bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jittering stimulus onset attenuates short-latency, synchronized-spontaneous otoacoustic emission energy
Authors: Lewis James D. , Mashburn Amy , Lee Donguk
Published: March 2020

Synchronized-spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SSOAEs) are slow-decaying otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) that persist up to several hundred milliseconds following presentation of a transient stimulus. If the inter-stimulus interval is sufficiently short, SSOAEs will contaminate the stimulus window of the adjacent epoch. In medial-olivocochlear reflex (MOCR) assays, SSOAE contamination can present as a change in the stimulus between quiet and noise conditions, since SSOAEs are sensitive to MOCR activation. Traditionally, a change in the stimulus between MOCR conditions implicates acoustic reflex activation by the contralateral noise; however, this interpretation is potentially confounded by SSOAEs. This study examined the utility of jittering stimulus onset to desynchronize and cancel short-latency SSOAE energy. Transient-evoked (TE) OAEs and SSOAEs were measured from 39 subjects in contralateral-quiet and -noise conditions. Clicks were presented at fixed and quasi-random intervals (by introducing up to 8 ms of jitter). For the fixed-interval condition, spectral differences in the stimulus window between quiet and noise conditions mirrored those in the SSOAE analysis window, consistent with SSOAE contamination. In contrast, spectral differences stemming from SSOAEs were attenuated and/or absent in the stimulus window for the jitter conditions. The use of jitter did not have a statistically significant effect on either TEOAE level or the estimated MOCR.
Understanding the Skills and Competencies Athletic Department Social Media Staff Seek in Sport Management Graduates
Authors: Pate Joshua R. , Bosley Alyssa T.
Published: March 2020

Sport management academic programs can do better at preparing a graduate for a career by addressing the technology demands in the sport industry. Equally important is to weigh the skills that athletic department personnel want and need in a college graduate seeking an entry-level position in a sport communication, media relations, or sports information office. Those offices train student workers as an extension of their learning environment where they can put classroom learning to practice. The purpose of these interviews was to inform and equip sport management educators on how to best prepare students to enter the field of sport communication, specifically using social media in college athletics. Professionals indicated that students should be proficient in content creation and planning, representing an organization’s brand, and social media trends across all platforms. It is important for the sport management educator to know the skills and knowledge professionals desire from students so that classroom activity can be planned accordingly.
Sequencing metabolically labeled transcripts in single cells reveals mRNA turnover strategies
Authors: Battich Nico , Beumer Joep , de Barbanson Buys , Krenning Lenno , Baron Chloé S. , Tanenbaum Marvin E. , Clevers Hans , van Oudenaarden Alexander
Published: March 2020

RNA life span at single-cell resolution

RNA transcripts are an easily accessed representation of gene expression, but we lack a comprehensive view of the life span of RNA within the single cell. Battich
et al.
developed a method to sequence messenger RNA labeled with 5-ethynyl-uridine (EU) in single cells (scEU-seq), which allows estimation of RNA transcription and degradation rates. When examining intestinal organoid cells, scEU-seq data can be used to discern between transcription and degradation during development, indicating that this method can be applied to better understand the relationship between gene expression and RNA degradation during development.

Science
, this issue p.
1151
Microenvironment mapping via Dexter energy transfer on immune cells
Authors: Geri Jacob B. , Oakley James V. , Reyes-Robles Tamara , Wang Tao , McCarver Stefan J. , White Cory H. , Rodriguez-Rivera Frances P. , Parker Dann L. , Hett Erik C. , Fadeyi Olugbeminiyi O. , Oslund Rob C. , MacMillan David W. C.
Published: March 2020

Pinpointing proteins

To develop drugs that target a specific cell surface protein, it's helpful to know which other proteins reside in its vicinity. Geriet al.report a light-triggered labeling technique that improves the spatial resolution for this type of mapping. Specifically, they rely on a photocatalyst with a very short energy-transfer range to activate a carbene-based label that can only diffuse a short distance in water before reacting. They showcase the technique by mapping the environment of the programmed-death ligand 1 (PDL1) protein on B cell surfaces, a system of considerable interest in cancer immunotherapy.

Science, this issue p.1091
An atlas of the protein-coding genes in the human, pig, and mouse brain
Authors: Sjöstedt Evelina , Zhong Wen , Fagerberg Linn , Karlsson Max , Mitsios Nicholas , Adori Csaba , Oksvold Per , Edfors Fredrik , Limiszewska Agnieszka , Hikmet Feria , Huang Jinrong , Du Yutao , Lin Lin , Dong Zhanying , Yang Ling , Liu Xin , Jiang Hui , Xu Xun , Wang Jian , Yang Huanming , Bolund Lars , Mardinoglu Adil , Zhang Cheng , von Feilitzen Kalle , Lindskog Cecilia , Pontén Fredrik , Luo Yonglun , Hökfelt Tomas , Uhlén Mathias , Mulder Jan
Published: March 2020

Mapping the mammalian brain

The diverse physiology of the brain is reflected in its complex organization at regional, cellular, and subcellular levels. Sjöstedt
et al.
combined data—both newly acquired and from other large-scale brain mapping projects—from transcriptomics, single-cell genomics, in situ hybridization, and antibody-based protein profiling to map the molecular profiles in human, pig, and mouse brain. The analysis is consistent with a conserved basic brain architecture during mammalian evolution, but it does show differences in regional gene expression profiles.

