bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical stimulation effects on the metabolism of adipocyte
Authors: Mor‐Yossef Moldovan Lisa , Kislev Nadav , Lustig Maayan , Pomeraniec Leslie , Benayahu Dafna
Published: April 2020

Adipose tissue plays a leading role in obesity, which, in turn, can lead to Type 2 diabetes. Adipocytes (AD) respond to the biomechanical stimulation experienced in fat tissue under static stretch during prolonged sitting or lying. To investigate the effect of such chronic stimulation on adipocyte cell metabolism, we used an in vitro system to mimic the static stretch conditions. Under in vitro culture stretching, cells were analyzed at the single‐cell level and we measured an increase in the projected area of the AD and higher content of lipid droplets. A decrease in the projected area of these cells’ nucleus is associated with peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma expression and heterochromatin. This is the first study to reveal proteins that were altered under static stretch following a mass spectrometry analysis and main pathways that affect cell fate and metabolism. Bioinformatics analysis of the proteins indicated an increase in mitochondrial activity and associated pathways under static stretch stimulation. Quantification of the mitochondrial activity by 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the ATPase related proteins specifically measured ATP5B indicated an increase in adipogenesis which points to a higher rate of cell metabolism under static stretch. In summary, our results elaborate on the metabolism of AD exposed to biomechanical stimulation, that is, associated with altered cellular protein profile and thereby influenced cell fate. The static stretch stimulation accelerated adipocyte differentiation through increased mitochondrial activity. Hence, in this study, we introduce a new perspective in understanding the molecular regulation of mechano‐transduction in adipogenesis.
Development and validation of a novel epigenetic signature for predicting prognosis in colon cancer
Authors: Luo Dakui , Liu Qi , Shan Zezhi , Cai Sanjun , Li Qingguo , Li Xinxiang
Published: April 2020

Epigenetic factors play a critical role in carcinogenesis by imparting a distinct feature to the chromatin architecture. The present study aimed to develop a novel epigenetic signature for evaluating the relapse‐free survival of colon cancer patients. Public microarray datasets were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus databases: GSE39582, GSE17538, GSE33113, and GSE37892 set. Patients from GSE39582 set were randomized 1:1 into training and internal validation series. Patients were divided into high‐risk and low‐risk groups in training series based on a set of 11 epigenetic factors (p < .001). The good reproducibility for the prognostic value of the epigenetic signature was confirmed in the internal validation series (p < .001), external validation series (a combination of GSE17538 set, GSE33113 set, and GSE37892 set; p = .018), and entire series (p < .001). Furthermore, a nomogram, which integrated the epigenetic signature, pathological stage, and postoperative chemotherapy, was developed based on the GSE39582 set. The time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curve at 1 year demonstrated that the comprehensive signature presented superior prognostic value than the pathological stage. In conclusion, an epigenetic signature, which could be utilized to divide colon cancer patients into two groups with significantly different risk of relapse, was established. This biomarker would aid in identifying patients who require an intensive follow‐up and aggressive therapeutic intervention.
An atypical lower limb pain revealing a possible systemic venous vasculitis
Authors: de Moreuil Claire , Rouvière Bénédicte , Rezig Schéhérazade , Le Duc‐Pennec Alexandra , Quintin‐Roué Isabelle , Bressollette Luc , Hoffmann Clément
Published: April 2020

We describe a possible systemic vasculitis involving electively large veins. The patient presented with severe febrile lower limb pain. Diagnosis was made by color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) and confirmed by anatomopathological examination of the long saphenous vein, but not by examination of the temporal artery which was normal. CDU found a unilateral halo sign of one temporal artery and a major wall swelling of the lower limb proximal deep veins. The etiology of this possible vasculitis is still unknown. It could be an unusual clinical presentation of giant cell arteritis with vein involvement but without proven arterial involvement. To confirm this hypothesis, it would be interesting to look systematically for lower limb vein thickening with CDU in patients newly diagnosed with giant cell arteritis who have lower limb pain.
Microstructural Alterations in Bipolar and Major Depressive Disorders: A Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging Study
Authors: Sawamura Daisuke , Narita Hisashi , Hashimoto Naoki , Nakagawa Shin , Hamaguchi Hiroyuki , Fujima Noriyuki , Kudo Kohsuke , Shirato Hiroki , Tha Khin K.
Published: April 2020

Background

Identifying structural and functional abnormalities in bipolar (BD) and major depressive disorders (MDD) is important for understanding biological processes.

Hypothesis

Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) may be able to detect the brain's microstructural alterations in BD and MDD and any differences between the two.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

In all, 16 BD patients, 19 MDD patients, and 20 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

DKI at 3.0T.

Assessment

The major DKI indices of the brain were compared voxel‐by‐voxel among the three groups. Significantly different voxels were tested for correlation with clinical variables (ie, Young Mania Rating Scale [YMRS], 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [17‐HDRS], Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, total disease duration, duration of current episode, and the number of past manic/depressive episodes). The performance of the DKI indices in identifying microstructural alterations was estimated.

Statistical Tests

One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for group comparison of DKI indices. The performance of these indices in detecting microstructural alterations was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Pearson's product–moment correlation analyses were used to test the correlations of these indices with clinical variables.

