bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relations between b → cτν decay modes in scalar models
Authors: Schacht Stefan , Soni Amarjit
Published: October 2020

Abstract

As a consequence of the Ward identity for hadronic matrix elements, we find relations between the differential decay rates of semileptonic decay modes with the underlying quark-level transition b → cτν, which are valid in scalar models. The decay-mode dependent scalar form factor is the only necessary theoretical ingredient for the relations. Otherwise, they combine measurable decay rates as a function of the invariant mass-squared of the lepton pair q2 in such a way that a universal decay-mode independent function is found for decays to vector and pseudoscalar mesons, respectively. This can be applied to the decays $$ B\to {D}^{\ast}\tau v,{B}_s\to {D}_s^{\ast}\tau v,{B}_c\to J/\psi \tau v $$
B
→

D
∗

τv
,

B
s

→

D
s
∗

τv
,

B
c

→
J
/
ψτv
and B → Dτv, Bs → Dsτv, Bc → ηcτv, with implications for R(D(*)), $$ R\left({D}_s^{\left(\ast \right)}\right) $$
R

D
s

∗

, R(J/ψ), R(ηc), and ℬ(Bc → τv). The slope and curvature of the characteristic q2-dependence is proportional to scalar new physics parameters, facilitating their straight forward extraction, complementary to global fits.
The role of U(1)’s in 5d theories, Higgs branches, and geometry
Authors: Collinucci Andrés , Valandro Roberto
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We explore the Higgs branches of five-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 quiver gauge theories at finite coupling from the paradigm of M-theory on local Calabi-Yau threefolds described as ℂ∗-fibrations over local K3’s. By properly counting local deformations of singularities, we find results compatible with unitary as opposed to special unitary gauge groups. We interpret these results by dualizing to both IIA on local K3’s with D6-branes, and to IIB with 5-branes. Finally, we find that, by compactifying the ℂ∗-fibers to tori, a well-known Stückelberg mechanism eliminates Abelian factors, and provides missing Higgs branch moduli in a very interesting way. This is also explained from the dual IIA and IIB viewpoints.
Structures of the massive vector boson propagators at finite temperature illuminated by the Goldstone equivalence gauge
Authors: Tang Yi-Lei
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Inspired by the Goldstone equivalence gauge, we study the thermal corrections to an originally massive vector boson by checking the poles and branch cuts. We find that part of the Goldstone boson is spewed out from the longitudinal polarization, becoming a branch cut which can be approximated by the “quasi-poles” in the thermal environment. In this case, physical Goldstone boson somehow partly recovers. We also show the Feynmann rules for the “external legs” of these vector boson as well as the recovered Goldstone boson, expecting to simplify the vector boson participated process calculations by adopting the similar “tree-level” logic as in the zero temperature situation. Gauge boson mixing case are also discussed. Similar results are shown in other gauges, especially in the Rξ gauge.
A nilpotency index of conformal manifolds
Authors: Komargodski Zohar , Razamat Shlomo S. , Sela Orr , Sharon Adar
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We show that exactly marginal operators of Supersymmetric Conformal Field Theories (SCFTs) with four supercharges cannot obtain a vacuum expectation value at a generic point on the conformal manifold. Exactly marginal operators are therefore nilpotent in the chiral ring. This allows us to associate an integer to the conformal manifold, which we call the nilpotency index of the conformal manifold. We discuss several examples in diverse dimensions where we demonstrate these facts and compute the nilpotency index.
Averaging over Narain moduli space
Authors: Maloney Alexander , Witten Edward
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Recent developments involving JT gravity in two dimensions indicate that under some conditions, a gravitational path integral is dual to an average over an ensemble of boundary theories, rather than to a specific boundary theory. For an example in one dimension more, one would like to compare a random ensemble of two-dimensional CFT’s to Einstein gravity in three dimensions. But this is difficult. For a simpler problem, here we average over Narain’s family of two-dimensional CFT’s obtained by toroidal compactification. These theories are believed to be the most general ones with their central charges and abelian current algebra symmetries, so averaging over them means picking a random CFT with those properties. The average can be computed using the Siegel-Weil formula of number theory and has some properties suggestive of a bulk dual theory that would be an exotic theory of gravity in three dimensions. The bulk dual theory would be more like U(1)2D Chern-Simons theory than like Einstein gravity.
Preserving a Replaced Left Hepatic Artery Arising from the Left Gastric Artery During Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Waki Yuhei , Kamiya Satoshi , Li Yi , Hikage Makoto , Tanizawa Yutaka , Bando Etsuro , Terashima Masanori
Published: October 2020

Background

A replaced left hepatic artery (RLHA) arising from the left gastric artery (LGA) is occasionally encountered during laparoscopic gastrectomy. Although the RLHA is usually divided at the root level as RLHA preservation might result in inadequate lymph node dissection, blood flow disruption by RLHA division may lead to hepatic ischemia. To date, there is no consensus on RLHA preservation. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of RLHA preservation by investigating the short‐term outcomes of patients with RLHA who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG).

