bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ar-gas cluster ion beam in ToF-SIMS for peptide and protein analysis
Authors: Son Jin Gyeong , Yoon Sohee , Shon Hyun Kyung , Moon Jeong Hee , Joh Sunho , Lee Tae Geol
Published: April 2020

Since Ar-gas cluster ion beams (Ar-GCIBs) have been introduced into time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), there have been various attempts to analyze organic materials and biomolecules that require low-damage analysis and high sensitivity, because Ar-GCIBs allow soft ionization of large molecules such as peptides and proteins due to the low energy per atom. Here, the authors adopted the Ar-GCIB as a primary beam to detect proteins including human insulin, ubiquitin, and cytochrome C (molecular weights are 5808, 8564, and 12 327 Da, respectively). They have confirmed that the detection of the intact proteins was possible when the Ar-GCIB was used as a primary ion beam. In addition, they successfully identified each protein by analyzing the trypsin-digested peptides in myoglobin, cytochrome C, and bovine serum albumin. They also attempted on-surface enzymatic digestion to identify proteins on the surface of the Si wafer and obtained results identical to those of in-solution digestion. It is expected that the authors’ on-surface digestion method can enable the application of ToF-SIMS for the analysis of proteins present in biological tissues.
Structure evolution and mechanical properties of hard tantalum diboride films
Authors: Šroba Viktor , Fiantok Tomáš , Truchlý Martin , Roch Tomáš , Zahoran Miroslav , Grančič Branislav , Švec Peter , Nagy Štefan , Izai Vitalii , Kúš Peter , Mikula Marián
Published: April 2020

Tantalum diboride (TaB2) belonging to the ultrahigh temperature ceramics family is proving to be a promising material for hard protective films, thanks to its high thermal stability and excellent mechanical properties. However, growth of TaB2 ± x films prepared using physical vapor deposition techniques is strongly affected by Ar neutrals reflected from a stoichiometric TaB2 target due to a significant mass difference of heavy Ta and light B atoms leading to substantial changes in the final chemical composition and structure of films. In this work, TaB2 ± x films are experimentally prepared using high target utilization sputtering. Stopping and range of ions in matter simulations are used to investigate the behavior of Ar neutrals during deposition processes. A wide range of analytical methods is used to completely characterize the chemical composition, structure, and mechanical properties of TaB2 ± x films, and the explanation of the obtained results is supported by density functional theory calculations. TaB2 ± x films grow in a broad compositional range from TaB1.36 to TaB3.84 depending on the kinetic energy of Ar neutrals. The structure of overstoichiometric TaB2 + x films consists of 0001 preferentially oriented α-TaB2 nanocolumns surrounded by a boron-tissue phase. In the case of highly understoichiometric TaB2 − x films, the boron-tissue phase disappears and the structure consisting of 0001 and 101¯1 oriented α-TaB2 nanocolumns is formed. All TaB2 ± x films exhibit excellent mechanical properties with high hardness, ranging from 27 to 43 GPa and relatively low values of Young's modulus in the range of 304–488 GPa.
Diacylglycerol kinase ζ promotes actin cytoskeleton remodeling and mechanical forces at the B cell immune synapse
Authors: Merino-Cortés Sara V. , Gardeta Sofia R. , Roman-Garcia Sara , Martínez-Riaño Ana , Pineau Judith , Liebana Rosa , Merida Isabel , Dumenil Ana-Maria Lennon , Pierobon Paolo , Husson Julien , Alarcon Balbino , Carrasco Yolanda R.
Published: April 2020

Optimal B cell responses depend on balanced signaling between DAG and phosphatidic acid, which is regulated by diacylglycerol kinase ζ.
Sporadic activation of an oxidative stress–dependent NRF2-p53 signaling network in breast epithelial spheroids and premalignancies
Authors: Pereira Elizabeth J. , Burns Joseph S. , Lee Christina Y. , Marohl Taylor , Calderon Delia , Wang Lixin , Atkins Kristen A. , Wang Chun-Chao , Janes Kevin A.
Published: April 2020

An NRF2-p53 oxidative stress response network may promote both normal breast development and tumor progression.
Therapeutic Efficacy of a Mixed Formulation of Conventional and PEGylated Liposomes Containing Meglumine Antimoniate, Combined with Allopurinol, in Dogs Naturally Infected with Leishmania infantum
Authors: dos Santos Cristiano C. P. , Ramos Guilherme S. , De Paula Renata C. , Faria Karen F. , Moreira Paulo O. L. , Pereira Ramon A. , Melo Maria N. , Tafuri Wagner L. , Demicheli Cynthia , Ribeiro Raul R. , Azevedo Erly G. , Do Monte-Neto Rubens , Da Silva Sydnei M. , Frézard Frédéric
Published: April 2020

The treatment of dogs naturally infected with
Leishmania infantum
using meglumine antimoniate (MA) encapsulated in conventional liposomes (LC) in association with allopurinol has been previously reported to promote a marked reduction in the parasite burden in the main infection sites. Here, a new assay in naturally infected dogs was performed using a novel liposome formulation of MA consisting of a mixture of conventional and long-circulating (PEGylated) liposomes (LCP), with expected broader distribution among affected tissues of the mononuclear phagocyte system.
Coxiella burnetii Requires Host Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2α Activity for Efficient Intracellular Replication
Authors: Brann Katelynn R. , Fullerton Marissa S. , Voth Daniel E.
Published: April 2020