Results

DKI revealed widespread microstructural alterations across the brain in each disorder (P < 0.05). Some were significantly different between the two disorders. Mean kurtosis (MK) in the gray matter of the right inferior parietal lobe was able to distinguish BD and MDD with an accuracy of 0.906. A strong correlation was revealed between MK in that region and YMRS in BD patients (r = −0.641, corrected P = 0.042) or 17‐HDRS in MDD patients (r = −0.613, corrected P = 0.030). There were also strong correlations between a few other DKI indices and disease duration (r = −0.676 or 0.626, corrected P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

DKI detected microstructural brain alterations in BD and MDD. Its indices may be useful to distinguish the two disorders or to reflect disease severity and duration.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1187–1196.
Optimization of group size in pool testing strategy for SARS‐CoV‐2: A simple mathematical model
Authors: Aragón‐Caqueo Diego , Fernández‐Salinas Javier , Laroze David
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus disease (Covid‐19) has reached unprecedented pandemic levels and is affecting almost every country in the world. Ramping up the testing capacity of a country supposes an essential public health response to this new outbreak. A pool testing strategy where multiple samples are tested in a single reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) kit could potentially increase a country's testing capacity. The aim of this study is to propose a simple mathematical model to estimate the optimum number of pooled samples according to the relative prevalence of positive tests in a particular healthcare context, assuming that if a group tests negative, no further testing is done whereas if a group tests positive, all the subjects of the group are retested individually. The model predicts group sizes that range from 11 to 3 subjects. For a prevalence of 10% of positive tests, 40.6% of tests can be saved using testing groups of four subjects. For a 20% prevalence, 17.9% of tests can be saved using groups of three subjects. For higher prevalences, the strategy flattens and loses effectiveness. Pool testing individuals for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a valuable strategy that could considerably boost a country's testing capacity. However, further studies are needed to address how large these groups can be, without losing sensitivity on the RT‐PCR. The strategy best works in settings with a low prevalence of positive tests. It is best implemented in subgroups with low clinical suspicion. The model can be adapted to specific prevalences, generating a tailored to the context implementation of the pool testing strategy.
Higher‐order perfectly matched layer for the implicit CNDG‐FDTD algorithm
Authors: Wu Peiyu , Xie Yongjun , Jiang Haolin
Published: April 2020

On the basis of complex frequency‐shifted perfectly matched layer (CFS‐PML) formulation, an implementation of the higher‐order PML is proposed to terminate unbounded finite‐difference time domain (FDTD) computational domain. By incorporating the Crank‐Nicolson Douglas‐Gunn algorithm and the bilinear transform method, the proposed scheme can not only maintain the unconditional stability of the CN‐FDTD algorithm in terms of reducing computational time but also take advantage of the higher‐order PML in terms of improving absorbing performance. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposal in the homogenous free space and half‐space soil vacuum problems, respectively. It is demonstrated that the proposed unconditionally stable higher‐order CFS‐PML can not only efficiently absorb low‐frequency propagation waves, low‐frequency evanescent waves, and late‐time reflections but also overcome Courant‐Friedrich‐Levy limit.
Validation of ECMWF climatic data, 1979–2017, and implications for modelling water balance for tropical climates
Authors: de Oliveira Aparecido Lucas Eduardo , de Souza Rolim Glauco , da Silva Cabral de Moraes Jose Reinaldo
Published: April 2020

Gridded meteorological systems greatly facilitate the analysis of the impacts of climate on crop development and productivity. Comparisons of these data with actual ground data validate this data source for various analyses in agricultural areas. The impact of the use of these grid data is an important evaluation for the temporal and spatial simulation of soil‐water availability for crops. We seek to verify how meteorological (ECMWF) data represents the surface water balance for Minas Gerais state. Monthly data for air temperature (T) and precipitation (P) from ECMWF were compared with the data from 771 ground stations (National Meteorological Institute, INMET) in the state of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil for 1979–2017. Potential evapotranspiration was estimated by Thornthwaite method (1948), and water balance was estimated by the method proposed by Thornthwaite and Mather (1955), with an available water capacity of 100 mm. We temporally and spatially compared the two data sources, and the comparisons were evaluated for accuracy using mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) root mean square error (RMSE) and for precision using the adjusted coefficient of determination (R2adj). ECMWF T and P tended to be temporally and spatially similar to the INMET data. The largest deviation between INMET T and ECMWF T was 2.81°C, mainly in the southwest of the state (the Minas Gerais triangle) and part of the central region during winter and spring, and the smallest deviation was −0.19°C in the northeast. The largest deviation between INMET P and ECMWF P was 75 mm·mo−1 in the summer, mainly between January and February in the central region of Minas Gerais. ECMWF T and ECMWF P allowed an accurate estimation of the components of the water balance. For example, the lowest MAPEs were 1.21% for ECMWF water‐storage capacity (southern Minas Gerais), 9.16% for ECMWF water deficiency (Vale do Jequitinhonha e Mucurí), and 8.69% for ECMWF excess water (Vale do Jequitinhonha e Mucurí). ECMWF can be used to estimate WB to represent surface stations, provided they are calibrated according to the region and seasons.
Statistical characterization of the sea‐breeze physical mechanisms through in‐situ and satellite observations
Authors: Grau Antoni , Jiménez Maria A. , Cuxart Joan
Published: April 2020

