bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Host Immune System Facilitates Disseminated Staphylococcus aureus Disease Due to Phagocytic Attraction to Candida albicans during Coinfection: a Case of Bait and Switch
Authors: Allison Devon L. , Scheres Nina , Willems Hubertine M. E. , Bode Carolien S. , Krom Bastiaan P. , Shirtliff Mark E.
Published: August 2019

Invasive
Staphylococcus aureus
infections account for 15 to 50% of fatal bloodstream infections annually. These disseminated infections often arise without a defined portal of entry into the host but cause high rates of mortality. The fungus
Candida albicans
and the Gram-positive bacterium
S. aureus
can form polymicrobial biofilms on epithelial tissue, facilitated by the
C. albicans
adhesin encoded by
ALS3
.
Robust Suppression of Lipopolysaccharide Deficiency in Acinetobacter baumannii by Growth in Minimal Medium
Authors: Nagy Emma , Losick Richard , Kahne Daniel
Published: August 2019

Gram-negative bacteria are defined by their asymmetric outer membrane that consists of phospholipids on the inner leaflet and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the outer leaflet. LPS is essential in all but a few Gram-negative species; the reason for this differential essentiality is not well understood. One species that can survive without LPS,
Acinetobacter baumannii
, shows characteristic growth and morphology phenotypes. We show that these phenotypes can be suppressed under conditions of slow growth and describe how LPS loss is connected to the growth defects. In addition to better defining the challenges
A. baumannii
cells face in the absence of LPS, we provide a new hypothesis that may explain the species-dependent conditional essentiality.
A Membrane-Bound Cytochrome Enables
Methanosarcina acetivorans
To Conserve Energy from Extracellular Electron Transfer
Authors: Holmes Dawn E. , Ueki Toshiyuki , Tang Hai-Yan , Zhou Jinjie , Smith Jessica A. , Chaput Gina , Lovley Derek R.
Published: August 2019

The discovery of a methanogen that can conserve energy to support growth solely from the oxidation of organic carbon coupled to the reduction of an extracellular electron acceptor expands the possible environments in which methanogens might thrive. The potential importance of
c
-type cytochromes for extracellular electron transfer to syntrophic bacterial partners and/or Fe(III) minerals in some
Archaea
was previously proposed, but these studies with
Methanosarcina acetivorans
provide the first genetic evidence for cytochrome-based extracellular electron transfer in
Archaea
. The results suggest parallels with Gram-negative bacteria, such as
Shewanella
and
Geobacter
species, in which multiheme outer-surface
c
-type cytochromes are an essential component for electrical communication with the extracellular environment.
M. acetivorans
offers an unprecedented opportunity to study mechanisms for energy conservation from the anaerobic oxidation of one-carbon organic compounds coupled to extracellular electron transfer in
Archaea
with implications not only for methanogens but possibly also for
Archaea
that anaerobically oxidize methane.
CD157 Confers Host Resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis via TLR2-CD157-PKCzeta-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Production
Authors: Yang Qianting , Liao Mingfeng , Wang Wenfei , Zhang Mingxia , Chen Qi , Guo Jiubiao , Peng Bin , Huang Jian , Liu Haiying , Yahagi Ayano , Xu Xingzhi , Ishihara Katsuhiko , Cooper Andrea , Chen Xinchun , Cai Yi
Published: August 2019

Tuberculosis, a chronic bacterial disease caused by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, remains a major global health problem. CD157, a dual-function receptor and β-NAD
+
-metabolizing ectoenzyme, promotes cell polarization, regulates chemotaxis induced through the high-affinity fMLP receptor, and controls transendothelial migration. The role of CD157 in TB pathogenesis remains unknown. In this study, we find that both mRNA and protein levels of CD157 are significantly increased in TB. Deficiency of CD157 impaired host defense against
M. tuberculosis
infection both
in vivo
and
in vitro
, which is mediated by an interaction among CD157, TLR2, and PKCzeta. This interaction facilitates
M. tuberculosis
-induced macrophagic ROS production, which enhances macrophage bactericidal activity. Interestingly, the sCD157 level in plasma is reversibly associated with MDM
M. tuberculosis
killing activity. By uncovering the role of CD157 in pathogenesis of TB for the first time, our work demonstrated that application of soluble CD157 might be an effective strategy for host-directed therapy against TB.
Unusual cause of dysphagia
Authors: Koh Dion , Thakur Udit , Lim Wei Mou
Published: August 2019

In this case, we describe a unique case of large renal hydronephrosis in a 79-year-old Indian male patient who had initially presented with 3 months of progressive dysphagia and loss of weight. His dysphagia was initially thought to be related to the atypical diagnosis of achalasia and was being considered for an elective laparoscopic Heller myotomy. On performing CT of the abdomen, a large renal mass was discovered. However, predicament remained regarding the exact aetiology of this renal mass. This case highlights a tremendously intriguing case of dysphagia with an underlying aetiology that has not been reported elsewhere previously.
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a healthy active adolescent
Authors: Okamoto Tsuyoshi , Sato Takumi , Sasaki Yukio
Published: August 2019

