bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Bradycardia Prediction in Preterm Infants Using a Dynamic System Identification Approach
Authors: Bakshi Soovadeep , Feng Tianheng , Chen Dongmei , Li Wei
Published: October 2019

Chronic bradycardia, or slowing of heart rate, is common in preterm infants, and may often lead to neuropsychiatric disorders, developmental problems, and impaired cognitive functions in the long term. Therefore, early detection and treatment of bradycardia is important. To this end, we present a system identification-based approach to the prediction of bradycardia in preterm infants. This algorithm is based on the notion that the cardiovascular system can be treated as a dynamic system, and that under bradycardia, this system reacts abnormally due to temporal and spatial destabilization. This paper presents a proof-of-concept of the proposed methodology by testing its performance using electrocardiogram (ECG) data collected from ten preterm infants. We show that the proposed algorithm is correctly able to predict bradycardia occurrences (mean area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve = 0.782 and variance = 0.0039) while minimizing the training or burn-in period. The physical interpretation of the results using the system dynamics approach is discussed. The developed algorithm performs well on not only classifying normal to abnormal conditions, but also showing a trend of transition between the two conditions. Future work is also discussed to further improve the algorithm and implement the algorithm in the neonatal intensive care unit. Our proposed method is able to predict bradycardia using only ECG data with minimal training period and can be integrated into an automated system for bradycardia detection and treatment, and therefore, reduce the risks related to bradycardia in preterm infants.
The Effect of Vanes and Blades on Ingress in Gas Turbines
Authors: Hualca Fabian P. , Horwood Joshua T. M. , Sangan Carl M. , Lock Gary D. , Scobie James A.
Published: October 2019

This paper presents experimental and computational results using a 1.5-stage test rig designed to investigate the effects of ingress through a double radial overlap rim-seal. The effect of the vanes and blades on ingress was investigated by a series of carefully controlled experiments: first, the position of the vane relative to the rim seal was varied; second, the effect of the rotor blades was isolated using a disk with and without blades. Measurements of steady pressure in the annulus show a strong influence of the vane position. The relationship between sealing effectiveness and purge flowrate exhibited a pronounced inflection for intermediate levels of purge; the inflection did not occur for experiments with a bladeless rotor. Shifting the vane closer to the rim-seal, and therefore the blade, caused a local increase in ingress in the inflection region; again, this effect was not observed for the bladeless experiments. Unsteady pressure measurements at the periphery of the wheel-space revealed the existence of large-scale pressure structures (or instabilities) which depended weakly on the vane position and sealing flowrate. These were measured with and without the blades on the rotor disk. In all cases, these structures rotated close to the disk speed.
Theories in Māori social work: Indigenous approaches to working with and for indigenous people
Authors: Hollis-English Awhina
Published: October 2019

Māori social work practice has been developed upon a strong foundation of indigenous knowledge, theories and values. Theories can be used to validate social work practice and to build and enhance the engagement between workers and whānau. This article describes some Māori social work theories and how they have developed both within the social work world and that of neighbouring professions. A number of theories have been described by Māori social workers from across Aotearoa as the foundations for their social work practice. Theoretical discourse in the world of Māori social workers enables one to grow and develop their practice, leaning on ancestral knowledge and valuing the skills that are gained through understanding tikanga in a contemporary context. Through enhancing one’s knowledge of Te Ao Māori and evidence-based practice, social workers can use, develop and create Māori theories in a social work context for the benefit of Māori whānau and communities.
Social work supervision in child and family services: Developing a working theory of how and why it works
Authors: Wilkins David
Published: October 2019

INTRODUCTION: Does social work supervision work? Social work academics and others have argued repeatedly that we need to focus more attention on understanding whether and how supervision helps improve outcomes for people who use services. As things stand, we currently have little evidence either way—and although the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, this is far from an ideal situation.APPROACH: Taking inspiration from realist approaches to evaluation, this article sets out an initial working theory of social work supervision for child and family services, developed from an analysis of six significant reviews of the supervision literature. Each review was analysed to identify key contexts, mechanisms and outcomes for supervision.CONCLUSION: Notable gaps within the theory are identified in relation to workers, outcomes for children and families and how supervision can promote a rights-based approach. The article concludes by arguing that this working theory offers the basis for future evaluative studies of supervision.
Topic choice contributes to the lower rate of NIH awards to African-American/black scientists
Authors: Hoppe Travis A. , Litovitz Aviva , Willis Kristine A. , Meseroll Rebecca A. , Perkins Matthew J. , Hutchins B. Ian , Davis Alison F. , Lauer Michael S. , Valantine Hannah A. , Anderson James M. , Santangelo George M.
Published: October 2019

Topic choice is a previously unappreciated contributor to the lower rate of NIH awards to AA/B scientists.
Unplugging brain tumor cells
Authors: Abalde-Atristain Leire
Published: October 2019

Electrical coupling of brain tumor cells to neurons drives tumor growth.
Interfering in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 2D
Authors: Ronzitti Giuseppe
Published: October 2019

Patient-tailored RNA interference prevents the onset of Charcot-Marie-Tooth 2D disease.
HAMLET, a Protein Complex from Human Milk, Has Bactericidal Activity and Enhances the Activity of Antibiotics against Pathogenic Streptococci
Authors: Alamiri Feiruz , Riesbeck Kristian , Hakansson Anders P.
Published: October 2019