The physical mechanisms that take place under sea‐breeze (SB) conditions in the Palma basin (Mallorca island, western Mediterranean sea) are analysed through the inspection of data from automatic weather stations (AWS) during the period 2009–2017. Satellite‐derived land‐surface and sea‐surface temperatures (LST and SST, respectively) are used to compute the surface temperature difference (LST–SST) in the Palma basin. It is found that during daytime hourly averages for each month of this difference are always positive and maximal during summer time. A method is proposed to select the SB events using data from AWS. SB conditions are mainly reported during the warm months of the year (from April to September). Results from the statistical analysis of the selected SB events show that the morning reversal strongly depends on the speed and direction of the large‐scale winds. Besides, weak wind conditions are reported during the morning reversal and once the SB starts the cold advection from the sea counteracts the radiative heating and the 2‐m temperature levels off. The maximum surface temperature difference under SB conditions is larger than 5°C and it is often reported several hours after the morning reversal. About 2 hr later the maximum wind speed is formed, strongly influenced by the amount of soil moisture.
Submicron full‐color LED pixels for microdisplays and micro‐LED main displays
Authors: Liu Xianhe , Wu Yuanpeng , Malhotra Yakshita , Sun Yi , Ra Yong‐Ho , Wang Renjie , Stevenson Matthew , Coe‐Sullivan Seth , Mi Zetian
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate a bottom‐up approach to the construction of micro‐LEDs as small as 150 nm in lateral dimension. Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is used to fabricate such nanostructured LEDs from InGaN, from the blue to red regions of the spectrum, providing a single material set useful for an entire RGB display.
Triblock Copolymers Based on Sucrose Methacrylate and Methyl Methacrylate: RAFT Polymerization and Self‐Assembly
Authors: Marcilli Raphael Henrique Marques , Petzhold Cesar Liberato , Felisberti Maria Isabel
Published: April 2020

ABA and BAB triblock amphiphilic copolymers based on sucrose methacrylate and methyl methacrylate are synthesized by sequential reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization using S,S′‐bis(R,R′‐dimethyl‐R′′‐acetic acid)‐trithiocarbonate as a chain transfer agent. The copolymers present narrow molar mass dispersity, controlled molar mass and architecture as determined by gel permeation chromatography and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. The copolymers with molar and mass fractions of poly(sucrose methacrylate) block ranging from 1 to 22 mol% and 3 to 52 wt%, respectively, and different molar masses present characteristics of a surfactant such as self‐assembly. The self‐assembly of the triblock copolymers in water, N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, or benzene results mostly in vesicles as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy images and small‐angle X‐ray of the dispersions. Moreover, the copolymers present the capability to stabilize aromatic molecules (Nile Red dye) and nonpolar solvents in an aqueous phase and polar ionic molecules (methylene blue) and water in a nonpolar medium, suggesting the potential for application in drug encapsulation, environmental remediation systems, and molecular extraction in liquid–liquid immiscible systems, for example. Films prepared by casting from copolymer solutions in DMF present a lamellar structure with the lamellar thickness varying according to the copolymer molar mass.
Two novel deleterious variants of Angiotensin‐I‐converting Enzyme gene identified in a family with recurrent anhydramnios
Authors: Wang Jingwei , Bin Qiao , Cheng Biheng , Yan Li , Xiong Liang , Tan Bi‐Hua , McGrath Mary , Smink Gayle M. , Song Chunhua , Tong Yongqing
Published: April 2020

Background

Anhydramnios results from the poor development of the placenta or problems with intrauterine development of the kidneys or urinary tract. Complete lack of amniotic fluid indicates a severe problem with the organs of the urinary system. The genes associated with anhydramnios show very diversity and are not yet well defined.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was used for an aborted male case around the 20th week of gestation diagnosed with anhydramnios. The resulted deleterious variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity of deleterious variants was explored by in silico analysis.

Results

A maternally inherited deleterious frameshift variant, c.1454_1455insC, p.(S486Ffs29) in exon 9 and two paternally inherited missense variants c.1037C > G, p.(Ser346Trp) in exon 7 and c.1465A > G, p.(Asn489Asp) in exon 9 of Angiotensin‐I‐Converting Enzyme (ACE) gene were found and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. c.1454_1455insC, p.(S486Ffs29) and c.1037C > G, p.(Ser346Trp) were identified as two novel compound heterozygous deleterious variants. The pathogenicity of these deleterious variants was determined by in silico analysis and both the deleterious variants disrupt the structure of the ACE protein.

Conclusion

Two novel compound heterozygous variants were identified in the case with anhydramnios, which may be associated with pathogenicity of anhydramnios. Our data also revealed that the WES approach may provide helpful information for genetic counseling of the families with anhydramnios.
CASC15 polymorphisms are correlated with cervical cancer susceptibility in Chinese women
Authors: Gao Ziying , Xiong Zichao , Sun Yao , Wu Jiamin , Liu Jianfeng , Liu Yuanwei , Li Haiyue , Li Bin , Jin Tianbo
Published: April 2020

Background

Cervical cancer is a frequent, common cancer in women, and causes high cancer‐related deaths among women in our world. Accumulating studies provided an important evidence for long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) polymorphisms in the susceptibility of various cancer. Here, we recruited 494 cervical cancer cases and 504 unrelated controls to assess the relationship between CASC15 (OMIM# 616610) polymorphisms and cervical cancer susceptibility.