Methods

A total of 106 patients with an aberrant LHA from the LGA were identified as having gastric cancer and underwent LDG from 2012 to 2018. Finally, 55 patients were retrospectively diagnosed with RLHA by preoperative computed tomography and included in this study. Patients were classified into the divided (n = 18) or preserved (n = 37) group. Clinicopathological factors and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

The RLHA preservation rate in patients who had been preoperatively diagnosed with RLHA was 88%. No significant difference was found in the number of harvested lymph nodes between the groups. The incidence of hepatic infarction was significantly higher in the divided group (16.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.031). Moreover, RLHA division caused postoperative transaminase elevation and was an independent risk factor for postoperative transaminase elevation (odds ratio: 55.8, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Surgical procedures of RLHA preservation reduced postoperative transaminase elevation and hepatic infarction in patients who underwent LDG. Surgeons should confirm the RLHA preoperatively and preserve it to prevent hepatic damage.
Maximal closed ideals of the Colombeau Algebra of Generalized functions
Authors: Khelif A. , Scarpalezos D.
Published: October 2020

In this paper we investigate the structure of the set of maximal ideals of $${{\mathcal {G}}}(\Omega )$$

G
(
Ω
)

. The method of investigation passes through the use of the $$m-$$

m
-

reduction and the ideas are analoguous to those in Gillman and Jerison (Rings of Continuous Functions, N.J. Van Nostrand, Princeton, 1960) for the investigation of maximal ideals of continuous functions on a Hausdorff space K.
Thermochemical characterization of polybenzimidazole with and without nano-ZrO2 for ablative materials application
Authors: Paglia L. , Genova V. , Bracciale M. P. , Bartuli C. , Marra F. , Natali M. , Pulci G.
Published: October 2020

During the ballistic atmospheric re-entry, a space vehicle has to withstand huge thermo-mechanical solicitations because of its high velocity and the friction with the atmosphere. According to the kind of the re-entry mission, the heat fluxes can be very high (in the order of some MW m−2) ;thus, an adequate thermal protection system is mandatory in order to preserve the structure of the vehicle, the payload and, for manned mission, the crew. Carbon phenolic ablators have been chosen for several missions because they are able to dissipate the incident heat flux very efficiently. Phenolic resin presents satisfying performance but also environmental drawbacks. Thus, a more environmental-friendly solution was conceived: a high-performance thermoplastic material, polybenzimidazole (PBI), was employed instead of phenolic resin. In this work PBI-ablative material samples were manufactured with and without the addition of nano-ZrO2 and tested with an oxyacetylene flame. For comparison, some carbon-phenolic ablators with the same density were manufactured and tested too. Thermogravimetric analysis on PBI samples was carried out at different heating rates, and the obtained TG data were elaborated to evaluate the activation energy of PBI and nano-filled PBI. The thermokinetics results for PBI show an improvement in thermal stability due to the addition of nano-ZrO2, while the oxyacetylene flame test enlightens how PBI ablators are able to overcome the carbon phenolic ablators performance, in particular when modified by the addition of nano-ZrO2.
The EPIC-26 domain scores after radical prostatectomy are associated with the personality trait of neuroticism
Authors: Dahl Alv A. , Fosså Sophie D. , Brennhovd Bjørn , Axcrona Karol
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The personality trait of neuroticism represents vulnerability for mental distress to somatic health problems. There are few studies of neuroticism in prostate cancer patients. This study examines the levels of self-reported adverse effects (AEs) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) in Norwegian men with high or low levels of neuroticism. Neuroticism is also compared to relevant factors concerning their associations with various AEs.

Methods

Among 982 men who had RALP at Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet between 2005 and 2010, 79% responded to a mailed questionnaire in 2011. They rated AEs by completing the EPIC-26 questionnaire, and neuroticism on the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). Men with < 1 year’s follow-up, treatment failure, and incomplete EPQ responses were omitted, leaving 524 men for analysis. The EPQ responses were dichotomized into low and high level of neuroticism. Stepwise multivariate linear regression analyses were used for examination of associations with the EPIC-26 domain scores.

Results

High neuroticism was reported by 20% (95% CI 17–23%) of the patients. On the EPIC-26 dimensions men with high neuroticism had significantly lower mean scores than men with low neuroticism. Most of these between-group differences were clinically significant. In multivariate regression analyses, high neuroticism contributed significantly to all EPIC-26 domains.

Conclusion

Increased levels of AEs after RALP are significantly associated with high neuroticism. A short screening test should be added to the current EPIC-26 instrument to identify patients with high neuroticism. In these patients, pre-operative counseling should take into account their risk of increased AE experiences.
Spent sulfuric acid plant catalyst: valuable resource of vanadium or risky residue? Process comparison for environmental implications
Authors: Mikoda Bartosz , Potysz Anna , Gruszecka-Kosowska Agnieszka , Kmiecik Ewa , Tomczyk Anna
Published: October 2020

