bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhomogeneous thinning of a cratonic lithospheric keel by tectonic extension: The Early Cretaceous Jiaodong Peninsula–Liaodong Peninsula extensional provinces, eastern North China craton
Authors: Liu Junlai , Ji Mo , Ni Jinlong , Shen Liang , Zheng Yuanyuan , Chen Xiaoyu , Craddock John P.
Published: May 2020

The mechanisms of lithospheric thinning and craton destruction have been hotly debated in the last decades. The Early Cretaceous Jiaodong and Liaodong extensional provinces (JEP and LEP, respectively) of the eastern North China craton are typical areas where the cratonic Archean lithosphere has been intensely extended and thinned. Various extensional structures, e.g., metamorphic core complexes (MCCs), low-angle detachment faults, and extensional basins, characterize the Early Cretaceous crustal deformation of the two provinces. However, profound differences exist in structural development and related magmatic activities between the two provinces. Distributed small-scale extensional basins were formed in association with exhumation of the Liaonan and Wanfu MCCs in the LEP, whereas the major Jiaolai Basin was developed coevally with exhumation of the Wulian, Queshan, and Linglong MCCs in the JEP. Sr-Nd isotope compositions of volcanic rocks from the basins of the two provinces are compatible with syntectonic magmatic activities of evolving magma sources in the LEP, but multiple and hybrid magma sources in the JEP.

It is shown, from variations in structural styles, plutonic and volcanic activities, and thermal evolution of the two extensional provinces, that two stages (ca. 135–120 Ma and 120–100 Ma) of tectonic extension affected the JEP and LEP in the Early Cretaceous. We demonstrate that regional tectonic extension (parallel extension tectonics, or PET) is responsible for the formation of major extensional structures and the occurrence of the magmatic associations. Progressive wide rifting by coupled crust-mantle detachment faulting of a hot LEP lithosphere was accompanied by evolving magma sources from dominant ancient crust and enriched mantle to juvenile crust. Two stages of narrow rifting of a cold JEP lithosphere led to early crustal detachment faulting transitioning to late crust-mantle faulting, which resulted in intense magmatic activity from hybrid to multiple magma sources. These processes contributed to destruction of the craton, with thinning of its lithospheric keel and local transformation of the nature of the lithospheric mantle. It is expected that such a model is also applicable to interpretation of tectonic extension of contiguous areas of the North China craton and the remobilization of other cratons.
Ursodeoxycholic acid potentiates dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor sitagliptin by enhancing glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic liver disease: a pilot randomized controlled and add-on study
Authors: Shima Kosuke Robert , Ota Tsuguhito , Kato Ken-ichiro , Takeshita Yumie , Misu Hirofumi , Kaneko Shuichi , Takamura Toshinari
Published: May 2020

Objective

We evaluated the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion and glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes with chronic liver disease.

Research design and methods

Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ≥7.0%) and chronic liver disease were included in this study. Sixteen patients (HbA1c level, 7.2%±0.6%(55.2 mmol/mol)) were randomized to receive 900 mg UDCA for 12 weeks followed by 50 mg sitagliptin add-on therapy for 12 weeks (UDCA-first group; n=8) or 50 mg sitagliptin for 12 weeks followed by 900 mg UDCA add-on therapy for 12 weeks (sitagliptin-first group; n=8). All patients underwent a liquid high-fat meal test before and after 12 or 24 weeks of treatment.

Results

The baseline characteristics were similar between the UDCA-first and sitagliptin-first groups. There was a decrease in body weight (72.5±8.4 to 70.6±8.6 kg; P=0.04) and the HbA1c level (7.0%±0.3% to 6.4%±0.5%(53.0 to 46.4 mmol/mol); P=0.01) in the UDCA-first group. The HbA1c level decreased further after sitagliptin administration (6.4%±0.5% to 6.0%±0.4%(46.4 to 42.1 mmol/mol); P<0.01). Although there were no initial changes in the weight and HbA1c level in the sitagliptin-first group, the HbA1c level decreased after UDCA addition (7.1%±1.1% to 6.6%±0.9%(54.1 to 48.6 mmol/mol); P=0.04). UDCA alone increased the area under the curve0–30for GLP-1 response (115.4±47.2 to 221.9±48.9 pmol·min/L; P<0.01), but not the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide response, in the UDCA-first group.

Conclusions

UDCA treatment resulted in a greater reduction in HbA1c levels, and an increased early phase GLP-1 secretion.

Trial registration number

NCT01337440.
Life-threatening onset of coeliac disease: a case report and literature review
Authors: Guarino Matteo , Gambuti Edoardo , Alfano Franco , Strada Andrea , Ciccocioppo Rachele , Lungaro Lisa , Zoli Giorgio , Volta Umberto , De Giorgio Roberto , Caio Giacomo
Published: May 2020

Background

Coeliac disease (CD) results from an immune-mediated reaction to gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. In rare cases CD may occur with acute features deferring the diagnosis and exposing these patients to possible life-threatening complications. Herein we present the case of a young woman with a coeliac crisis, that is, a sudden clinical onset characterised by severe electrolyte imbalance due to an unknown (previously unrecognised) CD.

