bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bursting bubbles for better bioavailability
Authors: Airan Raag
Published: June 2020

An effervescent formulation increases the oral bioavailability of hard-to-solubilize hydrophobic and hydrophilic chemotherapeutics.
Zinkicide Is a ZnO-Based Nanoformulation with Bactericidal Activity against Liberibacter crescens in Batch Cultures and in Microfluidic Chambers Simulating Plant Vascular Systems
Authors: Naranjo Eber , Merfa Marcus V. , Santra Swadeshmukul , Ozcan Ali , Johnson Evan , Cobine Paul A. , De La Fuente Leonardo
Published: June 2020

“
Candidatus
Liberibacter” species are associated with incurable plant diseases that have caused billions of dollars of losses for United States and world agriculture. Chemical control of these pathogens is complicated, because their life cycle combines intracellular vascular stages in plant hosts with transmission by highly mobile insect vectors. To date, “
Candidatus
Liberibacter” species are mostly unculturable, except for
Liberibacter crescens
, a member of the genus that has been used as a model for
in vitro
assays. Here, we evaluated the potential of Zinkicide (ZnK) as an antimicrobial against “
Candidatus
Liberibacter” species in batch cultures and under flow conditions, using
L. crescens
as a biological model. ZnK displayed bactericidal activity against
L. crescens
in batch cultures and showed increased mobility and bactericidal activity in microfluidic devices resembling “
Candidatus
Liberibacter” species natural habitats. ZnK performance observed here against
L. crescens
makes this compound a promising candidate to control plant diseases caused by vascular pathogens.
Envelope Stress and Regulation of the
Salmonella
Pathogenicity Island 1 Type III Secretion System
Authors: Palmer Alexander D. , Slauch James M.
Published: June 2020

Salmonella
causes worldwide foodborne illness, leading to massive disease burden and an estimated 600,000 deaths per year.
Salmonella
infects orally and invades intestinal epithelial cells using a type 3 secretion system that directly injects effector proteins into host cells. This first step in invasion is tightly regulated by a variety of inputs. In this work, we demonstrate that
Salmonella
senses the functionality of outer membrane assembly in determining regulation of invasion machinery, and we show that
Salmonella
uses distinct mechanisms to detect specific perturbations in envelope assembly.
Characterization and Genome Sequence of
Mycobacterium
Phage XianYue
Authors: Rhinehart Wesley D. , Laidlaw Amanda J. , O’Neal Alexis M. , Toller Jessica A. , Segura-Totten Miriam , Shanks Ryan A. , Kanak Alison E.
Published: June 2020

Novel mycobacteriophage XianYue was isolated in Northeast Georgia and infects
Mycobacteria smegmatis
mc
2
155. Actinobacteriophages which share at least 50% nucleotide identity are grouped into clusters, with XianYue in cluster A2. Its genome is 52,907 bp with 91 open reading frames (ORFs) and 62.9% GC content, and it shares 86.51% nucleotide identity with mycobacteriophage Trixie.
The Agr-Like Quorum-Sensing System Is Important for
Clostridium perfringens
Type A Strain ATCC 3624 To Cause Gas Gangrene in a Mouse Model
Authors: Navarro Mauricio A. , Li Jihong , Beingesser Juliann , McClane Bruce A. , Uzal Francisco A.
Published: June 2020

Clostridium perfringens
type A strains produce toxins that are responsible for clostridial myonecrosis, also known as gas gangrene. Toxin production is regulated by an Agr-like quorum-sensing (QS) system that responds to changes in cell population density. In this study, we investigated the importance of this QS system in a mouse model of gas gangrene. Mice challenged with a
C. perfringens
strain with a nonfunctional regulatory system developed less severe changes in the injected skeletal muscle compared to animals receiving the wild-type strain. In addition, a synthetic peptide was able to decrease the effects of the QS in this disease model. These studies provide new understanding of the pathogenesis of gas gangrene and identified a potential therapeutic target to prevent the disease.
Supplemental Material: Early Holocene weakening and mid- to late Holocene strengthening of the East Asian winter monsoon
Authors: Kang Shugang , al. et
Published: June 2020

Details of sampling, quartz OSL dating, Bayesian age-depth model, proxy measurements and implications, normalization and stacking, and original data for Figure 2.
Supplemental Material: Mélange versus fluid and melt enrichment of subarc mantle: A novel test using barium isotopes in the Tonga-Kermadec arc
Authors: Wu Fei , al. et
Published: June 2020

Discussion of the Ba isotope composition of mantle, modeling details, Figures S1 and S2, and Tables S1 and S2.
Supplemental Material: New age constraints on the duration and origin of the Late Ordovician Guttenberg d13Ccarb excursion from high-precision U-Pb geochronology of K-bentonites
Authors: Metzger J. Garrecht , Ramezani Jahandar , al. et
Published: June 2020

Table S1: U-Pb data for analyzed zircons from Ordovician K-bentonites, Missouri, United States.
Development and validation of prediction rules to target care intensification in veteran patients with diabetes
Authors: Campbell Heather M , Murata Allison , Charlton Gerald A , Murata Glen H
Published: June 2020

Background

Diabetes affects 30.3 million people in the USA. Among these people, a major risk factor for microvascular complications is having a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) value of ≥75 mmol/mol; therefore, it would be helpful to identify patients who will obtain future HbA1c values of <75 mmol/mol.

