bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between body mass index and ischaemic stroke in Chinese elderly hypertensive patients
Authors: Huang Jiayi , Liu Lin , Yu Yu-Ling , Chen Chao-Lei , Lo Kenneth , Huang Yu-Qing , Tang Song-tao , Feng Ying Qing
Published: March 2020

Background

Despite obesity being a major risk factor for ischaemic stroke (IS), the association between body mass index (BMI) and IS in patients with hypertension remains uncertain.

Objective

To assess the association between BMI and IS among elderly hypertensive patients in China.

Methods and results

We recruited 3500 hypertensive patients aged ≥60 between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2011 in China and ascertained their stroke status until December 2016. Multivariate Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between BMI and IS with interaction tests for exposure and covariates. A total of 3315 subjects (mean age 71.41±7.20 years, 44.5% were men) were included for data analysis. During an average follow-up period of 5.5 years, there were 206 onset cases (6.21%) of IS. When BMI was treated as a continuous variable, it was positively associated with the incidence of new onset IS (HR=1.14; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.34; p=0.005) after adjusting for potential confounders. Meanwhile, when BMI was treated as a categorical variable, the highest category (≥28 kg/m2) was strongly associated with an increased risk for IS compared with normal BMI category (18.5 to 24 kg/m2) (HR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.80; p<0.001) in the fully adjusted model. Subgroup and interaction analysis also demonstrated that BMI independently associated with IS among males, smokers, alcohol drinkers, diabetic patients, people with uncontrolled blood pressure, decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate and those aged ≥70 years.

Conclusion

BMI was significantly associated with IS and was an independent risk of IS in Chinese elderly hypertensive patients.
Understanding the role of Foundation doctors through a self-reported time-mapping pilot study
Authors: Schuster-Bruce James , Lingam Gita , Love Ryan Laurence , Kerstein Ryan
Published: March 2020

Introduction

There is a reduction in Foundation trainee applications to speciality training and this is attributed to an administrative job role, with subsequent fears of burnout. This pilot study presents the findings of a real-time self-reporting tool to map a group of Foundation doctors’ elective activities. Self-reporting is efficient, low cost to run and allows for repeated measures and scalability. It aimed to example how a time-map could be used by departments to address any work imbalances and improve both well-being and future workforce planning.

Method

Foundation doctors’, at a busy District General Hospital, were asked to contemporaneously report their work activities over an ‘elective’ day. Outcomes measures included the mean duration per task and the time of day these were performed.

Results

Nine Foundation doctors’ returned 26 timesheet days. Foundation doctors’ time was split between direct patient tasks (18.2%, 106.8 min per day), indirect patient tasks (72.9%, 428.6 min per day) and personal or non-patient activities. Indirect tasks were the most frequent reason for Foundation doctors leaving late. No clinical experience was recorded at all and only an average of 4% (23.4 min per day) of a Foundation doctors’ time was spent in theatre.

Conclusions

This particular cohort performed a high proportion of indirect tasks. These have been associated with burnout. Time-mapping is a low-cost, acceptable and seemingly scalable way to elucidate a clearer understanding of the type of activities Foundation doctors may perform. This methodology could be used to modernise the traditional Foundation doctor job description.
Tobacco price increases in Korea and their impact on socioeconomic inequalities in smoking and subsequent socioeconomic inequalities in mortality: a modelling study
Authors: Lim Hwa-Kyung , Khang Young-Ho
Published: March 2020

Objective

Through a modelling study, we assessed the impact of tobacco price increases on smoking and smoking inequalities by income, and then quantified the subsequent effects on mortality and inequalities in mortality in Korea.

Methods

Eleven-year pooled data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (n=65 197) were used to estimate the income group-specific price elasticity. The price elasticity was then used to calculate changes in current smoking prevalence and per capita cigarette consumption resulting from a spectrum of hypothetical tobacco price increases. The mortality risk function from the 10-year mortality follow-up data of the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (n=293 858, numbers of deaths=14 953) and the current distributions of smoking-related variables from the KNHANES 2015–2017 were employed to estimate the effect of tobacco price increases on inequality in mortality.

Results

Low-income Korean smokers were more responsive to changes in tobacco price. Increasing the tobacco price by 100% would achieve the overall reduction of 2.0% for 10-year mortality. For mortality inequalities by income, the relative index of inequality (slope index of inequality) would be reduced by 3.8% (4.8%) for 10-year mortality.

