bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR-223-3p and miR-122-5p as circulating biomarkers for plaque instability
Authors: Singh Sandeep , de Ronde Maurice W J , Kok Maayke G M , Beijk Marcel AM , De Winter Robbert J , van der Wal Allard C , Sondermeijer Brigitte M , Meijers Joost C M , Creemers Esther E , Pinto-Sietsma Sara-Joan
Published: June 2020

Background

In this study, we discovered and validated candidate microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers for coronary artery disease (CAD).

Method

Candidate tissue-derived miRNAs from atherosclerotic plaque material in patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) (n=14) and unstable coronary artery disease (UCAD) (n=25) were discovered by qPCR-based arrays. We validated differentially expressed miRNAs, along with seven promising CAD-associated miRNAs from the literature, in the serum of two large cohorts (n=395 and n=1000) of patients with SCAD and UCAD and subclinical atherosclerosis (SubA) and controls, respectively.

Result

From plaque materials (discovery phase), miR-125b-5p and miR-193b-3p were most upregulated in SCAD, whereas miR-223-3p and miR-142-3p were most upregulated in patients with UCAD. Subsequent validation in serum from patients with UCAD, SCAD, SubA and controls demonstrated significant upregulation of miR-223-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-146-3p and miR-155-5p. The ischaemia-related miR-499-5p was also highly upregulated in patients with UCAD compared with the other groups (SCAD OR 20.63 (95% CI 11.16 to 38.15), SubA OR 96.10 (95% CI 40.13 to 230.14) and controls OR 15.73 (95% CI 7.80 to 31.72)). However, no significant difference in miR-499-5p expression was observed across SCAD, SubA and controls. MiR-122-5p was the only miRNA to be significantly upregulated in the serum of both patients with UCAD and SCAD.

Conclusion

In conclusion, miR-122-5p and miR-223-3p might be markers of plaque instability.
Inadvertent catheterisation of the auditory tube during myringotomy in a dog
Authors: Long Sarah , Plested Mark John , Mapletoft Emma K , Loeffler Anette , Bond Ross
Published: June 2020

A four‐year‐old female neutered Cocker Spaniel with a two‐year history of relapsing bilateral otitis underwent general anaesthesia and myringotomy for the management of otitis media. This had been previously diagnosed using CT and video‐otoscopy six weeks earlier. Due to the thickened and convex nature of the tympanum, the myringotomy incision was made in the caudodorsal quadrant of the tympanum and not the caudoventral quadrant as intended. The catheter advanced freely for several centimetres and air was aspirated. CT confirmed that the catheter had passed through the auditory tube and into the nasopharynx. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of inadvertent auditory tube catheterisation during myringotomy in the dog. It highlights the importance of accurate catheter placement and the difficulties associated with this in thickened or bulging tympanic membranes.
Migration of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts in a large hydropower reservoir
Authors: Babin Amanda B. , Ndong Mouhamed , Haralampides Katy , Peake Stephan , Jones Ross , Curry R. Allen , Linnansaari Tommi
Published: June 2020

Migration rates, delay, timing, and success of acoustic-tagged Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) presmolts (n = 120) and smolts (n = 57) are reported as they moved through the large Mactaquac Generating Station (MGS) reservoir and subsequently the lower Saint John River (SJR). The potential relationship between fish movements and the MGS operations was examined directly and via a hydrodynamic model. Migration rates were 15.4–29.3 km·day−1 within the river sections and 5.0–13.3 km·day−1 through the reservoir, a significant reduction of 32%–57%. Migratory timing was temporally mismatched with dam operations such that only a few (n = 3) smolts had the option of dam passage via spill. Migration success estimated as apparent survival was high through the reservoir (81%–100%), declined by 8%–32% during passage at the MGS, and additional losses (27%–55%) occurred during the migration to the lower SJR, such that overall survival to the estuary for the groups tagged as autumn presmolts was 61%–65%, and survival for those tagged as spring smolts was 6%–10%.
Remarkable response of native fishes to invasive trout suppression varies with trout density, temperature, and annual hydrology
Authors: Healy Brian D. , Schelly Robert C. , Yackulic Charles B. , Smith Emily C. Omana , Budy Phaedra
Published: June 2020

Recovery of imperiled fishes can be achieved through suppression of invasives, but outcomes may vary with environmental conditions. We studied the response of imperiled desert fishes to an invasive brown (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) suppression program in a Colorado River tributary, with natural flow and longitudinal variation in thermal characteristics. We investigated trends in fish populations related to suppression and tested hypotheses about the impacts of salmonid densities, hydrologic variation, and spatial–thermal gradients on the distribution and abundance of native fish species using zero-inflated generalized linear mixed effects models. Between 2012 and 2018, salmonids declined 89%, and native fishes increased dramatically (∼480%) once trout suppression surpassed ∼60%. Temperature and trout density were consistently retained in the top models predicting the abundance and distribution of native fishes. The greatest increases occurred in warmer reaches and in years with spring flooding. Surprisingly, given the evolution of native fishes in disturbance-prone systems, intense, monsoon-driven flooding limited native fish recruitment. Applied concertedly, invasive species suppression and efforts to mimic natural flow and thermal regimes may allow rapid and widespread native fish recovery.
Stellar modelling of isotropic Einstein–Maxwell perfect fluid spheres of embedding class one
Authors: Hansraj Sudan , Moodly Lushen
Published: June 2020

