bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution
Authors: Lau Winnie W. Y. , Shiran Yonathan , Bailey Richard M. , Cook Ed , Stuchtey Martin R. , Koskella Julia , Velis Costas A. , Godfrey Linda , Boucher Julien , Murphy Margaret B. , Thompson Richard C. , Jankowska Emilia , Castillo Castillo Arturo , Pilditch Toby D. , Dixon Ben , Koerselman Laura , Kosior Edward , Favoino Enzo , Gutberlet Jutta , Baulch Sarah , Atreya Meera E. , Fischer David , He Kevin K. , Petit Milan M. , Sumaila U. Rashid , Neil Emily , Bernhofen Mark V. , Lawrence Keith , Palardy James E.
Published: July 2020

A mess of plastic

It is not clear what strategies will be most effective in mitigating harm from the global problem of plastic pollution. Borrelle
et al.
and Lau
et al.
discuss possible solutions and their impacts. Both groups found that substantial reductions in plastic-waste generation can be made in the coming decades with immediate, concerted, and vigorous action, but even in the best case scenario, huge quantities of plastic will still accumulate in the environment.

Science
, this issue p.
1515
, p.
1455
The
Salmonella
LysR Family Regulator RipR Activates the SPI-13-Encoded Itaconate Degradation Cluster
Authors: Hersch Steven J. , Navarre William Wiley
Published: July 2020

Itaconate is a dicarboxylic acid that inhibits the isocitrate lyase enzyme of the bacterial glyoxylate shunt. Activated macrophages have been shown to produce itaconate, suggesting that these immune cells may employ this metabolite as a weapon against invading bacteria. Here, we demonstrate that
in vitro
, itaconate can exhibit bactericidal effects under acidic conditions similar to the pH of a macrophage phagosome. In parallel, successful pathogens, including
Salmonella
, have acquired a genetic operon encoding itaconate degradation proteins, which are induced heavily in macrophages.
Structural Visualization of Septum Formation in Staphylococcus warneri Using Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Su Hai-Nan , Li Kang , Zhao Long-Sheng , Yuan Xiao-Xue , Zhang Meng-Yao , Liu Si-Min , Chen Xiu-Lan , Liu Lu-Ning , Zhang Yu-Zhong
Published: July 2020

This work shows that the septum of
Staphylococcus warneri
is composed of two layers and that the peptidoglycan on the inner surface of the double-layered septum is organized into concentric rings. Moreover, new cell cycles of
S. warneri
can be initiated before the previous cell cycle is complete. This work advances our knowledge about a basic structure of bacterial cell and provides information on the double-layered structure of the septum for bacteria that divide with the “popping” mechanism.
Evolutionary Arms Race between Virus and Host Drives Genetic Diversity in Bat Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus Spike Genes
Authors: Guo Hua , Hu Bing-Jie , Yang Xing-Lou , Zeng Lei-Ping , Li Bei , Ouyang Songying , Shi Zheng-Li
Published: July 2020

Evolutionary arms race dynamics shape the diversity of viruses and their receptors. Identification of key residues which are involved in interspecies transmission is important to predict potential pathogen spillover from wildlife to humans. Previously, we have identified genetically diverse SARSr-CoVs in Chinese horseshoe bats. Here, we show the highly polymorphic ACE2 in Chinese horseshoe bat populations. These ACE2 variants support SARS-CoV and SARSr-CoV infection but with different binding affinities to different spike proteins. The higher binding affinity of SARSr-CoV spike to human ACE2 suggests that these viruses have the capacity for spillover to humans. The positive selection of residues at the interface between ACE2 and SARSr-CoV spike protein suggests long-term and ongoing coevolutionary dynamics between them. Continued surveillance of this group of viruses in bats is necessary for the prevention of the next SARS-like disease.
Modern approach to the treatment of dry eye, a complex multifactorial disease:
a P.I.C.A.S.S.O. board review
Authors: Aragona Pasquale , Giannaccare Giuseppe , Mencucci Rita , Rubino Pierangela , Cantera Emilia , Rolando Maurizio
Published: July 2020

Dry eye disease (DED) is a growing public health concern affecting quality of
life and visual function, with a significant socio-economic impact. It is
characterised by the loss of homoeostasis, resulting in tear film instability,
hyperosmolarity and inflammation of the ocular surface. If the innate immune
response is unable to cope with internal bodily or environmental adverse
conditions, the persistent, self-maintaining vicious circle of inflammation leads
to the chronic form of the disease. Treatment of DED should be aimed at the
restoration of the homoeostasis of the ocular surface system. A proper diagnostic
approach is fundamental to define the relevance and importance of each of the DED
main pathogenic factors, namely tear film instability, epithelial damage and
inflammation. Consideration also needs to be given concerning two other pathogenic
elements: lid margin changes and nerve damage. All the factors that maintain the
vicious circle of DED in the patient’s clinical presentation have to be considered
and possibly treated simultaneously. The treatment should be long-lasting and
personalised since it has to be adapted to the different clinical conditions
observed along the course of the disease. Since DED treatment is frequently unable
to provide fast and complete relief from symptoms, empathy with patients and
willingness to explain to them the natural history of the disease are mandatory to
improve patients’ compliance. Furthermore, patients should be instructed about the
possible need to increase the frequency and/or change the type of treatment
according to the fluctuation of symptoms, following a preplanned rescue
regimen.
Different effect of media opacity on automated and manual measurement of foveal avascular zone of optical coherence tomography angiographies
Authors: Zhang Jinyu , Tang Fang Yao , Cheung Carol , Chen Xiaolin , Chen Haoyu
Published: July 2020

Background

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) provides not only visualisation but also quantitative measurement of foveal avascular zone (FAZ). Media opacity is common in elderly subjects with cataracts. This study aimed to investigate the impact of media opacity on automated and manual FAZ measurement.