Methods

Agena MassARRAY platform was conducted to genotype CASC15 polymorphisms. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed through logistic regression to adjust for confounding factors, such as age and gender.

Results

Our study suggested that rs12212674 (NC_000006.12:g.22086845T>A) “A” allele was significantly associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.01–1.69, p = .041). The result was demonstrated in the log‐additive model (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.02–1.72, p = .037). After age stratification, we also found that the “TT” genotype of rs4712653 (NC_000006.11:g.22125964T>C) in CASC15 was interaction with a higher cervical cancer risk in subjects aged ≤51 years in the co‐dominant model (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.02–4.25, p = .044) and the recessive model (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.05–4.24, p = .036). Whereas no significant correlation was found among other SNPs of CASC15 polymorphisms and the risk of cervical cancer. MDR analysis illustrated that the interaction between rs7740084 (NC_000006.11:g.21727531G>A), rs1555529 (NC_000006.11:g.21691704A>G), and rs12212674 had a certain effect on the progress of cervical cancer.

Conclusion

Our results revealed a potential interaction between CASC15 polymorphisms and cervical cancer susceptibility. The results provided important insights into CASC15 function in the development of cervical cancer.
Psychological distress found among exposed health care workers
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2020

Recent research to assess the magnitude of mental health outcomes and associated factors among health care workers treating patients exposed to COVID‐19 in China has found that many are psychologically stressed, raising concerns about the psychological well‐being of physicians and nurses involved in the acute COVID‐19 outbreak.
Virtual clinic to assist patients with urgent psychiatric care
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2020

As Maryland braces for a surge of COVID‐19 cases, the country's largest private provider of nonprofit mental health and substance use services has launched a virtual crisis walk‐in clinic to avail the state's residents with an online mental assessment by a provider and connection to the most appropriate follow‐up care. Officials say the goal is to decrease emergency room visits for psychiatric patients during this time.
An efficient wavelet‐based method for numerical solution of nonlinear integral and integro‐differential equations
Authors: Sohaib Muhammad , Haq Sirajul
Published: April 2020

In this work, Legendre wavelet collocation method is implemented for the numerical solution of nonlinear integral and integro‐differential equations. We approximate the solution with Legendre wavelet. The evaluations of integrals has been carried out with the help of Gaussian integration formula. The system of equations is obtained using collocation approach. The system of equations is then solved to obtain the desire solution. The method works in a direct way, which does not need any discretization, linearization, or perturbation. To check the efficiency of the scheme, we match the computed results with those available in literature. From comparison, it has been concluded that obtained results are better than those presented before and require less computational cost.
Discrete fractional solutions to the k‐hypergeometric differential equation
Authors: Yilmazer Resat , Ali Karmina
Published: April 2020

In this study, the discrete fractional nabla calculus operator is used to investigate the k‐hypergeometric differential equation for both homogeneous and nonhomogeneous states. To solve the guiding equation, we implement certain classical transformations and also constrain the parameters needed to determine them valued. In order to achieve these results, some equipment like the Leibniz rule, the index law, the shift operator, and the power rule are set out in the frame of the discreet fractional calculus. We use all of these tools to the governing equation for homogeneous and nonhomogeneous situations. The major benefit of the fractional nabla operator is that it implements singular differential equations and converts them into fractional order equations. As a result, several new exact fractional solutions of the given equation are constructed.
Marker‐free optical stereo motion tracking for in‐bore MRI and PET‐MRI application
Authors: Kyme Andre Z. , Aksoy Murat , Henry David L. , Bammer Roland , Maclaren Julian
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Prospective motion correction is arguably the “silver bullet” solution for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies impacted by motion, applicable to almost any pulse sequence and immune from the spin history artifacts introduced by a moving object. In prospective motion correction, the magnetic field gradients and radio frequency waveforms are adjusted in real time in response to measured head motion so as to maintain the head in a stationary reference frame relative to the scanner. Vital for this approach are accurate and rapidly sampled head pose measurements, which may be obtained optically using cameras. However, most optical methods are limited by the need to attach physical markers to the skin, which leads to decoupling of head and marker motion and reduces the effectiveness of correction. In this work we investigate the feasibility and initial performance of a stereo‐optical motion tracking method which does not require any attached markers.

Methods

The method relies on detecting distinctive natural features or amplified features (using skin stamps) directly on the forehead in multiple camera views, and then deriving pose estimates via a 3D‐2D registration between the skin features and a database of forehead landmarks. To demonstrate the feasibility and potential accuracy of the marker‐free method for discrete (step‐wise) head motion, we performed out‐of‐bore and in‐bore experiments using robotically and manually controlled phantoms in addition to in‐bore testing on human volunteers. We also developed a convenient out‐of‐bore test bed to benchmark and optimize the motion tracking performance.

Results

For out‐of‐bore phantom tests, the pose estimation accuracy (compared to robotic ground truth) was 0.14 mm and 0.23 degrees for incremental translation and rotation, respectively. For arbitrary motion, the pose accuracy obtained using the smallest forehead feature patch was equivalent to 0.21 ± 0.11 mm positional accuracy in the striatum. For in‐bore phantom experiments, the accuracy of rigid‐body motion parameters (compared to wireless MR‐sensitive markers) was 0.08–0.41 ± 0.18 mm/0.05–0.3 ± 0.12 deg and 0.14–0.16 ± 0.12 mm/0.08‐0.17 ± 0.08 deg for the small and large feature patches, respectively. In vivo results in human volunteers indicated sub‐millimeter and sub‐degree pose accuracy for all rotations and translations except the depth direction (max error 1.8 mm) when compared to a registration‐based approach.

