bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryptococcus neoformans Evades Pulmonary Immunity by Modulating Xylose Precursor Transport
Authors: Li Lucy X. , Hole Camaron R. , Rangel-Moreno Javier , Khader Shabaana A. , Doering Tamara L.
Published: May 2020

Cryptococcus neoformansis a fungal pathogen that kills almost 200,000 people each year and is distinguished by abundant and unique surface glycan structures that are rich in xylose. A mutant strain ofC. neoformansthat cannot transport xylose precursors into the secretory compartment is severely attenuated in virulence in mice yet surprisingly is not cleared. We found that this strain failed to induce the nonprotective T helper cell type 2 (Th2) responses characteristic of wild-type infection, instead promoting sustained interleukin 12p40 (IL-12p40) induction and increased IL-17A (IL-17) production.
Tracing shock-wave propagation in the Chicxulub crater: Implications for the formation of peak rings
Authors: Ebert Matthias , Poelchau Michael H. , Kenkmann Thomas , Schuster Bennet
Published: May 2020

The Chicxulub crater (Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico) is considered exceptional in many scientific aspects; morphologically it is the only known impact structure on Earth with a well-preserved peak ring. Recent drilling (International Ocean Discovery Program–International Continental Scientific Drilling Program Expedition 364) into this topographic feature provides insights into the structural properties and complex formation of a peak ring. By means of U-stage microscopy on shocked quartz grains from the granitic section of the recovered drill core, orientations of feather features (FFs) were determined and local principal axis of stress (σ1) orientations of the shock wave were derived. The FF orientations are strongly confined to a radially outward trend (WNW) relative to the crater center, which emphasizes a link between FF formation and the direction of shock-wave propagation. Thus, FFs represent an excellent tool as a stress-orientation indicator for the shock wave. Our microstructural data set shows that the granitic basement of the peak ring between ∼750 and ∼1200 m below seafloor behaved as a semi-coherent block above an imbricate thrust zone, and underwent both rotation and local folding during cratering. This validates the block sizes of acoustic fluidization employed in most Chicxulub-scale impact simulations. The folding of the upper part of the granitic basement may have developed by either (1) compression of the crater wall at the transient cavity and/or (2) dragging by the centripetal flow of the overlying crater material.
Attitudes and perceived barriers to mental healthcare in the People’s Liberation Army Navy: study from a navy base
Authors: Gu Ren-Ping , Liu X R , Ye X F
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA, China) Navy is increasingly conducting military operations other than war overseas. Factors such as confrontations with pirates, special environments and long sailing times have resulted in mental health problems. However, the navy’s actual utilisation of mental health services is low. This study examined members’ rate of willingness to seek help and the factors that act as barriers to willingness to seek mental health services in the PLA Navy.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Zhoushan Base, operated by the East Sea Fleet, between March 2019 and April 2019. We distributed a 12-item questionnaire to examine participants’ attitudes and perceived barriers to mental healthcare. We recruited 676 navy personnel. Participants’ willingness to seek help if they had mental health problems was also assessed.

Results

The response rate was 99%. A total of 88.44% of the sample reported being willing to seek help. Univariate analysis suggested that those not willing to seek help were more likely to agree with the items, ‘Mental healthcare does not work’ and ‘My unit leadership might treat me differently’ and all organisational barriers, and they were more likely to have concerns about ‘embarrassment’ and ‘being weak’ than those willing to seek help. After controlling for demographic characteristics, binary logistic regression analyses confirmed that a lack of knowledge regarding the location of mental health clinics and being perceived as weak were the main factors preventing participants’ willingness from seeking help.

Conclusions

Extensive efforts to decrease organisational barriers and stigma towards mental healthcare should be a priority for researchers and policymakers to improve the usage of mental health services. Psychoeducation aimed at de-stigmatising mental health problems should be delivered and the accessibility and availability of mental health services should be increased.
Enhancing chemical stability of tetranitro biimidazole-based energetic materials through co-crystallization
Authors: Perera Manomi D. , Sinha Abhijeet S. , Aakeröy Christer B.
Published: May 2020

Co-crystallization technology was employed as a way of solving two problems hampering the usefulness of 4,4′,5,5′-tetranitro-2,2′biimidazole (TNBI) as a viable energetic material, namely hygroscopicity and corrosiveness (high acidity). Co-crystal screening was carried out with 15 co-formers containing nitrogen or oxygen as the primary hydrogen-bond acceptor site. Formation of co-crystals was confirmed by IR spectroscopy and DSC, and suitable co-crystals were then analysed via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In each case, the formation of a co-crystal was driven by the formation of multiple N–H···N or N–H···O hydrogen bonds between TNBI and the co-former. The N-oxide based acceptors produce better energetic materials due to a more optimal oxygen balance. Hygroscopicity evaluations and corrosion tests revealed that the unavailability of N–H protons in the co-crystals of TNBI reduce hygroscopicity and suppress the chemical acidity of the free parent compound thereby making it substantially easier to handle, store, and transport.
Long-term performance of prestressed concrete continuous box girders in the natural environment
Authors: Cao Guohui , Zhang Wang , Hu Jiaxing , Peng Xirong
Published: May 2020