Methods

Cirrus 5000 OCTA and Triton OCTA were used to image FAZ using a 3×3 mm scanning protocol from 30 eyes of 30 healthy normal subjects. Media opacity was simulated with neutral-density filters (optical density (OD): 0.10–0.48 in Cirrus 5000 and 0.15–0.51 in Triton). Signal strength (SS) and signal strength intensity (SSI) were provided by the built-in software in Cirrus 5000 and Triton, respectively. FAZ area, perimeter and circularity were measured automatically using the built-in software as well as a customised MATLAB program. FAZ metrics were also measured manually. The correlations between the OD, SS/SSI and FAZ metrics were analysed using Spearman correlation.

Results

Increased OD significantly correlated with decreased SS/SSI (rs=−0.602 and −0.925, respectively, both p<0.001), decreased automated FAZ area (rs=−0.344 and −0.766, respectively, both p<0.001), but increased manual FAZ area in both Cirrus 5000 and Triton (rs=0.423 and 0.543, respectively, both p<0.001). Similar results were found for FAZ perimeter and circularity. There was a positive correlation between SS/SSI with the automated FAZ area but negative correlation with the manual FAZ area.

Conclusions

The effect of media opacity on quantitative measurement of FAZ is different between automated and manual measurements. Cautions must be taken when interpreting FAZ measurement in eyes with media opacity.
State handgun purchase age minimums in the US and adolescent suicide rates: regression discontinuity and difference-in-differences analyses
Authors: Raifman Julia , Larson Elysia , Barry Colleen L , Siegel Michael , Ulrich Michael , Knopov Anita , Galea Sandro
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate the association between US state policies that establish age 18 or 21 years as the minimum purchaser age for the sale of handguns and adolescent suicide rate.

Design

Regression discontinuity and difference-in-differences analyses.

Setting

46 US states without policy changes between 2001 and 2017; Missouri and South Carolina, which lowered the age for handgun sales in 2007 and 2008, respectively; and West Virginia and Wyoming, which increased the age for handgun sales in 2010.

Participants

Adolescents aged 13 to 20 years(554 461 961 from 2001 to 2017) in the regression discontinuity analysis, and adolescents aged 18 to 20 years (168 934 041 from 2002 to 2014) in the main difference-in-differences analysis.

Main outcome measure

Suicide rate per 100 000 adolescents.

Results

In the regression discontinuity analysis, state policies that limited the sale of handguns to those aged 18 or older (relative to 21 or older) were associated with an increase in suicide rate among adolescents aged 18 to 20 years equivalent to 344 additional suicides in each state where they were in place between 2001 and 2017. In the difference-in-differences analysis, state policies that limited the sale of handguns to those aged 21 or older were associated with 1.91 fewer suicides per 100 000 adolescents aged 18 to 20 years (95% confidence interval −3.13 to −0.70, permutation adjusted P=0.025). In the difference-in-differences analysis, there were 1.83 fewer firearm related suicides per 100 000 adolescents (−2.66 to −1.00, permutation adjusted P=0.002), with no association between age 21 handgun sales policies and non-firearm related suicides. Separate event study estimates indicated increases in suicide rates in states that lowered the age of handgun sales, with no association in states that increased the age of handgun sales.

Conclusions

A clear discontinuity was shown in the suicide rate by age at age 18 in states that limited the sale of handguns to individuals aged 18 or older. State policies to limit the sale of handguns to individuals aged 21 or older were associated with a reduction in suicide rates among adolescents. Increases in suicide rates were observed after states lowered the age of handgun sales, but no effect was found in states that increased the age of handgun sales.
Interaction between sex and rurality on the prevalence of diabetes in Guyana: a nationally representative study
Authors: Ke Calvin , Persaud Shamdeo , Singh Kavita , Ostrow Brian , Lebovic Gerald , Hincapié Cesar , Lowe Julia
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Diabetes prevalence has never been measured in Guyana. We conducted a nationally representative cross-sectional study to estimate the prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes, and the association between sex and diabetes.

Research design and methods

In 2016, the Ministry of Public Health led Guyana’s first national STEPS survey among adults aged 18–69 years. Half of the participants were randomly selected for hemoglobin A1cand fasting blood glucose testing. We estimated the prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes and measured the association between sex and diabetes prevalence using logistic regression to compute adjusted ORs.