It is indeed remarkable that while charged anisotropic models with the embedding class one property are abundant, there are no reports of the physically important isotropic case despite its simplicity. In fact, the Karmarkar condition turns out to be the only avenue to generate all such stellar models algorithmically. The process of determining exact solutions is almost trivial: either specify the spatial potential and perform a single integration to obtain the temporal potential or simply select any temporal potential and get the space potential without any integrations. Then the model is completely determined and all dynamical quantities may be calculated. The difficulty lies in ascertaining whether such models satisfy elementary physical requisites. A number of physically relevant models are considered though not exhaustively. We prove that conformally flat charged isotropic stars of embedding class one do not exist. If spacetime admits conformal symmetries then the space potential must be of the Finch–Skea type in this context. A general metric ansatz is stated which contains interesting special cases. The Finch–Skea special case is shown to be consistent with the expectations of a stellar model while the Vaidya–Tikekar special case generates a physically viable cosmological fluid. The case of an isothermal sphere with charge and the Karmarkar property is examined and is shown to be defective. When the Karmarkar property is abandoned for isothermal charged fluids, the spacetimes are necessarily flat.
Theoretical uncertainties in the MSSM Higgs boson mass calculation
Authors: Bahl Henning , Heinemeyer Sven , Hollik Wolfgang , Weiglein Georg
Published: June 2020

The remaining theoretical uncertainties from unknown higher-order corrections in the prediction for the light Higgs-boson mass of the MSSM are estimated. The uncertainties associated with three different approaches that are implemented in the publicly available code are compared: the fixed-order diagrammatic approach, suitable for low SUSY scales, the effective field theory (EFT) approach, suitable for high SUSY scales, and the hybrid approach which combines the fixed-order and the EFT approaches. It is demonstrated for a simple single-scale scenario that the result based on the hybrid approach yields a precise prediction for low, intermediate and high SUSY scales with a theoretical uncertainty of up to $$\sim 1.5\,\, \mathrm {GeV}$$∼1.5GeV for large stop mixing and $$\sim 0.5\,\, \mathrm {GeV}$$∼0.5GeV for small stop mixing. The uncertainty estimate of the hybrid calculation approaches the uncertainty estimate of the fixed-order result for low SUSY scales and the uncertainty estimate of the EFT approach for high SUSY scales, while for intermediate scales it is reduced compared to both of the individual results. The estimate of the theoretical uncertainty is also investigated in scenarios with more than one mass scale. A significantly enhanced uncertainty is found in scenarios where the gluino is substantially heavier than the scalar top quarks. The uncertainty estimate presented in this paper will be part of the public code .
Single-Trial EEG Responses Classified Using Latency Features
Authors: Hardiansyah Irzam , Pergher Valentina , Van Hulle Marc M.
Published: June 2020

Covert attention has been repeatedly shown to impact on EEG responses after single and repeated practice sessions. Machine learning techniques are increasingly adopted to classify single-trial EEG responses thereby primarily relying on amplitude-based features instead of latency-based features. In this study, we investigated changes in EEG response signatures of nine healthy older subjects when performing 10 sessions of covert attention training. We show that, when we trained classifiers to distinguish recorded EEG patterns between the two experimental conditions (a target stimulus is “present” or “not present”), latency-based classifiers outperform the amplitude-based ones and that classification accuracy improved along with behavioral accuracy, providing supportive evidence of brain plasticity.
Synchrotron radiation effects on the dynamic aperture of CEPC
Authors: Wang Yiwei , Zhang Yuan , Wu Jin , Yu Chenghui , Gao Jie
Published: June 2020

In the tracking of the future circular Higgs factories, significant reduction of dynamic aperture due to the synchrotron radiation has been observed. This paper will analyze the synchrotron radiation effects including the closed orbit and optics distortion, radiation damping and quantum excitation for the lattice of CEPC.
Revisiting hot-wire anemometer measurement of Tollmien–Schlichting waves on a flat plate
Authors: Jiang Xianyang
Published: June 2020

The amplification of Tollmien–Schlichting (T-S) wave plays an important role in the process of boundary-layer transition. This paper investigates the measurement of T-S wave using hot-wire anemometer (HWA) in a wind tunnel. To precisely acquire T-S wave, the vibration of hot-wire probe and the influence of electromagnetic interference (EMI) are considered. By introducing different amplitudes and frequencies of vibration ribbon, the development of T-S waves is obtained. Lift-up of low-speed fluid and downward of high-speed fluid are observed during the transition.
Supersonic gas flow impacting approach for solid-state synthesis at room-temperature: Temperature measurement
Authors: Guo Qiuting , Guo Zheng , Tao Yang , Zhang Zhao , Lin Jun , Zuo Jin , Liu Guangyuan
Published: June 2020