HAMLET (
h
uman
a
lpha-lactalbumin
m
ade
le
thal to
t
umor cells) is a protein-lipid complex derived from human milk that was first described for its tumoricidal activity. Later studies showed that HAMLET also has direct bactericidal activity against select species of bacteria, with highest activity against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
.
Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase Escalates A-to-C Mutations in MutT-Deficient Strains of Escherichia coli
Authors: Kapoor Indu , Emam Elhassan Ali Fathi , Shaw Abhirup , Varshney Umesh
Published: October 2019

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK), a ubiquitous enzyme, is known for its critical role in homeostasis of cellular nucleotide pools. However, NDK has now emerged as a molecule with pleiotropic effects in DNA repair, protein phosphorylation, gene expression, tumor metastasis, development, and pathogen virulence and persistence inside the host. In this study, we reveal an unexpected role of NDK in genome instability because of its activity in converting 8-O-dGDP to 8-O-dGTP. This observation has important consequences in escalating A-to-C mutations in
Escherichia coli
. The severity of NDK in enhancing these mutations may be higher in the organisms challenged with high oxidative stress, which promotes 8-O-dGDP/8-O-dGTP production.
Palmitoylation of Hepatitis C Virus NS2 Regulates Its Subcellular Localization and NS2-NS3 Autocleavage
Authors: Wu Ming-Jhan , Shanmugam Saravanabalaji , Welsch Christoph , Yi MinKyung
Published: October 2019

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of severe liver diseases responsible for nearly 400,000 deaths per year. HCV NS2 protein is a multifunctional regulator of HCV replication involved in both viral-genome replication and infectious-virus assembly. However, the underlying mechanism that enables the protein to participate in multiple steps of HCV replication remains unknown. In this study, we discovered that NS2 palmitoylation is the master regulator of its multiple functions, including NS2-mediated self-cleavage and HCV envelope protein recruitment to the virus assembly sites, which in turn promote HCV RNA replication and infectious-particle assembly, respectively. This newly revealed information suggests that NS2 palmitoylation could serve as a promising target to inhibit both HCV RNA replication and virus assembly, representing a new avenue for host-targeting strategies against HCV infection.
Yellow Fever Virus Reemergence and Spread in Southeast Brazil, 2016–2019
Authors: Giovanetti Marta , de Mendonça Marcos Cesar Lima , Fonseca Vagner , Mares-Guia Maria Angélica , Fabri Allison , Xavier Joilson , de Jesus Jaqueline Goes , Gräf Tiago , dos Santos Rodrigues Cintia Damasceno , dos Santos Carolina Cardoso , Sampaio Simone Alves , Chalhoub Flavia Lowen Levy , de Bruycker Nogueira Fernanda , Theze Julien , Romano Alessandro Pecego Martins , Ramos Daniel Garkauskas , de Abreu Andre Luiz , Oliveira Wanderson Kleber , do Carmo Said Rodrigo Fabiano , de Alburque Carlos F. Campelo , de Oliveira Tulio , Fernandes Carlos Augusto , Aguiar Shirlei Ferreira , Chieppe Alexandre , Sequeira Patrícia Carvalho , Faria Nuno Rodrigues , Cunha Rivaldo Venâncio , Alcantara Luiz Carlos Junior , de Filippis Ana Maria Bispo
Published: October 2019

Arbovirus infections in Brazil, including yellow fever, dengue, zika, and chikungunya, result in considerable morbidity and mortality and are pressing public health concerns. However, our understanding of these outbreaks is hampered by the limited availability of genomic data. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and spatial distribution of YFV during the current outbreak by analyzing genomic data from areas in southeastern Brazil not covered by other previous studies. To gain insights into the routes of YFV introduction and dispersion, we tracked the virus by sequencing YFV genomes sampled from nonhuman primates and infected patients from the southeastern region. Our study provides an understanding of how YFV initiates transmission in new Brazilian regions and illustrates that genomics in the field can augment traditional approaches to infectious disease surveillance and control.
Draft Genome Sequence of Sporolactobacillus inulinus NBRC 111894, Isolated from Kôso, a Japanese Sugar-Vegetable Fermented Beverage
Authors: Chiou Tai-Ying , Suda Wataru , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Matsuzaki Chiaki , Yamamoto Kenji , Takahashi Tomoya
Published: October 2019

Sporolactobacillus inulinus
NBRC 111894 is a species of endospore-forming lactic acid bacteria isolated from kôso, a Japanese sugar-vegetable fermented beverage. The draft genome sequence of
S. inulinus
NBRC 111894 is useful for understanding the differences between
S. inulinus
strains and their conserved characteristics.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Bovine Ephemeral Fever Virus Isolate from Israel
Authors: Dorey-Robinson Daniel L. W. , Fernández de Marco Mar , Hernández-Triana Luis M. , Folly Arran J. , McElhinney Lorraine M. , Stokes Jessica E. , Sanders Chris , Carpenter Simon , Fooks Anthony R. , Zalesky Olga , Gelman Boris , Erster Oran , Johnson Nicholas
Published: October 2019

Here, we report the first complete genome of a bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) isolate from an infected bovine in Israel. The genome shares 95.3% identity with a Turkish genomic sequence but contains α3 and γ open reading frames that are truncated compared to those of existing BEFV genome sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Janthinobacterium
sp. Strain PC23-8, Isolated from a Freshwater Stream Impacted by Acid Mine Drainage
Authors: Clark Caitlin E. , Banyas Matthew G. , Noell Stephen E. , Essig David A.
Published: October 2019

