bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro ketone‐supported mitochondrial respiration is minimal when other substrates are readily available in cardiac and skeletal muscle
Authors: Petrick Heather L. , Brunetta Henver S. , Pignanelli Chris , Nunes Everson A. , van Loon Luc J. C. , Burr Jamie F. , Holloway Graham P.
Published: July 2020

Key points

Ketone bodies are proposed to represent an alternative fuel source driving energy production, particularly during exercise.

Biologically, the extent to which mitochondria utilize ketone bodies compared to other substrates remains unknown.

We demonstrate in vitro that maximal mitochondrial respiration supported by ketone bodies is low when compared to carbohydrate‐derived substrates in the left ventricle and red gastrocnemius muscle from rodents, and in human skeletal muscle.

When considering intramuscular concentrations of ketone bodies and the presence of other carbohydrate and lipid substrates, biological rates of mitochondrial respiration supported by ketone bodies are predicted to be minimal.

At the mitochondrial level, it is therefore unlikely that ketone bodies are an important source for energy production in cardiac and skeletal muscle, particularly when other substrates are readily available.

Ketone bodies (KB) have recently gained popularity as an alternative fuel source to support mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and enhance exercise performance. However, given the low activity of ketolytic enzymes and potential inhibition from carbohydrate oxidation, it remains unknown if KBs can contribute to energy production. We therefore determined the ability of KBs (sodium dl‐β‐hydroxybutyrate, β‐HB; lithium acetoacetate, AcAc) to stimulate in vitro mitochondrial respiration in the left ventricle (LV) and red gastrocnemius (RG) of rats, and in human vastus lateralis. Compared to pyruvate, the ability of KBs to maximally drive respiration was low in isolated mitochondria and permeabilized fibres (PmFb) from the LV (∼30–35% of pyruvate), RG (∼10–30%), and human vastus lateralis (∼2–10%). In PmFb, the concentration of KBs required to half‐maximally drive respiration (LV: 889 µm β‐HB, 801 µm AcAc; RG: 782 µm β‐HB, 267 µm AcAc) were greater than KB content representative of the muscle microenvironment (∼100 µm). This would predict low rates (∼1–4% of pyruvate) of biological KB‐supported respiration in the LV (8–14 pmol s−1 mg−1) and RG (3–6 pmol s−1 mg−1) at rest and following exercise. Moreover, KBs did not increase respiration in the presence of saturating pyruvate, submaximal pyruvate (100 µm) reduced the ability of physiological β‐HB to drive respiration, and addition of other intracellular substrates (succinate + palmitoylcarnitine) decreased maximal KB‐supported respiration. As a result, product inhibition is likely to limit KB oxidation. Altogether, the ability of KBs to drive mitochondrial respiration is minimal and they are likely to be outcompeted by other substrates, compromising their use as an important energy source.
Three-Dimensional Simulation of Highly Unsteady and Isothermal Flow in Centrifugal Pumps for the Local Loss Analysis Including a Wall Function for Entropy Production
Authors: Melzer Steffen , Pesch Andreas , Schepeler Stephan , Kalkkuhl Tobias , Skoda Romuald
Published: July 2020

A local loss analysis (LLA) based on entropy production is presented for the numerical three-dimensional (3D) simulation of isothermal centrifugal pump flow. A finite volume method and a statistical turbulence model are employed. Wall functions for direct and turbulent entropy production in isothermal flow are derived, implemented in a node-centered finite volume scheme as a postprocessing procedure, and validated on an attached channel flow as well as on separated flow in an asymmetric diffuser. The integrity of the entropy wall function is demonstrated by a loss balance for a wide range of boundary layer resolution in terms of nondimensional wall distance y+≈1 to ≈200. Remaining differences to the total pressure loss are traced back to the particular turbulent wall function for the flow solution within the finite volume solver and vanish toward a wall resolution of the viscous sublayer, i.e., y+≈1. LLA together with the new entropy wall function is applied to highly unsteady isothermal flow in a single-blade pump as well as to part-load operation of a conventional multiblade pump which reveals distinctive flow structures that are associated with entropy production. By these examples, it is demonstrated how efficiency characteristics of centrifugal pumps can be attributed to local loss production in particular flow regions.
Effects of 2 Methods of Combined Training on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Faria Waynne F. , Mendonça Filipe R. , Santos Géssika C. , Kennedy Sarah G. , Elias Rui G.M. , Stabelini Neto Antonio
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To analyze the effects of 2 combined training methods on the cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents. Methods: A total of 76 adolescents (16.1 [1.1] y, n = 44 female) were randomized into groups of moderate-intensity continuous training combined with resistance training (MICT + RT), high-intensity interval training combined with resistance training (HIIT + RT), or control. The training sessions were performed twice weekly for 12 weeks. The outcomes evaluated included body fat percentage, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance index, blood pressure, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), and cardiometabolic risk Z score. Results: The intervention groups presented a significant reduction in the cardiometabolic risk Z score after 12 weeks of the combined exercise program. In relation to the cardiometabolic risk Z score between groups, the HIIT + RT group presented a significant intervention effect when compared with the control group (Cohen d = 0.23; P < .05). Significant intervention effects were found when comparing the MICT + RT and control groups for body fat percentage, high-density lipoprotein, and VO2peak. Between the HIIT + RT and control groups, significant intervention effects were found for body fat percentage, blood pressure, and VO2peak. There were not significant differences between the HIIT + RT and MICT + RT groups. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of HIIT + RT and MICT + RT were effective in significantly reducing the cardiometabolic risk in these adolescents.
A polymer-based systemic hemostatic agent
Authors: Gao Yongsheng , Sarode Apoorva , Kokoroskos Nikolaos , Ukidve Anvay , Zhao Zongmin , Guo Shihui , Flaumenhaft Robert , Gupta Anirban Sen , Saillant Noelle , Mitragotri Samir
Published: July 2020