This report discusses a case of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome in a previously healthy 15-year-old boy with no weight loss or other common risk factors. The patient presented to the emergency department with acute bilious vomiting and epigastric pain after acute consumption of a meal and excessive quantities of water. The patient was diagnosed with SMA syndrome based on the findings of contrasted CT of the abdomen. In early puberty, boys have a significant increase in lean body mass and a concomitant loss of adipose tissues. These pubertal changes lead to a narrowing of the aortomesenteric space. The acute consumption of food and water caused a transient obstruction at the already-narrowed space, which resulted in the manifestation of SMA syndrome. This case demonstrates that pubertal growth spurt is a risk factor for SMA syndrome, and acute excessive ingestion can trigger SMA syndrome among those in puberty.
Reocclusion of the treated vessel due to endothelial injury after mechanical thrombectomy in a patient with acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Hidaka Masaoki , Yamaguchi Shinya , Koyanagi Yuya , Arakawa Shuji
Published: August 2019

A 92-year-old woman developed sudden consciousness disturbance, global aphasia and right hemiparesis. She had atrial fibrillation and cardioembolic stroke was diagnosed. Tissue plasminogen activator was administered, and endovascular treatment was initiated. The left middle cerebral artery was occluded and complete recanalisation was achieved after direct aspiration first-pass technique. However, MRI immediately after treatment showed reocclusion. Endovascular treatment was repeated and complete recanalisation was achieved. There was no evidence of cerebral artery dissection, but angiography soon after the second procedure revealed early reocclusion. Ozagrel, an antiplatelet agent, was administered intravenously and prevented reocclusion. Endothelial injury was speculated to have occurred during the first mechanical thrombectomy, leading to recurrent occlusion. Though the patient continued to have right hemiparesis, she recovered from her consciousness disturbance and aphasia after re-treatment.
Cervical spine hangman fracture secondary to a gelastic seizure
Authors: Hurley Ciaran M , Baig Muhammad Nouman , Callaghan Simon , Byrne Fergus
Published: August 2019

A 42-year-old man reported to our service with a 1-week history of vague cervical neck pain on a background history of a gelastic seizure disorder. Radiological imaging confirmed a type II hangman’s fracture through the C2 pedicle. A CT angiogram of carotid and vertebral arteries was normal, and the patient was managed with an occipitocervical fusion. The patient had no neurological insult and was discharged on day 5 with a Miami-J collar for 6 weeks. Although there are case report evidence of lumbar and thoracic vertebral fractures secondary to seizures, this is the first report of a spine injury resulting from a gelastic seizure.
Atypical presentation of thyroid storm: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Banerjee Arnab , Bala Renu , Aggarwal Richa
Published: August 2019

Thyroid storm (accelerated hyperthyroidism) is an uncommon life-threatening emergency. The diagnosis is difficult and at times delayed owing to atypical presentation. Early diagnosis is the key to its successful management. We came across a patient who had presentations of acute abdomen but later diagnosed in thyroid storm. Multiorgan involvement leads all resuscitative measures futile and prevented us to salvage the patient.
Estimating the effect size of the 15Q11.2 BP1–BP2 deletion and its contribution to neurodevelopmental symptoms: recommendations for practice
Authors: Jønch Aia Elise , Douard Elise , Moreau Clara , Van Dijck Anke , Passeggeri Marzia , Kooy Frank , Puechberty Jacques , Campbell Carolyn , Sanlaville Damien , Lefroy Henrietta , Richetin Sonia , Pain Aurelie , Geneviève David , Kini Usha , Le Caignec Cédric , Lespinasse James , Skytte Anne-Bine , Isidor Bertrand , Zweier Christiane , Caberg Jean-Hubert , Delrue Marie-Ange , Møller Rikke Steensbjerre , Bojesen Anders , Hjalgrim Helle , Brasch-Andersen Charlotte , Lemyre Emmanuelle , Ousager Lilian Bomme , Jacquemont Sébastien
Published: August 2019

Background

The 15q11.2 deletion is frequently identified in the neurodevelopmental clinic. Case–control studies have associated the 15q11.2 deletion with neurodevelopmental disorders, and clinical case series have attempted to delineate a microdeletion syndrome with considerable phenotypic variability. The literature on this deletion is extensive and confusing, which is a challenge for genetic counselling. The aim of this study was to estimate the effect size of the 15q11.2 deletion and quantify its contribution to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Methods

We performed meta-analyses on new and previously published case–control studies and used statistical models trained in unselected populations with cognitive assessments. We used new (n=241) and previously published (n=150) data from a clinically referred group of deletion carriers. 15q11.2 duplications (new n=179 and previously published n=35) were used as a neutral control variant.

Results

The deletion decreases IQ by 4.3 points. The estimated ORs and respective frequencies in deletion carriers for intellectual disabilities, schizophrenia and epilepsy are 1.7 (3.4%), 1.5 (2%) and 3.1 (2.1%), respectively. There is no increased risk for heart malformations and autism. In the clinically referred group, the frequency and nature of symptoms in deletions are not different from those observed in carriers of the 15q11.2 duplication suggesting that most of the reported symptoms are due to ascertainment bias.

