bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence of Carbapenem-Resistant Providencia rettgeri and
Providencia stuartii
Producing IMP-Type Metallo-β-Lactamase in Japan
Authors: Iwata Shu , Tada Tatsuya , Hishinuma Tomomi , Tohya Mari , Oshiro Satoshi , Kuwahara-Arai Kyoko , Ogawa Miho , Shimojima Masahiro , Kirikae Teruo
Published: August 2020

Four
Providencia rettgeri
isolates and one
Providencia stuartii
isolate were obtained from urine samples of five patients in 2018 in Japan. All of the isolates were resistant to imipenem and meropenem, and three were highly resistant to both carbapenems, with MICs of 512 μg/ml. The three highly carbapenem-resistant isolates harbored
bla
IMP-70
, encoding a variant of IMP-1 metallo-β-lactamase with two amino acid substitutions (Val67Phe and Phe87Val), and the other two harbored
bla
IMP-1
and
bla
IMP-11
, respectively.
Multiplex Design of the Metabolic Network for Production of
l
-Homoserine in Escherichia coli
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhang Bo , Yao Zhen-Hao , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Zheng Yu-Guo
Published: August 2020

In this study, the bottlenecks that sequentially limit
l
-homoserine biosynthesis were identified and resolved, based on rational and efficient metabolic-engineering strategies, coupled with CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)-based systematic analysis. The metabolomics data largely expanded our understanding of metabolic effects and revealed relevant targets for further modification to achieve better performance. The systematic analysis strategy, as well as metabolomics analysis, can be used to rationally design cell factories for the production of highly valuable chemicals.
Novel Biochemical Properties and Physiological Role of the Flavin Mononucleotide Oxidoreductase YhdA from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Valenzuela-García Luz I. , Zapata Blanca L. , Ramírez-Ramírez Norma , Huchin-Mian Juan P. , Robleto Eduardo A. , Ayala-García Víctor M. , Pedraza-Reyes Mario
Published: August 2020

Here, we report that the bacterial flavin mononucleotide/NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase YhdA, widely distributed among Gram-positive bacilli, conferred protection to cells from the cytotoxic effects of Cr(VI) and prevented the hypermutagenesis exhibited by a MutT/MutM/MutY-deficient strain. Additionally, a purified recombinant His
10
-YhdA protein displayed a strong NADPH-dependent chromate reductase activity. Therefore, we postulate that in bacterial cells, YhdA counteracts the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of intracellular and extracellular inducers of oxygen radicals, including those caused by hexavalent chromium.
Challenges and Controversies to Testing for COVID-19
Authors: Binnicker Matthew J.
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has placed the clinical laboratory and testing for SARS-CoV-2 front and center in the worldwide discussion of how to end the outbreak. Clinical laboratories have responded by developing, validating, and implementing a variety of molecular and serologic assays to test for SARS-CoV-2 infection. This has played an essential role in identifying cases, informing isolation decisions, and helping to curb the spread of disease. However, as the demand for COVID-19 testing has increased, laboratory professionals have faced a growing list of challenges, uncertainties, and, in some situations, controversy, as they have attempted to balance the need for increasing test capacity with maintaining a high-quality laboratory operation.
COVID-19 in children: analysis of the first pandemic peak in England
Authors: Ladhani Shamez N , Amin-Chowdhury Zahin , Davies Hannah G , Aiano Felicity , Hayden Iain , Lacy Joanne , Sinnathamby Mary , de Lusignan Simon , Demirjian Alicia , Whittaker Heather , Andrews Nick , Zambon Maria , Hopkins Susan , Ramsay Mary Elizabeth
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To assess disease trends, testing practices, community surveillance, case-fatality and excess deaths in children as compared with adults during the first pandemic peak in England.

Setting

England.

Participants

Children with COVID-19 between January and May 2020.

Main outcome measures

Trends in confirmed COVID-19 cases, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positivity rates in children compared with adults; community prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in children with acute respiratory infection (ARI) compared with adults, case-fatality rate in children with confirmed COVID-19 and excess childhood deaths compared with the previous 5 years.

Results

Children represented 1.1% (1,408/129,704) of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases between 16 January 2020 and 3 May 2020. In total, 540 305 people were tested for SARS-COV-2 and 129,704 (24.0%) were positive. In children aged <16 years, 35,200 tests were performed and 1408 (4.0%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2, compared to 19.1%–34.9% adults. Childhood cases increased from mid-March and peaked on 11 April before declining. Among 2,961 individuals presenting with ARI in primary care, 351 were children and 10 (2.8%) were positive compared with 9.3%–45.5% in adults. Eight children died and four (case-fatality rate, 0.3%; 95% CI 0.07% to 0.7%) were due to COVID-19. We found no evidence of excess mortality in children.