Conclusions

This modelling study showed that tobacco price increases in Korea can reduce current smoking prevalence and per capita cigarette consumption in the whole population, and especially among the poor, which in turn would reduce the gap in mortality between income groups.
Looking after yourself and others
Authors: Allister Rosie
Published: March 2020

The global Covid‐19 outbreak is having a profound impact on everyone, including people in the veterinary profession. Public health and government advice for some to self isolate and for all of us to increase social distancing poses huge challenges for the industry and its people, as well as clients and patients. Here, Vetlife Helpline manager
Gareth Beynon Rees
Authors: Macphee Alan Boyd
Published: March 2020

A highly respected clinician who worked in large animal practice before he joined the state veterinary service as a veterinary officer. He was caring and sympathetic towards animals and people.
Possible interpretation of the newly observed $$\Omega _b$$ states
Authors: Xiao Li-Ye , Wang Kai-Lei , Liu Ming-Sheng , Zhong Xian-Hui
Published: March 2020

Inspired by the newly observed $$\Omega _b$$Ωb states by the LHCb Collaboration, we investigate the two-body strong decays of the low-lying $$\lambda $$λ-mode $$\Omega _b$$Ωb baryons up to $$N=2$$N=2 shell using the chiral quark model within the j-j coupling scheme. Our results indicate that: (i) the newly observed states $$\Omega _b(6316)^-$$Ωb(6316)- and $$\Omega _b(6330)^-$$Ωb(6330)- are good candidates of the light spin $$j=1$$j=1 states, while the spin-parity $$J^P=1/2^-$$JP=1/2- and $$J^P=3/2^-$$JP=3/2- cannot be distinguished. The other two states, $$\Omega _b(6340)$$Ωb(6340) and $$\Omega _b(6350)$$Ωb(6350) mostly correspond to the light spin $$j=2$$j=2 states, while the spin-parity $$J^P=3/2^-$$JP=3/2- and $$J^P=5/2^-$$JP=5/2- cannot be distinguished as well. (ii) The 2S states with spin-parity $$J^P=1/2^+$$JP=1/2+ and $$J^P=3/2^+$$JP=3/2+, respectively, might be narrow states with a width of $$\Gamma <2$$Γ<2 MeV. (iii) The 1D states are not broad and the total decay widths vary from several to dozens of MeV, which have a good potential to be observed in future experiments.
Multiple lump solutions and dynamics of the generalized (3+1)-dimensional KP equation
Authors: He Lingchao , Zhao Zhonglong
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the bilinear method is employed to investigate the multiple lump solutions of the generalized (3[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional KP equation. With the aid of the variable transformation, this equation is reduced to a dimensionally reduced equation. The reduced equation can be transformed into a bilinear equation. On the basis of the bilinear forms and a special quadratic function, the 1-lump solution is constructed, which has a positive peak and two negative peaks. Three polynomial functions are introduced to derive the 3-lump solutions. The 3-lump wave has a “triangular” structure. As the parameters tend to zero, the 3-lump wave becomes the lump wave with two adjacent cusps. The 6-lump solutions are constructed. Four kinds of lump waves appear as the parameters increase. In addition, the high-order 8-lump solutions are also obtained. All the peaks of the 6-lump and the 8-lump wave tend to the same height when the parameters are sufficiently large. The dynamical behaviors of the multiple lump solutions are discussed. All the results are useful in explaining the dynamical phenomena of the generalized (3[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional KP equation.
Chinese Society in 2019: Navigating Another Bumpy Year
Authors: ZHAO Litao
Published: March 2020

It was another difficult year for China in 2019. The Chinese economy and government revenue registered the lowest growth in nearly three decades. The employment situation has worsened and inflation driven by the surge in pork prices has reached its peak since 2012. Spending huge amounts of government money on social programmes has been China’s core coping strategy. This approach is however facing difficulties in localities with a smaller and less diverse revenue base. Social challenges will become even more manifest in 2020.
Taiwan’s Economy in 2019: Reaping Benefits from the US–China Trade War
Authors: CHIANG Min-Hua
Published: March 2020

Taiwan’s economy expanded moderately by 2.71% in 2019 despite the ongoing US–China trade war. The growing inward investment made by Taiwanese firms with overseas business operation had underpinned Taiwan’s economy despite falling exports. While mounting investment inflows to Taiwan would continue to buttress the economy, the rapid spread of coronavirus could threaten its growth prospects in 2020. In the long run, Taiwan’s lack of free trade agreements may further constrain its external trade development. Taiwan’s rapidly ageing population, one of key demographic trends, presents another challenge to its long-term economic prosperity.
South Korea’s Economy in 2019/20: Slow Recovery, Growing Social Expenditure and the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: KIKUCHI Tomoo , JEONG Seung-Hwan , LEE Gun-Woo
Published: March 2020

South Korea’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth was projected to recover to 2.3% in 2020 from 2.0% in 2019, aided by the recovery in the price of semiconductors. The manufacturing sector is South Korea’s most important sector for the highly export-dependent economy. China remains the top trading partner, but Vietnam has rapidly risen to become the third-largest export and the seventh-largest import market. South Korea plans to be ahead in the fourth industrial revolution by investing in data technologies, artificial intelligence and bio-health. The challenge is to manage both its industrial transition and social welfare expenditure while the young population continues to decline.
Looking at Patent Law: Patenting a Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell System for Space Energy Storage Applications--A Case Study
Authors: Taylor E. Jennings , Inman Maria
Published: March 2020