A long-term load test performed for 470 days on two two-span prestressed concrete (PC) continuous box girders is reported in this paper. Load types were selected as the test variates, and structural responses such as support reactions, deflections, and concrete strains were monitored. Simultaneously, affiliated experiments such as material strength, creep, and shrinkage tests were conducted to investigate the time-dependent performances of the materials. Data obtained from these tests showed that deflections, strains, and support reactions develop rapidly in the beginning and stabilize afterward; the reactions of mid- and end-supports decline and rise over time, respectively. Time-dependent patterns of deflections and support reactions were analyzed on the basis of an effective modulus method, and a practical calculation method for long-term deflections considering reaction redistributions was proposed. The effects of the service environment on the performance of PC girders were evaluated through an incremental analysis method.
Growth and water-use characteristics of Romaine lettuce cultivated in Histosol as affected by irrigation management, compaction, and seeding type
Authors: Dessureault-Rompré Jacynthe , Caron Jean , Plamondon Laurie , Gaudreau Linda , Jutras Sylvain , Lafond Jonathan A.
Published: May 2020

In Canada, most lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is produced on cultivated organic soils, which can be very productive but are also very sensitive to degradation and compaction. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of soil compaction, irrigation thresholds, and transplant type on the growth and water-use characteristics of Romaine lettuce that is grown in organic soil. The experiments were conducted in greenhouses at Laval University. Tensiometers and time-domain reflectometer probes were used to characterize the water-use characteristics of the Romaine lettuce. Most of the growth characteristics of the Romaine lettuce, with the exception of the dry weight, were significantly influenced by the available rooting depth (soil column height) and by the irrigation threshold used. Lettuce water uptake decreased significantly as the depth increased. In addition, in drier conditions, the deeper soil layers contributed more to the total water uptake than the surface soil layers. The water productivity was lower in the presence of a compacted layer combined with a direct seeding treatment, compared with all of the other treatments. First, it is concluded that the irrigation method should allow a certain degree of dryness by use of a lower irrigation threshold (ideally between −20 and −30 kPa) to stimulate deep rooting. Second, the use of small lettuce plant preseeded in small block of peat substrate instead of direct seeding in the field can compensate for a possible compaction effect.
Mass and half-life measurements of neutron-deficient iodine isotopes
Authors:   for the Super-FRS Experiment Collaboration, Ayet San Andrés Samuel , Mollaebrahimi Ali , Dickel Timo , Bergmann Julian , Ebert Jens , Geissel Hans , Greiner Florian , Haettner Emma , Hornung Christine , Kalantar-Nayestanaki Nasser , Miskun Ivan , Plaß Wolfgang R. , Purushothaman Sivaji , Rink Ann-Kathrin , Scheidenberger Christoph , Weick Helmut , Bagchi Soumya , Constantin Paul , Finlay Andrew , Kaur Satbir , Lippert Wayne , Mardor Israel , Mei Bo , Moore Iain , Otto Jan-Hendrick , Pietri Stephane , Pohjalainen Ilkka , Prochazka Andrej , Rappold Christophe , Reiter Moritz P. , Tanaka Yoshiki K. , Winfield John S.
Published: May 2020

Neutron-deficient iodine isotopes, $$^{116}$$116I and $$^{114}$$114I, were produced at relativistic energies by in-flight fragmentation at the Fragment Separator (FRS) at GSI. The FRS Ion Catcher was used to thermalize the ions and to perform highly accurate mass measurements with a Multiple-Reflection Time-of-Flight Mass-Spectrometer (MR-TOF-MS). The masses of both isotopes were measured directly for the first time. The half-life of the $$^{114}$$114I was measured by storing the ions in an RF quadrupole for different storage times and counting the remaining nuclei with the MR-TOF-MS. The measured half-life was used to assign the ground state to the measured $$^{114}$$114I ions. Predictions on the possible $$\alpha $$α-decay branch for $$^{114}$$114I are presented based on the reduced uncertainties obtained for the $$Q_{\alpha }$$Qα-value. Systematic studies of the mass surface were performed with the newly obtained masses, showing better agreement with the expected trend in this mass region.
Strong deflection gravitational lensing by a Lee-Wick ultracompact object
Authors: Zhu Xing-Ye , Xie Yi
Published: May 2020

We study strong deflection gravitational lensing by a Lee-Wick ultracompact object. Its unique feature is a series of relativistic images inside its photon sphere, which are absent in the case of a black hole. We obtain its observables and estimate them for the supermassive black holes Sgr A* and M87* respectively in the Galactic center and in the center of M87. We find that the innermost relativistic image is a very promising signature according to its angular separation from the photon sphere and its considerable brightness. A preliminary bound on the UV scale of such an object is estimated based on the shadow of M87*.
Impacts of Newtonian heating, variable fluid properties and Cattaneo–Christov model on MHD stagnation point flow of Walters’ B fluid induced by stretching surface
Authors: Afify Ahmed A. , Elgazery Nasser S.
Published: May 2020