Methods

This is a case report and literature review revealing that coeliac crisis is under-reported, with a total of 48 adult cases so far published. The diagnosis in our case was established by histopathological analysis of multiple duodenal biopsies. The patient’s serum was tested by enzyme-linked immunoassay to detect antitransglutaminase IgA antibodies.

Results

In contrast to cases reported in the literature, with male gender predominance and a mean age of 50±17 years, our patient was a young female case of coeliac crisis. However, like in our patient, a higher incidence of coeliac crisis was associated with the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 haplotype, versus HLA-DQ8, and a severe (Marsh-Oberhüber 3c) duodenal mucosa atrophy. Notably, there is no clear correlation between the antitissue transglutaminase 2 IgA antibody titre and coeliac crisis onset/severity, as confirmed by our case report.

Conclusions

The present case highlights that CD may manifest quite abruptly with a severe malabsorption syndrome, that is, electrolyte abnormalities and hypoproteinaemia. Our case should alert physicians, in particular those in the emergency setting, that even a typically chronic disorder, such as CD, may show life-threatening complications requiring urgent management.
Factors influencing self-concept among adolescents infected with HIV: a cross-sectional survey in China
Authors: Ke Siyuan , Yang Yanjie , Yang Xiuxian , Qiu Xiaohui , Qiao Zhengxue , Song Xuejia , Zhao Erying , Wang Wenbo , Zhou Jiawei , Cheng Yuewu
Published: May 2020

Overview

The mental health problems of adolescents with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are important. It is of great significance to explore which factors can affect the self-evaluation and understanding of adolescents with HIV.

Objective

We found that adolescents with HIV have a lower level of self-concept than healthy adolescents. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing self-concept among adolescents with HIV in China.

Setting

A questionnaire was distributed among a total of 290 adolescents in Henan Province, China. One hundred and forty questionnaires were distributed in the case group (adolescents with HIV) and the control group (healthy adolescents) was issued 150 questionnaires.The Piers-Harris Children’s Self-concept Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire were adapted for a Chinese population. Differences between the groups were tested for significance using Student’s t-test, and analysis of variance was used to test continuous variables. The relationship between environmental personality factors and adolescent self-concept was examined by Pearson correlation analysis. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to model the effects of environmental personality factors on self-concept.

Results

The self-concept total score among adolescents with HIV was significantly lower than healthy adolescents (p<0.05). Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that age (β=−0.19, t=−2.16, p=0.03), perceived stress (β=−0.19, t=−2.22, p=0.03), perceived social support (β=0.26, t=3.25, p=0.00), positive coping style (β=0.50, t=5.75, p=0.00) and negative coping style (β=−0.45, t=−5.33, p=0.00) were significantly associated with self-concept total scores.

Conclusions

The self-concept of adolescents with HIV is related to perceived stress, perceived social support and coping style. These findings underline the significance of self-concept among adolescents infected with HIV.
Detection of pulmonary nodules: a clinical study protocol to compare ultra-low dose chest CT and standard low-dose CT using ASIR-V
Authors: Ludwig Marie , Chipon Emilie , Cohen Julien , Reymond Emilie , Medici Maud , Cole Anthony , Moreau Gaudry Alexandre , Ferretti Gilbert
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Lung cancer screening in individuals at risk has been recommended by various scientific institutions. One of the main concerns for CT screening is repeated radiation exposure, with the risk of inducing malignancies in healthy individuals. Therefore, lowering the radiation dose is one of the main objectives for radiologists. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that an ultra-low dose (ULD) chest CT protocol, using recently introduced hybrid iterative reconstruction (ASiR-V, GE medical Healthcare, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA), is as performant as a standard ‘low dose’ (LD) CT to detect non-calcified lung nodules ≥4 mm.

Methods and analysis

The total number of patients to include is 150. Those are referred for non-enhanced chest CT for detection or follow-up of lung nodule and will undergo an additional unenhanced ULD CT acquisition, the dose of which is on average 10 times lower than the conventional LD acquisition. Total dose of the entire exam (LD+ULD) is lower than the French diagnostic reference level for a chest CT (6.65 millisievert). ULD CT images will be reconstructed with 50% and 100% ASiR-V and LD CT with 50%. The three sets of images will be read in random order by two pair of radiologists, in a blind test, where patient identification and study outcomes are concealed. Detection rate (sensitivity) is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include concordance of nodule characteristics; interobserver reproducibility; influence of subjects’ characteristics, nodule location and nodule size; and concordance of emphysema, coronary calcifications evaluated by visual scoring and bronchial alterations between LD and ULD CT. In case of discordance, a third radiologist will arbitrate.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the relevant ethical committee. Each study participant will sign an informed consent form.