In this installment of the “Looking at Patent Law” series, we present a case study of the prosecution of a “Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell” patent invented by Kenneth A. Burke, an engineer at the NASA Glenn Research Center. This case was chosen to coincide with the “Electrochemistry for Space Exploration” focus of this issue of Interface. The case illustrates national security screening of patent applications by the United States Patent & Trademark office and review by the Department of Defense. Additionally, the article illustrates the combination of prior art references as the basis for an obviousness rejection of an invention. The article notes that the examiner must establish a teaching-motivation-suggestion to combine prior art references to establish an obviousness rejection. With this case study, we hope to demystify the patent prosecution process and better prepare electrochemical and solid state scientists, engineers, and technologists to interact with their patent counsel regarding their inventions.
Current and Future Roles of Electrochemistry in Space
Authors: Jackson Gregory S.
Published: March 2020

One needs only be a reasonably astute observer of Hollywood’s depiction of space travel to assess that electrochemical systems play a critical role in space systems operation. Ron Howard’s relatively accurate retelling of the Apollo 13 mission reminded his audience that the dramatic rupture of the spacecraft’s second O2 tank impaired the electrical power system, which ran on three H2-O2 alkaline fuel cells that also provided water for the crew. Thankfully, the tank rupture only disabled two of the three fuel cells. The remaining fuel cell enabled a historic on-the-fly engineering response that relied on the remaining fuel cell and was worthy of a movie reminder one quarter of a century later.
Dysregulated micro-RNAs and long noncoding RNAs in cardiac development and pediatric heart failure
Authors: Toni Lee , Hailu Frehiwet , Sucharov Carmen C.
Published: March 2020

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are broadly described as RNA molecules that are not translated into protein. The investigation of dysregulated ncRNAs in human diseases such as cancer, neurological, and cardiovascular diseases has been under way for well over a decade. Micro-RNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the best characterized ncRNAs. These ncRNAs can have profound effects on the regulation of gene expression during cardiac development and disease. Importantly, ncRNAs are significant regulators of gene expression in several congenital heart diseases and can positively or negatively impact cardiovascular development. In this review, we focus on literature involving micro-RNAs and lncRNAs in the context of pediatric cardiovascular diseases, preclinical models of heart failure, and cardiac development.
Sex differences in the structure and function of rat middle cerebral arteries
Authors: Wang Shaoxun , Zhang Huawei , Liu Yedan , Li Longyang , Guo Ya , Jiao Feng , Fang Xing , Jefferson Joshua R. , Li Man , Gao Wenjun , Gonzalez-Fernandez Ezekiel , Maranon Rodrigo O. , Pabbidi Mallikarjuna R. , Liu Ruen , Alexander Barbara T. , Roman Richard J. , Fan Fan
Published: March 2020

Using perfusion fixation of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in calcium-free solution at physiological pressure and systematically randomly sampling the sections prepared from the same M2 segments of MCA, we found that there are structural differences that are associated with altered cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation but not neurovascular coupling and cognition in young, healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Understanding the intrinsic differences in cerebrovascular structure and function in males and females is essential to develop new pharmaceutical treatments for cerebrovascular disease (CVD).
Impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection on Host Functions: Implications for Antiviral Strategies
Authors: Hu MengJie , Bogoyevitch Marie A. , Jans David A.
Published: March 2020

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of viral respiratory tract infection in infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised worldwide, causing more deaths each year than influenza. Years of research into RSV since its discovery over 60 yr ago have elucidated detailed mechanisms of the host-pathogen interface. RSV infection elicits widespread transcriptomic and proteomic changes, which both mediate the host innate and adaptive immune responses to infection, and reflect RSV’s ability to circumvent the host stress responses, including stress granule formation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and programmed cell death. The combination of these events can severely impact on human lungs, resulting in airway remodeling and pathophysiology. The RSV membrane envelope glycoproteins (fusion F and attachment G), matrix (M) and nonstructural (NS) 1 and 2 proteins play key roles in modulating host cell functions to promote the infectious cycle. This review presents a comprehensive overview of how RSV impacts the host response to infection and how detailed knowledge of the mechanisms thereof can inform the development of new approaches to develop RSV vaccines and therapeutics.
Clinical Presentation, Natural History, and Therapeutic Approach in Patients with Solitary Fibrous Tumor: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Schöffski P. , Timmermans I. , Hompes D. , Stas M. , Sinnaeve F. , De Leyn P. , Coosemans W. , Van Raemdonck D. , Hauben E. , Sciot R. , Clement P. , Bechter O. , Beuselinck B. , Woei-A-Jin F. J. S. H. , Dumez H. , Nafteux P. , Wessels T.
Published: March 2020

