bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking strains predicts personal microbiomes and reveals recent adaptive evolution
Authors: Zhao Shijie , Dai Chengzhen L. , Evans Ethan D. , Lu Ziyu , Alm Eric J.
Published: September 2020

An individual’s microbiome consists of a diverse set of bacterial strains that encode rich information on its colonization and evolutionary history. Here, we introduce a versatile and straightforward reference-based strain tracking approach (StrainTrack) that determines whether distinct metagenomes carry closely-related strains based on gene presence and absence profiles. We show that StrainTrack can predict whether two metagenomes originate from the same donor via counting the number of species sharing closely-related strains, achieving >96% specificity, and ∼100% sensitivity. When applied to the metagenomes of adult twins in the TwinsUK registry, we identify six cases of closely-related strains carried by both twins, potentially over decades of colonization.
Controlling T cells shape, mechanics and activation by micropatterning
Authors: Sadoun A. , Biarnes-Pelicot M. , Ghesquiere-Dierickx L. , Wu A. , Théodoly O. , Limozin L. , Hamon Y. , Puech P.-H.
Published: September 2020

We designed a strategy, based on a careful examination of the activation capabilities of proteins and antibodies used as substrates for adhering T cells, coupled to protein microstamping. This allowed us to control at the same time the position, shape, mechanics and activation state of T cells. Once adhered on shaped patterns we examined the capacities of T cells to be activated with soluble aCD3, in comparison to T cells adhered to a continuously decorated substrate with the same density of ligands. We show that, in our hand, adhering onto an anti CD45 (aCD45) antibody decorated surface is not affecting T cell calcium fluxes, even adhered on variable size micro-patterns. We further demonstrate this by expressing MEGF10 as a non immune adhesion receptor in T cells to obtain the very same spreading area on PLL substrates and Young modulus than immobilized cells on aCD45, while retaining similar activation capabilities using soluble aCD3 or through model APC contacts. We propose that our system is a way to test activation or anergy of T cells with defined adhesion and mechanical characteristics, and may allow to dissect fine details of these mechanisms since it allows to observe homogenised populations in standardized T cell activation assays.
The evolution of phenotypic plasticity in response to temperature stress
Authors: Mallard Francois , Nolte Viola , Schlötterer Christian
Published: September 2020

Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of a single genotype to produce different phenotypes in response to environmental variation. The importance of phenotypic plasticity in natural populations and its contribution to phenotypic evolution during rapid environmental change is widely debated. Here, we show that thermal plasticity of gene expression in natural populations is a key component of its adaptation: evolution to novel thermal environments increases ancestral plasticity rather than mean genetic expression. We determined the evolution of plasticity in gene expression by conducting laboratory natural selection on aDrosophila simulanspopulation in hot and cold environments. After more than 60 generations in the hot environment, 325 genes evolved a change in plasticity relative to the natural ancestral population. Plasticity increased in 75% of these genes, which were strongly enriched for several well-defined functional categories (e.g. chitin metabolism, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation). Furthermore, we show that plasticity in gene expression of populations exposed to different temperatures is rather similar across species. We conclude that most of the ancestral plasticity can evolve further in more extreme environments.
Prefrontal cortical and nucleus accumbens contributions to discriminative conditioned suppression of reward-seeking
Authors: Piantadosi Patrick T. , Yeates Dylan C.M. , Floresco Stan B.
Published: September 2020

Fear can potently inhibit ongoing behavior, including reward-seeking, yet the neural circuits that underlie such suppression remain to be clarified. Prior studies have demonstrated that distinct subregions of the rodent medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) differentially affect fear behavior, whereby fear expression is promoted by the more dorsal prelimbic cortex (PL) and inhibited by the more ventral infralimbic cortex (IL). These mPFC regions project to subregions of the nucleus accumbens, the core (NAcC) and shell (NAcS), that differentially contribute to reward-seeking as well as affective processes that may be relevant to fear expression. Here, we investigated how these mPFC and NAc subregions contribute to discriminative fear conditioning, assessed by conditioned suppression of reward-seeking. Bilateral inactivation of the NAcS or PL reduced the expression of conditioned suppression to a shock-associated CS+, whereas NAcC inactivation reduced reward-seeking without affecting suppression. IL inactivation caused a general reduction in conditioned suppression following discriminative conditioning, but not when using a single-stimulus design. Pharmacological disconnection of the PL → NAcS pathway revealed that this projection mediates conditioned suppression. These data add to a growing literature implicating discrete cortico-striatal pathways in the suppression of reward-seeking in response to aversive stimuli. Dysfunction within related structures may contribute to aberrant patterns of behavior in psychiatric illnesses including substance use disorders.
Reliable cryo-EM resolution estimation with modified Fourier shell correlation
Authors: Penczek Pawel A.
Published: September 2020