Trial registration number

NCT03305978; Pre-results.
Second-order effects in parametric-resonance magnetometers based on atomic alignment
Authors: Beato François , Palacios-Laloy Agustin
Published: May 2020

Optically-pumped magnetometers (OPM) based on parametric resonance allow real-time tri-axial measurement of very small magnetic fields with a single optical access to the gas cell. Most of these magnetometers rely on circularly polarized pumping light. We focus here on the ones relying on linearly polarized light, yielding atomic alignment. For these magnetometers we investigate three second order effects which appear in the usual regimes of operation, so to clarify if they translate to metrological problems like systematic errors or increased noise. The first of these effects is the breakdown of the three-step approach when the optical beam has a large intensity. The second one is the breakdown of the rotating wave approximation when the frequencies of the RF fields are not much larger than the rates of other atomic processes. The third one is the tensor light-shift which appears when the light is slightly detuned from resonance. This work should help to clarify the accuracy reachable with OPM, which is an important question notably for medical imaging applications.
Evaluating and Developing a Reliable Reference Electrode for Choline Chloride Based Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Shen X. , Sinclair N. , Wainright J. , Akolkar R. , Savinell R. F.
Published: May 2020

The Ag/AgCl reference electrode is commonly used in choline chloride based deep eutectic solvents. However, we found it undergoes significant potential shifts in electrochemical tests which previous reports largely ignored. In this work, we studied the degradation mechanism leading to its instability. Results show that due to the high Cl− concentration in ethaline, the AgCl film easily dissolves and forms AgCl2
− species causing a potential shift. Therefore, we suggest a [Fe(CN)6]3−/[Fe(CN)6]4− reference electrode based on the reversibility and low diffusivity of [Fe(CN)6]3−/[Fe(CN)6]4− redox couple in ethaline, which was demonstrated to be reliable and stable over weeks of operation.
Molecular Characterization of Mycobiota and Aspergillus Species from Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker Based on High-Throughput Sequencing of ITS1 and CaM
Authors: Bai Ling , He Liu , Yu Penghao , Luo Jiaoyang , Yang Meihua , A Xiangren , Wei Xiaoxing
Published: May 2020

Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker is a valuable traditional Chinese animal medicine first recorded in Shennong Bencao. Previous research has shown that E. sinensis is easily contaminated by aflatoxins (AFs), which are highly toxic mycotoxins, during harvest, storage, and transport, thereby posing a considerable threat to consumer health. Most often, these AFs are produced by Aspergillus species. In this study, we contrast the traditional culture-based dilution plating method to the high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology for fungal identification in TCM E. sinensis. Both of the methods used internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and calmodulin (CaM) sequencing for fungal molecular identification. The new CaM primer we designed in the study is suitable for MiSeq PE300 sequencing used for identification of Aspergillus species in community DNA samples. More fungal species were found in the E. sinensis samples based on HTS than those found using the culture-based dilution plating method. Overall, combining the sequencing power of ITS1 and CaM is an effective method for the detection and monitoring of potential toxigenic Aspergillus species in E. sinensis. In conclusion, HTS can be used to obtain a large amount of sequencing data about fungi contaminating animal medicine, allowing earlier detection of potential toxigenic fungi and ensuring the efficient production and safety of E. sinensis.
Tenacissoside H Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Migration of Colon Cancer Cells by Downregulating Expression of GOLPH3 Gene
Authors: Hong Zhong-Shi , Zhuang Hai-Bin , Qiu Cheng-Zhi , Shi Ze-Sheng , Wang Chun-Xiao , Chen Zhi-chuan , Pan Jian-peng
Published: May 2020

Objective. Tenacissoside H (TDH) is a Chinese medicine monomer extracted from Marsdenia tenacissima extract (MTE), which has been confirmed to have antitumor effects, but its mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of TDH on human colon cancer LoVo cell proliferation and migration and explore the correlation of TDH treatment with the expression of GOLPH3 and cell signaling pathways in LoVo cells. Methods. LoVo cells were treated with TDH at 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 h. The proliferation rate of LoVo cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Recombinant plasmid p‐CMV‐2‐GOLPH3 was constructed, and p‐CMV‐2‐GOLPH3 and p‐CMV‐2 empty plasmids were transfected into LoVo cells by lipofection. Western blotting was used to detect the transfection efficiency and the expression of p‐p70S6K, p70S6K, β‐catenin, and GOLPH3. The apoptosis rate was analyzed with Annexin V‐FITC/PI double‐staining method, and cell migration assessed by transwell assay. Results. TDH inhibited the proliferation of LoVo cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. The IC50 of TDH treatment in LoVo cells at 24, 48, and 72 h was 40.24, 13.00, and 5.73 μg/mL, respectively. TDH treatment significantly induced apoptosis and suppressed the viability and migration of human colon cancer LoVo cells. The effect of TDH on induction of apoptosis and inhibition of migration in LoVo cells decreased significantly after activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways with agonists. Additionally, the expression of GOLPH3 protein downregulated significantly in LoVo cells under TDH treatment. Overexpression of the GOLPH3 gene increased the expression of key proteins in PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways and blocked the antitumor activity of TDH. Conclusion. Collectively, the present results indicated that TDH can inhibit the proliferation vitality of colon cancer LoVo cells through downregulating GOLPH3 expression and activity of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways.
Boundedness of Fractional Integral Operators Containing Mittag-Leffler Function via Exponentially s-Convex Functions
Authors: Hong Gang , Farid G. , Nazeer Waqas , Akbar S. B. , Pečarić J. , Zou Junzhong , Geng Shengtao
Published: May 2020

