bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-Hospital Mortality among Ischemic Stroke Patients in Gondar University Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gebreyohannes Eyob Alemayehu , Bhagavathula Akshaya Srikanth , Abebe Tamrat Befekadu , Seid Mohammed Assen , Haile Kaleab Taye
Published: January 2019

Introduction. Ischemic stroke is the third leading cause of mortality in low-income countries and the sixth in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the rate and predictors of in-hospital mortality due to ischemic stroke in Gondar University Hospital. Methods. The study was conducted from April 1, 2017, to May 15, 2017, at Gondar University Hospital. A census using retrospective cohort study design was conducted on medical records of adult patients with the diagnosis of ischemic stroke attending the medical inpatient ward of Gondar University Hospital between November 2012 and September 2016. Cox hazard regression was used to determine the predictors of in-hospital mortality. A two-sided statistical test at 5% level of significance was used. Results. The mean (±SD) duration of hospital stay was 11.55 (10.040) days. Of the total 208 patients, 26 (12.5%) patients died in the hospital. Cox regression revealed that only a decrease in renal function, particularly elevated serum creatinine (AHR=8.848, 95% CI: 1.616-67.437), was associated with a statistically significant increase of in-hospital mortality. The symptom onset-to-admission time varied greatly among patients and ranged from 1 hour to 168 hours. Conclusion. The in-hospital mortality associated with ischemic stroke was found to be high. Mainly, elevation in serum creatinine was highly associated with poorer outcomes in terms of in-hospital mortality. Much work should be done on improving the knowledge and awareness of the community regarding ischemic stroke and stroke in general to encourage early medical seeking behavior and reduce mortality and long-term disability.
Prevalence Ratio of Otitis Media with Effusion in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Authors: Karyanta Mahastini , Satrowiyoto Siswanto , Wulandari Dian Paramita
Published: January 2019

Background. Otitis media with effusion (OME) in adults is less prevalent than in the pediatric population but still causes considerable morbidity. It has been suggested that laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) may have a role in the aetiology of adult OME. Reflux advances to the laryngopharynx and, subsequently, to other regions of the head and neck such as oral cavity, nasopharynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and even middle ear with clinical manifestations being asthma, sinusitis, and otitis media. Objective. To determine the prevalence ratio of otitis media with effusion in laryngopharyngeal reflux. Methods. Observational analytic with cross sectional design. Result. 9 of 28 subjects experienced OME in LPR group, and 2 of 28 subjects in non-LPR group. Statistically there was significant difference between the two groups with p-value 0.02 and with 95% confidence interval range of 1.066-18.990. Conclusion. The prevalence ratio of otitis media with effusion in laryngopharyngeal reflux group is 4.5 times that in non-laryngopharyngeal reflux group.
Tetrandrine-Induced Autophagy in MDA-MB-231 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell through the Inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling
Authors: Guo Yubo , Pei Xiaohua
Published: January 2019

The present study examined the effects of tetrandrine suppressing proliferation, targeting LC3, p62, and Beclin-1 autophagy genes by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 cell. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT and Annexin-V/PI double staining. Cytotoxicity was determined with LDH assay. Western Blot and Immunofluorescence were used to measure the protein levels of p62/SQSTM1, Beclin1, LC3-II/LC3-I, and PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Results showed that tetrandrine inhibited the MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and induced the apoptosis. Tetrandrine at doses of 12.8, 16.1, and 25.7μmol/L showed significant cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-231 cells (p<0.01). Tetrandrine induced MDA-MB-231 cell autophagy by decreasing p62/SQSTM1 expression, improving the expression of Beclin1 and LC3-II/LC3-I (p<0.01), inhibiting the PI3K/AKT /mTOR pathway by downregulating the expression of p-AKTser473/AKT, p-PI3K/PI3K p110α, and p-mTORser2448/mTOR and upregulating PTEN expression. These findings revealed that tetrandrine could suppress proliferation and induce autophagy in MDA-MB-231 cell by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and might be a promising anti-triple-negative breast cancer drug.
Effects of a Psychological Preparation Intervention on Anxiety Associated with Pediatric Anorectal Manometry
Authors: Lamparyk Katherine , Mahajan Lori , Lamparyk Christopher , Debeljak Ashley , Aylward Laura , Flynt Kimberly , Steffen Rita
Published: January 2019

Background and Aims. High-resolution anorectal manometry (HRM) is associated with significant patient and parent anxiety, which can impact the success and efficiency of the procedure. The nature of HRM necessitates cooperation of an alert child. This study examined effects of psychoeducation intervention on decreasing procedural distress in both pediatric patients and their parents. Methods. A prospective randomized study of children aged 3–12 years, undergoing HRM, was performed utilizing child-centric educational video. Patients received either psychological preparation intervention or treatment-as-usual. Distress was assessed through self-reported and parent-reported anxiety measures (STAIC-S; STAI-S), physiological arousal measurements, and an observational scale of procedural distress (PBCL). Results. A total of 63 children, aged 3–12 yrs (6.7 ± 2.5), completed the study. Measures of observed and reported distress and anxiety (PBCL; STAIC-S) were significantly less in children receiving intervention. Parents of children in the intervention group also reported significantly less preprocedural anxiety (STAI-S). Effects on physiological arousal were mixed, with significant preprocedural decrease in systolic blood pressure but no difference in heart rate from baseline. Conclusions. Preprocedural psychological preparation was effective in decreasing pediatric patient and parental self-reported anxiety associated with HRM. Intervention decreased physician time necessary to successfully complete the study and significantly decreased the number of times patients had to endure balloon inflation.
Predictors of Inappropriate Proton Pump Inhibitors Use in Elderly Patients
Authors: Voukelatou Panagiota , Vrettos Ioannis , Emmanouilidou Georgia , Dodos Konstantinos , Skotsimara Georgia , Kontogeorgou Dimitra , Kalliakmanis Andreas
Published: January 2019