We present the draft genome sequence of
Janthinobacterium
sp. strain PC23-8, a bacterium isolated from freshwater stream sediment downstream from acid mine drainage. The 6.4-Mb genome sequence of this strain contains several secondary metabolite gene clusters, including one similar to the cyclic peptide jagaricin, synthesized by
Janthinobacterium agaricidamnosum
.
Complete Genome Sequences of Igbo-Ora and Babanki Alphavirus Strains Isolated in the Central African Republic in the 1960s and 1970s
Authors: Tricou Vianney , Selekon Benjamin , Faye Ousmane , Gessain Antoine , Kazanji Mirdad , Nakouné Emmanuel , Berthet Nicolas
Published: October 2019

Vector-borne viruses are becoming increasingly important from a public health standpoint with the emergence or reemergence of viruses and extension of the areas at risk. Here, we report the whole-genome sequences of two alphaviruses, namely, one Igbo-Ora virus and one Babanki virus, that were isolated several decades ago in Africa from human serum.
Draft Genome Sequences of Bacteroides pyogenes Strains Isolated from the Uterus of Holstein Dairy Cows with Metritis
Authors: Cunha Federico , Jeon Soo Jin , Jeong KwangCheol Casey , Galvão Klibs N.
Published: October 2019

Bacteroides pyogenes
is found in the human and animal gut and is implicated in the pathogenesis of metritis in cows. We report the draft genome sequences of four
Bacteroides pyogenes
isolates obtained from the uterus of metritic cows. This will increase the understanding of its pathogenicity, antimicrobial resistance, and differentiation across hosts.
Draft Genome Sequence of Teicoplanin-Producing Strain Actinoplanes teichomyceticus CPCC 203265
Authors: Li Xingxing , Zhang Cong , Lei Xuan , Wang Lifei , Hong Bin
Published: October 2019

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Actinoplanes teichomyceticus
CPCC 203265, a producer of glycopeptide antibiotic teicoplanin, which has signiﬁcant inhibitory activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens. The draft genome size is 8 Mb, with a G+C content of 72.8%, and its sequence will facilitate the genome exploration of novel secondary metabolites.
Complete Genome Sequence of Megaplasmid-Bearing Streptococcus salivarius Strain LAB813, Isolated from the Dental Plaque of a Caries-Free Child
Authors: Gong Siew-Ging , Chan Yuki , Lévesque Céline M.
Published: October 2019

Streptococcus salivarius
strain LAB813 was isolated from the dental plaque biofilm of a caries-free child with healthy oral tissues. We report here the complete genome sequence of
S. salivarius
strain LAB813. This genome consists of a chromosome of 2.2 Mb and a megaplasmid, pSAL813, of 183 kb.
Complete Genome Sequence of Proteus mirabilis Siphophage Saba
Authors: Nguyen James , Harb Laith , Moreland Russell , Liu Mei , Gill Jason J. , Ramsey Jolene
Published: October 2019

Proteus mirabilis
is a Gram-negative enteric bacterium associated with complicated human urinary tract infections. Here, we present the complete genome annotation for
P. mirabilis
siphophage Saba. With a 60,056-bp genome and 75 predicted genes, Saba is most similar at the nucleotide and protein levels to phage Chi and Chi-like viruses.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of a Novel Chryseobacterium viscerum Strain Isolated from Fresh Water at Dripping Springs, New Mexico
Authors: Kyndt John A. , Moore Tyler C.
Published: October 2019

We sequenced the genome of a bacterial species recently isolated from fresh water at Dripping Springs, NM, and identified it as
Chryseobacterium viscerum
. This species had previously been isolated only from dead or diseased fish. This report shows that
C. viscerum
can be found in nature as a free-living species not associated with diseased fish.
A Common Live-Attenuated Avian Herpesvirus Vaccine Expresses a Very Potent Oncogene
Authors: Conradie Andelé M. , Bertzbach Luca D. , Bhandari Nirajan , Parcells Mark , Kaufer Benedikt B.
Published: October 2019

Marek’s disease virus (MDV) is one of several oncogenic herpesviruses and causes fatal lymphomas in chickens. The current “gold standard” vaccine is the live-attenuated MDV strain CVI988/Rispens (CVI), which is widely used and efficiently prevents tumor formation. Intriguingly, CVI expresses two predominant isoforms of the major MDV oncogene
meq
: one variant with a regular size of
meq
(
Smeq
) and one long isoform (
Lmeq
) harboring an insertion of 180 bp in the transactivation domain. In our study, we could break the long-standing assumption that the
Lmeq
isoform is an indicator for virus attenuation. Using recombinant viruses that express the different CVI-
meq
isoforms, we could demonstrate that both isoforms drastically differ in their abilities to promote pathogenesis and tumor formation in infected chickens.
Efficacy of early controlled motion of the ankle compared with immobilisation in non-operative treatment of patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture: an assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Barfod Kristoffer Weisskirchner , Hansen Maria Swennergren , Hölmich Per , Kristensen Morten Tange , Troelsen Anders
Published: October 2019

Background

Early controlled motion (ECM) of the ankle is widely used in the non-operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture, although its safety and efficacy have not been investigated properly in a randomised set-up.