The study describes a synthetic hemostatic agent that can be intravenously injected to reduce internal hemorrhage.
A single molecular descriptor to predict solution behavior of therapeutic antibodies
Authors: Kingsbury Jonathan S. , Saini Amandeep , Auclair Sarah Marie , Fu Li , Lantz Michaela M. , Halloran Kevin T. , Calero-Rubio Cesar , Schwenger Walter , Airiau Christian Y. , Zhang Jifeng , Gokarn Yatin R.
Published: July 2020

Colloidal interactions in dilute solution singularly enable selection of well-behaved antibodies during drug discovery.
Topical nanoparticles interfering with the DNA-LL37 complex to alleviate psoriatic inflammation in mice and monkeys
Authors: Liang Huiyi , Yan Yanzi , Wu Jingjiao , Ge Xiaofei , Wei Lai , Liu Lixin , Chen Yongming
Published: July 2020

Cationic nanoparticles destroy immune response activators and their topical administration relieves psoriatic symptoms.
Oxidative conditions can lead to exceptional preservation through phosphatization
Authors: Gueriau Pierre , Bernard Sylvain , Farges François , Mocuta Cristian , Dutheil Didier B. , Adatte Thierry , Bomou Brahimsamba , Godet Marie , Thiaudière Dominique , Charbonnier Sylvain , Bertrand Loïc
Published: July 2020

Exceptional preservation through phosphatization is primarily controlled by a reduction in pH, favoring the precipitation of apatite over that of calcite. Laboratory experiments have suggested that phosphatization results from anoxic decay. Here we report results of the fine-scale mineralogical characterization of Cretaceous phosphatized fossils of teleost fishes and crustaceans from the Jebel oum Tkout Lagerstätte (Morocco). Data collected using complementary laboratory and synchrotron-based X-ray techniques reveal that oxidative conditions were established at a certain step of decay. Supporting these conclusions are the presence, covering and embedded in the phosphatized tissues, of Fe(III)-rich mineral phases, the precipitation of which was likely biologically induced during decay. The present study highlights that the establishment of oxidative conditions during decay can be compatible with exceptional preservation of fossils through phosphatization.
Supplemental Material: Syn-collisional magmatic record of Indian steep subduction by 50 Ma
Authors: Qi Yue , WANG QIANG , al. et
Published: July 2020

Analytical methods, field geological cross-section, and analytical results for the Lopu Range batholith from southern Tibet.
Tissue glue: a potential role in the management of intraoperative oesophageal perforation
Authors: Ranjan Sushil Rodrigues , Majumdar Samit , Manickavasagam Jaiganesh , Flach Susanne
Published: July 2020

An 85-year-old man suffering from oropharyngeal dysphagia due to a pharyngeal pouch and cricopharyngeal spasm underwent endoscopic stapling of the pouch under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, an iatrogenic perforation of the oesophagus was noticed. After considering several options, 5 mL of Tisseel tissue glue was used to seal the perforation intraoperatively. The patient was started on intravenous co-amoxiclav, kept nil by mouth and fed via a nasogastric tube. After 4 days of observation mediastinal collection and any leakage was ruled out with a gastrografin contrast swallow procedure. At this point he was considered safe for oral intake.
Identifying the facilitators, constraints and barriers of community indoor walking programmes: protocol for a realist synthesis
Authors: Singh Shaminder , Yang Lin , Butalia Sonia , Quan Hude , Turin Tanvir C
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Physical inactivity is a costly and leading health risk factor. Engaging in moderate or more intense regular physical activity reduces premature mortality at the population level. Walking is a viable option for achieving the recommended level of physical activity. Yet, the sedentary lifestyle is trending. Determinants of physical activity may be personal, social or environmental. Health promotion endeavours aiming to enhance population-level physical activity are reported in the literature. However, a full range of factors influencing the development and implementation of sustainable indoor walking programmes is unclear. The current review protocol is aimed at describing a process of realist synthesis to uncover contexts, mechanisms and outcomes of indoor walking intervention programmes, which might reveal facilitators, constraints and barriers of planning, implementing and participating in indoor walking initiatives open for the members of the general public.