MHD viscoelastic (Walters’-B) fluid flow close to the stagnation point region along an extending plate with the changeable fluid properties’ influences has been debated. Heat transfer’s features are scrutinized via Cattaneo–Christov (CC) theory. The mathematical model for the physical problem is tackled numerically via Chebyshev pseudospectral (CPS) technique. The existing outcomes are supported by recent research and have acquired a suitable agreement. The numerical outcomes reveal that temperature fields are more pronounced for Fourier’s law case. Further, the opposite behavior is noticed with the heat transfer rate. Higher values of the conjugate parameter result in an increment of the heat transfer rate and temperature field. Fluid flow’s features, as well as physical quantities, are substantially varied via variable fluid properties.
The Analysis of Alternating Minimization Method for Double Sparsity Constrained Optimization Problem
Authors: Gao Huan , Li Yingyi , Zhang Haibin
Published: May 2020

This work analyzes the alternating minimization (AM) method for solving double sparsity constrained minimization problem, where the decision variable vector is split into two blocks. The objective function is a separable smooth function in terms of the two blocks. We analyze the convergence of the method for the non-convex objective function and prove a rate of convergence of the norms of the partial gradient mappings. Then, we establish a non-asymptotic sub-linear rate of convergence under the assumption of convexity and the Lipschitz continuity of the gradient of the objective function. To solve the sub-problems of the AM method, we adopt the so-called iterative thresholding method and study their analytical properties. Finally, some future works are discussed.
A Model of Multistage Risk-Averse Stochastic Optimization and its Solution by Scenario-Based Decomposition Algorithms
Authors: Zhang Min , Hou Liangshao , Sun Jie , Yan Ailing
Published: May 2020

Stochastic optimization models based on risk-averse measures are of essential importance in financial management and business operations. This paper studies new algorithms for a popular class of these models, namely, the mean-deviation models in multistage decision making under uncertainty. It is argued that these types of problems enjoy a scenario-decomposable structure, which could be utilized in an efficient progressive hedging procedure. In case that linkage constraints arise in reformulations of the original problem, a Lagrange progressive hedging algorithm could be utilized to solve the reformulated problem. Convergence results of the algorithms are obtained based on the recent development of the Lagrangian form of stochastic variational inequalities. Numerical results are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Finding all H-Eigenvalues of Signless Laplacian Tensor for a Uniform Loose Path of Length Three
Authors: Yue Junjie , Zhang Liping
Published: May 2020

H-spectra of adjacency tensor, Laplacian tensor, and signless Laplacian tensor are important tools for revealing good geometric structures of the corresponding hypergraph. It is meaningful to compute H-spectra for some special [Formula: see text]-uniform hypergraphs. For an odd-uniform loose path of length three, the Laplacian H-spectrum has been studied. In this paper, we compute all signless Laplacian H-eigenvalues for the class of loose paths. We show that the number of H-spectrum of signless Laplacian tensor for an odd(even)-uniform loose path with length three is [Formula: see text]([Formula: see text]). Some numerical results are given to show the efficiency of our method. Especially, the numerical results show that the H-spectrum is convergent when [Formula: see text] goes to infinity. Finally, we present a conjecture that the signless Laplacian H-spectrum converges to [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) for odd (even)-uniform loose path of length three.
Hybrid Deep Neural Network-Based Cross-Modal Image and Text Retrieval Method for Large-Scale Data
Authors: Qiang Baohua , Chen Ruidong , Xie Yuan , Zhou Mingliang , Pan Riwei , Zhao Tian
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we propose the hybrid deep neural network-based cross-modal image and text retrieval method to explore complex cross-modal correlation by considering multi-layer learning. First, we propose intra-modal and inter-modal representations to achieve a complementary single-modal representation that preserves the correlation between the modalities. Second, we build an association between different modalities through hierarchical learning to further mine the fine-grained latent semantic association among multimodal data. The experimental results show that our algorithm substantially enhances retrieval performance and consistently outperforms four comparison methods.
An Efficient Implementation of Low-Latency Two-Dimensional Gaussian Smoothing Filter using Approximate Carry-Save Adder
Authors: Ramezani Hadise , Mohammadi Majid , Molahoseini Amir Sabbagh
Published: May 2020

The two-dimensional Gaussian smoothing filter (2D-GSF) is one of the most useful techniques in image processing. Since the 2D-GSF requires high computational resources, its efficient design and implementation are critical in real-time processing purposes. Approximate computing is a new method that can be used to increase the performance of 2D Gaussian filter design with low computing overhead on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). This study aims to provide a low-latency Gaussian filter architecture on FPGA such that it can be used in real-time processing applications. In this regard, accurate and approximate carry-save adders (CSAs) have been used in adder tree-based Gaussian filters. In our proposed method, we use two approximation steps: in the first step, we use an approximation structure named Speed–Power–Area–Accuracy for Gaussian filter design and in the second stage, we use approximate CSAs to convert adder-tree structures that are used in Gaussian filter, and as a result, we have significantly reduced the delay. The results of simulation and implementation show that the latency has reduced in a 3[Formula: see text] 3 2D-GSF architecture up to 22% using proposed accurate CSAs and 45% using proposed approximate CSAs, compared to existing Gaussian filters with an adder tree structure.
Local move of alternating knot preserving canonical genus of its Whitehead double
Authors: Miura Takahiro
Published: May 2020