Science
, this issue p.
eaay5947
Adduct Formation of Delamanid with NAD in Mycobacteria
Authors: Hayashi Mikayo , Nishiyama Akihito , Kitamoto Ryuki , Tateishi Yoshitaka , Osada-Oka Mayuko , Nishiuchi Yukiko , Kaboso Shaban A. , Chen Xiuhao , Fujiwara Mamoru , Inoue Yusuke , Kawano Yoshikazu , Kawasaki Masanori , Abe Tohru , Sato Tsutomu , Kaneko Kentaro , Itoh Kimiko , Matsumoto Sohkichi , Matsumoto Makoto
Published: March 2020

Delamanid (DLM), a nitro-dihydroimidazooxazole derivative currently approved for pulmonary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) therapy, is a prodrug activated by mycobacterial 7,8-didemethyl-8-hydroxy 5-deazaflavin electron transfer coenzyme (F
420
)-dependent nitroreductase (Ddn). Despite inhibiting the biosynthesis of a subclass of mycolic acids, the active DLM metabolite remained unknown. Comparative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of DLM metabolites revealed covalent binding of reduced DLM with a nicotinamide ring of NAD derivatives (oxidized form) in DLM-treated
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
var.
Application of a Novel Epitope- and Structure-Based Vaccinology-Assisted Fimbria-Toxin Multiepitope Fusion Antigen of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli for Development of Multivalent Vaccines against Porcine Postweaning Diarrhea
Authors: Lu Ti , Moxley Rodney A. , Zhang Weiping
Published: March 2020

ETEC-associated postweaning diarrhea (PWD) causes significant economic losses to swine producers worldwide. Currently, there is no effective prevention against PWD. A vaccine that blocks ETEC fimbriae (K88 and F18) from attaching to host receptors and prevents enterotoxins from stimulating water hypersecretion in pig small intestinal epithelial cells can effectively protect against PWD and significantly improves pig health and well-being. The fimbria-toxin MEFA generated from this study induced neutralizing antibodies against both ETEC fimbriae and all four ETEC toxins, suggesting a great potential of this fimbria-toxin MEFA in PWD vaccine development and further supporting the general application of this novel MEFA vaccinology platform for multivalent vaccine development.
Comprehensive Characterization of Transcriptional Activity during Influenza A Virus Infection Reveals Biases in Cap-Snatching of Host RNA Sequences
Authors: Clohisey Sara , Parkinson Nicholas , Wang Bo , Bertin Nicolas , Wise Helen , Tomoiu Andru ,   FANTOM5 Consortium, Summers Kim M. , Hendry Ross W. , Carninci Piero , Forrest Alistair R. R. , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Digard Paul , Hume David A. , Baillie J. Kenneth
Published: March 2020

Infection with influenza A virus (IAV) infection is responsible for an estimated 500,000 deaths and up to 5 million cases of severe respiratory illness each year. In this study, we looked at human primary immune cells (macrophages) infected with IAV. Our method allows us to look at both the host and the virus in parallel. We used these data to explore a process known as “cap-snatching,” where IAV snatches a short nucleotide sequence from capped host RNA. This process was believed to be random. We demonstrate biased snatching of numerous host RNAs, including those associated with snRNA transcription, and avoidance of host transcripts encoding host ribosomal proteins, which are required by IAV for replication. We then describe the transcriptional landscape of the host response to IAV, observing new features, including a failure of IAV-treated MDMs to induce feedback inhibitors of inflammation, seen in response to other treatments.
Exploring records of typhoon variability in eastern China over the past 2000 years
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhou Liang , Normandeau Alexandre , Jia Jianjun , Yin Qijun , Wang Ya Ping , Shi Benwei , Gao Lei , Gao Shu
Published: March 2020

How climate controls tropical cyclone variability has critical implications for modern human society but is not well understood due to the short length of observational records. To probe this knowledge gap, we present a synthesis of intense typhoon activity from the northwestern Pacific over the past 2000 years, which is supported by a new, well-resolved tidal flat sedimentary record from the Jiangsu coast, eastern China. The record reveals nine intervals of typhoon frequency, indicating that the frequency of intense typhoons has varied on multi-centennial scales over the past 2000 years. Our synthesis shows strong evidence for a seesaw pattern of intense typhoon frequency between southeastern China and Japan and Korea. This pattern can be explained by the El Niño and Southern Oscillation–East Asian Monsoon–sea surface temperature hypothesis, which potentially explains the basin-wide typhoon climate in the northwestern Pacific region. A shift in typhoon activity was identified from 550–280 to 280–50 yr B.P. during the Little Ice Age, when typhoon activity changed from active to quiescent or vice versa. Centennial-scale shifts in Intertropical Convergence Zone and Western Pacific Warm Pool sea surface temperature are likely to be the primary forcing mechanisms driving this shift. Results obtained here provide links between typhoon activity and the El Niño and Southern Oscillation, the East Asian Monsoon, and the Western Pacific Warm Pool sea surface temperature, and therefore improve our ability to fully assess intense typhoon activity in future climate warming.
Polymyositis as an unexpected presentation of canine leishmaniasis
Authors: Resende Lucilene Silva Ruiz , Faustino Fabiana Garcia , Rahal Sheila Canevese
Published: March 2020