Methods and analysis

We will employ a realist synthesis to determine successes or failures in certain circumstances for specific stakeholders, which will aid in developing a sustainable mall walking health promotion and community engagement programme. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method articles and reports will be screened for intervention theories and models in order to identify elements of programmes that may be linked to the success or failure of the interventions. Data related to the context, mechanism and outcome of the interventions will be collected, analysed and synthesised iteratively until a theoretical understanding develops, which might explain the intricacies of the success and failure of identified indoor walking programmes. The review process will be conducted and evaluated by using the recommended tools.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval, such as Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board, was not required for this study because no direct interaction with patients will occur for data collection and analysis. We will disseminate directly to the scholarly community through publication and presentation and may post on social media or websites.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020150415.
Primary medication non-adherence at Counties Manukau Health Emergency Department (CMH-ED), New Zealand: an observational study
Authors: Martini Nataly Dominica , van der Werf Bert , Bassett-Clarke Deborah
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To measure primary medication non-adherence (failure to fill prescription medicines) in patients discharged from the emergency department (ED), and to determine whether sociodemographic factors, smoking status and access to a general practitioner affect prescription filling. Little is known about primary medication non-adherence in EDs, and less so in New Zealand (NZ). Identifying reasons for non-adherence will enable development of strategies to improve adherence and reduce morbimortality.

Design and setting

An observational study based on patient data from the ED of a large public hospital in South Auckland, NZ.

Participants

Data were collected from 1600 patients discharged between 28 April–6 May and 28 July–9 August 2014. Data were included if patients were residents within the Auckland Regional Public Health Service boundaries, admitted to ED and discharged with a prescription. Data were excluded if patients were admitted to another ward, transferred to another hospital or left the ED without seeing a doctor.

Results

992 patients were included in the study, the majority were under 10 years (32.6%), of Pacific Island descent (42.8%), NZ-born (67.7%) and living in the most socioeconomically deprived areas (78.1%). Almost 50% of patients failed to fill all prescription medications. Simple linear regression analysis indicated that non-adherence was significant for those 10–24 years (n=236; adherence=47.2%; p<0.05), of NZ Māori ethnicity (n=175; 51.3%; p=0.01), unemployed (n=77; 46.8%; p<0.01), homemakers (n=66; 45.7%; p<0.01), students (n=228; 55.6%; p<0.05) and cigarette smokers (n=139; 50.3%; p<0.01). Following multivariable analysis, the strongest predictors for non-adherence were those aged between 10 and 17 years (n=116; p<0.01), the unemployed (n=77; p=0.01) and homemakers (n=66; p=0.01).

Conclusions

Age and occupation were the greater predictors of non-adherence; however, no other significant differences were found. Since this study, changes to prescription co-payments have been made. Further research is warranted to assess whether this change has more recently affected the rates of non-adherence.
Receipt of routine preventive care among infant daughters and sons of immigrant mothers in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pulver Ariel , Guttmann Astrid , Ray Joel G , O'Campo Patricia J , Urquia Marcelo L
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To explore gender disparities in infant routine preventive care across maternal countries of birth (MCOB) and by mother tongue among infants of Indian-born mothers.

Setting

Retrospective population-based administrative cohort in Ontario, Canada (births between 2002 and 2014).

Participants

350 366 (inclusive) healthy term singletons belonging to families with a minimum of one opposite gender child.

Outcome measures

Fixed effects conditional logistic regression generated adjusted ORs (aORs) for a daughter being underimmunised and having an inadequate number of well-child visits compared with her brother, stratified by MCOB. Moderation by maternal mother tongue was assessed among children to Indian-born mothers.

Results

Underimmunisation and inadequate well-child visits were common among both boys and girls, ranging from 26.5% to 58.2% (underimmunisation) and 10.5% to 47.8% (inadequate well-child visits). depending on the maternal birthplace. Girls whose mothers were born in India had 1.19 times (95% CI 1.07 to 1.33) the adjusted odds of inadequate well-child visits versus their brothers. This association was only observed among the Punjabi mother tongue subgroup (aOR: 1.26, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.47). In the Hindi mother tongue subgroup, girls had lower odds of underimmunisation than their brothers (aOR: 0.73, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.98).