Objectives

To develop and validate two prediction rules among patients with diabetes having a baseline HbA1c value of ≥75 mmol/mol: (1) HbA1c measurement ever <75 mmol/mol and (2) final HbA1c measurement of <75 mmol/mol.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study using a registry extracting data from the Department of Veterans Affairs’s (VA’s) electronic health records system. Baseline was 1 Jul 2013–30 June 2014; patients were followed up until 31 July 2016.

Results

Our population consisted of 145 659 patients. Across models, predictors were age, sex, minority status, baseline HbA1c value, time, HbA1c≥75 mmol/mol, receiving insulin treatment and consecutive number of HbA1c values of 75 mmol/mol. The overall likelihood of a patient ever having an HbA1c<75 mmol/mol was 73.65%; with the rule, predicted probabilities were 38.94%, 50.75% and 78.88%. The overall likelihood of patients having a final HbA1c measurement of <75 mmol/mol was 55.35%; the rule provided predicted probabilities of 29.93%, 50.17% and 68.58%.

Conclusions

Within each rule, there were similar observed and predicted tertile probabilities; maintaining HbA1c values of <75 mmol/mol resulted in probability shifts in the majority of patients. We recommend psychosocial screening for 15% of patients for whom there is less than one-third chance of maintaining HbA1c<75 mmol/mol. We plan to conduct additional research to see whether this approach helps.
Randomised, non-inferiority, controlled procedural outcomes TrIal comParing reverse T And Protrusion versus double-kissing and crush stenting: protocol of the TIP TAP I randomised trial
Authors: Rakhimov Kudrat , Buono Andrea , Anadol Remzi , Ullrich Helen , Knorr Maike , Ahoopai Majid , Münzel Thomas , Gori Tommaso
Published: June 2020

Introduction

To assess the impact of ‘reverse T and Protrusion’ (TAP) technique on the outcome after stenting of true bifurcation lesions of the left main (LM) or proximal epicardial vessels as compared with double kissing (DK)-crush technique.

Methods and analysis

50 consecutive patients with true coronary bifurcation lesion (Medina 1,1,1 or 0,1,1) of the LM or the proximal main vessels, requiring a two-stent technique as first-line strategy at University Medical Center Mainz, are randomised in a 1:1 ratio to reverse TAP or DK-crush stenting. As recommended by best clinical practice, final angiographic result is evaluated and optical coherence tomographic (OCT) intracoronary imaging is performed to assess and optimise the final result. The primary end point is defined as the percentage of stent expansion in the side branch. Secondary end points consist of angiographic and procedural success (assessed until patient’s discharge), procedural parameters (procedural time, fluoroscopy time, use of devices, X-ray dose) and OCT parameters expressing expansion of the stents. Safety parameters include all adverse events up to 6 months after discharge. A clinical, angiographic and intracoronary imaging control at 6 months is planned.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol complies with good clinical practice and the ethical principles described in the Declaration of Helsinki and is approved by the local ethics committee. The results of the trial will be published as original article(s) in medical journals and/or as presentation at congresses.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03714750)
‘Putting salt on the wound’: a qualitative study of the impact of FGM-safeguarding in healthcare settings on people with a British Somali heritage living in Bristol, UK
Authors: Karlsen Saffron , Carver Natasha , Mogilnicka Magda , Pantazis Christina
Published: June 2020

Objectives

This research documents the experiences of people with Somali heritage with female genital mutilation (FGM)-safeguarding services in healthcare and whether such services are considered appropriate by the people who encounter them.

Design

Six focus groups conducted with ethnic Somalis living in Bristol, during the summer of 2018, divided by gender and whether people had experienced FGM-safeguarding as adults or children.

Setting

Participants experienced FGM-safeguarding in primary and secondary care.

Participants

30 people (21 women and 9 men), identified through local organisations or snowball sampling. All participants were of Somali heritage and aged over 18.

Results

Government priorities to support those who have experienced female genital cutting/mutilation (FGC/M) are being undermined by their own approaches to protect those considered at risk. Participants argued that approaches to FGM-safeguarding were based on outdated stereotypes and inaccurate evidence which encouraged health and other service providers to see every Somali parent as a potential perpetrator of FGC/M. Female participants described providers in a range of healthcare settings, including Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E), antenatal care and general practice, as ‘fixated’ with FGC/M, who ignored both their health needs and their experience as victims. Participants felt stigmatised and traumatised by their experience. This undermined their trust in health services, producing a reticence to seek care, treatment delays and reliance on alternative sources of care. Associated recommendations include developing more accurate evidence of risk, more appropriate education for healthcare providers and more collaborative approaches to FGM-safeguarding.

Conclusion

All the participants involved in this study are committed to the eradication of FGC/M. But the statutory approaches currently adopted to enable this are considered ill-conceived, unnecessarily heavy-handed and ultimately detrimental to this. Recognising these common aims can enable the development of services better able to protect and support those at risk of FGC/M in ways which are culturally competent and sensitive.
Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term neurocognitive outcomes in paediatric traumatic brain injury
Authors: Looi Dawn Shu Hui , Goh Mark Sen Liang , Goh Sharon Si Min , Goh Jia Ling , Sultana Rehena , Lee Jan Hau , Chong Shu-Ling
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Children who suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at risk of permanent brain damage and developmental deficits. Reports on neurodevelopmental outcomes in paediatric TBI suffer from small sample size and varying outcome definitions in the neurocognitive domains tested. This protocol describes a systematic review and meta-analysis of paediatric TBI in the following key neurocognitive domains: executive function, perceptual–motor function, language, learning and memory, social cognition and complex attention.