Conclusions

Children accounted for a very small proportion of confirmed cases despite the large numbers of children tested. SARS-CoV-2 positivity was low even in children with ARI. Our findings provide further evidence against the role of children in infection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
RETRACTED: Prioritising primary care patients with unexpected weight loss for cancer investigation: diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Nicholson Brian D , Aveyard Paul , Price Sarah J , Hobbs FD Richard , Koshiaris Constantinos , Hamilton Willie
Published: August 2020

Objective

To quantify the predictive value of unexpected weight loss (WL) for cancer according to patient’s age, sex, smoking status, and concurrent clinical features (symptoms, signs, and abnormal blood test results).

Design

Diagnostic accuracy study.

Setting

Clinical Practice Research Datalink electronic health records data linked to the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service in primary care, England.

Participants

63 973 adults (≥18 years) with a code for unexpected WL from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2012.

Main outcome measures

Cancer diagnosis in the six months after the earliest weight loss code (index date). Codes for additional clinical features were identified in the three months before to one month after the index date. Diagnostic accuracy measures included positive and negative likelihood ratios, positive predictive values, and diagnostic odds ratios.

Results

Of 63 973 adults with unexpected WL, 37 215 (58.2%) were women, 33 167 (51.8%) were aged 60 years or older, and 16 793 (26.3%) were ever smokers. 908 (1.4%) had a diagnosis of cancer within six months of the index date, of whom 882 (97.1%) were aged 50 years or older. The positive predictive value for cancer was above the 3% threshold recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for urgent investigation in male ever smokers aged 50 years or older, but not in women at any age. 10 additional clinical features were associated with cancer in men with unexpected WL, and 11 in women. Positive likelihood ratios in men ranged from 1.86 (95% confidence interval 1.32 to 2.62) for non-cardiac chest pain to 6.10 (3.44 to 10.79) for abdominal mass, and in women from 1.62 (1.15 to 2.29) for back pain to 20.9 (10.7 to 40.9) for jaundice. Abnormal blood test results associated with cancer included low albumin levels (4.67, 4.14 to 5.27) and raised values for platelets (4.57, 3.88 to 5.38), calcium (4.28, 3.05 to 6.02), total white cell count (3.76, 3.30 to 4.28), and C reactive protein (3.59, 3.31 to 3.89). However, no normal blood test result in isolation ruled out cancer. Clinical features co-occurring with unexpected WL were associated with multiple cancer sites.

Conclusion

The risk of cancer in adults with unexpected WL presenting to primary care is 2% or less and does not merit investigation under current UK guidelines. However, in male ever smokers aged 50 years or older and in patients with concurrent clinical features, the risk of cancer warrants referral for invasive investigation. Clinical features typically associated with specific cancer sites are markers of several cancer types when they occur with unexpected WL.
GIST-related malignant ascites with large-volume paracentesis complicated by myocardial infarction and tumour rupture
Authors: Hacking Sade , Jackson Karl , Johnston Robert , Grogan Eleanor , Walmsley Rowan , Armstrong Leonie , Coleman Joanna , Grieve Jennifer , Robinson Sarah , Frew Katherine , Aujayeb Avinash
Published: August 2020

This paper describes a patient with an inoperable gastrointestinal stromal tumour with moderate volume malignant ascites. A large-volume paracentesis caused haemodynamic instability and a myocardial infarction. An indwelling right-sided peritoneal catheter was inserted following further ascites build-up. The patient experienced spontaneous acute rupture of tumour and subsequent loculated ascites. An additional second catheter was inserted to the left side of the abdomen following reaccumulation of ascites following liquefaction of cyst contents and successful one-off drainage on the left side of abdomen. This is the first case report of a patient with two indwelling catheters: we describe learning points pertaining to those as well as the rupture of gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Haemodynamic instability after paracentesis in malignant-related ascites has also not been described
Assessing the impact of a local community subsidised rideshare programme on road traffic injuries: an evaluation of the Evesham Saving Lives programme
Authors: Humphreys David K , Degli Esposti Michelle , Williams Frances M , Kondo Michelle C , Morrison Christopher
Published: August 2020

Background

Alcohol-related vehicle crashes pose a significant challenge to public health in suburban communities. The Evesham Saving Lives programme operated between late 2015 and 2019 in two townships (Evesham and Voorhees) in New Jersey. The programme subsidised rideshare (eg, Uber) trips from bars and restaurants between the hours of 21:00 and 02:00 to prevent alcohol-related traffic injuries.

Methods

This study used data from the New Jersey Department of Transportation to examine changes to rates of injury crashes between 2010 and 2018. We used an ecological difference-in-difference design with Bayesian conditional autoregressive Poisson models to compare rates of injury crashes between participating municipalities (n=2) and non-participating municipalities (n=75). Sensitivity analyses included comparison with a weighted synthetic control series.

Results

The Evesham Saving Lives programme was associated with 18% fewer injury crashes overall (IRR=0.82, 95% credible interval (CrI): 0.76, 0.88). Reductions in crashes were estimated to be greatest at night (IRR=0.62, 95% CrI: 0.48, 0.79), with moderate reductions in the afternoon (IRR=0.80, 95% CrI: 0.72, 0.88). We estimate that around three lives were saved (95% CrI: 2, 5) and around 371 injuries were prevented (95% CrI: 204, 625), potentially making considerable savings in terms of medical and economic expenses.