Background. Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare variant of soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Materials and Methods. We reviewed SFT patients (pts) treated at our institution between 12/1990 and 09/2017. Results. We identified 94 pts with a median follow-up (mFU) of 4.7 years (range: 0.1–21.53). Primary sites were the chest (33%), abdomen (21.3%), brain (12.8%), and extremities (9.6%); 6.4% of pts presented with synchronous metastasis. Median overall survival (mOS) from the first diagnosis was 56.0 months (m) (0.3–258.3). Doege–Potter syndrome was seen in 2.1% of pts. Primary resection was performed in 86 pts (91.5%). Median progression-free survival was 34.1 m (1.0–157.1), and 43% of pts stayed SFT-free during FU. Local recurrence occurred in 26.7% after a mFU of 35.5 m (1.0–153.8), associated with an OS of 45.1 m (4.7–118.2). Metachronous metastasis occurred in 30.2% after a mFU of 36.0 m (0.1–157.1). OS in metastatic pts was 19.0 m (0.3–149.0). Systemic therapy was given to 26 pts (27.7%) with inoperable/metastatic disease. The most common (57.7%) upfront therapy was doxorubicin, achieving responses in 13.3% of pts with a PFS of 4.8 m (0.4–23.8). In second line, pts were treated with ifosfamide or pazopanib, the latter achieving the highest response rates. Third-line treatment was heterogeneous. Conclusion. SFT is an orphan malignancy with a highly variable clinical course and a considerable risk of local failure and metachronous metastasis. Surgery is the only curative option; palliative systemic therapy is used in inoperable/metastatic cases but achieves low response rates. The highest response rates are seen with pazopanib in second/third line.
Video-Based Vehicle Counting for Expressway: A Novel Approach Based on Vehicle Detection and Correlation-Matched Tracking Using Image Data from PTZ Cameras
Authors: Meng Qiao , Song Huansheng , Zhang Yu’an , Zhang Xiangqing , Li Gang , Yang Yanni
Published: March 2020

Vehicle counting plays a significant role in vehicle behavior analysis and traffic incident detection for established video surveillance systems on expressway. Since the existing sensor method and the traditional image processing method have the problems of difficulty in installation, high cost, and low precision, a novel vehicle counting method is proposed, which realizes efficient counting based on multivehicle detection and multivehicle tracking. For multivehicle detection tasks, a construction of the new expressway dataset consists of a large number of sample images with a high resolution (1920 × 1080) captured from real-world expressway scenes (including the diversity climatic conditions and visual angles) by Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras, in which vehicle categories and annotation rules are defined. Moreover, a correlation-matched algorithm for multivehicle tracking is proposed, which solves the problem of occlusion and vehicle scale change in the tracking process. Due to the discontinuity and unsmooth of the trajectories that occurred during the tracking process, we designed a trajectory optimization algorithm based on least square method. Finally, a new vehicle counting method is designed based on the tracking results, in which the driving direction information of the vehicle is added in the counting process. The experimental results show that the proposed counting method in this research can achieve more than 93% accuracy and an average speed of 25 frames per second in expressway video sequence.
Relationship between Movement Laws of the Overlaying Strata and Time Space of the Mined-Out Volume
Authors: Yu Xiang , Zhao Kang , Wang Qing , Yan Yajing , Zhang Yongjun , Wang Junqiang
Published: March 2020

The study and accurate prediction of the movement of overburden rock mass and surface subsidence are crucial for a safe production in metal mines. This study investigates the relationship between the movement laws of overlaying strata and the time space of a mined-out volume using Rock Failure Process Analysis (RFPA) System. Furthermore, the movement, deformation, and failure laws of overlaying strata are examined in different positions when a goaf volume is certain and the failure behavior of the overlaying strata. This study analyzes the similarities and differences of the overlaying strata comparatively. Results show that, regardless of the movement range or subsidence value of the overlying rock mass, a power function relationship is observed between them and working face advancement. Setting the equation shows that the scope of the overlying rock mass is significant when the ratio of a certain position distance roof to the working face distance is small. The results provide a reference for controlling the displacement of the overlying rock mass and treating goaf.
Hirudiniasis in Cattle in Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region of Tanzania
Authors: Mulilo Misheck A. , Siwila Joyce , Madoshi Philbert B. , Silayo Richard S.
Published: March 2020

Hirudiniasis is a condition caused by infestation by leeches. Despite the annoyance, clinical signs, and associated lesions caused by leeches in both humans and animals, the extent of the problem in Tanzania is not well elucidated. Individual animals and people become infested when they drink, bath, or walk through contaminated water sources. Leech infestations are more common in rural areas where water is scarce especially during the dry season. In this report, clinical cases of hirudiniasis in twenty-seven (27) cattle in Mpwapwa, Tanzania, are presented. The report further reviews the morphological features of leeches and creates awareness among the affected cattle farmers and the general public. A total of two hundred (200) live cattle were examined; out of these, 27 cattle had live leeches. There were, on average, 3–8 leeches per animal. Affected cattle had wounds on the gums, buccal mucosa, root of the tongue, and under the tongue with copious amounts of blood-stained frothy discharge. Further, the affected animals had respiratory distress and were rolling their tongues. The leeches were manually removed from all the affected cattle, with uneventful recovery. Laboratory examination revealed segmented, dorsal-ventral flattened, cylindrical parasites which had posterior and anterior suckers. The leech infestation was linked to drinking water from a pond which was suspected to be contaminated with “undescribed organisms” as indicated by the farmers. A follow-up was made and revealed no new cases and complete recovery of the affected animals. Hirudiniasis is one of the neglected diseases in humans and livestock and, therefore, requires integrated efforts especially in areas where water is scarce during the dry season. It is anticipated that this case report will stimulate interest and more studies in the subject matter to understand the extent of the problem and document the species and distribution of leeches in Tanzania.
The Magnitude and Determinants of Tinnitus among Health Science Students at King Khalid University
Authors: Musleh Abdullah , Saad Alzahrani Salah , Al Shehri Turki Khalid , Mohammed Abdullah Alqahtani Saad , Yahya Ali Yahya Samar , Oudah Saeed AlShahrani Ahmed
Published: March 2020