Conclusions

We recommend that the deletion should be classified as ‘pathogenic of mild effect size’. Since it explains only a small proportion of the phenotypic variance in carriers, it is not worth discussing in the developmental clinic or in a prenatal setting.
Accuracy of fluoroscopic-guided genicular nerve blockade: a need for revisiting anatomical landmarks
Authors: Fonkoue Loïc , Behets Catherine Wydemans , Steyaert Arnaud , Kouassi Jean-Eric Kouame , Detrembleur Christine , De Waroux Bernard Le Polain , Cornu Olivier
Published: August 2019

Background and objectives

Genicular nerve blockade (GNB) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have recently emerged as treatment options for patients with chronic knee pain. However, an increasing number of anatomical studies and systematic reviews concluded that the anatomical basis for needle placement was unclear, incomplete and somewhat inaccurate. This study was designed to assess the accuracy of updated anatomical landmarks for fluoroscopy-guided blockade of the consistent genicular nerves in a cadaveric model.

Methods

Based on a comprehensive review of recent anatomical studies and prior dissection of 21 fresh cadaver knees, we defined bony landmarks with high likelihood of successful ablation of the five consistent genicular nerves (GN). We tested the accuracy of GNBs using the above-stated anatomical landmarks in 10 intact fresh cadaveric knees. Needle placement was guided by fluoroscopy and 0.5 mL of 0.1% methylene blue was injected at the site of each nerve. The knees were subsequently dissected to assess the accuracy of the injections. If the nerve was dyed with blue ink, the placement was considered accurate.

Results

The accuracy of our injections was 100% for the superior medial genicular nerve, inferior medial GN, infrapatellar branch of saphenous nerve and recurrent fibular nerve. The superior lateral GN was dyed in 90% of specimens.

Conclusion

This study provides physicians with precise anatomical landmarks for the five consistent GN for fluoroscopic-guided GNB. Our revised technique, which targets more nerves with increased accuracy, could potentially lead to improved therapeutic benefits on chronic knee pain.
Usefulness of high-resolution ultrasound for small nerve blocks: visualization of intercostobrachial and medial brachial cutaneous nerves in the axillary area
Authors: Varela Victor , Ruíz Carlos , Pomés Jaume , Pomés Isaac , Montecinos Sara , Sala-Blanch Xavier
Published: August 2019

Introduction

High-resolution ultrasound (HRU) allows one to identify small nerves, but in the clinical setting, intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) and medial brachial cutaneous nerve (MBCN) are not identified with conventional portable ultrasound (CPU) devices. The aim of this study is to identify both nerves and describe their relation with specific anatomical structures which could be easily identified with the ultrasound devices available in the clinical setting.

Methods

21 healthy patients were scanned using HRU bilaterally in the axillary area located over the conjoint tendon to find the ICBN and MBCN and describe their anatomic relations. 5 fresh cadavers were used to validate the previous anatomical findings. ICBN and MBCN ultrasound-guided block was performed with 5 mL of methylene blue and iodine contrast, and the distribution was assessed by both CT scan and dissection.

Results

ICBN and MBCN were identified in all cases. The average distance of the ICBN branches to the artery was 35±6 mm in men and 27±5 mm in women. Constant identification of the muscle–tendon junction of the latissimus dorsi muscle with respect to the location of the branches of the ICBN nerve was observed. Dissection and CT scan confirmed these findings.

Conclusion

HRU is a useful tool to identify ICBN and MBCN nerves, and to describe structures which can be easily identified with CPU use in the clinical setting.
A note on irreducible quadrilaterals of II1 factors
Authors: Bakshi Keshab Chandra , Gupta Ved Prakash
Published: August 2019

Given any quadruple [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]-factors with finite index, the notions of interior and exterior angles between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were introduced in [An angle between intermediate subfactors and its rigidity, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 371(8) (2019) 5973–5991]. We determine the possible values of these angles in terms of the cardinalities of the Weyl groups of the intermediate subfactors when [Formula: see text] is an irreducible quadrilateral and the subfactors [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are both regular. For an arbitrary irreducible quadruple, an attempt is made to determine the values of angles by deriving expressions for the angles in terms of the common norm of two naturally arising auxiliary operators and the indices of the intermediate subfactors of the quadruple. Finally, certain bounds on angles between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are obtained when [Formula: see text] is regular, which enforce some restrictions on the index of [Formula: see text] in terms of that of [Formula: see text].
Maximum Capacity Path Interdiction Problem with Fixed Costs
Authors: Mohammadi Abumoslem , Tayyebi Javad
Published: August 2019