Results

We included 805 adults (511 women, 294 men, mean age 41.8 (SD 14.4) years). The national prevalence of diabetes was 18.1% (95% CI: 15.4% to 20.8%), with higher rates among women (21.4%, 95% CI: 18.0% to 24.7%) than men (15.1%, 95% CI: 10.9% to 19.3%). Sex-specific diabetes prevalence varied significantly across urban and rural areas (p=0.002 for interaction). In rural areas, diabetes was twice as common among women (24.1%, 95% CI: 20.1% to 28.2%) compared with men (11.8%, 95% CI: 7.7% to 15.9%). After adjusting for prespecified covariates, rural women had double the odds of diabetes compared with rural men (OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.20 to 3.82). This prevalence pattern was reversed in urban areas (diabetes prevalence, women: 13.9%, 95% CI: 8.7% to 19.0%; men: 22.0%, 95% CI: 12.9% to 31.1%), with urban women having half the odds of diabetes compared with urban men (OR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.99). We estimated that nearly one-third of women and over a quarter of men had diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Conclusions

The burden of diabetes in Guyana is considerably higher than previously estimated, with an unexpectedly high prevalence among women—particularly in rural areas.
Clinical characterization of data-driven diabetes subgroups in Mexicans using a reproducible machine learning approach
Authors: Bello-Chavolla Omar Yaxmehen , Bahena-López Jessica Paola , Vargas-Vázquez Arsenio , Antonio-Villa Neftali Eduardo , Márquez-Salinas Alejandro , Fermín-Martínez Carlos A , Rojas Rosalba , Mehta Roopa , Cruz-Bautista Ivette , Hernández-Jiménez Sergio , García-Ulloa Ana Cristina , Almeda-Valdes Paloma , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos Alberto ,   the Metabolic Syndrome Study Group
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Previous reports in European populations demonstrated the existence of five data-driven adult-onset diabetes subgroups. Here, we use self-normalizing neural networks (SNNN) to improve reproducibility of these data-driven diabetes subgroups in Mexican cohorts to extend its application to more diverse settings.

Research design and methods

We trained SNNN and compared it with k-means clustering to classify diabetes subgroups in a multiethnic and representative population-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets with all available measures (training sample: NHANES-III, n=1132; validation sample: NHANES 1999–2006, n=626). SNNN models were then applied to four Mexican cohorts (SIGMA-UIEM, n=1521; Metabolic Syndrome cohort, n=6144; ENSANUT 2016, n=614 and CAIPaDi, n=1608) to characterize diabetes subgroups in Mexicans according to treatment response, risk for chronic complications and risk factors for the incidence of each subgroup.

Results

SNNN yielded four reproducible clinical profiles (obesity related, insulin deficient, insulin resistant, age related) in NHANES and Mexican cohorts even without C-peptide measurements. We observed in a population-based survey a high prevalence of the insulin-deficient form (41.25%, 95% CI 41.02% to 41.48%), followed by obesity-related (33.60%, 95% CI 33.40% to 33.79%), age-related (14.72%, 95% CI 14.63% to 14.82%) and severe insulin-resistant groups. A significant association was found between the SLC16A11 diabetes risk variant and the obesity-related subgroup (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.83, p=0.008). Among incident cases, we observed a greater incidence of mild obesity-related diabetes (n=149, 45.0%). In a diabetes outpatient clinic cohort, we observed increased 1-year risk (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.51) and 2-year risk (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.31) for incident retinopathy in the insulin-deficient group and decreased 2-year diabetic retinopathy risk for the obesity-related subgroup (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.89).

Conclusions

Diabetes subgroup phenotypes are reproducible using SNNN; our algorithm is available as web-based tool. Application of these models allowed for better characterization of diabetes subgroups and risk factors in Mexicans that could have clinical applications.
Globo H-KLH vaccine adagloxad simolenin (OBI-822)/OBI-821 in patients with metastatic breast cancer: phase II randomized, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Huang Chiun-Sheng , Yu Alice L , Tseng Ling-Ming , Chow Louis W C , Hou Ming-Feng , Hurvitz Sara A , Schwab Richard B , L Murray James , Chang Hsien-Kun , Chang Hong-Tai , Chen Shin-Cheh , Kim Sung-Bae , Hung Jung-Tung , Ueng Shir-Hwa , Lee Su-Hua , Chen Chwen-Cheng , Rugo Hope S
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase II trial assessed the efficacy and safety of adagloxad simolenin (OBI-822; a Globo H epitope covalently linked to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)) with adjuvant OBI-821 in metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Methods

At 40 sites in Taiwan, USA, Korea, India, and Hong Kong, patients with MBC of any molecular subtype and ≤2 prior progressive disease events with stable/responding disease after the last anticancer regimen were randomized (2:1) to adagloxad simolenin (AS/OBI-821) or placebo, subcutaneously for nine doses with low-dose cyclophosphamide. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival, correlation of clinical outcome with humoral immune response and Globo H expression, and safety.