For any alternating prime knot [Formula: see text], it is expected that the canonical genus of its Whitehead double is equal to the crossing number of [Formula: see text]. We introduce local moves of alternating knots, and prove that these local moves preserve the canonical genus of its Whitehead double under a certain condition. By this result, we give a new family of knots which satisfy this conjecture.
On the regularity of critical points for O’Hara’s knot energies: From smoothness to analyticity
Authors: Vorderobermeier Nicole
Published: May 2020

We prove the analyticity of smooth critical points for O’Hara’s knot energies [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], subject to a fixed length constraint. This implies, together with the already established regularity results for O’Hara’s knot energies, that bounded energy critical points of [Formula: see text] subject to a fixed length constraint are not only [Formula: see text] but also analytic. Our approach is based on Cauchy’s method of majorants and a decomposition of the gradient that was adapted from the Möbius energy case [Formula: see text].
Is Persistent Memory Persistent?
Authors: Kelly Terence
Published: May 2020

Power failures pose the most severe threat to application data integrity, and painful experience teaches that the integrity promises of failure-atomic update mechanisms can’t be taken at face value. Diligent developers and operators insist on confirming integrity claims by extensive firsthand tests. This article presents a simple and inexpensive testbed capable of subjecting storage devices, system software, and application software to ten thousand sudden whole-system power-interruption tests per week.
The Laminopathies and the Insights They Provide into the Structural and Functional Organization of the Nucleus
Authors: Wong Xianrong , Stewart Colin L.
Published: May 2020

In recent years, our perspective on the cell nucleus has evolved from the view that it is a passive but permeable storage organelle housing the cell's genetic material to an understanding that it is in fact a highly organized, integrative, and dynamic regulatory hub. In particular, the subcompartment at the nuclear periphery, comprising the nuclear envelope and the underlying lamina, is now known to be a critical nexus in the regulation of chromatin organization, transcriptional output, biochemical and mechanosignaling pathways, and, more recently, cytoskeletal organization. We review the various functional roles of the nuclear periphery and their deregulation in diseases of the nuclear envelope, specifically the laminopathies, which, despite their rarity, provide insights into contemporary health-care issues.
Environmental, Economic, and Social Consequences of the Oil Palm Boom
Authors: Qaim Matin , Sibhatu Kibrom T. , Siregar Hermanto , Grass Ingo
Published: May 2020

Rising global demand for vegetable oil during the last few decades has led to a drastic increase in the land area under oil palm. Especially in Southeast Asia, the oil palm boom has contributed to economic growth, but it has also spurred criticism about negative environmental and social effects. Here, we discuss palm oil production and consumption trends and review environmental, economic, and social consequences in different parts of the world. The oil palm expansion has contributed to tropical deforestation and associated losses in biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Simultaneously, it has increased incomes, generated employment, and reduced poverty among farm and nonfarm households. Around 50% of the worldwide oil palm land is managed by smallholders. Sustainability trade-offs between preserving global public environmental goods and private economic benefits need to be reduced. We discuss policy implications related to productivity growth, rainforest protection, mosaic landscapes, land property rights, sustainability certification, and smallholder inclusion, among others.
Noninvasive Photochemical Sealing for Achilles Tendon Rupture by Combination of Upconversion Nanoparticles and Photochemical Tissue Bonding Technology
Authors: Zhu Yiming , Xie Aiguo , Li Ming , Zhang Chihao , Ni Tao
Published: May 2020

Photochemical tissue bonding (PTB), based on photosensitizer rose bengal (RB) and green light, has been regarded as an effective alternative to surgical suture and has been reported to provide benefits for Achilles tendon repair. Limited to the poor penetration of green light, secondary damage still exists while applying PTB for closed Achilles tendon rupture. This study is aimed at exploring the effects of noninvasive photochemical sealing on Achilles tendon rupture by the combination of PTB and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). The rare‐earth UCNPs of NaYF4 : Yb/Er (Y : Yb : Er = 78 : 20 : 2) were fabricated and then loaded into Chitosan/β‐GP hydrogel containing RB to prepare UCNPs@RB/Chitosan/β‐GP hydrogel. The properties of UCNPs and UCNP/Chitosan/β‐GP hydrogel were characterized by TEM, SEM, DLS, and FTIR analysis. The effects of UCNP and PTB combination were evaluated in an Achilles tendon rupture rat model using histological analysis. Bioluminescence imaging of ROS was performed to explore the potential mechanism. UCNPs had a uniform shape with a diameter of 29.7 ± 2.6 nm. The UCNPs@RB/Chitosan/β‐GP hydrogel could upconvert the near‐infrared light into green light. The results of histological assessment showed that compared with traditional suture repair, the rats injected with UCNPs@RB/Chitosan/β‐GP hydrogel followed by irradiating with near‐infrared light and the rats treated with RB solution followed by irradiating with green light had better effects on Achilles tendon repair. The benefits might be related to the generation of ROS in the PTB process. These findings indicated that the combination of PTB and UCNPs@RB/Chitosan/β‐GP hydrogel could be used as a noninvasive photochemical sealing for Achilles tendon rupture.
Influence of Tunneling in Cohesionless Soil for Different Tunnel Geometry and Volume Loss under Greenfield Condition
Authors: Kanagaraju Raja , Krishnamurthy Premalatha
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the numerical analysis of settlement to profile the vulnerable zone or influence zone due to tunneling activities in cohesionless deposits for free field or Greenfield conditions. The analysis considers the factors like saturated density (γsat), unsaturated density (γunsat), angle of shearing resistance (φ), deformation modulus (ES), volume loss (VL), and the support pressure of the shield head at the tunnel face. The obtained results using a finite element program (FEM) PLAXIS 3D are compared with measured and predicted surface settlement using field measuring instruments, and analytical and empirical solution show a reasonable agreement and are found to be conservative. From literature, for Greenfield condition the ground settlement equal to 10 mm is taken as the minimum value to map the influencing zone considering the fact that the structure which lies beyond this zone would undergo negligible settlement. Settlement trough and 10 mm settlement contour characteristics are presented for different tunnel sizes placed at the same depth and the same tunnel size placed at different depths, respectively. Various influencing zones are arrived for the sandy grounds of different denseness based on the parametrical studies involving parameters such as tunnel size “D,” tunnel axis depth “z,” and volume loss “VL.”
The Scenario of Acute Poisoning in Jashore, Bangladesh
Authors: Acherjya G. K. , Ali M. , Alam A. B. M. S. , Rahman M. M. , Mowla S. G. M.
Published: May 2020