Conclusions

Gender equity in routine preventive healthcare is mostly achieved among children of immigrants. However, daughters of Indian-born mothers whose mother tongue is Punjabi, appear to be at a disadvantage for well-child visits compared with their brothers. This suggests son preference may persist beyond the family planning stage among some Indian immigrants.
Favipiravir for treating patients with novel coronavirus (COVID-19): protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Arab-Zozani Morteza , Hassanipour Soheil , Ghoddoosi-Nejad Djavad
Published: July 2020

Introduction

An outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in Wuhan, China, in mid-December 2019, and declared a pandemic by the WHO on 11 March 2020. Due to the unknown nature of the disease and the lack of specific drugs, several potential treatments were used for patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis will evaluate studies of the effects of favipiravir in COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods and analysis

We will search electronic databases including LitCovid hub, PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Sciences, Cochrane and Embase using keywords related to COVID-19 and favipiravir. We will search the reference lists of all included studies and reviews. We will also search for clinical trial registries, such as ClinicalTrials.gov, for the ongoing clinical trials. All randomised clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of favipiravir compared with other control groups for the treatment of patients with confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2 will be included. Patients’ survival at the end of the treatment as well as the follow-up will be the primary outcome of the treatment, followed by the time and rate of the patient with a negative COVID-19 test. The desired secondary outcome will consist of a decreased rate of symptoms, proportion of intensive care unit (ICU) transfers, length of the hospital stay, ICU treatments, the quality of life and additional adverse events. Data synthesis will be conducted using CMA V.2. Two independent investigators will be screening titles, abstracts and full texts of included studies, based on eligibility criteria. These investigators will then independently extract the data and appraise the quality of said studies. All potential discrepancies will be resolved through consultation with the third reviewer. Statistical heterogeneity will be assessed using a standard I2 test. A funnel plot, Egger’s test and Begg’s test will be used for detecting asymmetry to explore possible publication bias.

Ethics and dissemination

All findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis will help identify the safety and efficacy of favipiravir for patients with COVID-19. Given that the design of the study is a systematic review, there is no need to follow the code of ethics protocol. The results of this study will be published in a reputable journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020180032.
Sudden cardiac death in asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis
Authors: Minners Jan , Rossebo Anne , Chambers John B , Gohlke-Baerwolf Christa , Neumann Franz-Josef , Wachtell Kristian , Jander Nikolaus
Published: July 2020

Objective

We retrospectively analysed outcome data from the Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis (SEAS) study to assess the incidence and potential risk factors of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in this prospectively followed cohort of asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods

Of the 1873 patients included in SEAS, 1849 (99%) with mild to moderate AS (jet velocity 2.5–4.0 m/s at baseline) and available clinical, echocardiographic and follow-up data were analysed. Patients undergoing aortic valve replacement were censored at the time of operation.

Results

During an overall follow-up of 46.1±14.6 months, SCD occurred in 27 asymptomatic patients (1.5%) after a mean of 28.3±16.6 months. The annualised event rate was 0.39%/year. The last follow-up echocardiography prior to the event showed mild to moderate stenosis in 22 and severe stenosis (jet velocity >4 m/s) in 5 victims of SCD. The annualised event rate after the diagnosis of severe stenosis was 0.60%/year compared with 0.46%/year in patients who did not progress to severe stenosis (p=0.79). Patients with SCD were older (p=0.01), had a higher left ventricular mass index (LVMI, p=0.001) and had a lower body mass index (BMI, p=0.02) compared with patients surviving follow-up. Cox regression analysis identified age (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11 per year, p=0.02), increased LVMI (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.32 per 10 g/m2, p<0.001) and lower BMI (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.97 per kg/m2, p=0.01) as independent risk factors of SCD.

Conclusion

SCD in patients with asymptomatic mild to moderate AS is rare and strongly related to left ventricular hypertrophy but not stenosis severity.
Need for consistent beach lifeguard data collection: results from an international survey
Authors: Koon William , Schmidt Andrew , Queiroga Ana Catarina , Sempsrott Justin , Szpilman David , Webber Jonathon , Brander Robert
Published: July 2020

Background

Lifeguards are integral to beach safety and collect data which is used for a variety of purposes, although guidelines and best practice have yet to be established. This study served to identify and characterise existing beach lifeguard service provider (BLSP) data collection procedures in order to identify the degree of uniformity and areas for improvement.

Methods

The ‘International Beach Lifeguard Data Collection and Reporting’ online survey was distributed via the International Drowning Researchers’ Alliance to BLSP supervisors and managers. The survey included questions on beach conditions and lifeguard activity data collection practices, and respondent’s opinions on their own BLSP’s methods.

Results

Variability in data collection practices was evident in surveys obtained from 55 lifeguard leaders in 12 countries. Discrepancies exist in definitions for ‘rescue’ among BLSPs, a significant amount of information related to beach conditions are recorded and beach visitation is primarily obtained by visual estimate. Respondents expressed challenges with getting frontline staff to collect information in the field and ensuring reporting consistency between recorders. They identified rescue victim demographic factors as key data they would like to collect in the future.