Conclusions

In both bench‐top and in vivo experiments we demonstrate the feasibility of using very small feature patches directly on the skin to obtain high accuracy head pose measurements needed for motion‐correction in MRI brain studies. The optical technique uses in‐bore cameras and is consistent with the limited visibility of the forehead afforded by head coils used in brain imaging. Future work will focus on optimization of the technique and demonstration in prospective motion correction.
Medications used to treat bladder disorders may alter effects of neuromodulation
Authors: Ness Timothy J. , McNaught Jamie , Clodfelder‐Miller Buffie , Su Xin
Published: April 2020

Aims

Neuromodulation (nerve stimulation) can produce analgesia. One form, bilateral pudendal nerve stimulation (bPNS), suppresses responses to urinary bladder distension (UBD) in hypersensitive rats. Drugs can modify this effect (eg, benzodiazepines, but not opioids, suppress bPNS effects). Prior to a clinical trial of bPNS effects on bladder pain, we felt it was prudent to survey the effects of medications commonly used in patients with bladder disorders.

Methods

Bladder hypersensitivity was produced by neonatal bladder inflammation in rat pups coupled with a second inflammatory insult as an adult. Antimuscarinic (oxybutynin), β3‐adrenoceptor agonist (mirabegron, CL316243), α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist (tamsulosin), antidepressant (amitriptyline), muscle relaxing (baclofen), and sedative (propofol) agents were administered and effects of bPNS on responses to UBD assessed. bPNS consisted of bilateral biphasic electrical stimulation of the mixed motor/sensory component of the pudendal nerves. Visceromotor responses (VMRs; abdominal muscle contractile responses) were used as nociceptive endpoints.

Results

Many of these drugs directly inhibited the VMRs to UBD, but only mirabegron, at the doses employed, significantly reduced inhibitory effects of bPNS. In the presence of the other drugs, bPNS continued to produce statistically significant inhibition of VMRs to UBD.

Conclusions

This study suggests that concurrent therapy with drugs used to treat bladder disorders could affect assessment of the effects of bPNS on bladder hypersensitivity. This study gives guidance to clinical trials using bPNS for the treatment of painful bladder syndromes and suggests potential clinical use of some of these medications in the treatment of these same disorders.
On the road to better routes: Five decades of published research on the vehicle routing problem
Authors: Wang Xingyin , Wasil Edward
Published: April 2020

For nearly 50 years, Networks has been at the forefront of routing research and practice with more than 140 articles in print with tens of thousands of citations. These articles span the development of solution procedures to reporting practical applications. We identify key areas of contribution including exact algorithms, heuristics, arc routing, and periodic routing, and provide detailed annotations for important articles in each area. Our survey reveals the rich heritage of published routing work that continues to influence the field today.
Associations between paediatric fatigue and eating behaviours
Authors: Oberle Megan M. , Northrop Elise F. , Bramante Carolyn T. , Rudser Kyle D. , Gross Amy C. , Kelly Aaron S.
Published: April 2020

Background

In adults, poor sleep quality is associated with increased obesogenic eating behaviours; less is known about this relationship in youth. The objectives of this study were to assess the strength of association between fatigue‐related quality of life (QoL) and eating behaviours among youth and to describe the associations in participants with percent body fat (%BF) above and below the 90th percentile for sex and age.

Methods

Caregiver‐reported measures of fatigue (Pediatric QoL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale) and eating behaviours (Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire) were obtained from participants aged 8–17 years. %BF was measured by iDXA and grouped by sex‐ and age‐specific percentiles. Multiple linear regression adjusting for age, sex and race/ethnicity was used.

Results

Of the 352 participants (49% male), 44.6% had %BF >90th percentile. General, sleep/rest and cognitive fatigue QoL was inversely associated with food approach behaviours: food responsiveness, enjoyment of food, emotional overeating and desire to drink. For participants with %BF >90th percentile, higher general fatigue QoL was associated with higher satiety responsiveness (0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI 0.03, 0.24]). For participants with %BF ≤90th percentile, higher general fatigue QoL was associated with less satiety responsiveness (−0.16; 95% CI [−0.31, −0.01]).

Conclusion

Less fatigue symptoms were associated with less behaviours associated with food approach among paediatric participants. For participants with %BF >90th percentile, less symptoms of general fatigues corresponded with more satiety. Though causation has yet to be established, youth with elevated %BF should be screened for fatigue symptoms and offered counselling on sleep hygiene or a sleep medicine referral to help mitigate weight gain.
In‐Situ Upgrading of Coal Pyrolysis Tar with Steam Catalytic Cracking over Ni/Al2O3 Catalysts
Authors: Cao Siqian , Wang Dechao , Wang Mingyi , Zhu Jialong , Jin Lijun , Li Yang , Hu Haoquan
Published: April 2020

