bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of aerodynamics of separator delivery from cavity
Authors: Xue Fei , Wang Yuchao , Bai Peng
Published: June 2020

The ejection test technology is studied in a sub-transonic supersonic wind tunnel using a single cylinder to provide ejection velocity. The angular velocity adjusting device of ejection mechanism is designed, which can adjust the ejection velocity and angular velocity of the model independently. When the ejection cylinder moves downward, the angular velocity adjusting mechanism works at the same time, so that the model has the preset ejection velocity and angular velocity at the moment of leaving the ejection frame. The ejection velocity error is less than 5%, the angular velocity error is less than 10%, and the repetition rate is more than 95%. The new technology has been verified by wind tunnel tests under complex aerodynamic conditions of sub-transonic supersonic and multi-body interference. All parameters have reached or surpassed the existing technical specifications. It has served for model tests many times and met the needs of wind tunnel test research on ejection of embedded weapons in aircraft.
Dynamic stall control using inflatable leading edge
Authors: Xing Shi-Long , Xu He-Yong , Ye Zheng-Yin , Ma Ming-Sheng , Xu Yue
Published: June 2020

The inflatable leading edge (ILE) as a dynamic stall control concept for helicopter rotor blades was investigated numerically on a dynamically pitching airfoil. A fluid–structure interaction (FSI) numerical method for the elastic membrane structure was constructed based on unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations and mass spring damper (MSD) structural dynamic model. The numerical results indicate that the ILE can change the radius of curvature of the airfoil leading edge, which could reduce the streamwise adverse pressure gradient and suppress the formation of dynamic stall vortex (DSV). Although the maximum lift coefficient of the airfoil is reduced by 8.2%, the maximum drag and pitching moment coefficients of the airfoil are reduced by up to 50.1% and 55.3%, respectively.
Darboux transformation and soliton solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional Schwarz–Korteweg–de Vries equation
Authors: Li Xuemei , Zhang Mingxiao
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we deduce the (2+1)-dimensional Schwarz–Korteweg–de Vries equation from two (1+1)-dimensional equations. Based on the resulting Lax pairs, we present its [Formula: see text]-fold Darboux transformation. From a trivial solution, we get [Formula: see text]-soliton and [Formula: see text]-soliton solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional Schwarz–Korteweg–de Vries equation. The asymptotic analyses of the [Formula: see text]-soliton, [Formula: see text]-soliton and [Formula: see text]-soliton solutions are presented theoretically and graphically.
E2MR-HOA: Conservation of Energy through Multi-Hop Routing Protocol for WSN’S Using Hybrid Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Kumaran G. , Yaashuwanth C.
Published: June 2020

Consuming energy at the maximal level is a major concern in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Many researchers focus on reducing and preserving the energy. The duration of active network of WSNs is affected by energy consumption of sensor nodes. For typical applications such as structure monitoring, border surveillance, integrated into the external surface of a pipeline, and clambered along the sustaining structure of a bridge, sensor node energy efficiency is an important issue. The paper proposed an energy-efficient multi-hop routing protocol using hybrid optimization algorithm (E2MR-HOA) for WSNs. The proposed routing protocol consists of two algorithms, i.e., hybrid optimization algorithm. We present modified chemical reaction optimization (MCRO) algorithm to form clusters and select cluster head (CH) among the cluster members. Then the modified bacterial forging search (MBFS) algorithm is used to compute reliable route between source to destination. The proposed E2MR-HOA protocol is evaluated using NS2 simulations. The simulation result shows that the proposed routing protocol provides significant energy efficiency with network lifetime over the existing routing protocols.
Fuzzy Logic-based Battery Management System for Solar-Powered Li-Ion Battery in Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Raj P. Justin , Prabhu V. Vasan , Premkumar K.
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the solar powered charging control of lithium-ion battery. The flyback converter is used to extract the maximum power from the solar photovoltaic (PV) array and charge the battery. This paper also presents the fuzzy logic-based battery management system to protect the batteries due to overcharging and over-discharging conditions. The proposed method is designed and developed in the MATLAB/Simulink platform. Solar PV powered battery system is tested for step change in irradiance conditions and corresponding results are measured and analyzed. The effectiveness of the fuzzy logic-based battery management system is also presented. The simulation model for BMS technique has overall efficiency of 95.1%. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed system, experimental verification of the proposed method is implemented in real time and compared with simulation results.
Multi-Rider Optimization-Based Neural Network for Fault Isolation in Analog Circuits
Authors: Binu D. , Kariyappa B. S.
Published: June 2020