The enormous amount of spent catalysts generated worldwide may pose a risk to the environment because of their high load of metals, including vanadium. The latter may be mobilized and released to the environment if managed improperly. Moreover, the catalysts could be considered as secondary resources rather than waste. This study aimed at the efficient extraction of vanadium from spent desulfurization catalyst (SDC) from a sulfuric acid production plant. The raw SDC and the post-extraction residues were characterized in terms of their chemical and phase composition. The metal mobility from the materials was examined with both single-step and multi-step extractions. The environmental risk assessment was performed using sequential extraction. The study revealed that both tested methods (citric acid leaching and bioleaching with Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans) enable the extraction of nearly 96% of V from SDC with a simultaneous reduction of metal mobility. However, the bacterial treatment was found more suitable. The leached residue was mostly (> 90%) composed of SiO2, which makes it a potential candidate for application in construction (e.g., concrete mixtures) after additional examinations. The study highlights the need to develop a metal extraction process for SDC in a way that metal-free residue could be a final product.
Tissue and circulating microRNAs as biomarkers of response to obesity treatment strategies
Authors: Catanzaro G. , Filardi T. , Sabato C. , Vacca A. , Migliaccio S. , Morano S. , Ferretti E.
Published: October 2020

Background

Obesity, characterized by an increased amount of adipose tissue, is a metabolic chronic alteration which has reached pandemic proportion. Lifestyle changes are the first line therapy for obesity and a large variety of dietary approaches have demonstrated efficacy in promoting weight loss and improving obesity-related metabolic alterations. Besides diet and physical activity, bariatric surgery might be an effective therapeutic strategy for morbid obese patients. Response to weight-loss interventions is characterised by high inter-individual variability, which might involve epigenetic factors. microRNAs have critical roles in metabolic processes and their dysregulated expression has been reported in obesity.

Aim

The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of current studies evaluating changes in microRNA expression in obese patients undergoing lifestyle interventions or bariatric surgery.

Results

A considerable number of studies have reported a differential expression of circulating microRNAs before and after various dietary and bariatric surgery approaches, identifying several candidate biomarkers of response to weight loss. Significant changes in microRNA expression have been observed at a tissue level as well, with entirely different patterns between visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Interestingly, relevant differences in microRNA expression have emerged between responders and non-responders to dietary or surgical interventions. A wide variety of dysregulated microRNA target pathways have also been identified, helping to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases.

Conclusions

Although further research is needed to draw firm conclusions, there is increasing evidence about microRNAs as potential biomarkers for weight loss and response to intervention strategies in obesity.
Right people, right time? a qualitative study of service access experiences of adults with acquired brain injury following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Foster Michele , Legg Melissa , Hummell Eloise , Burridge Letitia , Laurie Kirsty
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

The intention of this paper is to develop the personal concept of appropriate access. We report on the service access experiences and opportunities of adults with an acquired brain injury after leaving inpatient rehabilitation. The benefits of appropriate access underpin standards in early and long-term recovery, though users’ access needs are highly personal.

Methods:

The study used a qualitative design involving 16 semi-structured interviews with Australian adults with an acquired brain injury after discharge from inpatient brain rehabilitation. Data were thematically analysed.

Results:

Three main themes were derived from the analysis. Theme 1 shows that participants valued being steered to services that providers thought appropriate for them early after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Theme 2 highlights the tensions between timing and personal recovery and perceived needs. Theme 3 captures participants’ insights into the challenges of gaining access vis-a-vis what the system offers and the enablers of actualising appropriate access.

Conclusion:

The positive experiences of being directed to specialist services early after discharge suggest that continuity of care constitutes appropriateness of access for participants in this study. However, it is also clear that continuity should not displace flexibility in the timing of services, to accord with individuals’ perceived needs. This, in addition to enablement of access opportunities, through funding and transport, are important in maintaining a personalised approach.
Spending for success: identifying ‘what works?’ for Indigenous student outcomes in Australian Universities
Authors: Hearn Shane , Kenna Liam
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Despite the continued investment in Indigenous support networks and dedicated education units within universities, levels of key performance indicators for Indigenous students—access, participation, success and completion (attainment)—remain below that of the overall domestic student population in most institutions. It remains important to determine what works to achieve Indigenous student success in higher education. This paper proposes that such methods have an integral role to play in providing a holistic view of Indigenous participation and success at university, and are particularly useful in the development and evaluation of strategies and programs. This project found no quantitative correlation between financial investment and success rate for Indigenous students. A negative correlation between access rate and success rate suggests that factors other than those that encourage participation are important in supporting successful outcomes. Those universities that have high success rates have a suite of programs to support Indigenous students, but it is not immediately clear which of these strategies and programs may be most effective to facilitate Indigenous student success rates. In this discussion, we suggest that a multi-layered determinants model is a useful way to conceptualise the many factors that may impact on student success, and how they might intersect.
Neural substrates of expectancy violation associated with social feedback in individuals with subthreshold depression
Authors: He Zhenhong , Ao Xiang , Muhlert Nils , Elliott Rebecca , Zhang Dandan
Published: October 2020

Background

Abnormal processing of social feedback is an important contributor to social dysfunction in depression, however the exact mechanisms remain unclear. One important factor may be the extent to which social processing depends on expectations, in particular whether social feedback confirms or violates expectations.

Methods

To answer this question, we studied behavioral and brain responses during the evaluative processing of social feedback in 25 individuals with subthreshold depression (SD) and 25 healthy controls (HCs). Participants completed a Social Judgment Task in which they first indicated expectation about whether a peer would like them or not, and then received peer's feedback indicating acceptance or rejection.