Coxiella burnetii
is the causative agent of human Q fever, eliciting symptoms that range from acute fever and fatigue to chronic fatal endocarditis.
C. burnetii
is a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium that replicates within an acidic lysosome-like parasitophorous vacuole (PV) in human macrophages. During intracellular growth,
C. burnetii
delivers bacterial proteins directly into the host cytoplasm using a Dot/Icm type IV secretion system (T4SS).
Innate Intracellular Antiviral Responses Restrict the Amplification of Defective Virus Genomes of Parainfluenza Virus 5
Authors: Wignall-Fleming Elizabeth B. , Vasou Andri , Young Dan , Short John A. L. , Hughes David J. , Goodbourn Steve , Randall Richard E.
Published: April 2020

Copyback defective virus genomes (DVGs) are powerful inducers of innate immune responses both
in vitro
and
in vivo
. They impact the outcome of natural infections, may help drive virus‐host coevolution, and promote virus persistence. Due to their potent interfering and immunostimulatory properties, DVGs may also be used therapeutically as antivirals and vaccine adjuvants. However, little is known of the host cell restrictions which limit their amplification. We show here that the generation of copyback DVGs readily occurs during parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) replication, but that their subsequent amplification is restricted by the induction of innate intracellular responses. Molecular characterization of PIV5 copyback DVGs suggests that while there are no genome sequence-specific breaks or rejoin points for the generation of copyback DVGs, genome region, size, and structural preferences are selected for during their evolution and amplification.
Mutation of an Influenza Virus Polymerase 3′ RNA Promoter Binding Site Inhibits Transcription Elongation
Authors: Walker Alexander P. , Sharps Jane , Fodor Ervin
Published: April 2020

Influenza viruses are responsible for up to 650,000 deaths per year through seasonal epidemics, and pandemics have caused tens of millions of deaths in the past. Most current therapeutics suffer from widespread resistance, creating a need for new drug targets against influenza virus. The virus encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which replicates and transcribes the vRNA genome. The polymerase interacts with vRNA and the complementary replicative intermediate cRNA using several specific binding sites; however, the functions associated with these binding sites remain unknown. Here, we functionally characterize a binding site for the 3′ vRNA and cRNA promoters. Our data offer insight into the mechanism of viral genome transcription by the influenza virus polymerase and may be applicable to other related viruses.
Emergence of a Novel Salmonella enterica Serotype Reading Clonal Group Is Linked to Its Expansion in Commercial Turkey Production, Resulting in Unanticipated Human Illness in North America
Authors: Miller Elizabeth A. , Elnekave Ehud , Flores-Figueroa Cristian , Johnson Abigail , Kearney Ashley , Munoz-Aguayo Jeannette , Tagg Kaitlin A. , Tschetter Lorelee , Weber Bonnie P. , Nadon Celine A. , Boxrud Dave , Singer Randall S. , Folster Jason P. , Johnson Timothy J.
Published: April 2020

Increasingly, outbreak investigations involving foodborne pathogens are difficult due to the interconnectedness of food animal production and distribution, and homogeneous nature of industry integration, necessitating high-resolution genomic investigations to determine their basis. Fortunately, surveillance and whole-genome sequencing, combined with the public availability of these data, enable comprehensive queries to determine underlying causes of such outbreaks. Utilizing this pipeline, it was determined that a novel clone ofSalmonellaReading has emerged that coincided with increased abundance in raw turkey products and two outbreaks of human illness in North America. The rapid dissemination of this highly adapted and conserved clone indicates that it was likely obtained from a common source and rapidly disseminated across turkey production. Key genomic changes may have contributed to its apparent continued success in commercial turkeys and ability to cause illness in humans.
Phylogenomic Insights into Diversity and Evolution of Nonpathogenic
Xanthomonas
Strains Associated with Citrus
Authors: Bansal Kanika , Kumar Sanjeet , Patil Prabhu B.
Published: April 2020

Xanthomonas citri
is one of the top phytopathogenic bacteria and is the causal agent of citrus canker. Interestingly,
Xanthomonas
is also reported to be associated with healthy citrus plants. The advent of the genomic era enabled us to carry out a detailed evolutionary study of a
Xanthomonas
community associated with citrus and other plants. Our genome-based investigations have revealed hidden and extreme interstrain diversity of nonpathogenic
Xanthomonas
strains from citrus plants, warranting further large-scale studies. This indicates an unexplored world of
Xanthomonas
from healthy citrus plant species that may be coevolving as a species complex with the host, unlike the variant pathogenic species. The knowledge and genomic resources will be valuable in evolutionary studies exploring its hidden potential and management of pathogenic species.
20-Hydroxyecdysone Primes Innate Immune Responses That Limit Bacterial and Malarial Parasite Survival in Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Reynolds Rebekah A. , Kwon Hyeogsun , Smith Ryan C.
Published: April 2020