Solid-state synthesis based on supersonic gas flow impingement at room-temperature is an alternative approach to traditional mechanochemical preparation. The supersonic airflow is generated by a convergent-diffusion nozzle with a design Mach number of 3.0. The solid material particles from the suction pipe in the coaxial nozzle can get very high kinetic energy in microseconds. Then the particles impact the target or collide with each other to achieve the transfer of kinetic energy to thermal or chemical energy. We utilize the infrared technology to successfully measure the solid particles’ temperature while they impact the target after gathered energy from the supersonic air gas. The results show that the average temperature of the silicon particles with an average particle diameter of 150 [Formula: see text]m after impacting the target is about [Formula: see text]C, and some of the temperature exceed [Formula: see text]C. It dedicates that the kinetic energy of the particles during the collision translate into internal energy indeed. The work of this paper lays a good foundation for further research on the low-temperature solid-phase reaction processes.
Performance calculation of electrothermal anti-icing system on three-dimensional surface
Authors: Wang Zheng-Zhi , Liu Chong-Yang , Zhu Chun-Ling , Zhao Ning
Published: June 2020

The electrothermal anti-icing system is one of the commonly used ice protection systems. In this paper, the heat and mass transfer process on three-dimensional surface of the electrothermal anti-icing system is analyzed. The mass and energy conservation equations are given. A calculation method of the convective heat transfer coefficient on three-dimensional surface is proposed, and the mathematical model of the electrothermal anti-icing system is established. The model is applied to calculate the temperature distribution of the anti-icing system in different conditions. The numerical results are compared with experimental data, and the good agreement between them proves that the developed method is reliable. The results also show that only part of droplets impacted on the leading edge evaporate immediately, while the rest of droplets move downstream in the form of liquid water and evaporate gradually.
Diblock copolymer architecture and complex viscosity
Authors: Kanso Mona A. , Jeffrey Giacomin A. , Saengow Chaimongkol , Piette Jourdain H.
Published: June 2020

General rigid bead-rod theory [O. Hassager, J. Chem. Phys. 60, 4001 (1974)] explains polymer viscoelasticity from macromolecular orientation. By means of general rigid bead-rod theory, we relate the complex viscosity of polymeric liquids to the architecture of axisymmetric macromolecules. In this paper, we explore the complex viscosities of different axisymmetric diblock copolymer configurations. When nondimensionalized with the zero-shear viscosity, the diblock copolymer complex viscosity depends on the dimensionless frequency and the sole dimensionless architectural parameter, the macromolecular lopsidedness. In this paper, through this way, we thus compare the dimensionless relaxation time of different diblock macromolecular chains. We explore the effects of linear density, macromolecular length, and bead number ratio.
Two types of smooth positons for nonlocal Fokas-Lenells equation
Authors: Wang B. , Zhang Z. , Li B.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we propose a new type of smooth positon called novel rational positon. Similar to classic smooth positons, the modulus square of novel rational positons can also be decomposed. But there is a fundamental difference between classic smooth positons and novel rational positons in terms of algebraic structure and dynamical properties. Specific propositions and conclusions are given in Secs. [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Further, these two types of smooth positons sitting on a periodic line wave background are derived for the first time. In addition, a new nonlinear superposition between these two types of smooth positions and a kink soliton is constructed.
An Efficient Architecture for Accurate and Low Power CMOS Analog Multiplier
Authors: Aghaei Tohid , Saatlo Ali Naderi
Published: June 2020

A new analog four-quadrant multiplier in CMOS technology is proposed using translinear loops (TLs). The novelty of the work includes an improved structure resulting in high precision output, low power consumption and low body effect error. The higher accuracy is achieved using a symmetrical arrangement of the proposed multiplier, where the errors on the two sides of circuit are subtracted from each other. The simple structure, as well as the sharing bias branch in the squaring circuits, leads to the low power dissipation of the multiplier circuit. In addition, the proposed circuit is thoroughly analyzed in terms of the body effect error and the results are presented. In order to validate the performance of the circuit, the designed multiplier is used in two useful applications: frequency doubler and amplitude modulator. The post layout simulation results of the circuit are performed using Cadence Virtuoso and HSPICE with level 49 parameters (BSIM3v3) of TSMC 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m technology. The results show a nonlinearity of 0.93%, a total harmonic distortion (THD) of 0.98% at a frequency of 1[Formula: see text]MHz, a [Formula: see text]3[Formula: see text]dB bandwidth of 736[Formula: see text]MHz and a maximum power dissipation of 0.0619[Formula: see text]mW.
Stationary scalar and vector clouds around Kerr–Newman black holes
Authors: Santos Nuno M. , Herdeiro Carlos A. R.
Published: June 2020