Conclusions

These findings support the claim that improving the convenience and reducing the costs of alternative night-time transportation can prevent road traffic injuries. Future studies should aim to replicate these analyses in programmes that have been implemented in other suburban communities across the US.
Selection bias and misclassification in case–control studies conducted using the National Violent Death Reporting System
Authors: Lyons Vivian H , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali , Adhia Avanti , Weiss Noel S
Published: August 2020

Conducting case–control studies using the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) has the potential to introduce selection bias and misclassification through control selection. Some studies that use NVDRS compare groups of individuals who died by one mechanism, intent or circumstance, to individuals who died by another mechanism, intent or circumstance. For aetiological studies within NVDRS, the use of controls who had a different type of violent death has the potential to introduce selection bias, while relying on narrative summaries for exposure measurement may result in misclassification. We discuss these two methodological issues, and identify an unusual circumstance in which selection of live controls within NVDRS can be employed.
Nek9,a sensitive immunohistochemical marker for Schwannian, melanocytic and myogenic tumours
Authors: Shen Wenping , Han Qun , Sun Feifei , Li Zhishuang , Li Li
Published: August 2020

Aims

In our previous study, striking Nek9 staining was observed in peripheral nerves for the first time. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to detect Nek9 expression in peripheral nerve sheath tumours, melanocytic tumours and their mimics.

Methods

The expression of Nek9 was analysed in 234 mesenchymal tumours including schwannoma, neurofibroma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST), melanoma and their mimics adopting immunohistochemistry. In addition, S-100 and SOX10 were detected in all tumours.

Results

The results revealed an intense and diffuse staining of Nek9 in all schwannomas (30/30) and melanomas (20/20). The neurofibromas (86%, 19/22) and MPNSTs (76%, 18/21) showed a high frequency of positive Nek9 staining. Nek9 showed a comparable sensitivity to S-100, and better sensitivity and less specificity than that of SOX10. Among the histological mimics, Nek9 was only strongly and diffusely expressed in rhabdomyosarcomas (RSs) (97%,37/38) while negatively stained in most of the other tumours. It was noted that Nek9 immunoresponse was more diffuse than that of MyoD1 and myogenin in RS.

Conclusions

In summary, Nek9 has a good sensitivity in the diagnosis of tumours with Schwannian, melanocytic and skeletal muscle differentiations. The immunohistochemical analysis of Nek9 expression may be helpful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the aforementioned tumours.
Spinal cannabinoid receptor 2 activation reduces hypersensitivity associated with bone cancer pain and improves the integrity of the blood–spinal cord barrier
Authors: Wang Chenchen , Xu Ke , Wang Yu , Mao Yanting , Huang Yulin , Liang Ying , Liu Yue , Hao Jing , Gu Xiaoping , Ma Zhengliang , Sun Yu'e
Published: August 2020

Background

Disruption of the blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB) can facilitate inflammation that results in pain hypersensitivity. Proinflammatory cytokines produced by activated microglia and astrocytes damage the BSCB. This study aims to explore whether the BSCB is damaged in the bone cancer pain (BCP) model and to investigate a potential role and mechanism of JWH015 ((2-methyl-1-propyl-1H-indol-3-yl)−1-naphthalenylmethanone), a selective cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) agonist, in preserving the BSCB integrity in the BCP model.

Methods

We used a male mouse model of BCP. Pain hypersensitivity was measured over time. Evans blue dye extravasation, transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting were performed to investigate the permeability and structural integrity of the BSCB. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were used to investigate the effect of JWH015 on the activation of glial cells and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines.

Results

A single intrathecal injection of JWH015 ameliorated pain hypersensitivity, the BSCB disruption and microglia and astrocyte activation. Decreases in the expression of ZO-1 and claudin-5 were partially restored by JWH015. The levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α and the enzyme MMP9 were reduced by JWH015. However, all effects were prevented by pretreatment with a CB2R-selective antagonist, AM630 ((6-iodo-2-methyl-1-(2-morpholinoethyl)−1H-indol-3-yl)(4-methoxyphenyl)methanone).

Conclusions

JWH015 alleviates neuroinflammation and maintains the BSCB integrity and permeability in a mouse model of BCP, which is probably mediated by inhibiting glial cells activation. This study reveals the new analgesic mechanism of JWH015 on BCP and provides a perspective to explore novel drugs that target the BSCB to control BCP.
Clinical and laboratory evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 lateral flow assays for use in a national COVID-19 seroprevalence survey
Authors: Flower Barnaby , Brown Jonathan C , Simmons Bryony , Moshe Maya , Frise Rebecca , Penn Rebecca , Kugathasan Ruthiran , Petersen Claire , Daunt Anna , Ashby Deborah , Riley Steven , Atchison Christina Joanne , Taylor Graham P , Satkunarajah Sutha , Naar Lenny , Klaber Robert , Badhan Anjna , Rosadas Carolina , Khan Maryam , Fernandez Natalia , Sureda-Vives Macià , Cheeseman Hannah M , O'Hara Jessica , Fontana Gianluca , Pallett Scott J C , Rayment Michael , Jones Rachael , Moore Luke S P , McClure Myra O , Cherepanov Peter , Tedder Richard , Ashrafian Hutan , Shattock Robin , Ward Helen , Darzi Ara , Elliot Paul , Barclay Wendy S , Cooke Graham S
Published: August 2020

Background

Accurate antibody tests are essential to monitor the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) can deliver testing at scale. However, reported performance varies, and sensitivity analyses have generally been conducted on serum from hospitalised patients. For use in community testing, evaluation of finger-prick self-tests, in non-hospitalised individuals, is required.