Results

Individuals with SD who reported greater depressive symptoms gave fewer positive expectations. Compared to HCs, individuals with SD showed reduced activation in the medial prefrontal cortex when expecting positive feedback. They also exhibited increased dorsal anterior cingulate cortex after receipt of unexpected social rejection, and reduced ventral striatum activity after receipt of unexpected social acceptance.

Conclusions

The observed alternations are specific to unexpected social feedback processing and highlight an important role of expectancy violation in the brain dysfunction of social feedback perception and evaluation in individuals at risk for depression.
Cooperatives as a Buffer Between Capitalism’s Conflicting Classes: The Pioneering Case of the Portuguese Cooperative Societies Act
Authors: SPOGNARDI ANDRÉS
Published: October 2020

Portugal was a pioneer in state-led cooperative development. In 1867, the parliament passed legislation encouraging workers to organize their own collective businesses. In the view of the ruling elite, this would prevent the emergence of a class cleavage between labor and capital, contributing to the stability of the liberal economic and political order. Combining the historical method with John Kingdon’s multiple-streams approach to policy formulation, this article examines the complex array of domestic and external factors that shaped this policy intervention. Additionally, the study explores the impact of the policy on the involved stakeholders. Far from fulfilling the expectations of its promoters, the law on cooperatives seems to have only marginally stimulated the growth of the sector. Moreover, the government’s support to cooperatives seems to have undermined the legitimacy of the model in the eyes of a labor movement that was starting to see its interests as opposed to those of the ruling class.
Fostering Solidarity and Encouraging Shared Commitment:Chongqing Daily’s Narratives about the Front-line Workers and the Role of these Narratives in Containing Covid-19
Authors: Li Zou
Published: October 2020

This article analysesChongqing Daily’s narratives about the front-line workers during the pandemic outbreak and their role in containing the Covid-19. These narratives foreground the disruption of filial connections and family life of those on the front lines as well as the physical toll their work takes on the bodies of these workers. By highlighting the suffering of front-line workers through familiar experiences relating to the body and family connections, this article argues that these narratives enabled inter-subjective connections between the front-line workers and the rest of the population and, therefore, helped foster a feeling of solidarity among the population in controlling the virus. The descriptions about the practices of front-line workers in the quarantined areas and their social moral meaning also functioned as action models and explanatory frameworks for the public to rationalize and assign meaning to the behaviour required of them during the lockdown period, and thus encouraged a shared commitment to combating the virus. Thus, theChongqing Dailynarratives strengthened the social cohesion in Chongqing and helped unite the population for a total war against the pandemic.
La Niña weather impacts dietary patterns and dietary diversity among children in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Ambikapathi Ramya , Kosek Margaret N , Lee Gwenyth O , Olortegui Maribel Paredes , Zaitchik Benjamin , Peñataro Yori Pablo , Bauck Aubrey , Caulfield Laura E
Published: October 2020

Objective:

In 2011–2012, severe El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions (La Niña) led to massive flooding and temporarily displacement in the Peruvian Amazon. Our aims were to examine the impact of this ENSO exposure on child diets, in particular: (1) frequency of food consumption patterns, (2) the amount of food consumed (g/d), (3) dietary diversity (DD), (4) consumption of donated foods, among children aged 9–36 months living in the outskirts of City of Iquitos in the Amazonian Peru.

Design:

This was a longitudinal study that used quantitative 24-h recall dietary data collection from children aged 9–36 months from 2010 to 2014 as part of the MAL-ED birth cohort study.

Setting:

Iquitos, Loreto, Peru.

Participants:

Two hundred and fifty-two mother–child dyads.

Results:

The frequency of grains, rice, dairy and sugar in meals reduced by 5–7 %, while the frequency of plantain in meals increased by 24 % after adjusting for covariates. ENSO exposure reduced girl’s intake of plantains and sugar. Despite seasonal fluctuations in the availability of fruits, vegetables and fish, DD remained constant across seasons and as children aged. However, DD was significantly reduced under moderate La Niña conditions by 0·32 (P < 0·05) food groups. Adaptive social strategies such as consumption of donated foods were significantly higher among households with girls.

Conclusions:

This is the first empirical study to show differential effect of the ENSO on the dietary patterns of children, highlighting differences by gender. Public health nutrition programmes should be climate- and gender-sensitive in their efforts to safeguard the diets of vulnerable populations.
Extended light period in the maternal circadian cycle impairs the reproductive system of the rat male offspring
Authors: Ogo Fernanda Mithie , Siervo Glaucia Eloisa Munhoz Lion , de Moraes Ana Maria Praxedes , Machado Katia Gama de Barros , Scarton Suellen Ribeiro da Silva , Guimarães Ana Tereza Bittencourt , Cecchini Alessandra Lourenço , Simão Andréa Name Colado , Mathias Paulo Cezar de Freitas , Fernandes Glaura Scantamburlo Alves
Published: October 2020

