bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimizing SARS-CoV-2 exposure when performing surgical interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Pandey Aditya S , Ringer Andrew J , Rai Ansaar T , Kan Peter , Jabbour Pascal , Siddiqui Adnan H , Levy Elad I , Snyder Kenneth V , Riina Howard , Tanweer Omar , Levitt Michael R , Kim Louis J , Veznedaroglu Erol , Binning Mandy J , Arthur Adam S , Mocco J , Schirmer Clemens , Thompson Byron Gregory , Langer David
Published: May 2020

Background

Infection from the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the large number of patients affected, healthcare personnel and facility resources are stretched to the limit; however, the need for urgent and emergent neurosurgical care continues. This article describes best practices when performing neurosurgical procedures on patients with COVID-19 based on multi-institutional experiences.

Methods

We assembled neurosurgical practitioners from 13 different health systems from across the USA, including those in hot spots, to describe their practices in managing neurosurgical emergencies within the COVID-19 environment.

Results

Patients presenting with neurosurgical emergencies should be considered as persons under investigation (PUI) and thus maximal personal protective equipment (PPE) should be donned during interaction and transfer. Intubations and extubations should be done with only anesthesia staff donning maximal PPE in a negative pressure environment. Operating room (OR) staff should enter the room once the air has been cleared of particulate matter. Certain OR suites should be designated as covid ORs, thus allowing for all neurosurgical cases on covid/PUI patients to be performed in these rooms, which will require a terminal clean post procedure. Each COVID OR suite should be attached to an anteroom which is a negative pressure room with a HEPA filter, thus allowing for donning and doffing of PPE without risking contamination of clean areas.

Conclusion

Based on a multi-institutional collaborative effort, we describe best practices when providing neurosurgical treatment for patients with COVID-19 in order to optimize clinical care and minimize the exposure of patients and staff.
An Efficient Design for Area-Efficient Truncated Adaptive Booth Multiplier for Signal Processing Applications
Authors: Radhakrishnan S. , Karn Rakesh Kumar , Nirmalraj T.
Published: May 2020

In digital signal processing (DSP), the most valuable elements of processing architecture are multiplier. The conventional partial products array is to create extra rows and columns. Generally, the fixed multiplication products are truncated to [Formula: see text] bits. In this paper, we introduced an adaptive booth multiplier concept, which is based on truncated multiplication procedure. The extra partial product array is to create the complexities. In the higher order of partial product array, the deletion of LSB and the nongeneration of initial products are achieved. We added compensation bits at the appropriate retained bit position to minimize the error due to nongeneration and omission. Here, our proposed work is used to reduce the overhead and the complexity of partial product array. The proposed concept architecture is implemented in Verilog HDL software; also the design of RTL is manufactured. For experimental work, the bit multiplication of [Formula: see text] with 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 bits is used. The proposed method of truncated based adaptive booth encoding has shown the lower value results of area, delay and power consumption. The error performances are executed by various error normalizations. Finally, the proposed concept performance is checked with various state-of-art multiplier methodologies such as carry width multiplier, Vedic multiplier, voltage-mode multiplier and Wallace multiplier. In every bit value, the proposed booth encoding multiplier delivers better and optimal performance result.
Application of Improved Artificial Intelligence with Runner-Root Meta-Heuristic Algorithm for Dairy Products Industry: A Case Study
Authors: Goli Alireza , Moeini Ehsan , Shafiee Ahmad M. , Zamani Mohammad , Touti Elham
Published: May 2020

As the dairy products have a short consumption period, the accurate prediction of their demand is very important for the dairy industry. Accordingly, this research specifically addresses the prediction of dairy product demand (DPD). The main contribution of this research is to provide an integrated framework based on statistical tests, time-series prediction and artificial intelligence with the runner-root algorithm (RRA) as a novel meta-heuristic algorithm to obtain the best prediction of DPD in Iran. First, a series of economic and social indicators that seemed to be effective in the demand for dairy products are identified and the ineffective indices are eliminated. Next, the artificial intelligence tools including MLP, ANFIS, and LSTM are implemented and improved with the help of RRA. The designed hybrid methods are implemented by using data from 2013 to 2017 of the Iran diary industry. This novel algorithm is compared to gray wolf optimization, invasive weed optimization, and particle swarm optimization. The results show that the proposed MLP-RRA has the most ability to improve by using meta-heuristic algorithms. The coefficient of determination is 98.19%. Moreover, in each artificial intelligence tools, RRA causes better results than the other tested algorithms. The highly accurate results confirm that the proposed hybrid methods based on the RRA algorithm are able to improve the prediction of demand for various products.
Variance Counterbalancing for Stochastic Large-scale Learning
Authors: Lagari Pola Lydia , Tsoukalas Lefteri H. , Lagaris Isaac E.
Published: May 2020

Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) is perhaps the most frequently used method for large scale training. A common example is training a neural network over a large data set, which amounts to minimizing the corresponding mean squared error (MSE). Since the convergence of SGD is rather slow, acceleration techniques based on the notion of “Mini-Batches” have been developed. All of them however, mimicking SGD, impose diminishing step-sizes as a means to inhibit large variations in the MSE objective.

