bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sorting Rare ALS Genetic Variants by Targeted Re-Sequencing Panel in Italian Patients: OPTN, VCP, and SQSTM1 Variants Account for 3% of Rare Genetic Forms
Authors: Pensato Viviana , Magri Stefania , Dalla Bella Eleonora , Tannorella Pierpaola , Bersano Enrica , Sorarù Gianni , Gatti Marta , Ticozzi Nicola , Taroni Franco , Lauria Giuseppe , Mariotti Caterina , Gellera Cinzia
Published: February 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset progressive neurodegenerative disease due to motor neuron loss variably associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Next generation sequencing technology revealed an increasing number of rare and novel genetic variants and interpretation of their pathogenicity represents a major challange in the diagnosis of ALS. We selected 213 consecutive patients with sporadic or familial (16%) ALS, tested negative for SOD1, FUS, TARDBP, and C9orf72 mutations. To reveal rare forms of genetic ALS, we performed a comprehensive multi-gene panel screening including 46 genes associated with ALS, hereditary motor neuronopathies, spastic paraplegia, and FTD. Our study allowed the identification of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 4.2% of patients. The genes with the highest percentage of pathogenic variants were OPTN (1%), VCP (1%) SQSTM1(1%), SETX (0.4%), FIG4 (0.4%), and GARS1 (0.4%) genes. We also found 49 novel or rare gene variants of unknown significance in 30 patients (14%), 44 unlikely pathogenic variants (39%), and 48 variants in ALS susceptibility genes. The results of our study suggest the screening of OPTN, VCP, and SQSTM1 genes in routine diagnostic investigations for both sporadic and familial cases, and confirm the importance of diagnosis and couselling for patients and their relative family members.
Physical Activity and the Development of Post-Transplant Diabetes Mellitus, and Cardiovascular- and All-Cause Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Byambasukh Oyuntugs , Osté Maryse C. J. , Gomes-Neto António W. , van den Berg Else , Navis Gerjan , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Corpeleijn Eva
Published: February 2020

(1) Background: Little is currently known about the health impacts of daily-life moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in relation to the development of post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) and the long-term survival of renal transplant recipients (RTRs). (2) Methods: We analyzed self-reported data on MVPA within non-occupational and occupational domains, estimated with the SQUASH questionnaire, from a prospective cohort study of RTRs (n = 650) with a functioning graft exceeding 1 year. PTDM diagnoses were based on plasma glucose levels (≥126 mg/dL), HbA1c (≥6.5%), and the use of antidiabetic medication. Mortality data were retrieved from patient files up to the end of September 2015. (3) Results: During a median follow-up period of 5.3 years, 50 patients (10%) developed PTDM and 129 (19.8%) died. Of these deaths, 53 (8.9%) were caused by cardiovascular disease. Cox regression analyses showed that higher MVPA levels among patients were associated with a lower risk of PTDM (hazard ratio (HR); 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.49; 0.25–0.96, p = 0.04), cardiovascular- (0.34; 0.15–0.77, p = 0.01), and all-cause mortality (0.37; 0.24–0.58, p < 0.001) compared with No-MVPA patients, independently of age, sex, and kidney function parameters. Associations of MVPA with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality remained significant and materially unchanged following further adjustments made for transplant characteristics, lifestyle factors, metabolic parameters, medication use, and creatinine excretion (muscle mass). However, the association between MVPA and PTDM was no longer significant after we adjusted for metabolic confounders and glucose levels. (4) Conclusion: Higher MVPA levels are associated with long-term health outcomes in RTRs.
The Rate of Underascertainment of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Infection: Estimation Using Japanese Passengers Data on Evacuation Flights
Authors: Nishiura Hiroshi , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Yang Yichi , Hayashi Katsuma , Miyama Takeshi , Kinoshita Ryo , Linton Natalie , Jung Sung-mok , Yuan Baoyin , Suzuki Ayako , Akhmetzhanov Andrei
Published: February 2020

From 29 to 31 January 2020, a total of 565 Japanese citizens were evacuated from Wuhan, China on three chartered flights. All passengers were screened upon arrival in Japan for symptoms consistent with novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection and tested for presence of the virus. Assuming that the mean detection window of the virus can be informed by the mean serial interval (estimated at 7.5 days), the ascertainment rate of infection was estimated at 9.2% (95% confidence interval: 5.0, 20.0). This indicates that the incidence of infection in Wuhan can be estimated at 20,767 infected individuals, including those with asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic infections. The infection fatality risk (IFR)—the actual risk of death among all infected individuals—is therefore 0.3% to 0.6%, which may be comparable to Asian influenza pandemic of 1957–1958.
Are the Immune Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Wharton’s Jelly Maintained during Chondrogenic Differentiation?
Authors: Voisin Charlotte , Cauchois Ghislaine , Reppel Loïc , Laroye Caroline , Louarn Laetitia , Schenowitz Chantal , Sonon Paulin , Poras Isabelle , Wang Valentine , D. Carosella Edgardo , Benkirane-Jessel Nadia , Moreau Philippe , Rouas-Freiss Nathalie , Bensoussan Danièle , Huselstein Céline
Published: February 2020