Conclusions

Inconsistencies in lifeguard data collection present challenges to operations, safety education and prevention efforts, research and policy relying on these data. Variation in definitions, methods and collected variables generally restricts analysis to a single BLSP with limited generalisability to other beach settings. Some gaps in lifeguard data collection may soon be addressed by technology, but developing uniform, internationally acceptable standards and definitions should be prioritised.
Hyperdense vessel sign as a potential guide for the choice of stent retriever versus contact aspiration as first-line thrombectomy strategy
Authors: Mohammaden Mahmoud H , Haussen Diogo C , Perry da Camara Catarina , Pisani Leonardo , Olive Gadea Marta , Al-Bayati Alhamza R , Liberato Bernardo , Rangaraju Srikant , Frankel Michael R , Nogueira Raul G
Published: July 2020

Background

The first-pass effect (FPE) has emerged as a key metric for efficacy in mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The hyperdense vessel sign (HDVS) on non-contrast head CT (NCCT) indicates a higher clot content of red blood cells.

Objective

To assess whether the HDVS could serve as an imaging biomarker for guiding first-line device selection in MT.

Methods

A prospective MT database was reviewed for consecutive patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke who underwent thrombectomy with stent retriever (SR) or contact aspiration (CA) as first-line therapy between January 2012 and November 2018. Pretreatment NCCT scans were evaluated for the presence of HDVS. The primary outcome was FPE (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2c/3). The primary analysis was the interaction between HDVS and thrombectomy modality on FPE. Secondary analyses aimed to evaluate the predictors of FPE.

Results

A total of 779 patients qualified for the analysis. HDVS and FPE were reported in 473 (60.7%) and 286 (36.7%) patients, respectively. The presence of HDVS significantly modified the effect of thrombectomy modality on FPE (p=0.01), with patients with HDVS having a significantly higher rate of FPE with a SR (41.3% vs 22.2%, p=0.001; adjusted OR 2.11 (95% CI 1.20 to 3.70), p=0.009) and non-HDVS patients having a numerically better response to CA (41.4% vs 33.9%, p=0.28; adjusted OR 0.58 (95% CI 0.311 to 1.084), p=0.088). Age (OR 1.01 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.02), p=0.04) and balloon guide catheter (OR 2.08 (95% CI 1.24 to 3.47), p=0.005) were independent predictors of FPE in the overall population.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that patients with HDVS may have a better response to SRs than CA for the FPE. Larger confirmatory prospective studies are warranted.
Sex-specific differences in physiological recovery and short-term behaviour following fisheries capture in adult sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Authors: Eliason Erika J. , Dick Melissa , Patterson David A. , Robinson Kendra A. , Lotto Jeremy , Hinch Scott G. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: July 2020

Numerous laboratory and field studies have found that female Pacific salmon have higher mortality than males during their once-in-a-lifetime upriver spawning migration. However, the proximate cause(s) of this increased mortality are poorly understood. This study exposed sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) to a mild capture and tagging stressor and evaluated physiological recovery and movement behaviour at 1 and 4 h postrelease. Female sockeye salmon did not expend more anaerobic energy in response to the stressor but did have higher plasma lactate levels 4 h after the stressor, indicating that females took longer to physiologically recover compared with males. In addition, female salmon had lower plasma glucose but higher plasma cortisol, plasma K+, and cardiac lactate levels compared with males. Male and female salmon had markedly different postrelease behaviours within the first hour of release; males were more likely to hold position within the staging area. Two potential mechanisms leading to increased mortality in female salmon were identified in this study: (a) prolonged recovery duration (possibly mediated by elevated plasma cortisol levels) and (b) insufficient oxygen delivery to the heart.
A bridge between finite and infinite nuclear matter
Authors: Biswal S.K. , Singh S.K. , Bhuyan M. , Panda R.N. , Patra S.K.
Published: July 2020

The bridge between finite and infinite nuclear systems is analyzed for the fundamental quantities, such as binding energy, incompressibility, and giant monopole excitation energy, using relativistic mean-field formalism. The well-known Thomas–Fermi, extended Thomas–Fermi, and Hartree approximations are used to evaluate the observables. A parametric form of the density is used to convert the infinite nuclear matter density to the mean density of a finite nucleus. The present analysis shows an approximate estimation of finite nucleus properties from information on the corresponding infinite nuclear matter quantities. In other words, it is not quite exact to get the observables of finite nuclei by converting the corresponding entities of the nuclear matter system or vice versa. If this can be achieved at all, it can be done only approximately.
Delta-invariants for Fano varieties with large automorphism groups
Authors: Golota Aleksei
Published: July 2020

For a variety [Formula: see text], a big [Formula: see text]-divisor [Formula: see text] and a closed connected subgroup [Formula: see text] we define a [Formula: see text]-invariant version of the [Formula: see text]-threshold. We prove that for a Fano variety [Formula: see text] and a connected subgroup [Formula: see text] this invariant characterizes [Formula: see text]-equivariant uniform [Formula: see text]-stability. We also use this invariant to investigate [Formula: see text]-equivariant [Formula: see text]-stability of some Fano varieties with large groups of symmetries, including spherical Fano varieties. We also consider the case of [Formula: see text] being a finite group.
Curvilinear coordinate lattice Boltzmann simulation for necklace-ring beams in the nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Wang Boyu , Zhang Jianying , Yan Guangwu
Published: July 2020