Fault isolation in electronic circuits is a trending area of interest as analog circuits find valuable application in industry. The failures in circuit systems cause severe issues in the normal functioning of the system that insists on the need for an automatic method of fault isolation in analog circuits. Literature conveys the issues associated with the fault isolation and hence, to address the severity of the faults, a novel model is proposed to isolate the fault causing component in the circuit. The proposed Multi-Rider Optimization-based Neural Network (M-RideNN) isolates the faulty part of the circuit from the fault-free areas such that the fault diagnosis is structured in an effective way. The fault isolation is progressed as four major steps such as establishing the fault dictionary, signal normalization using Linear Predictive Coding (LPC), effective dimensional reduction methodology using Probabilistic Principal Component Analysis (PPCA), and fault isolation using the proposed M-RideNN classifier. Finally, the experimentation using three circuits, namely Triangular Wave Generator (TWG), Bipolar Transistor Amplifier (BTA), differentiator (DIF), and an application circuit, Solar Power Converter (SPC), proves that the proposed M-RideNN classifier offers better classification accuracy of 93.18% with a minimum Mean Square Error (MSE) of 0.0682.
A description of Rasmussen’s invariant from the divisibility of Lee’s canonical class
Authors: Sano Taketo
Published: June 2020

We give a description of Rasmussen’s [Formula: see text]-invariant from the divisibility of Lee’s canonical class. More precisely, given any link diagram [Formula: see text], for any choice of an integral domain [Formula: see text] and a non-zero, non-invertible element [Formula: see text], we define the [Formula: see text]-divisibility [Formula: see text] of Lee’s canonical class of [Formula: see text], and prove that a combination of [Formula: see text] and some elementary properties of [Formula: see text] yields a link invariant [Formula: see text]. Each [Formula: see text] possesses properties similar to [Formula: see text], which in particular reproves the Milnor conjecture. If we restrict to knots and take [Formula: see text], then our invariant coincides with [Formula: see text].
THE ORIGINS OF EXTREME WEALTH INEQUALITY IN THE TALENT VERSUS LUCK MODEL
Authors: CHALLET DAMIEN , PLUCHINO ALESSANDRO , BIONDO ALESSIO EMANUELE , RAPISARDA ANDREA
Published: June 2020

While wealth distribution in the world is highly skewed and heavy-tailed, human talent — as the majority of individual features — is normally distributed. In a recent computational study by Pluchino et al. [Talent vs luck: The role of randomness in success and failure, Adv. Complex Syst. 21(03–04) (2018) 1850014], it has been shown that the combined effects of both random external factors (lucky and unlucky events) and multiplicative dynamics in capital accumulation are able to clarify this apparent contradiction. We introduce here a simplified version (STvL) of the original Talent versus Luck (TvL) model, where only lucky events are present, and verify that its dynamical rules lead to the same very large wealth inequality. We also derive some analytical approximations aimed to capture the mechanism responsible for the creation of such wealth inequality from a Gaussian-distributed talent. Under these approximations, our analysis is able to reproduce quite well the results of the numerical simulations of the simplified model in special cases. On the other hand, it also shows that the complexity of the model lies in the fact that lucky events are transformed into an increase of capital with heterogeneous rates, which yields a nontrivial generalization of the role of multiplicative processes in generating wealth inequality, whose fully generic case is still not amenable to analytical computations.
A Review on Some Arithmetic Concepts of Z-Number and Its Application to Real-World Problems
Authors: Abdullahi Mujahid , Ahmad Tahir , Ramachandran Vinod
Published: June 2020

Zadeh introduced the concept of Z-numbers in 2011 to deal with imprecise information. In this regard, many research works have been published in an attempt to introduce some basic theoretical concepts of Z-numbers to model real-world problems. To understand the current challenges when dealing with Z-numbers and the feasibility of using Z-number in solving real-world problems, a comprehensive review of the existing work on Z-number is paramount. This paper consists of an overview of existing literature on Z-number and identifies some of the key areas that are required for further improvement.
Fuzzy Numbers and Fractional Programming in Making Decisions
Authors: Stanojević Bogdana , Dzitac Simona , Dzitac Ioan
Published: June 2020

This study surveys the use of fuzzy numbers in classic optimization models, and its effects on making decisions. In a wide sense, mathematical programming is a collection of tools used in mathematical optimization to make good decisions. There are many sectors of economy that employ it. Finance and government, logistics and manufacturing, the distribution of the electrical power are worth to be first mentioned.

When real life problems are modeled mathematically, there is always a trade-off between model’s accuracy and complexity. By this survey, we aim to present in a concise form some mathematical models from the literature together with the methods to solve them. We will focus mainly on fuzzy fractional programming problems. We will also refer to but not describe in detail the multi-criteria decision-making problems involving fuzzy numbers and linear fractional programming models.
An Extension-Based Classification System of Cloud Computing Patents
Authors: Huang Jia-Yen , Tan Ke-Wei
Published: June 2020

Owing to the large number of professional glossaries and unknown patent classification, analysts usually fail to collect and analyze patents efficiently. One solution to this problem is to conduct patent analysis using a patent classification system. However, in a corpus such as cloud patents, many keywords are common among different classes, making it difficult to classify the unknown class documents using the machine learning techniques proposed by previous studies. To remedy this problem, this study aims to establish an efficient classification system with a special focus on features extraction and application of extension theory. We first propose a compound method to determine the features, and then, we propose an extension-based classification method to develop an efficient patent classification system. Using cloud computing patents as the database, the experimental results show that our proposed scheme can outperform the classification quality of the traditional classifiers.
Potential of Graphene Nanodots in Cellular Imaging and Raman Mapping
Authors: Bhori Mustansir , Tungare Kanchanlata , Kasu Yasar Arfat , Thakur Mukeshchand
Published: June 2020