Methods

Sensitivity analysis was conducted on 276 non-hospitalised participants. All had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription PCR and were ≥21 days from symptom onset. In phase I, we evaluated five LFIAs in clinic (with finger prick) and laboratory (with blood and sera) in comparison to (1) PCR-confirmed infection and (2) presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies on two ‘in-house’ ELISAs. Specificity analysis was performed on 500 prepandemic sera. In phase II, six additional LFIAs were assessed with serum.

Findings

95% (95% CI 92.2% to 97.3%) of the infected cohort had detectable antibodies on at least one ELISA. LFIA sensitivity was variable, but significantly inferior to ELISA in 8 out of 11 assessed. Of LFIAs assessed in both clinic and laboratory, finger-prick self-test sensitivity varied from 21% to 92% versus PCR-confirmed cases and from 22% to 96% versus composite ELISA positives. Concordance between finger-prick and serum testing was at best moderate (kappa 0.56) and, at worst, slight (kappa 0.13). All LFIAs had high specificity (97.2%–99.8%).

Interpretation

LFIA sensitivity and sample concordance is variable, highlighting the importance of evaluations in setting of intended use. This rigorous approach to LFIA evaluation identified a test with high specificity (98.6% (95%CI 97.1% to 99.4%)), moderate sensitivity (84.4% with finger prick (95% CI 70.5% to 93.5%)) and moderate concordance, suitable for seroprevalence surveys.
Dynamics of a particle around AdS Schwarzschild black hole environed by quintessence
Authors: Khan Amir Sultan , Ali Farhad , Ali Khan Israr
Published: August 2020

The field of point particle dynamics is correlated with the particle dynamics around a black hole, and one can initiate the investigation of a more complex motion of extended bodies or celestial bodies. In this article, we study the dynamics of neutral and charged particles around the AdS Schwarzschild black hole surrounded by quintessence. At the foot of Noether symmetries and the conservation laws of the proposed spacetime, we discuss the effect of the cosmological constant, angular momentum, quintessence parameter, and magnetic field on the dynamics of neutral and charged particles in the form of the effective potential, effective force, and escape velocity. Finally, we investigate the orbit stability of spacetime with the help of the Lyapunov exponent.
Influence of anisotropy, tilt and pairing of Weyl nodes: the Weyl semimetals TaAs, TaP, NbAs and NbP
Authors: Grassano Davide , Pulci Olivia , Cannuccia Elena , Bechstedt Friedhelm
Published: August 2020

By means of ab initio band structure methods and model Hamiltonians we investigate the electronic, spin and topological properties of four monopnictides crystallizing in bct structure. We show that the Weyl bands around a WP W1 or W2 possess a strong anisotropy and tilt of the accompanying Dirac cones. These effects are larger for W2 nodes than for W1 ones. The node tilts and positions in energy space significantly influence the DOS of single-particle Weyl excitations. The node anisotropies destroy the conventional picture of (anti)parallel spin and wave vector of a Weyl fermion. This also holds for the Berry curvature around a node, while the monopole charges are independent as integrated quantities. The pairing of the nodes strongly modifies the spin texture and the Berry curvature for wave vectors in between the two nodes. Spin components may change their orientation. Integrals over planes perpendicular to the connection line yield finite Zak phases and winding numbers for planes between the two nodes, thereby indicating the topological character.

Graphical abstract
Multi-use Deterministic Public Key Proxy Re-Encryption from Lattices in the Auxiliary-Input Setting
Authors: Li Juyan , Ma Chunguang , Gu Zhen
Published: August 2020

Proxy Re-Encryption (PRE) is a cryptographic primitive that allows a proxy to turn an Alice’s ciphertext into a Bob’s ciphertext on the same plaintext. All of the PRE schemes are public key encryption and semantic security. Deterministic Public Key Encryption (D-PKE) provides an alternative to randomized public key encryption in various scenarios where the latter exhibits inherent drawbacks. In this paper, we construct the first multi-use unidirectional D-PRE scheme from Lattices in the auxiliary-input setting. We also prove that it is PRIV1-INDr secure in the standard model based on the LWR. Finally, an identity-based D-PRE is obtained from the basic construction.
Are 3-4-1 models able to explain the upcoming results of the muon anomalous magnetic moment?
Authors: Cogollo D. , Oviedo-Torres Yohan M. , Villamizar Yoxara S.
Published: August 2020