Introduction. Overutilization of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) both in ambulatory care and in the inpatient setting possesses economic implications and increases the risk for adverse drug reactions. This study was undertaken to identify factors associated with inappropriate PPI use among consecutively unplanned admissions of elderly patients at the time of admission. Materials and Methods. In 758 patients (54.2% women), mean age 80.3±8.0 (M±1SD), demographic characteristics, and medical and medication history were recorded. Parametric tests and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied to identify the predictors of inappropriate PPI use. Results. 232 patients (30.6%) were receiving PPIs. 37 (4.9%) were receiving PPIs appropriately and 195 (25.7%) were receiving PPIs without a proper indication. Consequently, PPIs prescribing was inappropriate in 195/232 (84%). Moreover, 512 patients (67.5%) were not receiving PPIs appropriately and 14 patients (1.8%) were not receiving PPIs but they had a proper indication. When we compared patients receiving PPIs without a proper indication with those who were not receiving PPIs, a statistical difference was found according to Charlson Comorbidity Index (p≤0.001, U=37922.00), number of diseases (p≤0.001, U=33269.00) and medications (p≤0.001, U=31218.50), Katz Index score (p=0.01, U=45328.00), and the use of blood thinners (p≤0.001, χ2=21.15). In multivariate analysis the only independent predictor of inappropriate PPI use was the number of medications (p=0.001, OR=1.16, 95%CI 1.06-1.27). Conclusions. The main predictor of inappropriate PPI use was the number of received medications. Εfforts needed to apply the predefined criteria for PPI prescription and to deprescribe PPIs received inappropriately.
A Destination Prediction Network Based on Spatiotemporal Data for Bike‐Sharing
Authors: Jiang Jian , Lin Fei , Fan Jin , Lv Hang , Wu Jia
Published: January 2019

Bike‐sharing is a new low‐carbon and environment‐friendly mode of public transport based on the “sharing economy”. Since 2017, the bike‐sharing market has boomed in China’s major cities. Bikes equipped with GPS transmitters are docked along sidewalks that can be easily accessed through smartphone apps. However, this new form of transport has also led to problems, such as illegal parking, vandalism, and theft, each of which presents a major administrative challenge. Further, imbalances in user demand and bike availability need to be overcome to ensure a convenient, flexible service for customers. Hence, predicting a cyclist’s destination could be of great importance to shared‐bike operators. In this paper, we propose an innovative deep learning model to predict the most probable destination for each user. The model, called destination prediction network based on spatiotemporal data (DPNst), comprises three steps. First, the data is preprocessed and a pool of likely candidate destinations is generated based on frequent item mining. This candidate set is then used to build the DPNst model: a long short‐term memory network learns the user’s behavior; a convolutional neural network learns the spatial relationships between the origin and the candidate destinations; and a fully connected neural network learns the external features. In the final step, DPNst dynamically aggregates the output of the three neural networks based on the given data and generates the predictions. In a series of experiments on real‐world stationless bike‐sharing data, DPNst returned an F1 score of 42.71% and demonstrated better performance overall than the compared baselines.
On Oscillations and Noise in Multicomponent Adsorption: The Nature of Multiple Stationary States
Authors: Jakšić Olga M. , Jakšić Zoran , Rašljić Milena B. , Kolar-Anić Ljiljana Z.
Published: January 2019

Starting from the fact that monocomponent adsorption, whether modeled by Lagergren or nonlinear Riccati equation, does not sustain oscillations, we speculate about the nature of multiple steady state states in multicomponent adsorption with second-order kinetics and about the possibility that multicomponent adsorption might exhibit oscillating behavior, in order to provide a tool for better discerning possible oscillations from inevitable fluctuations in experimental results or a tool for a better control of adsorption process far from equilibrium. We perform an analysis of stability of binary adsorption with second-order kinetics in multiple ways. We address perturbations around the steady state analytically, first in a classical way, then by introducing Langevin forces and analyzing the reaction flux and cross-correlations, then by applying the stochastic chemical master equation approach, and finally, numerically, by using stochastic simulation algorithms. Our results show that stationary states in this model are stable nodes. Hence, experimental results with purported oscillations in response should be addressed from the point of view of fluctuations and noise analysis.
Detection of Antibiotics in Drinking Water Treatment Plants in Baghdad City, Iraq
Authors: Mahmood Ansam R. , Al-Haideri Halah H. , Hassan Fikrat M.
Published: January 2019