Highly-dispersed graphene nanodots (GNDs) up to 10[Formula: see text]nm are synthesized using D-galactose as a carbon precursor. The GNDs are self-passivized, emit dual-color excitation-dependent emission and highly biocompatible in cell lines. Their applicability is demonstarted for cellular bioimaging and Raman mapping of cells. Furthermore, their implications on mammalian cell growth and plant seed germination are expounded.
Some characterizations of pseudo-chains in pseudo-ordered sets
Authors: Rai Shashirekha B. , Bhatta S. Parameshwara
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we have proved that minimum condition in a pseudo-ordered set (psoset) is equivalent to the descending pseudo-chain condition. Characterization of a pseudo-chain in an acyclic psoset is obtained using graph theoretic approach as transitivity need not hold in psosets. Skala proved that every complete trellis has Fixed Point Property. A counterexample given in this paper shows that trellis having Fixed Point Property need not be complete. The notion of weakly isotone mapping and Strong Fixed Point Property is introduced in a psoset and the characterization of weakly isotone mapping is obtained. It is proved that a connected psoset containing a nontrivial cycle does not have Strong Fixed Point Property.
Metal ions sensing using carbon nanodots from various sources
Authors: Karpushkin Evgeny , Kharochkina Ekaterina , Sergeyev Vladimir , Gallyamov Marat
Published: June 2020

We have demonstrated that variation of the precursor concentration during hydrothermal synthesis of carbon nanodots is an efficient mean to tune the yield of the products keeping their optical properties the same. Moreover, we found that the nature of the precursor determined the sensitivity and selectivity of detection of metal ions in the solution via quenching the fluorescence.
Frontiers in the Simulation of Dislocations
Authors: Bertin Nicolas , Sills Ryan B. , Cai Wei
Published: June 2020

Dislocations play a vital role in the mechanical behavior of crystalline materials during deformation. To capture dislocation phenomena across all relevant scales, a multiscale modeling framework of plasticity has emerged, with the goal of reaching a quantitative understanding of microstructure–property relations, for instance, to predict the strength and toughness of metals and alloys for engineering applications. This review describes the state of the art of the major dislocation modeling techniques, and then discusses how recent progress can be leveraged to advance the frontiers in simulations of dislocations. The frontiers of dislocation modeling include opportunities to establish quantitative connections between the scales, validate models against experiments, and use data science methods (e.g., machine learning) to gain an understanding of and enhance the current predictive capabilities.
Can We See with Melanopsin?
Authors: Lucas Robert J. , Allen Annette E. , Milosavljevic Nina , Storchi Riccardo , Woelders Tom
Published: June 2020

A small fraction of mammalian retinal ganglion cells are directly photoreceptive thanks to their expression of the photopigment melanopsin. These intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) have well-established roles in a variety of reflex responses to changes in ambient light intensity, including circadian photoentrainment. In this article, we review the growing evidence, obtained primarily from laboratory mice and humans, that the ability to sense light via melanopsin is also an important component of perceptual and form vision. Melanopsin photoreception has low temporal resolution, making it fundamentally biased toward detecting changes in ambient light and coarse patterns rather than fine details. Nevertheless, melanopsin can indirectly impact high-acuity vision by driving aspects of light adaptation ranging from pupil constriction to changes in visual circuit performance. Melanopsin also contributes directly to perceptions of brightness, and recent data suggest that this influences the appearance not only of overall scene brightness, but also of low-frequency patterns.
Overexpressed microRNA-539-5p inhibits inflammatory response of neurons to impede the progression of cerebral ischemic injury by histone deacetylase 1
Authors: Xue Hang , Liu Jianpeng , Shi Lin , Yang Hongfa
Published: June 2020

Several microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) regulate cerebral ischemic injury outcomes; however, little is known about the role of miR-539-5p during cerebral ischemic injury or the postischemic state. Cerebral ischemic injury was modeled in vitro by exposing human cortical neurons to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and in vivo by occluding the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) in a rat model. The effects of miR-539-5p, histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), and early growth response 2 (EGR2) on cerebral ischemia were investigated using gain- and loss-of-function experiments. We identified changes in miR-539-5p, HDAC1, EGR2, and phosphorylated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK). The interaction among miR-539-5p, HDAC1, and EGR2 was determined by dual luciferase reporter gene assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and coimmunoprecipitation. We also investigated the effects on cell viability and apoptosis and changes in inflammatory cytokine expression and spatial memory on MCAO rats. miR-539-5p and EGR2 were poorly expressed, while HDAC1 was highly expressed in OGD-treated HCN-2 cells. miR-539-5p targeted HDAC1, while HDAC1 prevented acetylation of EGR2 resulting in its downregulation and subsequent activation of the JNK pathway. Overexpression of miR-539-5p or EGR2 or silencing HDAC1 improved viability and reduced apoptosis of OGD-treated HCN-2 cells in vitro. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-539-5p improved spatial memory, while decreasing cell apoptosis and inflammation in MCAO rats. Collectively, these data suggest that miR-539-5p targets HDAC1 to upregulate EGR2, thus blocking the JNK signaling pathway, by which cerebral ischemic injury is alleviated.
Measuring the efficiency of pulmonary gas exchange using expired gas instead of arterial blood: comparing the “ideal” Po2 of Riley with end-tidal Po2
Authors: West John B. , Liu Matthew A. , Stark Phoebe C. , Prisk G. Kim
Published: June 2020