Blood feeding is required to provide nutrients for mosquito egg production and serves as a mechanism to acquire and transmit pathogens. Shortly after a blood meal is taken, there is a peak in the production of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), a mosquito hormone that initiates physiological changes, including yolk protein production and mating refractoriness. Here, we examine additional roles of 20E in the regulation of mosquito immunity, demonstrating that priming the immune system with 20E increases mosquito resistance to pathogens. We identify differentially expressed genes in response to 20E treatment, including several involved in innate immune function as well as lipid metabolism and transport. Together, these data argue that 20E stimulates mosquito cellular immune function and innate immunity shortly after blood feeding.
Larval connectivity of northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) in the Northwest Atlantic
Authors: Le Corre Nicolas , Pepin Pierre , Burmeister AnnDorte , Walkusz Wojciech , Skanes Katherine , Wang Zeliang , Brickman David , Snelgrove Paul V.R.
Published: April 2020

Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) represents one of the most important fisheries in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, but few studies have considered connectivity among different management units (i.e., stocks). Using a biophysical model, we investigated potential larval dispersal among North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) divisions and its interannual variability during the long pelagic larval phase of P. borealis (∼3 months). Overall, we found a largely stable, stream-like larval connectivity system driven by the main currents that flow over both the Greenland and Canadian continental shelves, with a relatively low but consistent exchange of larvae between Greenland and Canada across the Baffin Island continental shelf. We observed highest potential settlement densities on the northwestern Greenland and Newfoundland shelves, representing retention areas that correspond to highest abundances of adult shrimp. Intermittent and variable larval exchanges of lower magnitude also occurred between populations less obviously associated with the major circulation features. Our study improves understanding of northern shrimp stock–recruitment relationships at the metapopulation level, which could help determine the appropriate spatial scale to improve management strategies.
Riparian forest conditions along three northern Michigan rivers following Emerald Ash Borer invasion
Authors: Engelken Patrick J. , McCullough Deborah G.
Published: April 2020

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera, Buprestidae)) has killed millions of ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees since its 2002 detection in southern Michigan and Ontario. Effects of EAB in riparian forests, where ash species are often abundant, could influence terrestrial and aquatic conditions but are largely unknown. We surveyed vegetation and coarse woody material within and between three gaps in riparian forests along stretches of three rivers in northwestern Michigan. Gaps were originally dominated by Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. and Fraxinus nigra Marsh., which comprised 46%–71% of total basal area, while ash comprised <10% of basal area in forests between gaps. More than 95% of overstory ash were killed by EAB. Fraxinus pennsylvanica saplings were abundant in gaps but F. nigra regeneration was minimal. Few tree seedlings occurred in gaps, which were dominated by dense sedge mats. Aerial imagery showed the EAB invasion has resulted in 3.6–7.1 canopy gaps·km−1and dead ash account for 13%–21% of total basal area within 100 m of the banks of all three rivers. Long-term monitoring will be useful to evaluate persistence of ash, particularly F. nigra, the stability of riparian buffers, and potential indirect effects of EAB invasion on the adjacent aquatic systems.
Cosmological constant, matter, cosmic inflation and coincidence
Authors: Xue She-Sheng
Published: April 2020

We present a possible understanding to the issues of cosmological constant, inflation, dark matter and coincidence problems based only on the Einstein equation and Hawking particle production. The inflation appears and results agree to observations. The CMB large-scale anomaly can be explained and the dark-matter acoustic wave is speculated. The entropy and reheating are discussed. The cosmological term [Formula: see text] tracks down the matter [Formula: see text] until the radiation-matter equilibrium, then slowly varies, thus the cosmic coincidence problem can be avoided. The relation between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is shown and can be examined at large redshifts.
Interacting two-particle states in the symmetric phase of the chiral Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model
Authors: Jakovác A. , Patkós A.
Published: April 2020

The renormalization group flow of the chiral Nambu–Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model with one fermion flavor is mapped out in the symmetric phase with help of the Functional Renormalization Group (FRG) method using a physically motivated nonlocal trial effective action. The non-interacting infrared end-point of the flow of the four-fermion couplings is now accompanied by nonzero limiting composite couplings characteristic for interacting two-particle states with finite energy and physical size. The interaction energy of the constituents is extracted as a function of the physical size of the composite object. The propagation of a two-particle state minimizing the interaction energy has a natural bound state interpretation.
Asymptotic of the electric structure function and the deuteron wave function
Authors: Zhaba V. I.
Published: April 2020

The main features of obtaining the asymptotic behavior of the electric structure function [Formula: see text] at large values of the transmitted momentum are analyzed. The asymptotic behavior of the structure function [Formula: see text] was determined to take into account the asymptotic behavior of the deuteron form factors and the original dipole approximation for the nucleon form factors. Asymptotic values of [Formula: see text] were obtained for the nucleon–nucleon potential Reid93 and compared with the calculations for different nucleon form factor models and their approximations. In the broad momentum range up to 12.5 fm[Formula: see text], the basic forms of the asymptotic behavior of the electric structure function are demonstrated and compared with the experimental data of the modern collaborations. As the analysis shows in most cases considered, the asymptotic for [Formula: see text] is represented in the form of the power function [Formula: see text].
Trimaximal mixing with one texture zero of the inverse neutrino mass matrix
Authors: Zhao Zhen-Hua , Zhang Xin , Jiang Shan-Shan , Yue Chong-Xing
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we study the phenomenological implications of enforcing one texture zero on the inverse matrix of the neutrino mass matrix [Formula: see text] that can lead to the trimaximal mixing. It is found that the condition of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] can hold in the case of normal neutrino mass ordering, while the condition of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] can hold in the case of inverted neutrino mass ordering, where [Formula: see text] (for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) denotes the [Formula: see text] entry of the inverse matrix of [Formula: see text]. The ranges of the absolute neutrino mass scale and three CP phases for these cases to hold are studied in some detail. The implications of these cases for the effective neutrino mass [Formula: see text] which controls the rates of the neutrino-less double beta decay processes are also given.
Three variations on a theme by Fibonacci
Authors: Baake Michael , Frank Natalie Priebe , Grimm Uwe
Published: April 2020