Persistence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment has raised concerns regarding their potential influence on potable water quality and human health. This study analyzes the presence of antibiotics in potable water from two treatment plants in Baghdad City. The collected samples were separated using a solid-phase extraction method with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) cartridge before being analyzed. The detected antibiotics in the raw and finished drinking water were analyzed and assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with fluorometric detector and UV detector. The results confirmed that different antibiotics including fluoroquinolones andB-lactams were detected in the raw and finished water. The most frequently detected antibiotics were ciprofloxacin with highest concentration of 1.270 μg L−1in the raw water of Al-Wihda plant, whereas the highest concentration of levofloxacin was 0.177 μg L−1, while amoxicillin was not detected in this plant. In contrast, ciprofloxacin was found in both raw water and finished water of Al-Rasheed plant and recorded highest concentration of 1.344 and 1.312 μg L−1, respectively. Moreover, the residual amount of levofloxacin in the raw water was up to 0.414 μg L−1, whereas amoxicillin was shown to be the most detectable drug in the raw water of Al-Rasheed plant, with a concentration of 1.50 μg L−1. The results of this study revealed the existence of antibiotic drugs in raw and finished water and should be included in the Iraqi standard for drinking water quality assessment.
Trust Degree-Based MISO Cooperative Communications with Two Relay Nodes
Authors: Ryu Jong Yeol , Lee Jung Hoon
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we propose transmission strategies in multiple-input-single-output (MISO) cooperative communications with two relay nodes in cases when the relay nodes have different trust degrees, where the trust degrees represent how much the relay nodes can be trusted for cooperation. For the given trust degrees and channel conditions, we first derive a relay selection strategy that maximizes the expected achievable rate. We then propose a cooperative transmission strategy of relays with an optimal cooperative beamforming vector that maximizes the expected achievable rate, which is a linear combination of weighted channel vectors. Finally, we derive the optimal transmission strategy, which is a mixed strategy between the relay selection and cooperative transmission strategies with respect to the trust degrees. Our analysis and numerical results show that the proposed transmission strategies increase the expected achievable rate by exploiting the trust degrees of the relay nodes, along with the channel conditions.
Time‐Delayed Feedback Control in the Multiple Attractors Wind‐Induced Vibration Energy Harvesting System
Authors: Guo Qin , Sun Zhongkui , Zhang Ying , Xu Wei
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes a time‐delayed feedback control to improve collection performance of the multiple attractors wind‐induced vibration energy harvester system. By employing a conversion mechanism for decoupling the electromechanical equations and the stochastic averaging method, the roles of the time‐delayed feedback and the system parameters have been systematically examined. In the deterministic case, the time delay can control efficiently the birhythmic properties; thus one can realize a dividing line in the parameter plane that separates the space into two subspaces of generically distinct nature. Further, it is exclusively demonstrated that implementing time‐delayed feedback control serves as a very simple but highly efficient scheme to increase the harvested energy from vibrations in presence of noise disturbances. Additionally, the time constant ratio and coupling coefficients can also be properly tuned to optimize power generation.
On the Alpha Power Transformed Power Lindley Distribution
Authors: Hassan Amal S. , Elgarhy M. , Mohamd Rokaya E. , Alrajhi Sharifah
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we introduce a new generalization of the power Lindley distribution referred to asthe alpha power transformed power Lindley(APTPL). The APTPL model provides a better fit than the power Lindley distribution. It includes the alpha power transformed Lindley, power Lindley, Lindley, and gamma as special submodels. Various properties of the APTPL distribution including moments, incomplete moments, quantiles, entropy, and stochastic ordering are obtained. Maximum likelihood, maximum products of spacings, and ordinary and weighted least squares methods of estimation are utilized to obtain the estimators of the population parameters. Extensive numerical simulation is performed to examine and compare the performance of different estimates. Two important data sets are employed to show how the proposed model works in practice.
Existence of a Nontrivial Steady-State Solution to a Parabolic-Parabolic Chemotaxis System with Singular Sensitivity
Authors: Zhu Yingjie
Published: January 2019

This paper establishes the existence of a nontrivial steady-state solution to a parabolic-parabolic coupled system with singular (or logarithmic) sensitivity and nonlinear source arising from chemotaxis. The proofs mainly rely on the maximum principle, the implicit function theorem, and the Hopf bifurcation theorem.
Applying Big Data Analytics to Monitor Tourist Flow for the Scenic Area Operation Management
Authors: Qin Siyang , Man Jie , Wang Xuzhao , Li Can , Dong Honghui , Ge Xinquan
Published: January 2019

Considering the rapid development of the tourist leisure industry and the surge of tourist quantity, insufficient information regarding tourists has placed tremendous pressure on traffic in scenic areas. In this paper, the author uses the Big Data technology and Call Detail Record (CDR) data with the mobile phone real-time location information to monitor the tourist flow and analyse the travel behaviour of tourists in scenic areas. By collecting CDR data and implementing a modelling analysis of the data to simultaneously reflect the distribution of tourist hot spots in Beijing, tourist locations, tourist origins, tourist movements, resident information, and other data, the results provide big data support for alleviating traffic pressure at tourist attractions and tourist routes in the city and rationally allocating traffic resources. The analysis shows that the big data analysis method based on the CDR data of mobile phones can provide real-time information about tourist behaviours in a timely and effective manner. This information can be applied for the operation management of scenic areas and can provide real-time big data support for “smart tourism”.
The Role of Additional K-Wires on AO Type C Distal Radius Fracture Treatment with External Fixator in Young Population
Authors: Micic Ivan , Kholinne Erica , Sun Yucheng , Kwak Jae-Man , Jeon In-Ho
Published: January 2019