When using a new noninvasive method for measuring the efficiency of pulmonary gas exchange, a key measurement is the oxygen deficit, defined as the difference between the end-tidal alveolar Po2 and the calculated arterial Po2. The end-tidal Po2 is measured using a rapid gas analyzer, and the arterial Po2 is derived from pulse oximetry after allowing for the effect of the Pco2 on the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin. In the present report we show that the values of end-tidal Po2 and Pco2 are highly reproducible, providing a solid foundation for the measurement of the oxygen deficit. We compare the oxygen deficit with the classical ideal alveolar-arterial Po2 difference (A-aDO2) as originally proposed by Riley, and now extensively used in clinical practice. This assumes Riley’s criteria for ideal alveolar gas, namely no ventilation-perfusion inequality, the same Pco2 as arterial blood, and the same respiratory exchange ratio as the whole lung. It transpires that, in normal subjects, the end-tidal Po2 is essentially the same as the ideal value. This conclusion is consistent with the very small oxygen deficit that we have reported in young normal subjects, the significantly higher values seen in older normal subjects, and the much larger values in patients with lung disease. We conclude that this noninvasive measurement of the efficiency of pulmonary exchange is identical in many respects to that based on the ideal alveolar Po2, but that it is easier to obtain.
Understanding the age divide in COVID-19: why are children overwhelmingly spared?
Authors: Lingappan K. , Karmouty-Quintana H. , Davies J. , Akkanti B. , Harting M. T.
Published: June 2020

The rapid emergence and subsequent global dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) has resulted in over 4 million cases worldwide. The disease has a marked predilection for adults, and children are relatively spared. Understanding the age-based differences in pathophysiological pathways and processes relevant to the onset and progression of disease both in the clinical course and in experimental disease models may hold the key to the identification of therapeutic targets. The differences in the clinical course are highlighted by the lack of progression of the SARS-CoV-2 infection beyond mild symptoms in a majority of children, whereas in adults the disease progresses to acute lung injury and an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-like phenotype with high mortality. The pathophysiological mechanisms leading to decreased lung injury in children may involve the decreased expression of the mediators necessary for viral entry into the respiratory epithelium and differences in the immune system responses in children. Specifically, decreased expression of proteins, including angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 ( ACE2) and Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 ( TMPRSS2) in the airway epithelium in children may prevent viral entry. The immune system differences may include a relative preponderance of CD4+ T cells, decreased neutrophil infiltration, decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines, and increased production of immunomodulatory cytokines in children compared with adults. Notably, the developing lung in children may have a greater capacity to recover and repair after viral infection. Understanding the relative contributions of the above processes to the protective phenotype in the developing lung can guide the trial of the appropriate therapies in adults.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase-α amplifies transforming growth factor-β-dependent profibrotic signaling in lung fibroblasts
Authors: Aschner Yael , Nelson Meghan , Brenner Matthew , Roybal Helen , Beke Keriann , Meador Carly , Foster Daniel , Correll Kelly A. , Reynolds Paul R. , Anderson Kelsey , Redente Elizabeth F. , Matsuda Jennifer , Riches David W. H. , Groshong Steve D. , Pozzi Ambra , Sap Jan , Wang Qin , Rajshankar Dhaarmini , McCulloch Christopher A. G. , Zemans Rachel L. , Downey Gregory P.
Published: June 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, often fatal, fibrosing lung disease for which treatment remains suboptimal. Fibrogenic cytokines, including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), are central to its pathogenesis. Protein tyrosine phosphatase-α (PTPα) has emerged as a key regulator of fibrogenic signaling in fibroblasts. We have reported that mice globally deficient in PTPα ( Ptpra−/−) were protected from experimental pulmonary fibrosis, in part via alterations in TGF-β signaling. The goal of this study was to determine the lung cell types and mechanisms by which PTPα controls fibrogenic pathways and whether these pathways are relevant to human disease. Immunohistochemical analysis of lungs from patients with IPF revealed that PTPα was highly expressed by mesenchymal cells in fibroblastic foci and by airway and alveolar epithelial cells. To determine whether PTPα promotes profibrotic signaling pathways in lung fibroblasts and/or epithelial cells, we generated mice with conditional (floxed) Ptpra alleles ( Ptpraf/f). These mice were crossed with Dermo1-Cre or with Sftpc-CreERT2mice to delete Ptpra in mesenchymal cells and alveolar type II cells, respectively. Dermo1-Cre/ Ptpraf/fmice were protected from bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, whereas Sftpc-CreERT2/Ptpraf/fmice developed pulmonary fibrosis equivalent to controls. Both canonical and noncanonical TGF-β signaling and downstream TGF-β-induced fibrogenic responses were attenuated in isolated Ptpra−/−compared with wild-type fibroblasts. Furthermore, TGF-β-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of TGF-β type II receptor and of PTPα were attenuated in Ptpra−/−compared with wild-type fibroblasts. The phenotype of cells genetically deficient in PTPα was recapitulated with the use of a Src inhibitor. These findings suggest that PTPα amplifies profibrotic TGF-β-dependent pathway signaling in lung fibroblasts.
Prevalence and Molecular Genetics of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization in Nursing Homes in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Albarrag Ahmed , Shami Ashwag , Almutairi Abrar , Alsudairi Sara , Aldakeel Sumayh , Al-Amodi Amani
Published: June 2020