In‐situ upgrading of coal pyrolysis tar with steam catalytic cracking (SCC) is a promising technique to improve tar quality. In this study, Ni/Al2O3 catalysts with different Ni contents were used for in‐situ SCC of coal pyrolysis tar at 650 °C. The results showed that Ni/Al2O3 catalysts can enhance the water conversion and light tar yield. Both SCC and tar catalytic cracking can occur simultaneously over Ni/Al2O3, and the free radicals produced by tar catalytic cracking can be stabilized by active species generated from SCC to avoid excessive cracking of tar and improve light tar yield. 4Ni/Al2O3 (4 wt. % Ni) exhibits the best performance, contributing to the highest water conversion of 4.74 wt. % and light tar yield of 11.90 wt. %, respectively. Correspondingly, the content of light fraction (boiling point less than 360 °C) in tar sample increases from 48.0 wt. % to 67.0 wt. %, and the average molecular weight decreases from 353 amu to 253 amu over 4Ni/Al2O3. This is consistent with the increase of benzenes, phenols and naphthalenes and the decrease of long‐chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, 3‐ and 4‐ring aromatics in upgraded tar. In addition, the higher ratio of uncondensed aromatic protons to condensed aromatic protons in upgraded tar reveals the fact that 4Ni/Al2O3 can promote ring‐opening reaction of PAHs, which can well interpret the tar upgrading process.
Biomimetic Synthesis of Copper/Polydopamine‐Functionalized Oxygenated Carbon Nitride Composites and Their Application as Lubricants
Authors: Min Chunying , Jia Wei , He Zengbao , Zhang Kan , Yang Yuzi , Dong Changkun , Zhu Jinfeng
Published: April 2020

The wet chemical reduction method was used to modify polydopamine (PDA) functionalized oxygenated carbon nitride (O‐g‐C3N4) nanosheets to prepare in situ growth of Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs) decorated on nanosheets. The PDA attached to the surface of O‐g‐C3N4 provided a uniformly distributed platform for copper nanoparticles. It also provided rich functional groups and provided good conditions for the dispersion of Cu/PDA/O‐g‐C3N4 in pure oil. Through TEM testing, Cu NPs with a diameter of 5–10 nm were evenly distributed on the PDA/O‐g‐C3N4 nanosheets. Through the sliding test on the steel surface, it was obvious that adding 0.2 wt % Cu/PDA/O‐g‐C3N4 to pure oil had a lowest coefficient of friction. In addition, the wear marks on the surface of Cu/PDA/O‐g‐C3N4 steel discs were studied with an optical microscope and a three‐dimensional profiler and its wear resistance was better than Cu NPs, O‐g‐C3N4 and Cu/O‐g‐C3N4.
Potential Site to Direct Selective Compounds in the Triosephosphate Isomerase for the Development of New Drugs
Authors: Benítez‐Cardoza Claudia G. , Jiménez‐Pineda Albertana , Angles‐Falconi Sergio I. , Fernández‐Velasco Daniel A. , Vique‐Sánchez José L.
Published: April 2020

In the pharmaceutical industry, the development of selective drugs to an enzyme or the repositioning of commercial drugs, today, is booming. The glycolytic enzyme triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) has been used as a therapeutic target for the development of new drugs against various pathogenic organisms. Therefore, saving resources in the development of new drugs, by directing the interaction of pharmacological compounds to an interaction site with a high probability to be selective, represents an opportunity for researchers.
Synthesis, In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Bleomycin‐Dependent DNA Damage Evaluation of Some Heterocyclic‐Fused Pyrimidinone Derivatives
Authors: El‐Mekabaty Ahmed , Etman Hassan A. , Mosbah Ahmed , Fadda Ahmed A.
Published: April 2020

In this work, enaminones 1 a,b were used as precursors for the synthesis of novel fused heterocyclic ring systems (e. g. pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidinones, isoxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidinones, pyrimido[4,5‐d]pyrimidinones and related compounds) via their reactions with some N‐nucleophiles. The cytotoxic activity of the designed products was assessed via the MTT colorimetric assay against human liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and normal lung fibroblasts (WI‐38) cell lines using doxorubicin as a reference standard. Among the screened compounds, pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidinone 3 d and pyrimido[4,5‐d]pyrimidinones 6 a,b, 7 b and 8 a,b were selected as lead molecules because they showed significant activity against HepG2 cells and a weak cytotoxic effect against WI‐38 cells. In further, all of the compounds were subjected to the bleomycin‐dependent DNA damage studies. The results indicated that most of them have a remarkable ability to protect DNA compared to ascorbic acid as a standard compound.
Sanierung der Wehrwalzen an Hengstey‐ und Baldeneysee
Authors: Roesler Frank , Rudzinski Ulrich , Schiffmann Andreas , Schneeberger Michael
Published: April 2020

An den etwa 90 Jahre alten Wehrwalzen von Hengstey‐ und Baldeneysee standen erstmals in ihrer Betriebszeit grundlegende Sanierungsarbeiten an. Hierzu werden die Walzen zunächst vollständig entschichtet, dann defekte Stahlbauteile ausgetauscht und anschließend ein neuer Korrosionsschutz aufgetragen. Zudem werden Antriebsketten erneuert und vorhandene Dichtungskonstruktionen ersetzt. Zu den Herausforderungen bei der Sanierung zählen u. a. voneinander abweichende Angaben in alten Statiken und Bestandsplänen, problematische Schadstoffgehalte in der alten Korrosionsbeschichtung sowie die Wiederherstellung eines dichten Anschlusses zwischen Walzen und Sohlbalken.
Photoprotective properties of natural antioxidant flavonoids: A DFT and TD‐DFT study on acridone derivatives
Authors: Chinh Ngo Thi , Le Anh Nguyen Thi , Thao Pham Thi , Quang Dao Duy
Published: April 2020