In light of the upcoming measurement of the muon anomalous magnetic moment [Formula: see text], we revisit the corrections to [Formula: see text] in the context of the [Formula: see text] gauge symmetry. We investigate three models based on this gauge symmetry and express our results in terms of the energy scale at which the [Formula: see text] symmetry is broken. To draw solid conclusions we put our findings into perspective with existing collider bounds. Lastly, we highlight the difference between our results and those rising from [Formula: see text] constructions.
Alternate methods for anomaly detection in high-energy physics via semi-supervised learning
Authors: Md Ali Mohd Adli , Badrud’din Nu’man , Abdullah Hafidzul , Kemi Faiz
Published: August 2020

Recently, the concept of weakly supervised learning has gained popularity in the high-energy physics community due to its ability to learn even with a noisy and impure dataset. This method is valuable in the quest to discover the elusive beyond Standard Model (BSM) particle. Nevertheless, the weakly supervised learning method still requires a learning sample that describes the features of the BSM particle truthfully to the classification model. Even with the various theoretical framework such as supersymmetry and the quantum black hole, creating a BSM sample is not a trivial task since the exact feature of the particle is unknown. Due to these difficulties, we propose an alternative classifier type called the one-class classification (OCC). OCC algorithms require only background or noise samples in its training dataset, which is already abundant in the high-energy physics community. The algorithm will flag any sample that does not fit the background feature as an abnormality. In this paper, we introduce two new algorithms called EHRA and C-EHRA, which use machine learning regression and clustering to detect anomalies in samples. We tested the algorithms’ capability to create distinct anomalous patterns in the presence of BSM samples and also compare their classification output metrics to the Isolation Forest (ISF), a well-known anomaly detection algorithm. Five Monte Carlo supersymmetry datasets with the signal to noise ratio equal to 1, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, and 0.0001 were used to test EHRA, C-EHRA and ISF algorithm. In our study, we found that the EHRA with an artificial neural network regression has the highest ROC-AUC score at 0.7882 for the balanced dataset, while the C-EHRA has the highest precision-sensitivity score for the majority of the imbalanced datasets. These findings highlight the potential use of the EHRA, C-EHRA, and other OCC algorithms in the quest to discover BSM particles.
A two-lane lattice model considering taillight effect and man–machine hybrid driving
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Ma Changxi , Gong Jinchou
Published: August 2020

At present, drivers can rely on road communication technology to obtain the current traffic status information, and the development of intelligent transportation makes self-driving possible. In this paper, considering the mixed traffic flow with self-driving vehicles and the taillight effect, a new macro-two-lane lattice model is established. Combined with the concept of critical density, the judgment conditions for vehicles to take braking measures are given. Based on the linear analysis, the stability conditions of the new model are obtained, and the mKdV equation describing the evolution mechanism of density waves is derived through the nonlinear stability analysis. Finally, with the help of numerical simulation, the phase diagram and kink–anti-kink waveform of neutral stability conditions are obtained, and the effects of different parameters of the model on traffic flow stability are analyzed. The results show that the braking probability, the proportion of self-driving vehicles and the critical density have significant effects on the traffic flow stability. Considering taillight effect and increasing the mixing ratio of self-driving vehicles can effectively enhance the stability of traffic flow, but a larger critical density will destroy the stability of traffic flow.
Shorting out bonding method for multi-stack anodic bonding and its application in wafer-level packaging
Authors: Liu Yifang , Dai Tingting , Xie Peiqin , Wang Lingyun , Zhan Zhan , Gu Dandan , Xiong Heng
Published: August 2020

Silicon/glass anodic bonding is widely investigated during MEMS packaging of multi-stack structures. The electrical behavior of anode bonding can be described as the charging and discharging process of RC circuit. Here, we conduct the equivalent RC circuit model analysis and experimental investigation, and demonstrate that voltage division and electricity leakage are the dilemma for the conventional multi-stack anodic bonding. By using feedthrough, the feasibility and convenience of “shorting out bonding” is presented, which is exampled through the wafer-level packaging of the MEMS gyroscope. Result from the sensor’s vacuum characterization reveals that shorting out bonding for multi-stack silicon/glass structures is an effective method for wafer-level packaging due to long-term stability and low temperature property.‘
Shadows of charged rotating black holes: Kerr–Newman versus Kerr–Sen
Authors: Xavier Sérgio Vinicius Monteiro C. B. , Cunha Pedro V. P. , Crispino Luís C. B. , Herdeiro Carlos A. R.
Published: August 2020