Objective. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main causative agents of nosocomial infections that has posed a major threat to those with compromised immune systems such as nursing home residents. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of MRSA strains and the types of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec)in nursing homes in Saudi Arabia. Methods. A total of 188 nasal swabs were collected from the residents and nursing staff in two nursing homes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All MRSA isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and analyzed for mecA and SCCmec typing by multiplex PCR assay. Detection of the Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene was also tested in all positive MRSA isolates by multiplex PCR using specific primers. Results. Among the 188 collected nasal swabs (105 males and 83 females), MRSA colonization rate was 9.04% (11 (5.85%) females and 6 (5.71%) males). About 47% of MRSA were multidrug resistant (MDR) as acquired resistance to beta-lactam, macrolide, and aminoglycoside antibiotics. However, all the MRSA isolates showed susceptibility to vancomycin, tigecycline, and linezolid. All the MRSA isolates (n = 17) were mecA-positive with the SCCmec IVc (n = 7, 41.18%) as the most common SCCmec type followed by SCCmec V (n = 5, 29.41%) and SCCmec IVa (n = 2, 11.76%). The remaining isolates (n = 3) were nontypeable (17.65%). In addition, the PVL toxin gene was only detected in four of the male samples. Conclusion. MRSA nasal colonization is a common incident among nursing home residents. The prevalence of community-associated (CA) MRSA (SCCmec IV and V) was more common than hospital-associated (HA) MRSA in our study samples. It is crucial to investigate such rate of incidence, which is a key tool in preventive medicine and would aid in determining health policy and predict emergent outbreaks.
The Effect of Pregnancy in the Hemoglobin Concentration of Pregnant Women: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Feleke Berhanu Elfu , Feleke Teferi Elfu
Published: June 2020

Background. The objective of this study was to estimate and identify the determinants of hemoglobin concentration before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after labor and delivery. Methods. A prospective cohort study design was implemented. Data were collected from May 2015 to September 2018. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the participants. An interview technique was used to collect the data. Blood samples were collected before pregnancy, during each trimester, during labor and delivery, after third stage of labor, and at the 6-week postpartum period. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the profile of study participants. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify the determinants of hemoglobin concentration during each phase of pregnancy. Results. The mean hemoglobin concentrations of primigravida and multigravida before pregnancy were 12.41 g/dl and 10.78 g/dl, respectively. The hemoglobin concentration decreases with consecutive trimester reaching the lowest level at 42 days after delivery. The hemoglobin concentrations of pregnant women were decreased by hookworm 0.24 g/dl [95% CI:0.18-0.29], multiple pregnancy 0.16 g/dl [95% CI: 0.07-0.24], episiotomy 0.05 g/dl [95% CI: 0.01-0.09], gravidity 0.15 g/dl [95% CI: 0.09-0.21], age 0.03 g/dl [95% CI: 0.03-0.04], and gestational age 0.1 g/dl [95% CI: 0.09-0.11]. The hemoglobin concentration increased by iron supplementation 1.02 g/dl [95% CI: 0.97-1.07] and birth weight 0.14 g/dl [95% CI: 0.02-0.11]. Conclusion. Pregnancy significantly decreases the hemoglobin concentration of pregnant women reaching the lowest point during labor and delivery. Recommendation. Regular anemia screening intervention should be implemented after delivery.
Automatic Calibration Using a Modified Genetic Algorithm for Millimeter-Wave Antenna Modules in MIMO Systems
Authors: Hu Cheng-Nan , Lo Philip , Ho Chien-Peng , Chang Dau-Chyrh
Published: June 2020

This study proposes a method for designing and calibrating a millimeter-wave (mm-wave) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna module. Herein, we adopt a design example involving a 64-element MIMO antenna array arranged in a triangular lattice (instead of the commonly used rectangular lattice) to achieve a 3°dB enhancement in effective isotropic radiated power. Analyzing a grating lobe diagram indicates a scan volume of ±60°/±45° in the azimuth/elevation direction. To calibrate the massive mm-wave MIMO antenna module, we propose a modified genetic algorithm to align the amplitude/phase of the transmitting/receiving signal of the module to reduce the time required for the calibration process. Finally, we conducted a simple experiment to validate the proposed method.
Impact of Coenzyme Q10 Administration on Lead Acetate-Induced Testicular Damage in Rats
Authors: El-khadragy Manal , Al-Megrin Wafa A. , AlSadhan Norah A. , Metwally Dina M. , El-Hennamy Rehab E. , Salem Fatma Elzahraa H. , Kassab Rami B. , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E.
Published: June 2020