Antioxidant and photoprotective properties of two natural acridone derivatives namely Paratrimerin C (1) and Citrusinine‐I (2) have been studied by DFT and TD‐DFT at the M05‐2X/6‐311++G(3df, 3p)//M05‐2X/6‐31+G(d) level of theory. Three common mechanisms characterized for the antioxidant properties including H‐atom transfer (HAT) and proton transfer (PT) towards HOO●/HO● radicals and single electron transfer (SET) were investigated in the gas phase, water and pentyle thanoate. The DFT results revealed that both compounds can efficiently scavenge HOO● and HO● radicals via HAT mechanism in all media. Particularly, the HAT reactions of 2 with HO● radical in water are the most favored reaction (∆H ‐37.7 kcal/mol). In addition, the efficient UV‐absorption ability of the studied compound was elucidated by TD‐DFT. All compounds can absorb UV radiations in the range of 200‐335 nm, for which the easiest excitations are at 334‐332 nm and the strongest absorptions were found at 234‐227 nm, for 1 and 2, respectively. The HOMO to LUMO and HOMO‐3 to LUMO (π‐π*) transitions are assigned for the corresponding UV‐absorption.
Indigenizing Development
Authors: MacNeill Timothy
Published: April 2020

This chapter compares, contrasts, and, where possible, incorporates indigenous concepts of sustainable development with “Western” ideas presented in earlier chapters. The goal here is to use Maya, Andean indigenous, and Garifuna development ideas to bend the sustainable development towards an indigenous perspective. The underlying question addressed is “can existing ideas of development bend to incorporate indigenous perspectives, or must they be jettisoned if indigeneity is to be meaningfully considered?”
Culture in Critical and Sociological Thought
Authors: MacNeill Timothy
Published: April 2020

Classical thought on culture and development was not all functionalist. Large critical traditions of thought emerged in the eighteenth century, and these would inform many later theories of international development. Marxian and Gramscian theories are discussed in this chapter, as are early sociological contributions from thinkers such Weber, Parsons, Veblen, and others.
Origins of a Maya Sustainable Development Movement
Authors: MacNeill Timothy
Published: April 2020

This chapter discusses the emergence of a strong indigenous challenge to mainstream development that emerged in Guatemala. The historical and global changes that contributed to this idea are explored in detail. So are the deep cultural roots of Maya cosmovision, in which this idea is embedded. The chapter focusses around the story of one particular Maya organization called El Centro Pluricultural para la Democracia (the Pluricultural Centre for Democracy), from which the indigenous idea of culturally sustainable development emerged.
Dynamics for holographic codes
Authors: Osborne Tobias J. , Stiegemann Deniz E.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We describe how to introduce dynamics for the holographic states and codes introduced by Pastawski, Yoshida, Harlow and Preskill. This task requires the definition of a continuous limit of the kinematical Hilbert space which we argue may be achieved via the semicontinuous limit of Jones. Dynamics is then introduced by building a unitary representation of a group known as Thompson’s group T, which is closely related to the conformal group conf (ℝ1,1). The bulk Hilbert space is realised as a special subspace of the semicontinuous limit Hilbert space spanned by a class of distinguished states which can be assigned a discrete bulk geometry. The analogue of the group of large bulk diffeomorphisms is given by a unitary representation of the Ptolemy group Pt , on the bulk Hilbert space thus realising a toy model of the AdS/CFT correspondence which we call the Pt /T correspondence.
Weyl–Schrödinger Representations of Heisenberg Groups in Infinite Dimensions
Authors: Lopushansky Oleh
Published: April 2020

We investigate the group $${\mathcal {H}}_{\mathbb {C}}$$HC of complexified Heisenberg matrices with entries from an infinite-dimensional complex Hilbert space H. Irreducible representations of the Weyl–Schrödinger type on the space $$L^2_\chi $$Lχ2 of quadratically integrable $${\mathbb {C}}$$C-valued functions are described. Integrability is understood with respect to the projective limit $$\chi =\varprojlim \chi _i$$χ=lim←χi of probability Haar measures $$\chi _i$$χi defined on groups of unitary $$i\times i$$i×i-matrices U(i). The measure $$\chi $$χ is invariant under the infinite-dimensional group $$U(\infty )=\bigcup U(i)$$U(∞)=⋃U(i) and satisfies the abstract Kolmogorov consistency conditions. The space $$L^2_\chi $$Lχ2 is generated by Schur polynomials on Paley–Wiener maps. The Fourier-image of $$L^2_\chi $$Lχ2 coincides with the Hardy space $${H}^2_\beta $$Hβ2 of Hilbert–Schmidt analytic functions on H generated by the correspondingly weighted Fock space $$\varGamma _\beta (H)$$Γβ(H). An application to heat equation over $${\mathcal {H}}_{\mathbb {C}}$$HC is considered.
Auswirkung der Implementierung eines Schockraumkoordinators auf Prozessparameter der Polytraumaversorgung im Schockraum eines Maximalversorgers
Authors: Schmitz J. , Battenberg T. , Drinhaus H. , Eifinger F. , Ries C. , Hinkelbein J.
Published: April 2020