Massive bosons in the vicinity of Kerr–Newman black holes can form pure bound states when their phase angular velocity fulfills the synchronization condition, i.e. at the threshold of superradiance. The presence of these stationary clouds at the linear level is intimately linked to the existence of Kerr black holes with synchronized hair at the nonlinear level. These configurations are very similar to the atomic orbitals of the electron in a hydrogen atom. They can be labeled by four quantum numbers: [Formula: see text], the number of nodes in the radial direction; [Formula: see text], the orbital angular momentum; [Formula: see text], the total angular momentum; and [Formula: see text], the azimuthal total angular momentum. These synchronized configurations are solely allowed for particular values of the black holes mass, angular momentum and electric charge. Such quantization results in an existence surface in the three-dimensional parameter space of Kerr–Newman black holes. The phenomenology of stationary scalar clouds has been widely addressed over the last years. However, there is a gap in the literature concerning their vector cousins. Following the separability of the Proca equation in Kerr(–Newman) spacetime, this paper explores and compares scalar and vector stationary clouds around Kerr and Kerr–Newman black holes, extending previous research.
Bianchi type I cosmological model with perfect fluid and string in f(T) theory of gravitation
Authors: Chirde V. R. , Hatkar S. P. , Katore S. D.
Published: June 2020

We have studied LRS Bianchi type I cosmological models with barotropic perfect fluid and cosmic string in the framework of [Formula: see text] theory of gravitation. We have assumed that expansion of the model is proportional to the shear scalar. Hybrid law of expansion is also used to solve the field equations. Three different functional forms of the function [Formula: see text] such as [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are chosen for investigation. It is observed that the universe is dominated by quintessence type dark energy. The universe is accelerating, expanding and anisotropic.
APPROXIMATING EXPECTED VALUE OF AN OPTION WITH NON-LIPSCHITZ PAYOFF IN FRACTIONAL HESTON-TYPE MODEL
Authors: MISHURA YULIYA , YURCHENKO-TYTARENKO ANTON
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we consider option pricing in a framework of the fractional Heston-type model with [Formula: see text]. As it is impossible to obtain an explicit formula for the expectation [Formula: see text] in this case, where [Formula: see text] is the asset price at maturity time and [Formula: see text] is a payoff function, we provide a discretization schemes [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for volatility and price processes correspondingly and study convergence [Formula: see text] as the mesh of the partition tends to zero. The rate of convergence is calculated. As we allow [Formula: see text] to be non-Lipschitz and/or to have discontinuities of the first kind which can cause errors if [Formula: see text] is replaced by [Formula: see text] under the expectation straightforwardly, we use Malliavin calculus techniques to provide an alternative formula for [Formula: see text] with smooth functional under the expectation.
Asymptotic expansion for the quadratic variations of the solution to the heat equation with additive white noise
Authors: Araya Héctor , Tudor Ciprian A.
Published: June 2020

We consider the sequence of spatial quadratic variations of the solution to the stochastic heat equation with space-time white noise. This sequence satisfies a Central Limit Theorem. By using Malliavin calculus, we refine this result by proving the convergence of the sequence of densities and by finding the second-order term in the asymptotic expansion of the densities. In particular, our proofs are based on sharp estimates of the correlation structure of the solution, which may have their own interest.
‘Nested’ Disruptive Technologies for Smart Cities: Effects and Challenges
Authors: Krishnan Balasubramaniam , Arumugam Seetharaman , Maddulety Koilakuntla
Published: June 2020

There has been considerable research on smart cities and on adapting technology for businesses, governments, citizens and other stakeholders. However, scant attention has been paid to determine how disruptive technologies influence smart cities. Through a systemic literature review, this paper provides a point-by-point consideration of ‘nested’ disruptive technologies, namely, the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles (AV), artificial general intelligence (AGI) and 5G networks (5G), and the factors affecting their deployment in the context of smart cities. This paper also discusses why these are important disruptive technologies for smart cities and how these technologies influence them. The main challenges of implementing these disruptive technologies have been identified in the literature and are discussed in this paper. This paper also offers suggestions on the implementation of these disruptive technologies for practitioners of smart cities, so that they can consider them while digitalizing smart cities. In addition to discussing research implications, the paper also throws light on theoretical contributions and recommends ways to leverage these disruptive technologies for smart cities.
Geomagnetic field variations in the past: an introduction
Authors: Di Chiara Anita , Herrero-Bervera Emilio , Tema Evdokia
Published: June 2020

In the last decades, palaeomagnetic research has provided us with a picture of the temporal and spatial behaviour of the Earth's magnetic field (EMF) from its origin up to the present day. Well-dated palaeomagnetic data offer important sources of information about the past variation of the geomagnetic field and have shown that it is characterized by temporal fluctuations such as reversals, excursions and spikes. Despite the advances in our understanding of EMF behaviour, the current dataset is biased towards high and northern latitudes and, therefore, several questions remain open to debate, such as the origin and evolution of the EMF and the frequency and spatial distribution of its variations. This Special Publication focuses on the study of the temporal and spatial evolution of the EMF in the past through new data from palaeomagnetic and rock magnetic studies of archaeological materials, sediments and lavas from Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India and Baltic Sea, and their applications in archaeology, stratigraphy and climate. This paper summarizes our current knowledge on geomagnetic field variations in the past, open questions and future challenges and gives an overview of the volume's context, which aims to disclose fundamental properties of the Earth's magnetic field evolution.
Nash Equilibrium in Discontinuous Games
Authors: Reny Philip J.
Published: June 2020