A modified Fourier shell correlation (mFSC) methodology is introduced that is aimed at addressing two fundamental problems that mar the use of the FSC: the strong influence of mask-induced artifacts on resolution estimation and the lack of assessment of FSC uncertainties stemming from the inability to determine the associated number of degrees of freedom. It is shown that by simply changing the order of the steps in which the FSC is computed, the correlations induced by masking of the input data can be eliminated. In addition, to further reduce artifacts, a smooth Gaussian window function is used to outline the regions of reciprocal space within which the mFSC is computed. Next, it is shown that the number of degrees of freedom (ndf) of the system is approximated well by combining the ndf associated with the Gaussian window in reciprocal space with further reduction of the ndf owing to the use of the mask in real space. It is demonstrated through the application of the mFSC to both single-particle and helical structures that the mFSC yields reliable, mask-induced artifact-free results as a result of the introduced modifications. Since the adverse effect of the mask is eliminated, it also becomes possible to compute robust local resolutions both per voxel of a 3D map as well as, in a newly developed approach, per functional subunit, segment or even larger secondary element of the studied complex.
How do food consumption motivations and emotions affect the experiential values and well-being of foodies?
Authors: Chang Janet , Morrison Alastair M. , Lin Sean Hsin-Hung , Ho Ching-Yen
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Travellers who love to try different foods and who frequently follow up on food-related news and topics consider themselves to be “foodies”. The main aim of this research was to identify the relationships among food consumption motivations, experiential values and well-being of foodies.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was distributed to foodies from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao in March–May 2019 who were aged 18 and above and who had visited Taiwan within the prior two years. Some 480 valid responses were received based on intercepts at airports and the data, based on a conceptual model, were analysed through structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

Three paths among the key variables showed significant and positive relationships. Additionally, the mediating effect of food experiential values on emotions and well-being was identified.

Research limitations/implications

The findings provide insights for food and hospitality scholars and the related literature since “foodie” is a rather new concept that is lacking in sufficient empirical and conceptual research. The research examines the relationships among experiential values, motivations and emotions and their influences on the well-being of foodies. In past studies on food consumption motivations and emotions, food experiential values were not included as a variable of potential influence. The research subjects were confined to foodies from the Chinese mainland (including Hong Kong and Macao) who were in Taiwan. Hence, the generalisation based on the sample may be limited.

Practical implications

This research produces useful information on the behaviour of Chinese foodies when they are travelling. Preparers of food and beverages and tourism retailers should supply food that represents local cultural characteristics and design relevant local food souvenirs with the appropriate packaging.

Social implications

Communities need to realise that not all visitors are alike and that some have a deeper interest in local foods and their historical and cultural roots.

Originality/value

Although numerous studies on the behaviours of Chinese tourists have been conducted, the research on their food consumption characteristics is limited. To date, no empirical studies have examined the relationships among foodies, food consumption motivations, food experiential values, emotions and well-being of mainland Chinese tourists, which is a knowledge gap in understanding this important market segment.
Learning solutions to a Cauchy problem for the modified Helmholtz equations using LS-SVM
Authors: Wu Ziku , Han Xiaoming , Li GuoFeng
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a mesh-free algorithm based on the least square support vector machines method for numerical simulation of the modified Helmholtz equations.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method deals with a Cauchy problem for the modified Helmholtz equations. The algorithm converts the problem into a quadratic programming. It can be divided into three steps. First, some training points are allocated. Then, an approximate function is constructed. Finally, the shape parameters are estimated.

Findings

The proposed method's stability is discussed. Numerical experiments are conducted to check the efficiency of the algorithm. The proposed method is found to feasible for the ill-posed problems of the modified Helmholtz equations.

Originality/value

The originality lies in that the proposed method is applied to solve the modified Helmholtz equations for the first time, and the expected results are obtained.
Does the quality of voluntary disclosure constrain earnings management in emerging economies? Evidence from Middle Eastern and North African banks
Authors: Salem Rami Ibrahim A. , Ezeani Ernest , Gerged Ali M. , Usman Muhammad , Alqatamin Rateb Mohammmad
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of the quality of voluntary disclosure (QVD) on earnings management (EM) amongst a sample of commercial banks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 1,060 bank-year observations for the period 2006–2015, this paper developed a three-dimensional framework to measure the QVD, which considers the quantity, spread and usefulness of the information. Furthermore, this study examines the QVD-EM nexus using an ordinary least squares regression model. This technique is supplemented with conducting an instrumental variable regression model and a two-stage least squares model to overcome the potential occurrence of endogeneity problems.

Findings

The findings suggest that QVD is negatively attributed to EM in the context of MENA banks. The findings also confirm that the quality of financial reporting is enhanced by QVD dimensions that were considered in the framework, leading banks to less engagement in EM practices. In contrast, the influence of the quantity dimension (level) of the disclosed information has an insignificant impact on EM, while the spread and usefulness dimensions of VD are negatively and significantly associated with EM in the region.