This paper addresses a network optimization interdiction problem, called the maximum capacity path interdiction problem. The problem is a hierarchical game containing two players: one evader and one interdictor. In a capacitated network, the evader wants to find a simple path from his current position to a target point with maximum capacity to send his forces along it while the interdictor decreases arc capacities under a budget constraint to interdict the advance of the evader’s forces as much as possible. This paper studies the case that each arc has a fixed cost for decreasing its capacity. An algorithm is proposed to solve the problem in strongly polynomial time. Computational experiments on two real-world datasets guarantee the efficiency and accuracy of the algorithm.
Decompositions of decidable abelian groups
Authors: Bazhenov Nikolay , Goncharov Sergey , Melnikov Alexander
Published: August 2019

We use computability-theoretic tools to measure the complexity of the process of direct decomposing an abelian group based on its symbolic presentation. More specifically, we compare degrees of decidable categoricity of abelian groups with degrees of categoricity of their natural direct summands. As a nontrivial and unexpected application of our methods, we show that every decidable copy of a nondivisible homogeneous completely decomposable group has an algorithm for linear independence.
Retractability of solutions to the Yang–Baxter equation and p-nilpotency of skew braces
Authors: Acri E. , Lutowski R. , Vendramin L.
Published: August 2019

Using Bieberbach groups, we study multipermutation involutive solutions to the Yang–Baxter equation. We use a linear representation of the structure group of an involutive solution to study the unique product property in such groups. An algorithm to find subgroups of a Bieberbach group isomorphic to the Promislow subgroup is introduced and then used in the case of structure group of involutive solutions. To extend the results related to retractability to non-involutive solutions, following the ideas of Meng, Ballester-Bolinches and Romero, we develop the theory of right [Formula: see text]-nilpotent skew braces. The theory of left [Formula: see text]-nilpotent skew braces is also developed and used to give a short proof of a theorem of Smoktunowicz in the context of skew braces.
Tsallis holographic model of dark energy: Cosmic behavior, statefinder analysis and ωD–ωD′ pair in the nonflat universe
Authors: Dubey Vipin Chandra , Sharma Umesh Kumar , Beesham A.
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates the Tsallis holographic dark energy (THDE) model in accordance with the apparent horizon as an infrared cut-off, in a non flat universe. The cosmological evolution of the deceleration parameter and equation of state of THDE model are calculated. The evolutionary trajectories are plotted for the THDE model for distinct values of the Tsallis parameter [Formula: see text] besides distinct spatial curvature contributions, in the statefinder [Formula: see text] parameter-pairs and [Formula: see text] plane, considering the present value of dark energy (DE) density parameter [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], in the light of [Formula: see text] observational data. The statefinder and [Formula: see text] plane plots specify the feature of the THDE and demonstrate the separation between this framework and other models of DE.
AMERICAN OPTIONS AND INCOMPLETE INFORMATION
Authors: EKSTRÖM ERIK , VANNESTÅL MARTIN
Published: August 2019

We study the optimal exercise of American options under incomplete information about the drift of the underlying process, and we show that quite unexpected phenomena may occur. In fact, certain parameter values give rise to stopping regions very different from the standard case of complete information. For example, we show that for the American put (call) option it is sometimes optimal to exercise the option when the underlying process reaches an upper (lower) boundary.
Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in Dynamic Configuration as a Tool for Health Technology Assessment (HTA): The Case of Biosensing Optoelectronics in Oncology
Authors: Improta Giovanni , Converso Giuseppe , Murino Teresa , Gallo Mosè , Perrone Antonietta , Romano Maria
Published: August 2019

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a methodology, based on both mathematical and psychological approaches, exploited to analyze and solve complex problems, in order to make the best decision. AHP is also widely employed for the evaluation of healthcare systems. It works by splitting the decision problem into a hierarchy of more easily-comprehended sub-problems, each of which can be independently analyzed. Starting from these assumptions, our work aims to implement a dynamic framework for the AHP methodology, able to overcome the static nature of the technique, taking into account the evaluations associated with criteria and sub-criteria as a function of time. In the context of this paper, the Dynamic AHP is implemented as a tool for Health Technology Assessment (HTA). Indeed, the proposed case study concerns the evaluation of a new health technology for the thyroglobulin assay in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. To this aim, we have defined the decision problem and formalized criteria and sub-criteria hierarchically; then, in order to deal with the problem from a dynamical point of view, i.e., to take into account the time dependence of criteria and sub-criteria, we developed several System Dynamics models, one for each criterion. In this context, it is shown that the Dynamic AHP approach provides a dynamic evaluation of the system, which allows to identify the best decision by exploiting the information on the possible evolution of the problem due to its time behavior, rather than taking the decision at a fixed time point, as the Static AHP does.
Comparison of Several Decision-Making Techniques: A Case of Water Losses Management in Developing Countries
Authors: Zyoud Shaher H. , Fuchs-Hanusch Daniela
Published: August 2019