Background. Acute poisoning is a common scenario in the emergency department of any general hospital globally, but its pattern may vary in different parts of the world and even may be a different regional variation in the same country. Objective. Our recent study aims to assess the demographic characteristics, psychological aspect, pattern, and treatment outcome in different acute poisoning. Method. The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the medicine department of Jashore Medical College and Hospital from 1st January to 30th June 2018, which recruited 487 eligible cases of admitted acute poisoning patients. Results. The study reveals that the total incidence of acute poisoning in Jashore, Bangladesh, is 17.1 per 100,000 populations over a 6-month period. The mean age of our study population was 27 ± 11 (SD) years with having significant female preponderance in acute poisoning (female: 253/52% and male: 234/48%; p = 0.002). Female subjects were significantly younger than male (p <0.001). Moreover, the total suicidal intension of acute poisoning in our study was 97.3%, whereas the female subjects were more committed to suicidal attempts (p = 0.027). Organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) were the significant leading agents (66.1%, p = 0.029) of acute poisoning, and even, it had been significantly used as suicidal intention of poisoning substance (65.1%, p <0.001) in our observation. Muslim (97.5%, p = 0.005), 10–29 year age group (68.0%, p = 0.002), rural (99.2%), unmarried (51.3%), middle class (50.1%), students (48.9%), and secondary educational background population (76.4%) were more victimized of acute poisoning. Among different factors, familial disharmony constituted of 56.1% cases of suicidal attempt in acute poisoning. Finally, we had observed that the death incidence by acute poisoning in Jashore, Bangladesh, was 1.9 per 100,000 population over a 6-month period. Conclusion. The recent study reveals that there is high incidence of acute poisoning in Jashore, Bangladesh, with a significant amount of death toll. Organophosphorus compound is the most common agent of deliberating self-poisoning in our study due to its easy availability in our agriculture-based community.
Benefits of Adding Virginiamycin to Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) Diet Cultivated in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Cavali Jucilene , Dantas-Filho Jerônimo V. , Nóbrega Beatriz A. , Andrade Lucas Henrique V. , Pontuschka Rute B. , Gasparotto Paulo Henrique G. , Francisco da S. Reginaldo , Junior Luiz Donizete C. , Porto Marlos O.
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological, zootechnical, and environmental benefits of the use of growth-promoting virginiamycin in the pirarucu diet. The research was conducted at the Carlos Eduardo Matiazze Fish Center, Federal University of Rondônia. In this study, 96 pirarucu fish were distributed in excavated nursery, divided into two treatment groups, control (0.0 mg kg−1) and treatment (75.0 mg kg−1) of feed with virginiamycin, with 8 replications in a completely randomized design. With virginiamycin being incorporated into commercial feed, for 107 days of cultivation, the fish were slaughtered with an average weight of 9.18 kg. Carcass weight, flesh, residues, and internal organs/guts were evaluated to calculate slaughter yields, Spearman’s correlation, and subsequently regression. For the quantification of micronuclei, a count of 1,000 cells per blade was determined. The means of the results obtained were contrasted by the Student’s t-test (α = 0.05). Virginiamycin did not cause oscillations in the limnological variables of the nursery but could reduce micronucleated erythrocytes. The average yields in carcass, flesh, and waste were 67.43, 53.4, and 43.14%, respectively. Virginiamycin provided strong correlations (ρ2) for better productive yields and lower slaughter residue. The hepatosomatic index indicated a strong relationship between liver weight and fat. Virginiamycin may be recommended for fish farming in pirarucu fattening because it contributes to the productive efficiency and sustainability of the fish farm system.
Reactions of Subcutaneous Connective Tissue to Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, Biodentine®, and a Newly Developed BioACTIVE Base/Liner
Authors: Karabulut Barış , Dönmez Nazmiye , Göret Ceren Canbey , Ataş Cafer , Kuzu Özlem
Published: May 2020