Background: Umbilical mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), and especially those derived from Wharton’s jelly (WJ), are a promising engineering tool for tissue repair in an allogeneic context. This is due to their differentiation capacity and immunological properties, like their immunomodulatory potential and paracrine activity. Hence, these cells may be considered an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP). The purpose of this work was to differentiate MSCs from WJ (WJ-MSCs) into chondrocytes using a scaffold and to evaluate, in vitro, the immunomodulatory capacities of WJ-MSCs in an allogeneic and inflammatory context, mimicked by IFN-γ and TNF-α priming during the chondrogenic differentiation. Methods: Scaffolds were made from hydrogel composed by alginate enriched in hyaluronic acid (Alg/HA). Chondrogenic differentiation, immunological function, phenotype expression, but also secreted soluble factors were the different parameters followed during 28 days of culture. Results: During chondrocyte differentiation, even in an allogeneic context, WJ-MSCs remained unable to establish the immunological synapse or to induce T cell alloproliferation. Moreover, interestingly, paracrine activity and functional immunomodulation were maintained during cell differentiation. Conclusion: These results show that WJ-MSCs remained hypoimmunogenic and retained immunomodulatory properties even when they had undergone chondrocyte differentiation.
Cloud-Based Multicenter Data Collection and Epidemiologic Analysis of Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws in a Central European Population
Authors: Vereb Tamás , Boda Krisztina , Czakó László , Vaszilkó Mihály , Fülöp Gábor , Klenk Gusztáv , Janovszky Ágnes , Oberna Ferenc , Piffkó József , Seres László
Published: February 2020

Objective: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is considered to be a rare but severe complication of bisphosphonate therapy. To understand this condition better, data collection is essential. Although the number of scientific papers about this subject is large, to date only a few multicenter reports have been published. Study design: We present a novel cloud-based data collection system for the evaluation of the risk factors of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Web-based questionnaire and database have been set up and made available to voluntary researchers and clinicians in oral and maxillofacial surgery in Hungary and Slovakia. Results: To date, fifteen colleagues from eight maxillofacial units have joined the study. Data of 180 patients have been recorded. Collected data were statistically analysed and evaluated from an epidemiological point of view. Conclusions: Authors consider cloud-based multicenter data collection a useful tool that allows for real-time collaboration between users, facilitates fast data entry and analysis, and thus considerably contributes to widening our knowledge of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws.
Prognosis-Predicting Model Based on [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET Metabolic Parameters in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients Treated with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy: Multi-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Lee Won Kee , Chong Gun Oh , Jeong Shin Young , Lee Hyun Jung , Park Shin-Hyung , Ryu Jung Min , Choi Youn Seok , Kang Sungmin , Koo Yu-Jin , Lee Dae Hyung , Kong Eunjung , Lee Sang-Woo
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to develop a prognosis-predicting model based on [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) and clinicopathologic factors in locally advanced cervical cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). The medical records of 270 locally advanced cervical cancer patients who were treated with CCRT were collected from three institutions and reviewed retrospectively. A nomogram was used for predicting 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) and 5-year overall survival (OS) based on Cox proportional hazards regression. Predictor variables included nodal maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), primary tumor SUVmax, age, tumor size, stage, serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen level, and human papillomavirus status. Internal nomogram validation was performed. A nomogram for predicting the 2-year DFS and 5-year OS was constructed using six and seven parameters, respectively. With a focus on 2-year DFS, our model found nodal SUVmax to be the highest weighted negative prognostic factor. With a focus on 5-year OS, young age was the highest weighted negative prognostic factor. The concordance index was 0.75 and 0.78 for the 2-year DFS and 5-year OS, respectively. This nomogram is a predictive tool that can be used to counsel patients for predicting survival outcomes. Moreover, our prognosis-predicting model may make it possible to personalize treatment.
Chronic Oral Palmitoylethanolamide Administration Rescues Cognitive Deficit and Reduces Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Glutamate Levels in A Transgenic Murine Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Beggiato Sarah , Tomasini Maria Cristina , Cassano Tommaso , Ferraro Luca
Published: February 2020

N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a lipid mediator belonging to the class of the N-acylethanolamine. Products containing PEA, also in ultramicronized formulation (um-PEA), are already licensed for use in humans for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and demonstrated high safety and tolerability. Preclinical studies indicate that PEA, especially in the ultramicronized form, could be a potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we evaluated the neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of chronic (three months) um-PEA administration in an animal model of AD (3×Tg-AD mice). For translation purposes, the compound has been orally administered. Cognitive performance as well as biochemical markers [(interleukin-16 (IL-16) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, synaptophysin and glutamate levels) have been evaluated at the end of um-PEA treatment. The results indicate that orally administered um-PEA was adsorbed and distributed in the mice brain. The chronic treatment with um-PEA (100 mg/kg/day for three months) rescued cognitive deficit, restrained neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and reduced the increase in hippocampal glutamate levels observed in 3×Tg-AD mice. Overall, these data reinforce the concept that um-PEA exerts beneficial effects in 3×Tg-AD mice. The fact that PEA is already licensed for the use in humans strongly supports its rapid translation in clinical practice.
Muscle Activity of the Latissimus Dorsi after Tendon Transfer in Patients with Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Hetto Pit , Spranz David , Zeifang Felix , Wolf Sebastian I. , van Drongelen Stefan , Maier Michael W. , Sowa Boris
Published: February 2020