Managing water losses in water supply systems has become a crucial concern. Multi criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are efficient in this regard. A framework of prioritizing strategies to manage water losses was tested by different MCDM techniques, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and several Fuzzy AHP techniques. The modified Fuzzy AHP produced the most credible and consistent outputs. Sensitivity analysis conducted over it showed that the ranking of strategies/alternatives was sensitive to changes in weights of criteria with higher importance. This analysis demonstrates the ability of AHP and Fuzzy AHP techniques to deal with complex issues in water loss management.
Social Media Cross-Source and Cross-Domain Sentiment Classification
Authors: Zola Paola , Cortez Paulo , Ragno Costantino , Brentari Eugenio
Published: August 2019

Due to the expansion of Internet and Web 2.0 phenomenon, there is a growing interest in sentiment analysis of freely opinionated text. In this paper, we propose a novel cross-source cross-domain sentiment classification, in which cross-domain-labeled Web sources (Amazon and Tripadvisor) are used to train supervised learning models (including two deep learning algorithms) that are tested on typically nonlabeled social media reviews (Facebook and Twitter). We explored a three-step methodology, in which distinct balanced training, text preprocessing and machine learning methods were tested, using two languages: English and Italian. The best results were achieved using undersampling training and a Convolutional Neural Network. Interesting cross-source classification performances were achieved, in particular when using Amazon and Tripadvisor reviews to train a model that is tested on Facebook data for both English and Italian.
Development of a Spreadsheet DSS for Multi-Response Taguchi Parameter Optimization Problems Using the TOPSIS, VIKOR, and GRA Methods
Authors: Keçeci Bariş , Iç Yusuf Tansel , Eraslan Ergün
Published: August 2019

This paper presents a spreadsheet-based decision support system (DSS) for any parameter optimization problem, in the small- and medium-sized enterprises to help the managers to make better decisions. Microsoft Excel is used as a DSS development platform. The DSS application requires the quality characteristics and the level of parameters affecting the problem. The proposed system considers three multi-criteria decision-making methods: TOPSIS, VIKOR and GRA. These methods are integrated into the Taguchi method to convert the multi-response optimization problem to a single-response problem. The DSS suggests proper Taguchi experimental designs and provides the decision maker with an opportunity to use different metrics and to validate the experimental results. Several issues and an application are provided for illustrative purposes. The proposed DSS is tested on a case study (the performance of the mixed integer programming (MIP) formulation solver) and the results highlight that the system is capable of offering satisfactory outcomes. Using such a quick and flexible DSS might help to reduce the daily workload of the decision makers. The different metrics used for the response variables which results with the different parameter combination. Using the optimal parameter combination of TOPSIS (come to the fore in case MinBest metric used), the MIP formulation solver gives the best integer objective function value of 609 and a GAP value of 1.93%, both of which are less than the values obtained using the other methods. Using the optimal parameter combination of GRA (come to the fore in case OptBest metric used), the MIP formulation gives a best integer objective function value of 632 and a GAP value of 6.52%, both of which are less than the values obtained by using the other methods.
The physical significance of geometrothermodynamic metrics
Authors: Pineda Viridiana , Quevedo Hernando , Quevedo María N. , Sánchez Alberto , Valdés Edgar
Published: August 2019

In geometrothermodynamics (GTD), to study the geometric properties of the equilibrium space, three thermodynamic metrics have been proposed so far. These metrics are obtained by using the condition of Legendre invariance and can be computed explicitly once a thermodynamic potential is specified as fundamental equation. We use the remaining diffeomorphism invariance in the phase and equilibrium spaces to show that the components of the GTD-metrics can be interpreted as the second moment of the fluctuation of a new thermodynamic potential. This result establishes a direct connection between GTD and fluctuation theory. In this way, the diffeomorphism invariance of GTD allows us to introduce new thermodynamic coordinates and new thermodynamic potentials, which are not related by means of Legendre transformations to the fundamental thermodynamic potentials.
Biased behavior of weighted Mertens sums
Authors: Alkan Emre
Published: August 2019

Using convexity properties of reciprocals of zeta functions, especially the reciprocal of the Riemann zeta function, we show that certain weighted Mertens sums are biased in favor of square-free integers with an odd number of prime factors. We study such type of bias for different ranges of the parameters and then consider generalizations to Mertens sums supported on semigroups of integers generated by relatively large subsets of prime numbers. We further obtain a wider range for the parameters both unconditionally and then conditionally on the Riemann Hypothesis. At the same time, we extend to certain semigroups, two classical summation formulas originating from the works of Landau concerning the behavior of derivatives of the reciprocal of the Riemann zeta function at [Formula: see text].
Recyclable Fe3O4/Au Nanocomposites for Oxidation Degradation of Methylene Blue in Near Neutral Solution
Authors: Xing Yan , Bai Xiao-Hui , Peng Ming-Li , Ma Xiang-Rong , Buske Norbert , Cui Ya-Li
Published: August 2019