Results

Of 349 patients randomized, 348 received study drug. Patients with the following breast cancer subtypes were included: hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2–) (70.4%), triple negative (12.9%), and HER2+ (16.7%), similarly distributed between treatment arms. Median PFS was 7.6 months (95% CI: 6.5–10.9) with AS/OBI-821 (n=224) and 9.2 months (95% CI: 7.3–11.3) with placebo (n=124) (HR=0.96; 95% CI: 0.74–1.25; p=0.77), with no difference by breast cancer subtype. AS/OBI-821 recipients with anti-Globo H IgG titer ≥1:160 had significantly longer median PFS (11.1 months (95% CI: 9.3–17.6)) versus those with titers <1:160 (5.5 months (95% CI: 3.7–5.6); HR=0.52; p<0.0001) and placebo recipients (HR=0.71; p=0.03). Anti-KLH immune responses were similar at week 40 between AS/OBI-821 recipients with anti-Globo IgG titer ≥1:160 and those with anti-Globo IgG titer <1:160. The most common adverse events with AS/OBI-821 were grade 1 or 2 injection site reactions (56.7%; placebo, 8.9%) and fever (20.1%; placebo, 6.5%).

Conclusion

AS/OBI-821 did not improve PFS in patients with previously treated MBC. However, humoral immune response to Globo H correlated with improved PFS in AS/OBI-821 recipients, leading the way to further marker-driven studies. Treatment was well tolerated.

NCT01516307.
No-reflow phenomenon and comparison to the normal-flow population postprimary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction: case–control study (NORM PPCI)
Authors: Rossington Jennifer Ann , Sol Eirini , Masoura Konstantina , Aznaouridis Konstantinos , Chelliah Raj , Cunnington Michael , Davison Benjamin , John Joseph , Oliver Richard , Hoye Angela
Published: July 2020

Introduction

No-reflow (NR) phenomenon is characterised by the failure of myocardial reperfusion despite the absence of mechanical coronary obstruction. NR negatively affects patient outcomes, emphasising the importance of prediction and management. The objective was to evaluate the incidence and independent predictors of NR in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

This was a single-centre prospective case–control study. Cases were subjects who suffered NR, and the control comparators were those who did not. Clinical outcomes were documented. Salient variables relating to the patients and their presentation, history and angiographical findings were compared using one-way analysis of variance or χ2test. Multiple regression determined the independent predictors, and a risk score was established based on the β coefficient.

Results

Of 173 consecutive patients, 24 (13.9%) suffered from NR, with 46% occurring post stent implantation. Patients with NR had increased risk of in-hospital death (OR 7.0, 95% CI 1.3 to 36.7, p=0.022). From baseline variables available prior to percutaneous coronary intervention, the independent predictors of NR were increased lesion complexity, admission systolic hypertension, weight of <78 kg and history of hypertension. Continuous data were transformed into best-fit binary variables, and a risk score was defined. Significant difference was demonstrated between the risk score of patients with NR (4.1±1) compared with controls (2.6±1) (p<0.001), and the risk score was considered a good test (area under the curve=0.823). A score of ≥4 had 75% sensitivity and 76.5% specificity.

Conclusion

Patients with NR have a higher rate of mortality following STEMI. Predictors of NR include lesion complexity, systolic hypertension and low weight. Further validation of this risk model is required.
Compliance with the smoking ban in enclosed, semiopen and open areas of workplaces and public places in Chile
Authors: Peruga Armando , Molina Xaviera , Delgado Iris , Matute Isabel , Olea Andrea , Hirmas Macarena , González Claudia , Aguilera Ximena
Published: July 2020

Objective

To assess the national level of compliance with the Chilean comprehensive smoke-free legislation by observing healthcare facilities, education centres, government offices, hospitality venues and private workplaces, by type of area within workplaces and public places: enclosed, semiopen and open.

Methodology

In this cross-sectional observational study, we studied a national representative sample of 3253 venues obtained through a two-stage cluster sampling design. First, 57 municipalities were randomly selected, proportionally to the total number of venues of interest. Second, within each selected municipality, a maximum of 12 venues of each sector was selected systematically from a list of existing sites. We determined the non-compliance level by estimating the percentage of the visited venues where smoking was observed or suspected in banned areas of the premises.

Results

Smoking or suspicion thereof was not observed in any enclosed area of any establishment. However, smoking violations were observed in semiopen areas ranging from less than 0.5% of schools and healthcare centres to around 10% of hospitality venues or 23.0% of higher education centres. Smoking violations were also observed in outdoor areas of 6.7% and 1.6% of the health centres and schools, respectively.

Discussion

The stark contrast in compliance with the smoking ban between the enclosed areas and the semiopen areas may be a consequence of the complex definition of semiopen areas in the regulations. The study also reflects the need to improve the overall enforcement of the smoke-free law, particularly in universities and hospitality venues.
A study of New Physics searches with tritium and similar molecules
Authors: Hollik Wolfgang Gregor , Linster Matthias , Tabet Mustafa
Published: July 2020

Searches for New Physics focus either on the direct production of new particles at colliders or at deviations from known observables at low energies. In order to discover New Physics in precision measurements, both experimental and theoretical uncertainties must be under full control. Laser spectroscopy nowadays offers a tool to measure transition frequencies very precisely. For certain molecular and atomic transitions the experimental technique permits a clean study of possible deviations. Theoretical progress in recent years allows us to compare ab initio calculations with experimental data. We study the impact of a variety of New Physics scenarios on these observables and derive novel constraints on many popular generic Standard Model extensions. As a result, we find that molecular spectroscopy is not competitive with atomic spectroscopy and neutron scattering to probe new electron-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus interactions, respectively. Molecular and atomic spectroscopy give similar bounds on new electron-electron couplings, for which, however, stronger bounds can be derived from the magnetic moment of the electron. In most of the parameter space H$$_2$$2 molecules give stronger constraints than T$$_2$$2 or other isotopologues.
The Butterfly “Affect”: impact of development practices on cryptocurrency prices
Authors: Bartolucci Silvia , Destefanis Giuseppe , Ortu Marco , Uras Nicola , Marchesi Michele , Tonelli Roberto
Published: July 2020