In this article, we introduce random sets of mini-batches instead of individual mini-batches. We employ an objective function that minimizes the average MSE and its variance over these sets, eliminating so the need for the systematic step size reduction. This approach permits the use of state-of-the-art optimization methods, far more efficient than the gradient descent, and yields a significant performance enhancement.
Modified Graphite Paper Based Miniaturized Electrochemically Optimized Hydrazine Sensing Platform
Authors: Mohan Jaligam Murali , Amreen Khairunnisa , Javed Arshad , Dubey Satish Kumar , Goel Sanket
Published: May 2020

In this work, a miniaturized platform for electrochemical detection of hydrazine, has been developed using droplet paper based three electrode system. Copper oxide cluster (CuO) immobilized on the surface of graphite sheet (Grp@CuO) is used as a working electrode. The developed Grp@CuO showed a surface-confined delayed redox response at an electrode potential (E1/2) −0.24 V vs Ag/AgCl in pH 7 phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The physicochemical characterization of the Grp@CuO revealed the electro deposition of CuO cluster on the surface of graphite sheet. Grp@CuO displayed selective electro-catalytic activity towards the detection of hydrazine in pH 7.0 PBS. A systematic linear increase in the oxidation current is observed in the range of 1 μM to 7 μM at an applied potential of −0.6 to 0.2 V vs Ag/AgCl with an excellent current sensitivity, lower detection limit (0.3482 μM). The fabricated miniaturized droplet-based sensor showed zero interference from other chemicals. Therefore, it is a viable option to be used in detection of hydrazine in real samples. Finally, the prepared platform was harnessed to real water samples for hydrazine detection.
Construction of High-Performance Amperometric Acetaminophen Sensors Using Zn/ZnO-Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide Surfaces
Authors: Ozcan Merve , Basak Adem , Uzunoglu Aytekin
Published: May 2020

Sensitive and selective monitoring of acetaminophen (APAP), which is small but an important molecule used to relieve pain and inflammation, is of great importance in pharmacy. This study reports the development of zinc (Zn)/zinc oxide (ZnO)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based electrochemical APAP sensors with a high sensitivity in a wide linear range. The Zn/ZnO/rGO nanohybrids were synthesized using a facile chemical precipitation method. The Zn and ZnO nanoparticles were anchored on the surface of rGO simultaneously. The XRD and TEM results indicated the presence of Zn and ZnO nanoparticles on the rGO surface, which was also confirmed by XPS and TGA analyses. The electrochemical performance of the sensors was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) methods. The electrochemical performance results showed that the sensors had a high sensitivity of 166.5 ± 6 μA.mM−1.cm−2 in the linear range between 0.05 to 2 mM, which is considerably wide compared to the literature. Overall, the Zn/ZnO/rGO nanohybrids displayed a great promise to be employed in the development of electrochemical APAP sensors due to their a high sensitivity, wide working window, excellent fabrication reproducibility, good storage stability, selectivity, and real sample analysis results.
Effect of 8 days of exercise-heat acclimation on aerobic exercise performance of men in hypobaric hypoxia
Authors: Salgado Roy M. , Coffman Kirsten E. , Bradbury Karleigh E. , Mitchell Katherine M. , Yurkevicius Beau R. , Luippold Adam J. , Mayer Thomas A. , Charkoudian Nisha , Alba Billie K. , Fulco Charles S. , Kenefick Robert W.
Published: May 2020

Exercise-heat acclimation (EHA) induces adaptations that improve tolerance to heat exposure. Whether adaptations from EHA can also alter responses to hypobaric hypoxia (HH) conditions remains unclear. This study assessed whether EHA can alter time-trial performance and/or incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) during HH exposure. Thirteen sea-level (SL) resident men [SL peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2peak) 3.19 ± 0.43 L/min] completed steady-state exercise, followed by a 15-min cycle time trial and assessment of AMS before (HH1; 3,500 m) and after (HH2) an 8-day EHA protocol [120 min; 5 km/h; 2% incline; 40°C and 40% relative humidity (RH)]. EHA induced lower heart rate (HR) and core temperature and plasma volume expansion. Time-trial performance was not different between HH1 and HH2 after 2 h (106.3 ± 23.8 vs. 101.4 ± 23.0 kJ, P = 0.71) or 24 h (107.3 ± 23.4 vs. 106.3 ± 20.8 kJ, P > 0.9). From HH1 to HH2, HR and oxygen saturation, at the end of steady-state exercise and time-trial tests at 2 h and 24 h, were not different ( P > 0.05). Three of 13 volunteers developed AMS during HH1 but not during HH2, whereas a fourth volunteer only developed AMS during HH2. Heat shock protein 70 was not different from HH1 to HH2 at SL [1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 1.8 ± 0.6 normalized integrated intensities (NII), P = 0.97] or after 23 h (1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 NII, P = 0.78) at HH. Our results indicate that this EHA protocol had little to no effect—neither beneficial nor detrimental—on exercise performance in HH. EHA may reduce AMS in those who initially developed AMS; however, studies at higher elevations, having higher incidence rates, are needed to confirm our findings.
Ontogeny of carnitine biosynthesis inSus scrofa domesticus, inferred from γ-butyrobetaine hydroxylase (dioxygenase) activity and substrate inhibition
Authors: Lin Xi , Lyvers Peffer Pasha A. , Woodworth Jason , Odle Jack
Published: May 2020

