bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body surface area calculation for dogs and cats using LiDCO and PICCO monitors
Authors: Ricco Pereira Carolina
Published: June 2020

Background

Cardiac output, stroke volume, and measurement of other hemodynamic parameters can be useful in the management of critical patients. Given the broad size disparity of veterinary patients, the raw values can vary widely. Their indexed values, however, allow for quick assessment of hemodynamic status and a more standardized target setting by the veterinary care team. Monitors such as lithium dilution cardiac output (LiDCO) and pulse contour cardiac output (PICCO) can display and record the data using indexed values as long as the correct body surface area (BSA) is used. In people, the BSA is calculated using the DuBois formula by entering the patient's weight and height; however, it does not apply to animals because the equivalent relationship is not represented by this formula. Given that the hemodynamic monitors are manufactured for use in human patients, the calculations need to the adapted for veterinary use. As such, the Dubois formula has been rearranged to calculate an assumed height to be entered in the monitor software along with the patient's weight. Once the information is entered, a correct BSA will be calculated by the monitor, and indexed data will be readily available for analysis.

Key findings

Tables with the calculated heights for dogs and cats were generated. The weights and calculated heights were computed into the LiDCO and PICCO monitors for verification, and the correct BSAs were displayed as a result.

Significance

The information supplied here allows clinicians and researchers to quickly input patient data into the hemodynamic monitor and obtain indexed data. Indexed data facilitates advanced hemodynamic monitoring by standardizing targets (goal‐directed therapy) and allowing for quicker comparison between patients. The table could be used with any monitor that utilizes the DuBois formula for BSA calculation, but the resulting BSA should be validated before proceeding with hemodynamic monitoring.
Preventing Stress‐Related Ill Health Among New Registered Nurses by Supporting Engagement in Proactive Behaviors—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Frögéli Elin , Rudman Ann , Ljótsson Brjánn , Gustavsson Petter
Published: June 2020

Background

New registered nurses (RNs) are at risk of developing symptoms of stress‐related ill health.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of a 3 × 3 hour group intervention aiming to prevent symptoms of stress‐related ill health among new RNs by increasing engagement in proactive behaviors. The intervention involves discussions and models of newcomer experiences and stress and the behavior change techniques reinforcing approach behaviors, systematic exposure, and action planning.

Design

A randomized parallel group trial with an active control condition.

Participants

The study sample consisted of 239 new RNs participating in a transition‐to‐practice program for new RNs in a large county in Sweden.

Methods

Participants were randomized to either the experimental intervention or a control intervention. Data on experiences of stress, avoidance of proactive behaviors, engagement in leisure activities, role clarity, task mastery, and social acceptance were collected before and after the intervention. Effects were evaluated using multilevel model analysis and regression analysis. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation.

Results

The control group experienced a statistically significant increase in experiences of stress during the period of the study (t(194.13) = 1.98, p = .049), whereas the level in the experimental group remained stable. Greater adherence to the intervention predicted a greater effect on experiences of stress (β = −0.15, p = .039) and social acceptance (β = 0.16, p = .027).

Linking Evidence to Action

Transition‐to‐practice programs may benefit from adding an intervention that specifically addresses new RNs’ experiences of stress to further support them as they adjust to their new professional role. However, replication studies with larger samples, more reliable measures, and longer periods of follow‐up are needed.
Sitting decreases endothelial microparticles but not circulating angiogenic cells irrespective of lower leg exercises: a randomized cross‐over trial
Authors: Evans William S. , Hanson Erik D. , Shill Daniel D. , Landers‐Ramos Rian Q. , Stoner Lee , Willey Quentin , Credeur Daniel P. , Prior Steven J.
Published: June 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What are the cellular and molecular determinants of increased risk for cardiovascular disease from prolonged sitting?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Prolonged sitting, independent of calf raise interruption strategies, decreases microparticle counts linked to endothelial activation and apoptosis. An acute bout of prolonged sitting appears to promote paradoxical decreases in microparticle counts, but the implications are not yet clear.

Repeated exposure to prolonged sitting increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. However, the cellular links by which repeated exposure to prolonged sitting lead to increased cardiovascular risk have not been fully elucidated, with markers of vascular damage and repair such as microparticles (MPs) and circulating angiogenic cell (CACs) being promising targets. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of 3 h of sitting with or without intermittent calf raises on annexin V+/CD34+, annexin V+/CD62E+, and annexin V+/CD31+/42b− MP populations linked to CAC paracrine activity, endothelial activation and apoptosis, respectively, as well as CD14+/31+, CD3+/31+, and CD34+ CACs, which are linked to endothelial repair. In a random order, 20 sedentary participants (14 females, 22 ± 3 years) remained seated for 180 min with or without performing 10 calf raises every 10 min. Blood samples were obtained after 20 min of quiet rest in the supine position before and after sitting. Overall, sitting decreased annexin V+/CD34+ MPs (−12 ± 5 events µl−1, P < 0.01), annexin V+/CD62E+ MPs (−17 ± 4 events µl−1, P < 0.001), and annexin V+/CD31+/42b− MPs (−22 ± 6 events µl−1, P < 0.001) regardless of condition. There were no differences in endothelin‐1 plasma concentration, CD14+/31+, CD34+ or CD3+/31+ CAC frequencies. Sitting did not alter CAC number, but decreased MPs linked to endothelial activation, apoptosis and CAC paracrine activity in a manner that was independent of muscle contraction. These findings support changes in markers of endothelial activation and apoptosis with sedentary behaviour and provide new insights into altered intercellular communication with physical inactivity such as prolonged sitting.
AMP‐activated protein kinase activator AICAR attenuates hypoxia‐induced murine fetal growth restriction in part by improving uterine artery blood flow
Authors: Lane Sydney L. , Houck Julie A. , Doyle Alexandrea S. , Bales Elise S. , Lorca Ramón A. , Julian Colleen G. , Moore Lorna G.
Published: June 2020