We describe a rare case of a dog with visceral leishmaniasis and clinical, electromyographical and muscle biopsy diagnosis of polymyositis without parasites on muscle biopsy.
Ecological revetments for enhanced interception of nonpoint source pollutants: a review
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Ding Jiaqi , He Yan , Wang Difang , Cao Chengjin , Huang Minsheng
Published: March 2020

The riparian zone is a transitional zone between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and is also the only passage for surface runoff to enter a river. The role of the riparian zone as a means for intercepting nonpoint source (NPS) pollution has been receiving growing attention and, in recent years, various ecological revetments have been developed to strengthen the interception of runoff pollutants. This research reviews the current development of ecological revetments in terms of NPS pollution control with a focus on the key functions and optimization methods of vegetation allocation and substrate configuration. Future research on improving the ecological revetments for enhanced NPS pollution control are also highlighted. This review is intended to provide a technical reference for the optimization and implementation of ecological revetment projects, and possible pathways for the effective control of NPS pollution.
Radiative corrections for the decay $$\varSigma ^0\rightarrow \varLambda e^+e^-$$
Authors: Husek Tomáš , Leupold Stefan
Published: March 2020

Electromagnetic form factors serve to explore the intrinsic structure of nucleons and their strangeness partners. With electron scattering at low energies the electromagnetic moments and radii of nucleons can be deduced. The corresponding experiments for hyperons are limited because of the unstable nature of the hyperons. Only for one process this turns to an advantage: the decay of the neutral Sigma hyperon to a Lambda hyperon and a real or virtual photon. Due to limited phase space the effects caused by the Sigma-to-Lambda transition form factors compete with the QED radiative corrections for the decay $$\varSigma ^0\rightarrow \varLambda e^+e^-$$Σ0→Λe+e-. These QED corrections are addressed in the present work, evaluated beyond the soft-photon approximation, i.e., over the whole range of the Dalitz plot and with no restrictions on the energy of the radiative photon.
Dimensional schemes for cross sections at NNLO
Authors: Gnendiger C. , Signer A.
Published: March 2020

So far, the use of different variants of dimensional regularization has been investigated extensively for two-loop virtual corrections. We extend these studies to real corrections that are also required for a complete computation of physical cross sections at next-to-next-to-leading order. As a case study we consider two-jet production in electron-positron annihilation and describe how to compute the various parts separately in different schemes. In particular, we verify that using dimensional reduction the double-real corrections are obtained simply by integrating the four-dimensional matrix element over the phase space. In addition, we confirm that the cross section is regularization-scheme independent.
Measuring and mitigating behavioural segregation using Call Detail Records
Authors: Rhoads Daniel , Serrano Ivan , Borge-Holthoefer Javier , Solé-Ribalta Albert
Published: March 2020

The overwhelming amounts of data we generate in our daily routine and in social networks has been crucial for the understanding of various social and economic factors. The use of this data represents a low-cost alternative source of information in parallel to census data and surveys. Here, we advocate for such an approach to assess and alleviate the segregation of Syrian refugees in Turkey. Using a large dataset of mobile phone records provided by Turkey’s largest mobile phone service operator, Türk Telekom, in the frame of the Data 4 Refugees project, we define, analyse and optimise inter-group integration as it relates to the communication patterns of two segregated populations: refugees living in Turkey and the local Turkish population. Our main hypothesis is that making these two communities more similar (in our case, in terms of behaviour) may increase the level of positive exposure between them, due to the well-known sociological principle of homophily. To achieve this, working from the records of call and SMS origins and destinations between and among both populations, we develop an extensible, statistically-solid, and reliable framework to measure the differences between the communication patterns of two groups. In order to show the applicability of our framework, we assess how house mixing strategies, in combination with public and private investment, may help to overcome segregation. We first identify the districts of the Istanbul province where refugees and local population communication patterns differ in order to then utilise our framework to improve the situation. Our results show potential in this regard, as we observe a significant reduction of segregation while limiting, in turn, the consequences in terms of rent increase.
Anti-Apoptotic Effects of Diosgenin in D-Galactose-Induced Aging Brain
Authors: Cheng Shiu-Min , Ho Ying-Jui , Yu Shao-Hong , Liu Yi-Fan , Lin Yi-Yuan , Huang Chih-Yang , Ou Hsiu-Chung , Huang Hai-Liang , Lee Shin-Da
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of diosgenin on the D-galactose-induced cerebral cortical widely dispersed apoptosis. Male 12-week-old Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control (1[Formula: see text]mg/kg/day of saline, i.p.), DD0 (150[Formula: see text]mg/kg/day of D-galactose, i.p.), DD10, and DD50 (D-galactose[Formula: see text] or 50[Formula: see text]mg/kg/day of diosgenin orally). After eight weeks, histopathological analysis, positive TUNEL and Western blotting assays were performed on the excised cerebral cortex from all four groups. The TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells, the components of Fas pathway (Fas, FADD, active caspase-8 and active caspase-3), and mitochondria pathway (t-Bid, Bax, cytochrome [Formula: see text], active caspase-9 and active caspase-3) were increased in the DD0 group compared with the control group, whereas they were decreased in the DD50 group. The components of survival pathway (p-Bad, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, IGF-1, p-PI3K and p-AKT) were increased in the DD50 group compared to the control group, whereas the levels of Bcl-xL, p-PI3K, and p-AKT were also compensatorily increased in the DD0 group compared to the control group. Taken together, diosgenin suppressed D-galactose-induced neuronal Fas-dependent and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways and enhanced the Bcl-2 family associated pro-survival and IGF-1-PI3K-AKT survival pathways, which might provide neuroprotective effects of diosgenin for prevention of the D-galactose-induced aging brain.
Taraxacum officinale Wigg. Attenuates Inflammatory Responses in Murine Microglia through the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Dong Linsha , Dongzhi Zhuoma , Jin Yonglong , Kim Youn-Chul , Lee Dong-Sung , Huang Shan , Panichayupakaranant Pharkphoom , Li Bin
Published: March 2020

