authors: Sarfraz H. , Saleem U.
Published: October 2019

We present a supersymmetric generalization of integrable AB system and its associated Lax pair in superspace. We obtain component field equations of super integrable AB system. We also relate super integrable AB system to super sine-Gordon equation in superspace as well as at the component level.
Participant attack and improving dynamic quantum secret sharing using d-dimensional GHZ state
Authors: Yang Chun-Wei , Tsai Chia-Wei
Published: October 2019

In 2017, Qin and Dai [Quantum Inf. Process. 16, 64 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11128-017-1525-y ], proposed a dynamic quantum secret sharing (DQSS) scheme based on the d-dimensional state. However, as shown in this study, a malicious participant can reveal the secret key of other participants without being detected. Furthermore, this study identifies a security issue in Qin and Dai’s DQSS protocol pertaining to the honesty of a revoked participant. Without considering these security issues, the DQSS protocol could fail at providing secret-sharing function. Therefore, two improvements are proposed to circumvent these problems.
New model of dielectric strength of Debye relaxation in monohydroxy alcohols
Authors: Wang Li-Na , Zhao Xing-Yu , Huang Yi-Neng
Published: October 2019

The Debye relaxation of dielectric spectroscopy exists extensively in monohydroxy alcohols, and the existing theory of the dielectric strength is obviously inconsistent with the experimental results. In this paper, we propose an Ising model of infinite free-rotating pseudospin chains and get the exact solution of the dielectric strength versus temperature. The model predictions are qualitatively consistent with the experimental results, especially the crossover from the low to the high-temperature Curie–Weiss law. The quantitative comparisons indicate that the model predictions can agree well with the experimental data below 250 K.
Hybrid Mixture Model Based on a Hybrid Optimization for Spectrum Sensing to Improve the Performance of MIMO–OFDM Systems
Authors: Chowdary Kurra Upendra , Rao B. Prabhakara
Published: October 2019

Cognitive radio (CR) is the trending domain in addressing the inadequate bands for communication, and spectrum sensing is the hectic challenge need to be addressed extensively. In the conventional CRs, the communication is restricted to the secondary users (SUs) in the allocated bands causing the underutilization of the available band. Thus, with the aim to afford higher throughput and spectrum efficiency, this paper introduces the hybrid mixture model for spectrum sensing in the multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) systems and the effectiveness is evaluated based on the evaluation parameters, such as detection probability and probability of false alarm. The signal received through the orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) antenna is employed for analyzing the spectral availability for which the energy and Eigen statistics of the signal is generated, which forms the input to the Hybrid mixture model. The developed Hybrid mixture model is the integration of the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and Whale Elephant-Herd Optimization (WEHO). The GMM is subjected to the optimal tuning using the WEHO, which is the modification of the standard Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) with the Elephant-Herd Optimization (EHO). The analysis reveals that the proposed spectrum sensing model acquired the maximal detection probability and minimal false alarm probability of 99.9% and 46.4%, respectively. The proposed hybrid mixture model derives the spectrum availability and ensures the effective communication in CR without any interference.
A Highly Extended High-Efficiency Range Class-F–C Doherty Power Amplifier
Authors: Ahmadi Kayvan , Dousti Massoud , Asadi Shahrooz
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a new extended high-efficiency-range Doherty power amplifier (DPA) with a main and only a single auxiliary amplifier. In order to extend the output high-efficiency range with a high-efficiency level, asymmetrical cells are employed as the main and auxiliary amplifiers in class-F and class-C complex combining load (CCL) methodology, respectively. To verify the proposed methodology, a DPA with 12-dB output back-off (OBO) is designed and fabricated for wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) applications. Large-signal continuous-wave measurement results show the power gain of about 11[Formula: see text]dB with a drain efficiency of 59.9% at 12[Formula: see text]dB of OBO. A two-tone test exhibits a third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD) of lower than [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dBc. Modulated wave measurements show over 55% of average drain efficiency and an adjacent channel leakage power ratio (ACLR) of lower than [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dBc at an output power level of 31.5[Formula: see text]dBm.
Mixed-Mode Universal Biquad Filter Using OTAs
Authors: Bhaskar Data R. , Raj Ajishek , Kumar Pragati
Published: October 2019