The network of developers in distributed ledgers and blockchains open source projects is essential to maintaining the platform: understanding the structure of their exchanges, analysing their activity and its quality (e.g. issues resolution times, politeness in comments) is important to determine how “healthy” and efficient a project is. The quality of a project affects the trust in the platform, and therefore the value of the digital tokens exchanged over it.

In this paper, we investigate whether developers’ emotions can effectively provide insights that can improve the prediction of the price of tokens. We consider developers’ comments and activity for two major blockchain projects, namely Ethereum and Bitcoin, extracted from Github. We measure sentiment and emotions (joy, love, anger, etc.) of the developers’ comments over time, and test the corresponding time series (i.e. the affect time series) for correlations and causality with the Bitcoin/Ethereum time series of prices. Our analysis shows the existence of a Granger-causality between the time series of developers’ emotions and Bitcoin/Ethereum price. Moreover, using an artificial recurrent neural network (LSTM), we can show that the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE)—associated with the prediction of the prices of cryptocurrencies—significantly decreases when including the affect time series.
Mixed Methods Research in Knowledge Management Studies (2009–2014): A Content Analysis of Journal Articles
Authors: Ngulube Patrick
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this article is to investigate the adoption and utilisation of mixed methods research (MMR) in an emerging field, such as knowledge management (KM). Methodologies used by researchers have a bearing on the reliability and validity of the knowledge they produce. There is need to explore the prevalence in use of various methodologies over time. Such studies provide researchers time to reflect on their research practices. It is important to reflect on how researchers are adopting and utilising MMR approaches and what can be done to improve methodological approaches in research. A qualitative content analysis of articles from five leading KM-centric journals published between 2009 and 2014 was conducted for the research purpose. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the utilisation of MMR in KM and provide guidance for those seeking to learn about and apply MMR approaches in research in context. Only 1.1% of the studies were classified as representing some form of MMR. Of the eight articles that were sampled, five of them did not explicitly identify themselves as MMR studies. Two of the articles did not give reasons for combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. None of the studies that were examined identified the MMR approach that was employed. Four of the MMR studies were exploratory, three were explanatory and one was convergent. All the articles were partially mixed studies. Few researchers indicated how they prioritised qualitative and quantitative strands. A handful of sampled studies used MMR and employed basic design typologies in contrast to complex typologies. It is recommended that KM research should embrace MMR and use complex design typologies in order to enhance their understanding of the complex problems that KM scholars encounter. Methodological pluralism has the potential of contributing to the growth in knowledge and development of many perspectives in the field: an appreciation of the advantages of using MMR and its potential to provide a holistic, innovative and robust perspective of research phenomena. The selection criteria in this study excluded other journals that cover KM research. Further research may uncover whether the prevalence rates reported in this study are consistent with those journals which were excluded in this study. Methodologies used by researchers for different kinds of research may be different. The research method employed in this study does not have the ability to establish that. Future studies may employ interviews and other data collection techniques in order to triangulate methods to determine why MMR was not prevalent. The future research directions should consider the extent to which personal, interpersonal and social contexts influence researchers to use MMR.
BENIN: Biologically enhanced network inference
Authors: Wonkap Stephanie Kamgnia , Butler Gregory
Published: July 2020

Gene regulatory network inference is one of the central problems in computational biology. We need models that integrate the variety of data available in order to use their complementarity information to overcome the issues of noisy and limited data. BENIN: Biologically Enhanced Network INference is our proposal to integrate data and infer more accurate networks. BENIN is a general framework that jointly considers different types of prior knowledge with expression datasets to improve the network inference. The method states the network inference as a feature selection problem and uses a popular penalized regression method, the Elastic net, combined with bootstrap resampling to solve it. BENIN significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art methods on the simulated data from the DREAM 4 challenge when combining genome-wide location data, knockout gene expression data, and time series expression data.
Physics of the Extracellular Matrix and Biology of Tumors — A Close Relationship
Authors: Engelke Hanna
Published: July 2020

The physical properties of the extracellular matrix strongly influence tumor progression and malignancy. This impact can be direct by physically impeding or promoting tumor progression. Furthermore, the ECM properties can also indirectly modulate tumors via interaction with cellular signaling pathways, such as integrin or YAP/TAZ signaling. Conversely, tumors remodel and rebuild the extracellular matrix. This leads to a strong mutual influence of tumor and extracellular matrix including feedback loops and cascades of mutual interaction. Combinations of therapies that treat tumor signaling directly and indirectly via modulation of the tumor’s interaction with the extracellular matrix may thus leverage the success of cancer therapy.
Physiological characteristics associated with increased resistance to decompression sickness in male and female rats
Authors: Lautridou Jacky , Dugrenot Emmanuel , Amérand Aline , Guernec Anthony , Pichavant-Rafini Karine , Goanvec Christelle , Inizan Manon , Albacete Gaëlle , Belhomme Marc , Galinat Hubert , Lafère Pierre , Balestra Costantino , Moisan Christine , Buzzacott Peter , Guerrero François
Published: July 2020