Alterations in the circadian cycle are known to cause physiological disorders in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axes in adult individuals. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate whether exposure of pregnant rats to constant light can alter the reproductive system development of male offspring. The dams were divided into two groups: a light–dark group (LD), in which pregnant rats were exposed to an LD photoperiod (12 h/12 h) and a light–light (LL) group, in which pregnant rats were exposed to a photoperiod of constant light during the gestation period. After birth, offspring from both groups remained in the normal LD photoperiod (12 h/12 h) until adulthood. One male of each litter was selected and, at adulthood (postnatal day (PND) 90), the trunk blood was collected to measure plasma testosterone levels, testes and epididymis for sperm count, oxidative stress and histopathological analyses, and the spermatozoa from the vas deferens to perform the morphological and motility analyses. Results showed that a photoperiod of constant light caused a decrease in testosterone levels, epididymal weight and sperm count in the epididymis, seminiferous tubule diameter, Sertoli cell number, and normal spermatozoa number. Histopathological damage was also observed in the testes, and stereological alterations, in the LL group. In conclusion, exposure to constant light during the gestational period impairs the reproductive system of male offspring in adulthood.
Real-Time Psychophysiological and Writing Correlates of Expressive Writing
Authors: Jacques Teresa , Alves Rui A. , Fadaei Setareh , Barbosa Fernando
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Concealing memories and emotions associated with a traumatic event seems to have negative effects on health. Re-enacting those events through writing is an opportunity to disclose such memories and emotions, and especially for emotion regulation. To study this, 57 university students were randomly assigned to one of two groups. They either completed an expressive writing or a neutral writing task. Real-time writing and psychophysiological data were recorded throughout the experiment to examine writing dynamics associated with emotion regulation and its psychophysiological correlates (electrodermal activity and electrocardiography measures). The results showed that the expressive group (EG) paused for longer than the control group (CG) denoting a positive and medium effect size [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, during and after writing, the EG showed a higher low frequency/high frequency ratio than the CG, evidencing a positive and large effect size [Formula: see text]. These real-time findings are interpreted as signs of emotion regulation happening during writing.
Simple Actions Can Help People Survive Landslides
Authors: Lee Jack
Published: October 2020

New research provides practical advice to minimize landslide risk for individuals before, during, and after an event.
Platelets enhance malignant behaviours of gastric cancer cells via direct contacts
Authors: Saito Ryo , Shoda Katsutoshi , Maruyama Suguru , Yamamoto Atsushi , Takiguchi Koichi , Furuya Shinji , Hosomura Naohiro , Akaike Hidenori , Kawaguchi Yoshihiko , Amemiya Hidetake , Kawaida Hiromichi , Sudo Makoto , Inoue Shingo , Kono Hiroshi , Suzuki-Inoue Katsue , Ichikawa Daisuke
Published: October 2020

In this study, we aimed to analyse human cancer cell–platelet interactions in functional cell analyses and explore the molecular mechanisms behind tumour progression. Various functional analyses of gastric cancer (GC) cells were performed after direct/indirect co-incubation with platelets derived from GC patients. Further detailed expression and signalling analyses were performed after co-culture with direct and indirect GC cells–platelet contact. Malignant behaviours of cancer cells, such as proliferation, migration, invasion and adhesion, were significantly enhanced after direct co-incubation with platelets. Microarray analyses demonstrated changes in multiple genes, including epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes. Among them, matrix metalloproteinase 9 was notably upregulated, which was validated by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Further, this change was only observed after direct co-incubation with platelets. This study demonstrated that platelets from GC patients promote malignant behaviours of GC cells through EMT-related signalling, especially by direct contact with tumour cells.
Indole hydrazide compound ZJQ-24 inhibits angiogenesis and induces apoptosis cell death through abrogation of AKT/mTOR pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Ying , Zhang Jianqiang , Liu Dan , Bao Yafeng , Chen Tianxing , Tang Tao , Lin Jun , Luo Ying , Jin Yi , Zhang Jihong
Published: October 2020

Angiogenesis and the activation of AKT/mTOR pathway are crucial for hepatocarcinoma development and progression, the activation of mTORC1/2 and relevant substrates have been confirmed in clinical hepatocarcinoma samples. Therefore, AKT/mTOR pathway represents the major targets for anti-cancer drugs development. Here, we investigated the anti-proliferative activity and mechanisms of ZJQ-24 in hepatocellular carcinoma, both in vivo and in vitro. A hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft model showed that ZJQ-24 significantly inhibited tumor growth with few side effects. MTT assays, flow cytometric analysis, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry identified that ZJQ-24 effectively suppressed hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation via G2/M phase arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis but had no cytotoxic on normal cells. Furthermore, ZJQ-24 significantly blocked AKT/mTOR signaling by down-regulation of mTORC1 molecules, including phospho-p70S6K (Thr389) and phospho-4EBP-1 (Ser65, Thr37/46, Thr70) and phospho-AKT (Ser473) in HCC cells. It is very important that the ZJQ-24 did not induce the mTORC1-depdent PI3K/Akt feedback activation through JNK excitation. Moreover, ZJQ-24 inhibited the cap-dependent translation initiation by impairing the assembly of the eIF4E/eIF4G complex. Immunohistochemistry further confirmed ZJQ-24 inhibited the tumor growth through suppression of VEGF and AKT/mTOR pathways in vivo. Thus, the present study is the first to illustrate that ZJQ-24 triggers antiangiogenic activity and apoptosis via inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, providing basic scientific evidence that ZJQ-24 shows great potential function as inhibitor of angiogenesis and tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Patterns of viral pathogens causing upper respiratory tract infections among symptomatic children in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Kwiyolecha Elizabeth , Groendahl Britta , Okamo Bernard , Kayange Neema , Manyama Festo , Kidenya Benson R. , Mahamba Dina C. , Msanga Delfina R. , Gehring Stephan , Majigo Mtebe , Mshana Stephen E. , Mirambo Mariam M.
Published: October 2020