We review the discontinuous games literature, with a sharp focus on conditions that ensure the existence of pure and mixed strategy Nash equilibria in strategic form games and of Bayes-Nash equilibria in Bayesian games.
Transportation and the Environment in Developing Countries
Authors: Li Shanjun , Xing Jianwei , Yang Lin , Zhang Fan
Published: June 2020

In urban areas around the world, increasing motorization and growing travel demand make the urban transportation sector an ever-greater contributor to local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The situation is particularly acute in developing countries, where growing metropolitan regions suffer some of the world's highest levels of air pollution. Policies that seek to develop and manage this transportation sector—both to meet rising demand linked to economic growth and to safeguard the environment and human health—have had strikingly different results, with some inadvertently exacerbating the traffic and pollution they seek to mitigate. This review summarizes findings in the recent literature on the impacts of a host of urban transportation policies used in both developed- and developing-country settings. The article identifies research challenges and future areas of study regarding transportation policies, which can have important, long-lasting impacts on urban life and global climate change.
Cellular Pathways Promoting Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling by Hypoxia
Authors: Shimoda Larissa A.
Published: June 2020

Exposure to hypoxia increases pulmonary vascular resistance, leading to elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and, potentially, right heart failure. Vascular remodeling is an important contributor to the increased pulmonary vascular resistance. Hyperproliferation of smooth muscle, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, and deposition of extracellular matrix lead to increased wall thickness, extension of muscle into normally non-muscular arterioles, and vascular stiffening. This review highlights intrinsic and extrinsic modulators contributing to the remodeling process.
A Game Theory-Based Model for Predicting Depression due to Frustration in Competitive Environments
Authors: Loula R. , Monteiro L. H. A.
Published: June 2020

A computational model based on game theory is here proposed to forecast the prevalence of depression caused by frustration in a competitive environment. This model comprises a spatially structured game, in which the individuals are socially connected. This game, which is equivalent to the well-known prisoner’s dilemma, represents the payoffs that can be received by the individuals in the labor market. These individuals may or may not have invested in a formal academic education. It is assumed that an individual becomes depressed when the difference between the average payoff earned by the neighbors in this game and the personal payoff surpasses a critical number, which can be distinct for men and women. Thus, the transition to depression depends on two thresholds, whose values are tuned for the model accurately predicting the percentage of individuals that become depressed due to a frustrating payoff. Here, this tuning is performed by using data of young adults living in the United Kingdom in 2014-2016.
Leucocytosis and Asymptomatic Urinary Tract Infections in Sickle Cell Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Zambia
Authors: Musonda Taonga , Zulu Mildred , Samutela Mulemba , Kalonda Annie , Mantina Hamakwa , Okuku Pauline , Sinkala Musalula , Nkhoma Panji
Published: June 2020

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is an inherited disease resulting from mutations in the β-globin chain of adult haemoglobin that results in the formation of homozygous sickle haemoglobin. It is associated with several complications including an altered blood picture and damage in multiple organs, including the kidneys. Kidney disease is seen in most patients with SCA and may affect glomerular and/or tubular function, thereby putting these patients at risk of urinary tract infections. However, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) among SCA patients in Zambia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of UTIs and haematological and kidney function profiles among SCA patients at the University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia. This was a cross-sectional study conducted between April and July 2019 involving 78 SCA patients who presented at the UTH. Blood and midstream urine samples were collected from each participant using the standard specimen collection procedures. Full blood counts and kidney function tests were determined using Sysmex XT-4000i haematology analyser and the Pentra C200 by Horiba, respectively. Bacterial profiles of the urine samples were determined using conventional microbiological methods. We found that all the measured patients’ haemoglobin (Hb) levels fell below the WHO-recommended reference range with a minimum of 5 g/dl, a maximum of 10.5 g/dl, and a mean of 8 ± 1 g/dl. Fifty percent of the participants had moderate anaemia, while the other 50% had severe anaemia. The minimum WBC count of the participants was 0.02 × 109/L with a maximum of 23.36 × 109/L and a mean of 13.48 ± 3.87 × 109/L. Using the one-way analysis of variance test, we found no significant difference in mean WBC count and Hb concentration across various age-group categories that we defined. Bacteriuria was found in 25% of participants. The most common bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (32%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (32%). Klebsiella pneumoniae was 16%. We found no significant association between bacterial isolates and white blood cell count, age groups, sex, and anaemia severity p=0.41. None of the participants were diagnosed with kidney disease. There was a high prevalence of asymptomatic UTIs among SCA patients at UTH, which, when coupled with the marked leukocytosis and anaemia, may negatively impact the clinical outcome of the patients. Therefore, we recommend close monitoring of sickle cell patients in Zambia for such conditions to improve patients’ outcomes.
Time‐Fractional Model of Chloride Diffusion in Concrete: Analysis Using Meshless Method
Authors: Yao Ling , Ren Lixia , Gong Guoli
Published: June 2020