Key points

Pregnancy at high altitude is associated with a greater incidence of fetal growth restriction due, in part, to lesser uterine artery blood flow.

AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation vasodilates arteries and may increase uterine artery blood flow.

In this study, pharmacological activation of AMPK by the drug AICAR improved fetal growth and elevated uterine artery blood flow.

These results suggest that AMPK activation is a potential strategy for improving fetal growth and raising uterine artery blood flow in pregnancy, which may be important in pregnancy disorders characterized by uteroplacental ischaemia and/or fetal hypoxia.

Uteroplacental hypoxia is associated with pregnancy disorders such as intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia, which are characterized by uteroplacental ischaemia and/or fetal hypoxia. Activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) results in vasodilatation and is therefore a potential therapeutic strategy for restoring uteroplacental perfusion in pregnancy disorders. In this study, C57Bl/6 mice were treated with subcutaneous pellets containing vehicle, the AMPK activator AICAR (200 mg kg−1 day−1), or the AMPK inhibitor Compound C (20 mg kg−1 day−1) beginning on gestational day 13.5, and were exposed to hypoxia starting on gestational day 14.5 that induced intrauterine growth restriction. Pharmacological AMPK activation by AICAR partially prevented hypoxia‐induced fetal growth restriction (P < 0.01), due in part to increased uterine artery blood flow (P < 0.0001). The proportion of total cardiac output flowing through the uterine artery was increased with AICAR in hypoxic mice (P < 0.001), suggesting that the vasodilator effect of AICAR was selective for the uterine circulation. Further, pharmacological inhibition of AMPK with Compound C reduced uterine artery diameter and increased uterine artery contractility in normoxic mice, providing evidence that physiological levels of AMPK activation are necessary for vasodilatation in healthy pregnancy. Two‐way ANOVA analyses indicated that hypoxia reduced AMPK activation in the uterine artery and placenta, and AICAR increased AMPK activation in these tissues compared to vehicle. These findings provide support for further investigation into the utility of pharmacological AMPK activation for treatment of fetal growth restriction.
Data-Driven Methods for the Analysis of Wind Turbine Yaw Control Optimization
Authors: Astolfi Davide , Castellani Francesco , Natili Francesco
Published: June 2020

Multi-megawatt wind turbines are nowadays a mature technology, and therefore, there is considerable scientific and industrial attention to the opportunity of further improving the efficiency of wind kinetic energy conversion into electricity. One of the major developments in this field of research regards the optimization of wind turbine control. This work deals with a test case of yaw control optimization on a 2-MW wind turbine sited in Italy. The objective of the work is to compute the performance improvement provided by the upgrade after some months of operation. This has been accomplished through the formulation of an appropriate model for the power of the wind turbine of interest and the analysis of the residuals between model estimates and measurements before and after the upgrade. In this work, a general procedure for selecting a robust multivariate linear model is adopted, and the resulting model, employing as input variables several operational variables from the nearby wind turbines in the farm, is used for quantifying the performance improvement. The estimate is that this upgrade provides a 0.8% improvement of the annual energy production.
Recent Advances in Thermal Metamaterials and Their Future Applications for Electronics Packaging
Authors: Kim Jae Choon , Ren Zongqing , Yuksel Anil , Dede Ercan M. , Bandaru Prabhakar R. , Oh Dan , Lee Jaeho
Published: June 2020

Thermal metamaterials exhibit thermal properties that do not exist in nature but can be rationally designed to offer unique capabilities of controlling heat transfer. Recent advances have demonstrated successful manipulation of conductive heat transfer and led to novel heat guiding structures such as thermal cloaks, concentrators, etc. These advances imply new opportunities to guide heat transfer in complex systems and new packaging approaches as related to thermal management of electronics. Such aspects are important, as trends of electronics packaging toward higher power, higher density, and 2.5D/3D integration are making thermal management even more challenging. While conventional cooling solutions based on large thermal-conductivity materials as well as heat pipes and heat exchangers may dissipate the heat from a source to a sink in a uniform manner, thermal metamaterials could help dissipate the heat in a deterministic manner and avoid thermal crosstalk and local hot spots. This paper reviews recent advances of thermal metamaterials that are potentially relevant to electronics packaging. While providing an overview of the state-of-the-art and critical 2.5D/3D-integrated packaging challenges, this paper also discusses the implications of thermal metamaterials for the future of electronic packaging thermal management. Thermal metamaterials could provide a solution to nontrivial thermal management challenges. Future research will need to take on the new challenges in implementing the thermal metamaterial designs in high-performance heterogeneous packages to continue to advance the state-of-the-art in electronics packaging.
Long-term follow-up of cystinosis patients treated with 0.55% cysteamine
hydrochloride
Authors: Liang Hong , Labbé Antoine , Baudouin Christophe , Plisson Celine , Giordano Vincenzo
Published: June 2020

Background/Aims

Cystinosis is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder causing defective
transport of cystine out of lysosomes. Cystadrops (0.55% cysteamine
hydrochloride in viscous solution) has been used on a named-patient basis to
treat the accumulation of cystine crystals in the cornea in patients with
cystinosis.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the Temporary Authorisation for Use cohort of
130 patients who received Cystadrops between 2013 and 2017 in France.