The main objective of this paper is to obtain the fractional integral operator inequalities which provide bounds of the sum of these operators at an arbitrary point. These inequalities are derived for s-exponentially convex functions. Furthermore, a Hadamard inequality is obtained for fractional integrals by using exponentially symmetric functions. The results of this paper contain several such consequences for known fractional integrals and functions which are convex, exponentially convex, and s-convex.
Statistical Method Based on Bayes-Type Empirical Score Test for Assessing Genetic Association with Multilocus Genotype Data
Authors: Tian Yi , Ma Li , Cai Xiaohong , Zhu Jiayan
Published: May 2020

Simultaneous testing of multiple genetic variants for association is widely recognized as a valuable complementary approach to single-marker tests. As such, principal component regression (PCR) has been found to have competitive power. We focus on exploring a robust test for an unknown genetic mode of all SNPs, an unknown Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in a population, and a large number of all SNPs. First, we propose a new global test by means of the use of codominant codes for all markers and PCR. The new global test is built on an empirical Bayes-type score statistic for testing marginal associations with each single marker. The new global test gains power by robustly exploiting the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the control population and effectively using linkage disequilibrium among test markers. The new global test reduces to PCR when the genotype for each marker is coded as the number of minor alleles. This connection lends insight into the power of the new global test relative to PCR and some other popular multimarker test methods. Second, we propose a robust test method based on the new global test and the ordinary PCR test built on a prospective score statistic for testing marginal associations with each single marker when the genotype for each marker is coded as the number of minor alleles by taking the minimum p value of these two tests. Finally, through extensive simulation studies and analysis of the association between pancreatic cancer and some genes of interest, we show that the proposed robust test method has desirable power and can often identify association signals that may be missed by existing methods.
Effects of Massage Therapy on the Development of Babies Born with Down Syndrome
Authors: Pinero-Pinto Elena , Benítez-Lugo María-Luisa , Chillón-Martínez Raquel , Rebollo-Salas Manuel , Bellido-Fernández Lorena-María , Jiménez-Rejano José-Jesús
Published: May 2020

Objective. To determine the short‐term effects of infant massage on the development of Down syndrome babies. Materials and Methods. The study compared two groups (intervention and control), each with 16 babies with Down syndrome between 4 and 8 months old. The variables developmental age and developmental quotient were measured at two distinct time points, at pretest and after 5 weeks, using the Brunet‐Lézine Early Childhood Psychomotor Development revised scale. This scale measures the variables of age and development quotient in a partial way (motor, visual‐motor coordination, language, and social development) and in a global way. The experimental group received infant massage, applied by the parents, during these 5 weeks, every day for at least 10 minutes. The massage protocol was based on the methodology created by Vimala McClure. The control group received it after 5 weeks. Results. All developmental variables were improved in the experimental group but not in the control group. There were significant differences in developmental age between the two groups, and this outcome was better in the experimental group (p < 0.001). The 2‐by‐2 mixed‐model analysis of variance indicates a statistically significant group‐by‐time interaction for all development quotients, both partial and global (p < 0.001), which was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusion. Infant massage therapy improves the development of babies with Down syndrome in the short term.
A Novel Method for Sea Surface Temperature Prediction Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Yu Xuan , Shi Suixiang , Xu Lingyu , Liu Yaya , Miao Qingsheng , Sun Miao
Published: May 2020

Sea surface temperature (SST) forecasting is the task of predicting future values of a given sequence using historical SST data, which is beneficial for observing and studying hydroclimatic variability. Most previous studies ignore the spatial information in SST prediction and the forecasting models have limitations to process the large-scale SST data. A novel model of SST prediction integrated Deep Gated Recurrent Unit and Convolutional Neural Network (DGCnetwork) is proposed in this paper. The DGCnetwork has a compact structure and focuses on learning deep long-term dependencies in SST time series. Temporal information and spatial information are all included in our procedure. Differential Evolution algorithm is applied in order to configure DGCnetwork’s optimum architecture. Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) data is selected to conduct experiments in this paper, which has good temporal homogeneity and feature resolution. The experiments demonstrate that the DGCnetwork significantly obtains excellent forecasting result, predicting SST by different lengths flexibly and accurately. On the East China Sea dataset and the Yellow Sea dataset, the accuracy of the prediction results is above 98% on the whole and all mean absolute error (MAE) values are lower than 0.33°C. Compared with the other models, root mean square error (RMSE), root mean square percentage error (RMSPE), and mean absolute percentage Error (MAPE) of the proposed approach reduce at least 0.1154, 0.2594, and 0.3938. The experiments of SST time series show that the DGCnetwork model maintains good prediction results, better performance, and stronger stability, which has reached the most advanced level internationally.
Identification of a Mutation in the Novel Compound Heterozygous CFTR in a Chinese Family with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Shao Hongxia , Hua Jingna , Wu Qi , Li Xiaoge , Zhang Ming , Wang Herong , Wu Junping , Xu Long , Xie Yi , Li Li , Chen Huaiyong
Published: May 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common autosomal recessive disorders among Caucasians of Northern European descent but is uncommon in the Chinese population. Objectives. To elucidate the mutation in the novel compound heterozygous CFTR causing CF in Chinese family. Materials and Methods. Clinical samples were obtained from a Chinese family, the brother and sister with recurrent airway infections, hypoxemia and obstructive ventilatory impairment, sinusitis, clubbed fingers, salty sweat, and nasal polyposis. We performed whole-exome sequencing on the family and validated all potential variants by Sanger sequencing. Results. Next-generation sequencing showed a novel compound heterozygous CFTR mutation (c.400 A > G p.Arg134Gly and c.3484 C > T p.Arg1162∗) which resulted in CF in the family. Conclusions. As this mutation is consistent with the observed clinical manifestations of CF and no other mutations were detected after scanning the gene sequence, we suggest that their CF phenotypes are caused by the compound heterozygous mutation, c.400 A > G p.Arg134Gly and c.3484 C > T p.Arg1162∗. As c.400 A > G is not currently listed in the Cystic Fibrosis Mutation Database, this information, regarding the CF-causing mutations in two Chinese patients, is of interest.
Employing Locally Finitely T-Transitive Binary Relations to Prove Coincidence Theorems for Nonlinear Contractions
Authors: Arif Mohammad , Khan Idrees A. , Imdad Mohammad , Alam Aftab
Published: May 2020