Methods

A comprehensive search comprising studies from Medline, Cochrane, Embase and PsycINFO published from 1988 to 2019 will be conducted. We will include studies on children ≤18 years old who suffer from mild, moderate and severe TBI as determined by the Glasgow Coma Scale that report neurocognitive outcomes in domains predetermined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition criteria. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials, case–control, cohort and cross-sectional studies will be included. References from systematic reviews and meta-analyses will be hand-searched for relevant articles. A meta-analysis will be performed and effect sizes will be calculated to summarise the magnitude of change in each neurocognitive domain compared at different timepoints and stratified by severity of TBI. Included studies will be pooled using pooled standardised mean differences with a random effects model to determine an overall effect. In the scenario that we are unable to pool the studies, we will perform a narrative analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this study.The authors of this study will publish and present the findings in a peer-reviewed journal as well as national and international conferences. The results of this study will provide understanding into the association between different severities of paediatric TBI and long-term neurocognitive outcomes.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020152680.
Emergency contraception from the pharmacy 20 years on: a mystery shopper study
Authors: Glasier Anna , Baraitser Paula , McDaid Lisa , Norrie John , Radley Andrew , Stephenson Judith M , Battison Claire , Gilson Richard , Cameron Sharon ,   Trial Steering Committee
Published: June 2020

Background

Emergency contraception (EC) was approved in the UK as a pharmacy medicine for purchase without prescription in 2001. Twenty years later we conducted a study to characterise routine practice pharmacy provision of EC.

Study design

Mystery shopper study of 30 pharmacies in Edinburgh, Dundee and London participating in a clinical trial of contraception after EC.

Methods

Mystery shoppers, aged ≥16 years, followed a standard scenario requesting EC. After the pharmacy visit, they completed a proforma recording the duration of the consultation, where it took place, and whether advice was given to them about the importance of ongoing contraception after EC.

Results

Fifty-five mystery shopper visits were conducted. The median reported duration of the consultation with the pharmacist was 6 (range 1–18) min. Consultations took place in a private room in 34 cases (62%) and at the shop counter in the remainder. In 27 cases (49%) women received advice about ongoing contraception. Eleven women (20%) left the pharmacy without EC due to lack of supplies or of a trained pharmacist. Most women were generally positive about the consultation.

Conclusions

While availability of EC from UK pharmacies has undoubtedly improved access, the necessity to have a consultation, however helpful, with a pharmacist introduces delays and around one in five of our mystery shoppers left without getting EC. Consultations in private are not always possible and little advice is given about ongoing contraception. It is time to make EC available without a pharmacy consultation.
International trends in oesophageal cancer survival by histological subtype between 1995 and 2014
Authors: Morgan Eileen , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Gavin Anna T , Rutherford Mark J , Gatenby Piers , Bardot Aude , Ferlay Jacques , Bucher Oliver , De Prithwish , Engholm Gerda , Jackson Christopher , Kozie Serena , Little Alana , Møller Bjorn , Shack Lorraine , Tervonen Hanna , Thursfield Vicky , Vernon Sally , Walsh Paul M , Woods Ryan R , Finley Christian , Merrett Neil , O’Connell Dianne L , Reynolds John V , Bray Freddie , Arnold Melina
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Survival from oesophageal cancer remains poor, even across high-income countries. Ongoing changes in the epidemiology of the disease highlight the need for survival assessments by its two main histological subtypes, adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods

The ICBP SURVMARK-2 project, a platform for international comparisons of cancer survival, collected cases of oesophageal cancer diagnosed 1995 to 2014, followed until 31st December 2015, from cancer registries covering seven participating countries with similar access to healthcare (Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway and the UK). 1-year and 3-year age-standardised net survival alongside incidence rates were calculated by country, subtype, sex, age group and period of diagnosis.

Results

111 894 cases of AC and 73 408 cases of SCC were included in the analysis. Marked improvements in survival were observed over the 20-year period in each country, particularly for AC, younger age groups and 1 year after diagnosis. Survival was consistently higher for both subtypes in Australia and Ireland followed by Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, the UK and Canada. During 2010 to 2014, survival was higher for AC compared with SCC, with 1-year survival ranging from 46.9% (Canada) to 54.4% (Ireland) for AC and 39.6% (Denmark) to 53.1% (Australia) for SCC.

Conclusion

Marked improvements in both oesophageal AC and SCC survival suggest advances in treatment. Less marked improvements 3 years after diagnosis, among older age groups and patients with SCC, highlight the need for further advances in early detection and treatment of oesophageal cancer alongside primary prevention to reduce the overall burden from the disease.
What predicts poor outcome after successful thrombectomy in late time windows?
Authors: Heit Jeremy J , Mlynash Michael , Christensen Soren , Kemp Stephanie M , Lansberg Maarten G , Marks Michael P , Olivot Jean-Marc , Gregory Albers W
Published: June 2020

Background

Thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke treatment leads to improved outcomes, but many patients do not achieve a good outcome despite successful reperfusion. We determined predictors of poor outcome after successful thrombectomy (TICI 2b–3) with an emphasis on modifiable factors.