γ-Butyrobetaine hydroxylase (γ-BBH) is the last limiting enzyme of the l-carnitine biosynthesis pathway and plays an important role in catalyzing the hydroxylation of γ-butyrobetaine (γ-BB) to l-carnitine. To study the developmental effect of substrate concentration on the enzyme’s specific activity, kinetics of γ-BBH were measured in liver and kidney from newborn and 1-, 7-, 21-, 35-, 56-, and 210-day-old domestic pigs. Fresh tissue homogenates were assayed under nine concentrations of γ-BB from 0 to 1.5 mM. Substrate inhibition associated with age was observed at ≥0.6 mM of γ-BB. Hepatic activity was low at birth but increased after 1 day. By 21 days, the activity rose by 6.6-fold ( P < 0.05) and remained constant after 56 days. Renal activity was higher than in liver at birth but remained constant through 35 days. By 56 days, the velocity increased by 44% over the activity at birth ( P < 0.05). The apparent Kmfor γ-BB at birth on average was 2.8-fold higher than at 1 day. The Kmvalue was 60% higher in kidney than liver during development but showed no difference in adult pigs. The total organ enzyme activity increased by 130-fold for liver and 18-fold for kidney as organ weight increased from birth to 56 days. In conclusion, age and substrate affect γ-BBH specific activity and Kmfor γ-BB in liver and kidney. Whereas the predominant organ for carnitine synthesis is likely the kidney at birth, the liver appears to predominate after the pig exceeds 7 days of age.
Early accentuated muscle hypertrophy is strongly associated with myonuclear accretion
Authors: Lundberg Tommy R. , Martínez-Aranda Luis Manuel , Sanz Gema , Hansson Björn , von Walden Ferdinand , Tesch Per A. , Fernandez-Gonzalo Rodrigo
Published: May 2020

The current study explored whether the marked hypertrophic response noted with a short-term unilateral concurrent exercise paradigm was associated with more prominent changes in myonuclei accretion, ribosome biogenesis, and capillarization compared with resistance exercise alone (RE). Ten men (age 25 ± 4 yr) performed aerobic and resistance exercise (AE + RE) for one leg while the other leg did RE. Muscle biopsies were obtained before and after 5 wk of training and subjected to fiber-type specific immunohistochemical analysis, and quantification of total RNA content and mRNA/rRNA transcript abundance. Type II fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) increased with both AE + RE (22%) and RE (16%), while type I fiber CSA increased mainly with AE + RE (16%). The change score tended to differ between legs for type I CSA ( P = 0.099), and the increase in smallest fiber diameter was greater in AE + RE than RE ( P = 0.029). The number of nuclei per fiber increased after AE + RE in both fiber types, and this increase was greater ( P = 0.027) than after RE. A strong correlation was observed between changes in number of nuclei per fiber and fiber CSA in both fiber types, for both AE + RE and RE ( r > 0.8, P < 0.004). RNA content increased after AE + RE (24%, P = 0.019), but the change-scores did not differ across legs. The capillary variables generally increased in both fiber types, with no difference across legs. In conclusion, the accentuated hypertrophic response to AE + RE was associated with more pronounced myonuclear accretion, which was strongly correlated with the degree of fiber hypertrophy. This suggests that myonuclear accretion could play a role in facilitating muscle hypertrophy also during very short training periods.
The role of efferents in human auditory development: efferent inhibition predicts frequency discrimination in noise for children
Authors: Mishra Srikanta K.
Published: May 2020

Despite several decades of research, the functional role of medial olivocochlear efferents in humans remains controversial and is thought to be insignificant. Here it is shown that medial efferent inhibition strongly predicts frequency discrimination in noise for younger children but not for older children and adults. Young children are relatively more dependent on the efferent system for listening-in-noise. This study highlights the role of the efferent system in hearing-in-noise during childhood development.
Nutritional Status and Humoral Immune Response to Plasmodium falciparum in Children Aged 6–59 Months
Authors: Tepa Arnaud , Abame Idrissa , Makamta Viviane , Fongang Balotin , Donkeu Josiane , Ayong Lawrence , Pieme Constant Anatole
Published: May 2020

Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. Children are mostly exposed to this disease; numerous studies have investigated the relationship between child malnutrition and either malaria morbidity or infection. Few studies demonstrated the interaction between child malnutrition and specific anti-Plasmodium falciparum immune responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of nutritional status and iron on total anti-Plasmodium falciparum IgG levels in children living in the Gado-Badzéré refugee camp. We carried out a cross-sectional study during August–November 2017 in the Gado-Badzéré refugee camp in the East region of Cameroon. Children aged from 6 to 59 months with fever were recruited from the medical center. The data were recorded using a standardized data collection sheet and were analyzed using SPSS and WHO Anthro software. The total anti-Pf 3D7 total IgG level was determined using an ELISA technique while a colorimetric method was used to measure the total iron level. A total of 83 patients aged 6–59 months were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of malaria and malnutrition was 47% and 31%, respectively. Acute malnutrition was statistically less recurrent in noninfected children compared with that in the infected children. The infection tended to have significant influence on the level of anti-Plasmodium falciparum antibodies in children. In addition, nutritional status and serum iron levels had no significant influence on children’s anti-Pf IgG T levels. Malaria and malnutrition remain real public health problems in the Gado-badzéré refugee camp. Knowledge of the nutritional profile of the population would be of great benefit in setting up an appropriate health program. We therefore suggest that more standardized studies be conducted to highlight the effect of nutrition and micronutrients on immunological status.
Virtual Nature as an Intervention for Reducing Stress and Improving Mood in People with Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Reynolds Lori , Rogers Oaklee , Benford Andrew , Ingwaldson Ammie , Vu Bethany , Holstege Tiffany , Alvarado Korinna
Published: May 2020

