bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bisphenol A induces protection through modulation of the immune response against the helminth parasite Taenia crassiceps
Authors: Nava‐Castro Karen Elizabeth , Togno‐Peirce Cristian , Palacios‐Arreola Margarita Isabel , Del Rio‐Araiza Victor Hugo , Hernandez‐Bello Romel , Morales Montor Jorge
Published: May 2020

Aims

Industrial growth has increased the exposure to endocrine disruptor compounds (EDCs) in all organisms. Bisphenol A (BPA), an EDC, has been demonstrated to be involved in the susceptibility to parasite infections. However, few studies have analysed this connection in more depth. The aim of this study was to determine whether early BPA exposure in female mice affects the systemic immune response and the susceptibility to Taenia crassiceps infection.

Methods and results

BALB/c mice were exposed to BPA at post‐natal day 3. At 6 weeks of age, they were inoculated with T crassiceps larvae and, 2 weeks later, were euthanized. The number of parasites was quantified. By flow cytometry, in the spleen, the peripheral and mesenteric lymph nodes, the different innate and adaptive immune cell modulation was analysed, and RT‐PCR cytokine expression was also evaluated. BPA induced a reduction of 40% in parasite load. BPA treatment modulated some lineages of the innate immune response and caused slight changes in cells belonging to the adaptive immune response. Additionally, BPA enhanced the type 2 cytokine profile.

Conclusion

Neonatal BPA treatment in female mice affects not only the percentage of different immune cells but also their ex vivo cytokine gene expression, decreasing T crassiceps cysticercosis susceptibility.
Labeling without Weak Heads
Authors: Hayashi Norimasa
Published: May 2020

Chomsky's extension of his Problems of Projection proposal retains the labeling algorithm and deducesEPPandECPeffects from labeling. However, the notion of weak heads, the crucial assumption in this extended proposal, is problematic both conceptually and empirically. Conceptually, the framework threatens to complicate Minimal Search, which ought to be simple, as an instance of the “third factor” in language design. Empirically, the framework cannot explain the derivation of English infinitival clauses, nor can it explain labeling in languages like Japanese. I resolve these problems by eliminating the notion of weak heads. In exploring syntax without weak heads, I reconsider Feature Inheritance. Given that a central argument for obligatory Feature Inheritance (involving simultaneity of feature valuation and Transfer) is invalid on Chomsky's approach, I propose that Feature Inheritance is an optional operation. Then, I revise a proposal that External Pair Merge of heads is involved in the derivation of verbs with aCPcomplement and in the passive construction. I pose two problems for this proposal, one involving theta roles and one involving the derivation of the passive of verbs with aCPcomplement. My framework derives not only instances deemed problematic under the External Pair Merge proposal but also the unergative and ergative constructions, whose derivations are otherwise unclear.
Herpesviruses oral shedding and viremia in renal transplant recipients: A longitudinal study
Authors: Sarmento Dmitry José de Santana , Tozetto‐Mendoza Tânia Regina , de Souza Ana Carolina Mamana Fernandes , Maciel Rafael , Paiao Heuder , Lima Silvia Helena , Cristelli Marina , Pestana José Osmar Medina de Abreu , Braz‐Silva Paulo Henrique , Gallottini Marina
Published: May 2020

Background

The objective was to assess the oral shedding and viremia of human herpesviruses in renal transplant recipients.

Methods

This is a cohort study in which the participants were examined in three different periods: the first within 24 hours before renal transplantation and the second and third ones 15‐20 and 45‐60 days after the transplantation. Mouthwash and blood samples were collected in each period and then submitted to screening for the presence of eight types of human herpesviruses by using multiplex PCR.

Results

HSV‐1 and EBV were more frequent in the saliva after renal transplantation, 15‐ to 20‐day period after the transplant. EBV was found in the saliva of 26 (35.6%) patients before renal transplantation and in 56.2% and 46.6% of them, in the 15‐ to 20‐day and 45‐ to 60‐day periods after the transplant, respectively. High detection rates (75.3%‐78.1%) were found for HHV‐7 despite the lack of significant variations between the study periods. There was no concordance between herpesviruses oral shedding and viremia.