Purpose/Aim of the study

To investigate if ECM of the ankle was superior to immobilisation in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Materials and methods

This was an assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial with patients allocated in a 1:1 ratio to one of two parallel groups. Patients aged 18–70 years were eligible for inclusion. The ECM group performed movements of the ankle five times a day from week 3 to week 8 after rupture. The control group was immobilised for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) evaluated at 1-year postinjury. The secondary outcomes were heel-rise work test (HRW), Achilles tendon elongation and rate of rerupture. Analysis was conducted as intention-to-treat using inverse probability weighting.

Findings/Results

189 patients were assessed for eligibility and 130 were included from February 2014 to December 2016. There were 64 patients in the ECM group and 58 in the immobilisation group. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.3) between the ECM and the immobilisation groups at 1 year: mean (SD) ATRS was 74 (18) and 75 (18), respectively. HRW was 60% (21) and 60% (21) of the uninjured limb, and elongation was 18 mm (13) and 16 mm (11), respectively. Correspondingly, there were six and seven reruptures.

Conclusions

ECM revealed no benefit compared with immobilisation in any of the investigated outcomes.

Trial registration number

NCT02015364
Sarcocystis rileyi in UK free‐living wildfowl (Anatidae): surveillance, histopathology and first molecular characterisation
Authors: Muir Allan , Ellis Matthew , Blake Damer P , Chantrey Julian , Strong Emily A , Reeves Jonathon P , Cromie Ruth L
Published: October 2019

Background

Reports from UK hunters of ‘rice grains’ in muscles of shot wildfowl (Anatidae) coincided temporally with the finding of sarcocystosis in a number of ducks found as part of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust long‐term general surveillance of found dead waterbirds. Sarcocystis rileyi has also been relatively recently confirmed in wildfowl in north‐eastern Europe.

Methods

This study uses four approaches to investigate UK wildfowl sarcocystosis: first, through a hunter questionnaire that captured historical case data; secondly, through an online reporting system; thirdly, DNA sequencing to characterise UK cases; and fourthly, histological myopathy assessment of infected pectoral muscle.

Results

Our questionnaire results suggest Sarcocystis infection is widely distributed throughout the UK and observed in 10 Anatidae species, reported cases increased since the 2010/2011 shooting season, with the online reporting system reflecting this increase. DNA sequencing (18S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer‐1 region) of UK isolates confirmed S rileyi in the five dabbling duck host species tested and the associated histopathological myopathy is described.

Conclusion

This work highlights an emerging issue to European wildfowl species and provides much opportunity for further research, including the impacts of S rileyi and the described myopathy on host health, fitness and survival.
A single mega dose of vitamin D3 improves selected physical variables in vitamin D-deficient young amateur soccer players: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bezrati Ikram , Ben Fradj Mohamed Kacem , Hammami Raouf , Ouerghi Nejmeddine , Padulo Johnny , Feki Moncef
Published: October 2019

This randomized controlled trial aimed to test whether vitamin D (VD) supplementation affects measures of physical performance in VD-deficient, mildly trained children. Thirty-six recreationally soccer player boys were randomly assigned to single dose (200 000 IU) of VD3 (n = 19) or placebo (n = 17). Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) was assessed and measures of physical performance (i.e., vertical and standing broad jumps, triple hop, 10-m and 30-m sprints, shuttle run) were performed before and 12 weeks after the loading dose. Mixed ANCOVA models were performed and effect size was estimated by partial eta squared (ηp2). Baseline 25-OHD and physical variables were equivalent in the 2 groups. Twelve weeks after VD loading, plasma 25-OHD increased and physical variables improved only in the VD group. There was a significant interaction effects for group by time for vertical jump (F = 14.9, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.394), triple hop jump (F = 24.2, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.513), 10-m (F = 4.46, p = 0.046, ηp2 = 0.162) and 30-m (F = 6.56, p = 0.017, ηp2 = 0.222) sprints, and shuttle run (F = 13.4, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.369). In conclusion, a single bolus of VD3 resulted in significant improvements in jumping ability, agility, and running speed in mildly trained children that are deficient in VD. The findings suggest that correcting VD deficit might be beneficial for physical performance.

Novelty A mega dose of VD3 improves jumping ability, agility, and running speed in VD-deficient, mildly trained children. Effect of VD on measures of physical performance is noticeable 3 months after the loading dose.
High-precision U–Pb CA–ID–TIMS dating and chronostratigraphy of the dinosaur-rich Horseshoe Canyon Formation (Upper Cretaceous, Campanian–Maastrichtian), Red Deer River valley, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Eberth David A. , Kamo Sandra L.
Published: October 2019