Results

Patients received an average dosage of 3.3 (±0.94) instillations per eye
per day. Over the duration of follow-up, of up to 45 months, patients
maintained visual acuity scores of 0.0, which approximated normal. Corneal
cystine crystal scores tended to decrease over time, stabilising after around
27 months between 1.22 and 1.87. Photophobia decreased within 3 months,
stabilising on scores of around 1.5 and 1.7. 47 non-serious adverse reactions
were reported, which were generally transient irritation, stinging or blurred
vision. Four serious adverse events were reported, including keratitis and
corneal ulcer, but these may have been caused by the underlying
disease.

Conclusion

This large safety cohort confirms the efficacy, safety and tolerability of
Cystadrops in real-world clinical practice.
Comparison of intravitreal dexamethasone implant and anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of retinal vein occlusion-induced oedema: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Ming Shuai , Xie Kunpeng , Yang Mingzhu , He Huijuan , Li Ya , Lei Bo
Published: June 2020

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents in the treatment of macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis based on Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Data sources

PubMed, Cochrane Library andClinicalTrials.govregistry were searched from inception to 10 December 2019, without language restrictions.

Eligibility criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and real-world observation studies comparing the efficacy of DEX implant and anti-VEGF agents for the treatment of patients with RVO, naïve or almost naïve to both arms, were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently extracted data for mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST) and product safety. Review Manager V.5.3 and GRADE were used to synthesise the data and validate the evidence, respectively.

Results

Four RCTs and 12 real-world studies were included. An average lower letter gain in BCVA was determined for the DEX implant (mean difference (MD) = −6.59; 95% CI −8.87 to −4.22 letters) administered at a retreatment interval of 5–6 months. Results were similar (MD6 months=−12.68; 95% CI −21.98 to −3.37 letters; MD12 months=−9.69; 95% CI −12.01 to −7.37 letters) at 6 and 12 months. The DEX implant resulted in comparable or marginally less CST reduction at months 6 and 12 but introduced relatively higher risks of elevated intraocular pressure (RR=3.89; 95% CI 2.16 to 7.03) and cataract induction (RR=5.22; 95% CI 1.67 to 16.29). Most real-life studies reported an insignificant numerical gain in letters for anti-VEGF drugs relative to that for DEX implant. However, the latter achieved comparable efficacy with a 4-month dosage interval.

Conclusion

Compared with anti-VEGF agents, DEX implant required fewer injections but had inferior functional efficacy and safety. Real-life trials supplemented the efficacy data for DEX implant.
Monitoring TNM stage of female breast cancer and survival across the South Australian population, with national and international TNM benchmarking: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Li Ming , Roder David , D'Onise Katina , Walters David , Farshid Gelareh , Buckley Elizabeth , Karapetis Chris , Joshi Rohit , Price Timothy , Townsend Amanda , Miller Caroline Louise , Currow David , Powell Kate , Buranyi-Trevarton Dianne , Olver Ian
Published: June 2020

Objective

Using linked cancer registry and administrative data to monitor, tumour, node and metastases (TNM) stage and survival from female breast cancer in Australia.

Method

Analysis of 2000–2014 diagnoses with linked population-based data to investigate: (1) sociodemographic predictors of advanced stage (stages III and IV), using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression; and (2) sociodemographic factors and stage as predictors of breast cancer survival using competing risk regression.

Design

Population-based registry cohort.

Setting and participants

14 759 South Australian women diagnosed in 2000–2014.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Stage and survival.

Results

At diagnosis, 46% of women were classified as stage I, 39% as stage II, 12% as stage III and 4% as stage IV. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, advanced stage was more common: (1) for ages <50 years; and although not statistically significant, for ages 80+ years; and (2) in women from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Compared with 2000–2004 diagnoses, stage and sociodemographic adjusted risks (sub-HRs (SHRs)) of breast cancer death were lower in 2005–2009 (SHR 0.75, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.83) and 2010–2015 (SHR 0.57, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.67). Compared with stage I, the SHR was 3.87 (95% CI 3.32 to 4.53) for stage II, 10.87 (95% CI 9.22 to 12.81) for stage III, and 41.97 (95% CI 34.78 to 50.65) for stage IV. Women aged 70+ years at diagnosis and those living in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas were at elevated risk of breast cancer death, independent of stage and sociodemographic factors.