Background: Massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears may result in the loss of external rotation. Most of the patients with posterosuperior rotator cuff tears suffer from a restriction in their daily life actions. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) is a method to restore abduction and external rotation in these patients. However, the behavior of the LD after the transfer is not clear yet. Few studies have analyzed the activity of the LD after transfer. The goal of this study was to examine the function of the LD postoperatively in follow-up examinations during activities of daily life (ADLs) and during different movements evaluated by measuring the range of motion (ROM). Methods: We examined 12 patients 4.3 years (1–9 years) after LDTT, using simultaneous 3D motion analysis and surface Electromyography (sEMG) of 12 muscle parts; the opposite, nonaffected side was assessed as a control. The measurement protocol included two standardized movements (exorotation with an adducted arm and exorotation with 90° abduction) as well as two ADLs (combing hair and perineal care). Results: An average of 4.3 years (1–9 years) after LDTT, 9 of the 12 subjects showed EMG activity in the transferred LD during glenohumeral external rotation. During the endorotation phase, either little activity was registered or only the pectoralis major was active. During the ADLs, 6 out of 12 subjects showed EMG activity in the transferred LD while “combing hair”, whereas all subjects showed EMG activity during perineal care. Conclusion: The LD showed partial activity in its new role as an exorotator, but no clear difference was observed between some of the movements as well as in comparison with the healthy shoulder. Further studies will need to be conducted to better differentiate voluntary contractions and co-contractions as well as tension and extension in the muscle.
A Cohort Study of Antihyperglycemic Medication Exposure and Gastric Cancer Risk
Authors: Dulskas Audrius , Patasius Ausvydas , Kaceniene Auguste , Linkeviciute-Ulinskiene Donata , Zabuliene Lina , Smailyte Giedre
Published: February 2020

We assessed gastric cancer risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Gastric cancer patients with diabetes between 2001–2012 were identified. Four groups were analysed: combination therapy with metformin users; insulin and other medication users; metformin and insulin users; and sulfonylurea users. Standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) for gastric cancers as a ratio of the observed number of cancer cases in people with diabetes to the expected number of cancer cases in the underlying general population were calculated. A total of 99,992 patients with diabetes were analysed and 337 gastric cancer cases in patients with diabetes were observed when compared to the expected number of 400.54 gastric cancer cases, according to the cancer rates of the general population (SIR 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76–0.94). Lower risk of gastric cancer was found both in male and female patients with diabetes, however, risk among females was insignificantly lower. Higher gastric cancer risk was found in the group of diabetic patients treated with sulfonylureas (SIR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.04–1.65) and significantly lower risk than expected from the general population was found in the group of metformin users (SIR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66–0.86). Type 2 diabetes mellitus was not associated with increased risk of gastric cancer. Metformin might decrease the risk of gastric cancer in patients with diabetes, while sulfonylureas may increase gastric cancer risk.
High-Frequency Radar Observations of Surface Circulation Features along the South-Western Australian Coast
Authors: Cosoli Simone , Pattiaratchi Charitha , Hetzel Yasha
Published: February 2020

A new merged high-frequency radar (HFR) data set collected using SeaSonde and WERA (WEllen RAdar) systems was used to examine the ocean surface circulation at diurnal, seasonal and inter-annual time scales along the south-west coast of Australia (SWWA), between 29°–32° S. Merging was performed after resampling WERA data on the coarser SeaSonde HFR grid and averaging data from the two HFR systems in the area of common overlap. Direct comparisons between WERA and SeaSonde vectors in their overlapping areas provided scalar and vector correlation values in the range Ru = [0.24, 0.76]; Rv = [0.39, 0.83]; ρ = [0.44, 0.75], with mean bias between velocity components in the range [−0.02, 0.28] ms−1, [−0.16, 0.16] ms−1 for the U, V components, respectively. The lower agreement between vectors was obtained in general at the boundaries of the HFR domains, where the combined effects of the bearing errors, geometrical constraints, and the limited angular field of view were predominant. The combined data set allowed for a novel characterization of the dominant features in the region, such as the warmer poleward-flowing Leeuwin Current (LC), the colder Capes Current (CC) and its northward extensions, the presence of sub-mesoscale to mesoscale eddies and their generation and aggregation areas, along with the extent offshore of the inertial-diurnal signal. The contribution of tides was weak within the entire HFR domain (<10% total variance), whilst signatures of significant inertial- and diurnal-period currents were present due to diurnal–inertial resonance. A clear discontinuity in energy and variance distribution occurred at the shelf break, which separates the continental shelf and deeper offshore regions, and defined the core of the LC. Confined between the LC and the coastline, the narrower and colder CC current was a feature during the summer months. Persistent (lifespan greater than 1 day) sub-mesoscale eddies (Rossby number O (1)) were observed at two main regions, north and south of 31.5° S, offshore of the 200 m depth contour. The majority of these eddies had diameters in the range 10–20 km with 50% more counter clockwise rotating (CCW) eddies compared to clockwise (CW) rotating eddies. The northern region was dominated by CCW eddies that were present throughout the year whilst CW eddies were prevalent in the south with lower numbers during the summer months.
Banking Finance Experts Consensus on Compliance in US Bank Holding Companies: An e-Delphi Study
Authors: Velez Sophia , Neubert Michael , Halkias Daphne
Published: February 2020