Aim. There is an increasing interest in the application of BioACTIVE materials to achieve hard tissue formation and maintain pulp vitality. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine® are BioACTIVE materials used for pulp capping. Recently, dental researchers have produced BioACTIVE glass-incorporated light-curable pulp capping material. The study is aimed at evaluating the subcutaneous connective tissue reactions to MTA, Biodentine®, ACTIVA BioACTIVE Base/Liner. These materials were placed in polyethylene tubes and implanted into the dorsal connective tissue of Sprague Dawley rats. The presence of inflammation, predominant cell type, calcification, and thickness of fibrous connective tissue was recorded by histological examination 7, 30, and 60 days after the implantation procedure. Scores were defined as follows: 0 = none or few inflammatory cells, no reaction; 1 = <25 cells, mild reaction; 2 = 25 to 125 cells, moderate reaction; and 3 = ≥125 cells, severe reaction. Fibrous capsule thickness, necrosis, and formation of calcification were recorded. ANOVA and post hoc Dunnett’s tests were used for statistically analyses (p<0.05). Results. In terms of oedema, inflammation, fibrous capsule, and necrosis, no significant differences were found in any time period for any material. MTA and Biodentine® showed higher calcification than in the ACTIVA BioACTIVE on day 30, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). After 60 days, while calcification was not seen in the control group, it was observed in the test groups. There was a statistically significant difference between the control and the others. Conclusion. All materials were well tolerated by the tissues in the 60-day evaluation period. One notable finding is the presence of dystrophic calcification in the connective tissue adjacent to the newly developed BioACTIVE Base/Liner material. Therefore, this new BioACTIVE Base/Liner material may be safely recommended to clinicians as a pulp capping material.
A Study on Risk and Expense Evaluation of Agility Supply Management of Machinery
Authors: Heydari Mohammad , Lai Kin Keung
Published: May 2020

We provide a technical assessment and critique of the existing literature via highlighting problems associated with conceptualization and technical improvement of agility practices. By presenting a narrative evaluation of the technical review, we underscore the nature of the SC hazard in addition to agility practices and furnish a synthesis for future studies. The purpose is to examine the relationship between identifying and ranking the elements affecting supply management for SC agility in compressed natural gas pressure vessels. This study is applied research and data are collected based on descriptive survey. The populace of the investigation is milled compressed natural gas pressure vessels. Survey data are amassed through interviews and questionnaires. Cronbach’s alpha has been utilized to evaluate the reliability of the values received 0.778, which shows that the questionnaire is of excellent reliability and the questionnaire has 27 questions. Also, because the volume of the statistical population is 270 people, the consequences show that there is a positive connection among the empowerment of SC agility. Driving agility is on a positive supply chain (SC) agility. The expense has a poagilitysitive impact on SC agility.
A Deep Learning Model for Quick and Accurate Rock Recognition with Smartphones
Authors: Fan Guangpeng , Chen Feixiang , Chen Danyu , Li Yan , Dong Yanqi
Published: May 2020

In the geological survey, the recognition and classification of rock lithology are an important content. The recognition method based on rock thin section leads to long recognition period and high recognition cost, and the recognition accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Moreover, the above method cannot provide an effective solution in the field. As a communication device with multiple sensors, smartphones are carried by most geological survey workers. In this paper, a smartphone application based on the convolutional neural network is developed. In this application, the phone’s camera can be used to take photos of rocks. And the types and lithology of rocks can be quickly and accurately identified in a very short time. This paper proposed a method for quickly and accurately recognizing rock lithology in the field. Based on ShuffleNet, a lightweight convolutional neural network used in deep learning, combined with the transfer learning method, the recognition model of the rock image was established. The trained model was then deployed to the smartphone. A smartphone application for identifying rock lithology was designed and developed to verify its usability and accuracy. The research results showed that the accuracy of the recognition model in this paper was 97.65% on the verification data set of the PC. The accuracy of recognition on the test data set of the smartphone was 95.30%, among which the average recognition time of the single sheet was 786 milliseconds, the maximum value was 1,045 milliseconds, and the minimum value was 452 milliseconds. And the single-image accuracy above 96% accounted for 95% of the test data set. This paper presented a new solution for the rapid and accurate recognition of rock lithology in field geological surveys, which met the needs of geological survey personnel to quickly and accurately identify rock lithology in field operations.
Atypical Myocardial Infarction with Apical Thrombus and Systemic Embolism: A Rare Presentation of Likely JAK2 V617F-Positive Myeloproliferative Neoplasm
Authors: Atere Muhammed , Al-Zakhari Rana , Collins Jennifer , Rotatori Francesco , Muzangwa Lloyd
Published: May 2020