The non-marine Horseshoe Canyon Formation (HCFm, southern Alberta) yields taxonomically diverse, late Campanian to middle Maastrichtian dinosaur assemblages that play a central role in documenting dinosaur evolution, paleoecology, and paleobiogeography leading up to the end-Cretaceous extinction. Here, we present high-precision U–Pb CA–ID–TIMS ages and the first calibrated chronostratigraphy for the HCFm using zircon grains from (1) four HCFm bentonites distributed through 129 m of section, (2) one bentonite from the underlying Bearpaw Formation, and (3) a bentonite from the overlying Battle Formation that we dated previously. In its type area, the HCFm ranges in age from 73.1–68.0 Ma. Significant paleoenvironmental and climatic changes are recorded in the formation, including (1) a transition from a warm-and-wet deltaic setting to a cooler, seasonally wet-dry coastal plain at 71.5 Ma, (2) maximum transgression of the Drumheller Marine Tongue at 70.896 ± 0.048 Ma, and (3) transition to a warm-wet alluvial plain at 69.6 Ma. The HCFm’s three mega-herbivore dinosaur assemblage zones track these changes and are calibrated as follows: Edmontosaurus regalis – Pachyrhinosaurus canadensis zone, 73.1–71.5 Ma; Hypacrosaurus altispinus – Saurolophus osborni zone, 71.5–69.6 Ma; and Eotriceratops xerinsularis zone, 69.6–68.2 Ma. The Albertosaurus Bonebed — a monodominant assemblage of tyrannosaurids in the Tolman Member — is assessed an age of 70.1 Ma. The unusual triceratopsin, Eotriceratops xerinsularis, from the Carbon Member, is assessed an age of 68.8 Ma. This chronostratigraphy is useful for refining correlations with dinosaur-bearing upper Campanian–middle Maastrichtian units in Alberta and elsewhere in North America.
Effect of latitude on narrow-leaved purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifoliaDC.) yield and phytochemical quality
Authors: Willick Ian R. , Barl Branka , Tanino Karen K.
Published: October 2019

The worldwide increase in demand for plant-derived drugs has increased interest in medicinal plants as alternative cash crops across western Canada. The objective of this research was to determine if the Northern Vigor®phenomenon, expressed as a combination of elevated crop yield and phytomedicinal quality in crops grown in northern latitudes, exists in narrow-leaved purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia DC.). In a 2-yr study, narrow-leaved purple coneflower was grown in three field sites in Saskatchewan, Canada (SK; Saskatoon, La Ronge, and Outlook) and one field site in Oregon, United States (Madras), to test the effects of latitude on root yield, phenolic, and alkylamide phytochemical markers. Roots harvested in 1999 (all three SK sites) and 2000 (two SK sites) had higher root biomass compared with roots harvested in Oregon. Root echinacoside and cynarin content were significantly higher in both years in the three Saskatchewan sites compared with Madras, whereas root chlorogenic acid content and total alkylamides were significantly higher in all three Saskatchewan sites in 1999. In 2000, root chlorogenic acid content and total alkylamides were higher in two of the three Saskatchewan sites compared with Madras. While Aster Yellows were prevalent in Echinacea in Saskatchewan, this disease did not significantly decrease root yield phenolic or phytochemical content. These data suggest that Saskatchewan has a competitive advantage in producing premium-quality narrow-leaved purple coneflower root in North America.
Distribution of strange particles transverse momentum and rapidity in high energy proton–proton collisions at s = 0.9 TeV at LHC
Authors: Ali Q. , Ali Y. , Tabassam U. , Haseeb M. , Ikram M.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we have studied the spectra of strange particles in pp collision at [Formula: see text] = 0.9 TeV by using different simulation models, EPOS-1.99, SIBYLL-2.3c, QGSJETII-04 and EPOS-LHC. The transverse momentum and rapidity distribution in the [Formula: see text] range of [Formula: see text] GeV/c and [Formula: see text] GeV/c, respectively, are investigated for the strange particles, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. Similarly, a comparative study is done for the ratio of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] as a function of transverse momentum and rapidity. The validity of simulation models is tested by comparing simulation results to the CMS experimental data at [Formula: see text] = 0.9 TeV. For [Formula: see text] distributions, the EPOS-LHC model in the [Formula: see text] range [Formula: see text] GeV/c, [Formula: see text] GeV/c and in [Formula: see text] GeV/c while EPOS-1.99 model in the [Formula: see text] range [Formula: see text] GeV/c and QGSJETII-04 model in the [Formula: see text] range [Formula: see text] GeV/c as well as, [Formula: see text] GeV/c explain the experimental data well. For the, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] versus transverse momentum distributions, EPOS-LHC model in the [Formula: see text] range of, [Formula: see text] GeV/c and [Formula: see text] GeV/c, EPOS-1.99 model in the [Formula: see text] range, [Formula: see text] GeV/c, SIBYLL-2.3c model in the [Formula: see text] range, [Formula: see text] GeV/c and QGSJETII-04 model in the [Formula: see text] range [Formula: see text] GeV/c explain the experimental data very well. Similarly, for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] versus rapidity distribution QGSJETII-04 predictions in the rapidity region, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], while EPOS-LHC model in the region, [Formula: see text], very well explained the experimental data. Although good comparison of the models predictions with the experimental data is observed, none of them completely describe the experimental data the spectra of strange particles over the entire [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] range.
Centrality in hadron collisions
Authors: Troshin S. M. , Tyurin N. E.
Published: October 2019