Research limitations/implications

Although the results are robust to various measurements and to the possible occurrence of endogeneity problems, there are a few limitations should be acknowledged, which provides opportunities for future research. For example, the sample size is relatively small due to data accessibility issues. Likewise, the findings of the research might not be appropriate for non-financial sectors. These limitations provide a good opportunity for future studies to expand on the research by covering other developing economies and, thereby, enriching the understanding offered by this study.

Practical implications

This study offers several implications for bank managers, academics and policymakers. Firstly, it may help managers to appreciate the function and the importance of QVD in mitigating EM. Secondly, for academics, the study provides suggestive evidence on the impact of QVD on EM; however, future research may need to consider the role of morality and ethical behaviour across different environments in reducing excessive risk-taking and constraining earnings manipulation. Finally, it provides insights for policymakers and regulators to develop a framework or guidance that can help banks in providing high-QVD in the context of developing economies.

Originality/value

The study distinctively develops an innovative measurement for QVD using a new multi-dimensional model. This paper also bring new evidence on QVD complexity and its impact on EM practice from an under-researched developing context, namely, the MENA region.
Multi-utility framework: blockchain exchange platform for sustainable development
Authors: Bou Abdo Jacques , Zeadally Sherali
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a sustainable development platform for water and energy peer-to-peer trading that is financially and economically feasible. Water and other resources are becoming scarcer every day, and developing countries are the neediest for an immediate intervention. Water, as a national need, is considered to be one of the most precious commodities, but it is also one of the main causes for conflicts in the 21st century. Rainwater harvesting and peer-to-peer trading of the harvested water is one of the most convenient, scalable and sustainable solutions but faces organization challenges such as the absence of suitable business models motivating normal users to sell their generated resources (such as water and energy), currency and financial settlement complexities and single utility markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a multi-utility trading platform based on the blockchain technology which can address the challenges faced by peer-to-peer trading for resources such as energy and water.

Findings

This paper presents a peer-to-peer multi-utility trading platform that solves the shortcomings of existing utility frameworks reported in the current literature.

Originality/value

This proposed platform meets the needs of developing countries as well as rural areas of developed countries. The open nature of the proposed design makes it suitable for adoption and use by various stakeholders.
The effects of abusive supervision, emotional exhaustion and organizational commitment on cyberloafing: a moderated-mediation examination
Authors: Lim Pang Kiam , Koay Kian Yeik , Chong Wei Ying
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Cyberloafing (employees' non-work-related online activities at work) has become a common workplace problem for many organizations. Research investigating the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions under which abusive supervision influences cyberloafing remains largely underdeveloped. Drawing from social exchange theory and conservation of resources theory, we developed a moderated-mediation model in which emotional exhaustion was theorized as a unique mechanism underlining why employees are more likely to engage in cyberloafing under the supervision of abusive leaders. In addition, we proposed that organizational commitment to be a relevant boundary condition to influence such a relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected 255 data from employees working in public listed companies in Malaysia and used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data.

Findings

The results showed that the influence of abusive supervision on cyberloafing through emotional exhaustion is only significant when organizational commitment is low.

Originality/value

This study constructed a moderated-mediation model by introducing the potential mediating effect of emotional exhaustion and the moderating effect of organizational commitment to reveal the mechanism through which abusive supervision related to cyberloafing.
A novel method to identify DH parameters of the rigid serial-link robot based on a geometry model
Authors: Zhang Tao , Song Yuntao , Wu Huapeng , Wang Qi
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Every geometric model corresponding to a unique feature whose errors of parameters uncorrelated, so the linearization technique can be successfully applied. The solution of a linear least square problem can be applied straightforwardly. This method has advantages especially in calibrate the redundant robot because it’s relatively small. The parameters of kinematics are unique and determined by this algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a geometric identification method has been studied to estimate the parameters in the Denavit–Hartenberg (DH) model of the robot. Through studying the robot’s geometric features, specific trajectories are designed for calibrating the DH parameters. On the basis of these geometric features, several fitting methods have been deduced so that the important geometric parameters of robots, such as the actual rotation centers and rotate axes, can be found.

Findings

By measuring the corresponding motion trajectory at the end-effector, the trajectory feature can be identified by using curve fitting methods, and the trajectory feature will reflect back to the actual value of the DH parameters.

Originality/value

This method is especially suitable for rigid serial-link robots especially for redundant robots because of its specific calibration trajectory and geometric features. Besides, this method uses geometric features to calibrate the robot which is relatively small especially for the redundant robot comparing to the numerical algorithm.
The succession dilemma in family firms: case study of a French company
Authors: Meier Olivier , Thelisson Anne-Sophie
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the major difficulties and challenges encountered during the crucial process of family succession. In this study, the authors list and analyze issues encountered by managers or by the CEO of a family business.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a single longitudinal real-time case study conducted over a period of 10 years in a French family business, this study identifies the challenges encountered during family succession. The authors were allowed to follow, over a long period, the planning of the CEO’s succession.