Substance use disorder (SUD) afflicts a large percentage of the United States population, with negative implications that cost more than $420 billion annually. This population often experiences negative emotions throughout the recovery process, including anxiety, depression, stress, and negative affect. Currently, evidence-based treatment strategies for SUD include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, 12-step programs, and mindfulness-based treatment. One intervention that has not been studied at length among individuals with SUD is use of the natural environment as treatment. Among other patient populations, nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by regulating autonomic nervous system function, reducing symptoms of depression, and improving mood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether viewing nature videos could similarly reduce stress and improve mood in individuals with SUD. A crossover design was used to compare viewing a nature scene and practicing mindfulness-based activities for women with SUD at a residential treatment facility. Over four weeks, participants engaged in the two activities for the first 10 minutes of their daily program. Immediately before and after each 10 minute session, measures were taken for heart rate, in beats per minute (BPM); affect, using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS); and overall mood, using a 10-point rating scale from “very unpleasant” to “pleasant.” Thirty-six women completed the study. For viewing a nature scene and practicing the mindfulness-based activities, there were statistically significant reductions in mean negative affect scores (p=0.001) and heart rate (p≤0.001). In addition, for participants in both conditions, overall mood improved significantly (p=0.030). The results from this study provide initial evidence that viewing nature has similar benefits to MBT in the treatment of stress and negative mood associated with the SUD recovery process and may be an additional, cost-effective treatment strategy for individuals with SUD.
Thromboelastography in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Shen Yonghua , Shi Liangliang , Zhang Juanjuan , Zhu Hao , Yao Yuling , Liu Zhenqing , Zou Xiaoping , Zhang Xiaoqi
Published: May 2020

Purpose. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently suffer from venous thromboembolic events, and the risk of thromboembolism increases along with disease activity. This study was conducted to discover novel thrombophilic markers using thromboelastography (TEG) and to evaluate the relation between the predisposing factors and the activity of disease in Chinese patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods. Thirty-four patients with CD, 29 patients with UC, and 53 healthy volunteers were enrolled into this study. Blood levels of R, K, α Angle, G, maximal amplitude (MA), and LY30 with TEG were determined. Results. Mean values of R, K, α Angle, G, and MA were significantly different in patients with CD and UC compared with the healthy individuals. Patients with active CD had different K, α Angle, G, and MA levels compared with patients in remission (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.001). Levels of R, α Angle, G, and MA were also significantly different in active UC patients compared with those in remission (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.001). Except for the G level in the CD group, differences in all TEG levels between healthy individuals and IBD patients in remission were not statistically significant. No statistical differences were observed in LY30 among patients with active phase, patients in remission, and the healthy individuals. Conclusion. Thrombophilic defects are common in Chinese patients with IBD, and TEG can be considered a new direction to anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis in IBD.
An Improved Iterative Method for Solving the Discrete Algebraic Riccati Equation
Authors: Wang Li
Published: May 2020

The discrete algebraic Riccati equation has wide applications, especially in networked systems and optimal control systems. In this paper, according to the damped Newton method, two iterative algorithms with a stepsize parameter is proposed to solve the discrete algebraic Riccati equation, one of which is an extension of Algorithm (4.1) in Dai and Bai (2011). A numerical example demonstrates the convergence effect of the presented algorithm.
Combination Therapy with 1% Nanocurcumin Gel and 0.1% Triamcinolone Acetonide Mouth Rinse for Oral Lichen Planus: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Bakhshi Mahin , Gholami Shahzad , Mahboubi Arash , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza , Namdari Mahshid
Published: May 2020

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a combination of 1% nanocurcumin gel with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide mouth rinse for oral lichen planus (OLP). Materials and Methods. This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 31 patients with erosive or ulcerative OLP. All patients received 0.1% triamcinolone mouth rinse and were then randomly divided into two groups for combination therapy with (I) %1 nanocurcumin gel or (II) placebo gel. The reticular-erosive-ulcerative (REU) score was calculated at baseline and at two and four weeks after the intervention. The changes in the mean REU score and the efficacy index were calculated to determine the level of improvement after two and four weeks. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, repeated measures ANCOVA, Mann–Whitney test, and chi-square test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. There were 14 patients in the nanocurcumin and 17 patients in the placebo group. A significantly higher decrease in the mean REU score was observed in the nanocurcumin compared with the placebo group (P<0.001). The efficacy index was significantly higher in the nanocurcumin group (P<0.001). Conclusion. Application of 1% nanocurcumin in combination with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide can serve as an effective treatment strategy to enhance the level of improvement of lesions compared with the use of triamcinolone acetonide alone.
Second-Order Elliptic Equation with Singularities
Authors: Boughazi Hichem
Published: May 2020