Chloride diffusion is the major factor that affects the life of concrete structures. The time‐fractional order equation can be used to describe anomalous diffusion in reinforced concrete. In this work, a time‐fractional model of chloride diffusion is solved via the meshless method. The Element‐Free Galerkin (EFG) meshless method does not require meshing. One‐dimensional and two‐dimensional numerical examples are presented. Numerical results are in good agreement with theoretical solutions. The initiation time of corrosion is predicted in the presented model. Simulation results are compared with experimental data. The good agreement between EFG and experimental data indicates that time‐fractional chloride diffusion in concrete can be modeled effectively by using the EFG method. This method is beneficial for further research on anomalous chloride diffusion in concrete.
Understanding Health Deterioration and the Dynamic Relationship between Physical Ability and Cognition among a Cohort of Danish Nonagenarians
Authors: Strozza Cosmo , Zarulli Virginia , Egidi Viviana
Published: June 2020

This study aims to determine how demographics, socioeconomic characteristics, and lifestyle affect physical and cognitive health transitions among nonagenarians, whether these transitions follow the same patterns, and how each dimension affects the transitions of the other. We applied a multistate model for panel data to 2262 individuals over a 2-year follow-up period from the 1905 Danish Cohort survey. Within two years from baseline, the transition probability from good to bad physical health—ability to stand up from a chair—was higher than dying directly (29% vs. 25%), while this was not observed for cognition (24% vs. 27%) evaluated with Mini-Mental State Examination—a score lower than 24 indicates poor cognitive health. Probability of dying either from bad physical or cognitive health condition was 50%. Health transitions were associated with sex, education, living alone, body mass index, and physical activity. Physical and cognitive indicators were associated with deterioration of cognitive and physical status, respectively, and with survivorship from a bad health condition. We conclude that physical and cognitive health deteriorated differently among nonagenarians, even if they were related to similar sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics and resulted dynamically related with each other.
Dietary Risk Factors Associated with Development of Gastric Cancer in Nepal: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Shah Sunil Kumar , Sunuwar Dev Ram , Chaudhary Narendra Kumar , Rai Pushpa , Pradhan Pranil Man Singh , Subedi Narayan , Devkota Madhu Dixit
Published: June 2020

Objectives. Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent neoplasms and a leading cause of mortality globally. To our knowledge, its relationship with dietary factors is not adequately studied and understood in the Nepalese context. This study is aimed at exploring the relationship between the possible dietary risk factors responsible for gastric cancer in Nepal. Methods. A hospital-based matched case-control study was conducted in two specialized cancer hospitals in Nepal. A total of 237 participants (79 cases and 158 controls) were included in the study. Patients diagnosed within one year (incidence case) with histologically confirmed gastric cancer were taken as cases, and healthy visitors of gastric and nongastric cancer patients without past and present history or not a suspected information of gastric cancer were included as controls. A face-to-face interview was conducted using a semi-structured food frequency questionnaire. Backward stepwise conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the magnitude of the association between the independent variables and gastric cancer. Results were presented as the crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. In the adjusted multivariable conditional logistic regression model, an increased risk of gastric cancer was more likely to have higher odds among those respondents who had a high consumption of processed meat (AOR=3.99, 95% CI: 0.90-17.66), preferences of a high amount of fats/oil (AOR=4.64, 95% CI: 1.56-13.72), and preferences of high amounts of salts (AOR=4.18, 95% CI: 1.30-13.44). Conversely, those respondents who consumed higher amounts of fruits (AOR=0.21, 95% CI: 0.07-0.65) were seen to have lower odds of gastric cancer. Conclusions. Our study found an increased risk of gastric cancer with frequent consumption of red meat, processed meat, high preferences of salt, fats/oil, and condiments. Regular consumption of fruits had a protective effect against gastric cancer. Providing nutrition education, public awareness, and lifestyle modification are primary steps to promote the avoidance of risk factors and change unhealthy dietary habits to prevent gastric cancer in Nepal.
Order and Chaos in a Prey-Predator Model Incorporating Refuge, Disease, and Harvesting
Authors: Bahlool Dahlia Khaled , Satar Huda Abdul , Ibrahim Hiba Abdullah
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a mathematical model consisting of a prey-predator system incorporating infectious disease in the prey has been proposed and analyzed. It is assumed that the predator preys upon the nonrefugees prey only according to the modified Holling type-II functional response. There is a harvesting process from the predator. The existence and uniqueness of the solution in addition to their bounded are discussed. The stability analysis of the model around all possible equilibrium points is investigated. The persistence conditions of the system are established. Local bifurcation analysis in view of the Sotomayor theorem is carried out. Numerical simulation has been applied to investigate the global dynamics and specify the effect of varying the parameters. It is observed that the system has a chaotic dynamics.
Homogenate Extraction of Polysaccharides from Pine Nut Meal: Optimization and Comparison with Other Extraction Methods by Characterizing Their Extracts
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Zhang Yi , Bao Yihong , Yu Dianyu , Jiang Lianzhou
Published: June 2020