Conclusions

Stage varied by age, diagnostic period and socioeconomic status, and was a stronger predictor of survival than other statistically significant sociodemographic predictors. Achieving earlier diagnosis outside the original BreastScreen target of 50–69 years (as applying <2014) and in residents of socioeconomically disadvantaged areas likely would increase cancer survival at a population level.
Innermost stable circular orbit and shadow of the 4D Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet black hole
Authors: Guo Minyong , Li Peng-Cheng
Published: June 2020

Recently, a novel 4D Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity was formulated by Glavan and Lin (Phys Rev Lett 124(8):081301, 2020). Although whether the theory is well defined is currently debatable, the spherically symmetric black hole solution is still meaningful and worthy of study. In this paper, we study the geodesic motions in the spacetime of the spherically symmetric black hole solution. First of all, we find that a negative GB coupling constant is allowable, as in which case the singular behavior of the black hole can be hidden inside the event horizon. Then we calculate the innermost stable circular orbits for massive particles, which turn out to be monotonic decreasing functions of the GB coupling constant. Furthermore, we study the unstable photon sphere and shadow of the black hole. It is interesting to find that the proposed universal bounds on black hole size in Lu and Lyu (Phys Rev D 101(4):044059, 2020) recently can be broken when the GB coupling constant takes a negative value.
Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome (CHAOS): No Intervention, No Survival—A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ashraf Ammar , Abdelrahman Ahmed Mohamed , Senna Ahmed , Alsaad Fatimah
Published: June 2020

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is complete or partial obstruction of the fetal upper airway. CHAOS is a rare and fatal condition if no perinatal intervention is done. Antenatal sonographic imaging has typical findings that can help in an early diagnosis, which is important in deciding elective termination of the pregnancy or successful planning of appropriate perinatal management.
An Empirical Analysis of Firm-Specific Factors and Equity Premium: Evidence from Manufacturing Sector of Pakistan
Authors: Wu Mengyun , Imran Muhammad , Zhang Linrong , He Qi , Yar Allah
Published: June 2020

Equity premium is a vital number in finance to be considered for making fund allocation and investment decisions. This study explores the relationship between (controllable) determinants of firm-level equity premium in the context of Pakistan stock market. We use a sample of 306 firms’ annual data, from 01/2001 to 6/2017, using a two-stage least-squares method to estimate our model. During the selected sample period, the average market premium of the Pakistan stock exchange (KSE100 Index) was twenty percent. The average equity premium of individual firms was only eight percent. Company fundamentals are considered determinants of firm-level equity premiums. Panel data econometrics techniques were used to estimate the modified version of the multifactor model for the Pakistan Stock Exchange. It is found that the market premium, return on equity, dividend payout ratio, accounts receivable, and firm size significantly and positively affect the firm-level equity premium. However, increase in the debt-to-equity ratio and quick ratio negatively affects that premium. The company fundamental variables are controllable for the firms and can be improved by company management to encourage investors and maximize shareholder wealth.
Personal Characteristics of e-Bike Riders and Illegal Lane Occupation Behavior
Authors: Ma Changxi , Zhou Jibiao , Yang Dong , Pan Fuquan , Fan Yuanyuan
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to reveal the potential relationship between personal characteristics of e-bike riders and illegal occupation of motor vehicle lane. To this end, a questionnaire survey was conducted and 350 valid copies of responses were retrieved from the e-bike riders. Depending on the number of motor vehicle lanes occupied, the risky behavior of illegal occupation was divided into four intervals: intervals A, B, C, and D. The disaggregate theory has high adaptability to the analysis of individual traffic behavior. In this study, the multinomial logit model was used, and eight personal characteristics of e-bike riders were selected. The aforementioned four intervals were the four selection limbs, and a measurement model calculating the influence of personal characteristics on the behavior of illegal occupation was built. The theory of elasticity was employed to analyze the sensitivity degree of each influence factor. The results showed that the absolute values of elasticity of all tested influence factors, including age, educational level, and eye vision, were less than 1.000. However, on the four intervals, the elasticity of riders’ temperament was 1.203, 1.656, 1.554, and 1.355, respectively, and elasticity of riding proficiency was 2.782, 3.883, 3.453, and 2.932, respectively.
Decentralized Supply Chains under Random Price-Dependent Demand: Noncooperative Equilibria vs. Coordination with Cost-Sharing Contracts
Authors: Sun Yanpeng , Ma Cheng , Sun Qi
Published: June 2020

It is common for a supplier to sell products to multiple retailers. In this paper, we investigate the equilibrium behavior of a decentralized supply chain with multiple retailers facing a random price-dependent demand in the additive form. Here, we consider two kinds of demand functions: the distribution of the demand depends only on the retailer’s own retail price (noncompeting retailers) and not only on his own retail price but also on that of the other retailers (competing retailers). We present appropriate wholesale price, buy-back, and lost-sales cost-sharing contracts to coordinate the total supply chain, so that when all the retailers adopt their equilibrium response, the supply chain system coordination is also achieved. Furthermore, the coalition formation among retailers is also analyzed. We find that with buy-back and lost-sales cost-sharing contracts and linear price-dependent demand function, retailers always prefer being in the grand coalition to forming any other coalition.
Simpson’s Integral Inequalities for Twice Differentiable Convex Functions
Authors: Vivas-Cortez Miguel , Abdeljawad Thabet , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Rangel-Oliveros Yenny
Published: June 2020