On the compact Riemannian manifold of dimension n≥5, we study the existence and regularity of nontrivial solutions for nonlinear second-order elliptic equation with singularities. At the end, we give a geometric application of the above singular equation.
Gene Expression Profiling of the Sciatic Nerve in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats with Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Tu Yiji , Chen Zenggan , Zhang Feng , Di Zhenglin , Zhang Junhui , Cai Li
Published: May 2020

Aims. To investigate the candidate biomarkers and molecular mechanisms involved in the early phase of experimental diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods. Diabetes in Sprague-Dawley rats was induced with streptozotocin (STZ) treatment, followed with neurological tests and histological examinations to assess the neuropathic symptoms of DPN. Microarray was performed on the sciatic nerve tissues from control rats and DPN rats at then6th week after diabetes induction, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between them were identified and applied for further bioinformatic analyses. Results. Experimental DPN rats were successfully constructed, presenting significantly decreased withdrawal threshold and motor nerve conduction velocity, and typical histological changes in the sciatic nerve. 597 DEGs (186 up- and 411 downregulated) were identified in DPN rats. DEGs from the 3 most highly connected clusters in the protein-protein interaction network were enriched for biological processes or pathways such as “cell division,” “cell cycle,” “protein phosphorylation,” “chemokine signaling pathway,” “neuropeptide signaling pathway,” “response to drug,” “cellular response to insulin stimulus,” “PPAR signaling pathway,” and “glycerophospholipid metabolism.” Thirteen genes were identified as the hub DEGs in the PPI network. Eleven transcriptional factors (TFs) targeting 9 of the 13 hub DEGs were predicted. Conclusions. The present study identified a pool of candidate biomarkers such as Cdk1, C3, Mapk12, Agt, Adipoq, Cxcl2, and Mmp9 and molecular mechanisms which may be involved in the early phase of experimental DPN. The findings provide clues for exploring new strategies for the early diagnosis and treatment of DPN.
Influence of the Effective Potential on the Crossover Width in the Two Flavor Polyakov-Nambu-Jona-Lasinio Model
Authors: Valbuena-Ordóñez E. , Mata-Carrizal N. B. , Garza-Aguirre A. J. , Morones-Ibarra J. R.
Published: May 2020

We study the strongly interacting matter phase diagram on the T−μ plane through the two flavor Polyakov extended NJL model. We compare the phase diagrams obtained from three different effective potentials, focusing on the behavior of the width of the crossover region and the critical end point for each case. We describe various susceptibilities to obtain the chiral crossover and the color deconfinement crossover.
Ganab Haploinsufficiency Does Not Cause Polycystic Kidney Disease or Polycystic Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Geng Guangrui , Xiao Yunming , Zhang Yingjie , Shen Wanjun , Liu Jiaona , Zhu Fei , Wang Xu , Wu Jie , Liu Ran , Cai Guangyan , Bai Xueyuan , Li Qinggang , Chen Xiangmei
Published: May 2020

Background. Heterozygous GANAB mutations that can cause autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and polycystic liver disease (PLD) have been described previously, but their roles in ADPKD and PLD are largely unknown. With the increase in polycystic kidney disease caused by GANAB gene mutations in recent years, a suitable animal model is still needed to further explore the pathogenic role of this gene. Methods. To construct a mouse model of Ganab gene deletion, we analyzed the Ganab gene structure and designed two CRISPR‐/Cas9‐based targeting strategies. The Cas9/sgRNA we constructed was microinjected into fertilized mouse eggs to obtain chimeric F0 mice. Mice with stable genotypes were selected from offspring born after mating F0 mice with wild‐type mice. Results. We found that homozygous mutation of the Ganab gene in C57BL/6 mice resulted in early embryonic lethality, and there were no cysts in the kidneys or livers of Ganab+/- mice. Additionally, Ganab protein expression was reduced by at least 50%, while the expression of ADPKD proteins (PC1 and PC2) and acetylated tubulin was not affected in the Ganab+/- kidney. However, the Ganab+/- mice did not show any abnormal clinical phenotypes after birth and failed to reveal renal tubule dilatation or any abnormalities of the glomeruli in the Ganab+/- kidney. Conclusions. Homozygous Ganab mutations are lethal in the fetal stage, and Ganab haploinsufficiency does not cause kidney or liver cysts in mice, suggesting that it may not be the causative gene in polycystic kidney disease.
Bifurcation Analysis for a Simple Dual-Rotor System with Nonlinear Intershaft Bearing Based on the Singularity Method
Authors: Gao Peng , Chen Yushu , Hou Lei
Published: May 2020

This paper aims to classify bifurcation modes for two interrelated primary resonances of a simple dual-rotor system under double frequency excitations. The four degree-of-freedom (4DOF) dynamic equations of the system considering the nonlinearity of the intershaft bearing can be obtained by using the assumed mode method (AMM) and Lagrange’s equation. A simplified method for dynamic equations is developed due to the symmetry of rotors, based on which the amplitude frequency equations for two interrelated primary resonances are obtained by using the multiple scales method. Furthermore, the validity of the simplified method for dynamic equations and the amplitude frequency equations solved by the multiple scales method are confirmed by numerical verification. Afterwards, the bifurcation analysis for two interrelated primary resonances is carried out according to the two-state-variable singularity method. There exist a total of three different types of bifurcation modes because of double frequency excitations of the dual-rotor system and the nonlinearity of the intershaft bearing. The second primary resonance is more prone to have nonlinear dynamic characteristics than the first primary resonance. This discovery indicates that two interrelated primary resonances of the dual-rotor system may have different bifurcation modes under the same dynamic parameters.
Supply Chain Flexibility Evaluation Based on Matter-Element Extension
Authors: Luo Xiaochun , Wang Zilong , Lu Lin , Guan Yan
Published: May 2020