Background. Tinnitus is a symptom that is defined as a subjective perception of noise in an absence of external sound. It is an indicator of auditory system abnormalities. It can also be present in individuals without any hearing abnormalities. Difficulty to consternate, insomnia, and decreased speech discrimination are the most common symptoms related to tinnitus. Aim. To assess the magnitude and pattern with determinants of tinnitus among health science students at King Khalid University. Methodology. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted targeting all accessible students in health science colleges in King Khalid University which is the main university in the Aseer region, south of Saudi Arabia. Students were included consecutively from different faculties and different grades. Data were collected through a self-administered prestructured questionnaire, which was distributed and recollected the next day. Tinnitus was screened using an adapted form of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Results. A total sample of 400 students have been included with their ages ranging from 18 to 30 years with a mean age of 22 ± 1.8 years), and 28.5% of the students recorded positive findings. Tinnitus was bilateral among 51.8% of students, and 44.7% of tinnitus students hear buzzing sound while 21.1% have hissing sound and 10.5% had pulsating sound. Among 46.5% of students with tinnitus, the heard sound was of moderate loudness and intermittent among 64.9% of them. Conclusions and Recommendations. In conclusion, the study revealed that just more than a quarter of students complained of tinnitus which was bilateral among half of them. Tinnitus frequency was mainly moderate in intensity and intermittent. Having ear problems, loud sounds, and allergy were the most important predictors of having Tinnitus.
Functional Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and Organoleptic Quality of Novel Biscuit Produced by Moroccan Cladode Flour “Opuntia ficus-indica”
Authors: Nabil Bouchra , Ouaabou Rachida , Ouhammou Mourad , Essaadouni Lamia , Mahrouz Mostafa
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to develop a novel biscuit by supplementing cladode flour (CF) into whole-wheat flour (WWF) at different proportions 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%. Proximate analysis revealed that CF had a high amount of ash (11.9%) and dietary fiber (41.04%). Major minerals determined by ICP-MS were calcium (4.47 g/100 g); potassium (1.25 g/100 g); magnesium (1.46 g/100 g); and trace elements such as zinc (1.77 mg/100 g), copper (0.95 mg/100 g), and selenium (148.5 μg/100 g). The analysis of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity showed high values (649.88 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g; 399.16 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100 g; and 72.37%, respectively). HPLC was used to identify four phenolic acids (gallic, ferulic, syringic, and caffeic acids) and only one flavonoid (rutin) in cladode flour. Biscuit hardness, L∗, and a∗ color values decreased corresponding to the incorporation level of CF. Sensory evaluation showed that the substitution level (up to 25%) is ideal to prepare an acceptable bio-biscuit. Cladode flour could be very useful for the food industry as a source of bioactive compounds with technological potential and nutritional and antioxidant properties.
On the Study of a Single-Period Principal-Agent Model with Taxation
Authors: Wang Huan , Huang Wenyi
Published: March 2020

This paper investigates a single-period principal-agent model with moral hazard. In the model, we implement bonus tax for the agent and analyze the effect of loss aversion by comparing with the results by Dietl et al. (2013). The existence and uniqueness of the optimal contracting problem are proved. Through an example, concrete illustrations of how loss aversion affects the compensation package are given. It is shown that although the agent’s efforts reduce, the fixed salary and marginal bonus paid by principal are increasing with the tax rate if the agent’s risk aversion and shocks in the economy are small. When the effect of loss aversion is sufficiently large, the curve of fixed salary is nonmonotonic, and the complementarity between fixed salary and marginal bonus disappears.
Research Progress in Enhancing the Controllability of Complex Networks
Authors: Yang Yunyun
Published: March 2020

At present, the controllability of complex networks is a hot issue in complex networks domain. From the perspective of graph theory, in the paper quite a few pioneering works on the controllability of complex networks were introduced, and the latest progress of the controllability of complex networks was emphatically summarized. In addition, the paper mainly discussed the basic ideas and effective methods to enhance the structural controllability of complex networks and analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of different methods. Finally, several problems and possible development directions of the controllability of complex networks were summarized.
Quantized Dissipative Observer-Based Output Feedback Control for a Class of Markovian Descriptor Jump Systems with Communication Delay
Authors: Shamrooz Aslam Muhammad , Dai Xisheng
Published: March 2020

This paper investigates the problem of quantized dissipative observer-based output feedback control of Markovian descriptor jump systems with unavailable states, appearing networked-induced delay. The descriptor systems are presented as Markovian jump systems which give a more realistic presentation for a variety of nonlinear dynamical systems than conventional state-space representation. To accomplish the objective, a uniform framework is employed to design the delayed Markov observer-based controller and event-triggered scheme. Additionally, we provided the ℋ∞ and ℒ2-ℒ∞ and dissipative performance indices which are robust against the disturbances with time-varying delays. Moreover, a novel Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is considered to guarantee the closed loop for stochastic stability analysis of the Markovian descriptor jump system. The solvability of Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional results in the formation of linear matrix inequalities. The controller and observer gains can be obtained by solving the linear matrix inequalities. Simulations are performed to validate the proposed scheme.
Inositol Treatment for PCOS Should Be Science-Based and Not Arbitrary
Authors: Roseff Scott , Montenegro Marta
Published: March 2020