Objectives. Several methods have been proposed to treat AO type C distal radius fracture. External fixator has gained popularity for its simple procedure and rapid recovery. Some surgeons suggested that additional K-wires may play a critical role in the outcome. The purpose of study is to evaluate the role of additional K wires in treating distal radial fracture with external fixator regarding its outcome. Material and Methods. From January 2006 to January 2010, 40 patients with AO type C distal radius fracture were treated with external fixator, with (EF) or without additional K wires (EFK). Radiologic outcome parameters include radial inclination, volar tilt, radial length, and the presence of radiocarpal arthritis according to Knirk and Jupiter. Clinical outcomes include New York Orthopedic Hospital (NYOH) wrist scoring scale. Results. Radiographic outcome showed significant difference in regard of articular congruency at the final follow-up with the EFK group showing the advantage in maintaining the articular incongruity. NYOH wrist scoring scale showed no significant difference between both groups at final follow-up. The amount of articular step-off was less in EFK group with significant statistical finding on the final follow up. Conclusion. Both EF and EFK technique were able to provide satisfactory result in treating AO type C distal radius fractures. We observed that EFK is superior in reducing the number of radiocarpal arthritic changes compared to EF group due to its superiority in reducing articular step-off.
Bifurcations of a New Fractional-Order System with a One-Scroll Chaotic Attractor
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Hong Ling , Yang Lixin , Tang Dafeng
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a new fractional-order system which has a chaotic attractor of the one-scroll structure is presented. Firstly, the stability of the equilibrium points of the system is investigated. And based on the stability analysis, the generation conditions of the one-scroll structure for the attractor are determined. In a commensurate-order case, bifurcations with the variation of a system parameter are investigated as derivative orders decrease from 0.99. In an incommensurate-order case, bifurcations with the variation of a derivative order are analyzed as other orders decrease from 1.
Review of Carbonation Resistance in Hydrated Cement Based Materials
Authors: Marangu Joseph Mwiti , Thiong’o Joseph Karanja , Wachira Jackson Muthengia
Published: January 2019

Blended cements are preferred to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in construction industry due to costs and technological and environmental benefits associated with them. Prevalence of significant quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere due to increased industrial emission is deleterious to hydrated cement materials due to carbonation. Recent research has shown that blended cements are more susceptible to degradation due to carbonation than OPC. The ingress of CO2 within the porous mortar matrix is a diffusion controlled process. Subsequent chemical reaction between CO2 and cement hydration products (mostly calcium hydroxide [CH] and calcium silicate hydrate [CSH]) results in degradation of cement based materials. CH offers the buffering capacity against carbonation in hydrated cements. Partial substitution of OPC with pozzolanic materials however decreases the amount of CH in hydrated blended cements. Therefore, low amounts of CH in hydrated blended cements make them more susceptible to degradation as a result of carbonation compared to OPC. The magnitude of carbonation affects the service life of cement based structures significantly. It is therefore apparent that sufficient attention is given to carbonation process in order to ensure resilient cementitious structures. In this paper, an indepth review of the recent advances on carbonation process, factors affecting carbonation resistance, and the effects of carbonation on hardened cement materials have been discussed. In conclusion, carbonation process is influenced by internal and external factors, and it has also been found to have both beneficial and deleterious effects on hardened cement matrix.
Observability and Structural Identifiability of Nonlinear Biological Systems
Authors: Villaverde Alejandro F.
Published: January 2019

Observability is a modelling property that describes the possibility of inferring the internal state of a system from observations of its output. A related property, structural identifiability, refers to the theoretical possibility of determining the parameter values from the output. In fact, structural identifiability becomes a particular case of observability if the parameters are considered as constant state variables. It is possible to simultaneously analyse the observability and structural identifiability of a model using the conceptual tools of differential geometry. Many complex biological processes can be described by systems of nonlinear ordinary differential equations and can therefore be analysed with this approach. The purpose of this review article is threefold: (I) to serve as a tutorial on observability and structural identifiability of nonlinear systems, using the differential geometry approach for their analysis; (II) to review recent advances in the field; and (III) to identify open problems and suggest new avenues for research in this area.
Hemifacial Spasm Caused by Vascular Compression in the Cisternal Portion of the Facial Nerve: Report of Two Cases with Review of the Literature
Authors: Son Byung-chul , Ko Hak-cheol , Choi Jin-gyu
Published: January 2019