Celebrating the centennial of its first experimental test, the theory of General Relativity (GR) has successfully and consistently passed all subsequent tests with flying colors. It is expected, however, that at certain scales new physics, in particular, in the form of quantum corrections, will emerge, changing some of the predictions of GR, which is a classical theory. In this respect, black holes (BHs) are natural configurations to explore the quantum effects on strong gravitational fields. BH solutions in the low-energy effective field theory description of the heterotic string theory, which is one of the leading candidates to describe quantum gravity, have been the focus of many studies in the last three decades. The recent interest in strong gravitational lensing by BHs, in the wake of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) observations, suggests comparing the BH lensing in both GR and heterotic string theory, in order to assess the phenomenological differences between these models. In this work, we investigate the differences in the shadows of two charged BH solutions with rotation: one arising in the context of GR, namely the Kerr–Newman (KN) solution, and the other within the context of low-energy heterotic string theory, the Kerr–Sen (KS) solution. We show and interpret, in particular, that the stringy BH always has a larger shadow, for the same physical parameters and observation conditions.
Improved Adams-type inequalities and their extremals in dimension 2m
Authors: DelaTorre Azahara , Mancini Gabriele
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we prove the existence of an extremal function for the Adams–Moser–Trudinger inequality on the Sobolev space [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is any bounded, smooth, open subset of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we extend this result to improved versions of Adams’ inequality of Adimurthi-Druet type. Our strategy is based on blow-up analysis for sequences of subcritical extremals and introduces several new techniques and constructions. The most important one is a new procedure for obtaining capacity-type estimates on annular regions.
On Entry II.16.12: A continued fraction of Ramanujan
Authors: Bhatnagar Gaurav , Ismail Mourad E. H.
Published: August 2020

We study a continued fraction due to Ramanujan, that he recorded as Entry 12 in Chapter 16 of his second notebook. It is presented in Part III of Berndt’s volumes on Ramanujan’s notebooks. We give two alternate approaches to proving Ramanujan’s Entry 12, one using a method of Euler, and another using the theory of orthogonal polynomials. We consider a natural generalization of Entry 12 suggested by the theory of orthogonal polynomials.
Rapid cooling during late-stage orogenesis and implications for the collapse of the Scandian retrowedge, northern Scotland
Authors: Spencer B.M. , Thigpen J.R. , Law R.D. , Mako C.A. , McDonald C.S. , Hodges K.V. , Ashley K.T.
Published: August 2020

New
40
Ar/
39
Ar thermochronological and deformation temperature analyses in the Scandian (
c.
435–420 Ma) orogenic retrowedge of northern Scotland demonstrate accelerated cooling during late syn- to post-orogenic exhumation of the high-grade orogenic core. Initial cooling rates of 10–30°C myr
−1
immediately following peak orogenesis transitioned to rapid rates of 45–90°C myr
−1
during final exhumation of the Naver thrust sheet in the orogenic core. The flanking ductile thrust sheets exhibit a similar, albeit less pronounced, acceleration of cooling, with rates increasing by
c
. 150–300% following peak orogenesis. Closer to the foreland, the Moine thrust sheet did not experience increased cooling rates. Calculated unroofing rates of 3.75 mm a
−1
in the high-grade Naver thrust sheet suggest increasing, rapid exhumation in the orogenic core during a presumed collapse phase of orogenesis. This is contrary to the expectation of decreasing erosional efficiency as topography is diminished and is interpreted to suggest that unroofing of the Scottish Caledonides may have been partially enhanced by upper crustal extensional deformation during ductile flow of the infrastructure of the orogenic core. Similar processes have been interpreted in the East Greenland Caledonides, which form the northern extension of the Scandian retrowedge.

Supplementary material:
40
Ar/
39
Ar analytical data for muscovite (Supplementary Data Table 1),
40
Ar/
39
Ar analytical data for amphibole (Supplementary Data Table 2), and electron microprobe analytical data for amphibole samples (Supplementary Data Table 3) is available at:
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5087057
Maximal strength training in patients with Parkinson’s disease: impact on efferent neural drive, force-generating capacity, and functional performance
Authors: Helgerud J. , Thomsen S. N. , Hoff J. , Strandbråten A. , Leivseth G. , Unhjem R. , Wang E.
Published: August 2020

This randomized, controlled trial documents that supervised high-intensity strength training improves efferent neural drive, maximal muscle strength, rate of force development, and functional performance in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). In contrast, no differences were observed in these outcome variables in patients receiving conventional treatment consisting of recreational physical activity with low-to-medium intensity. Consequently, this study advocates that high-intensity strength training should be implemented in the clinical treatment of PD patients.
Respiratory and cardiopulmonary limitations to aerobic exercise capacity in adults born preterm
Authors: Duke Joseph W. , Lovering Andrew T.
Published: August 2020

Adults born preterm, regardless of whether they develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia, have underdeveloped respiratory and cardiopulmonary systems. The resulting impaired respiratory and cardiopulmonary systems are inadequate for the challenges imposed by aerobic exercise, which is exacerbated by the presence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Thus the respiratory and cardiopulmonary systems of these preterm individuals may be the most influential contributors to the significantly lower aerobic exercise capacity compared with their term born counterparts. The precise underlying cause(s) of the lower aerobic exercise capacity in adults born preterm is not entirely known but could be a number of interrelated parameters including mechanical ventilatory constraints, impaired pulmonary gas exchange efficiency, and excessive cardiopulmonary pressures. Likewise, additional aspects, such as impaired cardiovascular function and altered muscle bioenergetics, may play additional roles in limiting aerobic exercise capacity. Whether or not all or some of these aspects are present in adults born preterm and precisely how they may contribute to the lower aerobic exercise capacity are only beginning to be systematically explored. The purpose of this mini-review is to outline what is currently known about the respiratory and cardiopulmonary limitations during exercise in this population and to identify key areas where additional knowledge will help to advance this area. Additionally, where possible, we highlight the similarities and differences between obstructive lung disease resulting from preterm birth and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as the physiology and pathophysiology of these two forms of obstructive lung disease may not be identical.
Popliteal flow-mediated dilatory responses to an acute bout of prolonged sitting between earlier and later phases of natural menstrual and oral contraceptive pill cycles
Authors: O’Brien Myles W. , Johns Jarrett A. , Al-Hinnawi Amera , Kimmerly Derek S.
Published: August 2020