The aim of this paper is to critically analyze the composition of many inositol-based products currently used to treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Several different combinations of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, with and without additional compounds such as micro- and macroelements, vitamins, and alpha-lipoic acid, have been formulated over the years. Such therapeutic proposals do not take various features of inositol stereoisomers into consideration. As an example, it is important to know that D-chiro-inositol treatment may be beneficial when administered in low doses, yet the progressive increase of its dosage results in the loss of its advantageous effects on the reproductive performance of women and a deterioration in the quality of blastocysts created via in vitro fertilization (IVF). In addition, we have to consider that the intestinal absorption of myo-inositol is reduced by the simultaneous administration of D-chiro-inositol since the two stereoisomers compete with each other for the same transporter that has similar affinity for each of them. A decrease in myo-inositol absorption is also found when it is coadministered with inhibitors of sugar intestinal absorption and/or types of sugars such as sorbitol, maltodextrin, and sucralose. The combination of these may require higher amounts of myo-inositol in order to reach a therapeutic dosage compared to inositol administration alone, a particularly important fact when physicians strive to obtain a specific plasma level of the stereoisomer. Finally, we must point out that D-chiro-inositol was found to be an aromatase inhibitor which increases androgens and may have harmful consequences for women. Therefore, the inositol supplements used in PCOS treatment must be carefully defined. Clinical evidence has demonstrated that the 40 : 1 ratio between myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol is the optimal combination to restore ovulation in PCOS women. Therefore, it is quite surprising to find that inositol-based treatments for PCOS seem to be randomly chosen and are often combined with useless or even counterproductive molecules, all of which can weaken myo-inositol’s efficacy. Such treatments clearly lack therapeutic rationale.
Prognostic Factors for Development of Subsequent Metastases in Localized Osteosarcoma: A Systematic Review and Identification of Literature Gaps
Authors: Basile Patrick , Greengard Emily , Weigel Brenda , Spector Logan
Published: March 2020

Aim. To investigate prognostic factors in pediatric and young adult patients with localized osteosarcoma that could predict the development of subsequent pulmonary metastases and lead to an ability to risk-stratify therapy. We performed a systematic review of the literature published since January 1990 to establish common evidence-based prognostic factors. Methods. PubMed and Embase searches (Jan 1990–Aug 2018) were performed. Two reviewers independently selected papers for patients with localized osteosarcoma with subsequent metastatic development and then reviewed for quality of methods and prognostic factors. Results. Database searches yielded 216 unique results. After screening, 27 full-text articles were studied in depth, with 9 items fulfilling predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Age, tumor location, tumor size/volume, and histologic response carried independent prognostic value in the majority of the studies. Conclusions. Several prognostic factors seemed to be consistent amongst the studies, but the heterogeneity and smaller sizes of the study populations made pooling of results difficult. Standardization of larger patient populations and consistent definitions/cutoffs for prognostic factors are needed to further assess for consistent prognostic factors and potential predictive models to be developed.
Optimizing Spatial Distribution of Urban Green Spaces by Balancing Supply and Demand for Ecosystem Services
Authors: Ji Yi-Wen , Zhang Lang , Liu Jie , Zhong Qicheng , Zhang Xinxin
Published: March 2020

The capacity and ecological flows of ecosystem services as well as the demand for them are key areas of urban and rural ecological planning that have been studied using the spatial-explicit model as a decision support tool. This study develops a framework for mapping the relationships among the capacity of and demand for ecosystem services, ecological flows, and planning management. This is done by estimating the ecosystem services based on the space for recreation and environmental conditions and assessing planning for green spaces using the spatial-explicit model. The results show that the carrying capacity of green recreational space was high in the northwest, southwest, and southeast parts of the city of Hefei in China, where this space was highly sustainable in the northwest and southwest. The data also show that the carrying capacity for air purification was higher in the northwest, southwest, and southeast suburbs of Hefei, while areas with high demand for air purification were mainly located in the northeast. The spatial variation in the flows of supply and demand for ecosystem services remained high and unbalanced in the northeast and southwest of Hefei. The excessive use of ecosystem services was concentrated in the urban center while their use in suburban areas was sustainable. The results show that the gap between the supply and demand of space for recreation increased with distance while that between the supply and demand of air purification decreased with increasing distance. The results of assessment based on spatial visualization show that green space was abundant in areas with low demand for it, while those with high demand for it tended to have limited green space in Hefei. This analysis shows that indices for the demand for green spaces in the context of ecosystem services can be improved via public participation, interactions between different scales of ecosystem services for green space, and use of decision support in urban and rural planning systems. These areas will form important directions for future research.
A New Perspective to Algebraic Characterization on Controllability of Multiagent Systems
Authors: Liu Bo , Su Housheng , Wu Licheng , He Shengchao
Published: March 2020