Hintergrund

In der Altersgruppe bis 40 Jahre stellt das schwere Trauma die häufigste Todesursache in Deutschland dar. Entsprechend der S3-Leitlinie „Polytrauma/Schwerverletztenbehandlung“ ist seit 2011 die Anwesenheit eines Schockraumkoordinators in Erwägung zu ziehen, der durch optimierte Versorgungs- und Behandlungsabläufe das Überleben der Patienten verbessern kann. Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung war die Analyse unterschiedlicher Prozessparameter zur Schockraumversorgung polytraumatisierter Patienten vor und nach Implementierung eines Schockraumkoordinators für die Polytraumaversorgung.

Material und Methoden

Um einen ausreichenden zeitlichen Abstand zum Zeitpunkt der Neueinführungen (2011) einzuhalten, wurden die Jahre 2009 und 2012 zum Vergleich herangezogen: Alle eingescannten Schockraumprotokolle der Jahre 2009 (01.01.2009–31.12.2009) und 2012 (01.01.2012–31.12.2012) wurden gesichtet und ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Aus dem Jahr 2009 wurden 213 und aus dem Jahr 2012 wurden 420 Schockraumeinsätze in die Auswertung einbezogen. Die durchschnittliche Schockraumanzahl lag im Jahr 2009 bei 17,8/Monat und im Jahr 2012 bei 35/Monat. Die mittlere Anzahl der Schockraumeinsätze hat sich nahezu verdoppelt (p < 0,001). Die mittlere Schockraumdauer lag im Jahr 2012 im Durchschnitt 5,8 min unter der im Jahr 2009 (p = 0,56).

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Patientenversorgung war in Anwesenheit eines Schockraumkoordinators bzw. nach Implementierung der SOP weder statistisch signifikant noch klinisch relevant verkürzt.
Transient protein expression in tobacco BY-2 plant cell packs using single and multi-cassette replicating vectors
Authors: Poborilova Zuzana , Plchova Helena , Cerovska Noemi , Gunter Cornelius J. , Hitzeroth Inga I. , Rybicki Edward P. , Moravec Tomas
Published: April 2020

Key message

This is the first evidence that replicating vectors can be successfully used for transient protein expression in BY-2 plant cell packs.

Transient recombinant protein expression in plants and recently also plant cell cultures are of increasing interest due to the speed, safety and scalability of the process. Currently, studies are focussing on the design of plant virus-derived vectors to achieve higher amounts of transiently expressed proteins in these systems. Here we designed and tested replicating single and multi-cassette vectors that combine elements for enhanced replication and hypertranslation, and assessed their ability to express and particularly co-express proteins by Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression in tobacco BY-2 plant cell packs. Substantial yields of green and red fluorescent proteins of up to ~ 700 ng/g fresh mass were detected in the plant cells along with position-dependent expression. This is the first evidence of the ability of replicating vectors to transiently express proteins in BY-2 plant cell packs.
Development of a combined mining technique to protect the underground workspace above confined aquifer from water inrush disaster
Authors: Yu Shengchao , Xu Jingmin , Zhu Weibing , Wang Sihua , Liu Wenbing
Published: April 2020

One task facing by the geotechnical engineers is to protect the workspace in an underground construction/excavation site from various forms of geological disasters, such as the water inrush, rock burst, and collapse of the surrounding rock/soil. In this paper, a combined controlling measure was proposed based on underground mining and water environment: the method of strip mining has been initially proposed as an effective measure against underground workspace floor failure when mining above confined aquifer in the Bucun coal mine, China, and however, its ability to avoid floor water inrush has yet to be demonstrated; in the next step, field trials using caving zone backfill technology to prevent underground workspace floor failure and excavate retained strip coal pillars were implemented based on the theoretical calculation and numerical simulation results. Engineering practice showed that the failure depth of the underlying strata of the workspace had no growth without the possibility of water inrush, and the safety of the underground space was achieved. Thus, this study represents a successful attempt to develop the combined strip mining and caving zone backfilling technique to ensure the safety of the underground workspace and control surface subsidence when excavating the retained strip coal pillars above confined aquifer. The proposed combined technique can also be used in other underground excavation activities with similar problems.
Role of PI3K/AKT pathway in cancer: the framework of malignant behavior
Authors: Jiang Ningni , Dai Qijie , Su Xiaorui , Fu Jianjiang , Feng Xuancheng , Peng Juan
Published: April 2020

Given that the PI3K/AKT pathway has manifested its compelling influence on multiple cellular process, we further review the roles of hyperactivation of PI3K/AKT pathway in various human cancers. We state the abnormalities of PI3K/AKT pathway in different cancers, which are closely related with tumorigenesis, proliferation, growth, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, stem-like phenotype, immune microenvironment and drug resistance of cancer cells. In addition, we investigated the current clinical trials of inhibitors against PI3K/AKT pathway in cancers and found that the clinical efficacy of these inhibitors as monotherapy has so far been limited despite of the promising preclinical activity, which means combinations of targeted therapy may achieve better efficacies in cancers. In short, we hope to feature PI3K/AKT pathway in cancers to the clinic and bring the new promising to patients for targeted therapies.