Findings

The authors identified six critical points in the succession process: planning succession development; favoring creation of financial value for the shareholders; investment policy, risk taking and time horizon of investments (growth); family employment policy (family private benefit); opening of capital and debt policy (external financing); and financing of capital reduction policy (external financing).

Originality/value

The paper highlights the difficulties, issues and questions encountered by an SME manager or by the CEO of a family business. The analysis gives insights into the deep nature of the family structure, by involving the notions of culture and organizations serving the performance of family businesses.
Satisfaction and word-of-mouth moderated by choice: a service industry perspective
Authors: Leon Steven , Choi Hoon
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the number of choices consumers have influences provider satisfaction, plan satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth (WOM) in the health insurance industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares (PLS) and structural equation modeling (SmartPLS) was used to conduct multi-group analysis to analyze the structural models. Data were collected online using Amazon mechanical turk, resulting in 425 respondents.

Findings

This study finds that the number of choices consumers have impacts the strength of provider and plan satisfaction and positive WOM. Also, this study finds that provider satisfaction is generally more impactful than plan satisfaction when generating positive WOM.

Originality/value

This study extends reactance theory, satisfaction and WOM based on choice options to the health insurance industry where credence attributes are prevalent and the analysis includes two satisfaction constructs in the structural model, whereas multiple satisfaction constructs are often overlooked.
Investigations of temperature sensor embedded into PCB
Authors: Janeczek Kamil , Araźna Aneta , Stęplewski Wojciech , Kościelski Marek , Lipiec Krzysztof , Rafalik Ireneusz , Karolewski Sebastian , Liszewska Dorota , Sitek Anna
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to design and fabricate a simple passive sensor circuitry embedded into a printed circuit board (PCB) and then to examine its properties.

Design/methodology/approach

A passive sensor transponder integrated circuit (IC) working in the high frequency (HF) 13.56 MHz frequency band was selected for this study. A loop antenna was designed to make the reported sensor circuitry readable. Next, the sensor circuitry was fabricated and embedded into a PCB with the proposed technologies. Finally, properties of the embedded structures were examined as well-functional parameters of the sensor circuitries.

Findings

The described investigation results confirmed that the proposed technologies using an epoxy resin or standard materials used for PCB’s production allowed to successfully produce sensors embedded into PCBs. This technology did not have a negative significant impact either on quality of solder joints of the assembled transponder IC or on functional properties of the embedded sensor. Apart from the identification data, the reported sensor can provide information about a selected property of its environment, e.g. temperature when its internal temperature sensitive element is used or other factors with the use of external sensitive elements, such as humidity.

Research limitations/implications

It is planned to carry on the reported investigations to examine other types of sensor circuitries capable of indicating e.g. humidity level and to evaluate influence of the proposed technology on their functional properties.

Practical implications

The reported sensor circuitries can be successfully used in electronic industry in internet of things systems not only to identify monitored electronic devices, but also to control selected parameters of external environment. This creates opportunity to detect device malfunction by detecting local temperature growth or to analyze its environment, which might allow to predict failure of controlled products using radio waves. This advantage seems to be extremely beneficial for applications, such as space, aviation or military, in which embedded sensor systems may lead to enhancing reliability of electronic devices by reacting on occurred failures in a more efficient way.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates valuable information for engineers conducting research on sensor components embedded into PCBs. The reported technologies are quite simple and cost-effective because of the use of standard materials known for PCB’s production or an epoxy resin which could be treated as an additional encapsulant material enhancing mechanical properties of the embedded sensor transponder IC.
Numerical Modeling of the Effects of Leading-Edge Erosion and Trailing-Edge Damage on Wind Turbine Loads and Performance
Authors: Papi Francesco , Cappugi Lorenzo , Perez-Becker Sebastian , Bianchini Alessandro
Published: September 2020

Wind turbines operate in challenging environmental conditions. In hot and dusty climates, blades are constantly exposed to abrasive particles that, according to many field reports, cause significant damages to the leading edge. On the other hand, in cold climates similar effects can be caused by prolonged exposure to hail and rain. Quantifying the effects of airfoil deterioration on modern multi-MW wind turbines is crucial to correctly schedule maintenance and to forecast the potential impact on productivity. Analyzing the impact of damage on fatigue and extreme loading is also important to improve the reliability and longevity of wind turbines. In this work, a blade erosion model is developed and calibrated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU) 10 MW Reference Wind Turbine is selected as the case study, as it is representative of the future generation wind turbines. Lift and Drag polars are generated using the developed model and a CFD numerical setup. Power and torque coefficients are compared in idealized conditions at two wind speeds, i.e., the rated speed and one below it. Full aero-servo-elastic simulations of the turbine are conducted with the eroded polars using NREL's BEM-based code OpenFAST. Sixty-six 10-min simulations are performed for each stage of airfoil damage, reproducing operating conditions specified by the IEC 61400-1 power production DLC-group, including wind shear, yaw misalignment, and turbulence. Aeroelastic simulations are analyzed, showing maximum decreases in CP of about 12% as well as reductions in fatigue and extreme loading.
PD-1 suppresses the maintenance of cell couples between cytotoxic T cells and target tumor cells within the tumor
Authors: Ambler Rachel , Edmunds Grace L. , Tan Sin Lih , Cirillo Silvia , Pernes Jane I. , Ruan Xiongtao , Huete-Carrasco Jorge , Wong Carissa C. W. , Lu Jiahe , Ward Juma , Toti Giulia , Hedges Alan J. , Dovedi Simon J. , Murphy Robert F. , Morgan David J. , Wülfing Christoph
Published: September 2020