Compliance measures emphasized in the Dodd-Frank Bill 2010, Section 165 is a response to the 2008 financial crisis, that requires large banks to maintain a minimum capital ratio. The Federal Reserve Bank (Fed) regulates capital of Bank Holding Companies (BHC) through compliance Supervisory Capital Assessment Program (SCAP) 2009 and Comprehensive Capital Adequacy Review (CCAR) 2011 annual stress test of capital. The Fed imposed a minimum capital ratio of 8% that has derailed the risk management objective of capital adequacy, as bank managers are forced to take on more risk to meet the capital ratio. This study concerns senior manager practices that can be effective in meeting compliance requirements posed by the Fed for BHCs. Through a qualitative e-Delphi study, 10 banking finance experts were convened to build consensus on senior manager’s practices that can be effective in meeting compliance requirements. Data were collected from three electronic questionnaires submitted through Qualtrics. Data were analyzed using theoretical triangulation, coding, and thematic analysis. Four important considerations were identified that could bolster compliance measures effectiveness: (a) emphasis placed on understanding regulatory consultant compliance, (b) maintenance of effective and independent compliance align to organizational objectives, (c) clear definition of data source for compliance analytics. These considerations of compliance practices may help senior bank managers reduce risky behaviors and investments that cause significant bank losses.
Exploring Compliance of AAOIFI Shariah Standard on Ijarah Financing: Analysis on the Practices of Islamic Banks in Malaysia
Authors: Saleem Shujaat , Mansor Fadillah
Published: February 2020

This paper aims to explore whether the practices of Ijarah financing by Islamic banks in Malaysia are in line with the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) Shariah Standard No: (9) on Ijarah financing. Semi- structured interviews based on open-ended questionnaires were conducted, recorded verbatim, and transcribed for content analysis. Our study revealed flaws in the contemporary practice of Ijarah financing and indicated that it was slightly out of line with the AAOIFI Shariah standard. The study will not only help the Islamic banking industry of Malaysia to reduce, if not eliminate the gap between the practices of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and AAOIFI Shariah standards pertaining to Ijarah financing but also create novel literature due to the fact that, no study has been undertaken to date, which analyzes the practices of Ijarah financing by Malaysian Islamic banks in the light of the AAOIFI Shariah standards.
Heat Treatments and Critical Quenching Rates in Additively Manufactured Al–Si–Mg Alloys
Authors: Hitzler Leonhard , Hafenstein Stephan , Mendez Martin Francisca , Clemens Helmut , Sert Enes , Öchsner Andreas , Merkel Markus , Werner Ewald
Published: February 2020

Laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) has significantly gained in importance and has become one of the major fabrication techniques within metal additive manufacturing. The fast cooling rates achieved in LPBF due to a relatively small melt pool on a much larger component or substrate, acting as heat sink, result in fine-grained microstructures and high oversaturation of alloying elements in the α-aluminum. Al–Si–Mg alloys thus can be effectively precipitation hardened. Moreover, the solidified material undergoes an intrinsic heat treatment, whilst the layers above are irradiated and the elevated temperature in the built chamber starts the clustering process of alloying elements directly after a scan track is fabricated. These silicon–magnesium clusters were observed with atom probe tomography in as-built samples. Similar beneficial clustering behavior at higher temperatures is known from the direct-aging approach in cast samples, whereby the artificial aging is performed immediately after solution annealing and quenching. Transferring this approach to LPBF samples as a possible post-heat treatment revealed that even after direct aging, the outstanding hardness of the as-built condition could, at best, be met, but for most instances it was significantly lower. Our investigations showed that LPBF Al–Si–Mg exhibited a high dependency on the quenching rate, which is significantly more pronounced than in cast reference samples, requiring two to three times higher quenching rate after solution annealing to yield similar hardness results. This suggests that due to the finer microstructure and the shorter diffusion path in Al–Si–Mg fabricated by LPBF, it is more challenging to achieve a metastable oversaturation necessary for precipitation hardening. This may be especially problematic in larger components.
First-Principles Calculations of the Electronic Structure and Optical Properties of Yttrium-Doped ZnO Monolayer with Vacancy
Authors: Wu Qian , Wang Ping , Liu Yan , Yang Han , Cheng Jingsi , Guo Lixin , Yang Yintang , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: February 2020