Methods

Patients from the randomized DEFUSE 3 trial who underwent thrombectomy with TICI 2b–3 revascularization were included. Primary outcome was a poor outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score 3–6).

Results

70 patients were included. Poor outcome patients were older (73.5 vs 66.5 years; P=0.01), more likely to be female (68% vs 39%; P=0.02), had higher NIHSS scores (20 vs 13; P<0.001), and had poor cerebral perfusion collaterals (hypoperfusion intensity ratio) (median 0.45 vs 0.38; P=0.03). Following thrombectomy, poor outcome patients had larger 24 hour’ core infarctions (median 59.5 vs 29.9 mL; P=0.01), more core infarction growth (median 33.6 vs 13.4 mL; P<0.001), and more mild (65% vs 50%; P=0.02) and severe (18% vs 0%; P=0.01) reperfusion hemorrhage. In a logistic regression analysis, the presence of any reperfusion hemorrhage (OR 3.3 [95% CI, 1.67 to 5]; P=0.001), age (OR 1.1 [95% CI, 1.03 to 1.11], P=0.004), higher NIHSS (OR 1.25 [95% CI, 1.07 to 1.41], P=0.002), and time from imaging to femoral artery puncture (OR 5 [95% CI, 1.16 to 16.67], P=0.03) independently predicted poor outcomes.

Conclusions

In late time windows, both mild and severe reperfusion hemorrhage were associated with poor outcomes. Older age, higher NIHSS, and increased time from imaging to arterial puncture were also associated with poor outcomes despite successful revascularization.

Trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02586415
On the size of rotating black holes
Authors: Feng Xing-Hui , Lü H.
Published: June 2020

Recently a sequence of inequalities relating the black hole horizon, photon sphere, shadow were proposed for spherically symmetric and static black holes, providing the upper bound for given mass. In this paper, we extend the discussion to include rotating black holes. When viewed from the north pole direction, the shadow remains a round disk, but the image is skewed when viewed from the equatorial plane. After properly implementing the “size” parameters for the rotating black holes, we verify that the sequence of inequalities remain valid for a variety of solutions, including Kerr, Kerr–Newman, Kerr–Sen and Kerr–Cvetič–Youm black holes. The upshot is that rotation makes both the actual and apparent sizes of a black hole smaller.
Constraining power of open likelihoods, made prior-independent
Authors: Gariazzo S.
Published: June 2020

One of the most criticized features of Bayesian statistics is the fact that credible intervals, especially when open likelihoods are involved, may strongly depend on the prior shape and range. Many analyses involving open likelihoods are affected by the eternal dilemma of choosing between linear and logarithmic prior, and in particular in the latter case the situation is worsened by the dependence on the prior range under consideration. In this letter, we revive a simple method to obtain constraints that depend neither on the prior shape nor range and, using the tools of Bayesian model comparison, extend it to overcome the possible dependence of the bounds on the choice of free parameters in the numerical analysis. An application to the case of cosmological bounds on the sum of the neutrino masses is discussed as an example.
On-shell gauge invariant three-point fermion and boson amplitudes
Authors: Xu Hui
Published: June 2020

A polynomial basis for parity-even three-point amplitudes of higher-spin massless fermions and bosons are derived in four-dimensional space–time from first principles. This basis can be used to construct three-point amplitudes of polarizations of any rank. The results are presented using polarization tensors and tensor-spinors, which is convenient when they are applied to Lagrangian construction.
On the Galilean Duffin–Kemmer–Petiau equation in arbitrary dimensions
Authors: de Montigny M. , Santos E. S.
Published: June 2020

We obtain the representations of the Galilean covariant Duffin–Kemmer–Petiau equation in an arbitrary number of dimensions. Their purpose is to facilitate the study of nonrelativistic many-body systems with spinless and spin-one fields. A Galilean covariant formalism exploits the tensor structure of relativistic Lorentz-invariant theories by adding one extra spacelike coordinate and working with light-cone coordinates.
Ultrathin Silicon Nanowires Produced by a Bi-Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching Method for Highly Stable Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Sun Fang , Tan Zhiyuan , Hu Zhengguang , Chen Jun , Luo Jie , Wu Xiaoling , Cheng Guoan , Zheng Ruiting
Published: June 2020

Silicon is widely studied as a high-capacity lithium-ion battery anode. However, the pulverization of silicon caused by a large volume expansion during lithiation impedes it from being used as a next generation anode for lithium-ion batteries. To overcome this drawback, we synthesized ultrathin silicon nanowires. These nanowires are 1D silicon nanostructures fabricated by a new bi-metal-assisted chemical etching process. We compared the lithium-ion battery properties of silicon nanowires with different average diameters of 100[Formula: see text]nm, 30[Formula: see text]nm and 10[Formula: see text]nm and found that the 30[Formula: see text]nm ultrathin silicon nanowire anode has the most stable properties for use in lithium-ion batteries. The above anode demonstrates a discharge capacity of 1066.0[Formula: see text]mAh/g at a current density of 300[Formula: see text]mA/g when based on the mass of active materials; furthermore, the ultrathin silicon nanowire with average diameter of 30[Formula: see text]nm anode retains 87.5% of its capacity after the 50th cycle, which is the best among the three silicon nanowire anodes. The 30[Formula: see text]nm ultrathin silicon nanowire anode has a more proper average diameter and more efficient content of SiOx. The above prevents the 30[Formula: see text]nm ultrathin silicon nanowires from pulverization and broken during cycling, and helps the 30[Formula: see text]nm ultrathin silicon nanowires anode to have a stable SEI layer, which contributes to its high stability.
Dielectrics and Metal Stack Engineering for Multilevel Resistive Random-Access Memory
Authors: Misra D. , Zhao P. , Triyoso D. H. , Kaushik V. , Tapily K. , Clark R. D. , Consiglio S. , Hakamata T. , Wajda C. S. , Leusink G. J.
Published: June 2020