Although primary hemifacial spasm (HFS) is mostly related to a vascular compression of the facial nerve at its root exit zone (REZ), its occurrence in association with distal, cisternal portion has been repeatedly reported during the last two decades. We report two patients with typical HFS caused by distal neurovascular compression, in which the spasm was successfully treated with microvascular decompression (MVD). Vascular compression of distal, cisternal portion of the facial nerve was identified preoperatively in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It was confirmed again with intraoperative findings of compression of cisternal portion of the facial nerve by the meatal loop of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and absence of any offending vessel in the REZ of the facial nerve. Immediate disappearance of lateral spread response (LSR) after decompression and resolution of spasm after the operation again validated that HFS in the current patients originated from the vascular compression of distal, cisternal portion of the facial nerves. According to our literature review of 64 patients with HFS caused by distal neurovascular compression, distal compression can be classified by pure distal neurovascular compression (31 cases, 48.4%) and double compression (both distal segment and the REZ of the facial nerves, 33 cases [51.6%]) according to the presence or absence of simultaneous offender in the REZ. Eighty-four percent of 64 identified distal offenders were the AICA, especially its meatal and postmeatal segments. Before awareness of distal neurovascular compression causing HFS and sophisticated MRI imaging (before 2000), the rate of reoperation was high (58%). Preoperative MRI and intraoperative monitoring of LSR seems to be an essential element in determination of real offending vessel in MVD caused by distal offender.
Designing Incentive Mechanisms for Mobile Crowdsensing with Intermediaries
Authors: Chen Yatong , Chen Huangxun , Yang Shuo , Gao Xiaofeng , Guo Yunhe , Wu Fan
Published: January 2019

In the past decade, with the rapid development of wireless communication and sensor technology, ubiquitous smartphones equipped with increasingly rich sensors have more powerful computing and sensing abilities. Thus, mobile crowdsensing has received extensive attentions from both industry and academia. Recently, plenty of mobile crowdsensing applications come forth, such as indoor positioning, environment monitoring, and transportation. However, most existing mobile crowdsensing systems lack vast user bases and thus urgently need appropriate incentive mechanisms to attract mobile users to guarantee the service quality. In this paper, we propose to incorporate sensing platform and social network applications, which already have large user bases to build a three-layer network model. Thus, we can publicize the sensing platform promptly in large scale and provide long-term guarantee of data sources. Based on a three-layer network model, we design incentive mechanisms for both intermediaries and the crowdsensing platform and provide a solution to cope with the problem of user overlapping among intermediaries. We theoretically prove the properties of our proposed incentive mechanisms, including incentive compatibility, individual rationality, and efficiency. Furthermore, we evaluate our incentive mechanisms by extensive simulations. Evaluation results validate the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed mechanisms.
UBE2C Induces Cisplatin Resistance via ZEB1/2-Dependent Upregulation of ABCG2 and ERCC1 in NSCLC Cells
Authors: Wu Yan , Jin Dan , Wang Xiaohong , Du Jing , Di Weihua , An Jiajia , Shao Cuijie , Guo Jiwei
Published: January 2019

Objectives. Cisplatin (DDP) is one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs for several cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, resistance to DDP eventually develops, limiting its further application. New therapy targets are urgently needed to reverse DDP resistance. Methods. The mRNA expression of UBE2C, ZEB1/2, ABCG2, and ERCC1 was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels of these molecules were analyzed by Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 and MTT assays. Cell migration and invasion were analyzed by wound healing assay and Transwell assays. Promoter activities and gene transcription were analyzed by luciferase reporter assay. Results. In this study, we examined the effect of UBE2C and ZEB1/2 expression levels in DDP-resistant cells of NSCLC. We confirmed that aberrant expression of UBE2C and ZEB1/2 plays a critical role in repressing the DDP sensitivity to NSCLC cells. Additionally, knockdown of UBE2C significantly sensitized resistant cells to DDP by repressing the expression of ZEB1/2. Mechanistic investigations indicated that UBE2C transcriptionally regulated ZEB1/2 by accelerating promoter activity. This study revealed that ZEB1/2 promotes the epithelial mesenchymal transition and expression of ABCG2 and ERCC1 to participate in UBE2C-mediated NSCLC DDP-resistant cell progression, metastasis, and invasion. Conclusion. UBE2C may be a novel therapy target for NSCLC for sensitizing cells to the chemotherapeutic agent DDP.
Do Maternal Vitamin D Levels Influence Vitamin D Levels in Preterm Neonates?
Authors: Panda M. , McIntosh J. , Chaudhari T. , Kent A. L.
Published: January 2019