Flexibility is an important indicator to consider the uncertain information processing ability of the supply chain comprehensively. It is a powerful way to improve the efficiency and quality of supply chain operation by evaluating the level of supply chain flexibility effectively. The traditional method is used to decompose the supply chain flexibility evaluation indicators from the perspective of system structure or cost saving, but these indicators cannot truly describe the dynamics of the supply chain operation. Otherwise, supply chain flexibility evaluation is a typical multiobjective evaluation; there are some incompatibilities between these flexible evaluation indicators, and the common evaluation methods are difficult to deal with such contradictions. In this paper, the dynamic characteristics of supply chain operation are considered, and the evaluation system of supply chain flexibility is designed from the perspective of operation efficiency. The matter-element analysis theory is used to create the comprehensive appraisal model of supply chain flexibility. The matter-element matrix solves the uncertainty and incompatibility of the evaluated factors used to assess supply chain flexibility. The paper evaluates the performance of four autoservice companies and concludes that the evaluation grades of the four companies are in line with the reality, indicating that the evaluation system and the method are effective and credible.
Analysis of Heating Effects and Different Wave Forms on Peristaltic Flow of Carreau Fluid in Rectangular Duct
Authors: Akram Safia , Saleem Najma
Published: May 2020

The existing analysis deals with heat transfer occurrence on peristaltic transport of a Carreau fluid in a rectangular duct. Flow is scrutinized in a wave frame of reference moving with velocity c away from a fixed frame. A peristaltic wave propagating on the horizontal side walls of a rectangular duct is discussed under lubrication approximation. In order to carry out the analytical solution of velocity, temperature, and pressure gradient, the homotopy perturbation method is employed. Graphical results are displayed to see the impact of various emerging parameters of the Carreau fluid and power law index. Trapping effects of peristaltic transport is also discussed and observed that number of trapping bolus decreases with an increase in aspect ratio β.
Prediction of Cognitive Decline in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and Mild Cognitive Impairment by EEG, MRI, and Neuropsychology
Authors: Höller Yvonne , Butz Kevin H. G. , Thomschewski Aljoscha C. , Schmid Elisabeth V. , Hofer Christoph D. , Uhl Andreas , Bathke Arne C. , Staffen Wolfgang , Nardone Raffaele , Schwimmbeck Fabian , Leitinger Markus , Kuchukhidze Giorgi , Derner Marlene , Fell Jürgen , Trinka Eugen
Published: May 2020

Cognitive decline is a severe concern of patients with mild cognitive impairment. Also, in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, memory problems are a frequently encountered problem with potential progression. On the background of a unifying hypothesis for cognitive decline, we merged knowledge from dementia and epilepsy research in order to identify biomarkers with a high predictive value for cognitive decline across and beyond these groups that can be fed into intelligent systems. We prospectively assessed patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (N = 9), mild cognitive impairment (N = 19), and subjective cognitive complaints (N = 4) and healthy controls (N = 18). All had structural cerebral MRI, EEG at rest and during declarative verbal memory performance, and a neuropsychological assessment which was repeated after 18 months. Cognitive decline was defined as significant change on neuropsychological subscales. We extracted volumetric and shape features from MRI and brain network measures from EEG and fed these features alongside a baseline testing in neuropsychology into a machine learning framework with feature subset selection and 5-fold cross validation. Out of 50 patients, 27 had a decline over time in executive functions, 23 in visual-verbal memory, 23 in divided attention, and 7 patients had an increase in depression scores. The best sensitivity/specificity for decline was 72%/82% for executive functions based on a feature combination from MRI volumetry and EEG partial coherence during recall of memories; 95%/74% for visual-verbal memory by combination of MRI-wavelet features and neuropsychology; 84%/76% for divided attention by combination of MRI-wavelet features and neuropsychology; and 81%/90% for increase of depression by combination of EEG partial directed coherence factor at rest and neuropsychology. Combining information from EEG, MRI, and neuropsychology in order to predict neuropsychological changes in a heterogeneous population could create a more general model of cognitive performance decline.
Some Applications of Supra Preopen Sets
Authors: El-Shafei M. E. , Zakari A. H. , Al-shami T. M.
Published: May 2020

The aim of this work is to define some concepts on supra topological spaces using supra preopen sets and investigate main properties. We started this paper by correcting some results obtained in previous study and presenting further properties of supra preopen sets. Then, we introduce a concept of supra prehomeomorphism maps and discuss its main properties. After that we explore the concepts of supra limit and supra boundary points of a set with respect to supra preopen sets and examine their behaviours on the spaces that possess the difference property. Finally, we formulate the concepts of supra pre-Ti-spaces i=0,1,2,3,4 and give completely descriptions for each one of them. In general, we study their main properties in detail and show the implications of these separation axioms among themselves as well as with STi-space with the help of some interesting examples.
The Role of Lysosome-associated Membrane Protein 2 in Prostate Cancer Chemopreventive Mechanisms of Sulforaphane
Authors: Hahm Eun-Ryeong , Singh Krishna B. , Kim Su-Hyeong , Powolny Anna A. , Singh Shivendra V.
Published: May 2020