Recently, algebraic characterization of multiagent controllability through its topology has been widely concerned by the systems and control community. The controllability of leader-follower networked multiagent systems under the framework of generic linear dynamics is firstly discussed via λ-matrix. Some new algebra-theoretic necessary and/or sufficient conditions of the controllability for generic linear multiagent systems are established. Moreover, the controllable conditions for multiagent networks with special topological graphs through λ-matrix are presented.
The Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic (PKPD) Relationships of AZD3229, a Novel and Selective Inhibitor of KIT, in a Range of Mouse Xenograft Models of GIST
Authors: Pilla Reddy Venkatesh , Anjum Rana , Grondine Michael , Smith Aaron , Bhavsar Deepa , Barry Evan , Guichard Sylvie M. , Shao Wenlin , Kettle Jason G. , Brown Crystal , Banks Erica , Jones Rhys D.O.
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

The emergence of secondary mutations is a cause of resistance to current KIT inhibitors used in the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). AZD3229 is a selective inhibitor of wild-type KIT and a wide spectrum of primary and secondary mutations seen in patients with GIST. The objective of this analysis is to establish the pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PKPD) relationship of AZD3229 in a range of mouse GIST tumor models harboring primary and secondary KIT mutations, and to benchmark AZD3229 against other KIT inhibitors.

Experimental Design:

A PKPD model was developed for AZD3229 linking plasma concentrations to inhibition of phosphorylated KIT using data generated from several in vivo preclinical tumor models, and in vitro data generated in a panel of Ba/F3 cell lines.

Results:

AZD3229 drives inhibition of phosphorylated KIT in an exposure-dependent manner, and optimal efficacy is observed when >90% inhibition of KIT phosphorylation is sustained over the dosing interval. Integrating the predicted human pharmacokinetics into the mouse PKPD model predicts that an oral twice daily human dose greater than 34 mg is required to ensure adequate coverage across the mutations investigated. Benchmarking shows that compared with standard-of-care KIT inhibitors, AZD3229 has the potential to deliver the required target coverage across a wider spectrum of primary or secondary mutations.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate that AZD3229 warrants clinical investigation as a new treatment for patients with GIST based on its ability to inhibit both ATP-binding and A-loop mutations of KIT at clinically relevant exposures.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in T3 and T4b Breast Cancer Patients: Analysis in a Tertiary Cancer Hospital and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: de Oliveira-Junior Idam , Nahas Eliana Aguiar Petri , Cherem Ana Cristina , Nahas-Neto Jorge , Vieira René Aloisio da Costa
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Breast cancer represents the most common type of cancer among women in the world. The presence and extent of axillary lymph node involvement represent an important prognostic factor. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is currently accepted for T1 and T2 with negative axillae (N0); however, many patients with T3-T4b tumors with N0 are often submitted to unnecessarily axillary lymph node dissection. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study of patients treated for breast cancer between 2008 and 2015, with T3/T4b tumors and N0, who underwent SLNB. A systematic review of the literature was also carried out in 5 bases. Results: We analyzed 73 patients, and SLNB was negative for macrometastasis in 60.3% of the cases. With a mean follow-up of 45 months, no ipsilateral axillary local recurrence was observed. In the systematic review, only 7 articles presented data for analysis. Grouping these studies with the present series, the rate of N0 was 32.1% for T3 and 61.0% for T4b; grouping all studies (T3 and T4b n = 431) the rate was 32.5%. Conclusions: SLNB in T3/T4b tumors is a feasible and safe procedure from the oncological point of view, as it has not been associated with ipsilateral axillary relapse.
Mnemoscape: Supporting Older Adults’ Event Memory Using Wearable Camera Photographs on an Immersive Interface
Authors: Selwood Amanda , Bennett Jill , Conway Martin A. , Loveday Catherine , Kuchelmeister Volker
Published: March 2020

Background: Wearable camera photographs have been shown to be an effective memory aid in people with and without memory impairment. Most studies using wearable cameras as a memory aid have presented photographs on a computer monitor and used a written diary or no review as a comparison. In this pioneering study, we took a new and innovative approach to wearable camera photograph review that embeds the photographs within a virtual landscape. This approach may enhance these benefits by reinstating the original environmental context to increase participants’ sense of re-experiencing the event. Objective: We compare the traditional computer monitor presentation of wearable camera photographs and actively taken digital photographs with the presentation of wearable camera photographs in a new immersive interface that reinstates the spatiotemporal context. Methods: Healthy older adults wore wearable or took digital photographs during a staged event. The next day and 2 weeks later, they viewed wearable camera photographs on a computer monitor or in context on an immersive interface, or digital photographs. Results: Participants who viewed wearable camera photographs in either format recalled more details during photo viewing and subsequent free recall than participants who viewed digital photographs they had taken themselves. Conclusion: Wearable camera photographs are an effective support for event memory, regardless of whether they are presented in context in an experience-near format.
Management and Outcomes of Newly Diagnosed Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Brain Metastases: A Real-World Study in Japan
Authors: Yoshida Hironori , Kim Young Hak , Iwatsubo Shigeaki , Sakaguchi Chikara , Sakamori Yuichi , Nagai Hiroki , Ozasa Hiroaki , Mio Tadashi , Hirai Toyohiro
Published: March 2020