By selective breeding of individuals resistant to decompression sickness (DCS) we previously obtained a rat model of inherited resistance to this pathology. Comparison of these individuals with nonresistant animals revealed differences in leukocyte counts, coagulation, and mitochondrial and vascular functions, but not resistance to oxidative stress. This study also reveals sex-related differences in the physiological changes associated with DCS resistance. A principal components analysis of our data allowed us to discriminate DCS-resistant males from standard ones, but not females. These differences represent possible mechanisms driving resistance to DCS. Although still far from the diver, this opens a pathway to future adaptation of personalized decompression procedures for “DCS-prone” individuals.
Running economy in recreational male and female runners with similar levels of cardiovascular fitness
Authors: V. Mendonca Goncalo , Matos Pedro , Correia Joana M.
Published: July 2020

Our data demonstrate that, compared with that seen in men with similar percent difference from predicted maximum oxygen uptake (V̇o2max), scaled gross oxygen cost of running (in absolute and relative terms) is lower in women throughout a broad spectrum of treadmill speeds. Importantly, these findings were obtained after controlling for the effects of the menstrual cycle on running economy, and this is novel.
A Novel Bioflocculant from Raoultella planticola Enhances Removal of Copper Ions from Water
Authors: Zeng Fancheng , Xu Liang , Sun Caiyun , Liu Hong , Chen Libo
Published: July 2020

Copper is one of the most toxic heavy metals. In this work, a sampling survey of copper ions in the water of Songhua River flowing through the chemical and living areas of Jilin City was studied. A new bioflocculant from Raoultella planticola was obtained. The investigation of Songhua River flowing through Jilin City shows that the copper concentration is between 0.07 ppb and 0.16 ppb. The bioflocculant supporting graphite oxide (GO) as a bioflocculant inducer used in this study has been utilized in treatment of copper ions in water. GO and bioflocculant infrared radiation (IR) spectrum and zeta potential were studied. Flocculational conditions of copper ion (0.2 ppm) were modeled and optimized using RSM (response surface methodology). Our data showed that flocculation efficiency was over 80%. Significant influencing factors and variables were pH, flocculation time, bioflocculant dosage, and GO inducer which had major impact effects on flocculation efficiency. The highest flocculation efficiency which is 86.01% was achieved at pH=5, at 1.62 h and 13.11 mg bioflocculant with 13.11 mg GO as an inducer. However, temperature (A) and GO inducer were significant impact factors on the flocculation efficiency.
Flocking Behavior of Cucker–Smale Model with Processing Delay
Authors: Cheng Jianfei , Chen Maoli , Wang Xiao
Published: July 2020

The dynamics of a delay multiparticle swarm, which contains symmetric and asymmetric pairwise influence functions, are analyzed. Two different sufficient conditions to achieve conditional flocking are obtained. One does not have a clear relationship with this delay, and the other proposes a range of processing delays that affect the emergence of a flock. It is also pointed out that if the interparticle communication function has tail dissipation, unconditional flocking can be guaranteed. Compared with the previous results, the range of the communication rate β that allows a flock to emerge has been expanded from 1/4 to 1/2.
Facile Fabrication of SrTiO3@MoS2 Composite Nanofibers for Excellent Photodetector Application
Authors: Li Jinghong , Zhang Lun , Wang Di , Wang Ran , Liu Xiujuan , Zhou Jingxin
Published: July 2020

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), as a kind of transition metal dichalcogenide, has been widely studied for its excellent compatibility with most of inorganic nanomaterials. Nevertheless, its microscale and agglomeration limit the performance severely. Therefore, the special structure of V-MoS2 has drawn a lot of interest, which can not only reduce the size of MoS2 nanosheets but also improve the valence electron structure of the materials. In this work, SrTiO3@MoS2 composite nanofibers were synthesized by the simple electrospinning and hydrothermal method, and it was applied as a novel material for photodetector. SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, I-T curves, and EIS analysis were used to study the structure and properties of the prepared SrTiO3@MoS2 composite nanofibers. Simulating under sunlight at a potential of 1.23 V, the prepared composite materials exhibited a superior photoelectric performance of photocurrent density of 21.4 μA and a resistance of 2.3 Ω. These results indicate that the composite of SrTiO3 nanofiber adhered with V-MoS2 has a stable composite structure, good electrical conductivity, and photoelectric sensitivity and is a suitable material for photodetectors. This work provides new ideas for the preparation of self-assembled materials and their application in photodetectors.
Comparative Results of “Epi-Off” Conventional versus “Epi-Off” Accelerated Cross-Linking Procedure at 5-year Follow-Up
Authors: Nicula Cristina Ariadna , Nicula Dorin , Rednik Anca Maria , Bulboacă Adriana Elena
Published: July 2020