PD-1 signaling suppresses tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes by destabilizing their interactions with target tumor cells.
Linking integrins and EVs in metastasis
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: September 2020

Integrins mediate the uptake of extracellular vesicles into breast cancer cells.
In Vitro
Activity of WCK 5222 (Cefepime-Zidebactam) against Worldwide Collected Gram-Negative Bacilli Not Susceptible to Carbapenems
Authors: Karlowsky James A. , Hackel Meredith A. , Bouchillon Samuel K. , Sahm Daniel F.
Published: September 2020

WCK 5222 (cefepime-zidebactam, 2 g + 1g, every 8 h [q8h]) is in clinical development for the treatment of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli. We determined the
in vitro
susceptibility of 1,385 clinical isolates of non-carbapenem-susceptible
Enterobacterales
, MDR
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(also non-carbapenem susceptible),
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
, and
Burkholderia
spp.
Toxoplasma gondii AP2XII-2 Contributes to Proper Progression through S-Phase of the Cell Cycle
Authors: Srivastava Sandeep , White Michael W. , Sullivan William J.
Published: September 2020

Toxoplasma gondii
is a single-celled parasite that persists in its host by converting into a latent cyst stage. This work describes a new transcriptional factor called AP2XII-2 that plays a role in properly maintaining the growth rate of replicating parasites, which contributes to signals required for development into its dormant stage. Without AP2XII-2,
Toxoplasma
parasites experience a delay in their cell cycle that increases the frequency of latent cyst formation. In addition, we found that AP2XII-2 operates in a multisubunit complex with other AP2 factors and chromatin remodeling machinery that represses gene expression. These findings add to our understanding of how
Toxoplasma
parasites balance replication and dormancy, revealing novel points of potential therapeutic intervention to disrupt this clinically relevant process.
Neurotropic Lineage III Strains of Listeria monocytogenes Disseminate to the Brain without Reaching High Titer in the Blood
Authors: Senay Taylor E. , Ferrell Jessica L. , Garrett Filip G. , Albrecht Taylor M. , Cho Jooyoung , Alexander Katie L. , Myers-Morales Tanya , Grothaus Olivia F. , D’Orazio Sarah E. F.
Published: September 2020

Progress in understanding the two naturally occurring central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of listeriosis (meningitis/meningoencephalitis and rhombencephalitis) has been limited by the lack of small animal models that can readily distinguish between these distinct infections. We report here that certain neurotropic strains of
Listeria monocytogenes
can spread to the brains of young otherwise healthy mice and cause neurological deficits without causing a fatal bacteremia. The novel strains described here fall within phylogenetic lineage III, a small collection of
L. monocytogenes
isolates that have not been well characterized to date. The animal model reported here mimics many features of human rhombencephalitis and will be useful for studying the mechanisms that allow
L. monocytogenes
to disseminate to the brain stem following natural foodborne transmission.
Quantification of Lysogeny Caused by Phage Coinfections in Microbial Communities from Biophysical Principles
Authors: Luque Antoni , Silveira Cynthia B.
Published: September 2020

The association of temperate phages and bacterial hosts during lysogeny manipulates microbial dynamics from the oceans to the human gut. Lysogeny is well studied in laboratory models, but its environmental drivers remain unclear. Here, we quantified the probability of lysogenization caused by phage coinfections, a well-known trigger of lysogeny, in marine and gut microbial environments. Coinfections were quantified by developing a biophysical model that incorporated the traits of viral and bacterial communities. Lysogenization via coinfection was more frequent in highly productive environments like the gut, due to higher microbial densities and higher phage adsorption rates. At low cell densities, lysogenization occurred in bacteria with long duplication times. These results bridge the molecular understanding of lysogeny with the ecology of complex microbial communities.
Diagnostic difficulties in obturator hernia: a rare case presentation and review of literature
Authors: Chitrambalam Tharun Ganapathy , Christopher Pradeep Joshua , Sundaraj Jeyakumar , Selvamuthukumaran Sundeep
Published: September 2020