In this work, we have fabricated and evaluated a HfO2/Al2O3 bilayer structure for a two-terminal ReRAM device to have multiple resistance states as a function of compliance current (CC). Reduced power consumption was observed when the Al2O3 buffer layer was placed between the top electrode and the HfO2 layer as compared to when it is embedded between the HfO2 layer and the bottom electrode. Gradual resistance change capability was observed with varying CC. It was demonstrated that the presence of oxygen vacancies closer to the top electrode reduces the switching energy. Decreasing the thickness of the Al2O3 buffer layer, near the bottom electrode, increases the switching power requirement. It was also observed that the switching energy requirement could be altered by modifying the deposition process of the top metal layer.
Cholinergic regulation along the pulmonary arterial tree of the South American rattlesnake: vascular reactivity, muscarinic receptors, and vagal innervation
Authors: Filogonio Renato , Sartori Marina R. , Morgensen Susie , Tavares Driele , Campos Rafael , Abe Augusto S. , Taylor Edwin W. , Rodrigues Gerson J. , De Nucci Gilberto , Simonsen Ulf , Leite Cléo A. C. , Wang Tobias
Published: June 2020

Vascular tone in the reptilian pulmonary vasculature is primarily under cholinergic, muscarinic control exerted via the vagus nerve. This control has been ascribed to a sphincter located at the arterial outflow, but we speculated whether the vascular control in the pulmonary artery is more widespread, such that responses to acetylcholine and electrical stimulation, as well as the expression of muscarinic receptors, are prevalent along its length. Working on the South American rattlesnake ( Crotalus durissus), we studied four different portions of the pulmonary artery (truncus, proximal, distal, and branches). Acetylcholine elicited robust vasoconstriction in the proximal, distal, and branch portions, but the truncus vasodilated. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) caused contractions in all segments, an effect partially blocked by atropine. We identified all five subtypes of muscarinic receptors (M1–M5). The expression of the M1receptor was largest in the distal end and branches of the pulmonary artery, whereas expression of the muscarinic M3receptor was markedly larger in the truncus of the pulmonary artery. Application of the neural tracer 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindo-carbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) revealed widespread innervation along the whole pulmonary artery, and retrograde transport of the same tracer indicated two separate locations in the brainstem providing vagal innervation of the pulmonary artery, the medial dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and a ventro-lateral location, possibly constituting a nucleus ambiguus. These results revealed parasympathetic innervation of a large portion of the pulmonary artery, which is responsible for regulation of vascular conductance in C. durissus, and implied its integration with cardiorespiratory control.
Voluntary modification of rapid tactile-motor responses during reaching differs from its visuomotor counterpart
Authors: Reschechtko Sasha , Pruszynski J. Andrew
Published: June 2020

When people reach toward a visual target that moves suddenly, they automatically correct their reach to follow the object; even when explicitly instructed not to follow a moving visual target, people exhibit an initial incorrect movement before moving in the correct direction. We show that when people use tactile feedback, they do not show an initial incorrect response, even though early muscle activity still occurs.
A Multiscale and High-Precision LSTM-GASVR Short-Term Traffic Flow Prediction Model
Authors: Zhou Jingmei , Chang Hui , Cheng Xin , Zhao Xiangmo
Published: June 2020

Short-term traffic flow has the characteristics of complex, changeable, strong timeliness, and so on. So the traditional prediction algorithm is difficult to meet its high real-time and accuracy requirements. In this paper, a multiscale and high-precision LSTM-GASVR short-term traffic flow prediction algorithm is proposed. This method uses 15 min traffic flow data of the first 16 sections as input and completes the data preprocessing operation through reconstruction, normalization, and rising dimension by working day factor; establishing the prediction model based on the long- and short-term memory network (LSTM) and inverse normalization; and proposing the GA-SVR model to optimize the prediction results, so as to realize the real-time high-precision prediction of traffic flow. The prediction experiment is carried out according to the charge data of a toll station in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, from May 2018 to May 2019. The comparison and analysis of various algorithms show that the prediction algorithm proposed in this paper is 20% higher than the LSTM, GRU, CNN, SAE, ARIMA, and SVR, and the R2 can reach 0.982, the explanatory variance is 0.982, and the MAPE is 0.118. The proposed traffic flow prediction algorithm provides strong support for traffic managers to judge the state of the road network to control traffic and guide traffic flow.
Development of the High Sensitivity and Selectivity Method for the Determination of Histamine in Fish and Fish Sauce from Vietnam by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Tran Quang Hieu , Nguyen Thanh Tan , Pham Kim Phuong
Published: June 2020