Upper-respiratory tract infections (URTI) are the leading causes of childhood morbidities. This study investigated etiologies and patterns of URTI among children in Mwanza, Tanzania. A cross-sectional study involving 339 children was conducted between October-2017 and February-2018. Children with features suggestive of URTI such as nasal congestion, dry cough, painful swallowing and nasal discharge with/without fever were enrolled. Pathogens were detected from nasopharyngeal and ear-swabs by multiplex-PCR and culture respectively. Full blood count and C-reactive protein analysis were also done. The median age was 16 (IQR: 8–34) months. Majority (82.3%) had fever and nasal-congestion (65.5%). Rhinitis (55.9%) was the commonest diagnosis followed by pharyngitis (19.5%). Viruses were isolated in 46% of children, the commonest being Rhinoviruses (23.9%). Nineteen percent of children had more than 2 viruses; Rhinovirus and Enterovirus being the commonest combination. The commonest bacteria isolated from ears were Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Children with viral pathogens had significantly right shift of lymphocytes (73%—sensitivity). Majority (257/339) of children were symptoms free on eighth day. Viruses are the commonest cause of URTI with Rhinitis being the common diagnosis. Rapid diagnostic assays for URTI pathogens are urgently needed in low-income countries to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions which is associated with antibiotic resistance.
The role of anterior and posterior insula in male genital response and in visual attention: an exploratory multimodal fMRI study
Authors: Cera Nicoletta , Castelhano João , Oliveira Cátia , Carvalho Joana , Quinta Gomes Ana Luísa , Peixoto Maria Manuela , Pereira Raquel , Janssen Erick , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Nobre Pedro
Published: October 2020

Several studies highlighted the role of insula on several functions and in sexual behavior. This exploratory study examines the relationships among genital responses, brain responses, and eye movements, to disentangle the role played by the anterior and posterior insula during different stages of male sexual response and during visual attention to sexual stimuli. In 19 healthy men, fMRI, eye movement, and penile tumescence data were collected during a visual sexual stimulation task. After a whole-brain analysis comparing neutral and sexual clips and confirming a role for the bilateral insulae, we selected two bilateral seed regions in anterior and posterior insula for functional connectivity analysis. Single-ROI-GLMs were run for the FC target regions. Single-ROI-GLMs were performed based on areas to which participants fixate: “Faces”, “Genitals,” and “Background” with the contrast “Genitals > Faces”. Single-ROI-GLMs with baseline, onset, and sustained PT response for the sexual clips were performed. We found stronger effects for the posterior than the anterior insula. In the target regions of the posterior insula, we found three different pathways: the first involved in visual attention, onset of erection, and sustained erection; the second involved only in the onset of erection, and the third limited to sustained erection.
Exopolysaccharides directed embellishment of diatoms triggered on plastics and other marine litter
Authors: Khan Mohd Jahir , Singh Ramesh , Shewani Kunal , Shukla Prashant , Bhaskar P. V. , Joshi Khashti Ballabh , Vinayak Vandana
Published: October 2020

In the present study, embellishment or beautification of diatoms on substrates like plastics, polydimethylsiloxane, graphite, glass plate, and titanium dioxide, triggered by exopolysaccharides was examined under laboratory conditions. Exopolysaccharides are secreted mainly by primary colonisers, bacteria, which is succeeded by secondary colonisers i.e. diatoms. Both diatom (Nitzschia sp.4) and bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) were exposed with substrates separately for 30 days. Diatoms adhere on substrates strongly, not only because of surface roughness of different substrates but also the nanoporous architecture of diatoms which enhanced their embellishment. This study attempted to identify the substrates that adhere to diatoms strongly and was mainly analyzed by scanning electron microscope and further the observations are well supported by math work software (MATLAB). The variation of diatom’s binding on different substrates is due to the influence of marine litters on diatom population in ocean beds where they undergo slow degradation releasing macro, micro and nanoparticles besides radicals and ions causing cell death. Therefore a proof-of-concept model is developed to successfully deliver a message concerning benefit of using different diatom species.
Graphene Oxide affects Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa dual species biofilm in Lubbock Chronic Wound Biofilm model
Authors: Di Giulio Mara , Di Lodovico Silvia , Fontana Antonella , Traini Tonino , Di Campli Emanuela , Pilato Serena , D’Ercole Simonetta , Cellini Luigina
Published: October 2020