As a long-established medicinal and edible homologous plant, Taraxacum officinale Wigg. is widely distributed in Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world. T. officinale is reported to exert a variety of biological and pharmacological activities, including anticancer, hepatoprotective, and anti-obesity effects. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extracts of T. officinale (A-TOW) by examining the suppression of proinflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated BV2 and mouse hippocampus. Furthermore, A-TOW also inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor [Formula: see text]B p65 caused by stimulation with LPS. In addition, A-TOW regulates heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression through the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in BV2 cells. The effects of A-TOW on the over-expression of proinflammatory mediators were partially reversed by transfection of the cells with HO-1 siRNA. These findings suggest that the potent anti-inflammatory activity of T. officinale, possibly through the regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway.
Chuanxiong (Rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong) Protects Ovariectomized Hyperlipidemic Rats from Bone Loss
Authors: Dong Xiao-Li , Yu Wen-Xuan , Li Chun-Mei , Zhou Li-Ping , Wong Man-Sau
Published: March 2020

Oxidative stress (OS) is the common mechanism for age-related diseases. The co-occurrence of osteoporosis (OP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women makes it warranted to find a holistic approach for treatment of multiple diseases or conditions. The rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (CX), which has high anti-oxidant properties and is widely used for CVD treatment in China, might be the potential candidate. In the present study, CX ethanol extract (CXE) was applied to H2O2 induced MG63 cells to study its effects and mechanisms on osteoblastogenesis against OS. CXE was then administered to six-month-old Sprague Dawley sham or ovariectomized (OVX) rats fed either a low saturated fat-sucrose (LFS) or a high fat-sucrose (HFS) diet for 12 weeks, to confirm its anti-osteoporotic effects. The results demonstrated that CXE directly improved proliferation and differentiation in vitro in an H2O2-induced osteoblast cell model by attenuating cellular reactive oxygen species levels and inhibiting osteoblast apoptosis via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CXE significantly improved bone properties as revealed by the increase in trabecular bone mineral density and decrease in trabecular separation at proximal metaphysis of the tibia (PT) in HFS-fed OVX rats but not in LFS-fed OVX rats. CXE ameliorated dyslipidemia, greatly reduced lipid deposition and malondialdehyde levels, improved activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the livers of HFS-fed OVX rats. In conclusion, CXE could favor osteoblastogenesis against OS. The ability of CXE to reduce bone loss in HFS-fed OVX rats was associated with its abilities to correct dyslipidemia, and reduce lipid deposition and OS levels.
On the Theory of a Nonlinear Dynamic Circuit Filtering
Authors: Bhatt Dhruvi S. , Nagarsheth Shaival H. , Sharma Shambhu N.
Published: March 2020

Stochastic Differential Equations (SDEs) describe physical systems to account for random forcing terms in the evolution of the state trajectory. The noisy sampling mixer, a component of digital wireless communications, can be regarded as a potential case from the dynamical systems’ viewpoint. The universality of the noisy sampling mixer is attributed to the fact that it adopts the structure of a nonlinear SDE and its linearized version becomes a time-varying bilinear SDE. This paper develops a mathematical theory for the nonlinear noisy sampling mixer from the filtering viewpoint. Since the filtering of stochastic systems hinges on the structure of dynamical systems and observation equation set up, we consider three ‘filtering models’. The first model, accounts for a nonlinear SDE coupled with a nonlinear observation equation. In the second model, we consider a bilinear SDE with a linear observation equation to achieve the nonlinear sampling filtering. Note that the bilinear SDE coupled with the linear observation is a consequence of the Carleman linearization to the nonlinear SDE and the nonlinear observation equation. In the third model, we consider a Stratonovich SDE coupled with a nonlinear observation equation. The filtering equation of this paper can be further utilized to guide the design process of the noisy sampling mixer.
Statistical analysis of long-term trends in UK effective rainfall: implications for deep-seated landsliding
Authors: Lee E.M.
Published: March 2020