Several variants of the classic Fibonacci inflation tiling are considered in an illustrative fashion, in one and in two dimensions, with an eye on changes or robustness of diffraction and dynamical spectra. In one dimension, we consider extension mechanisms of deterministic and of stochastic nature, while we look at direct product variations in a planar extension. For the pure point part, we systematically employ a cocycle approach that is based on the underlying renormalization structure. It allows explicit calculations, particularly in cases where one meets regular model sets with Rauzy fractals as windows.
The Drosophila Mushroom Body: From Architecture to Algorithm in a Learning Circuit
Authors: Modi Mehrab N. , Shuai Yichun , Turner Glenn C.
Published: April 2020

The Drosophila brain contains a relatively simple circuit for forming Pavlovian associations, yet it achieves many operations common across memory systems. Recent advances have established a clear framework for Drosophila learning and revealed the following key operations: a) pattern separation, whereby dense combinatorial representations of odors are preprocessed to generate highly specific, nonoverlapping odor patterns used for learning; b) convergence, in which sensory information is funneled to a small set of output neurons that guide behavioral actions; c) plasticity, where changing the mapping of sensory input to behavioral output requires a strong reinforcement signal, which is also modulated by internal state and environmental context; and d) modularization, in which a memory consists of multiple parallel traces, which are distinct in stability and flexibility and exist in anatomically well-defined modules within the network. Cross-module interactions allow for higher-order effects where past experience influences future learning. Many of these operations have parallels with processes of memory formation and action selection in more complex brains.
Toward Community-Driven Big Open Brain Science: Open Big Data and Tools for Structure, Function, and Genetics
Authors: Charles Adam S. , Falk Benjamin , Turner Nicholas , Pereira Talmo D. , Tward Daniel , Pedigo Benjamin D. , Chung Jaewon , Burns Randal , Ghosh Satrajit S. , Kebschull Justus M. , Silversmith William , Vogelstein Joshua T.
Published: April 2020

As acquiring bigger data becomes easier in experimental brain science, computational and statistical brain science must achieve similar advances to fully capitalize on these data. Tackling these problems will benefit from a more explicit and concerted effort to work together. Specifically, brain science can be further democratized by harnessing the power of community-driven tools, which both are built by and benefit from many different people with different backgrounds and expertise. This perspective can be applied across modalities and scales and enables collaborations across previously siloed communities.
Roles of Interstitial Nitrogen, Carbon, and Boron in Steel Corrosion: Generation of Oxyanions and Stabilization of Electronic Structure
Authors: Kadowaki Mariko , Saengdeejing Arkapol , Muto Izumi , Chen Ying , Frankel Gerald S. , Doi Takashi , Kawano Kaori , Sugawara Yu , Hara Nobuyoshi
Published: April 2020

The effects of N, C, and B interstitials on the corrosion resistance of Fe were investigated in chloride-free boric-borate solutions at pH 6.0 and 8.0. In potentiodynamic polarization at pH 8.0, the anodic dissolution resistance of Fe-0.3N and Fe-0.3C in the active and passive regions was higher than that of pure Fe.

NH

4

+

and

NO

2

−

are considered to be dissolved chemical species that contribute to the higher corrosion resistance of Fe-0.3N. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements in a solution with

HCO

3

−

indicated that

HCO

3

−

also decreases the anodic current densities in the active and passive regions, suggesting that the formation of

HCO

3

−

contributes to the higher corrosion resistance of Fe-0.3C. First-principles calculations showed that the presence of N, C, and B in the Fe-lattice decreases the electronic density of states (DOS) at and near the Fermi level. The consistency between the active dissolution rates and the DOS at and near the Fermi levels of the specimens suggests that the more stable electronic structures occurred by the presence of N and C also result in the suppression of active dissolution of Fe. For Fe-0.3B and Fe-0.006B, the presence of iron boride precipitates promoted localized corrosion.
High-glucose mixed-nutrient meal ingestion impairs skeletal muscle microvascular blood flow in healthy young men
Authors: Parker Lewan , Morrison Dale J. , Betik Andrew C. , Roberts-Thomson Katherine , Kaur Gunveen , Wadley Glenn D. , Shaw Christopher S. , Keske Michelle A.
Published: April 2020