Integral inequality is an interesting mathematical model due to its wide and significant applications in mathematical analysis and fractional calculus. In the present research article, we obtain new inequalities of Simpson’s integral type based on theφ-convex andφ-quasiconvex functions in the second derivative sense. In the last sections, some applications on special functions are provided and shown via two figures to demonstrate the explanation of the readers.
Mitogen- and Stress-Activated Protein Kinase 1 Mediates Alcohol-Upregulated Transcription of Brf1 and tRNA Genes to Cause Phenotypic Alteration
Authors: Lin Mingen , Huang Chenghao , Ren Wenfeng , Chen Jun , Xia Ningshao , Zhong Shuping
Published: June 2020

Upregulation of Brf1 (TFIIB-related factor 1) and Pol III gene (RNA polymerase III-dependent gene, such as tRNAs and 5S rRNA) activities is associated with cell transformation and tumor development. Alcohol intake causes liver injury, such as steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, which enhances the risk of HCC development. However, the mechanism of alcohol-promoted HCC remains to be explored. We have designed the complementary research system, which is composed of cell lines, an animal model, human samples, and experiments in vivo and in vitro, to carry out this project by using molecular biological, biochemical, and cellular biological approaches. It is a unique system to explore the mechanism of alcohol-associated HCC. Our results indicate that alcohol upregulates Brf1 and Pol III gene (tRNAs and 5S rRNA) transcription in primary mouse hepatocytes, immortalized mouse hepatocyte-AML-12 cells, and engineered human HepG2-ADH cells. Alcohol activates MSK1 to upregulate expression of Brf1 and Pol III genes, while inhibiting MSK1 reduces transcription of Brf1 and Pol III genes in alcohol-treated cells. The inhibitor of MSK1, SB-747651A, decreases the rates of cell proliferation and colony formation. Alcohol feeding promotes liver tumor development of the mouse. These results, for the first time, show the identification of the alcohol-response promoter fragment of the Pol III gene key transcription factor, Brf1. Our studies demonstrate that Brf1 expression is elevated in HCC tumor tissues of mice and humans. Alcohol increases cellular levels of Brf1, resulting in enhancement of Pol III gene transcription in hepatocytes through MSK1. Our mechanism analysis has demonstrated that alcohol-caused high-response fragment of the Brf1 promoter is at p-382/+109bp. The MSK1 inhibitor SB-747651A is an effective reagent to repress alcohol-induced cell proliferation and colony formation, which is a potential pharmaceutical agent. Developing this inhibitor as a therapeutic approach will benefit alcohol-associated HCC patients.
Three-Dimensional High-Resolution MIMO Radar Imaging via OFDM Modulation and Unitary ESPRIT
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Liu Yongxiang , Huo Kai , Ye Jiaxi , Xiao Bo
Published: June 2020

Imaging and recognition of targets with complex maneuvers bring a new challenge to conventional radar applications. In this paper, the three-dimensional (3D) high-resolution image is attained in real-time by a Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) radar system with single Orthogonal-Frequency-Division-Multiplexing (OFDM) pulse. First, to build the orthogonal transmit waveform set for MIMO transmission, we utilize complex orthogonal designs (CODs) for OFDM subcarrier modulation. Based on the OFDM modulation, a preprocessing method is developed for transmit waveform separation without conventional matched filtering. The result array manifold is the Kronecker product of the steering vectors of subcarrier/transmit antenna/receive antenna uniform linear arrays (ULAs). Then, the high-resolution image of target is attained by the Multidimensional Unitary Estimation of Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariant Techniques (MD-UESPRIT) algorithm. The proposed imaging procedures include the multidimensional spatial smoothing, the unitary transform via backward-forward averaging, and the joint eigenvalue decomposition (JEVD) algorithm for automatically paired coordinates estimation. Simulation tests compare the reconstruction results with the conventional methods and analyze the estimation precision relative to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), system parameters, and errors.
Bifurcation Control of a Delayed Fractional Mosaic Disease Model for Jatropha curcas with Farming Awareness
Authors: Liu Shouzong , Huang Mingzhan , Wang Juan
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the bifurcation control of a fractional-order mosaic virus infection model for Jatropha curcas with farming awareness and an execution delay is investigated. By analyzing the associated characteristic equation, Hopf bifurcation induced by the execution delay is studied for the uncontrolled system. Then, a time-delayed controller is introduced to control the occurrence of Hopf bifurcation. Our study implies that bifurcation dynamics is significantly affected by the change of the fractional order, the feedback gain and the extended feedback delay provided that the other parameters are fixed. A series of numerical simulations is performed, which not only verifies our theoretical results but also reveals some specific features. Numerically, we find that the Hopf bifurcation gradually occurs in advance with the increase of the fractional order, and there exist extreme points for the feedback gain and the extended feedback delay which can minimize the bifurcation value.
Factors Associated with the Unplanned Pregnancy at Suhul General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Moges Yohannes , Worku Solomon Adanew , Niguse Abrhaley , Kelkay Bayew
Published: June 2020