Necklace-ring solitons have gained much attention due to their potential applications in optics and other scientific areas. In this paper, the numerical investigation of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation by using the curvilinear coordinate lattice Boltzmann method is proposed to study necklace-ring solitons. Different from those used in the general curvilinear coordinate lattice Boltzmann models, the lattices used in this work are uniform in two- and three-dimensional space. Furthermore, the model contains spatial evolution rather than time evolution to avoid the complexity of dealing with higher-order time derivative terms as well as to maintain the simplicity of the algorithm. Numerical experiments reproduce the evolution of two- and three-dimensional necklace-ring solitons. The truncation error analysis indicates that our model is equivalent to the Crank–Nicolson difference scheme.
Information quantifiers for trapped ion in a carrier excitation laser field
Authors: Raffah Bahaaudin M. , Khalil E. M. , Abdel-Khalek S. , Berrada K. , Al-Hadeethi Yas , Ali Ahmad T. , Wahiddin Mohamed Ridza
Published: July 2020

The laser field interacting with single trapped ion in a carrier excitation frame in the presence of an external field is investigated. Detailed analytical expressions are given, taking into account carrier excitation configurations. We study the evolution of the population inversion, fidelity, ion-field entanglement, Fisher information and the geometric phase. The results indicate the influence of the external field on the information quantities to describe some physical phenomena. The relation between the population inversion, fidelity, von Neumann entropy, Fisher information, and geometric phase are explored during the time evolution.
Free Ω-Rota–Baxter algebras and Gröbner–Shirshov bases
Authors: Chen Dan , Luo Yan-Feng , Zhang Yi , Zhang Yuan-Yuan
Published: July 2020

Motivated by the formula of partial integration, we introduce the concept of [Formula: see text]-Rota–Baxter algebras, which generalizes the Rota–Baxter algebras introduced by Baxter. We then construct free objects in the category of [Formula: see text]-Rota–Baxter algebras, via a method of Gröbner–Shirshov bases.
Industry Experiences of Board, CEO, and Acquisition Performance
Authors: Bhattacharya Debarati , Kao Ya-Yun , Li Wei-Hsien
Published: July 2020

This study examines the collective impact of expert boards and CEOs on acquisition performance, providing new insight into the CEO–board relationship. Acquiring firms with expert boards earns an additional 1.16 percentage points (3.91 percentage points) when the CEOs are new to the target industry (also experts) compared to the firms with “nonexperienced” boards (expert boards alone). Robust to endogeneity checks, our evidence supports the “vigilant-advisor”, “resource-provisioning”, and “shared-experience” hypotheses that take three distinct views of the CEO–board relationship. Generalist CEOs and public targets intensify the shared-experience effect, whereas less powerful CEOs and private targets intensify the resource-provisioning effect. Experienced directors improve the quality of acquisitions by assisting acquirers to avoid large losses, identify targets with higher synergies, and negotiate better deals.
What We Don't Know About Diet-Breadth Evolution in Herbivorous Insects
Authors: Hardy Nate B. , Kaczvinsky Chloe , Bird Gwendolyn , Normark Benjamin B.
Published: July 2020

Half a million species of herbivorous insects have been described. Most of them are diet specialists, using only a few plant species as hosts. Biologists suspect that their specificity is key to their diversity. But why do herbivorous insects tend to be diet specialists? In this review, we catalog a broad range of explanations. We review the evidence for each and suggest lines of research to obtain the evidence we lack. We then draw attention to a second major question, namely how changes in diet breadth affect the rest of a species’ biology. In particular, we know little about how changes in diet breadth feed back on genetic architecture, the population genetic environment, and other aspects of a species’ ecology. Knowing more about how generalists and specialists differ should go a long way toward sorting out potential explanations of specificity, and yield a deeper understanding of herbivorous insect diversity.
Oxygen Functionalized CoP Nanowires as High-Efficient and Stable Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction and Full Water Splitting
Authors: Xie Shilei , Yang Fan , Zhang Haozhe , Wang Shoushan , Cheng Faliang , Lu Xihong
Published: July 2020

Designing highly active, durable and cost-effective electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are very crucial for overall water splitting. The potential of cobalt phosphide (CoP) as efficient OER electrocatalyst has been emerged, but most current developed CoP-based electrocatalysts suffer from high overpotential and poor long-term stability. Herein, a new and controllable surface oxygen functionalization strategy is developed to activate CoP nanowires as high-efficient and stable OER electrocatalyst. The introduction of surface oxygen atoms can not only improve the electron transport and ion diffusion rates, but also can decreases the adsorption Gibbs free energy and prevent further structural damage, endowing the oxygen activated CoP (O-CoP) NWs with superior electrocatalytic activity and stability. The as-obtained O-CoP NW electrode achieves impressively low overpotential potentials of 265, 316 and 338 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2, 50 mA cm−2 and 100 mA cm−2, which are substantially superior to the recently reported CoP-based electrocatalysts and commercial RuO2. More importantly, this O-CoP NW electrode also possesses remarkable durability even after 55 h long-term test at a large current density of 50 mA cm−2.
Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel by newly Synthesized Pyrazole Carboxamide Derivatives in HCl Acid Medium: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Sehmi A. , Ouici H. B. , Guendouzi A. , Ferhat M. , Benali O. , Boudjellal F.
Published: July 2020