Rainfall and its impact on the water content of a slope are known to be important controls on landslide activity in the UK. This paper presents an analysis of long-term monthly rainfall and temperature records from selected stations throughout the UK, including the application of a non-parametric statistical test to evaluate the significance of any trends in these time series. The results indicate that there is significant spatial variation in the long-term trends. A positive trend of increasing effective rainfall (precipitation minus evapotranspiration) is present at some (but not all) Scottish stations (Eskdalemuir, Lerwick, Paisley, Stornoway and Tiree), but is not present across the rest of the UK.
Subduction of an extinct rift and its role in the formation of submarine landslides in NW South America
Authors: Vargas Carlos A. , Gutiérrez Gustavo A. , Sarmiento Gustavo A.
Published: March 2020

On the eastern margin of the Panama Basin, the Nazca oceanic plate converges towards the continental plate of South America at approximately 53 mm a
−1
. Subduction processes are accompanied by the presence of anomalous bathymetric elements including the Sandra Ridge. This east–west-orientated ridge is catalogued as an aborted rift derived from a magmatic spreading axis that was active between 12 and 9 Ma. Seismic activity within this structure is considered evidence of fault reactivation and tectonism. Once the structure reached the subduction trench several submarine landslides were triggered. Run-out lengths of these submarine landslides are perpendicular to the convergence of the structure with some units spreading and forming a wide fan that reaches tens of kilometres to the north and south of the trench. The area affected by the three main landslides varies between 130 and 300 km
2
approximately, with relatively superficial earthquakes (<33 km) and with magnitudes that reach up to M
w
7.2. The morphology of the landslides suggests a retrogressive nature with younger events proximal to shore. This paper presents estimates of the age of these landslides and discusses sources of uncertainty regarding these times of occurrence.
User Interaction with Online Advertisements
Authors: Vassio Luca , Garetto Michele , Chiasserini Carla , Leonardi Emilio
Published: March 2020

We consider an online advertisement system and focus on the impact of user interaction and response to targeted advertising campaigns. We analytically model the system dynamics accounting for the user behavior and devise strategies to maximize a relevant metric called click-through-intensity (CTI), defined as the number of clicks per time unit. With respect to the traditional click-through-rate (CTR) metric, CTI better captures the success of advertisements for services that the users may access several times, making multiple purchases or subscriptions. Examples include advertising of on-line games or airplane tickets. The model we develop is validated through traces of real advertising systems and allows us to optimize CTI under different scenarios depending on the nature of ad delivery and of the information available at the system. Experimental results show that our approach can increase the revenue of an ad campaign, even when user’s behavior can only be estimated.
Influence of multiparity on sympathetic nerve activity during normal pregnancy
Authors: Badrov Mark B. , Yoo Jeung-Ki , Steinback Craig D. , Davenport Margie H. , Fu Qi
Published: March 2020

Recent evidence suggests an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease development in multiparous women. Therefore, we investigated the effects of multiparity on within-pregnancy sympathetic neural regulation in normotensive, pregnant women. We retrospectively analyzed heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; n = 8) data from 10 women whom participated in microneurographic research studies during two sequential pregnancies (i.e., PREG1 and PREG2). There was no difference in resting BP between pregnancies ( P > 0.05), whereas HR trended higher in PREG2 versus PREG1 ( P = 0.06). MSNA burst frequency was greater in PREG2 versus PREG1 after adjusting for age (32 ± 12 vs. 22 ± 12 bursts/min; P = 0.049), whereas burst incidence did not differ (40 ± 16 vs. 34 ± 17 bursts/100 heartbeats; P = 0.21). Sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity was not different between PREG1 and PREG2 ( P > 0.05). Our results may highlight a possible role of altered within-pregnancy sympathetic neural regulation in the observed relationship in women between parity and future cardiovascular disease risk.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effects of multiparity on within-pregnancy sympathetic neural regulation. We observed augmented muscle sympathetic nerve activity in women’s second studied pregnancy versus their first. Conversely, blood pressure and sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity did not differ, whereas a trend for increased heart rate was observed. Our results highlight a possible role of altered within-pregnancy sympathetic neural regulation in the relationship between increased parity and cardiovascular disease development.
Overview of mathematical modeling of myocardial blood flow regulation
Authors: Namani Ravi , Lanir Yoram , Lee Lik Chuan , Kassab Ghassan S.
Published: March 2020