Background:Brain metastases (BM) are one of the strongest negative prognostic factors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Molecularly targeted agents are standard of care for NSCLC patients with a driver mutation; however, their efficacy in patients with BM is not fully understood because patients with BM are usually excluded from clinical studies. This study investigated the current management and outcomes of newly diagnosed NSCLC patients with BM in Japanese clinical practice, focusing on their driver mutation status. Patients and Methods:We enrolled newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve NSCLC patients with BM between January 2012 and December 2015 from 4 institutions in Japan. The medical records of each patient were retrospectively reviewed, and the treatment details and outcomes were evaluated. Results:In total, 203 patients with BM were enrolled in this study and 73 (36%) were neurologically symptomatic. Regarding initial treatment, 110 patients (54%) received local therapy, including radiotherapy and surgery, whereas 77 (38%) received systemic therapy. The median overall survival (OS) was 14.3 months for all patients, and it was significantly longer among patients with a driver mutation (28.9 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20.9–41.0) than among patients without a driver mutation (9.9 months; 95% CI, 7.0–13.4) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.39; 95% CI, 0.27–0.57; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified performance status (HR 1.78; 95% CI, 1.16–2.72; p = 0.009) and driver mutation status (HR 0.27; 95% CI, 0.17–0.44; p < 0.001) as significant prognostic factors. No significant difference in OS was noted according to the type of initial treatment, i.e., local versus systemic. Conclusion:The median OS of patients with a driver mutation was longer than 2 years, even of patients with BM, and it was significantly longer than that of patients without a driver mutation. Driver mutation status, in addition to performance status, was a significant prognostic factor in NSCLC patients with BM.
Preoperative Use of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Support Reduced 30-Day Mortality in a Population with LVEF >35% and High Surgical Risk after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Escutia-Cuevas Héctor Hugo , Suárez-Cuenca Juan Antonio , Espinoza-Rueda Manuel Armando , Macedo-Calvillo Lecsy , Castro-Gutiérrez Armando , García-García Juan Francisco , García-Ortegón Maria del Sol , Robledo Rogelio , Mondragón-Terán Paul
Published: March 2020

Introduction: The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is used to prevent complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, although some results are controversial and basal ventricular function may play a role. This study assessed the benefit of preoperative use of IABP, as stratified by the ventricular function, in a population submitted to high-surgical-risk CABG. Methods: Patients >18 years old, with multiple coronary artery disease and thus candidates for CABG, were included. Cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute ventricle mechanical dysfunction, severe aortic regurgitation, tachyarrhythmia, massive pulmonary embolism, coagulopathy, or low life expectancy were exclusion criteria. Results: One hundred and twenty-nine patients aged 65 years old with hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 46% constituted the study population. No difference was observed at 30-day mortality endpoint (IABP vs. no IABP, 17 vs. 24%, OR 0.63, p = 0.20; AMI 25 vs. 31%, OR 0.75, p = 0.29). After LVEF stratification, the subgroup of 48 (75%) patients under IABP support and LVEF >35% had a reduced 30-day mortality risk (LVEF ≤35% vs. LVEF >35%, 37.5 vs. 10.4%, OR 0.3, p = 0.03), independently from potential confounders and showing an interaction with European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation-II (EuroSCORE-II). At secondary endpoints, IABP use was associated with a lower prevalence of acute renal failure and renal replacement therapy, but with a longer stay in the intensive care unit and longer hospitalization time. Conclusion: The preoperative use of IABP was associated with an independent reduction of 30-day mortality risk in cases with LVEF >35% in a population submitted to high-surgical-risk CABG. Likewise, the use of IABP was associated with a lower risk of postoperative renal complications.
Skin and Mucous Membrane Eruptions Associated with Chlamydophila Pneumoniae Respiratory Infections: Literature Review
Authors: De Luigi Giulia , Zgraggen Lorenzo , Kottanattu Lisa , Simonetti Giacomo D. , Terraneo Luisa , Vanoni Federica , Terrani Isabella , Bianchetti Mario G. , Lava Sebastiano A.G. , Milani Gregorio P.
Published: March 2020

Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is sometimes associated with skin or mucous membrane eruptions. Available reviews do not address the association of Chlamydophila pneumoniae pneumonia with skin eruptions. We therefore conducted a systematic review of the literature addressing this issue. The National Library of Medicine, Excerpta Medica, and Web of Science databases were employed. Summary: In two reports, skin lesions and especially urticaria were more common (p < 0.05) in atypical pneumonia caused by C. pneumoniae as compared with M. pneumoniae. We found 47 patients (<18 years, n = 16; ≥18 years, n = 31) affected by a C. pneumoniae atypical pneumonia, which was associated with erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme minus, erythema multiforme majus, isolated mucositis, or cutaneous vasculitis. We also found the case of a boy with C. pneumoniae pneumonia and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. We did not find any case of C. pneumoniae respiratory infection associated with either Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta Mucha-Habermann, or varicella-like skin eruptions.