The electronic structures and optical characteristics of yttrium (Y)-doped ZnO monolayers (MLs) with vacancy (zinc vacancy, oxygen vacancy) were investigated by the first-principles density functional theory. Calculations were performed with the GGA+U (generalized gradient approximation plus U) approach, which can accurately estimate the energy of strong correlation semiconductors. The results show that the formation energy values of Y-doped ZnO MLs with zinc or oxygen vacancy (VZn, VO) are positive, implying that the systems are unstable. The bandgap of Y-VZn-ZnO was 3.23 eV, whereas that of Y-VO-ZnO was 2.24 eV, which are smaller than the bandgaps of pure ZnO ML and Y-doped ZnO MLs with or without VO. Impurity levels appeared in the forbidden band of ZnO MLs with Y and vacancy. Furthermore, Y-VZn-ZnO will result in a red-shift of the absorption edge. Compared with the pure ZnO ML, ZnO MLs with one defect (Y, VZn or VO), and Y-VZn-ZnO, the absorption coefficient of Y-VO-ZnO was significantly enhanced in the visible light region. These findings demonstrate that Y-VO-ZnO would have great application potential in photocatalysis.
Preparation of Porous Carbon Nanofibers with Tailored Porosity for Electrochemical Capacitor Electrodes
Authors: Kim Jisu , Heo Youn-Ji , Hong Jin-Yong , Kim Sung-Kon
Published: February 2020

Porous carbon electrodes that accumulate charges at the electrode/electrolyte interface have been extensively investigated for use as electrochemical capacitor (EC) electrodes because of their great attributes for driving high-performance energy storage. Here, we report porous carbon nanofibers (p-CNFs) for EC electrodes made by the formation of a composite of monodisperse silica nanoparticles and polyacrylonitrile (PAN), oxidation/carbonization of the composite, and then silica etching. The pore features are controlled by changing the weight ratio of PAN to silica nanoparticles. The electrochemical performances of p-CNF as an electrode are estimated by measuring cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge. Particularly, the p-CNF electrode shows exceptional areal capacitance (13 mF cm−2 at a current of 0.5 mA cm−2), good rate-retention capability (~98% retention of low-current capacitance), and long-term cycle stability for at least 5000 charge/discharge cycles. Based on the results, we believe that this electrode has potential for use as high-performance EC electrodes.
Determining Weights in Multi-Criteria Decision Making Based on Negation of Probability Distribution under Uncertain Environment
Authors: Sun Chao , Li Shiying , Deng Yong
Published: February 2020

Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) refers to the decision making in the limited or infinite set of conflicting schemes. At present, the general method is to obtain the weight coefficients of each scheme based on different criteria through the expert questionnaire survey, and then use the Dempster–Shafer Evidence Theory (D-S theory) to model all schemes into a complete identification framework to generate the corresponding basic probability assignment (BPA). The scheme with the highest belief value is then chosen. In the above process, using different methods to determine the weight coefficient will have different effects on the final selection of alternatives. To reduce the uncertainty caused by subjectively determining the weight coefficients of different criteria and further improve the level of multi-criteria decision-making, this paper combines negation of probability distribution with evidence theory and proposes a weights-determining method in MCDM based on negation of probability distribution. Through the quantitative evaluation of the fuzzy degree of the criterion, the uncertainty caused by human subjective factors is reduced, and the subjective error is corrected to a certain extent.
Impulsive Motion Inside a Cylindrical Cavity
Authors: Savchenko Yuriy , Savchenko Georgiy , Semenov Yuriy A.
Published: February 2020

Experimental studies of supercavitating models moving at speeds in the range from 400 m/s to 1000 m/s revealed a regime of bouncing motion, in which the rear part of an axisymmetric body periodically bounces against the free boundaries of the supercavity. The impulsive force generated by the impacts is the main concern in this paper. The analysis is performed in the approximation of two-dimensional potential flow of an ideal and incompressible liquid with negligible surface tension effects. The primary interest of the study is to determine the added mass taking into account the shape of the cavity. The theoretical study is based on the integral hodograph method, which makes it possible to obtain analytic expressions for the flow potential and for the complex velocity in an auxiliary parameter plane and obtain a parametric solution to the problem. The problem is reduced to a system of two integro-differential equations in two unknowns: the velocity magnitude on the cavity boundary and the slope of the velocity angle to the body. The equations are solved numerically using the method of successive approximations. The obtained results show that the added mass of an arc impacting a cylindrical cavity depends heavily on the arc angle. As the angle tends to zero or the radius of the cavity tends to infinity, the obtained solution predicts the added mass corresponding to a plate impacting a flat free surface.
On the Total Outer k-Independent Domination Number of Graphs
Authors: Cabrera-Martínez Abel , Hernández-Gómez Juan Carlos , Parra-Inza Ernesto , Sigarreta Almira José María
Published: February 2020

A set of vertices of a graph G is a total dominating set if every vertex of G is adjacent to at least one vertex in such a set. We say that a total dominating set D is a total outer k-independent dominating set of G if the maximum degree of the subgraph induced by the vertices that are not in D is less or equal to k − 1 . The minimum cardinality among all total outer k-independent dominating sets is the total outer k-independent domination number of G. In this article, we introduce this parameter and begin with the study of its combinatorial and computational properties. For instance, we give several closed relationships between this novel parameter and other ones related to domination and independence in graphs. In addition, we give several Nordhaus–Gaddum type results. Finally, we prove that computing the total outer k-independent domination number of a graph G is an NP-hard problem.
A Note on Extended Z-Contraction
Authors: A. Alghamdi Maryam , Gulyaz-Ozyurt Selma , Karapınar Erdal
Published: February 2020