Oral glucose ingestion leads to impaired muscle microvascular blood flow (MBF), which may contribute to acute hyperglycemia-induced insulin resistance. We investigated whether incorporating lipids and protein into a high-glucose load would prevent postprandial MBF dysfunction. Ten healthy young men (age, 27 yr [24, 30], mean with lower and upper bounds of the 95% confidence interval; height, 180 cm [174, 185]; weight, 77 kg [70, 84]) ingested a high-glucose (1.1 g/kg glucose) mixed-nutrient meal (10 kcal/kg; 45% carbohydrate, 20% protein, and 35% fat) in the morning after an overnight fast. Femoral arterial blood flow was measured via Doppler ultrasound, and thigh MBF was measured via contrast-enhanced ultrasound, before meal ingestion and 1 h and 2 h postprandially. Blood glucose and plasma insulin were measured at baseline and every 15 min throughout the 2-h postprandial period. Compared with baseline, thigh muscle microvascular blood volume, velocity, and flow were significantly impaired at 60 min postprandial (−25%, −27%, and −46%, respectively; all P < 0.05) and to a greater extent at 120 min postprandial (−37%, −46%, and −64%; all P < 0.01). Heart rate and femoral arterial diameter, blood velocity, and blood flow were significantly increased at 60 min and 120 min postprandial (all P < 0.05). Higher blood glucose area under the curve was correlated with greater MBF dysfunction ( R2 = 0.742; P < 0.001). Ingestion of a high-glucose mixed-nutrient meal impairs MBF in healthy individuals for up to 2 h postprandial.
Approximate Fixed Point Sequences of an Evolution Family on a Metric Space
Authors: Fuan Si , Ullah Rizwan , Rahmat Gul , Numan Muhammad , Butt Saad Ihsan , Ge Xun
Published: April 2020

In this article, we study the approximate fixed point sequence of an evolution family. A family E=Ux,y;x≥y≥0 of a bounded nonlinear operator acting on a metric space M,d is said to be an evolution family if Ux,x=I and Ux,yUy,z=Ux,z for all x≥y≥z≥0. We prove that the common approximate fixed point sequence is equal to the intersection of the approximate fixed point sequence of two operators from the family. Furthermore, we apply the Ishikawa iteration process to construct an approximate fixed point sequence of an evolution family of nonlinear mapping.
Ultrasound Real-Time Tissue Elastography Improves the Diagnostic Performance of the ACR Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System in Differentiating Malignant from Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Summary of 1525 Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Pei Shufang , Zhang Bin , Cong Shuzhen , Liu Juanjuan , Wu Suqing , Dong Yuhao , Zhang Lu , Zhang Shuixing
Published: April 2020

Background. To explore the correlation between the ultrasound elasticity score (ES) of real-time tissue elastography (RTE) and the malignant risk stratification of the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) and to evaluate the added value of RTE to TI-RADS in differentiating malignant nodules from benign ones. Methods. A total of 1,498 patients (885 women and 613 men; mean age of 43.5 ± 12.4 years) with 1,525 confirmed thyroid nodules (D = maximum diameter, D ≤ 2.5 cm) confirmed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and/or surgery were included. The nodules were divided into four groups based on their sizes (D ≤ 0.5 cm, 0.5 < D ≤ 1.0 cm, 1.0 < D ≤ 2.0 cm, and 2.0 < D ≤ 2.5 cm). We assigned an ES of RTE and malignant risk stratification of the TI-RADS category to each nodule. The correlation between the ES of RTE and the malignant risk stratification of TI-RADS category was analyzed by the Spearman’s rank correlation. The diagnostic performances of RTE, TI-RADS, and their combination were compared by the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results. The ES of RTE and the malignant risk stratification of TI-RADS showed a strong correlation in the size intervals of 0.5 < D ≤ 1.0 cm, 1.0 < D ≤ 2.0 cm, and 2.0 < D ≤ 2.5 cm (r = 0.768, 0.711, and 0.743, respectively). The diagnostic performance of their combination for each size interval was always better than RTE or TI-RADS alone (for all, P<0.001). Conclusions. Overall, The ES of RTE was strongly correlated with the malignant risk stratification of TI-RADS. The diagnostic performance of the combination of RTE and TI-RADS outperformed RTE or TI-RADS alone. Therefore, RTE may be an adjunctive tool to the current TI-RADS system for differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules.
[Retracted] Merging RFID and Blockchain Technologies to Accelerate Big Data Medical Research Based on Physiological Signals
Authors: Chen Xiuqing , Zhu Hong , Geng Deqin , Liu Wei , Yang Rui , Li Shoudao
Published: April 2020

The proliferation of physiological signals acquisition and monitoring system, has led to an explosion in physiological signals data. Additionally, RFID systems, blockchain technologies, and the fog computing mechanisms have significantly increased the availability of physiological signal information through big data research. The driver for the development of hybrid systems is the continuing effort in making health‐care services more efficient and sustainable. Implantable medical devices (IMD) are therapeutic devices that are surgically implanted into patients’ body to continuously monitor their physiological parameters. Patients treat cardiac arrhythmia due to IMD therapeutic and life‐saving benefits. We focus on hybrid systems developed for patient physiological signals for collection, storage protection, and monitoring in critical care and clinical practice. In order to provide medical data privacy protection and medical decision support, the hybrid systems are presented, and RFID, blockchain, and big data technologies are used to analyse physiological signals.
The Number of Central Lymph Nodes on Preoperative Ultrasound Predicts Central Neck Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gao Luying , Wang Juanjuan , Jiang Yuxin , Gao Qiong , Wang Ying , Xi Xuehua , Zhang Bo
Published: April 2020