Corrosion inhibition of mild steel in hydrochloride acid solution was performed by a two pyrazole carboxamides named 5-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carboxamide DPC-1 and (E)-5-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)-3-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carboxamide DPC-2 using weight loss measurements, Tafel polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopies (EIS). The obtained results show that DPC-1 and DPC-2 are effective corrosion inhibitors in 1 mol l−1 HCl solution. The inhibition efficiency η (%) increases with the increase of inhibitors concentration to reach 84.56% at 4 × 10−4 mol l−1 and 80% at 1.6 × 10−4 mol l−1 for DPC-1 and DPC-2 at 303 K, respectively. The adsorption of synthesized pyrazoles on MS surface obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Tafel polarization curves reveal that DPC-1 and DPC-2 acts as a mixed-type inhibitor and EIS spectra show the increase of the transfer resistance with the inhibitors concentration. The SEM surface analysis shows the formation of protective organic film on steel surface. The relationship between the inhibition performance of pyrazoles and their structural parameters was investigated using DFT calculations.
Gaussian Mixture Models Based on Principal Components and Applications
Authors: Alqahtani Nada A. , Kalantan Zakiah I.
Published: July 2020

Data scientists use various machine learning algorithms to discover patterns in large data that can lead to actionable insights. In general, high-dimensional data are reduced by obtaining a set of principal components so as to highlight similarities and differences. In this work, we deal with the reduced data using a bivariate mixture model and learning with a bivariate Gaussian mixture model. We discuss a heuristic for detecting important components by choosing the initial values of location parameters using two different techniques: cluster means, k-means and hierarchical clustering, and default values in the “mixtools” R package. The parameters of the model are obtained via an expectation maximization algorithm. The criteria from Bayesian point are evaluated for both techniques, demonstrating that both techniques are efficient with respect to computation capacity. The effectiveness of the discussed techniques is demonstrated through a simulation study and using real data sets from different fields.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Effect of Panax notoginseng Saponins by Activating the EGFR/PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Wu Shuang , Yang Tiantian , Cen Kai , Zou Yihuai , Shi Xiaowei , Zhou Dongrui , Gao Yonghong , Chai Limin , Zhao Yizhou , Sun Yikun , Zhu Lingqun
Published: July 2020

Context. About 15 million people worldwide suffer strokes each year and 5 million people are left with permanent disabilities which is due to the loss of local blood supply to the brain, resulting in a neurologic deficit. Panax notoginseng (Bruk.) F. H. Chen (Araliaceae) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine widely used in the treatment of cardio‐cerebrovascular diseases. Objective. This study investigated whether Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) extracted from Panax notoginseng (Bruk.) F. H. Chen played a neuroprotective role by affecting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway in oxygen‐glucose deprived (OGD) SH‐SY5Y cells. Materials and Methods. Different groups of OGD SH‐SY5Y cells were treated with varying doses of PNS, PNS + AG1478 (a specific inhibitor of EGFR), or AG1478 for 16 hours. CCK8, Annexin V‐FITC/PI apoptosis analysis, and LDH release analysis were used to determine cell viability, apoptosis rate, and amounts of LDH. Quantitative real‐time PCR (q‐RT‐PCR) and western blotting were used to measure mRNA and proteins levels of p‐EGFR/EGFR, p‐PI3K/PI3K, and p‐AKT/AKT in SH‐SY5Y cells subjected to OGD. Results. PNS significantly enhanced cell viability, reduced apoptosis, and weakened cytotoxicity by inhibiting the release of LDH. The mRNA expression profiles of EGFR, PI3K, and AKT showed no difference between model and other groups. Additionally, ratios of p‐EGFR, p‐PI3K, and p‐AKT to EGFR, PI3K, and AKT proteins expression, respectively, all increased significantly. Conclusions. These findings indicate that PNS enhanced neuroprotective effects by activating the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway and elevating phosphorylation levels in OGD SH‐SY5Y cells.
Sparsity-Based DOA Estimation with Gain and Phase Error Calibration of Generalized Nested Array
Authors: Feng Ziang , Hu Guoping , Zhou Hao
Published: July 2020