In this article, we aim to evaluate and merge the as-scattered-as-possible results in fixed point theory from a general framework. In particular, we considered a common fixed point theorem via extended Z-contraction with respect to ψ -simulation function over an auxiliary function ξ in the setting of b-metric space. We investigated both the existence and uniqueness of common fixed points of such mappings. We used an example to illustrate the main result observed. Our main results cover several existing results in the corresponding literature.
A New Approach in the Study of Oscillation Criteria of Even-Order Neutral Differential Equations
Authors: Moaaz Osama , Awrejcewicz Jan , Bazighifan Omar
Published: February 2020

Based on the comparison with first-order delay equations, we establish a new oscillation criterion for a class of even-order neutral differential equations. Our new criterion improves a number of existing ones. An illustrative example is provided.
Detecting the Proportion of Traders in the Stock Market: An Agent-Based Approach
Authors: Tran Minh , Duong Thanh , Pham-Hi Duc , Bui Marc
Published: February 2020

In this research, an agent-based model (ABM) of the stock market is constructed to detect the proportion of different types of traders. We model a simple stock market which has three different types of traders: noise traders, fundamental traders, and technical traders, trading a single asset. Bayesian optimization is used to tune the hyperparameters of the strategies of traders as well as of the stock market. The experimental results on Bayesian calibration with the Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) test demonstrated that the proposed separate calibrations reduced simulation error, with plausible estimated parameters. With empirical data of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) index, we found that fundamental traders account for 9%–11% of all traders in the stock market. The statistical analysis of simulated data can produce the important stylized facts in real stock markets, such as the leptokurtosis, the heavy tail of the returns, and volatility clustering.
Rare Breast Carcinoma with Paradoxical Plasma Cell Immunoprofile: A Case Report
Authors: Grădinaru Eugen Sebastian , Stoicea Mihai-Ciprian , Mocanu Liliana , Antoniac Iulian , Gheorghiță Daniela , Grigore Alina Gabriela Mihaela
Published: February 2020

Plasma cell features are encountered in a variety of non-plasma cell neoplasias, especially carcinomas of a discohesive type, such as those occurring in the digestive tract and breast. Lobular carcinomas of the breast present themselves in a variety of architectural patterns and many cell morphologies, including plasmacytoid types. A matching plasma cell phenotype is sometimes an associated feature. We report a case of a moderate grade invasive lobular carcinoma with focal plasmacytoid morphology and aberrant expression of plasma cell markers in a patient previously diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Paradoxical plasma cell immunoprofiles can be encountered in many malignancies, causing serious diagnostic problems, even more so with those occurring in discohesive carcinomas in multiple myeloma patients.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Yoga in Rural and Urban India, KAPY 2017: A Nationwide Cluster Sample Survey
Authors: Mishra Amit S , SK Rajesh , HS Vadiraja , Nagarathna Raghuram , Anand Akshay , Bhutani Himshikha , Sivapuram Madhava Sai , Singh Amit , Nagendra Hongasandra Ramarao
Published: February 2020

Background: To examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practice gap of yoga across India based on implicit perceptions. Methods: The present study is a nationwide door-to-door survey conducted using a questionnaire/screening form. The data were collected from a national survey conducted under the Niyantrit Madhumeh Bharat (NMB) program initiated by The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy (AYUSH), Government of India, from all major zones of the country. A total of 162,330 participants who joined the NMB program were recruited in our study. Results: Out of the total respondents to the survey, it was observed that 11.8% [13,336/112,735] practice yoga, which was highest in the north zone [4,567/112,735] and lowest in the east zone [971/112,735]. Out of 101,643 respondents, 94,135 of the individuals who participated in the survey believed that yoga improved their lifestyle, and 90,102/98,518 believed that yoga prevented diabetes, revealing a huge knowledge–practice gap. Conclusions: The scale of the knowledge–practice gap coupled with the general acceptability of yoga calls for a change in the conventional healthcare provisions by its integration with modern medicine. The population-wide positive perceptions about yoga as a preventive health tool can not only catalyze consensus disease-specific yoga modules but also bridge the knowledge–practice gap that exists because of limited yoga centers and professionals.
The Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiota Caused by Low-Dose Cadmium Aggravate the Injury of Mice Liver through Increasing Intestinal Permeability
Authors: Liu Yehao , Li Yuhui , Xia Yuhong , Liu Kaiyong , Ren Lingling , Ji Yanli
Published: February 2020