A selective, sensitive, and rapid method by using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for the determination of histamine in fish and fish sauce was developed. The optimal conditions of liquid chromatographic separation and mass spectroscopy of histamine have also been investigated. The linear ranges of the method were 20.0 ÷ 1000 ng/mL, and the corresponding correlation coefficient was 0.9993. Mean recoveries of the analyte at three spike levels (low, medium, and high) were within the range of 98.5% ÷ 102.5% (n = 7). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were 3.83 and 11.50 ng/mL for the fish sauce sample and 4.71 and 14.12 ng/mL for the fish sample, respectively. The influence of the matrix effect on the accuracy, repeatability, and recovery of the method was negligible. The recommended method was applied to determine the content of this substance in 21 fish sauce samples and 4 kinds of fish samples, which were collected from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 2019.
[Retracted] Rice stripe virus p2 Colocalizes and Interacts with Arabidopsis Cajal Bodies and Its Domains in Plant Cells
Authors: Zheng Luping , Hong Pengxiang , Guo Xiaonan , Li Yang , Xie Li
Published: June 2020

p2 of rice stripe virus may translocate from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and recruit nucleolar functions to promote virus systemic movement. Cajal bodies (CBs) are nuclear components associated with the nucleolus, which play a major role in plant virus infection. Coilin, a marker protein of CBs, is essential for CB formation and function. Coilin contains three domains, the N‐terminal, the center, and the C‐terminal fragments. Using yeast two‐hybrid, colocalization, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) approaches, we show that p2 interacts with the full‐length of Arabidopsis thaliana coilin (Atcoilin), the center and C‐terminal domain of Atcoilin in the nucleus. Moreover, the N‐terminal is indispensable for Atcoilin to interact with Cajal bodies.
Constitutive Relationship for Hot Deformation of TB18 Titanium Alloy
Authors: Fu Qiang , Yuan Wuhua , Xiang Wei
Published: June 2020

In the present work, the hot deformation behavior of TB18 titanium alloy was investigated by isothermal hot compression tests with temperatures from 650 to 880°C and strain rates from 0.001 to 10 s−1. The flow curves after friction and temperature correction show that the peak stress decreased with the temperature increase and the strain rate decrease. Three typical characteristics of flow behavior indicate the dynamic softening behavior during hot deformation. At a strain rate of 0.001∼0.01 s−1, the flow stress continues to decrease as the strain rate increases after the flow stress reaches the peak stress; the flow softening mechanism is dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization at a lower temperature and dynamic recrystallization at a higher temperature. The discontinuous yielding phenomenon could be seen at a strain rate of 1 s−1, dynamic recrystallization took place in the β single‐phase zone, and flow localization bands were observed in the α + β two‐phase zone. At a higher strain rate of 10 s−1, the flow instabilities were referred to as the occurrence of flow localization by adiabatic heat. Constitutive equation considering the compensation of strain was also established, and the results show high accuracy to predict the flow stress with the correlation coefficient of 99.2% and the AARE of 6.1%, respectively.
D‐Dimer and Prothrombin Time Are the Significant Indicators of Severe COVID‐19 and Poor Prognosis
Authors: Long Hui , Nie Lan , Xiang Xiaochen , Li Huan , Zhang Xiaoli , Fu Xiaozhi , Ren Hongwei , Liu Wanxin , Wang Qiang , Wu Qingming
Published: June 2020

Objective. To investigate the value of coagulation indicators D‐dimer (DD), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), and fibrinogen (Fg) in predicting the severity and prognosis of COVID‐19. Methods. A total of 115 patients with confirmed COVID‐19, who were admitted to Tianyou Hospital of Wuhan University of Science and Technology between January 18, 2020, and March 5, 2020, were included. The dynamic changes of DD, PT, APTT, and Fg were tested, and the correlation with CT imaging, clinical classifications, and prognosis was studied. Results. Coagulation disorder occurred at the early stage of COVID‐19 infection, with 50 (43.5%) patients having DD increased and 74 (64.3%) patients having Fg increased. The levels of DD and Fg were correlated with clinical classification. Among 23 patients who deceased, 18 had DD increased at the first lab test, 22 had DD increased at the second and third lab tests, and 18 had prolonged PT at the third test. The results from ROC analyses for mortality risk showed that the AUCs of DD were 0.742, 0.818, and 0.851 in three times of test, respectively; PT was 0.643, 0.824, and 0.937. In addition, with the progression of the disease, the change of CT imaging was closely related to the increase of the DD value (P < 0.01). Conclusions. Coagulation dysfunction is more likely to occur in severe and critically ill patients. DD and PT could be used as the significant indicators in predicting the mortality of COVID‐19.
Larval Indices of Vector Mosquitoes as Predictors of Dengue Epidemics: An Approach to Manage Dengue Outbreaks Based on Entomological Parameters in the Districts of Colombo and Kandy, Sri Lanka
Authors: Udayanga Lahiru , Aryaprema Subashinie , Gunathilaka Nayana , Iqbal M. C. M. , Fernando Thilan , Abeyewickreme W.
Published: June 2020