Chronic wound management becomes a complex procedure because of the persistence of forming biofilm pathogens that do not respond to antimicrobial treatment. The aim of this paper is to detect the Graphene Oxide-GO effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa dual species wound biofilm in Lubbock Chronic Wound Biofilm-LCWB model. LCWB is a recognized model that mimics the spatial microbial colonization into chronic wounds and reproduces the wound and its clot. Staphylococcus aureus PECHA 10 and P. aeruginosa PECHA 4, are the pathogens used in the study. The GO effect on both in forming and mature biofilms, is detected by the evaluation of the CFU/mg reduction, the cell viability and ultrastructural analysis of the treated LCWBs. Graphene Oxide, at 50 mg/l, shows a significant antibiofilm effect in forming and mature LCWBs. In particular, during the biofilm formation, GO reduces the S. aureus and P. aeruginosa growth of 55.05% ± 4.73 and 44.18% ± 3.91 compared to the control. In mature biofilm, GO affects S. aureus and P. aeruginosa by reducing their growth of 70.24% ± 4.47 and 63.68% ± 17.56, respectively. Images taken by SEM show that GO display a disaggregated microbial effect also disrupting the fibrin network of the wound-like biofilm framework. In conclusion, GO used against microorganisms grown in LCWB, displays a significant inhibitory action resulting in a promising tool for potential application in wound management.
Numerical investigation for rotating flow of MHD hybrid nanofluid with thermal radiation over a stretching sheet
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Sabir Muhammad Touseef , Islam Saeed , Shah Zahir , Kumam Poom , Alrabaiah Hussam
Published: October 2020

This research investigates the heat and mass transfer in 3-D MHD radiative flow of water based hybrid nanofluid over an extending sheet by employing the strength of numerical computing based Lobatto IIIA method. Nanoparticles of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silver (Ag) are being used with water (H2O) as base fluid. By considering the heat transfer phenomenon due to thermal radiation effects. The physical flow problem is then modeled into set of PDEs, which are then transmuted into equivalent set of nonlinear ODEs by utilizing the appropriate similarity transformations. The system of ODEs is solved by the computational strength of Lobatto IIIA method to get the various graphical and numerical results for analyzing the impact of various physical constraints on velocity and thermal profiles. Additionally, the heat transfers and skin friction analysis for the fluid flow dynamics is also investigated. The relative errors up to the accuracy level of 1e-15, established the worth and reliability of the computational technique. It is observed that heat transfer rate increases with the increase in magnetic effect, Biot number and rotation parameter.
Identification of serum cytokine clusters associated with outcomes in ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Yabuno Akira , Matsushita Hirokazu , Hamano Tetsutaro , Tan Tuan Zea , Shintani Daisuke , Fujieda Nao , Tan David S. P. , Huang Ruby Yun-Ju , Fujiwara Keiichi , Kakimi Kazuhiro , Hasegawa Kosei
Published: October 2020

Serum cytokine and chemokine networks may reflect the complex systemic immunological interactions in cancer patients. Studying groups of cytokines and their networks may help to understand their clinical biology. A total of 178 cases of ovarian cancer were analyzed in this study, including 73 high-grade serous (HGSC), 66 clear cell (CCC) and 39 endometrioid carcinomas. Suspension cytokine arrays were performed with the patients’ sera taken before the primary surgery. Associations between each cytokine and clinicopathological factors were analyzed in all patients using multivariate linear regression models, and cluster analyses were performed for each histotype. In the multivariate analyses, twelve of 27 cytokines were correlated with histotypes. Cluster analyses in each histotype revealed 2 cytokine signatures S1 and S2 in HGSC, and similarly C1 and C2 in CCC. Twenty-two of 27 cytokines were commonly clustered in HGSC and CCC. Signature S1 and C1 included IL-2,6,8,15, chemokines and angiogenic factors, whereas signature S2 and C2 included IL-4,5,9,10,13, TNF-α and G-CSF. Four subgroups based on a high or low level for each signature were identified, and this cluster-based classification demonstrated significantly different progression-free and overall survivals for CCC patients (P = 0.00097 and P = 0.017).
Treatment of intracranial meningioma with single-session and fractionated radiosurgery: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Huang Sheng-Han , Wang Chun-Chieh , Wei Kuo-Chen , Chang Cheng-Nen , Chuang Chi-Cheng , Chen Hsien-Chih , Lin Ya-Jui , Chen Ko-Ting , Pai Ping-Ching , Hsu Peng-Wei
Published: October 2020

Single-session stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS) is recognized as a safe and efficient treatment for meningioma. We aim to compare the long-term efficacy and safety of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) with SSRS in the treatment of grade I meningioma. A total of 228 patients with 245 tumors treated with radiosurgery between March 2006 and June 2017were retrospectively evaluated. Of these, 147 (64.5%) patients were treated with SSRS. The remaining 81 patients (35.5%) were treated with a fractionated technique. Protocols to treat meningioma were classified as 12–16 Gy per fraction for SSRS and 7 Gy/fraction/day for three consecutive days to reach a total dose of 21 Gy for FSRT. In univariate and multivariate analyses, tumor volume was found to be associated with local control rate (hazard ratio = 4.98, p = 0.025). The difference in actuarial local control rate (LCR) between the SSRS and FSRT groups after propensity score matching (PSM) was not statistically significant during the 2-year (96.86% versus 100.00%, respectively; p = 0.175), 5-year (94.76% versus 97.56%, respectively; p = 0.373), and 10-year (74.40% versus 91.46%, respectively; p = 0.204) follow-up period. FSRT and SSRS were equally well-tolerated and effective for the treatment of intracranial benign meningioma during the10-year follow-up period.
Continued smoking and posterior vitreous adhesion in the elderly evaluated on swept-source optical coherence tomography
Authors: Toyama Taku , Hashimoto Yohei , Kawai Hisashi , Azuma Kunihiro , Shiraya Tomoyasu , Araki Fumiyuki , Sugimoto Koichiro , Watanabe Yutaka , Hirano Hirohiko , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Ihara Kazushige , Kim Hunkyung , Kato Satoshi , Numaga Jiro , Obuchi Shuichi , Ueta Takashi
Published: October 2020