Prostate cancer chemoprevention by sulforaphane, which is a metabolic by-product of glucoraphanin found in broccoli, in preclinical models is associated with induction of both apoptosis and autophagy. However, the molecular mechanism underlying sulforaphane-mediated autophagy, which is protective against apoptotic cell death by this phytochemical, is still poorly understood. This study demonstrates a role for lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) in sulforaphane-mediated autophagy and apoptosis. Western blotting revealed dose-dependent induction of LAMP2 protein after treatment with sulforaphane as well as its naturally occurring analogs in PC-3 and 22Rv1 human prostate cancer cell lines that was confirmed by microscopy (sulforaphane). The mRNA level of LAMP2 was also increased upon treatment with sulforaphane in both cell lines. Sulforaphane-mediated increase in the level of autophagy marker microtubule-associated protein light-chain 3B was augmented by RNAi of LAMP2 in PC-3 and 22Rv1 cells. Apoptosis induction by sulforaphane treatment was also increased significantly by knockdown of the LAMP2 protein in PC-3 and 22Rv1 cells. Augmentation of sulforaphane-mediated apoptosis by RNAi of LAMP2 was accompanied by induction and activation of proapoptotic protein Bak. Oral administration of sulforaphane to TRAMP mice also resulted in induction of LAMP2 protein expression. Targeted microarray in sulforaphane-treated PC-3 cells revealed induction of many autophagy-related genes (e.g., HSP90AA1, NRF2, etc.) and their expression positively correlated with that of LAMP2 in prostate cancer The Cancer Genome Atlas. In conclusion, this study reveals that induction of LAMP2 by sulforaphane inhibits its ability to induce apoptotic cell death at least in human prostate cancer cells.
Single-Cell Analysis Reveals Fibroblast Clusters Linked to Immunotherapy Resistance in Cancer
Authors: Kieffer Yann , Hocine Hocine R. , Gentric Géraldine , Pelon Floriane , Bernard Charles , Bourachot Brigitte , Lameiras Sonia , Albergante Luca , Bonneau Claire , Guyard Alice , Tarte Karin , Zinovyev Andrei , Baulande Sylvain , Zalcman Gerard , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Mechta-Grigoriou Fatima
Published: May 2020

A subset of cancer-associated fibroblasts (FAP+/CAF-S1) mediates immunosuppression in breast cancers, but its heterogeneity and its impact on immunotherapy response remain unknown. Here, we identify 8 CAF-S1 clusters by analyzing more than 19,000 single CAF-S1 fibroblasts from breast cancer. We validate the five most abundant clusters by flow cytometry and in silico analyses in other cancer types, highlighting their relevance. Myofibroblasts from clusters 0 and 3, characterized by extracellular matrix proteins and TGFβ signaling, respectively, are indicative of primary resistance to immunotherapies. Cluster 0/ecm-myCAF upregulates PD-1 and CTLA4 protein levels in regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs), which, in turn, increases CAF-S1 cluster 3/TGFβ-myCAF cellular content. Thus, our study highlights a positive feedback loop between specific CAF-S1 clusters and Tregs and uncovers their role in immunotherapy resistance.

Significance:

Our work provides a significant advance in characterizing and understanding FAP+ CAF in cancer. We reached a high resolution at single-cell level, which enabled us to identify specific clusters associated with immunosuppression and immunotherapy resistance. Identification of cluster-specific signatures paves the way for therapeutic options in combination with immunotherapies.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1241
The Role of Psychological Distress in the Relationship between Drinking Motives and Hazardous Drinking in Older Adults
Authors: van Gils Yannic , Franck Erik , Dierckx Eva , van Alphen Sebastiaan P.J. , Dom Geert
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Drinking motives seem to be the most proximal predictors of alcohol outcomes. Consequently, these are an essential factor to consider as they may influence the extent to which alcohol is used in a risky way, even in older adults. Objective: We studied the moderating effect of distress on the relationship between drinking motives and drinking behaviour in a community-dwelling older adult sample. Method: In a retrospective cross-sectional research study, participants were community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older. All respondents completed a questionnaire covering the Drinking Motives Questionnaire (DMQ), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and the General Severity Index (GSI) of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Results: In this sample of 1,148 older adults, drinking motives and hazardous alcohol use were associated (enhancement motives r = 0.478, p < 0.001; coping motives r = 0.367, p < 0.001; and social motives r = 0.235, p < 0.001). Furthermore, moderation analysis showed that older adults drinking predominantly for enhancement or coping motives (respectively, β = 0.433, CI [95%] = 2.557–3.222 and β = 0.327, CI [95%] = 1.077–1.491, p < 0.001), and older adults who had higher levels of psychological distress (β = 2.518, CI [95%] = 2.017–3.019, p < 0.001) were more likely to report higher degree of hazardous alcohol use. Conclusion: The relations between coping drinking motives and enhancement drinking motives on hazardous drinking depended on the level of distress. The associations between drinking for coping and drinking for enhancement were stronger in high levels of distress. Although causality cannot be interpreted from cross-sectional data, tackling psychological distress and drinking to cope with negative affect or to enhance positive affect might have strong effects on reducing hazardous drinking behaviour among older adults.
A loucura interroga a gestão
Authors: Nogueira Cássio Streb , Paulon Simone Mainieri
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo debate a relação entre loucura e gestão, questionando o que os ditos “ingovernáveis” teriam a legar às “razoáveis” formas de gestão que se apresentam no campo das políticas públicas de saúde mental. A partir de uma experiência de avaliação da rede de saúde de um município do interior do Rio Grande do Sul, realizada com usuários de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial, problematizam-se as relações saúde e loucura (compreendida como potência esquizo), as transformações do trabalho tornado imaterial, assim como a ampliação do conceito de gestão do trabalho em saúde mental. Conclui-se que a loucura pode ser um intercessor potente para a invenção das clínicas da Reforma Psiquiátrica.
Estratégias de defesa contra o sofrimento no trabalho de docentes da pós-graduação stricto sensu
Authors: Vivian Chancarlyne , Trindade Letícia De Lima , Rezer Ricardo , Vendruscolo Carine , Rodrigues Junior Sinval Adalberto
Published: May 2020