Exposure to lead (Pb) causes multiorgan dysfunction including reproductive impairments. Here, we examined the protective effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) administration on testicular injury induced by lead acetate (PbAc) exposure in rats. This study employed four experimental groups (n=7) that underwent seven days of treatment as follows: control group intraperitoneally (i.p.) treated with 0.1 ml of 0.9% NaCl containing 1% Tween 80 (v:v), CoQ10 group that was i.p. injected with 10 mg/kg CoQ10, PbAc group that was i.p. treated with PbAc (20 mg/kg), and PbAc+CoQ10 group that was i.p. injected with CoQ10 2 h after PbAc. PbAc injection resulted in increasing residual Pb levels in the testis and reducing testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Additionally, PbAc exposure resulted in significant oxidative damage to the tissues on the testes. PbAc raised the levels of prooxidants (malondialdehyde and nitric oxide) and reduced the amount of endogenous antioxidative proteins (glutathione and its derivative enzymes, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) available in the cell. Moreover, PbAc induced the inflammatory response as evidenced by the upregulation of inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta). Further, PbAc treatment induced apoptosis in the testicular cells, as indicated by an increase in Bax and caspase 3 expression, and reduced Bcl2 expression. CoQ10 supplementation improved testicular function by inhibiting Pb accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and histopathological changes following PbAc exposure. Our findings suggest that CoQ10 can act as a natural therapeutic agent to protect against the reproductive impairments associated with PbAc exposure.
A Novel Diagnostic Nomogram for Noninvasive Evaluating Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Cheng Danying , Wan Gang , Sun Lei , Wang Xiaomei , Ou Weini , Xing Huichun
Published: June 2020

Objective. To establish a novel nomogram for diagnosing liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and verify the diagnostic performance of the established nomogram. Methods. Patients with chronic HBV infection who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this retrospective study; 70% and 30% of patients were randomly assigned to training dataset and validation dataset, respectively. The risk factors for liver fibrosis were screened using the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Based on the results, a nomogram was established and verified. Results. 508 patients with chronic HBV infection were included in this study (n = 355 for training dataset and n = 153 for validation dataset). The logistic regression analysis showed that liver stiffness measurement (LSM), platelet (PLT) count, and prothrombin time (PT) were independent risk factors for liver fibrosis (P < 0.01), which were used to establish the nomogram. The consistency index (C‐index) of the nomogram established for diagnosing liver fibrosis was 0.875. The calibration line and the ideal line were consistent, which indicated that diagnosis of liver fibrosis by the established model was accurate. The values of area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve (AUROC) for diagnosing liver fibrosis by the nomogram were 0.857 and 0.862 in the training dataset and validation dataset, respectively, which were noticeably higher than those in the well‐known serological models, including the aspartate aminotransferase‐ (AST‐) to‐platelet ratio index (APRI) scoring model, fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) scoring model, APAG model (including age, PT, albumin, and γ‐glutamyl transferase), and S‐index model (all P < 0.05). Conclusion. LSM, PT, and PLT were found as independent risk factors for liver fibrosis. The established nomogram exhibited an excellent diagnostic performance, and it can more visually and individually evaluate the probability of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic HBV infection.
Cross-Country Comparisons of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior among 5-Year-Old Children
Authors: McIver Kerry L. , Pate Russell R. , Dowda Marsha , Johnson Suzanne Bennett , Yang Jimin , Butterworth Martha , Liu Xiang
Published: June 2020

Purpose. Previous studies have observed that physical activity (PA) levels tend to be lower in the U.S. population than in many other countries. Within the U.S., PA levels in children are lower in the South than in other regions. Cross-country and interregional differences in PA have not been studied in young children. Methods. In an ongoing study of children at genetic risk for Type 1 diabetes, PA was measured by accelerometry in samples of 5-year-old children (n=2008) from Finland (n=370), Germany (n=85), Sweden (n=706), and the U.S. (n=847). The U.S. sample was drawn from centers in Washington State, Colorado, and Georgia/Florida. Children wore accelerometers for 7 days, and the data were reduced to daily minutes of light-, moderate- (MPA), vigorous- (VPA), and moderate-to-vigorous- (MVPA) intensity PA and sedentary behavior. Multiple regression was used to compare children across countries and across regions in the U.S, adjusting for wear time, body mass index, and demographic characteristics. Results. After adjusting for previously mentioned factors, MVPA and MPA were lower in U.S. children than those in Finland and Sweden. Estimates of physical activity were higher in Finland than in other countries, although not all comparisons were significantly different. U.S children spent significantly more time in sedentary behavior than children in Finland (p<0.0001). Within the U.S., children’s PA was consistently lowest in Georgia/Florida and highest in Washington. Conclusions. Cross-country differences in PA, previously reported for adults and adolescents, are evident in 5-year-old children. In general, PA levels are lower in U.S. children than their European counterparts, and within the U.S., are lower in Georgia/Florida and Colorado than in Washington. Future studies should be designed to identify the factors that explain these differences.
Increased Serum Leptin Level Predicts Bone Mineral Density in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wang Chih-Hsien , Lai Yu-Hsien , Lin Yu-Li , Kuo Chiu-Huang , Syu Ru-Jiang , Chen Ming-Chun , Hsu Bang-Gee
Published: June 2020