Hernia arising from obturator canal is rare and it contributes to about less than 1% of incidence of all hernias. Diagnosing an obturator hernia clinically is a challenging one and nearly impossible. These hernias usually present as an intestinal obstruction as more than 50% of obturator hernias goes in for strangulation. Here, we report an unusual presentation of an obturator hernia in a 70-year-old woman who presented to emergency room with acute abdomen and uncomplicated reducible inguinal hernia. Radiological imaging showed obstructed inguinal hernia while on diagnostic laparoscopy, a strangulated and perforated obturator hernia of Richter’s type was seen in addition to an uncomplicated inguinal hernia. Obturator hernia, although very rare, is associated with high morbidity and mortality as it is often underdiagnosed as in our case. Laparoscopy bailed us out from missing out a perforation from an occult obturator hernia.
Antibody-negative autoimmune encephalitis as a complication of long-term immune-suppression for liver transplantation
Authors: Spindel Jeffrey , Heckroth Matthew , Marsano Luis
Published: September 2020

Autoimmune encephalitis is a rare spectrum of disease that can be a complication of chronic immunosuppression. Diagnosis often requires the presence of antineuronal antibodies, but many causative antibodies have not yet been identified. Antibody-negative autoimmune encephalitis (AbNAE) is especially difficult to diagnose and must rely largely on exclusion of other causes. In chronically immune-suppressed transplant recipients, the differential is broad, likely resulting in underdiagnosis and worse outcomes. Here, we present a 58-year-old liver transplant recipient taking tacrolimus for prevention of chronic rejection who presented with 5 days of confusion, lethargy and lightheadedness. He was diagnosed with AbNAE after an extensive workup and recovered fully after high-dose corticosteroids. Our case highlights the importance of recognising the association between chronic immunosuppression and autoimmune encephalitis. Autoimmune encephalitis, even in the absence of characterised antibodies, should be considered when transplant recipients present with central neurologic symptoms.
Adjuvant use of laser in eyes with macular retinoblastoma treated with primary intravenous chemotherapy
Authors: Stacey Andrew W , Tsukikawa Mai , Fabian Ido Didi , Turner Sarah , Jenkinson Helen , Smith Vicky , Naeem Zishan , Morland Bruce , Ainsworth John R , Reddy M Ashwin , Parulekar Manoj , Sagoo Mandeep S
Published: September 2020

Background

Adjuvant use of laser with systemic chemotherapy for treatment of retinoblastoma may reduce recurrence rates while also causing local side effects. Information is lacking on the effect of laser on visual outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review of two retinoblastoma centres in the United Kingdom was conducted. Patients were included if there was a macular tumour in at least one eye. Eyes that received chemotherapy alone were compared with eyes that received chemotherapy plus adjuvant laser.

Results

A total of 76 patients and 91 eyes were included in the study. Systemic chemotherapy alone was used in 71 eyes while chemotherapy plus laser was used in 20 eyes. Demographic characteristics of both groups were similar. Macular relapse rates were similar between groups: 22/71 (31%) eyes in chemotherapy group and 9/20 (45%) eyes in laser group (p=0.29). There was no increase in vitreous relapses in the laser group (2/20 eyes), compared with the chemotherapy group 10/71 eyes (p=0.99). Survival analysis demonstrated similar time to first relapse between groups. Final visual acuity was equal between groups with 6/15 or better present in 31.1% of eyes in the chemotherapy group and 37.5% of eyes in the laser group (p=0.76). Presence of tumour at the fovea was predictive of final visual acuity, regardless of treatment group.

Conclusion

Adjuvant laser in the treatment of retinoblastoma is safe and does not lead to increased rate of vitreous recurrence. Final visual acuity is determined by the presence of tumour at the fovea and not the use of laser.
Effect of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme of 8 weeks compared to 12 weeks duration on exercise capacity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PuRe Duration): protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bishop Joshua , Spencer Lissa , Alison Jennifer
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a key component in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is no strong evidence on the optimal duration of PR programmes. The aim of this study is to determine whether an 8-week PR programme is equivalent to a 12-week PR programme in people with COPD.

Methods and analysis

This study will be a prospective, multisite, randomised controlled, equivalence trial with assessors blinded to group allocation and intention-to-treat analysis. 72 participants with COPD will be recruited and randomised to either a supervised, twice weekly for 8 weeks or a 12-week PR programme of exercise training and education. Primary outcome: endurance shuttle walk test. Secondary outcomes: will include St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, 6-min walk distance, COPD assessment test, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, physical activity monitoring and hospital admissions at 6 months and 12 months. Repeated measures analysis of variance will be used to analyse differences between the groups for all outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was gained from all participating sites. Results of the trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12616001586404.
Split hand and motor axonal hyperexcitability in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy
Authors: Shibuya Kazumoto , Misawa Sonoko , Uzawa Akiyuki , Sawai Setsu , Tsuneyama Atsuko , Suzuki Yo-Ichi , Suichi Tomoki , Kojima Yuta , Nakamura Keigo , Kano Hiroki , Prado Mario , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: September 2020

Objective

The ‘split hand’ sign refers to preferential wasting of the thenar and first dorsal interosseous muscles with relatively sparing of the hypothenar muscles in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and both cortical and spinal/peripheral excitotoxic mechanisms have been proposed. We aimed to study split hand and axonal excitability in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) in which cortical motor neurons are intact.