To evaluate the effectiveness of the number of central compartment lymph nodes (CLNs) on ultrasound (US) in predicting CLN metastasis (CLNM). We prospectively studied 309 papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients who underwent thyroidectomy with CLN dissection at our center from May 2017 to July 2017. The number and features of CLNs were evaluated preoperatively via US. All US examinations were performed using a Philips iU 22 or a GE Logiq 9 machine. Correlations between CLNs observed via preoperative US and amount of CLNM were evaluated. We found that ≥2 CLNs on the preoperative US was associated with CLNM (P<0.01). For this feature, the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were 54.3%, 66.1%, and 0.61, respectively. The presence of both suspected metastasis and ≥2 CLNs on US had a specificity of 86.5%. In addition, ≥3 CLNs on preoperative US was associated with large-volume CLNM (>5 metastatic CLNs) (P<0.01). For this feature, the sensitivity, specificity and AUC were 54.8%, 74.5% and 0.65, respectively. The presence of both suspected metastasis and ≥3 CLNs on US had a specificity of 84.9%. The presence of suspected metastasis and/or ≥3 CLNs had a sensitivity of 80.6%. Our results suggest that ≥2 and ≥ 3 CLNs on preoperative US may serve as ancillary preoperative markers for predicting CLNM.
Novel Dimethylacetamide-Containing Formulation Improves Infraorbital Anaesthesia Efficacy in Rats with Periodontitis
Authors: Blinova Ekaterina V. , Shikh Evgeniia V. , Semeleva Elena V. , Yurochkina Aleksandra M. , Novikov Andrey V. , Vediaeva Anna P. , Lebedev Arkadii B. , Lobanova Elena G. , Vasilkina Olga V. , Blinov Dmitry S. , Mazov Yan A. , Kogan Evgeniia A.
Published: April 2020

Background. To evaluate acute toxicity and local anaesthetic activity of a formulation containing a novel dimethylacetamide derivative, antioxidant, and vasoconstrictor in rats with chronic periodontitis.Methods. Novel anaesthetic dimethylacetamide-containing formulation LHT-15-32 was studied as 2% water solution. Its acute intravenous and subcutaneous toxicity was determined in mice. Pain sensitivity threshold of the upper second molar was determined in rats with experimental periodontitis. Oxidative stress activity and total antioxidant capacity were determined in rats’ gingival mucosa by induced chemiluminescence. Local changes were evaluated in periodontal tissue by morphological examination. Tissue IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α concentration was quantitatively assessed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. LHT-15-31 Na-blocking activity was studied on isolated neurons ofLimnaea stagnalis’ parapharyngeal ganglion. Isolated sciatic nerve ofRana radibundawas perfused with different concentrations of LHT-15-32 to assess its conductivity. Statistical analysis was used, and continuous variables were presented as mean ± square deviation. The normality of distribution was determined using ANOVA. Newman–Keuls parametric criterion was used for intergroup comparison. LD50indexes were calculated by probit analysis.Results. LHT-15-32 acute intravenous and subcutaneous toxicity was lower than that of its active substance. The formulation by infraorbital administration induced deep dental anaesthesia which lasted over 70 min and activated the local antioxidant defense system and decreased IL-1βlevel in gingival tissue. LHT-15-32 triggered tissue reparation around the impacted upper molar in rats assessed five days after administration. At 10−6to 10−3 M concentration, LHT-15-32 inhibited sciatic nerve conductivity and blocked Na+channels of isolated neurons in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusions. The formulation may be considered as an effective and safe approach to anaesthetize upper molars with periodontitis.
A Closed-Loop Brain Stimulation Control System Design Based on Brain-Machine Interface for Epilepsy
Authors: Qian Moshu , Zhong Guanghua , Yan Xinggang , Wang Heyuan , Cui Yang
Published: April 2020

In this study, a closed-loop brain stimulation control system scheme for epilepsy seizure abatement is designed by brain-machine interface (BMI) technique. In the controller design process, the practical parametric uncertainties involving cerebral blood flow, glucose metabolism, blood oxygen level dependence, and electromagnetic disturbances in signal control are considered. An appropriate transformation is introduced to express the system in regular form for design and analysis. Then, sufficient conditions are developed such that the sliding motion is asymptotically stable. Combining Caputo fractional order definition and neural network (NN), a finite time fractional order sliding mode (FFOSM) controller is designed to guarantee reachability of the sliding mode. The stability and reachability analysis of the closed-loop tracking control system gives the guideline of parameter selection, and simulation results based on comprehensive comparisons are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed approach.
Superoxide Dismutase Mimic, MnTE-2-PyP Enhances Rectal Anastomotic Strength in Rats after Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Yang Yu , Wang Qi , Luo Jiajun , Jiang Yue , Zhou Rui , Tong Shilun , Wang Zhihua , Tong Qiang
Published: April 2020