Background. Leptin acts through the adipose-bone axis to regulate bone mineral density (BMD). This study evaluated the relationship between BMD and serum leptin levels in patients on hemodialysis. Methods. In this cross-sectional study including 98 hemodialysis patients, BMD was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar vertebrae (L2–L4), and serum leptin levels were determined using an enzyme immunoassay. Results. There were 25 (25.5%), 13 (13.3%), and 60 (61.2%) patients with osteopenia, osteoporosis, and normal BMD, respectively. Advanced age P=0.017; decreased body mass index (BMI, P<0.001); body height P<0.001; prehemodialysis body weight (BW, P<0.001); post-hemodialysis BW P<0.001; waist circumference P<0.001; and triglyceride P=0.015, albumin P=0.004, and leptin levels P=0.017 were associated with lower lumbar T scores, whereas increased urea reduction rate (URR, P=0.004) and fractional clearance index for urea (Kt/V, P=0.004) were associated with lower lumbar T scores. The multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis with adjustment for sex; age; body height; prehemodialysis BW; BMI; waist circumference; logarithmically transformed triglycerides (log-triglycerides), albumin, creatinine, and leptin (log-leptin) levels; URR; and Kt/V indicated that high serum level of log-leptin (R2 change = 0.184; P<0.001), increased prehemodialysis BW (R2 change = 0.325; P=0.008), male sex (R2 change = 0.048; P=0.001), young age (R2 change = 0.044; P=0.012), and increased serum albumin level (R2 change = 0.017; P=0.044) were significantly and independently associated with lumbar BMD. Conclusions. Advanced age and female sex were associated with poor BMD, whereas increased BW, serum albumin, and leptin levels were positively associated with BMD in patients on hemodialysis.
A TGFβ-Dependent Stromal Subset Underlies Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy in DNA Mismatch Repair–Deficient/Microsatellite Instability-High Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Endo Eisei , Okayama Hirokazu , Saito Katsuharu , Nakajima Shotaro , Yamada Leo , Ujiie Daisuke , Kase Koji , Fujita Shotaro , Endo Hisahito , Sakamoto Wataru , Saito Motonobu , Saze Zenichiro , Momma Tomoyuki , Ohki Shinji , Mimura Kosaku , Kono Koji
Published: June 2020

Patients with DNA mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer represent a biomarker-defined population with distinct clinicopathologic features who are susceptible to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). However, their survival outcomes vary considerably and nearly half of them exhibit primary resistance to current ICIs, suggesting substantial molecular heterogeneity even among tumors with dMMR/MSI-H. We conducted an extensive analysis of the tumor microenvironment (TME) using multiple transcriptomic, proteomic, and IHC cohorts of colorectal cancer, comprising 222 dMMR/MSI-H and 1440 MMR-proficient/microsatellite stable tumors. We developed a TGFβ-responsive stromal gene signature and then identified a unique poor prognostic subgroup of patients with dMMR/MSI-H colorectal cancers, characterized by the upregulation of transcriptional programs, including the TGFβ-rich active TME, angiogenesis, M2 macrophage polarization, and the extracellular matrix signature predictive of ICI resistance. The TGFβ-dependent stromal subset within dMMR/MSI-H tumors exhibiting poor survival outcomes was further recapitulated by proteomic datasets and IHC for VCAN protein expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts. Meanwhile, this dMMR/MSI-H stromal subgroup was enriched neither with CD8+ T-cell infiltration nor common genomic alterations, such as mutation density and BRAF mutations, compared with dMMR/MSI-H tumors without TGFβ-dependent stromal activation. In conclusion, this study revealed a novel stromal subgroup of patients with dMMR/MSI-H colorectal cancer, demonstrating a TGFβ-rich tumor-promoting TME and unfavorable survival outcomes.

Implications:

Dual inhibition of immune checkpoints and TGFβ signaling may offer a promising strategy for these patients.
HER2-Overexpressing Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Associated with Increased Risk of Ipsilateral Invasive Recurrence, Receptor Discordance with Recurrence
Authors: O'Keefe Thomas J. , Blair Sarah L. , Hosseini Ava , Harismendy Olivier , Wallace Anne M.
Published: June 2020