Objective. To determine the prevalence of Vitamin D (VitD) deficiency/insufficiency in mothers of preterm neonates less than or equal to 32 weeks of gestation and determine if the current level of VitD supplementation used for preterm neonates is appropriate.Design. Prospective study from10thMay 2015 to1stNovember 2016.Setting. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Canberra Hospital.Patients. Mothers and their preterm neonates born less than or equal to 32 weeks gestation.Interventions. Maternal VitD levels were obtained within 3-4 days following delivery. Neonatal VitD levels were obtained in the first 3-4 days of life, at 3-4 weeks of age, and at 6-8 weeks of age. Demographic data and data on VitD intake from parenteral nutrition, enteral feeds, and vitamin supplementation agents were collected.Results. 70 neonates were enrolled into the study. Median gestation was 29 (27-30) weeks and median birth weight 1197 (971.2-1512.5) grams. Median maternal VitD level was 54.5 (36-70.7) nmol/L, median neonatal Vit D level at birth was 57 (42-70) nmol/L. Median Vit D level at 3 weeks and 6 weeks were 63.5 nmol/L (53-80.2) nmol/L and 103 (71.5-144) nmol/L respectively. 22/55 (40%) mothers were VitD deficient/insufficient. 25/70 (36%) neonates were VitD deficient/insufficient at birth. Of those neonates who were VitD deficient/insufficient at birth 5/25(10%) were deficient/insufficient at 6 weeks. The median intake of VitD at 6 weeks was 826.5 (577.5-939.5) IU/day.Conclusions. VitD deficiency/insufficiency in mothers of preterm neonates and in preterm neonates at birth is common. Routine screening of maternal VitD and their preterm neonates along with individualized supplementation regimens in mothers and preterm infants may optimize VitD status and reduce risk of ongoing VitD deficiency/insufficiency.
Exploring the Types of Casinos Preferred in Japan via Conjoint Analysis of Relevant Words
Authors: Komiya Nozomi , Nakamura Jun
Published: January 2019

A word can carry different meanings for different people. Conjoint analysis was applied to assess preferences for various words describing integrated resorts (IR) including casinos, to be introduced in Japan in the future. We discuss how the participants understood particular words (e.g., a specific casino’s place name or wording regarding restrictions on betting) that define the characteristics of a casino, as well as how casino-related words influenced participants’ preferences. Implications for enhancing public understanding of casinos are explored in the conclusion.
Mechanical Characteristics of Green Composites of Short Kenaf Bast Fiber Reinforced in Cardanol
Authors: Dashtizadeh Zahra , Khalina Abdan , Cardona Francisco , Lee Ching Hao
Published: January 2019

In this experiment, thermoset cardanol resin was reinforced with short kenaf bast fibers to produce 100% green composites. Different fiber loadings based on weight ratios (0%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%) were fabricated by the hand layup method followed by compression molding. The results indicated that 50UTK (untreated kenaf fibers) displays the highest mechanical properties (91.9% and 43.4% increment for tensile strength and impact strength, respectively) compared with the brittle cardanol polymer and other combinations of composite. This indicates a great load transfer mechanism by kenaf fiber reinforcement due to good fiber/matrix interface shown in scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses. On the contrary, short kenaf fiber insertion creates a stress concentration spot at the fiber’s end causing slightly lower flexural properties. Besides, high processing temperature has caused damage to the fibers and made further reduction of flexural strength. Therefore, a better load transfer mechanism has been compensated by negative influences of kenaf fiber insertion. In conclusion, 50 wt% of kenaf fiber insertion is found to be the optimum loading for cardanol matrix.
Spatial Frailty Survival Model for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Mortality in Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Woya Ashenafi Abate , Tekile Abay Kassa , Basha Garoma Wakjira
Published: January 2019

Tuberculosis (TB), a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), is the main cause of death. It disproportionally affects those living in the different regions of countries and within the region. The aim of this study was to examine spatial variation of mortality and the risk factor of death on multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients treated in different MDR-TB hospitals of Amhara region. The data for this study was used from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients’ record charts and analyzed using STATA software. The result of this study shows that 61 (29.47%) of the patients died, and the rest, 146 (70.53%), of the patients were censored at the time of the study. Out of 207 MDR-TB, 146 (70.53%) were males and 61 (29.5%) were females. This study revealed that there was no heterogeneity for death in patients treated in different hospitals. Older patients, therapeutic delay, alcohol use, any clinical complication previously not treated, HIV coinfection, and presence of any chronic disease were the risk factors that influenced the death of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients.
Product Acceptance Determination with Measurement Error Using the Neutrosophic Statistics
Authors: Aslam Muhammad
Published: January 2019

The variable data is obtained from the measurement process which is not fully complete or clear in nature due to measurement error. The neutrosophic statistics which is the extension of classical statistics can be applied in the industry for the lot senescing when observations or parameters are uncertain or indeterminate or unclear. In this manuscript, a new sampling plan for the measurement error using the neutrosophic statistics is designed. The proposed sampling plan has two neutrosophic parameters, namely, sample size and acceptance number. The neutrosophic operating function is also given. The neutrosophic plan parameters will be determined through the neutrosophic optimization problem. Some tables are given for some specified parameters. From the comparison study, it is concluded that the proposed sampling plan is more flexible, adequate, and effective in the uncertainty environment as compared to the existing sampling plan under the classical statistics. A real example is given for the illustration purpose.
Ethnomedical Survey of the Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Narok County, Kenya
Authors: Kigen Gabriel , Kamuren Zipporah , Njiru Evangeline , Wanjohi Bernard , Kipkore Wilson
Published: January 2019