Cadmium (Cd), widely present in food and drinking water at low doses, can cause health risks. However, the mechanistic effects of long-term Cd exposure at low dose through dietary intake is poorly studied. The aim of this study is to elucidate whether the dysbiosis of gut microbiota caused by Cd at an environmental low dose can aggravate the injury of mice liver, and the possible mechanism is investigated. In order to explore the potential underlying mechanism, the analyses of the variation of gut microbiota composition, intestinal permeability, and hepatic transcriptome were conducted. Our results showed that gut microbiota was disturbed. The rise of intestinal permeability induced by the dysbiosis of gut microbiota resulted in more Cd ions accumulating in mice liver, but it could be restored partly through depleting gut microbiota by antibiotics cocktail. Transcriptomic analyses indicated that 162 genes were significantly differentially expressed including 59 up-regulated and 103 down-regulated in Cd treatment. These genes were involved in several important pathways. Our findings provide a better understanding about the health risks of cadmium in the environment.
Rhizosphere Microbiome of Arid Land Medicinal Plants and Extra Cellular Enzymes Contribute to Their Abundance
Authors: Khan Abdul Latif , Asaf Sajjad , M. Abed Raeid M. , Ning Chai Yen , N. Al-Rawahi Ahmed , Mohanta Tapan Kumar , Al-Rawahi Ahmed , Schachtman Daniel P. , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: February 2020

Revealing the unexplored rhizosphere microbiome of plants in arid environments can help in understanding their interactions between microbial communities and plants during harsh growth conditions. Here, we report the first investigation of rhizospheric fungal and bacterial communities of Adenium obesum, Aloe dhufarensis and Cleome austroarabica using next-generation sequencing approaches. A. obesum and A. dhufarensis grows in dry tropical and C. austroarabica in arid conditions of Arabian Peninsula. The results indicated the presence of 121 fungal and 3662 bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) whilst microbial diversity was significantly high in the rhizosphere of A. obesum and A. dhufarensis and low in C. austroarabica. Among fungal phyla, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were abundantly associated within rhizospheres of all three plants. However, Mucoromycota was only present in the rhizospheres of A. obesum and A. dhufarensis, suggesting a variation in fungal niche on the basis of host and soil types. In case of bacterial communities, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, Acidobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia were predominant microbial phyla. These results demonstrated varying abundances of microbial structure across different hosts and locations in arid environments. Rhizosphere’s extracellular enzymes analysis revealed varying quantities, where, glucosidase, cellulase, esterase, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase were significantly higher in the rhizosphere of A. dhufarensis, while phosphatase and indole-acetic acid were highest in the rhizosphere of A. obesum. In conclusion, current findings usher for the first time the core microbial communities in the rhizospheric regions of three arid plants that vary greatly with location, host and soil conditions, and suggest the presence of extracellular enzymes could help in maintaining plant growth during the harsh environmental conditions.
Succession and Colonization Dynamics of Endolithic Phototrophs within Intertidal Carbonates
Authors: Roush Daniel , Garcia-Pichel Ferran
Published: February 2020

Photosynthetic endolithic communities are common in shallow marine carbonates, contributing significantly to their bioerosion. Cyanobacteria are well known from these settings, where a few are euendoliths, actively boring into the virgin substrate. Recently, anoxygenic phototrophs were reported as significant inhabitants of endolithic communities, but it is unknown if they are euendoliths or simply colonize available pore spaces secondarily. To answer this and to establish the dynamics of colonization, nonporous travertine tiles were anchored onto intertidal beach rock in Isla de Mona, Puerto Rico, and developing endolithic communities were examined with time, both molecularly and with photopigment biomarkers. By 9 months, while cyanobacterial biomass and diversity reached levels indistinguishable from those of nearby climax communities, anoxygenic phototrophs remained marginal, suggesting that they are secondary colonizers. Early in the colonization, a novel group of cyanobacteria (unknown boring cluster, UBC) without cultivated representatives, emerged as the most common euendolith, but by 6 months, canonical euendoliths such as Plectonema (Leptolyngbya) sp., Mastigocoleus sp., and Pleurocapsalean clades displaced UBC in dominance. Later, the proportion of euendolithic cyanobacterial biomass decreased, as nonboring endoliths outcompeted pioneers within the already excavated substrate. Our findings demonstrate that endolithic cyanobacterial succession within hard carbonates is complex but can attain maturity within a year’s time.
Scalable Preparation of Low-Defect Graphene by Urea-Assisted Liquid-Phase Shear Exfoliation of Graphite and Its Application in Doxorubicin Analysis
Authors: Lee Chang-Seuk , Shim Su Jin , Kim Tae Hyun
Published: February 2020