In this cross-sectional study including 1150 eyes of 681 volunteers ≧ 65 years old without retinal pathology, factors affecting the progression of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) were investigated.
PVD stages were diagnosed based on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Linear mixed effect model was used to determine whether age, gender, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), dyslipidemia (DL), and smoking status were associated with various stages of PVD. As a result, the multivariable analysis disclosed that the associations between older age and higher PVD stages (estimate [95% CI], 0.031 [0.020 to 0.042]; P < 0.0001), and current smokers and lower PVD stages (estimate [95% CI], − 0.24 [− 0.43 to − 0.056]; P = 0.011) were statistically significant. In contrast, female gender was not an independent factor affecting PVD stages in the elderly. Our analysis indicated that higher PVD stages observed in female eyes may be due to confounding effect, in which current smokers were predominantly males (i.e., 12.6% among males vs. 3.9% among females, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, our findings suggest that continuous smoking is associated with an adherent vitreoretinal interface in the elderly.
Veteran trees are a source of natural enemies
Authors: Wetherbee Ross , Birkemoe Tone , Sverdrup-Thygeson Anne
Published: October 2020

Predation of invertebrate pest by natural enemies is a critical contribution of nature to people, because invertebrate pests cause a vast amount of economic damage and pesticides use has many long-term costs. Veteran trees are keystone structures and hotspots for biodiversity, and are a potential source of natural enemies. To explore this, we used a balanced experimental design where we measured predatory beetle diversity and attack marks on three colors of artificial caterpillars placed around 20 veteran oaks and 20 nearby young oaks, in Southern Norway. We predicted that around the veteran oaks there would be a greater diversity of predatory beetles and more invertebrate attacks on artificial caterpillars. Sampling for predatory beetles was conducted in summer 2017 and 2018, and invertebrate attacks were measured in 2018. We found support for the predictions: diversity of predatory beetles was higher around veteran trees and there were more arthropod attack marks on artificial caterpillars placed around veteran trees. Our results indicated that veteran trees are a source of natural enemies. Valuing and protecting veteran trees and their communities is an essential step towards a more sustainable system of management that has the possibility of promoting both the wellbeing of people and biodiversity.
Improved forecasts of atmospheric rivers through systematic reconnaissance, better modelling, and insights on conversion of rain to flooding
Authors: Lavers David A. , Ralph F. Martin , Richardson David S. , Pappenberger Florian
Published: October 2020

Atmospheric rivers lie behind many extreme precipitation and flood episodes in the mid-latitudes. Better forecasts of atmospheric rivers and their impacts could help with preparedness. Here we argue that a comprehensive and systematic observational campaign could help advance numerical weather prediction, and thereby provide a path towards much improved forecasts of atmospheric rivers. We envision an interdisciplinary European–American observational campaign in the North Atlantic to identify and address numerical weather prediction errors in atmospheric rivers, and the associated extratropical cyclones. Insights gained could be applied in other regions. With improved understanding of the physiography of river basins and insights into their flood response to extreme precipitation, the impacts of atmospheric rivers can also be forecast more reliably.
Silyliumylidenes and Silylones: Low-valent Silicon Species in Small Molecule Activation
Authors: Powley S. L. , Hanusch F. , Inoue S.
Published: October 2020

Low-valent silicon compounds have received a great deal of research interest in recent years. As the field has developed, new classes of species previously thought to be unstable have been isolated and investigated in the condensed phase. Of these molecules, we wish to highlight two particularly interesting classes of low-valent silicon reactive intermediates: silyliumylidenes, which are silicon(II) cations, and silylones, neutral silicon(0) species possessing two lone pairs of electrons at silicon. The chemistry of both silyliumylidenes and silylones is still in its infancy, but the diverse reactivity displayed by these silicon compounds is promising for future catalytic applications.
Design, synthesis, and bioimaging applications of a new class of carborhodamines
Authors: Lv Xin , Han Taihe , Yuan Xia , Shi Hu , Guo Wei
Published: October 2020

A new class of NIR carborhodamines MCRs was developed by a simple procedure, and based on the dye platform, a new fluorescent 1O2 probe MCR-DMA was constructed.
Iron-catalysed enantioconvergent Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling to afford enantioenriched 1,1-diarylalkanes
Authors: Tyrol Chet C. , Yone Nang S. , Gallin Connor F. , Byers Jeffery A.
Published: October 2020

The first stereoconvergent Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction was developed to afford enantioenriched 1,1-diarylalkanes.