A few types of myeloproliferative neoplasms may be significant for Janus-associated kinase 2 mutation, JAK2 V617F, including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. The prevalence of JAK2 mutation is low in the general population but higher in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Some patients with JAK2 V617F-positive essential thrombocythemia are asymptomatic, but others may develop hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications. Thromboembolism may occur in vessels of high flow organs like the heart and, thereby, present as myocardial infarction. Nonetheless, these patients are usually symptomatic with complaints of chest pain, for example. Atypical (asymptomatic) myocardial infarction with mild thrombocytosis may be the first clue for possible essential thrombocythemia with JAK2 V617F. In this report, we discuss a case of atypical (asymptomatic) myocardial infarction with secondary thromboembolism in a patient positive for JAK2 V617F with a likely myeloproliferative neoplasm.
DNA Methylation–Derived Immune Cell Profiles, CpG Markers of Inflammation, and Pancreatic Cancer Risk
Authors: Michaud Dominique S. , Ruan Mengyuan , Koestler Devin C. , Alonso Lola , Molina-Montes Esther , Pei Dong , Marsit Carmen J. , De Vivo Immaculata , Malats Núria , Kelsey Karl T.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Pancreatic cancer is projected to become the second most common cause of cancer-related death over the next 5 years. Because inflammation is thought to be a common trajectory for disease initiation, we sought to prospectively characterize immune profiles using DNA methylation markers and examine DNA methylation levels previously linked to inflammation biomarkers to evaluate whether these immune markers play a key role in pancreatic cancer.

Methods:

In a nested case–control study pooling three U.S. prospective cohort studies, DNA methylation was measured in prediagnostic leukocytes of incident pancreatic cancer cases and matched controls using the Illumina MethylationEPIC array. Differentially methylated regions were used to predict immune cell types, and CpGs previously associated with inflammatory biomarkers were selected for the analysis. DNA methylation data from a retrospective case–control study conducted in Spain (PanGenEU) was used for independent replication.

Results:

Immune cell proportions and ratio of cell proportions were not associated with pancreatic cancer risk in the nested case–control study. Methylation extent of CpGs residing in or near gene MNDA was significantly associated with pancreatic cancer risk in the nested case–control study and replicated in PanGenEU. Methylation level of a promoter CpG of gene PIM-1 was associated with survival in both studies.

Conclusions:

Using a targeted approach, we identified several CpGs that may play a role in pancreatic carcinogenesis in two large, independent studies with distinct study designs.

Impact:

These findings could provide insight into critical pathways that may help identify new markers of early disease and survival.
Perhexiline Demonstrates FYN-mediated Antitumor Activity in Glioblastoma
Authors: Kant Shiva , Kesarwani Pravin , Guastella Anthony R. , Kumar Praveen , Graham Stewart F. , Buelow Katie L. , Nakano Ichiro , Chinnaiyan Prakash
Published: May 2020

Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Despite aggressive treatment, outcomes remain poor with few long-term survivors. Therefore, considerable effort is being made to identify novel therapies for this malignancy. Targeting tumor metabolism represents a promising therapeutic strategy and activation of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) has been identified as a central metabolic node contributing toward gliomagenesis. Perhexiline is a compound with a long clinical track record in angina treatment and commonly described as an FAO inhibitor. We therefore sought to determine whether this compound might be repurposed to serve as a novel therapy in glioblastoma. Perhexiline demonstrated potent in vitro cytotoxicity, induction of redox stress and apoptosis in a panel of glioblastoma cell lines. However, the antitumor activity of perhexiline was distinct when compared with the established FAO inhibitor etomoxir. By evaluating mitochondrial respiration and lipid dynamics in glioblastoma cells following treatment with perhexiline, we confirmed this compound did not inhibit FAO in our models. Using in silico approaches, we identified FYN as a probable target of perhexiline and validated the role of this protein in perhexiline sensitivity. We extended studies to patient samples, validating the potential of FYN to serve as therapeutic target in glioma. When evaluated in vivo, perhexiline demonstrated the capacity to cross the blood–brain barrier and antitumor activity in both flank and orthotopic glioblastoma models. Collectively, we identified potent FYN-dependent antitumor activity of perhexiline in glioblastoma, thereby, representing a promising agent to be repurposed for the treatment of this devastating malignancy.
Inhibition of Tumor Cell Growth and Cancer Stem Cell Expansion by a Bispecific Antibody Targeting EGFR and HER3
Authors: Rau Alexander , Lieb Wolfgang S. , Seifert Oliver , Honer Jonas , Birnstock Dennis , Richter Fabian , Aschmoneit Nadine , Olayioye Monilola A. , Kontermann Roland E.
Published: May 2020