Background. Rectal cancer is one of the malignant diseases with high morbidity and mortality in the world. Currently, surgical resection is the main treatment method, and preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is widely used in clinical application to increase resectability and decrease the local recurrence rate. However, CRT increases the risk of colon anastomotic leak, and currently, there are no FDA approved treatments against this side effect. It is essential to develop new drugs to reduce postoperative anastomotic leak after preoperative CRT. Methods. 90 rats underwent standard resection and intestine anastomosis treatment and were divided into six groups for different treatments. During the relaparotomy, bursting pressure of anastomosis was measured and intestinal segments were taken for histopathologic examination and biochemical analyses. RT-PCR and ELISA were applied to measure matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) mRNA and protein levels. Blood vessels were observed by immunohistochemistry, and collagen deposition was observed by Picrosirius Red staining. Results. Preoperative CRT reduced the postoperative anastomotic strength. MnTE-2-PyP increased the bursting pressure and hydroxyproline levels of intestine anastomosis after CRT treatment. Mechanically, MnTE-2-PyP decreased the MMP levels and increased microvessel density (MVD) and collagen deposition. The MMP inhibitor doxycycline had a positive effect on anastomosis healing, but was inferior to MnTE-2-PyP. Conclusions. MnTE-2-PyP enhanced intestine anastomotic strength in rats with preoperative CRT. Specifically, MnTE-2-PyP decreased MMP levels and increased MVD in anastomosis. Therefore, MnTE-2-PyP may be helpful in the prevention of anastomotic leak after preoperative CRT.
Analysis of the Spatial and Temporal Differences of China’s Power Carbon Footprint
Authors: Zhao Zhen-Yu , Yuan Shu-Guang , Fu Yu , Wang Ying , Li Heng
Published: April 2020

Thermal power generation has increased CO2 emissions, which in turn has put tremendous pressure on the environment. Therefore, analyzing the regional ecological environmental carrying capacity of thermal power carbon emissions is of great significance for countries with high thermal power capacity to guide the development of low-carbon power and industrial layout. To accurately measure the pressure of regional power production for the environment, this paper proposes the concept of renewable energy virtual carbon emission based on the carbon footprint theory. The regional power carbon footprint (PCF) depth model and the regional power carbon deficit model are constructed. Moreover, through the statistics of China’s power production, this paper calculates the depth of China’s PCF and analyzes the temporal and spatial differences of China’s PCF depth from the three aspects of regional power installation structure, power deficit, and PCF transfer. The results obtained illustrate, firstly, that China’s overall PCF continues to increase, with the depth of PCF moving eastward. Secondly, due to the imbalance of China’s PCF, there are significant temporal and spatial differences in the depth of regional PCF. Thirdly, with the rapid development of renewable energy in China, the effect of controlling the depth of regional PCF by renewable energy is rising. Besides, the transfer of PCF among different China’s regions has significant impact on the change of PCF depth of power output provinces.
Antimicrobial Activity and DNA/BSA Binding Affinity of Polynuclear Silver(I) Complexes with 1,2-Bis(4-pyridyl)ethane/ethene as Bridging Ligands
Authors: Đurić Sonja Ž. , Vojnovic Sandra , Andrejević Tina P. , Stevanović Nevena Lj , Savić Nada D. , Nikodinovic-Runic Jasmina , Glišić Biljana Đ. , Djuran Miloš I.
Published: April 2020

1,2-Bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpa) and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene (bpe) were used for the synthesis of polynuclear silver(I) complexes, {[Ag(bpa)]NO3}n (1), {[Ag(bpa)2]CF3SO3.H2O}n (2) and {[Ag(bpe)]CF3SO3}n (3). In complexes 1–3, the corresponding nitrogen-containing heterocycle acts as a bridging ligand between two Ag(I) ions. In vitro antimicrobial activity of these complexes, along with the ligands used for their synthesis, was evaluated against the broad panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The silver(I) complexes 1–3 showed selectivity towards Candida spp. and Gram-negative Escherichia coli in comparison to the other investigated bacterial strains, effectively inhibiting the growth of four different Candida species with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 2.5 and 25 μg/mL and the growth of E. coli, with MIC value being 12.5 μg/mL. Importantly, complex 2 significantly reduced C. albicans filamentation, an essential process for its pathogenesis. Antiproliferative effect on the normal human lung fibroblast cell line MRC-5 was also evaluated with the aim of determining the therapeutic potential of the complexes 1–3. The interactions of these complexes with calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were studied to evaluate their binding activities towards these biomolecules for possible insights on their mode of action.
An Adaptive First-Order Reliability Analysis Method for Nonlinear Problems
Authors: Wang Zhiming , Zhang Yafei , Song Yalong
Published: April 2020

The HL-RF algorithm of the first-order reliability method (FORM) is a widely useful tool in structural reliability analysis. However, the iteration results of HL-RF algorithm may not converge due to periodic cycles for some highly nonlinear reliability problems. In this paper, an adaptive first-order reliability method (AFORM) is proposed to improve solution efficiency for some highly nonlinear reliability problems by introducing an adaptive factor. In AFORM, based on the two-parameter approximate first-order reliability method, the new iteration point and the previous iteration point are used to obtain the corresponding angle, and the result of convergence is judged by angle condition. According to the convergence degree of the results, two iteration parameters of the approximate reliability method are adjusted continuously by adaptive factor. Moreover, iteration step size is adjusted by changing the parameters to improve the efficiency and robustness of FORM. Finally, four numerical examples and one mechanical reliability analysis example are used to verify the proposed method. Compared with the different algorithms, the results show that AFORM has better efficiency and robustness for some highly nonlinear reliability problems.
Candida Empyema as a Red Flag for Esophageal Rupture: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ali Naureen , Abate Getahun
Published: April 2020