The mass production of graphene is of great interest for commercialization and industrial applications. Here, we demonstrate that high-quality graphene nanosheets can be produced in large quantities by liquid-phase shear exfoliation under ambient conditions in organic solvents, such as 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP), with the assistance of urea as a stabilizer. We can achieve low-defect graphene (LDG) using this approach, which is relatively simple and easily available, thereby rendering it to be an efficient route for the mass production of graphene. We also demonstrate the electrochemical sensing of an LDG-modified electrode for the determination of doxorubicin (DOX). The sensor shows an enhanced electrocatalytic property towards DOX, leading to a high sensitivity (7.23 × 10−1 μM/μA) with a detection limit of 39.3 nM (S/N = 3).
Inhibitory Effect of Centella asiatica Extract on DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in HaCaT Cells and BALB/c Mice
Authors: Lee Yonghyeon , Choi Hyeon Kyeong , N’deh Kaudjhis Patrick Ulrich , Choi Young-Jin , Fan Meiqi , Kim Eun-kyung , Chung Kang-Hyun , An Jeung Hee
Published: February 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused mainly by immune dysregulation. This study explored the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of the Centella asiatica ethanol extract (CA) on an AD-like dermal disorder. Treatment with CA inhibited the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in a dose-dependent manner in inflammatory stimulated HaCaT cells by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and TNF-α-triggered inflammation. Eight-week-old BALB/c mice treated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) were used as a mouse model of AD. In AD induce model, we had two types treatment of CA; skin local administration (80 µg/cm2, AD+CA-80) and oral administration (200 mg/kg/d, AD+CA-200). Interestingly, the CA-treated groups exhibited considerably decreased mast cell infiltration in the ear tissue. In addition, the expression of IL-6 in mast cells, as well as the expression of various pathogenic cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, iNOS, COX-2, and CXCL9, was reduced in both AD+CA-80 and AD+CA-200 groups. Collectively, our data demonstrate the pharmacological role and signaling mechanism of CA in the regulation of allergic inflammation of the skin, which supports our hypothesis that CA could potentially be developed as a therapeutic agent for AD.
Predictive Ability of Waist Circumference and Waist-to-Height Ratio for Cardiometabolic Risk Screening among Spanish Children
Authors: Arellano-Ruiz Paola , García-Hermoso Antonio , García-Prieto Jorge C. , Sánchez-López Mairena , Martínez Vizcaíno Vicente , Solera-Martínez Montserrat
Published: February 2020

An excess of fat mass has been associated with adverse cardiometabolic risk factors. Different anthropometric measures have been proposed as alternative non-invasive measures for obesity-related cardiometabolic risk. To evaluate the magnitude of association between waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) with cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome and to determine the WtHR cutoff associated with a more favorable cardiometabolic risk profile in Spanish children, data were taken from a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2010 among 848 schoolchildren aged 8–11 years from 20 public schools in the province of Cuenca (Spain). Anthropometric variables, glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were also analyzed. WtHR and WC had a good accuracy for TG, insulin, and MetS. The diagnostic odds ratio ranged from 2.95 to 9.07 for WtHR and from 5.30 to 27.40 for WC. The main result of the present study suggests that both WtHR and WC could be used as a screening tool to identify children with cardiometabolic abnormalities.
Detection of Helicobacter pylori Microevolution and Multiple Infection from Gastric Biopsies by Housekeeping Gene Amplicon Sequencing
Authors: Palau Montserrat , Piqué Núria , Comeau André M. , Douglas Gavin M. , Ramírez-Lázaro M. José , Lario Sergio , Calvet Xavier , Langille Morgan G. I. , Miñana-Galbis David
Published: February 2020

Despite the great efforts devoted to research on Helicobacter pylori, the prevalence of single-strain infection or H. pylori mixed infection and its implications in the mode of transmission of this bacterium are still controversial. In this study, we explored the usefulness of housekeeping gene amplicon sequencing in the detection of H. pylori microevolution and multiple infections. DNA was extracted from five gastric biopsies from four patients infected with distinct histopathological diagnoses. PCR amplification of six H. pylori-specific housekeeping genes was then assessed on each sample. Optimal results were obtained for the cgt and luxS genes, which were selected for amplicon sequencing. A total of 11,833 cgt and 403 luxS amplicon sequences were obtained, 2042 and 112 of which were unique sequences, respectively. All cgt and luxS sequences were clustered at 97% to 9 and 13 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), respectively. For each sample from a different patient, a single OTU comprised the majority of sequences in both genes, but more than one OTU was detected in all samples. These results suggest that multiple infections with a predominant strain together with other minority strains are the main way by which H. pylori colonizes the human stomach.
Polymers for Extrusion-Based 3D Printing of Pharmaceuticals: A Holistic Materials–Process Perspective
Authors: Azad Mohammad A. , Olawuni Deborah , Kimbell Georgia , Badruddoza Abu Zayed Md , Hossain Md. Shahadat , Sultana Tasnim
Published: February 2020

Three dimensional (3D) printing as an advanced manufacturing technology is progressing to be established in the pharmaceutical industry to overcome the traditional manufacturing regime of 'one size fits for all'. Using 3D printing, it is possible to design and develop complex dosage forms that can be suitable for tuning drug release. Polymers are the key materials that are necessary for 3D printing. Among all 3D printing processes, extrusion-based (both fused deposition modeling (FDM) and pressure-assisted microsyringe (PAM)) 3D printing is well researched for pharmaceutical manufacturing. It is important to understand which polymers are suitable for extrusion-based 3D printing of pharmaceuticals and how their properties, as well as the behavior of polymer–active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) combinations, impact the printing process. Especially, understanding the rheology of the polymer and API–polymer mixtures is necessary for successful 3D printing of dosage forms or printed structures. This review has summarized a holistic materials–process perspective for polymers on extrusion-based 3D printing. The main focus herein will be both FDM and PAM 3D printing processes. It elaborates the discussion on the comparison of 3D printing with the traditional direct compression process, the necessity of rheology, and the characterization techniques required for the printed structure, drug, and excipients. The current technological challenges, regulatory aspects, and the direction toward which the technology is moving, especially for personalized pharmaceuticals and multi-drug printing, are also briefly discussed.