O estudo objetivou identificar as estratégias de defesa contra o sofrimento no trabalho desenvolvidas por docentes da pós-graduação stricto sensu. Trata-se de pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa. Participaram 47 docentes de uma universidade do Sul do Brasil, que responderam a um questionário baseado no Inventário sobre Trabalho e Riscos de Adoecimento, sendo que dois representantes de cada um dos sete programas de pós-graduação stricto sensu da universidade também foram entrevistados. A investigação foi aprovada no Comitê de Ética da instituição e a coleta de dados ocorreu entre outubro de 2018 e março de 2019. Os docentes utilizam, predominantemente, estratégias de defesa individuais, dentre elas a psicoterapia, a religiosidade/espiritualidade e o apoio da família, seguidas, timidamente, de estratégias coletivas, estas centradas na boa relação com os colegas de trabalho e discentes, que são responsáveis por ressignificar as práticas laborais, contudo requerem mais investimento das instituições. Tais achados geram preocupação, uma vez que se entende que é na coletividade que ocorre a cooperação, a relação empática, a dialogicidade e a transformação da realidade laboral.
Physical Activity and the Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Tulppo Mikko P. , Kiviniemi Antti M. , Lahtinen Minna , Ukkola Olavi , Toukola Tomi , Perkiömäki Juha , Junttila M. Juhani , Huikuri Heikki V.
Published: May 2020

Background:

The association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in coronary artery disease patients is not well known. We aim to assess whether there is an association between LTPA and the risk of SCD and non-SCD in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods:

Patients with angiographically verified coronary artery disease (n=1946) underwent a clinical evaluation, including filling in an LTPA questionnaire and extensive risk profiling at the baseline. The patients were classified into 4 groups according to LTPA: (1) inactive; (2) irregularly active; (3) active, exercise regularly 2× to 3× weekly; (4) highly active, exercise regularly ≥4× weekly. Age, sex, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, type 2 diabetes mellitus, history of myocardial infarction, Canadian Cardiovascular Society grading of angina pectoris class, and exercise capacity were used as covariates in the multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results:

During follow-up (median 6.3 years), 52 SCDs and 49 non-SCDs occurred. Inactive patients had increased risk for SCD compared with active patients (hazard ratio, 2.45 [95% CI, 1.01–5.98];
P
<0.05). A significant LTPA×Canadian Cardiovascular Society grading of angina pectoris class interaction was observed in SCD risk (
P
=0.019 in highly active patients). LTPA was not associated with SCD in patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society grading of angina pectoris class 1 (n=1107, 18 events). Among patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society grading of angina pectoris class 2 or higher (n=839, 34 events), increased risk for SCD was encountered in highly active patients (hazard ratio, 7.46 [95% CI, 2.32–23.9];
P
<0.001) and inactive patients (hazard ratio, 3.64 [95% CI, 1.16–11.5];
P
<0.05) as compared to active patients. A linear association was observed between LTPA and non-SCD; those with high LTPA had the lowest risk for non-SCD.

Conclusions:

Inactive coronary artery disease patients had increased risk for SCD. In subgroup analysis among symptomatic patients, the risk of SCD was increased in highly active and inactive patients compared with active patients.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01426685.
Encountering Dance in Africa — and Nelisiwe Xaba
Authors: Wilson Reggie
Published: May 2020

Travel to Africa over many years has revealed the depth and breadth of contemporary dance in South Africa. Within this scene, Nelisiwe Xaba stands out for crafting work from a woman’s perspective, joining several generations of artists who are asking complex questions on the relations of dance and politics.
Venus and the (R)uses of Power: Nelisiwe Xaba’sThey Look at Me and That’s All They Think
Authors: Zondi Mlondolozi
Published: May 2020

A number of contemporary art/performance pieces invoke “the Venus Hottentot.” Nelisiwe Xaba’s They Look at Me and That’s All They Think demonstrates how the contemporary reproduction of “the Venus” requires the Black performer to labor for white narcissistic identification and psychic rehabilitation. By focusing on Black transnational labor and mobility, They Look at Me highlights how anti-Black domination is simultaneously resisted and reinforced through performance.