Background. Candida empyema is a rare entity with an extremely high mortality rate.We present a case of multi species Candida empyema in an immunocompetent female patient with Boerhaave syndrome secondary to retching and vomiting after heroin withdrawal. This case highlights an unusual presentation of a common infection but stresses on the fact that a high index of suspicion is necessary for early identification, prompt initiation of antifungal therapy, and drainage with surgical repair to improve overall survival and outcomes.
Intensity of Nematode Infection in Children Aged 3 to 5 Years Living in Mukuru Kwa Njenga Slum Settlement, Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Allan Lynda , Mbai Fiona N. , Yole Dorcas S. , Owino Moses
Published: April 2020

Background. The burden of nematode infections is high mostly in children below 5 years old, with clinical manifestations ranging from mild to painful symptoms due to severe infections that end up suppressing the immune system of the infected children. The occurrence of these infections is highest in areas of extreme poverty. This study evaluated the intensity of nematode infections and assessed the status of deworming in children aged 3 to 5 years living in Mukuru slum settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya. Methodology. A total of 172 children aged between 3 and 5 years were sampled across the 5 major villages of Mukuru Slum settlement: Kwa Njenga, Vietnum, Wapewape, Kwa Reuben, and Motomoto. Community health workers administered questionnaires on the deworming history of children. Stool samples were collected, macroscopically examined, and microscopically analysed using Kato-Katz technique to assess the intensity of infection. The intensities of nematode infections were expressed as eggs per gram (epg) of faeces. Results. The point prevalence of nematode infection among the 98 children in the 1st sampling was 25.5% with a mean infection intensity of 5424 epg, whereas among the 74 children sampled in 2nd sampling, 47.3% had nematode infection with a mean infection intensity of 12384 epg. The average nematode infection for the 172 participants was 34.9% with a mean intensity of 17808 epg. The highest number of children infected with nematodes was in the village of Wapewape where 34 participants were examined and 36.3% were infected with a mean intensity of 3216 epg. Kwa Reuben and Vietnum villages had the same prevalence values of 32.4% where 34 participants in each village had a mean intensity of 3624 epg and 4512 epg, respectively. In both samplings, more than 80% of children had been dewormed more than 6 months prior to the study. Ascaris lumbricoides was the only species of intestinal nematodes identified to be present in the stool samples of children in this study, whereas Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections were found to be absent. The intensity of infection was not dependent on age or gender.
Astaxanthin Attenuates Hypertensive Vascular Remodeling by Protecting Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells from Oxidative Stress-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Chen Yuqiong , Li Su , Guo Yuxuan , Yu Hang , Bao Yandong , Xin Xin , Yang Huimin , Ni Xinzhu , Wu Nan , Jia Dalin
Published: April 2020

Oxidative stress aggravates mitochondrial injuries and accelerates the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which are important mechanisms contributing to vascular remodeling in hypertension. We put forward the hypothesis that Astaxanthin (ATX), known to possess strong features of antioxidant, could attenuate vascular remodeling by inhibiting VSMC proliferation and improving mitochondrial function. The potential effects of ATX were tested on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and cultured VSMCs that injured by angiotensin II (Ang II). The results showed that ATX lowered blood pressure, reduced aortic wall thickness and fibrosis, and decreased the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and H2O2 in tunica media. Moreover, ATX decreased the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and ki67 in aortic VSMCs. In vitro, ATX mitigated VSMC proliferation and migration, decreased the level of cellular ROS, and balanced the activities of ROS-related enzymes including NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Besides, ATX mitigated Ca2+ overload, the overproduction of mitochondrial ROS (mtROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial fission, and Drp1 phosphorylation at Ser616. In addition, ATX enhanced mitophagy and mitochondrial biosynthesis by increasing the expression of PINK, parkin, mtDNA, mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), and PGC-1α. The present study indicated that ATX could efficiently treat vascular remodeling through restraining VSMC proliferation and restoring mitochondrial function. Inhibiting mitochondrial fission by decreasing the phosphorylation of Drp1 and stimulating mitochondrial autophagy and biosynthesis via increasing the expression of PINK, parkin, Tfam, and PGC-1α may be part of its underlying mechanisms.
Practical Stability and Integral Stability for Singular Differential Systems with Maxima
Authors: Bao Junyan , Wang Peiguang , Li Yanjun
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we introduce various definitions of practical stability and integral stability for nonlinear singular differential systems with maxima and give criteria of stability for such systems via the Lyapunov method and comparison principle.
New Auxiliary Function with Properties in Nonsmooth Global Optimization for Melanoma Skin Cancer Segmentation
Authors: Masoud Abdulhamid Idris A. , Sahiner Ahmet , Rahebi Javad
Published: April 2020

In this paper, an algorithm is introduced to solve the global optimization problem for melanoma skin cancer segmentation. The algorithm is based on the smoothing of an auxiliary function that is constructed using a known local minimizer and smoothed by utilising Bezier curves. This function achieves all filled function properties. The proposed optimization method is applied to find the threshold values in melanoma skin cancer images. The proposed algorithm is implemented on PH2, ISBI2016 challenge, and ISBI 2017 challenge datasets for melanoma segmentation. The results show that the proposed algorithm exhibits high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity compared with other methods.