Purpose. The aim of our study was to compare the long-term efficacy and safety of “epi-off” conventional and “epi-off” accelerated corneal cross-linking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus. Methods. “Epithelial-off” (“Epi-off”) CXL using the conventional technique (3 mW/cm2, 30 minutes) was performed in 93 eyes of 93 patients (S-CXL group) and “epi-off” accelerated method (9 mW/cm2, 10 minutes) in 76 eyes of 76 patients with progressive KCN (A-CXL group). Cases with different stages of keratoconus and topographic evidence of progression were included. Main outcomes comprised refraction, keratometry measurements, uncorrected (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and topographical indices. Micromorphological analysis was assessed by anterior segment ocular coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The follow-up period was 5 years. Results. In both groups, Kflat presented similar results: decrease at 1 year (p=0.465), at 2 years (p=0.672), at 3 years (p=0.198), at 4 years (p=0.32), and at 5 years (p=0.864). In both groups, Ksteep presented a similar decrease at 1 year (p=0.709), at 2 years (p=0.455), at 3 years (p=0.43), at 4 years (p=0.57), and at 5 years (p=0.494), with no statistically significant difference. Decrease in Kavg was similar in both groups at all analyzed time points (p=0.18 at 1 year, p=0.093 at 2 years, p=0.57 at 3 years, p=0.154 at 4 years, and p=0.247 at 5 years). Kmax had a similar decrease in both groups at 1 year (p=0.06), at 2 years (p=0.09), at 3 years (p=0.126), at 4 years (p=0.113), and at 5 years (p=0.114). There was no statistically significant difference between the cylinder decrease in both groups (p=0.349 at 1 year, p=0.6782 at 2 years, p=0.299 at 3 years, p=0.0943 at 4 years, and p=0.144 at 5 years). The BCVA values were statistically significantly higher than the preoperative values in both groups at all time points (p<0.05). Topographical indices such as thinnest corneal point (TP), corneal volume (CV), index vertical asymmetry (IVA), index of vertical asymmetry (ISV), index of height asymmetry (IHA), index of height decentration (IHD), Belin/Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia Display (BAD_D), and Ambrosio retinal thickness (ART Max) were significantly statistically decreased compared with baseline at all time points, in both groups. Conclusion. “Epi-off” accelerated and conventional CXL have the same efficacy in terms of improvement in visual and topographic outcomes.
Generic Model of a Satellite Attitude Control System
Authors: Narkiewicz Janusz , Sochacki Mateusz , Zakrzewski Bartłomiej
Published: July 2020

A generic model of a nanosatellite attitude control and stabilization system was developed on the basis of magnetorquers and reaction wheels, which are controlled by PID controllers with selectable gains. This approach allows using the same architectures of control algorithms (and software) for several satellites and adjusting them to a particular mission by parameter variation. The approach is illustrated by controlling a satellite attitude in three modes of operation: detumbling after separation from the launcher, nominal operation when the satellite attitude is subjected to small or moderate disturbances, and momentum unloading after any reaction wheel saturation. The generic control algorithms adjusted to each mode of operation were implemented in a complete attitude control system. The control system model was embedded into a comprehensive simulation model of satellite flight. The simulation results proved the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Deep Adaptive Adversarial Network-Based Method for Mechanical Fault Diagnosis under Different Working Conditions
Authors: Wang Jinrui , Ji Shanshan , Han Baokun , Bao Huaiqian , Jiang Xingxing
Published: July 2020

The demand for transfer learning methods for mechanical fault diagnosis has considerably progressed in recent years. However, the existing methods always depend on the maximum mean discrepancy (MMD) in measuring the domain discrepancy. But MMD can not guarantee the different domain features to be similar enough. Inspired by generative adversarial networks (GAN) and domain adversarial training of neural networks (DANN), this study presents a novel deep adaptive adversarial network (DAAN). The DAAN comprises a condition recognition module and domain adversarial learning module. The condition recognition module is constructed with a generator to extract features and classify the health condition of machinery automatically. The domain adversarial learning module is achieved with a discriminator based on Wasserstein distance to learn domain-invariant features. Then spectral normalization (SN) is employed to accelerate convergence. The effectiveness of DAAN is demonstrated through three transfer fault diagnosis experiments, and the results show that the DAAN can converge to zero after approximately 15 training epochs, and all the average testing accuracies in each case can achieve over 92%. It is expected that the proposed DAAN can effectively learn domain-invariant features to bridge the discrepancy between the data from different working conditions.
Design and Test of Combined Air Suction Cotton Breed Seeder
Authors: Li Yudao , Song Zhanhua , Li Fade , Yan Yinfa , Tian Fuyang , Sun Xuezhen
Published: July 2020