Sparse arrays, which can localize multiple sources with less physical sensors, have attracted more attention since they were proposed. However, for optimal performance of sparse arrays, it is usually assumed that the circumstances are ideal. But in practice, the performance of sparse arrays will suffer from the model errors like mutual coupling, gain and phase error, and sensor’s location error, which causes severe performance degradation or even failure of the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation algorithms. In this study, we follow with interest and propose a covariance-based sparse representation method in the presence of gain and phase errors, where a generalized nested array is employed. The proposed strategy not only enhances the degrees of freedom (DOFs) to deal with more sources but also obtains more accurate DOA estimations despite gain and phase errors. The Cramer–Rao bound (CRB) derivation is analyzed to demonstrate the robustness of the method. Finally, numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method from DOA estimation.
Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Difficult-to-Heal Skin Wounds Treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen
Authors: Paprocki Jarosław , Pawłowska Marta , Sutkowy Paweł , Piechocki Jacek , Woźniak Alina
Published: July 2020

Objective. To determine the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in erythrocytes and blood plasma, and the activities of selected antioxidant enzymes: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes in patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment due to difficult-to-heal “skin wounds”.Material and Methods. Indices of oxidative stress were assessed in venous blood taken from 23 patients three times: immediately before HBO procedure, approx. 5 minutes after leaving the hyperbaric chamber, and after 25 HBO procedures. Moreover, selected blood counts were measured in the collected material two times: prior to treatment and after 25 HBO procedures.Results. A statistically significant positive correlation between the CAT activity and the TBARS concentration in the erythrocytes of patients was found before treatment in the hyperbaric chamber (r=0.394;P≤0.05). No statistically significant changes in the TBARS concentration in erythrocytes and blood plasma were observed both after the first HBO procedure and after 25 procedures. No statistically significant changes in the activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx were noted. Platelet count decreased by 18.7% (P≤0.05) after 25 HBO procedures. Granulocyte count decreased by approx. 21% (P≤0.05), and granulocyte percentage by 11.8% (P≤0.01). In turn, the percentage of lymphocytes and monocytes increased after the treatment by 16.6% (P<0.05) and 16.4% (P<0.05), respectively.Conclusions. Exposure to HBO due to difficult-to-heal skin wounds does not significantly affect the levels of oxidative stress in the peripheral blood of patients and, from the point of view of oxidation–reduction processes, appears to be a safe therapeutic method for the treatment of chronic wounds.
Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Quercus Species
Authors: Taib Mehdi , Rezzak Yassine , Bouyazza Lahboub , Lyoussi Badiaa
Published: July 2020

Quercus species, also known as oak, represent an important genus of the Fagaceae family. It is widely distributed in temperate forests of the northern hemisphere and tropical climatic areas. Many of its members have been used in traditional medicine to treat and prevent various human disorders such as asthma, hemorrhoid, diarrhea, gastric ulcers, and wound healing. The multiple biological activities including anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer, gastroprotective, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities have been ascribed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as triterpenoids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. This paper aimed to provide available information on the medicinal uses, phytochemicals, and pharmacology of species from Quercus. However, further investigation is needed to fully clarify the mode of action of its bioactive compounds and to evaluate in vivo chronic toxicity, before exploring their potential use as a supplement in functional foods and natural pharmaceutics.
The Gut Microbiota and Respiratory Diseases: New Evidence
Authors: Chunxi Li , Haiyue Liu , Yanxia Lin , Jianbing Pan , Jin Su
Published: July 2020

Human body surfaces, such as the skin, intestines, and respiratory and urogenital tracts, are colonized by a large number of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, with the gut being the most densely and extensively colonized organ. The microbiome plays an essential role in immune system development and tissue homeostasis. Gut microbiota dysbiosis not only modulates the immune responses of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but also impacts the immunity of distal organs, such as the lung, further affecting lung health and respiratory diseases. Here, we review the recent evidence of the correlations and underlying mechanisms of the relationship between the gut microbiota and common respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), lung cancer, and respiratory infection, and probiotic development as a therapeutic intervention for these diseases.
Association of JMJD2B and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 Expressions with Poor Prognosis in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Liu Xujian , Zhang Qianqian , Zhao Yi , Xun Jianjun , Wu Hongzeng , Feng Helin
Published: July 2020

Background. JMJD2B has been reported to be implicated in malignant tumors. This study is aimed at exploring the expression and prognostic significance of JMJD2B in osteosarcoma and its association with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1). Methods. The histopathological and clinical characteristics were retrospectively reviewed from 53 osteosarcoma patients. JMJD2B and HIF1 were examined by immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded osteosarcoma samples, and their association with clinical characteristics was examined by Spearman’s test. Overall survival was examined by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Results. JMJD2B and HIF1 expression levels were both significantly associated with Enneking stage, distant metastasis, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and the JMJD2B and HIF1 expressions were positively correlated (p<0.001, R=0.752). In addition, univariate analysis showed that the expression of both JMJD2B and HIF1 was significantly associated with overall survival, but multivariate analysis showed that only JMJD2B expression was significantly associated with overall survival in osteosarcoma patients. Conclusions. JMJD2B and HIF1 expression levels show significant correlation with osteosarcoma progression, and JMJD2B could predict poor prognosis of osteosarcoma patients.