Background. Unplanned pregnancy is a fundamental concept that is used to recognize the fertility of populations and the unmet need for contraception and family planning. Unplanned pregnancy happened mainly due to the results of not using contraception or inconsistent or incorrect use of effective methods. Reducing the number of unplanned pregnancy endorses reproductive health mainly by reducing the number of times a woman is exposed to the risk of pregnancy and childbearing. Objective. This study is aimed at assessing the magnitude of unplanned pregnancy and associated factors among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care at Suhul General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among pregnant mothers visiting antenatal care follow-up from February to April 2018 at Suhul General Hospital, Shire, and Northern Ethiopia. The study participants were selected using a systematic sampling method, and the data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to determine the association of each independent variable with the dependent variable. Result. The magnitude of unplanned pregnancy among 379 pregnant mothers was 20.6%. Unmarried women [AOR: 4.73, 95% CI: (1.56, 14.33)], age above forty [AOR: 4.17, 95% CI: (1.18, 14.6)], had no history of unplanned pregnancy [AOR: 3.26 95% CI: (1.65, 6.44)], and unemployed [AOR: 6.79; 95% CI: (2.05, 22.46)] were the variables significantly associated with the magnitude of unplanned pregnancy. Conclusion and Recommendation. The findings of this study showed that the magnitude of unplanned pregnancy was high and age, marital status, occupation, and history of unplanned pregnancy were statistically associated with an unplanned pregnancy. There is seeming necessity to plan strategies of communication within couples or individuals on reproductive especially on fertility and promote family planning methods.
Mathematical Model for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) Containing Isolation Class
Authors: Zeb Anwar , Alzahrani Ebraheem , Erturk Vedat Suat , Zaman Gul
Published: June 2020

The deadly coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, and mathematical models can be used to show suspected, recovered, and deceased coronavirus patients, as well as how many people have been tested. Researchers still do not know definitively whether surviving a COVID‐19 infection means you gain long‐lasting immunity and, if so, for how long? In order to understand, we think that this study may lead to better guessing the spread of this pandemic in future. We develop a mathematical model to present the dynamical behavior of COVID‐19 infection by incorporating isolation class. First, the formulation of model is proposed; then, positivity of the model is discussed. The local stability and global stability of proposed model are presented, which depended on the basic reproductive. For the numerical solution of the proposed model, the nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) scheme and Runge‐Kutta fourth order method are used. Finally, some graphical results are presented. Our findings show that human to human contact is the potential cause of outbreaks of COVID‐19. Therefore, isolation of the infected human overall can reduce the risk of future COVID‐19 spread.
Synthesis, Characterization, and DNA-Binding Kinetics of New Pd(II) and Pt(II) Thiosemicarbazone Complexes: Spectral, Structural, and Anticancer Evaluation
Authors: Mbugua Simon N. , Njenga Lydia W. , Odhiambo Ruth A. , Wandiga Shem O. , Meyer Mervin , Sibuyi Nicole , Lalancette Roger A. , Onani Martin O.
Published: June 2020

In a bid to come up with potential anticancer agents, a class of thiosemicarbazone ligands bearing substituted thiophene were synthesized followed by complexation with various Pd(II) and Pt(II) metal precursors. The ligands (E)-1-((thiophen-2-yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide (L1), (E)-1-((4-bromothiophen-2-yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide (L2), and (E)-1-((5-bromothiophen-2-yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide (L3) were synthesized by condensation reactions and obtained in good yields. Complexation of L1 and L2 with Pd(cod)Cl2 gave C1 (C6H7Cl2N3PdS2) and C2 (C6H6BrCl2N3PdS2), respectively. Complexation of L1 with K2PtCl4 gave C3 (C6H7Cl2N3PtS2), while L3 with K2PtCl2[(PPh)3]2 gave C4 (C24H21BrClN3PPtS2). The structures and coordination for all compounds were established by FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, UV-Vis, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies for ligand L1. Tuning of the spectral and anticancer activity of the compounds was investigated by changing the position of the bromide substituent, metal center, and the σ or π-donor/acceptor strength of the groups surrounding the metal center. The compounds had low to moderate anticancer potency with their spectral and structural properties correlating with the corresponding anticancer activity profiles. DNA binding modes were studied by spectroscopy and were comparable to known DNA intercalators. Structure-activity profiles were evident especially between C1 and C2 differing by the presence of a Br in position 5 of thiophene ring, which caused a remarkable increase in IC50 values, from 14.71 ± 0.016 (C1) to 43.08 ± 0.001(C2) in Caco-2 cells, 1.973 ± 0.048 (C1) to 59.56 ± 0.010 (C2) in MCF-7 cells, 16.65 ± 0.051 (C1) to 72.25 ± 0.003 (C2) in HeLa cells, 14.64 ± 0.037 (C1) to 94.34 ± 0.003 (C2) in HepG2, and 14.05 ± 0.042 (C1) to >100(C2) in PC-3 cells.
The Inhibitory Effect of Validamycin A onAspergillus flavus
Authors: Plabutong Napasawan , Ekronarongchai Supanuch , Niwetbowornchai Nattarika , Edwards Steven W. , Virakul Sita , Chiewchengchol Direkrit , Thammahong Arsa
Published: June 2020