Background. Early detection of dengue epidemics is a vital aspect in control programmes. Predictions based on larval indices of disease vectors are widely used in dengue control, with defined threshold values. However, there is no set threshold in Sri Lanka at the national or regional levels for Aedes larval indices. Therefore, the current study aimed at developing threshold values for vector indices in two dengue high‐risk districts in Sri Lanka. Methods. Monthly vector indices (House Index [HI], Container Index [CI], Breteau Index for Aedes aegypti [BIagp], and Ae. albopictus [BIalb]), of ten selected dengue high‐risk Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas located in Colombo and Kandy districts, were collected from January 2010 to June 2019, along with monthly reported dengue cases. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in SPSS (version 23) was used to assess the discriminative power of the larval indices in identifying dengue epidemics and to develop thresholds for the dengue epidemic management. Results. Only HI and BIagp denoted significant associations with dengue epidemics at lag periods of one and two months. Based on Ae. aegypti, average threshold values were defined for Colombo as Low Risk (2.4 ≤ BIagp < 3.8), Moderate Risk (3.8 ≤ BIagp < 5), High Risk (BIagp ≥ 5), along with BIagp 2.9 ≤ BIagp < 4.2 (Low Risk), 4.2 ≤ BIagp < 5.3 (Moderate Risk), and BIagp ≥ 5.3 (High Risk) for Kandy. Further, 5.5 ≤ HI < 8.9, 8.9 ≤ HI < 11.9, and HI ≥ 11.9 were defined as Low Risk, Moderate Risk, and High Risk average thresholds for HI in Colombo, while 6.9 ≤ HI < 9.1 (Low Risk), 8.9 ≥ HI < 11.8 (Moderate Risk), and HI ≥ 11.8 (High Risk) were defined for Kandy. Conclusions. The defined threshold values for Ae. aegypti and HI could be recommended as indicators for early detection of dengue epidemics and to drive vector management activities, with the objective of managing dengue epidemics with optimal usage of financial, technical, and human resources in Sri Lanka.
Dynamical Regulation of mRNA Distribution by Cross-Talking Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhu Chunjuan , Han Guosheng , Jiao Feng
Published: June 2020

Gene transcription is a random process in single cells manifested by the observed distribution of mRNA copy numbers in homogeneous cell populations. A central question is to understand how mRNA distribution is modulated under environmental changes. In this work, we initiate a theoretical study on mRNA distribution dynamics for the stochastic transcription model that involves cross-talking signaling pathways to direct gene activation in response to external signals. We first express the distribution in mathematical dynamical formulas under both moderate and high transcriptional upregulations. In each scenario, our further numerical examples display an observed dynamical transition type among three distribution modes for stress genes in yeast. In particular, the intermediate bimodal stage sustains within a certain length of early time and lasts much longer than that generated by the single pathway. This shows the general and robust bimodal transcription regulated by the cross-talk of signaling pathways.
Identification and Verification of Biomarker in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma via Bioinformatics and Neural Network Model
Authors: Liu Bin , Xiao Yu , Li Hao , Zhang Ai-li , Meng Ling-bing , Feng Lu , Zhao Zhi-hong , Ni Xiao-chen , Fan Bo , Zhang Xiao-yu , Zhao Shi-bin , Liu Yi-bo
Published: June 2020

Background. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of kidney cancer, which represents the 9th most frequently diagnosed cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of occurrence and development of ccRCC is indistinct. Therefore, the research aims to identify the hub biomarkers of ccRCC using numerous bioinformatics tools and functional experiments. Methods. The public data was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the differently expressed genes (DEGs) between ccRCC and normal renal tissues were identified with GEO2R. Protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs was constructed, and hub genes were screened with cytoHubba. Then, ten ccRCC tumor samples and ten normal kidney tissues were obtained to verify the expression of hub genes with the RT‐qPCR. Finally, the neural network model was constructed to verify the relationship among the genes. Results. A total of 251 DEGs and ten hub genes were identified. AURKB, CCNA2, TPX2, and NCAPG were highly expressed in ccRCC compared with renal tissue. With the increasing expression of AURKB, CCNA2, TPX2, and NCAPG, the pathological stage of ccRCC increased gradually (P < 0.05). Patients with high expression of AURKB, CCNA2, TPX2, and NCAPG have a poor overall survival. After the verification of RT‐qPCR, the expression of hub genes was same as the public data. And there were strong correlations between the AURKB, CCNA2, TPX2, and NCAPG with the verification of the neural network model. Conclusion. After the identification and verification, AURKB, CCNA2, TPX2, and NCAPG might be related to the occurrence and malignant progression of ccRCC.
Diosgenin Exerts Antitumor Activity via Downregulation of Skp2 in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Yanling , Zhou Zijun , Yan Jingzhe , Wu Xuefeng , Xu Guiying
Published: June 2020

Background. Breast cancer is the common malignancy with high morbidity and mortality in women. S‐phase kinase‐associated protein 2 (Skp2) has been characterized to play an oncogenic role in the breast carcinogenesis and progression. Therefore, inactivation of Skp2 in breast cancer might be a novel approach for fighting breast malignancy. A natural compound diosgenin has been reported to exert anticancer activity in a variety of human cancers. However, the underlying mechanism has not been fully determined. Methods. In this study, we aim to explore whether diosgenin performed antitumor activity via inhibition of Skp2 in breast cancer cells using several methods including MTT, Transwell invasion assay, RT‐PCR, western blotting, and transfection. Results. We found that diosgenin inhibited cell viability and stimulated apoptosis. Moreover, we found that diosgenin reduced cell invasion in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, diosgenin inhibited the expression of Skp2 in breast cancer cells. Notably, diosgenin reduced cell viability and motility and induced apoptosis via suppression of Skp2 in breast cancer cells. Conclusion. Our findings revealed that diosgenin could be a potential inhibitor of Skp2 for treating breast cancer.
UUV Autonomous Decision-Making Method Based on Dynamic Influence Diagram
Authors: Yao Hongfei , Wang Hongjian , Wang Ying
Published: June 2020