This paper introduces an electronically tunable mixed-mode universal biquad filter configuration employing four single output operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs), one dual output OTA and two grounded capacitors (GCs) (ideal for integrated circuit implementation and absorbing shunt parasitic capacitances). The presented structure can realize all second-order filter functions, namely, low pass (LP), high pass (HP), band pass (BP), band reject (BR) and all pass (AP) responses in voltage mode (VM), current mode (CM), transresistance mode (TRM) and transconductance mode (TCM) using appropriate selection(s) of input signals. The cut-off frequency ([Formula: see text] and bandwidth (BW) of the realized filters can be tuned orthogonally through the transconductance (by varying the bias currents) of the OTAs. The proposed biquad configuration enjoys low active and passive sensitivities. The workability of this multifunctional biquad filter topology has been confirmed through simulations using MATLAB and Analog Design Environment (ADE) spectre tool provided by Cadence Virtuoso, using 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS process parameter. The post-layout simulations have also been carried out to validate the theory.
Gravitational wave polarization in exponential forms of f(R) gravity with coupling to matter
Authors: Haghshenas Mojtaba , Azizi Tahereh
Published: October 2019

We investigate polarizations of gravitational waves in generalized theories of gravity whose action contains a nonminimal coupling (NMC) between an exponential function of [Formula: see text] gravity and the matter field. Specifically, we consider two classes of such models. In the first case, we assume an explicit NMC between the matter Lagrangian density and curvature while in the second case, we consider the exponential [Formula: see text] gravity coupled to the trace of the stress-energy tensor of a scalar field. Using the Newman–Penrose quantities, we show that these models can be considered as suitable choices in order to produce new polarization modes.
Higgs vacuum decay in a braneworld
Authors: Cuspinera Leopoldo , Gregory Ruth , Marshall Katie M. , Moss Ian G.
Published: October 2019

We examine the effect of large extra dimensions on vacuum decay in the Randall–Sundrum (RS) braneworld paradigm. We assume the scalar field is confined to the brane, and compute the probability for forming an “anti-de Sitter” (AdS) bubble inside a critical flat RS brane. We present the first full numerical solutions for the brane instanton considering two test potentials for the scalar field. We explore the geometrical impact of thin and thick bubble walls, and compute the instanton action in a range of cases. We conclude by commenting on a more physically realistic potential relevant for the Standard Model Higgs. For bubbles with large backreaction, the extra dimension has a dramatic effect on the tunnelling rate, however, for the weakly backreacting bubbles more relevant for realistic Standard Model potentials, the extra dimension has little impact.
Shape coexistence in even–even Po isotopic chain
Authors: Shohani S. , Kardan A.
Published: October 2019

The Po isotopes show the presence of coexisting structures having different deformations with increasing neutron number within the macroscopic–microscopic Nilsson–Strutinsky formalism. The model is based on the Lublin Strasbourg Drop (LSD) method for the macroscopic energy calculation. We study the shape evolution in a long chain of polonium isotopes, [Formula: see text]Po.
PRICING AND HEDGING OF VIX OPTIONS FOR BARNDORFF-NIELSEN AND SHEPHARD MODELS
Authors: ARAI TAKUJI
Published: October 2019

The VIX call options for the Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard models will be discussed. Derivatives written on the VIX, which is the most popular volatility measurement, have been traded actively very much. In this paper, we give representations of the VIX call option price for the Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard models: non-Gaussian Ornstein–Uhlenbeck type stochastic volatility models. Moreover, we provide representations of the locally risk-minimizing strategy constructed by a combination of the underlying riskless and risky assets. Remark that the representations obtained in this paper are efficient to develop a numerical method using the fast Fourier transform. Thus, numerical experiments will be implemented in the last section of this paper.
Reduction for primitive flag-transitive nonsymmetric 2-(v,k,4) designs
Authors: Zhang Yongli , Zhang Zhilin , Zhou Shenglin
Published: October 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be a nonsymmetric 2-[Formula: see text] design and [Formula: see text] be a primitive flag-transitive automorphism group of [Formula: see text]. Then [Formula: see text] must be of affine or almost simple type.
DIGITAL BUSINESS INTENSITY AND CONSTRUCTIVE PROCESS DEVIANCE: A STUDY OF REACTIONS TO DIGITISATION-FOCUSED PROCESS INNOVATION
Authors: SCHAARSCHMIDT MARIO , BERTRAM MATTHIAS
Published: October 2019