In view of such a phenomenon that nowadays cotton breeding and seeding mainly depend on artificial planting in China, a kind of combined air suction cotton breed seeder was designed, which is mainly composed of combined air suction seed metering device, three-way switch device, waste seed recovery device, vacuum fan, and so on. It can sow two rows at a time, and the line spacing, plant spacing, and sowing depth can be continuously adjusted to achieve precise sowing. The model of “suck before and blow after” is adopted in seed clearing, which makes seed clearing both clean and rapid. The force, speed, and acceleration of cotton seed are theoretically analyzed when the seed metering device is filled with seeds and then determines the main structural parameters and motion parameters of the device. This paper takes Lumianyan No. 37 as the research object, adopts the single-factor test and the quadratic regression rotation orthogonal test, selects the forward speed, air pressure, and groove plate width of the air suction cup as the experimental factors, and conducts an experiment of the seeder’s performance, by analyzing the influence law of the seeder’s velocity on its seeding variation coefficient. This paper concludes that the coefficient of variation is small when the velocity is 1.2–1.5 m/s and finds the optimal range of unit velocity when sowing and finally builds the mathematical models including multiples index and missing index. After parameter optimization, this paper makes the optimal parameters for sure; that is, the seeder’s velocity ranges from 1.3 to 1.5 m/s, wind pressure ranges from 2.5 to 2.8 kPa, and the width of the air suction groove ranges from 2.6 to 2.8 mm. At this time, the multiples index and missing index of the combined air suction cotton breed seeder are less than 3%, whose sum total is less than 5%. In the field test, the seed clearing performance of the seed clearing system is tested, and the seed clearing rate has reached 100%, meeting the seeding requirements in cotton tablets.
Sleep Recovery Restored Neuroglobin Immunoreactivity in Rat LDTg-PPTg Nuclei
Authors: Melgarejo-Gutiérrez Montserrat , García-García Fabio , Hernández-Márquez Gerardo , Morgado-Valle Consuelo , Acosta-Hernández Mario Eduardo , Rodríguez-Alba Juan Carlos
Published: July 2020

Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a protein member of the globin family, expressed mainly in the central and peripheral nervous system. It is involved in the transport of oxygen in response to hypoxic/ischemic and oxidative stress-related insults. We recently showed that sleep deprivation reduces the number of Ngb-positive cells in brain areas related to sleep. However, it is poorly understood whether Ngb expression correlates with sleep occurrence. Here, we aimed to study if sleep recovery produced by 24 h of sleep deprivation restores the number of Ngb-positive cells in the pedunculopontine tegmentum (PPTg) and laterodorsal tegmentum (LDTg), brain areas related to sleep-wake regulation. Male Wistar rats were sleep-deprived for 24 h using the gentle handling method. After sleep deprivation, rats were allowed a sleep recovery for three or six hours. After sleep recovery, rats were euthanized, and their brains processed for Ngb immunohistochemistry. We found that a 3 h sleep recovery is enough to restore the number of Ngb-positive cells in all the analyzed areas. A similar result was observed after a 6 h sleep recovery. These results suggest that Ngb expression is sleep dependent. We suggest that Ngb expression is involved in preventing cell damage due to prolonged wakefulness.
Clinical Features and Outcomes of Bilateral Atypical Femoral Fractures
Authors: Hamahashi Kosuke , Noguchi Toshihiro , Uchiyama Yoshiyasu , Sato Masato , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: July 2020

Bilateral atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) are relatively rare. In this report, we retrospectively researched clinical features and outcomes of bilateral AFFs treated at our institution. We previously treated 4 patients (8 limbs) with intramedullary nailing for complete AFFs (6 limbs) and incomplete AFFs (2 limbs). The mean age at the first operation was 53.3 years, and all patients were female. Of the 4 patients, two had breast cancer, and another two had systemic lupus erythematosus. Three of them received bisphosphonates, and 2 received denosumab, proton pump inhibitor, or glucocorticoid therapy. Only 2 of 6 cases of incomplete AFFs had prodromal pain before progressing to complete fracture. The mean interval from the first surgery to contralateral fracture or prophylactic surgery was 16 months. Radiographically, complete bone union was achieved in 6 limbs. However, a small gap at the lateral cortex of fracture site remained in 2 limbs. Finally, all of the patients were pain-free and able to walk without a cane. It is absolutely necessary to confirm contralateral femoral conditions; however, prediction of progression to complete fracture based solely on prodromal pain was difficult. Therefore, we should advise patients about the danger of progression to complete AFFs even if they are asymptomatic, and a prophylactic surgery should be performed after obtaining informed consent.
Extramedullary Solitary Plasmacytoma with Anaplastic Features of the Nasopharynx
Authors: Padhi Parikshit , El-Behery Radwa
Published: July 2020

Extramedullary plasmacytomas (ESPs) are rare forms of plasma cell dyscrasias and usually are seen in the upper aerodigestive tract. ESPs with anaplastic features are extremely rare, and no treatment guidelines exist. We present a 75-year-old gentleman presented with left nasal blockage, and on examination, a polypoid left nasal mass was seen. He was, then, referred to ENT after a CT scan revealed a mass in the left nasopharynx for a biopsy. The preliminary reports suggested a high-grade lymphoma; however, after further testing, it was revealed to be an anaplastic plasma cell neoplasm. PET scan, bone marrow biopsy, serum and urine protein electropheresis, serum immunofixation and light chains were all unremarkable for systemic disease. Differential diagnosis included plasmablastic lymphoma, NK/T cell lymphoma-nasal type, and squamous cell cancers of the head and neck. He was treated with radiation alone given his comorbidities. Given there are no treatment guidelines, we would like to highlight this rare case and discuss different potential management options such as radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination of different modalities.