The impact of HER2 status in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) on the risk of progression to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) has been debated. We aim to use a national database to identify patients with known HER2 status to elucidate the effect of HER2 overexpression on ipsilateral IDC (iIDC) development. We performed survival analysis on patient-level data using the U.S. NCI's Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results program. We identified patients diagnosed with DCIS who underwent lumpectomy and had known HER2 status. Competing risks analysis was performed. A total of 1,540 patients had known HER2 status and met inclusion criteria. Median age at diagnosis was 60, median follow-up time was 44.5 months. A total of 417 (27.1%) patients were HER2 positive and 1,035 (67.2%) were HER2 negative. Twenty-two (1.4%) patients developed iIDC and 27 (1.8%) developed ipsilateral in situ or contralateral disease. The estimated cumulative incidence of iIDC at 5 years was 1.9% for all patients, 1.2% for HER2-negative and borderline patients, and 3.9% for HER2-positive patients. On multivariate competing risks regression, two factors were significant for iIDC: radiation (protective) therapy within 24 months (HR, 0.05; P = 0.00006) and HER2 overexpression (increased likelihood; HR, 2.72; P = 0.044). Patients with HER2-positive DCIS were more likely to have recurrences with receptor discordance. HER2 may serve as a prognostic factor for invasive recurrence and was the only lesion-related factor to significantly relate to iIDC development. It may also be associated with receptor discordance of recurrences. Further large studies will be needed to confirm these results.
Prior Therapeutic Experiences, Not Expectation Ratings, Predict Placebo Effects: An Experimental Study in Chronic Pain and Healthy Participants
Authors: Colloca Luana , Akintola Titilola , Haycock Nathaniel R. , Blasini Maxie , Thomas Sharon , Phillips Jane , Corsi Nicole , Schenk Lieven A. , Wang Yang
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Many clinical trials fail because of placebo responses. Prior therapeutic experiences and patients’ expectations may affect the capacity to respond to placebos in chronic disorders. Objective: The scope of this study in 763 chronic orofacial pain and healthy study participants was to compare the magnitude and prevalence of placebo effects and determine the putative role of prior therapeutic experiences vs. expectations. Methods: We tested placebo propensity in a laboratory setting by using 2 distinct levels of individually tailored painful stimulations (high pain and low pain) to reinforce expectations and provide a hypoalgesic experience (conditioning phase). Afterwards, both levels of pain were surreptitiously set at a moderate pain level to test for placebo effects (testing phase). Pain and expectation ratings were assessed as primary outcomes using visual analog scales. Results: In both chronic pain and healthy participants, placebo effects were similar in magnitude, with the larger prevalence of responders in the healthy participants. Although chronic pain participants reported higher pain relief expectations, expectations did not account for the occurrence of placebo effects. Rather, prior experience via conditioning strength mediated placebo effects in both pain and healthy participants. Conclusions: These findings indicate that participants with chronic pain conditions display robust placebo effects that are not mediated by expectations but are instead directly linked to prior therapeutic experiences. This confirms the importance of assessing the therapeutic history while raising questions about the utility of expectation ratings. Future research is needed to enhance prediction of responses to placebos, which will ultimately improve clinical trial designs.
Loss of Protease-Activated Receptor 4 Prevents Inflammation Resolution and Predisposes the Heart to Cardiac Rupture After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kolpakov Mikhail A. , Guo Xinji , Rafiq Khadija , Vlasenko Liudmila , Hooshdaran Bahman , Seqqat Rachid , Wang Tao , Fan Xiaoxuan , Tilley Douglas G. , Kostyak John C. , Kunapuli Satya P. , Houser Steven R. , Sabri Abdelkarim
Published: June 2020

Background:

Cardiac rupture is a major lethal complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI). Despite significant advances in reperfusion strategies, mortality from cardiac rupture remains high. Studies suggest that cardiac rupture can be accelerated by thrombolytic therapy, but the relevance of this risk factor remains controversial.

Methods:

We analyzed protease-activated receptor 4 (Par4) expression in mouse hearts with MI and investigated the effects of Par4 deletion on cardiac remodeling and function after MI by echocardiography, quantitative immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry.

Results:

Par4 mRNA and protein levels were increased in mouse hearts after MI and in isolated cardiomyocytes in response to hypertrophic and inflammatory stimuli. Par4-deficient mice showed less myocyte apoptosis, reduced infarct size, and improved functional recovery after acute MI relative to wild-type (WT). Conversely, Par4
−/−
mice showed impaired cardiac function, greater rates of myocardial rupture, and increased mortality after chronic MI relative to WT. Pathological evaluation of hearts from Par4
−/−
mice demonstrated a greater infarct expansion, increased cardiac hemorrhage, and delayed neutrophil accumulation, which resulted in impaired post-MI healing compared with WT. Par4 deficiency also attenuated neutrophil apoptosis in vitro and after MI in vivo and impaired inflammation resolution in infarcted myocardium. Transfer of Par4
−/−
neutrophils, but not of Par4
−/−
platelets, in WT recipient mice delayed inflammation resolution, increased cardiac hemorrhage, and enhanced cardiac dysfunction. In parallel, adoptive transfer of WT neutrophils into Par4
−/−
mice restored inflammation resolution, reduced cardiac rupture incidence, and improved cardiac function after MI.

Conclusions:

These findings reveal essential roles of Par4 in neutrophil apoptosis and inflammation resolution during myocardial healing and point to Par4 inhibition as a potential therapy that should be limited to the acute phases of ischemic insult and avoided for long-term treatment after MI.