In this article, we prove some relation-theoretic results on coincidence and common fixed point for a nonlinear contraction employing a locally finitely T-transitive binary relation, where T stands for a self-mapping on the underlying metric space. Our newly proved results deduce sharpened versions of certain relevant results of the existing literature. Finally, we adopt some examples to substantiate the genuineness of our proved results herein.
Photodeposition of Ag Nanocrystals onto TiO2 Nanotube Platform for Enhanced Water Splitting and Hydrogen Gas Production
Authors: Jani Nur Aimi , Haw Choonyian , Chiu Weesiong , Rahman Saadah Abdul , Khiew Poisim , Lim Yingchin , Abd-Shukor Roslan , Hamid M. Azmi. Abd.
Published: May 2020

Current work reports the study of Ag nanocrystals (NCs) decorated doubly anodized (DA) TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) thin film as an efficient photoelectrode material for water splitting and photocatalytic hydrogen gas production. DA process has been shown to be capable of producing less defective NTs and creating additional spacious gaps in between NT bundles to allow efficient and uniform integration of Ag NCs. By employing photoreduction method, Ag NCs can be deposited directly onto NTs, where the size and density of coverage can be maneuvered by merely varying the concentration of Ag precursors. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images show that the Ag NCs with controllable size are homogeneously decorated onto the walls of NTs with random yet uniform distribution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm the formation of anatase TiO2 NTs and Ag NCs, which can be well indexed to standard patterns. The decoration of metallic Ag NCs onto the surface of NTs demonstrates a significant enhancement in the photoconversion efficiency as compared to that of pristine TiO2 NTs. Additionally, the as-prepared nanocomposite film also shows improved efficiency when used as a photocatalyst platform in the production of hydrogen gas. Such improvement in the performance of water splitting and photocatalytic hydrogen gas production activity can be credited to the surface plasmonic resonance of Ag NCs present on the surface of the NTs, which renders improved light absorption and better charge separation. The current work can serve as a model of study for designing more advanced nanoarchitecture photoelectrode for renewable energy application.
HIV Screening During Pregnancy in a U.S. HIV Epicenter
Authors: Szlachta-McGinn Alec , Aserlind Alexandra , Duthely Lunthita , Oldak Sean , Babriwala Ruchi , Montgomerie Emily , Potter JoNell
Published: May 2020

Background. The CDC and ACOG have issued guidelines for HIV screening in pregnancy for patients living in areas with high prevalence of HIV in order to minimize perinatal vertical transmission. There is a lack of data examining providers’ compliance with these guidelines in at-risk patient populations in the United States. Objective. To evaluate if HIV screening in pregnant women was performed according to guidelines at a large, urban, tertiary care medical center in South Florida. Study Design. A retrospective review was performed on 1270 prenatal and intrapartum records from women who delivered a live infant in 2015 at a single institution. Demographic and outcome data were chart abstracted and analyzed using arithmetic means and standard deviations. Results. Of the 1270 patients who met inclusion criteria, 1090 patients initiated prenatal care in the first or second trimester and delivered in the third trimester. 1000 (91.7%) patients were screened in the first or second trimester; however, only 822 (82.2%) of these were retested in the third trimester during prenatal care. Among the 178 patients lacking a third trimester test, 159 (89.3%) received rapid HIV testing upon admission for delivery. Of the 1090 patients who initiated prenatal care in the first or second trimester and delivered in the third trimester, 982 (90.1%) were screened in accordance with recommended guidelines. Of the 1270 patients initiating care in any trimester, 24 (1.9%) had no documented prenatal HIV test during prenatal care, however 22 (91.7%) had a rapid HIV test on admission for delivery. Two (0.16%) patients were not tested prenatally or prior to delivery. Conclusion. Despite 99.8% of women having at least one HIV screening test during pregnancy, there is room for improvement in routine prenatal screening in both early pregnancy and third trimester prior to onset of labor in this high-risk population.
Sex-Specific Impact of Pain Severity, Insomnia, and Psychosocial Factors on Disability due to Spinal Degenerative Disease
Authors: Koh Keito , Yamada Keiko , Enomoto Tatsuya , Kawai Aiko , Hamaoka Saeko , Chiba Satoko , Iseki Masako
Published: May 2020