Homogenate extraction technology was applied to extract polysaccharides from pine nut (Pinus koraiensis) meal, a food waste from its oil processing. The first objective was to study the effects of liquid-solid ratio, homogenate extraction time, and temperature on the yield of pine nut meal polysaccharides (PNMP) using single-factor and Box–Behnken design. The optimal processing conditions were liquid-solid ratio of 43.23 mL/g at 35°C for 2 min 50 sec that produced PNMP yield of 11.7%. Extraction factors interacted with each other significantly (p<0.01). The second objective was to compare the homogenate extract with those produced using other methods including ultrasonic, microwave, and hot water extraction. Polysaccharides were separated using HPLC based on molecular weight (MW) and characterized with the polysaccharide and protein contents of each fraction. The homogenate PNMP had the most of small size (<100 kDa) polysaccharides, and its glycoprotein fractions generally contained higher level of protein, as well as a high ABTS+scavenging activity observed by HPLC-UV-ABTS+assay. FTIR analysis was used to characterize the functional groups. Homogenate extraction is superior in producing PNMP compared with other common methods, and its PNMP extract has potential antioxidant benefit.
Development and Validation of Rapid 3D Radiation Field Evaluation Technique for Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Lyu Weifeng , Ran Wenwang , Liu Jie , Zhang Jingyu , Tang Shaohua , Xiong Jun
Published: June 2020

Rapid 3D radiation field evaluation is the key point of occupational dose optimization for design and operation of nuclear power plant. Based on the requirement analysis from designers and operators of nuclear power plant, three key technical issues are identified and solved through the development of the RPOS system, which are rapid calculation of 3D radiation field, reconstruction of the calculated 3D radiation field based on measured data, and occupational dose optimization based on 3D radiation field. Operational measurements of dose rate from in-service nuclear power plants are used to test the RPOS system, which shows that accurate 3D radiation field can be rapidly generated by the RPOS system and effectively used on the occupational dose optimization for on-site workers. The applications of the established rapid 3D radiation field evaluation technique on HPR1000 unit design provide evidence on its feasibility in a large scale, the improvement of radiation protection design efficiency and the enhancement of ALARA assessment and justification for nuclear power plants.
Novel Variants of ELP2 and PIAS1 in the Interferon Gamma Signaling Pathway Are Associated with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Survival
Authors: Zhao Yu Chen , Tang Dongfang , Yang Sen , Liu Hongliang , Luo Sheng , Stinchcombe Thomas E. , Glass Carolyn , Su Li , Shen Sipeng , Christiani David C. , Wei Qingyi
Published: June 2020

Background:

IFNγ is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays critical immunomodulatory roles in intercellular communication in innate and adaptive immune responses. Despite recognition of IFNγ signaling effects on host defense against viral infection and its utility in immunotherapy and tumor progression, the roles of genetic variants of the IFNγ signaling pathway genes in survival of patients with cancer remain unknown.

Methods:

We used a discovery genotyping dataset from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (n = 1,185) and a replication genotyping dataset from the Harvard Lung Cancer Susceptibility Study (n = 984) to evaluate associations between 14,553 genetic variants in 150 IFNγ pathway genes and survival of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Results:

The combined analysis identified two independent potentially functional SNPs, ELP2 rs7242481G>A and PIAS1 rs1049493T>C, to be significantly associated with NSCLC survival, with a combined HR of 0.85 (95% confidence interval, 0.78–0.92; P < 0.0001) and 0.87 (0.81–0.93; P < 0.0001), respectively. Expression quantitative trait loci analyses showed that the survival-associated ELP2 rs7242481A allele was significantly associated with increased mRNA expression levels of elongator acetyltransferase complex subunit 2 (ELP2) in 373 lymphoblastoid cell lines and 369 whole-blood samples. The PIAS1 rs1049493C allele was significantly associated with decreased mRNA expression levels of PIAS1 in 383 normal lung tissues and 369 whole-blood samples.

Conclusions:

Genetic variants of IFNγ signaling genes are potential prognostic markers for NSCLC survival, likely through modulating the expression of key genes involved in host immune response.