In hadron interactions at the LHC energies, the reflective scattering mode starts to play a noticeable role which is expected to be even a more significant beyond the energies of the LHC. This new but still arguable phenomenon implies a peripheral dependence of the inelastic probability distribution in the impact parameter space and asymptotically evolving to the black ring. As a consequence, the straightforward extension to hadrons of the centrality definition adopted for nuclei needs to be modified.
A novel method for new solutions of time fractional (1+2)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation involving dual-power law nonlinearity
Authors: Saha Ray S.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a novel method has been used to solve time fractional [Formula: see text]-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation with dual-power law nonlinearity. Using the newly-proposed Jacobi elliptic function expansion method, new double periodic, bright and soliton solutions of the aforesaid equation have been obtained. The results show that the proposed method is a convenient, efficient and straightforward technique to devise new soliton solutions of the presently-mentioned equation.
N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX as a highly selective light-up probe for G-quadruplex DNA
Authors: Yett Ariana , Lin Linda Yingqi , Beseiso Dana , Miao Joanne , Yatsunyk Liliya A.
Published: October 2019

[Formula: see text]-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM) is a water-soluble, non-symmetric porphyrin with excellent optical properties and unparalleled selectivity for G-quadruplex (GQ) DNA. G-quadruplexes are non-canonical DNA structures formed by guanine-rich sequences. They are implicated in genomic stability, longevity, and cancer. The ability of NMM to selectively recognize GQ structures makes it a valuable scaffold for designing novel GQ binders. In this review, we survey the literature describing the GQ-binding properties of NMM as well as its wide utility in chemistry and biology. We start with the discovery of the GQ-binding properties of NMM and the development of NMM-binding aptamers. We then discuss the optical properties of NMM, focusing on the light-switch effect — high fluorescence of NMM induced upon its binding to GQ DNA. Additionally, we examine the affinity and selectivity of NMM for GQs, as well as its ability to stabilize GQ structures and favor parallel GQ conformations. Furthermore, a portion of the review is dedicated to the applications of NMM-GQ complexes as biosensors for heavy metals, small molecules ([Formula: see text] ATP and pesticides), DNA, and proteins. Finally and importantly, we discuss the utility of NMM as a probe to investigate the roles of GQs in biological processes.
Study of the Correlation Between the Doped-Oxygen Species and the Supercapacitive Performance of TiC–CDC Carbon-Based Material
Authors: Gu Yu , Zhang Ruijun , Wu Wenyu , Guo Bin , Wang Ping , Ma Huaxin
Published: October 2019

O-doping has proved to be one of the most promising approaches to further enhance the supercapacitive performance of carbon materials. However, it is presently not clear how the type of doped-O species affects the capacitive performance. In this paper, an attempt has been made to probe into the possible correlation between the type of doped-O species and the corresponding capacitive performance. Three O species (C=O, C–O and O–C=O) have been introduced onto TiC-derived carbon (TiC–CDC) by using a facile room-temperature oxidation strategy with three typical oxidizing agents (H2O2, HNO3 and (NH[Formula: see text]S2O[Formula: see text], respectively. The results have shown that as the content of the C=O species increases, both the specific capacitance and the capacitance retention for the oxidized TiC–CDC samples become higher, showing a positively correlative performance. This work suggests that optimizing the type of doped-O species will be great potential for obtaining the optimal electrochemical performances for the O-doped carbon materials.
Contourites along the Iberian continental margins: conceptual and economic implications
Authors: Llave Estefanía , Hernández-Molina F. Javier , García Marga , Ercilla Gemma , Roque Cristina , Juan Carmen , Mena Anxo , Preu Benedict , Van Rooij David , Rebesco Michele , Brackenridge Rachel , Jané Gloria , Gómez-Ballesteros María , Stow Dorrik
Published: October 2019

This work uses seismic records to document and classify contourite features around the Iberian continental margin to determine their implications for depositional systems and petroleum exploration. Contourites include depositional features (separated, sheeted, plastered and confined drifts), erosional features (abraded surfaces, channels, furrows and moats) and mixed features (contourite terraces). Drifts generally show high- to moderate-amplitude reflectors, which are cyclically intercalated with transparent layers. Transparent layers may represent finer-grained deposits, which can serve as seal rocks. High-amplitude reflectors (HARs) are likely to represent sandier layers, which could form hydrocarbon reservoirs. HARs occur on erosive features (moats and channels), and are clearly developed on contourite terraces and overflow features. Most of the contourite features described here are influenced by Mediterranean water masses throughout their Pliocene and Quaternary history. They specifically record Mediterranean Outflow Water, following its exit through the Gibraltar Strait. This work gives a detailed report on the variation of modern contourite deposits, which can help inform ancient contourite reservoir interpretation. Further research correlating 2D and 3D seismic anomalies with core and well-logging data is needed to develop better diagnostic criteria for contourites. This can help to clarify the role of contourites in petroleum systems.
Sand injectites: from source to emplacement – an example from the Miocene age Frimmersdorf Seam, Garzweiler Open-cast Mine, Lower Rhine Embayment
Authors: Prinz Linda , McCann Tom
Published: October 2019

Sand injectites are reported from a Miocene-age lignite seam in the Lower Rhine Embayment, which is exploited in the Garzweiler open-cast mine, Germany. Owing to the ongoing mining of the seam, the sand injectite morphology and extent were documented over a 3 year period. The combination of fieldwork, geophysical and drilling well data, as well as a 3D reconstruction of the host unit, reveal that the sand injectites within the Frimmersdorf Seam (= host unit) are highly variable, and include sills, dykes, reticulate (i.e. an interconnected network of thin sand veins) and irregular-shaped sand bodies. The injectites are connected to the underlying Frimmersdorf Sand or the overlying Neurath Sand (= parent sand units), or can be distributed throughout the seam. The differentiation of sand injectites from syn-depositional sand bodies is based on the orientation (discordant/concordant) and the presence of primary sedimentary structures in the latter. The prevailing stress field across the Lower Rhine Basin, and the coeval nature of fault activity, controlled the formation of sand injectites in the region. While such structures have been noted for over 30 years, this study is the first to provide a detailed analysis of these economically important features, including their classification, extent and morphology.
Botanical Insecticides in the Twenty-First Century—Fulfilling Their Promise?
Authors: Isman Murray B.
Published: October 2019