Purpose. Pain experience due to spinal degenerative disease decreases activity of daily living and quality of life. The present cross-sectional study was aimed at examining the sex-specific impact of pain severity, psychosocial factors, and insomnia on the disability due to chronic pain arising from spinal degenerative disease. Methods. In total, 111 outpatients with chronic spinal degenerative on initial diagnosis were analyzed. The definition of chronic spinal degenerative disease was (1) pain duration ≥3 months, (2) findings of nerve root compression on neurological examination and imaging, and (3) localized neck or lower back pain (not widespread, upper or lower limb pain). We used Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Pain Disability Assessment Scale (PDAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) to assess patients. Univariate regression analysis was performed to investigate whether sex influences the PDAS score, and sex-stratified multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify the variables associated with the PDAS score. Results. Sex was identified as a predictor of the PDAS score (standardized coefficient (β) = 0.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.10–0.46; p=0.003). In men, the AIS score was associated with PDAS (β = 0.36, 95% CI 0.09–0.63). Age (β = 0.31, 95% CI 0.06–0.55) and NRS (β = 0.40, 95% CI 0.14–0.67) were associated with PDAS in women. HADS-A, HADS-D, and PCS were not associated with PDAS in both sexes. Conclusion. Insomnia was associated with disability in men, whereas aging and pain severity were associated with disability in women. Catastrophic thinking was not associated with disability in both sexes.
Two Time Point Analysis of the Change in Risk and Aging Factors for Major Cancers: A 10‐Year Longitudinal Study in China
Authors: Hui Liu
Published: May 2020

Objective. To quantify the change in risk and aging factors with a two time point analysis for major cancers to assess supportive strategies. Methods. The 2004 and 2015 mortality statistics in China were accessed. The standardized mortality rates of the two periods were used to calculate the ratio of change (RC) value to assess the risk of death associated with time (social development with time) for cancers. The role of age in mortality with time was evaluated by the interaction between time and age using a Poisson regression. Results. In ascending order of RC, the factors were uterus; other malignant neoplasms; esophagus; stomach; skin; liver; leukemia; “lip, oral cavity, and pharynx”; bladder; “colon and rectum”; breast; prostate; lung; ovary; pancreas; “lymphoid, hematopoietic, and related tissue”; and cervix cancers. According to their location on the scatter diagram, the 17 neoplasms could be divided into three groups, comprising undeveloped cancers (including four cancers), developed cancers (including three cancers), and cancers insensitive to social development. Unexpectedly, about 60% (as assessed by type of cancer) and two‐thirds (as assessed by constituent ratio of death from all cancers) of cancers did not change with time. Conclusions. Most cancers may be insensitive to social development. Internal factors, including aging, may be a key factor for the occurrence of cancer.
The Expression of Adenosine A2B Receptor on Antigen-Presenting Cells Suppresses CD8+ T-cell Responses and Promotes Tumor Growth
Authors: Chen Siqi , Akdemir Imran , Fan Jie , Linden Joel , Zhang Bin , Cekic Caglar
Published: May 2020

Accumulating evidence suggests that inhibiting adenosine-generating ecto-enzymes (CD39 and CD73) and/or adenosine A2A or A2B receptors (R) stimulates antitumor immunity and limits tumor progression. Although activating A2ARs or A2BRs causes similar immunosuppressive and protumoral functions, few studies have investigated the distinct role of A2BR in cancer. Here, we showed that A2BR expression by hematopoietic cells was primarily responsible for promoting tumor growth. Deletion of A2BR profoundly enhanced anticancer T-cell immunity. Although T-cell A2BR plays an insignificant role for A2BR-mediated immunosuppression and tumor promotion, A2BR deficiency in tumor-bearing mice caused increased infiltration of myeloid and CD103+ dendritic cells, which was associated with more effective cross-priming of adoptively transferred tumor antigen–specific CD8+ T cells. A2BR deletion also intrinsically favored accumulation of myeloid and CD11bdim antigen-presenting cells (APC) in the tumor microenvironment. Both myeloid-specific or CD11c-specific conditional deletion of A2BR delayed primary tumor growth. Myeloid, but not CD11c-specific conditional, depletion delayed lung metastasis. Pharmacologic blockade of A2BR improved the antitumor effect of adoptive T-cell therapy. Overall, these results suggested that A2BR expression on myeloid cells and APCs indirectly suppressed CD8+ T-cell responses and promoted metastasis. These data provide a strong rationale to combine A2BR inhibition with T-cell–based immunotherapy for the treatment of tumor growth and metastasis.
Perinatal Outcomes in Fetuses Prenatally Diagnosed with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and Concomitant Lung Lesions: A 10-Year Review
Authors: Soni Shelly , Moldenhauer Julie S. , Rintoul Natalie , Adzick N. Scott , Hedrick Holly L. , Khalek Nahla
Published: May 2020