Fe3O4/Au nanocomopsites (Fe3O4/Au NPs) with much improved catalytic activity were successfully fabricated through a simple seed growth method in aqueous solution. The petal-like structure, high saturation magnetization, the negatively charged sodium citrate-stabilized Fe3O4/Au NPs was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The activated-H2O2 ability of Fe3O4/Au NPs was evaluated by using methylene blue (MB) as a cationic phenothiazines dye to be degraded in near neutral solution. The results showed Fe3O4/Au NPs removed over 95% MB from an aqueous solution within 60[Formula: see text]min under the optimum conditions. The apparent rate constant of Fe3O4/Au NPs was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]min[Formula: see text] which was 43.2 and 8.3 times higher than pure Fe3O4 ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]min[Formula: see text] and Au ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]min[Formula: see text] NPs. The enhanced catalytic activity and increased oxidation rate constant probably owing to the synergistic effect between Fe3O4 and Au NPs to activate H2O2 generate a large amount of strong oxidizing species, such as [Formula: see text]. In addition, nanocrystalline structure of Fe3O4/Au NPs was also very important to the peroxidase-like effect, especially the interaction interface between Fe3O4 and Au NPs. Moreover, Fe3O4/Au NPs was stable and could be regenerated and reused for at least five cycles.
Effect of Cu2O Content in Electrodeposited CuOx Film on Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Miao Xu , Wang Shuo , Sun Wenhai , Zhu Yu , Du Chen , Ma Ruixin , Wang Chengyan
Published: August 2019

It is well known that the different proportions of CuO and Cu2O in CuOx hole transfer materials have a great influence on the hole transport property as well as the device performances of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this paper, we changed the content of Cu2O in the film by controlling the deposition voltage during electrodeposition, and the effects of different contents of Cu2O in the films on the device were investigated for the first time. It was found that the content of Cu2O in the film reached the highest point with the deposition voltage 0.5[Formula: see text]V, such films have the highest transmittance and carrier mobility. After assembling the device, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the champion device reached 13.48% under a one-sun AM 1.5[Formula: see text]G (100[Formula: see text]mW/cm[Formula: see text] illumination. Furthermore, the unpackaged device based on CuOx still retained over 75% PCE after being placed in the ambient condition (30–40% humidity, 20–30[Formula: see text] for 500[Formula: see text]h.
Overexpression of Myocardin-related transcription factor-A attenuated middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion-induced apoptosis via the Mcl-1/Cyt C/cleaved caspase 3 pathway
Authors: Yu Zhi-Jun , Du Jing , Zhang Wei , Zhao Shu-Qi , Dong Wei , Xu Shi-Qiang , Hu Ling , Min Zhen-Li , Yuan Qiong , Zhang Chunxiang , Hu Xia-Min
Published: August 2019

To investigate the effect of Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) on apoptosis induced by ischemic/reperfusion (I/R), middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) in rats were applied to mimic I/R. The neurological deficit score, cerebral infarct size, cortical neuron apoptosis and cleaved caspase 3 level were evaluated to determine the effect and the level of apoptosis by TTC straining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) straining, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) expression, release of cytochrome C (Cyt C) and its colocalization with apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1) were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that MRTF-A overexpression could decrease the neurological deficit score and reduce cerebral infarct size ([Formula: see text] versus Sham). In the MRTF-A-I/R group, TUNEL-positive cells and apoptosis ratio (%) ([Formula: see text]%) were significantly decreased compared to the Neg-I/R group ([Formula: see text]%) at 24[Formula: see text]h reperfusion. Meanwhile, the cleaved caspase 3 expression revealed a similar trend while the expression of Mcl-1 was the opposite. Moreover, MRTF-A overexpression significantly enhanced Mcl-1 fluorescence intensity, which up-regulated the mRNA and protein level ([Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] versus Neg-I/R). Furthermore, MRTF-A overexpression markedly inhibited the release of Cyt C, and decreased the colocalization with Apaf-1 in the cytoplasm ([Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] versus Neg-I/R). All the data indicated that MRTF-A overexpression could improve the neurological function against cerebral I/R-induced apoptosis since underlying mechanism might be involved in the Mcl-1/Cyt C/cleaved caspase 3 signaling pathway.
Does High-Speed Rail Promote Enterprises Productivity? Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Xuehui , Lin Shanlang , Zhang Jiaping , He Minghua
Published: August 2019

High-speed rail (HSR) is often claimed to bring different regions and cities closer together by shortening travel times, which can reduce the costs and increase enterprises productivity to promote a sustainable economy. However, another view argues that HSR transfers economic activities from peripheral cities to core cities, resulting in unbalanced regional economic development and damaging the sustainability of the economy. Based on microdata from China, this paper empirically investigates the impact of HSR on the enterprises productivity in both core cities and peripheral cities and explores the impact mechanism from the perspective of allocation effect and distribution effect caused by HSR. The results show that the connection of HSR positively affects the enterprises productivity in core cities, while it negatively affects the enterprises productivity in peripheral cities, with effect values of 1.38% and -8.45%, respectively. The conclusion still holds after endogenous treatment and multiple robustness tests are conducted. Additionally, the allocation effect analysis shows that the market access caused by HSR has an optimization effect on the resource allocation efficiency of both core cities and peripheral cities. The distribution effect analysis reveals that the distribution of enterprise productivity in peripheral cities has market heterogeneity, regional heterogeneity, and location heterogeneity. The important policy significance of this paper is that, in order to promote the sustainable development of enterprises and the economy, it should reduce policy restrictions and promote the effective flow of capital and talents, carry out the dislocation development of industry for peripheral cities, and “build a nest to attract the phoenix.”
A Case of Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia and a Pulmonary Embolus in a Patient Treated with Triple Therapy
Authors: Randhawa Gurchetan , Chiu Chia-Yu , Suban Na Ayutthaya Thanunthorn
Published: August 2019