Methods

In 35 patients with genetically confirmed SBMA, 55 with ALS, 158 with other neuromuscular diseases and 90 normal controls; split hand was strictly determined by amplitudes of compound muscle action potentials. Nerve excitability testing of median motor axons was performed in 35 SBMA and 55 patients with ALS and 45 normal controls.

Results

Split hand was as frequently found for patients with SBMA (57%) and ALS (62%), compared with disease (20%) and normal (0%) controls. Excitability testing showed that in both SBMA and ALS, strength-duration time constant was longer, and threshold changes in depolarising threshold electrotonus and superexcitability in the recovery cycle were greater than in normal controls (p<0.01).

Conclusions

Split hand is not specific to ALS and can be caused by the peripheral mechanism alone in SBMA, whereas the effect of upper motor neuron lesion cannot be excluded in ALS. Our results also suggest that SBMA and ALS share common axonal excitability changes; increased nodal persistent sodium and reduced potassium currents that may accelerate motor neuronal death and differently affect axons-innervating different muscles. Ion channel modulators could be a therapeutic option for both SBMA and ALS.
Disparities in the prevalence of cigarette smoking among bisexual people: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Shokoohi Mostafa , Salway Travis , Ahn Benjamin , Ross Lori E
Published: September 2020

Objective

To review the bisexual-specific prevalence and likelihood of cigarette smoking relative to lesbian/gay and heterosexual individuals.

Data sources

We searched MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus and LGBT Life databases (from 1995 to September 2019) for studies reporting cigarette smoking among bisexuals versus their comparators.

Study selection

Observational, quantitative, peer-reviewed studies providing estimates for lifetime, past 30 days or current cigarette smoking among bisexuals and any of the two comparators were selected.

Data extraction

Data on sexual orientation groups, cigarette smoking, sample type and mechanism, data collection mode, country and median year, as well as gender and age groups were extracted.

Data synthesis

Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled OR (95% CIs) of cigarette smoking. Meta-regression was used to examine the difference in the prevalence of cigarette smoking by study and sample characteristics. Of 4663 unduplicated records, 47 unique studies were included (14, 23 and 22 studies on lifetime, past 30 days and current cigarette smoking, respectively). Compared with lesbians/gays and heterosexuals, bisexuals were 1.25 (1.15 to 1.37) and 2.18 (1.84 to 2.59) times more likely to report lifetime smoking, 1.17 (1.08 to 1.27) and 2.49 (2.20 to 2.83) times more likely to report past 30 days smoking and 1.19 (1.00 to 1.43) and 2.26 (1.97 to 2.59) times more likely to report current smoking. Gender was a significant covariate in the meta-regression models.

Conclusions

Cigarette smoking was more prevalent among bisexuals than lesbians/gays and heterosexuals, with the estimates showing a greater magnitude among bisexual women relative to all other sexual orientation/gender subgroups.
Transverse moments of TMD parton densities and ultraviolet divergences
Authors: Rogers Ted
Published: September 2020

I review some open questions relating to the large transverse momentum divergences in transverse moments of transverse momentum dependent (TMD) parton correlation functions. I also explain, in an abbreviated and summarized form, recent work that shows that the resulting violations of a commonly used integral relation are not perturbatively suppressed. I argue that this implies a need for more precise definitions for the correlation functions used to describe transverse moments.
Regulating the electronic and optical properties of GaN/InN core/shell nanowires: A first-principles study
Authors: Liu Chang , Li Enling , Peng Tuo , Bai Kaifei , Zheng Yanpeng , Cui Zhen , Ma Deming
Published: September 2020

In this paper, electronic and optical properties of GaN/InN core/shell nanowires (CSNWs) have been theoretically investigated through the first principles calculations. The binding energy of In and N atoms on surface of six crystal planes along the [Formula: see text]-axis of GaN nanowires are all negative, which indicate that In and N atoms can be effectively deposited on the surface of GaN nanowires and preparing GaN/InN CSNWs is feasible theoretically. Calculation results of electronic properties indicate that the core/shell ratio and diameter of GaN/InN CSNWs have significant effect on the band structure, bandgap can be effectively adjusted when keeping the number of GaN layers unchanged and changing the number of InN layers. Moreover, with the increase in the number of InN layers, the absorption spectrum of GaN/InN CSNW has significant redshift and few weak absorption peaks appear in the visible light region.
First-principles study of phase stability, elastic and thermodynamic properties of AlCrFeNi medium-entropy alloys
Authors: Wen Zhiqin , Zou Zhengguang , Zhang Shuchao , Zhao Yuhong
Published: September 2020