Aim: To describe perinatal outcomes of fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of a concomitant lung lesion in the setting of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and to compare outcomes with an isolated CDH control group without a lung lesion, matched by ultrasound-based prognostic markers including presence of liver herniation and lung measurements. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study, wherein all pregnancies diagnosed with CDH and concomitant lung lesions were identified between July 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018. For each case, 2 controls with isolated CDH from the same study period were selected after matching for the presence of liver herniation into the thoracic cavity and ultrasound-based lung measurements either observed over expected lung-to-head ratio (LHR) or absolute LHR with their corresponding gestational age. The outcomes analyzed in the 2 groups included survival to hospital discharge, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) length of stay (LOS), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) requirement and need for supplemental oxygen (O2) at day 30 of life. Results: A total of 21 pregnancies were identified with CDH and a concomitant lung lesion in the study period. All the lung lesions were stratified into a “low-risk category” with a congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation volume ratio of less than 1.0 at the time of presentation. None of these fetuses developed hydrops or required in utero intervention. Overall survival in the group was 80.7% (17/21) and rate of ECMO was 38.1%. Causes of mortality included pulmonary insufficiency, sepsis, renal failure, and bowel infarction. Upon comparison between the cases and controls, the 2 groups were similar with respect to pregnancy demographics. There were no fetal demises in either group. Outcomes including survival rate, NICU LOS, ECMO requirements and need for supplemental O2 at day 30 of life, were comparable among the 2 groups. Conclusions: In our descriptive series, the presence of a concomitant, low-risk lung lesion in the setting of fetal CDH did not have a significant impact on the natural course of the disease, nor was it associated with a worse prognosis.
Energy efficiency of organized cluster election method in wireless sensor networks
Authors: El Aalaoui Abderrahmane , Hajraoui Abderrahmane
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we propose a new approach to improve the protocol LEACH performance. It has been accomplished by increasing the energy balancing in clusters among all nodes to minimize the energy dissipation during network communications. The improved method is based on an optimized selection of cluster head. The development of this approach has indicated progress in terms of network lifetime, energy consumption and number of packets transferred to base station, compared to LEACH or other related extended spaces protocols. Mathematical analysis and simulations results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The energy consumption of WSN has been reduced up to about 3.5 %. The network life cycle is prolonged by 44 %. The number of packets sent has been increased by 185 % than LEACH.
Stator winding fault detection of induction generator based wind turbine using ANN
Authors: Fadzail N. F. , Mat Zali S. , Khairudin M. A. , Hanafi N. H.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a stator winding faults detection in induction generator based wind turbines by using artificial neural network (ANN). Stator winding faults of induction generators are the most common fault found in wind turbines. This fault may lead to wind turbine failure. Therefore, fault detection in induction generator based wind turbines is vital to increase the reliability of wind turbines. In this project, the mathematical model of induction generator based wind turbine was developed in MATLAB Simulink. The value of impedance in the induction generators was changed to simulate the inter-turn short circuit and open circuit faults. The simulated responses of the induction generators were used as inputs in the ANN model for fault detection procedures. A set of data was taken under different conditions, i.e. normal condition, inter-turn short circuit and open circuit faults as inputs for the ANN model. The target outputs of the ANN model were set as ‘0’ or ‘1’, based on the fault conditions. Results obtained showed that the ANN model can detect different types of faults based on the output values of the ANN model. In conclusion, the stator winding faults detection procedure for induction generator based wind turbines by using ANN was successfully developed.
Design of 130nm RFCMOS differential low noise amplifier
Authors: Muhamad Maizan , Hussin Hanim , Soin Norhayati
Published: May 2020

In this paper, an inductively degenerated CMOS differential low noise amplifier circuit topology is presented. This low noise amplifier is intended to be used for wireless LAN application. The differential low noise amplifier proposed provide high gain, low noise and large superior out of band IIP3. The LNA is designed in 130 nm CMOS technology. Simulated results of gain and NF at 2.4GHz are 20.46 dB and 2.59 dB, respectively. While the simulated S11 and S22 are −11.18 dB and −9.49 dB, respectively. The IIP3 is −9.05 dBm. The LNA consumes 3.4 mW power from 1.2V supply. 
Review of local binary pattern operators in image feature extraction
Authors: Hamad Khaleefah Shihab , A. Mostafa Salama , Mustapha Aida , Faidzul Nasrudin Mohammad
Published: May 2020

With the substantial expansion of image information, image processing and computer vision have significant roles in several applications, including image classification, image segmentation, pattern recognition, and image retrieval. An important feature that has been applied in many image applications is texture. Texture is the characteristic of a set of pixels that form an image. Therefore, analyzing texture has a significant impact on segmenting an image or detecting important portions of an image. This paper provides a review on LBP and its modifications. The aim of this review is to show the current trends for using, modifying and adapting LBP in the domain of image processing.
Novel multiple access for cooperative networks with nakagami-m fading: system model and performance analysis
Authors: Thi Nguyen Tu-Trinh , Do Dinh-Thuan
Published: May 2020