The oxygen consumption by the heart and its extraction from the coronary arterial blood are the highest among all organs. Any increase in oxygen demand due to a change in heart metabolic activity requires an increase in coronary blood flow. This functional requirement of adjustment of coronary blood flow is mediated by coronary flow regulation to meet the oxygen demand without any discomfort, even under strenuous exercise conditions. The goal of this article is to provide an overview of the theoretical and computational models of coronary flow regulation and to reveal insights into the functioning of a complex physiological system that affects the perfusion requirements of the myocardium. Models for three major control mechanisms of myogenic, flow, and metabolic control are presented. These explain how the flow regulation mechanisms operating over multiple spatial scales from the precapillaries to the large coronary arteries yield the myocardial perfusion characteristics of flow reserve, autoregulation, flow dispersion, and self-similarity. The review not only introduces concepts of coronary blood flow regulation but also presents state-of-the-art advances and their potential to impact the assessment of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), cardiac-coronary coupling in metabolic diseases, and therapies for angina and heart failure. Experimentalists and modelers not trained in these models will have exposure through this review such that the nonintuitive and highly nonlinear behavior of coronary physiology can be understood from a different perspective. This survey highlights knowledge gaps, key challenges, future research directions, and novel paradigms in the modeling of coronary flow regulation.
Normative data and the influence of age and sex on microcirculatory function in a middle-aged cohort: results from the SCAPIS study
Authors: Jonasson Hanna , Bergstrand Sara , Fredriksson Ingemar , Larsson Marcus , Östgren Carl Johan , Strömberg Tomas
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study was to assess normative values for comprehensive forearm skin microcirculatory function: oxygen saturation, tissue fraction of red blood cells (RBCs), and speed-resolved perfusion. Furthermore, to examine the influence of age and sex on microcirculatory function. Measurements were performed using a noninvasive probe-based system, including diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and laser-Doppler flowmetry, yielding output data in absolute units. The study was conducted within the Swedish CArdioPulmonary BioImage Study (SCAPIS) and included 1,765 men and women aged 50–65 yr from the Linköping general population. Normative values are given at baseline, at the end of a 5-min occlusion of the brachial artery and during hyperemia after occlusion release. We found a consistent age distribution, in which the oldest individuals had the lowest peak oxygen saturation ( P < 0.001) and the highest baseline low-speed perfusion ( P < 0.001). Women had higher peak oxygen saturation ( P < 0.001), lower RBC tissue fraction, in general ( P < 0.001), lower baseline perfusion in all speed regions ( P = 0.01), and lower peak high-speed perfusion at hyperemia ( P < 0.001). The normative data can be used as reference values in future studies of disease-specific populations. The results show that age and sex are important aspects to consider in studies of microvascular function. Women and younger age were factors associated with higher peak oxygen saturation after ischemia. This is a novel parameter that reflects overall microcirculatory function associated with vascular dilation capacity.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study expands experimental microcirculatory research to clinical use by providing normative values on microcirculatory function in a large population-based cohort. Women and younger age were factors associated with higher peak oxygen saturation after ischemia, which implies that age and sex are important aspects to consider in studies of microvascular function. This study is the first step toward using microcirculatory assessment as a tool to improve diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment in disease-specific populations.
Adenosine Receptor A1-A2a Heteromers Regulate EAAT2 Expression and Glutamate Uptake via YY1-Induced Repression of PPARγ Transcription
Authors: Hou Xianhua , Li Yuan , Huang Yuanyuan , Zhao Huan , Gui Li
Published: March 2020

Adenosine receptors A1 (A1AR) and A2a (A2aAR) play an important role in regulating glutamate uptake to avoid glutamate accumulation that causes excitotoxicity in the brain; however, the precise mechanism of the effects of A1AR and A2aAR is unclear. Herein, we report that expression of the A1AR protein in the astrocyte membrane and the level of intracellular glutamate were decreased, while expression of the A2aR protein was elevated in cells exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions. Coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments showed that A1AR interacts with A2aAR under OGD conditions. The activation of A1AR and inactivation of A2aAR by 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) and SCH58251, respectively, partly reversed OGD-mediated glutamate uptake dysfunction, elevated EAAT2, and PPARγ protein levels, and suppressed the expression of Ying Yang 1 (YY1). Both the silencing of YY1 and the activation of PPARγ upregulated EAAT2 expression. Moreover, YY1 silencing elevated the PPARγ level under both normal and OGD conditions. Histone deacetylase (HDAC)1 was found to interact with YY1, and HDAC1 silencing improved PPARγ promoter activity. Taken together, our findings suggest that A1AR-A2aAR heteromers regulate EAAT2 expression and glutamate uptake through the YY1-mediated recruitment of HDAC1 to the PPARγ promoter region.
Disparities in Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Utilization among Married Women in Ethiopia: Findings of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Haile Biniyam Tadesse , Tsehay Yohannes Ejigu
Published: March 2020

Background. Long-acting contraceptive methods, subdermal implants, and intrauterine devices are reliable, safe, and cost-effective family planning methods. However, these methods are not widely used in Ethiopia despite government effort to increase access. The study is aimed at assessing the rate of utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods among married women and associated factors. Method. We analyzed the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey dataset. A total of 2045 married women of reproductive age group, who were using any modern contraceptive method at the time of the survey, were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were computed to characterize the study participants. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors, reporting odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Result. The multivariable analyses showed that women educational status, parity, religion, previous history of abortion, desire for more child, and region where the respondents reside were significantly the factors that determine the utilization of long-acting contraceptive. There is a significant regional disparity in long-acting contraceptive utilization. Compared to women residing in Tigray region, those who live in other regions (Afar-Somali, Oromia, Amhara, Benishangul Gumz-Gambela, and Southern Nations Nationalities and People) have low likelihood of using long-acting contraceptive methods. Conclusion. Utilization of long-acting family planning method is low in Ethiopia. There is a significant regional disparity in utilizing these methods. Policy makers should promote culture-sensitive and tailored interventions to improve the utilization of long-acting family planning methods.
A Cognitive Radio Spectrum Sensing Method for an OFDM Signal Based on Deep Learning and Cycle Spectrum
Authors: Pan Guangliang , Li Jun , Lin Fei
Published: March 2020