Considering the complexity and uncertainty of decision-making in the operating environment of an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), this study proposes an autonomous decision-making method based on the dynamic influence diagram (DID) and expected utility theory. First, a threat assessment model is established for situation awareness of the UUV. Accordingly, a DID model is developed for autonomous decision-making of the UUV. Then, based on the threat assessment results for the UUV, the utility of each decision-making plan in the decision-making nodes is inferred and predicted. Subsequently, the principle of maximum expected utility is used to select an optimal autonomous decision-making plan. Finally, the effectiveness of the DID method is verified by simulation. Compared with the traditional expert systems, the DID system shows great adaptability and exhibits better solutions of dynamic decision problems under uncertainty.
The Effectiveness of Ultrasound Biomicroscopic and Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography in the Assessment of Anterior Segment Tumors: Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Konopińska Joanna , Lisowski Łukasz , Wasiluk Ewa , Mariak Zofia , Obuchowska Iwona
Published: June 2020

Background. Differential diagnosis and follow-up of small anterior segment tumors constitute a particular challenge because they determine further treatment procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the UBM (ultrasound biomicroscopy) and AS-OCT (anterior segment optical coherent tomography) in distinguishing different types of anterior segment lesions. Methods. It was a retrospective, noncomparative study of case series of 89 patients with the suspicion of anterior segment tumor referred to the Ophthalmology Clinic, Medical University of Białystok, Poland, between 2016 and 2020. UBM was used to assess tumor morphology including height, location, and internal and external features. In cases in which UBM did not provide enough data, the AS-OCT images were analyzed. The data on demographics, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and rate of complications were also collected. Patients were followed up from 1 to 48 months. Results. The mean observation period was 26.61 ± 16.13 months. Among the patients, there were 62 women and 27 men at a mean age of 55.59 ± 19.48 (range: from 20 to 89 years.) The types of tumors were cysts (41%), solid iris tumors (37.1%), ciliary body tumors (7.9%), peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS 3.4%), corneal tumors (4.5%), and others (5.6%). Patients with cysts were younger than patients with solid iris tumor (p=0.002). Women had a cyst as well as solid iris tumor more frequently than men, but less often a ciliary body tumor (p<0.05). The horizontal size of tumor was positively correlated with patients’ age (rs = 0.38 and p=0.003) and negatively correlated with visual acuity (rs = −0.42 and p=0.014). During the 4 years of diagnosis, only 2.2% of lesions exhibited growth (growth rate of 0.02 mm per year). Among 15 cases in which visualization with UBM was not satisfactory (mostly iris nevi), AS-OCT was helpful in diagnosis of 13 patients. Conclusions. Both UBM and AS-OCT are effective methods in detection and diagnosis of tumors of the anterior eye segment, but in some cases, AS-OCT adds additional value to the diagnosis. Many lesions can be managed conservatively because they did not demonstrate growth during 4 years of the follow-up period.
Prevalence and Associated Factor of Brown Adipose Tissue: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Worku Misganaw Gebrie , Seretew Wullo Sisay , Angaw Dessie Abebaw , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn
Published: June 2020

Background. Brown adipose tissue generates heat instead of storing energy. It is important in the regulation of body weight, and individual variation in adaptive thermogenesis can be attributed to variations in the amount or activity of BAT. Objective. The objective of this study was to systematically review different articles to assess the prevalence of BAT and its associated factors and relation with obesity and diabetes mellitus. Methods. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were employed on published research works from different electronic databases using keywords. Cross‐sectional studies and a few experimental studies were included for systematic review, and only studies done on human population were used for quantitative analysis. Twenty‐two peer‐reviewed papers were included in the systematic review, and eight papers were used for the meta‐analysis for estimation of pooled prevalence of brown adipose tissue using selection criteria. Results. The pooled prevalence of brown adipose tissue among adults was 6.97% (95% CI: 6.51–7.43), and it was 7.4% (95% CI 6.51‐7.43) after sequential omission of a single study. The heterogeneity in estimating the pooled prevalence among the studies was statistically significant (Cochran Q test, P < 0.001, I2 = 71.2%), and after sequential omission of a single study, it becomes Cochran Q test, P = 0.065, I2 = 49.4%. The brown adipose tissue activity was significantly lower in overweight or obese subjects than in lean subjects. Conclusion. The percentage of adult individuals with brown adipose tissue was high, and its activity was reduced in obese individuals. Although it is reduced in amount, still it presents in obese individuals. So, activation of the brown adipose tissue in adult and older individuals should be a target for the treatment of obesity.
Que la peste se lleve a la avaricia y los avariciosos
Authors: García Carlos
Published: June 2020

Hasta ahora la política pública que ha resultado ser efectiva contra la pandemia es -a grandes rasgosla cuarentena con políticas macroeconómicas que sostengan la demanda agregada. Si uno observa a otros países, la falta de cuarentena en el principio del contagio fue fatal. En cambio, la cuarentena de diferentes tipos ha permitido menos contagios y por tanto menos muertes, en conjunto con política de demanda agregada para paliar los efectos negativos de la cuarentena. Continuar leyendo...