Impact:

Once validated, these variants could be useful predictors of NSCLC survival.
Predictive Value of Endobronchial Ultrasound Strain Elastography in Mediastinal Lymph Node Staging: The E-Predict Multicenter Study Results
Authors: Verhoeven Roel Lambertus Johannes , Trisolini Rocco , Leoncini Fausto , Candoli Piero , Bezzi Michela , Messi Alessandro , Krasnik Mark , de Korte Chris L. , Annema Jouke T. , van der Heijden Erik H.F.M.
Published: June 2020

Background: Systematic assessment of lymph node status by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is indicated in (suspected) lung cancer. Sampling is herein guided by nodal size and FDG-PET characteristics. Ultrasound strain elastography (SE) might further improve risk stratification. By imaging tissue deformation over time, SE computes relative tissue strain. In several tissues, a lower strain (deformation) has been associated with a higher likelihood of malignancy. Objectives: To assess if EBUS-SE can independently help predict malignancy, and when combined with size and FDG uptake information. Methods: This multicenter (n = 5 centers) prospective trial included patients with suspected or proven lung cancer using a standardized measurement protocol. Cytopathology combined with surgery or follow-up imaging (>6 months) were used as reference standard. Results: Between June 2016 and July 2018, 327 patients and 525 lymph nodes were included (mean size 12.3 mm, malignancy prevalence 0.48). EBUS-SE had an overall AUC of 0.77. A mean strain <115 (range 0–255) showed 90% sensitivity, 43% specificity, 60% positive predictive value, and 82% negative predictive value. Combining EBUS-SE (<115) with size (<8 mm) and FDG-PET information into a risk stratification algorithm increased the accuracy. Combining size and SE showed that the 48% a priori chance of malignancy changed to 11 and 70% in double negative or positive nodes, respectively. In the subset where FDG-PET was available (n = 370), triple negative and positive nodes went from a 42% a priori chance of malignancy to 9 and 73%, respectively. Conclusions: EBUS-SE can help predict lymph node malignancy and may be useful for risk stratification when combined with size and PET information.
Prediction of Neurodevelopmental Impairment in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection by Early Postnatal Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Nishida Kosuke  , Fujioka Kazumichi , Sugioka Yusuke , Abe Shinya , Ashina Mariko , Fukushima Sachiyo , Ohyama Shohei , Ikuta Toshihiko , Tanimura Kenji , Yamada  Hideto , Iijima Kazumoto , Morioka Ichiro
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (CCMVI) may result in neurodevelopmental impairments (NDIs) such as hearing loss, developmental delay, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. We aimed to investigate the potential for brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict NDI in patients with CCMVI. Methods: We studied infants with CCMVI who were referred to our hospital from April 2010 to October 2018 and underwent a brain MRI within 3 months since birth. We screened for 6 classic presentations of CCMVI including ventriculomegaly, periventricular cysts, hippocampal dysplasia, cerebellar hypoplasia, migration disorders, and white matter abnormalities. Images were interpreted by a blinded pediatric radiologist. NDI was defined as having a developmental quotient <80, hearing dysfunction, blindness, or epilepsy requiring anti-epileptic drugs at approximately 18 months of corrected age. Results: The study involved 42 infants with CCMVI (median gestational age 38 weeks, birthweight 2,516 g). At least one abnormal finding was detected in 28 (67%) infants. Abnormal findings consisted of 3 cerebellar hypoplasia (7%), 7 migration disorders (17%), 26 white matter abnormalities (62%), 12 periventricular cysts (28%), 1 hippocampal dysplasia (2%), and 20 ventriculomegaly (48%). Abnormal findings were significantly more prevalent in infants with clinical symptoms (21/24, 91%) than in those without (7/19, 37%, p < 0.01). For NDI prediction, having ≥2 of ventriculomegaly, periventricular cysts, and white matter abnormality produced the highest Youden index values (0.78). Conclusion: Infants with CCMVI with at least 2 of the abovementioned specific brain image abnormalities may be at high risk of developing NDI.
Bronchialarterienembolisation bei Hämoptysen: Das Nutzen-Risiko-Verhältnis sorgfältig abwägen
Authors: Herkenrath Simon-Dominik
Published: June 2020

Background: Massive hemoptysis is a serious complication in Cystic Fibrosis (CF), occurring commonly in older patients. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) can be performed to stop the bleeding. BAE is generally safe and effective, but can sometimes lead to serious complications. We report the first case of temporary unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis associated to lung consolidation following BAE in a pediatric CF female patient. This complication worsened the lung function of the patient who underwent lung transplantation after 9 months. Case presentation: A 14 years old female CF patient followed by the CF center of Florence presented low-grade fever, cough increase and recurrent episodes of major hemorrhages such as to carry out a BAE. Within 24 h the patient started to complain of severe thoracic pain in the right hemithorax, increased dyspnea and fever. A computed tomographic angiography and a dynamic fluoroscopic evaluation revealed the right diaphragmatic paralysis, not present before the procedure. After 4 days the clinical condition and radiological imaging had improved with restored mobility of the right hemidiaphragm. Nine months later, she required mechanical ventilation, and subsequently the initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for a pulmonary exacerbation with septic shock. Lung transplantation in ECMO was performed with success. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of phrenic nerve injury with BAE in pediatric CF patients.