Academic interest in plant natural products with insecticidal properties has continued to grow in the past 20 years, while commercialization of new botanical insecticides and market expansion of existing botanicals has lagged considerably behind. Insecticides based on pyrethrum and neem (azadirachtin) continue to be standard bearers in this class of pesticides, but globally, their increased presence is largely a consequence of introduction into new jurisdictions. Insecticides based on plant essential oils are just beginning to emerge as useful plant protectants. Some countries (such as Turkey, Uruguay, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia) have relaxed regulatory requirements for specific plant extracts and oils, while in North America and the European Union, stricter requirements have slowed progress toward commercialization of new products. Botanicals are likely to remain niche products in many agricultural regions and may have the greatest impact in developing countries in tropical regions where the source plants are readily available and conventional products are both expensive and dangerous to users.
Versatile and Dynamic Symbioses Between Insects andBurkholderiaBacteria
Authors: Kaltenpoth Martin , Flórez Laura V.
Published: October 2019

Symbiotic associations with microorganisms represent major sources of ecological and evolutionary innovations in insects. Multiple insect taxa engage in symbioses with bacteria of the genus Burkholderia, a diverse group that is widespread across different environments and whose members can be mutualistic or pathogenic to plants, fungi, and animals. Burkholderia symbionts provide nutritional benefits and resistance against insecticides to stinkbugs, defend Lagria beetle eggs against pathogenic fungi, and may be involved in nitrogen metabolism in ants. In contrast to many other insect symbioses, the known associations with Burkholderia are characterized by environmental symbiont acquisition or mixed-mode transmission, resulting in interesting ecological and evolutionary dynamics of symbiont strain composition. Insect– Burkholderia symbioses present valuable model systems from which to derive insights into general principles governing symbiotic interactions because they are often experimentally and genetically tractable and span a large fraction of the diversity of functions, localizations, and transmission routes represented in insect symbioses.
Dormancy, Diapause, and the Role of the Circadian System in Insect Photoperiodism
Authors: Saunders David S.
Published: October 2019

Whole-animal experiments devised to investigate possible association between photoperiodic time measurement and the circadian system (Bünning's hypothesis) are compared with more recent molecular investigations of circadian clock genes. In Sarcophaga argyrostoma and some other species, experimental cycles of light and darkness revealed a photoperiodic oscillator, set to constant phase at dusk and measuring night length repeatedly during extended periods of darkness. In some species, however, extreme dampening revealed an unrepetitive (i.e., hourglass-like) response. Rhythms of clock gene transcript abundance may also show similar phase relationships to the light cycle, and gene silencing of important clock genes indicates that they play a crucial role in photoperiodism either alone or in concert. However, the multiplicity of peripheral oscillators in the insect circadian system indicates that more complex mechanisms might also be important.
Administration of Vitamin D Metabolites Affects RNA Expression of Xenobiotic Metabolising Enzymes and Function of ABC Transporters in Rats
Authors: Klumpp Karoline , Lange Frauke , Muscher-Banse Alexandra S. , Schnepel Nadine , Hansen Kathrin , Lifschitz Adrian L. , Mate Laura , Wilkens Mirja R.
Published: October 2019

From studies on different species and in cell culture systems, it has been suggested that vitamin D metabolites might affect the metabolism and elimination of xenobiotics. Although most studies performed on rodents and cell cultures report an upregulation of respective enzymes and transporters, data from the literature are inconsistent. Especially results obtained with sheep differ from these observations. As vitamin D metabolites are widely used as feed additives or therapeutics in livestock animals, we aimed to assess whether these differences indicate species-specific responses or occurred due to the very high dosages used in the rodent studies. Therefore, we applied treatment protocols to rats that had been used previously in sheep or cattle. Forty-eight female rats were divided into three treatment and corresponding placebo groups: (1) a single intraperitoneal injection of 1,25-(OH)2D3 or placebo 12 h before sacrifice; (2) daily supplementation with 25-OHD3 by oral gavage or placebo for 10 days; and (3) a single intramuscular injection of vitamin D3 10 days before sacrifice. In contrast to a previous study using sheep, treatment of rats with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 did not result in an upregulation of cytochrome P450 3A isoenzymes (CYP3A), but a decrease was found in hepatic and intestinal expressions. In addition, a downregulation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein was found in the brain. Taken together, the stimulating effects of vitamin D metabolites on the expression of genes involved in the metabolism and elimination of xenobiotics reported previously for rodents and sheep could not be reproduced. In contrast, we even observed a negative impact on the expression of CYP3A enzymes and their most important regulator, the pregnane X receptor. Most interestingly, we could demonstrate an effect of treatment with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and vitamin D3 on the functional activity of ileal P-glycoprotein (P-gp) using the Ussing chamber technique.
Thyroid Storm with Multiorgan Failure Treated with Plasmapheresis
Authors: Miller Ann , Silver Kristi D.
Published: October 2019