In a cognitive radio network (CRN), spectrum sensing is an important prerequisite for improving the utilization of spectrum resources. In this paper, we propose a novel spectrum sensing method based on deep learning and cycle spectrum, which applies the advantage of the convolutional neural network (CNN) in an image to the spectrum sensing of an orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) signal. Firstly, we analyze the cyclic autocorrelation of an OFDM signal and the cyclic spectrum obtained by the time domain smoothing fast Fourier transformation (FFT) accumulation algorithm (FAM), and the cyclic spectrum is normalized to gray scale processing to form a cyclic autocorrelation gray scale image. Then, we learn the deep features of layer-by-layer extraction by the improved CNN classic LeNet-5 model. Finally, we input the test set to verify the trained CNN model. Simulation experiments show that this method can complete the spectrum sensing task by taking advantage of the cycle spectrum, which has better spectrum sensing performance for OFDM signals under a low signal-noise ratio (SNR) than traditional methods.
Apoptotic Markers Are Increased in Epilepsy Patients: A Relation with Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Ala16Val Polymorphism and Seizure Type through IL‐1β and IL‐6 Pathways
Authors: Kegler Aline , Caprara Ana Letícia Fornari , Pascotini Eduardo Tanuri , Arend Josi , Gabbi Patricia , Duarte Marta M. M. F. , Furian Ana Flavia , Oliveira Mauro Schneider , Royes Luiz Fernando Freire , Fighera Michele Rechia
Published: March 2020

The MnSOD Ala16Val single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been associated with different diseases. However, there are scarcely studies relating this SNP in epilepsy, a neurologic disease that involves some interacting pathways, such as apoptotic and inflammatory factors. In this sense, we decided to investigate the relationship of MnSOD Ala16Val SNP with apoptotic markers in epilepsy and its relation with inflammatory pathway and seizure type. Ninety subjects were evaluated (47 epilepsies; 43 controls) by questionnaires and laboratorial exams. We observed a higher percentage of VV genotype in the epilepsy group when compared to the control group. IL‐1β, IL‐6, caspase‐1, and caspase‐3 levels were increased in the epilepsy group (VV genotype). Furthermore, an important correlation between IL‐1β vs. caspase‐1 and IL‐6 vs. caspase‐3 was observed in the epilepsy group (VV genotype). The epilepsy group which presented generalized seizures also demonstrated a positive correlation between IL‐1β vs. CASP1 and IL‐6 vs. CASP3. Thus, it is a plausible propose that epilepsy patients with VV genotype and generalized seizures present a worse inflammatory and apoptotic status. Our findings suggest that the knowledge of MnSOD Ala16Val polymorphism existence is important to evaluate molecular mechanisms associated to seizure and improve the treatment of these patients.
Acupuncture for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Liaoyao , Xu Jia , Zhan Yijun , Pei Jian
Published: March 2020

Objective. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for OSA patients with various severities of the disorder. Methods. Eight databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP (CQVIP), Wanfang Data, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) were comprehensively searched till July 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing acupuncture in the treatment of OSA were eligible for inclusion. Studies were selected for inclusion, and data were extracted by two authors independently. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Assessment Tool and RevMan software (version 5.3) were used to evaluate the quality of studies and conduct statistical analysis. Results. Nine RCTs with 584 participants were included. The trials covered acupuncture and electropuncture. Acupuncture caused clinically significant reductions in AHI (MD: ‐6.18; 95% CI: ‐9.58 to ‐2.78; Z = 3.56, P = 0.0004) as well as in ESS (MD: ‐2.84; 95% CI: ‐4.80 to ‐0.16, Z = 2.09, P = 0.04). AHI was reduced more in the subgroup analysis of moderate OSA patients (MD: ‐9.44; 95% CI: ‐12.44 to ‐6.45; Z = 6.18, P < 0.00001) and severe OSA patients (MD: ‐10.09; 95% CI: ‐12.47 to ‐7.71; Z = 8.31, P < 0.00001). ESS was also reduced more in the subgroup analysis of moderate OSA patients (MD: ‐2.40; 95% CI: ‐3.63 to ‐1.17; Z = 3.83, P = 0.0001) and severe OSA patients (MD: ‐4.64; 95% CI: ‐5.35 to ‐3.92; Z = 12.72, P < 0.00001). Besides, acupuncture had a beneficial effect on LSaO2 (MD: 5.29; 95% CI: 2.61 to 7.97; Z = 3.86, P = 0.0001). The outcome of AHI and LSaO2 yielded consistent results after sensitivity analysis, but the direction of the outcome of ESS was reversed. And the quality of evidence was mainly low to very low. Conclusions. Acupuncture therapy is effective for OSA patients in reducing AHI and ESS and in improving the LSaO2 of various severities, especially in moderate and severe OSA patients. High‐quality trials are urgently needed.
Intimate Partner Violence in Pregnancy: Knowledge and Experiences of Pregnant Women and Controlling Behavior of Male Partners in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria
Authors: Oche Oche Mansur , Adamu Habibullah , Abubakar Aisha , Aliyu Munira Sahabi , Dogondaji Abubakar Shehu
Published: March 2020