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) can be caused by a variety of etiologies. AIHA is associated with the development of coagulopathy, leading to potentially fatal pulmonary emboli. Here, we present a case of a 66-year-old female with a past medical history of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and gastritis treated with triple therapy that developed warm AIHA. The patient later succumbed to a suspected pulmonary embolus.
The Energy-Efficient Dynamic Route Planning for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhou Wenjuan , Wang Li
Published: August 2019

Aiming to provide an approach for finding energy-efficient routes in dynamic and stochastic transportation networks for electric vehicles, this paper addresses the route planning problem in dynamic transportation network where the link travel times are assumed to be random variables to minimize total energy consumption and travel time. The changeable signals are introduced to establish state-space-time network to describe the realistic dynamic traffic network and also used to adjust the travel time according to the signal information (signal cycle, green time, and red time). By adjusting the travel time, the electric vehicle can achieve a nonstop driving mode during the traveling. Further, the nonstop driving mode could avoid frequent acceleration and deceleration at the signal intersections so as to reduce the energy consumption. Therefore, the dynamically adjusted travel time can save the energy and eliminate the waiting time. A multiobjective 0-1 integer programming model is formulated to find the optimal routes. Two methods are presented to transform the multiobjective optimization problem into a single objective problem. To verify the validity of the model, a specific simulation is conducted on a test network. The results indicate that the shortest travel time and the energy consumption of the planning route can be significantly reduced, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Unmet Need for Contraception among HIV-Positive Women Attending HIV Care and Treatment Service at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Abubeker Ferid A. , Fanta Malede B. , Dalton Vanessa K.
Published: August 2019

Background. The emergence of the HIV epidemic is one of the biggest public health challenges the world has ever seen in recent history. Ethiopia is among the countries most affected by the HIV epidemic. The national estimate for the HIV-positive pregnant women was 24,000 for the year 2016, and there were an estimated 3,800 new HIV infections among children. Regardless of their HIV status contraception offers women, their families, and communities a variety of benefits. For HIV-positive women who do not want to become pregnant, contraception has the added benefit of reducing HIV-positive births. Despite its demonstrable contribution, far less attention has been given to prevention of unintended pregnancy as a strategy to PMTCT. Objectives. To determine the level and contributing factors of unmet need for contraception among HIV-positive women in the ART clinic of Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC). Methods. A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 September 2016 to 30 November 2016. An exit interview of sampled women enrolled at ART clinic of SPHMMC was done using structured and pretested questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate methods were used to analyze the level of unmet need and its contributing factors. Results. The overall unmet need for contraception was 25.1%. The most common reasons for nonuse were related to perceived low risk of pregnancy. Unmet need was more common in unmarried women and those who did not discuss about contraception with HIV care provider. Making joint decision on contraceptive utilization with partner and having serodiscordant partner were associated with decreased odds of unmet need. Conclusion. The ART clinic represented one of the missed opportunities to initiate and promote contraceptive use. The study also shows broader demand for contraception and the need for new strategies to address the contraceptive needs among HIV-positive clients.
Study of Vitamin D Level and Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphism in Hypothyroid Egyptian Patients
Authors: ElRawi Hoda A. , Ghanem Nashwa S. , ElSayed Naglaa M. , Ali Hala M. , Rashed Laila A. , Mansour Mai M.
Published: August 2019

Purpose. The current study aimed at assessing vitamin D level and vitamin D receptor polymorphism in hypothyroid Egyptian patients and its effect on hypothyroidism and thyroid morphology, also to find a causal relation between vitamin D and hypothyroidism. Methods. This case-control study was conducted on 35 hypothyroid patients and 35 matched unrelated healthy controls. Total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and thyroid antibodies were measured using a human ELISA kit. Genotyping was performed by using real-time PCR. HOMA-IR was also calculated (fasting insulin in mIU/L × fasting glucose in mg/dL/405). All subjects were assessed for thyroid morphology by thyroid ultrasonography. Results. Vitamin D level was lower in hypothyroid patients than in control subjects. Vitamin D was also inversely related to TSH, HOMA-IR, and levels of anti-TG and anti-TPO. VDR polymorphism (Fok1 and Apa1) had no relation to TSH or vitamin D levels in both patients and control groups. Low vitamin D levels were associated with increased thyroid vascularity and nodularity; furthermore, vitamin D was inversely proportional to thyroid gland volume. Correlation of HOMA-IR with the levels of both anti-TG and anti-TPO in the 70 subjects proved that HOMA-IR was positively correlated to both antibodies. Conclusion. This study confirmed the association of vitamin D deficiency with hypothyroidism, thyroid autoimmunity, increased volume, nodularity, and vascularity of thyroid gland in hypothyroid patients as well as increased HOMA-IR. It proved the association between HOMA-IR and thyroid autoimmunity. The study proved no association between VDR polymorphisms (Fok1 and Apa1) with either vitamin D levels or TSH levels.
Hierarchical Models and Tuning of Random Walk Metropolis Algorithms
Authors: Bédard Mylène
Published: August 2019