Most of the plants used by herbalists amongst the various Kenyan communities have not been documented despite their widespread use. The purpose of this research was to document the medicinal plants used by the herbalists from the Maasai, a community that still relies on herbal medicine to a large extent for the provision of medical services. Semistructured interviews, direct observations, group discussions, and in-depth interviews were used to collect information from the traditional healers. A total of 47 plant species belonging to 31 families were identified. They were used in the treatment of 33 medical and 4 veterinary conditions.
Circulating Hypoxia Responsive microRNAs (HRMs) and Wound Healing Potentials of Green Tea in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Rat Models
Authors: Al-Rawaf Hadeel A. , Gabr Sami A. , Alghadir Ahmad H.
Published: January 2019

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has many biological activities and may promote diabetic wound healing by regulation of circulating hypoxia responsive microRNAs (HRMs) which triggers the wound repairing process in diabetic and nondiabetic wounds. Thus, in this study, the potential effects of green tea extract (GTE) on the expression of miRNAs; miR-424, miR-199a, miR-210, miR-21, and fibrogenitic markers; hydroxyproline (HPX), fibronectin (FN), and nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated in wounds of diabetic and nondiabetic rats. The animals were topically treated with vaseline, 0.6% GTE, and 5%w/w povidone iodine (standard control). HPX, FN, and NO levels and microRNAs, miR-424, miR-210, miR-199a, and miR-21, were estimated in wound tissues using colorimetric, immunoassay, and molecular PCR analysis. In vitro analysis was performed to estimate active constituents and their antioxidant activities in methanolic green teat extract (GTE). Wounds treated with green tea, a dose of 0.6, healed significantly earlier than those treated with standard vehicle and vaseline treated diabetic wounds. Higher expressions of HRMs, miR-199a, and miR-21, and lower expression of HRMs, miR-424 and miR-210, were significantly reported in tissues following treatment with green tea extract compared to standard control vehicle. The tissues also contained more collagen expressed as measures of HPX, FN, and NO and more angiogenesis, compared to wounds treated with standard control vehicle. Diabetic and nondiabetic wounds treated with green tea (0.6%) for three weeks had lesser scar width and greater re-epithelialization in shorter periods when compared to standard control vehicle. Expression of HRMs, miR-199a, miR-21, and HRMs and miR-424 and miR-210 correlated positively with HPX, fibronectin, NO, better scar formation, and tensile strength and negatively with diabetes. In addition to antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of green tea components, GTE showed angiogenesis promoting activity in diabetic wound healing. In conclusion, Camellia sinensis extracts in a dose of 0.6% significantly promote more collagen and fibronectin deposition with higher expression of NO, promoting angiogenesis process via molecular controlling of circulating hypoxia responsive microRNAs: miR-424, miR-210, miR-199a, and miR-21 in diabetic and nondiabetic wounds. Our results support a functional role of circulating hypoxia responsive microRNAs: miR-424, miR-210, miR-199a, and miR-21 as potential therapeutic targets in angiogenesis and vascular remodeling in diabetic wound healing.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of HIV Positive Mothers on Antiretroviral Treatment towards Infant Feeding in Gondar Town Health Institutions, North West Ethiopia, 2017
Authors: Ekubagewargies Daniale Tekelia , Mekonnen Habtamu Sewunet , Siyoum Tsehayu Melak
Published: January 2019

Introduction. The world health organization recommends feeding practices for infants born from Human Immunodeficiency Virus infected mothers to be safe to both the infant and the mother. This includes prevention of mother to child transmission of the virus and at the same time meeting nutritional requirements of the child. This requires prioritizing prevention of HIV transmission through breastfeeding against non-HIV morbidity and mortality especially from malnutrition and serious illnesses such as diarrhea, among nonbreastfed infants. Objective. This study was aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice of HIV positive mothers on antiretroviral therapy towards infant feeding. Method. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 HIV positive mothers at ART clinics of Gondar town from March 1 to April 18, 2017. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data was collected using a structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The collected data was entered into Epi Info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Result. A total of 402 participants were interviewed with a 100% response rate. The mean age of participants was 29.24 (SD±10.06) years. The overall level of participant good knowledge and favorable attitude was 68.91% and 75.87%, respectively. Only 23.7% of mothers were practicing infant feeding according to WHO recommendation.
Enhanced Reflected Group Delay with Optical Tamm State via Graphene-Dielectric Bragg Mirror Configuration
Authors: Tang Jiao , Xu Jiao , Zhou Hui , Zheng Zhiwei , Zhou Yuxiang , Weng Rui , Wei Yueying , Liu Yue , Liu Qiwei , Jiang Leyong , Qian Shengyou
Published: January 2019

Group delay of the optical pulse reflected from the structure composed of graphene and one dimensional photonic crystal (1D PC) is studied. It is shown that the large negative group delay in this configuration can be realized due to the excitation of the optical Tamm state (OTS) at a graphene-dielectric interface. The reflected group delay can be enlarged negatively and can be switched from positive to negative or vice versa. We show that the conductivity of graphene has a significant influence on reflected group delay, making the graphene-PC structure be a good candidate for dynamic tunable optical delay device in the THz frequencies. Furthermore, the influences of the relaxation time of graphene, the incident angel, and the dispersion characteristics of top layer on group delay are clarified.
Pattern of Disinfection of Root Canal Dentin by Alternated Acid-Base Irrigating Regimen
Authors: Soares Janir Alves , Carvalho Maria Auxiliadora Roque de , Soares Suelleng Maria Cunha Santos , Pereira Rodrigo Dantas , Brito-Júnior Manoel , Magalhães Paula Prazeres , Nunes Isabel Alessandra Miranda , Tavarez Rudys Rodolpho de Jesus , Rizzi Claudia de Castro , Moreira Rafaela Nogueira , Farias Luiz de Macêdo , Maia Filho Etevaldo Matos
Published: January 2019