This study considers the performances of a downlink non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) network over Nakagami-m fading channels. This scheme employs two hop transmission. We first examine the analytical outage probability expression for each user and then these results are verified by Monte Carlo simulations. Based upon the outage probability, the maximal throughput are obtained and analyzed under different parameters. Furthermore, the effects of Nakagami-m channel fading on the probability and throughput are investigated. The results indicate that the performance of the NOMA system is excellent as appropriate selection of simulated parameters. This analysis can be recommended for designing the NOMA systems in the future fifth-generation wireless communication.
Detecting abnormal movement of driver's head based on spatial-temporal features of video using deep neural network DNN
Authors: Al-Shakarchy Noor D. , Ali Israa Hadi
Published: May 2020

The development of tracking and surveillance devices makes extracting useful information efficiently. Head tracking is an efficient method to obtain then analyze trajectory data and make a decision based on the spatiotemporal information of videos. Many applications are based on head tracking such as diseases some diagnosis,  the gestures languages, and drowsiness detection and so on. Abnormal head movement detection can be achieved using spatial information based on a single image (one frame) at a time without considering the temporal information over time. In this paper, a new method based on multi-images is proposed to track head in order to detect abnormal head movement depending on spatiotemporal Feature using Deep Neural Network DNN that employed the 3-Dimensional Convolution Neural Networks 3D CNN. The proposed method extracts the spatial information as well as the temporal information available in a video then analysis this information to make the decision based on time series (sequences of frames); these time series provides the tracking to the head overtime to make the decision. The new dataset created and gathered to implement with the proposed system and called Normal Abnormal Head Movement Dataset (NAHM) video dataset. The new dataset provides different subjects with different conditions that give more efficiency in the implementation of the proposed system. The accuracy of the training set that achieves by the proposed system reach to 88% and of validation set reaches to 86%. The values of loss function reach to 0.3 for the training set and 0.4 for the validation set.
Ground improvement using granular pile anchor system: resistance to heave and uplift pressure
Authors: Lim Meng Siang Alvin John , Hamad Sfoog Ehab , Naji Nahla , Sy Yi Sim , Anak Guntor Nickholas Anting , Prasetijo Joewono
Published: May 2020

Expansive soil is found in many parts of the world where its major drawback is its expansion and shrinking property upon moisture absorption and drying during alternation of rainy-dry seasons. Due to its swelling-shrinkage repeated process, fatigue and distress cause crack to structures. Granular pile anchor (GPA) system is a pioneering technique that is utilised in reinforcing these expansive soils. Granular pile anchor (GPA) system is a pioneering technique that is utilised in reinforcing expansive soils. The GPA provides tensile resistance which arrest the exerted upward forces and hence reducing heave. Previous investigations have only focused on load-displacement relationships by utilizing the pull-out technique. In this technique, an external force pulls the GPA and the corresponding displacements are recorded. The results provide indication of the GPA resistance to the applied force. However, in real conditions the heave and expansion forces were developed as a result of the pressure caused by the water absorption which pushes the entire soil bed in the upward direction along with the GPA. Therefore, this paper is aimed to explore this concept by carrying experimental and numerical investigations on a small scale model for a single pile with a diameter of 4 cm, with lengths of 20 and 40 cm. Ultimately, the reinforced soil exhibits reduction in upward force and heave compared to the unreinforced soil. Also, verifications for the testing shows that the relationship between the upward force and heave exhibits almost linear relationship for both experimental and numerical investigations. Therefore, shallow foundations incorporated with a GPA system proves to effectively lessen the heave that occurs in expansive soils which in turn can solve problems for constructions.
Multi-perspectives crowdsourcing ecosystem in Malaysia
Authors: Janom Norjansalika , Azhani Raja Nurul , Syed Aris Syaripah Ruzaini , Bashah Nor Shahniza Kamal , Arshad Noor Habibah , Nadir Muhammad Hakim
Published: May 2020

Crowdsourcing has been known as developing industry that able to be used as a platform to get more income and provide opportunity for busineses to conduct their operation in more innovative ways.  Crowdsourcing has become an effective way for the companies to offer work opportunity for crowd outside organization to apply their abilities and skills, and receive more money.  Under the Malaysian government initiatives called Digital economy, various crowdsourcing efforts and programs have been introduced to catch up with the global development.   The ecosystem of crowdsourcing which consists of job provider, platform, micro worker and industry is considered still in a formative stage.  Thus, the integration of all these components is not fully discovered and understood yet which, can cause confusion among the crowdsourcing industry players.   In order to understand the complex integration of multi perspective micro sourcing ecosystem, the components and its significance priority level need to be identified. In this study, the components that involved in crowdsourcing ecosystem were identified and ranked using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. The results can be later used by crowdsourcing industry players to plan more proper crowd sourcing strategic development  in Malaysia.