We compared changes in popliteal artery endothelial function to a 3-h bout of sitting in females across their natural menstrual or oral contraceptive pill cycles. Pre-sitting endothelial-dependent vasodilation was greater in females who naturally menstruate during the later versus earlier phase but unchanged among contraceptive pill phases. Neither menstrual nor oral contraceptive pill phases attenuated the robust decline in conduit artery health following an acute period of uninterrupted sitting in young females.
Moving immune therapy forward targeting tme
Authors: Goliwas Kayla F. , Deshane Jessy S. , Elmets Craig A. , Athar Mohammad
Published: August 2020

The host immune system shapes the fate of tumor progression. Hence, manipulating patients’ immune system to activate host immune responses against cancer pathogenesis is a promising strategy to develop effective therapeutic interventions for metastatic and drug-resistant cancers. Understanding the dynamic mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that contribute to heterogeneity and metabolic plasticity is essential to enhance the patients’ responsiveness to immune targeted therapies. Riera-Domingo et al. (Riera-Domingo C, Audige A, Granja S, Cheng WC, Ho PC, Baltazar F, Stockmann C, Mazzone, M. Physiol Rev 100: 1–102, 2020) describe the immune landscape within the TME and highlight the significance of metabolic and hypoxic signatures that impact immune function and response to immunotherapy strategies. Current literature in this field confirms that targeting tumor metabolism and the acidic microenvironment commonly associated with tumors may present viable strategies to modulate the host immune system in favor of response to immune targeted therapies. However, development of better tools to understand tumor-immune interactions and identify mechanisms driving nonresponders, more innovative clinical trial design, and new therapies will need to be identified to move the field forward. Personalized immune therapies incorporating metabolic and microbiome-based gene signatures to influence the therapeutic response and novel methods to generate immunologically “hot” tumors are at the forefront of immunotherapy currently. The combination of these approaches with clinically approved immunotherapies will be valuable moving forward.
Investigation of Vortex Rings for Free Jet and Synthetic Jet at Various Reynolds Numbers and Strouhal Numbers
Authors: Chang Jianlong , Zheng Shizhen , Du Yang , Xu Junjie , Liu Yanchen , Guo Baoquan , Pan Yutian , Han Bing
Published: August 2020

The behaviors of vortex rings for free jet and synthetic jet with various Reynolds numbers and Strouhal numbers are numerically studied by the k-ε model. The positions of the leading vortex of free jet are investigated under the three different conditions, and the effect of Strouhal number on the vortex ring is analyzed in detail. The results show that different Reynolds numbers lead to different positions for the shedding of the vortex rings. During the movement of the vortex rings, the symmetry of the vortex ring in synthetic jet retains in good state, and the vortex rings do not break up with well-arranged distributions. The distance between two adjacent vortex rings near the synthetic jet exit has the close link between the Strouhal number yet is independent of the Reynolds numbers.
Pitot Tube-Based Icing Detection: Effect of Ice Blocking on Pressure
Authors: Lv Xianglian , Guan Jie , Wang Shengkun , Zhang Haiyang , Xue Shijie , Tang Qi , He Yang
Published: August 2020

This study aims at addressing a problem on icing detection for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV for short) because traditional icing detection methods are costly and bulky. Toward this end, a pitot-based icing detection method is proposed, and the effect of different types of icing blocking on pressure is firstly reported. An icing detection system based on the pitot tube is designed and fabricated. Icing wind tunnel results indicate that if the pitot tube is blocked by glaze ice, then the total pressure of the pitot tube decreases gradually and remains unchanged and less than static pressure. However, if the pitot tube is blocked by rime ice, then the total pressure drops to the same level as the static pressure. If the pitot tube is blocked by non-ice organic materials, then the total pressure suddenly drops to the same level as the static pressure and remains unchanged. Furthermore, if the pitot tube contacts the water droplets but does not freeze, the total pressure output value fluctuates slightly. The effect of icing on pressure is caused by differences in ice microstructure, temperature, and flow velocity. At the same time, the proposed method offers a facile and low-cost approach for UAV icing detection.
A Modified ESC Algorithm for MPPT Applied to a Photovoltaic System under Varying Environmental Conditions
Authors: Tchouani Njomo Arnaud Flanclair , Kenne Godpromesse , Douanla Rostand Marc , Sonfack Lionel Leroy
Published: August 2020