Aspergillus flavusis one of the most common isolates from patients with fungal infections.Aspergillusinfection is usually treated with antifungal agents, but side effects of these agents are common. Trehalase is an essential enzyme involved in fungal metabolism, and the trehalase inhibitor, validamycin A, has been used to prevent fungal infections in agricultural products. In this study, we observed that validamycin A significantly increased trehalose levels inA. flavusconidia and delayed germination, including decreased fungal adherence. In addition, validamycin A and amphotericin B showed a combinatorial effect onA. flavusATCC204304 and clinical isolates with high minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amphotericin B using checkerboard assays. We observed that validamycin A and amphotericin B had a synergistic effect onA. flavusstrains resistant to amphotericin B. The MICs in the combination of validamycin A and amphotericin B were at 0.125 μg/mL and 2 μg/mL, respectively. The FICI of validamycin A and amphotericin B of these clinical isolates was about 0.25–0.28 with synergistic effects. No drug cytotoxicity was observed in human bronchial epithelial cells treated with validamycin A using LDH-cytotoxicity assays. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that validamycin A inhibited the growth ofA. flavusand delayed conidial germination. Furthermore, the combined effect of validamycin A with amphotericin B increasedA. flavuskilling, without significant cytotoxicity to human bronchial epithelial cells. We propose that validamycin A could potentially be usedin vivoas an alternative treatment forA. flavusinfections.
An Early Myeloma Bone Disease Model in Skeletally Mature Mice as a Platform for Biomaterial Characterization of the Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Ziouti Fani , Soares Ana Prates , Moreno-Jiménez Inés , Rack Alexander , Bogen Bjarne , Cipitria Amaia , Zaslansky Paul , Jundt Franziska
Published: June 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) bone disease is characterized by osteolytic bone tissue destruction resulting in bone pain, fractures, vertebral collapse, and spinal cord compression in patients. Upon initial diagnosis of MM, almost 80% of patients suffer from bone disease. Earlier diagnosis and intervention in MM bone disease would potentially improve treatment outcome and patient survival. New preclinical models are needed for developing novel diagnostic markers of bone structural changes as early as possible in the disease course. Here, we report a proof-of-concept, syngeneic, intrafemoral MOPC315.BM MM murine model in skeletally mature BALB/c mice for detection and characterization of very early changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of MM-injected animals. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) in vivo confirmed myeloma engraftment in 100% of the animals with high osteoclast activity within 21 days after tumor cell inoculation. Early signs of aggressive bone turnover were observed on the outer bone surfaces by high-resolution microcomputed tomography (microCT). Synchrotron phase contrast-enhanced microcomputer tomography (PCE-CT) revealed very local microarchitecture differences highlighting numerous active sites of erosion and new bone at the micrometer scale. Correlative backscattered electron imaging (BSE) and confocal laser scanning microscopy allowed direct comparison of mineralized and nonmineralized matrix changes in the cortical bone. The osteocyte lacunar-canalicular network (OLCN) architecture was disorganized, and irregular-shaped osteocyte lacunae were observed in MM-injected bones after 21 days. Our model provides a potential platform to further evaluate pathological MM bone lesion development at the micro- and ultrastructural levels. These promising results make it possible to combine material science and pharmacological investigations that may improve early detection and treatment of MM bone disease.
Study on Mechanism of Iridoid Glycosides Derivatives from Fructus Gardeniae in Jiangxi Province by Network Pharmacology
Authors: Liu Fangzhou , Li Yuanbai , Li Meng , Wang Jing , Zhang Yiying , Du Yu , Yang Yang
Published: June 2020

Objective. To investigate the pharmacological mechanism of the iridoid glycosides from Fructus Gardeniae in Jiangxi province by network pharmacology. To provide a valuable research strategy for the rational use and in‐depth research and development of Fructus Gardeniae from Jiangxi. Method. Previous research results of our group show that the contents of iridoid glycosides in Fructus Gardeniae from Jiangxi province have a significant difference compared with other regions (P < 0.05). Based on our previous experimental results, this study selected six characteristic high‐content bioactive iridoid glycosides components of Fructus Gardeniae from Jiangxi province as candidate components. TCMSP database was used to obtain the process parameters of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of candidate components. PubChem and SWISS online database were used to predict the related targets. Cytoscape software was used to the construct compound‐target‐disease (C‐T‐D) network of the Fructus Gardeniae iridoid glycosides ingredients. Furthermore, the GO biological process analysis and the pathway enrichment analysis were carried out using the CTD online analysis platform; then, an illustrated network that contains the main “chemicals‐targets‐pathway (C‐T‐P)” was constructed to analyze main biological pathways for obtaining the deep mechanism of Fructus Gardeniae in Jiangxi. Results. 6 iridoid glycosides, namely geniposide, gardenoside, geniposidic acid, genipin 1‐gentiobioside, gardoside, and shanzhiside, from Fructus Gardeniae in Jiangxi province were obtained as candidate components through previous work and network pharmacology screening. 36 corresponding targets were acted, such as BCL2, MAPT, F2, BCL2L1, PRKCD, PRKCB, HIF1A, and PRKCA. These targets could joint in pathways, such as signaling by GPCR, neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction, inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels, and ion channel transport. Interestingly, these pathways were highly associated with liver diseases, neurological diseases, hypertension, neoplasms, hyperalgesia, and inflammation. Remarkably, we boldly speculate that the Fructus Gardeniae from Jiangxi province can play a pharmacological role in hepatic encephalopathy through regulating multiple signaling pathways in an integrated manner. Conclusion. The method based on system pharmacology could help to find the key targets of characteristic high‐content chemical constituents of herb from different producing areas, the signaling pathway and disease network of TCM, and provide useful information and data support for giving a further study on traditional Chinese medicine resources in different regions of China.
Influence of Both Soil Properties and Geometric Parameters on Failure Mechanisms and Stability of Two‐Layer Undrained Slopes
Authors: Guo Shuangfeng , Li Ning , Liu Wenpeng , Ma Zongyuan , Liu Naifei , Lv Gao
Published: June 2020