We obtain weak convergence and optimal scaling results for the random walk Metropolis algorithm with a Gaussian proposal distribution. The sampler is applied to hierarchical target distributions, which form the building block of many Bayesian analyses. The global asymptotically optimal proposal variance derived may be computed as a function of the specific target distribution considered. We also introduce the concept of locally optimal tunings, i.e., tunings that depend on the current position of the Markov chain. The theorems are proved by studying the generator of the first and second components of the algorithm and verifying their convergence to the generator of a modified RWM algorithm and a diffusion process, respectively. The rate at which the algorithm explores its state space is optimized by studying the speed measure of the limiting diffusion process. We illustrate the theory with two examples. Applications of these results on simulated and real data are also presented.
Effect of Intermittent Versus Continuous Low-Dose Aspirin on Nasal Epithelium Gene Expression in Current Smokers: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Trial
Authors: Garland Linda L. , Guillen-Rodriguez José , Hsu Chiu-Hsieh , Yozwiak Michael , Zhang Hao Helen , Alberts David S. , Davis Lisa E. , Szabo Eva , Merenstein Carter , Lel Julian , Zhang Xiaohui , Liu Hanqiao , Liu Gang , Spira Avrum E. , Beane Jennifer E. , Wojtowicz Malgorzata , Chow H.-H. Sherry
Published: August 2019

A chemopreventive effect of aspirin (ASA) on lung cancer risk is supported by epidemiologic and preclinical studies. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded study in current heavy smokers to compare modulating effects of intermittent versus continuous low-dose ASA on nasal epithelium gene expression and arachidonic acid (ARA) metabolism. Fifty-four participants were randomized to intermittent (ASA 81 mg daily for one week/placebo for one week) or continuous (ASA 81 mg daily) for 12 weeks. Low-dose ASA suppressed urinary prostaglandin E2 metabolite (PGEM; change of −4.55 ± 11.52 from baseline 15.44 ± 13.79 ng/mg creatinine for arms combined, P = 0.02), a surrogate of COX-mediated ARA metabolism, but had minimal effects on nasal gene expression of nasal or bronchial gene-expression signatures associated with smoking, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Suppression of urinary PGEM correlated with favorable changes in a smoking-associated gene signature (P < 0.01). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that ASA intervention led to 1,079 enriched gene sets from the Canonical Pathways within the Molecular Signatures Database. In conclusion, low-dose ASA had minimal effects on known carcinogenesis gene signatures in nasal epithelium of current smokers but results in wide-ranging genomic changes in the nasal epithelium, demonstrating utility of nasal brushings as a surrogate to measure gene-expression responses to chemoprevention. PGEM may serve as a marker for smoking-associated gene-expression changes and systemic inflammation. Future studies should focus on NSAIDs or agent combinations with broader inhibition of pro-inflammatory ARA metabolism to shift gene signatures in an anti-carcinogenic direction.
Autofluorescence Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders
Authors: Cherry Katelin D. , Schwarz Richard A. , Yang Eric C. , Vohra Imran S. , Badaoui Hawraa , Williams Michelle D. , Vigneswaran Nadarajah , Gillenwater Ann M. , Richards-Kortum Rebecca
Published: August 2019

Patients with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) must undergo regular clinical surveillance to ensure that any progression to malignancy is detected promptly. Autofluorescence imaging (AFI) is an optical modality that can assist clinicians in detecting early cancers and high-grade dysplasia. Patients with OPMD undergoing surveillance for the development of oral cancer were examined using AFI at successive clinic visits. Autofluorescence images acquired at 133 clinical visits from sites in 15 patients who met inclusion criteria were analyzed quantitatively using an algorithm to calculate the red-to-green pixel intensity (RG ratio). A quantitative AFI threshold for high risk of progression was defined based on the RG ratio and was compared with expert clinical impression and with histopathology when available. Patients were divided into two groups based on their endpoint: surveillance (n = 6) or surgery (n = 9). In the surveillance group, 0 of 6 (0%) of patients were clinically identified as high risk for progression prior to the study endpoint, whereas 1 of 6 (17%) of patients were deemed at high risk for progression based on AFI during the same time period. In the surgery group, 9 of 9 (100%) of patients were clinically identified as high risk prior to the study endpoint, whereas 8 of 9 (89%) of patients were at high risk for progression based on AFI during the same time period. AFI results tracked over time were comparable with expert clinical impression in these patient groups. AFI has the potential to aid clinicians in noninvasively monitoring oral precancer and evaluating OPMDs that require increased surveillance.