Photovoltaic solar energy is one of the most important renewable energy sources. However, the production of this energy is nonlinear and varies depending on atmospheric parameters. Therefore, the operating point of the photovoltaic panel (PV) does not always coincide with the maximum power point (MPP). A mechanism that allows the research of the maximum power point known as maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is then needed to yield the maximum power permanently. This paper presents an intelligent control technique based on the ESC (Extremum Seeking Control) method for MPPT under varying environmental conditions. The proposed technique is an improvement of the classical ESC algorithm with an additional loop in order to increase the convergence speed. A detailed stability analysis is given not only to ensure a faster convergence of the system towards an adjustable neighborhood of the optimum point but also to confirm a better robustness of the proposed method. In addition, simulation results using Matlab/Simulink environment and experimental results using Arduino board are presented to demonstrate that the proposed modified ESC method performs better than the classical ESC under varying atmospheric conditions.
Risk Assessment of a Wind Turbine Using an AHP-MABAC Approach with Grey System Theory: A Case Study of Morocco
Authors: Bakhat Rim , Rajaa Mohammed
Published: August 2020

Clean energy has become a growing concern, and many organizations pay attention to environmental protection and energy production as well. In the last few decades, the wind turbine has become the core of clean energy production and has advanced in generating electricity from 40 kW to 5 mW. However, the new design of the wind turbine causes several potential failures which frequently lead to the inability to accomplish the operational requirements intended to meet the customers’ expectations. As a solution to this problem, the present paper proposes a novel systematic approach that combines Multicriteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques and Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) tool to reveal the fatal failures and optimize the maintenance actions. To further develop the preceding framework, this work will not only rely on the three risk factors that are involved in the traditional Risk Priority Numbers (RPN) approach but also will consider the economic aspect of the system. In the proposed approach, the grey Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is applied in the first place to calculate the weights of the four risk factors criteria. Second, the grey Multiattribute Border Approximation area Comparison (MABAC) technique is applied to rank the failure modes and their criticality on the whole system. The proposed model is verified within an organization of renewable energy production in Morocco. Furthermore, the results of the comparative and the sensitivity analysis affirm that the proposed research framework is adequate for enhancing other complex systems design, especially in a developing world where funds and resources are scarce.
Data Fusion Algorithm for Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Extreme Learning Machine Optimized by Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Cao Li , Cai Yong , Yue Yinggao
Published: August 2020

Data fusion can reduce the data communication time between sensor nodes, reduce energy consumption, and prolong the lifetime of the network, making it an important research focus in the field of heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (HWSNs). Normal sensor nodes are susceptible to external environmental interferences, which affect the measurement results. In addition, raw data contain redundant information. The transmission of redundant information consumes excess energy, thereby reducing the lifetime of the network. We propose a data fusion method based on an extreme learning machine optimized by particle swarm optimization for HWSNs. The spatiotemporal correlation between the data of the HWSNs is determined, and the extreme learning machine method is used to process the data collected by the sensor nodes in the hierarchical routing structure of the HWSN. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to optimize the input weight matrix and the hidden layer bias of the extreme learning machine. An output weight matrix is created to reduce the number of hidden layer nodes and improve the generalization ability of the model. The data fusion model fuses the original data collected by the sensor nodes. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm reduces network energy consumption and improves the lifetime of the network, the efficiency of data fusion, and the reliability of data transmission compared with other data fusion methods.
Genetic Diversity of Orobanche crenata Populations in Ethiopia Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Belay Gashaw , Tesfaye Kassahun , Hamwieh Aladdin , Ahmed Seid , Dejene Tiegist , de Oliveira Júnior José Oscar Lustosa
Published: August 2020

Orobanche crenata is a parasitic weed that causes considerable yield losses on food legumes in Ethiopia and the Mediterranean region. Understanding the genetic diversity of Orobanche crenata using molecular techniques generate useful information in managing the weed through resistance breeding. This study aimed at assessing the genetic diversity of O. crenata populations collected from major faba bean growing areas of Ethiopia. A total of 96 samples were collected from the Orobanche-infested faba bean farmer field. The genetic diversity of the population was studied using 30 O. cumana SSR markers. The results showed that 11 SSRs were functional and transferable markers to study the diversity of O. crenata populations. The average number of alleles, gene diversity, heterozygosity, and polymorphic information content values for the SSR loci were 9.6, 0.82, 0.38, and 0.80, respectively. The pairwise genetic similarity analysis showed the lowest genetic distance between samples collected from South Gondar and South Wollo (0.12) while the highest genetic distance (0.48) was found between South Gondar and North Wollo. The analysis of molecular variance result indicated that the variation among individuals was a major source of genetic variation (55%) followed by within individuals (43%) and among populations (2%) variation. The output of population genetic structure analysis indicated the presence of two major groups irrespective of the area of collection or region of origin. Besides, the outcome of the spatial autocorrelation computation indicated a significant and positive genetic correlation between samples collected under a 28 km radius. In general, the absence of geographic region based genetic structure presumably demonstrates the expansion of the parasitic weed between farming sites upon its recent introduction to the country. Thus, the clear absence of population differentiation warrants screening faba bean population in hot spot area.