The stability of the two‐layer undrained clay slopes should be given considerable attention since they are commonly observed in nature and in manmade structures, and they traditionally have low stability. Therefore, with the elastoplastic finite element method, this paper thoroughly explores the influence of the soil strength parameter cu, slope angle β, and slope depth ratio DH on the slope stability and failure mechanisms by the wide‐ranging parametric changes. The aims of this study are also to find the critical strength ratio (cu2/cu1)crit and the maximum values of the stability number Nc that were observed in the parametric studies. Numerical results are displayed in the form of charts to give Nc and (cu2/cu1)crit as a function of cu, β, and DH. Moreover, influences of DH and β on Nc and failure mechanisms are examined in this study. The results of numerical analysis demonstrate that cu2/cu1 significantly affects both the critical failure mechanism and the stability of the two‐layer undrained slope. Improved knowledge of the location of the critical failure mechanism allows for accurately estimating the stability of the two‐layer undrained slopes for future strengthening measurements to preserve stability.
Sea Cucumber Peptides Improved the Mitochondrial Capacity of Mice: A Potential Mechanism to Enhance Gluconeogenesis and Fat Catabolism during Exercise for Improved Antifatigue Property
Authors: Yu Yihao , Wu Guoqing , Jiang Yuge , Li Bowen , Feng Chuanxing , Ge Yueting , Le Han , Jiang Liang , Liu Huiping , Shi Yonghui , Le Guowei
Published: June 2020

Sea cucumber promotes multifaceted health benefits. However, the mechanisms of sea cucumber peptides (Scp) regulating the antifatigue capacity is still unknown. The present study is aimed at further elucidating the effects and mechanisms of Scp on the antifatigue capacity of mice. At first, C57BL/6J mice were assigned into four groups named Con, L-Scp, M-Scp, and H-Scp and received diets containing Scp (0%, 0.15%, 0.3%, and 0.5%, respectively) for continuous 30 days. On the 21th day, a fore grip test was conducted on mice. On the 25th day, a rotating rod test was conducted on mice. On the 30th day, the quantities of glycogen and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were determined in 8 random mice and another 8 mice were forced to swim for 1 hour before slaughter for detecting biochemical indicators. It was observed that the Scp groups significantly prolonged the running time in rotarod, increased forelimb grip strength, improved lactic acid (LD) and urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in the serum, decreased lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) activities in the serum, increased blood glucose (BG) and glycogen (GN) levels in the liver and skeletal muscle after swimming, increased the activity of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase in the skeletal muscle and heart, and improved antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, Scp treatment significantly elevated the mRNA and protein relative levels of power-sensitive factors, lipid catabolism, and mitochondrial biogenesis and significantly upregulated mRNA levels of gluconeogenesis. Besides, mtDNA before the swimming test was increased in the three Scp groups. These results show that Scp treatment has antifatigue capacity. Furthermore, these results suggest that improved energy regulation and antioxidant capacity may be the result of improved mitochondrial function.
The ceRNA Network Has Potential Prognostic Value in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Study Based on TCGA Database
Authors: Liu Haosheng , Zhu Zhaowen , Fang Jianxiong , Liu Tianqi , Zhang Zhenhui , Zhao Chao , Pu Xiaoyong , Liu Jiumin
Published: June 2020

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a very common cancer in urology. Many evidences suggest that complex changed pathways take a nonnegligible part in the occurrence and development of ccRCC. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism is not clear. In this study, the expression data between ccRCC and normal tissue samples in TCGA database were compared to distinguish differentially expressed genes (DEGs: mRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs). Afterwards, we used GO enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses to explore the functions of these DEGs. We also found the correlation between three RNAs and created a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. Moreover, we used univariate Cox regression analysis to select DEGs that are connected with overall survival (OS) of ccRCC patients. We found 1652 mRNAs, 1534 lncRNAs, and 173 miRNAs that were distinguished in ccRCC compared with normal tissues. According to GO analysis, the maladjusted mRNAs are mainly concentrated in immune cell activation and kidney development, while according to KEGG, they are mainly concentrated in pathways related to cancer. A total of 5 mRNAs, 1 miRNA, and 4 lncRNAs were connected with patients’ OS. In this article, a network of lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA was established; it is expected to be able to indicate possible molecular mechanisms for initial of ccRCC and provide a new viewpoint for diagnosis of ccRCC.