Background. Thyroid storm is a severe manifestation of thyrotoxicosis and can present with multiorgan failure. First line treatment of thyroid storm is directed towards decreasing thyroid hormone production and peripheral conversion of T4 to T3, and treating adrenergic symptoms. When medical therapy fails, plasmapheresis is an alternative treatment option. Here we present a patient with thyroid storm and multiorgan failure who was treated with plasmapheresis. Case. A 50-year-old male with a history of hyperthyroidism, hypertension, and congestive heart failure presented to another hospital with fever and altered mentation. He was found to have pneumonia on imaging and was started on antibiotics. He developed shock complicated by atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate which was treated with amiodarone. He was transferred to our hospital for further management. On arrival, TSH was <0.01 mIU/L, free T4 was >7 ng/dL and total T3 was 358 ng/dL. The endocrinology team determined he was in thyroid storm. His medical treatment of thyroid storm was aggressively titrated to maximal therapy. His hospital course was complicated by transaminitis, respiratory failure requiring intubation, shock requiring vasopressor support, kidney failure requiring continuous renal replacement therapy, and heart failure. Despite maximal anti-thyroid therapy, he had not improved clinically and T4 and T3 remained markedly elevated. A 4-day course of plasmapheresis was initiated resulting in marked lowering of T4 and T3 and clinical stability. Conclusion. While current guidelines for plasmapheresis for thyroid storm recommend individualized decision making, no further clarification is provided on who would be a good candidate for the procedure. We present a patient with thyroid storm and multiorgan failure who was treated with plasmapheresis after failing maximal medical therapy. Given the significant improvement seen with plasmapheresis, endocrinologists should consider this mode of treatment earlier in the course of thyroid storm when patients are not improving with medical therapy alone.
A Comparison between BCI Simulation and Neurofeedback for Forward/Backward Navigation in Virtual Reality
Authors: Alchalabi Bilal , Faubert Jocelyn
Published: October 2019

A brain-computer interface (BCI) decodes the brain signals representing a desire to do something and transforms those signals into a control command. However, only a limited number of mental tasks have been previously investigated and classified. This study aimed to investigate two motor imagery (MI) commands, moving forward and moving backward, using a small number of EEG channels, to be used in a neurofeedback context. This study also aimed to simulate a BCI and investigate the offline classification between MI movements in forward and backward directions, using different features and classification methods. Ten healthy people participated in a two-session (48 min each) experiment. This experiment investigated neurofeedback of navigation in a virtual tunnel. Each session consisted of 320 trials where subjects were asked to imagine themselves moving in the tunnel in a forward or backward motion after a randomly presented (forward versus backward) command on the screen. Three electrodes were mounted bilaterally over the motor cortex. Trials were conducted with feedback. Data from session 1 were analyzed offline to train classifiers and to calculate thresholds for both tasks. These thresholds were used to form control signals that were later used online in session 2 in neurofeedback training to trigger the virtual tunnel to move in the direction requested by the user’s brain signals. After 96 min of training, the online band-power neurofeedback training achieved an average classification of 76%, while the offline BCI simulation using power spectral density asymmetrical ratio and AR-modeled band power as features, and using LDA and SVM as classifiers, achieved an average classification of 80%.
Green Synthesis of Nanofertilizers and Their Application as a Foliar forCucurbita pepoL
Authors: Shebl Ahmed , Hassan A. A. , Salama Dina M. , Abd El-Aziz M. E. , Abd Elwahed Mohamed S. A.
Published: October 2019

The implementation of nanofertilizers in agriculture is the purpose in specific to decrease mineral losses in fertilizing and raises the yield during mineral management as well as supporting agriculture development. Hence, this experiment was conducted in Shebin El-Kom, El-Monifia governorate, Egypt, during two seasons 2017 and 2018 to study the effect of micronutrient oxide nanoparticles of zinc, iron, and manganese, as well as combination between these oxides as a foliar application on the growth, yield, and quality of squash plants. The obtained results showed that the spraying of manganese oxide nanoparticles on the plants led to the best vegetative growth characteristics, also, the characteristics of the fruits, yield, and the content of photosynthetic pigments. On the contrary, the content of organic matter, protein, lipids, and energy gave the highest value in squash fruits that have been sprayed with iron oxide nanoparticles.
Design and Performance Evaluation of Porous Titanium Alloy Structures for Bone Implantation
Authors: Shi Jianping , Liang Huixin , Jiang Jie , Tang Wenlai , Yang Jiquan
Published: October 2019

Implant parts prepared by traditional design and manufacturing methods generally have problems of high stiffness and heavy self‐weight, which may cause stress shielding effect between the implanted part and the host bone, and eventually cause loosening of the implanted part. Based on the implicit surface function equations, several porous implant models with controlled pore structure were designed. By adjusting the parameters, the apparent elastic modulus of the porous implant model can be regulated. The biomechanical simulation experiment was performed using CAE software to simulate the stress and elastic modulus of the designed models. The experimental results show that the apparent elastic modulus of the porous structure scaffold is close to that of the bone tissue, which can effectively reduce the stress shielding effect. In addition, the osseointegration status between the implant and the host bone was analyzed by implant experiment. The pushout test results show that the designed porous structures have a good osseointegration effect.