Today’s fast-moving business requires firms to implement new digital processes both internally and externally. Though the strategic decision to invest in digitisation is a starting point, the successes of these initiatives are largely dependent on employees’ willingness to help implement these strategies — both employees working in IT departments and on the “frontline”. This research aims to investigate the conditions under which digital business intensity, defined as the level of strategic organisational investments in emergent and innovative digital technologies, leads to felt obligations towards the employer and subsequently to constructive process deviance. In two workshops with IT professionals, we unraveled digitisation-related components that drive felt obligations. We then conducted a survey of 427 employees who recently experienced the introduction of new digital processes. The data was analysed with structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis. We find that digital business intensity has an effect on felt obligation, but not on constructive process deviance. In addition, we find that the path from felt obligations to constructive process deviance is different for IT professionals compared to non-IT professionals. The study concludes by delineating implications for theory and management in an age of digital transformation.
Cobalt Nitride Supported on Nickel Foam as Bifunctional Catalyst Electrodes for Urea Electrolysis-Assisted Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Wen Xinzhu
Published: October 2019

Replacing the high theoretical potential of anodic water decomposition (oxygen evolution reaction) with the low theoretical potential of urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is an urgent need for hydrogen energy storage and conversion. Cobalt nitride nanoflakes, high-performance bifunctional catalysts supported on nickel foam (Co[Formula: see text]N NF/NF), were synthesized by hydrothermal and calcination method. The morphology and composition of the catalyst were studied by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, HRTEM and elemental analysis. In order to conduct electrochemical performance and stability, a two-electrode electrolyzer composed of Co[Formula: see text]N NF/NF as both anode and cathode materials is constructed (Co[Formula: see text]N NF/[Formula: see text]N NF/NF). Only a voltage of 1.687[Formula: see text]V is needed to complete 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]. It is much lower than the voltage of Pt/[Formula: see text] (1.816[Formula: see text]V), because of which it is believed that this work provides a valuable route for the design of inexpensive and efficient urea electrolysis-assisted hydrogen generation.
Signed total double Roman k-domination in graphs
Authors: Shahbazi L. , Ahangar H. Abdollahzadeh , Khoeilar R. , Sheikholeslami S. M.
Published: October 2019

A signed total double Roman [Formula: see text]-dominating function (STDRkDF) on an isolated-free graph [Formula: see text] is a function [Formula: see text] such that (i) every vertex [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] has at least two neighbors assigned 2 under [Formula: see text] or at least one neighbor [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], (ii) every vertex [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] has at least one neighbor [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and (iii) [Formula: see text] holds for any vertex [Formula: see text]. The weight of an STDRkDF is the value [Formula: see text] The signed total double Roman [Formula: see text]-domination number [Formula: see text] is the minimum weight among all STDRkDFs on [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we initiate the study of the signed total double Roman [Formula: see text]-domination in graphs and present some sharp bounds for this parameter. In addition, we determine the signed total double Roman [Formula: see text]-domination of paths for [Formula: see text].
Nonisentropic Phenomenological Model of a Reciprocating Compressor
Authors: Duarte Willian Moreira , Pabon Juan Jose Garcia , Maia Antônio Augusto Torres , Machado Luiz
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the development of a numerical, iterative and nonisentropic model for the thermodynamic processes of a reciprocating compressor of a refrigeration system operating at steady state. The mathematical model was implemented using the scientific software Engineering Equation Solver (EES) and it is based on the application of the energy equations in four regions of the compressor: inlet duct and chambers of pre-compression, compression, and post-compression. The model was validated with experimental data collected from an open-drive reciprocating compressor, operating with the refrigerant R-134a at different suction and discharge pressures and with different compressor rotational speeds. Model validation was made comparing the values of the mass flow rate and the discharge temperature of the compressor generated by the model with their corresponding experimental values for 33 experimental tests, the mean relative difference was [Formula: see text]0.2% for the discharge temperature and 2.9% for mass flow rate. In this validation, the output variables of the model were calculated considering the uncertainties from the input variables. The theoretical mean standard uncertainty is 2% for discharge temperature and 6% for mass flow rate. An analysis of the capacitive and thermal performance of the compressor was made using the model, which demonstrates a decrease in the capacitive and thermal efficiencies for increasing the pressure ratio or clearance volume.