The frequent activation of HER3 signaling as a resistance mechanism to EGFR-targeted therapy has motivated the development of combination therapies that block more than one receptor tyrosine kinase. Here, we have developed a novel tetravalent, bispecific single-chain diabody-Fc fusion protein targeting EGFR and HER3 (also known as ErbB3) that integrates the antigen-binding sites of a humanized version of cetuximab as well as a recently developed anti-HER3 antibody, IgG 3-43. This bispecific antibody combines the binding and neutralizing properties of the parental antibodies, as observed in biochemical and in vitro two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell culture assays, and gave rise to long-lasting growth suppression in a subcutaneous xenograft head and neck tumor model. In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines, treatment with the bispecific antibody inhibited the proliferation and oncosphere formation efficiency driven by HER3 signaling. In an orthotopic MDA-MB-468 tumor model, this translated into antitumor effects superior to those obtained by the parental antibodies alone or in combination and was associated with a reduced number of cells with stem-like properties. These findings demonstrate that the bispecific antibody efficiently blocks not only TNBC proliferation, but also the survival and expansion of the cancer stem cell population, holding promise for further preclinical development.
Splenectomy for ABO-Incompatible Kidney Transplantation and Very Late-Onset Cytomegalovirus Disease
Authors: Iwai Tomoaki , Uchida Junji , Kosoku Akihiro , Kabei Kazuya , Nishide Shunji , Naganuma Toshihide , Maeda Keiko , Yoshikawa Yuki , Kumada Norihiko , Takemoto Yoshiaki , Nakatani Tatsuya
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Splenectomy had been previously performed in ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation to reduce the B cell pool. However, studies have shown that patients undergoing splenectomy may have a lifelong susceptibility to infection and mortality. Splenectomy may affect the incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease even at a very late stage after transplantation in ABO-incompatible recipients. Patients and Methods: Seven patients received their graft from an ABO-incompatible living donor at our institution and underwent splenectomy for B cell reduction. Among them, 3 recipients experienced very late-onset CMV disease approximately 10 years after their transplant and were enrolled in this study. Results: Very late-onset CMV disease occurred at 9 years and 9 months, 15 years, and 13 years and 5 months after transplantation, respectively. Two recipients suffered from CMV retinitis, while one experienced colitis. The age of the patients at onset of CMV disease was 69 years, 42 years, and 71 years, respectively. Conclusion: This may be the first report on very late-onset CMV disease after splenectomy in ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation. We should be aware that these recipients can experience very late-onset CMV disease even approximately 10 years after their transplant.
Identification of Transient Receptor Potential Channel 4-Associated Protein as a Novel Candidate Gene Causing Congenital Primary Hypothyroidism
Authors: Choukair Daniela , Eberle Birgit , Vick Philipp , Hermanns Pia , Weiss Birgit , Paramasivam Nagarajan , Schlesner Matthias , Lornsen Katharina , Roeth Ralph , Klutmann Carina , Kreis Jennifer , Hoffmann Georg F. , Pohlenz Joachim , Rappold Gudrun A. , Bettendorf Markus
Published: May 2020

Background: Congenital primary hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common endocrine disorder in neonates. Methods: To identify novel genes, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) in 6 patients with CH due to thyroid dysgenesis (TD). The potential effects of the most relevant variants were analyzed using in silico prediction tools. The most promising candidate gene, transient receptor potential channel 4-associated protein (TRPC4AP), was sequenced in 179 further patients with TD. Expression of TRPC4AP in human thyroid was investigated using RT-PCR. Trpc4ap- functional analysis was performed in Xenopus laevis using Morpholino (MO) antisense oligomers. Results: WES identified a likely damaging mutation in TRPC4AP leading to a de novo stop codon p.Q552*. Targeted sequencing of TRPC4AP demonstrated gene variants with predicted damaging potential in 5 patients resulting each in an amino acid exchange (p.P706S, p.F729L, p.S777C, and p.N229S). We demonstrated that TRPC4AP is expressed in human thyroid gland tissue. Using Xenopus laevis, we showed that the volume of the tadpole thyroid anlage was reduced by 20% in Trpc4ap MO knockdowns compared to controls and by 41% in “Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats”/Cas9-mediated gene knockout experiments. Discussion: A recognized interaction of TRPC4AP and the NF-kappa-B-essential-modulator encoded by IKBKG gene was identified by IPA analysis. IKBKG plays a role in activation of the NF-κB-signaling pathway and regulates genes involved in proliferation and survival of thyrocytes and expression of key enzymes of thyroid hormone synthesis. Conclusion: TRPC4AP was identified as a novel candidate gene in TD, but further studies are needed to validate its role in thyroid function.
A Clinical Anti-Ageing Comparative Study of 0.3 and 0.5% Retinol Serums: A Clinically Controlled Trial
Authors: Zasada Malwina , Budzisz Elzbieta , Erkiert-Polguj Anna
Published: May 2020

Background: Retinol influences the process of keratinization of the epidermis, which improves stratum corneum structure and reduces transepidermal water loss. It also significantly enhances mature skin by brightening hyperpigmentation and reducing the signs of photoageing. Cosmeceuticals are intended to both provide aesthetic effects for the skin and allow dermatological treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the rejuvenating effect of retinol serum on facial skin at concentrations of 0.3 and 0.5%, as well as any improvements in skin brightening and elasticity. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven volunteers were included in the study, after confirming tolerance. The novel formula was applied once daily to the face for a period of 12 weeks: one retinol concentration on the left side and the other on the right. The initial study with liquid crystal formula (study vehicle) was carried out for 8 weeks on 28 volunteers. Treatment efficiency was evaluated at baseline, and 56 and 84 days following treatment using the multi probe adapter and Fotomedicus imaging system. PRIMOS was used to measure skin surface roughness. The visual analogue scale method enabled the results to be determined by 3 independent specialists. Results: Skin hyperpigmentation, unevenness, and wrinkles gradually decreased over the course of treatment, both on the left and right parts of the face. Adverse events were predominantly mild or moderate skin irritation. More frequent and more intense symptoms were observed on the left side (0.5%). Conclusion: Retinol in liquid crystal formulation is safe and provides significant clinical benefits associated with unification of skin colour, overall skin tone, skin elasticity, and moisture. Regular use of retinol typically results in brightening of the skin and reduced signs of ageing. The objective findings confirmed the effectiveness of the procedures.