Background. Violence against women perpetrated by an intimate partner is an important public health issue. In recent years, attention has focused also on intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy due to its prevalence, adverse health consequences, and intervention potentials.Aim. To determine the knowledge, experiences, and factors influencing IPV, including the controlling behaviors of male partners of pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic (ANC) of a tertiary health facility in Sokoto.Materials and method. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 pregnant women attending ANC in a tertiary health facility in the Sokoto metropolis. They were selected using a systematic sampling technique, and a set of pretested questionnaire items was used for data collection. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20.Results. The respondents’ ages ranged from 19 to 40 years with a mean of29.09±4.99years, and up to 83.5% of them were in a monogamous setting. Three-quarters of them were Muslims mostly from urban areas (72.1%), and 36.4% had a university or HND degree. Majority of them responded correctly to questions on IPV; overall, up to 99.2% of them had good knowledge of IPV. About 33% of the respondents have experienced IPV while pregnant and up to 61.7% of them said they did nothing because of fear. Some of the controlling behaviors of male partners included always asking for permission before seeing friends and family members and also controlling their finances. Factors associated with IPV include tribe, place of residence, and partner consuming alcohol.Conclusion. Majority of the respondents had good knowledge of IPV with about one-third of them ever experiencing it. Respondent’s partners were mostly jealous and exhibited some form of controlling behaviors. Physical violence was the most prevalent form, and most of the victims did nothing about it. Government and women’s right groups should push for the implementation of tougher punitive measures against perpetrators of IPV.
Sweat and Hair: Online Interventions for Improving Physical Activity in African-American Women
Authors: Felix Kayla H. , De Souza Brianna , Uwakwe Laura N. , Subash Jacob , McMichael Amy J.
Published: March 2020

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an informational website in improving patient knowledge on hair care and exercise. Design: Pre- and post-exposure surveys, focusing on exercise and hair care practices, were administered to subjects after 1 h of browsing a dermatologist-designed hair care and exercise website. Setting: Winston Salem State University, a historically Black university in North Carolina, USA. Participants: 22 African-American women (AAW) aged between 18 and 54 years. Measurements: The outcome measures of the study include patient demographics, hair care practices, knowledge of hair/care disorders, exercise habits, and website feedback. Results: There were 22 women enrolled in the study with 95% identifying as African-American. The average age was 28 ± 12 years. A total of 80% (16/20) of subjects reported exercising less than 150 min per week, and 36% of these patients reported modifying their hairstyle to accommodate physical activity. 85% learned new information about hair and scalp disorders from the educational material on the website, and 81% had increased understanding of their hair health. 91% reported that they would return to the website. Conclusion: An informational website can be an effective tool to educate AAW on hair and scalp disease, as well as appropriate hair care practices and fitness goals.
Therapeutic Potential of Thrombomodulin in Renal Fibrosis of Nephrotoxic Serum Nephritis in Wistar-Kyoto Rats
Authors: Kanazawa Nobuhiro , Iyoda Masayuki , Tachibana Shohei , Matsumoto Kei , Wada Yukihiro , Suzuki Taihei , Iseri Ken , Shibata Takanori
Published: March 2020

Background: Recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rhTM) was approved in 2008 and has been used for treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation in Japan. The antifibrotic effects of rhTM in acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are well established, but the therapeutic potential of rhTM in renal fibrosis remains poorly understood. Methods: Nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NTS-N) was induced in 22 female Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats on day 0. Rats were administered either rhTM or vehicle intraperitoneally, every day from day 4 to day 55. Rats were sacrificed on day 56 when renal fibrosis was established and renal morphological investigations were performed. In vitro, rat renal fibroblasts (NRK-49F) were pretreated with rhTM or saline, and expression levels of profibrogenic gene induced by thrombin were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Compared to WKY-GN-vehicle rats, the body weights of WKY-GN-rhTM rats were significantly greater on day 55. By day 56, rhTM had significantly reduced serum creatinine levels in NTS-N. On the other hand, urinary protein excretion was comparable between the two treatment groups throughout the study. The percentage of Masson trichrome-positive areas in WKY-GN-rhTM rats was significantly lower compared to that in WKY-GN-vehicle rats. Glomerular fibrin deposition was significantly reduced in WKY-GN-rhTM rats. In addition, rhTM significantly reduced the renal cortical mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, Toll-like receptor 4, MYD88, TGF-β, αSMA, collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, and protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), a thrombin receptor. In vitro, thrombin stimulation of NRK-49F cells significantly enhanced the mRNA expression levels of αSMA and PAR1, and these upregulations were significantly reduced by pretreatment with rhTM. Conclusions: Administration of rhTM after establishment of crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN) attenuated the subsequent development of renal fibrosis in NTS-N, possibly in part by inhibiting thrombin-mediated fibrogenesis. Our results suggest that rhTM may offer a therapeutic option for limiting the progression of chronic kidney disease in crescentic GN.