We have applied the first-principles method to predict the phase stability, elastic and thermodynamic properties of ternary (AlCrFe, AlCrNi, CrFeNi and AlFeNi) and quaternary (AlCrFeNi) medium-entropy alloys (MEAs). Both body-centered cubic (BCC) and face-centered cubic (FCC) disordered structures are described using the special quasi-random structures (SQSs) technique. AlCrFe, AlCrNi and AlCrFeNi are favorable in single BCC structures, while CrFeNi is likely to form a single FCC structure. Addition of Ni help stabilizes AlCrFeNi quaternary MEAs. Al and Cr addition are in favor of the formation of BCC AlCrFeNi. Addition of Al, Cr and Ni reduce the resistance to volume deformation for quaternary AlCrFeNi due to the effect of the average number of [Formula: see text]-electrons. The ternary MEAs have better resistance to shear deformation and elastic stiffness than quaternary AlCrFeNi. In addition, all the considered MEAs embody elastic anisotropy and AlCrFeNi are predicted to be ductile behavior. Finally, volumetric thermal expansion coefficient, constant volume heat capacity, vibrational and electronic entropy, and Helmholtz free energies of stable BCC AlCrFeNi, BCC AlCrFe, BCC AlCrNi and FCC CrFeNi are calculated using the Debye–Grüneisen model in temperature ranging from 0 to 1200 K to elucidate the relationships between thermodynamic parameters and temperature.
Lie symmetry analysis and dynamical structures of soliton solutions for the (2 + 1)-dimensional modified CBS equation
Authors: Kumar S. , Kumar D.
Published: September 2020

In this present article, the new [Formula: see text]-dimensional modified Calogero-Bogoyavlenskii-Schiff (mCBS) equation is studied. Using the Lie group of transformation method, all of the vector fields, commutation table, invariant surface condition, Lie symmetry reductions, infinitesimal generators and explicit solutions are constructed. As we all know, an optimal system contains constructively important information about the various types of exact solutions and it also offers clear understandings into the exact solutions and its features. The symmetry reductions of [Formula: see text]-dimensional mCBS equation is derived from an optimal system of one-dimensional subalgebra of the Lie invariance algebra. Then, the mCBS equation can further be reduced into a number of nonlinear ODEs. The generated explicit solutions have different wave structures of solitons and they are analyzed graphically and physically in order to exhibit their dynamical behavior through 3D, 2D-shapes and respective contour plots. All the produced solutions are definitely new and totally different from the earlier study of the Manukure and Zhou (Int. J. Mod. Phys. B 33, (2019)). Some of these solutions are demonstrated by the means of solitary wave profiles like traveling wave, multi-solitons, doubly solitons, parabolic waves and singular soliton. The calculations show that this Lie symmetry method is highly powerful, productive and useful to study analytically other nonlinear evolution equations in acoustics physics, plasma physics, fluid dynamics, mathematical biology, mathematical physics and many other related fields of physical sciences.
Enhancement of thermophysical coefficients in nanofluids: A simulation study
Authors: Cui Xiandai , Cheng Xiaomin , Xu Hong , Li Bei , Zhu Jiaoqun
Published: September 2020

Molten salts constitute one kind of PCMs (Phase Change Materials) widely used in concentrating solar power facilities for heat storage and heat transfer. This paper aims to simulate nanofluid PCMs with molecular dynamics method. Concretely, the thermophysical properties of a nanofluid of KNO3 doped with SiO2 nanoparticle are investigated by equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. For the first time, these properties of a nanofluid in the family of PCMs are calculated. The density, thermal expansion coefficient, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and viscosity are characterized as functions of the SiO2 nanoparticle concentration. The effect of the SiO2 nanoparticle size on the nanofluid’s properties is also investigated. The simulation results present an enhancement of the thermophysical properties, especially for the specific heat capacity, in good agreement with the existing experimental results on a representative nanofluid PCM, and open prospects for the understanding of microscopic mechanism leading to such enhancements.
The impurity states in different shaped quantum wells under applied electric field
Authors: Hu Min , Wang Hailong , Gong Qian
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the impurity states in square, parabolic and V-shaped quantum wells (QWs) are calculated by the plane wave method under the theoretical framework of effective mass envelope function approximation. In different shaped QWs, the impurity binding energies in 1s-like state and 2p-like state have the same trend with the increase of QW width. However, the transition energies of impurity states between 1s-like state and 2p-like state in three shaped QWs are different. When the width of QW is fixed, the transition energy in square QW is the minimum and that in V-shaped QW is the maximum. The effect of electric field is larger for the on-center donor impurity. The effect of electric field on the impurity states is the largest in square QW and the smallest in V-shaped QW.