Objective. To quantifyEnterococcus faecalisdensity in root canal dentin after chemomechanical preparation (CMP) using alternated irrigating regimen.Methodology. Root canals (RC) were contaminated withE. faecalis(ATCC 19433) for 3 weeks and evident biofilms were obtained. After initial sampling (S1), the CMP was aided by irrigants: saline solution (control; n=12), a conventional regimen (CR) (group 1; n=12) using 5.25% NaOCl and a final rinse with 17% EDTA, and an alternating regimen (AR) of intercalated use of NaOCl and EDTA (group 2, n=12), followed by a second sampling (S2). After 2 weeks, S3 was obtained. Two roots were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Each root was divided into cervical, mild, and apical segments and sampling of the superficial (n=90) and deep (n=90) dentin layers was obtained using Gates-Glidden burs. TheE. faecalisdensity (CFU/mg) in log10was categorized as residual (0 > 0.2), moderate (0.2 ≥ 0.5), or elevated (> 0.5). The prevalence of positive samples in BHI and BHI-A was analyzed by Pearson’s chi-square test. The data were normalized by a log10transformation of CFU and were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests.Results. Biofilms were observed only in the control root canal walls. Topographically, the controls and CR showed similar distributions ofE. faecalisin the dentin. Microbiologically positive root canals harbored muchE. faecalisin the adjacent dentin (p< 0.05). Irrigating saline provided moderate density ofE. faecalisin the dentin while CR and AR resulted in a residual density of microorganisms (p< 0.05).Conclusions. TheEnterococcus faecalisdensity in dentin was influenced by the irrigating regimen and the microbiological status of the root canal. The CMP aided by the alternating regimen interfered with the recolonization of the root canal and topographic distribution ofEnterococcusin root dentin.
A Lightweight Fine-Grained Search Scheme over Encrypted Data in Cloud-Assisted Wireless Body Area Networks
Authors: Cao Mingsheng , Wang Luhan , Qin Zhiguang , Lou Chunwei
Published: January 2019

The wireless body area networks (WBANs) have emerged as a highly promising technology that allows patients’ demographics to be collected by tiny wearable and implantable sensors. These data can be used to analyze and diagnose to improve the healthcare quality of patients. However, security and privacy preserving of the collected data is a major challenge on resource-limited WBANs devices and the urgent need for fine-grained search and lightweight access. To resolve these issues, in this paper, we propose a lightweight fine-grained search over encrypted data in WBANs by employing ciphertext policy attribute based encryption and searchable encryption technologies, of which the proposed scheme can provide resource-constraint end users with fine-grained keyword search and lightweight access simultaneously. We also formally define its security and prove that it is secure against both chosen plaintext attack and chosen keyword attack. Finally, we make a performance evaluation to demonstrate that our scheme is much more efficient and practical than the other related schemes, which makes the scheme more suitable for the real-world applications.
Risk Factors Associated with Neonatal Sepsis: A Case Study at a Specialist Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Adatara Peter , Afaya Agani , Salia Solomon Mohammed , Afaya Richard Adongo , Konlan Kennedy Diema , Agyabeng-Fandoh Eric , Agbinku Ethel , Ayandayo Esther Aku , Boahene Irene Gifty
Published: January 2019

Worldwide, neonatal sepsis accounts for an estimated 26% of under-five deaths, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest mortality rates. Though worldwide neonatal deaths have decreased by over 3.6 million per year since 2000, neonatal sepsis remains a notable hindrance to the progress in the decline of cause-specific mortality rates especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at examining the risk factors of neonatal sepsis at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital, Winneba. The study was an unmatched case control retrospective study. Cases were neonates who had sepsis with their index mothers and controls were neonates who did not have sepsis with their index mothers. Neonatal and maternal medical records were retrieved from January to December 2017. Data abstraction lasted for one month and 2650 folders for the neonates and their index mothers were retrieved. Nine hundred (900) neonatal folders were considered valid for the study and likewise for the maternal folders. One hundred and three (103) folders were considered cases while 797 were considered as controls. Data were entered using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 22. Logistic regression was used to determine the risk of neonatal sepsis. Maternal factors that predicted the occurrence of sepsis among neonates were parity (p<0.027), mode of delivery (p<0.001), bleeding disorder (p<0.001), and PROM (p<0.001). Neonatal risk factors which predicted the occurrence of sepsis were APGAR score in the first and fifth minute (p<0.001), resuscitation at birth (p<0.004), duration of stay in the facility (p<0.001), and neonatal age on admission (p<0.001). The study found both maternal and neonatal factors to have a strong association with the risk of developing neonatal sepsis. Encouraging maternal antenatal care utilization would help identify the risk factors during prenatal and postnatal care and appropriate interventions implemented to reduce the likelihood of the neonate developing sepsis.