Conclusion

We concluded that the pattern of excretion of HSV‐1 and EBV in saliva is changed immediately after renal transplantation, increasing in the 15‐ to 20‐day period after the transplant surgery. No concordance between herpesviruses oral shedding and viremia was observed.
Exposure of consumers to substandard antibiotics from selected authorised and unauthorised medicine sales outlets in Ghana
Authors: Bekoe Samuel Oppong , Ahiabu Mary‐Anne , Orman Emmanuel , Tersbøl Britt Pinkowski , Adosraku Reimmel Kwame , Hansen Martin , Frimodt‐Moller Niels , Styrishave Bjarne
Published: May 2020

Objective

To assess the quality of antibiotics sampled from authorised sales outlets (ATs) (i.e. hospitals/health centres, pharmacies and licensed chemical shops) and unauthorised sales outlets (UATs) (mainly street vendors) in Ghana and to explore the health‐seeking behaviour of medicine consumers.

Methods

The contents of 14 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in 348 sampled products were determined using a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method. Data on health‐seeking practices were collected through entry and exit interviews and field observations from ATs and UATs.

Results

It was observed that 66.38% of all sampled antibiotic products were substandard; they either contained less (<90%) or more API (>110%) than the label claim. Medicines from UATs recorded substantially less API contents than those from ATs (F(2,419) = 43.01, P < 0.0001). For example, 90.54% of street vendor samples contained < 90% of the APIs. 75.93% of consumers often sought self‐treatment with drugs without a prescription from UATs, as they perceived UATs as easily accessible, trustworthy and knowledgeable, and their medicines as inexpensive. These consumers rather thought of the formal healthcare providers as alternative sources.

Conclusions

Consumers who purchase from UATs are at high risk of receiving substandard medicines. The quality of medicines in the national healthcare system, in the supply chain and in the distribution system needs to be monitored regularly to reduce the incidence of substandard medicines and their impact on antimicrobial resistance. The fight against substandard medicines needs to incorporate a full understanding of socioeconomic factors that drive consumer decisions regarding their health and choice of healthcare providers.
Spatial fine‐resolution model of malaria risk for the Colombian Pacific region
Authors: Piedrahita Stefani , Altamiranda‐Saavedra Mariano , Correa Margarita M.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To categorise and map, at high resolution, the risk of malaria incidence in the Pacific region, the main malaria‐endemic region of Colombia.

Methods

The relationship between the environmental variables Normalized Difference Vegetation Index Normalized Difference Water Index, Topographic Wetness Index, precipitation and temperature with the observed Annual Parasitic Index was evaluated using a generalised linear model. An incidence risk map at a resolution of 1 km2 was constructed and projected to the entire endemic region. Associations of malaria risk categories with both presence records and co‐occurrence of the three main malaria vectors were determined.

Results

A significant correlation was found for the incidence of malaria with precipitation and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (R2 = 0.98, P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant correlation with the remaining environmental and topographic variables. Moderate‐ to high‐risk areas were located mainly in central Chocó Department along the San Juan and Atrato rivers and in areas west of the Cauca River and Pacific lowlands of the Andes Mountains. There was a statistically significant relationship for the presence of the two main vectors Anopheles darlingi and Anopheles nuneztovari with the high malaria risk category. Furthermore, malaria risk was directly proportional to the number of co‐occurring vector species.

Conclusions

The map obtained provides useful information on the risk of malaria in particular places of the Colombian Pacific region. The data can be used by public entities to optimise the allocation of economic resources for vector control interventions and surveillance.
Adoption trends of point of issue Verax PGD rapid test for bacterial screening of platelets between 2013 and 2018 among hospitals supplied by the American Red Cross and impact on platelet availability
Authors: Rios Jorge , Westra James , Dy Beth , Young Pampee P.
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Point‐of‐issue tests, such as the Verax Pan Genera Detection (PGD) test, can be used to mitigate the occurrence of septic reactions. Little is known about how widespread the adoption of the PGD test is across US hospitals.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

The Red Cross hemovigilance database was used to determine the numbers of PGD‐positive test results between 2013 and 2018. An examination of the impact of a reactive PGD test on product availability was performed for 2018.

RESULTS

The number of reported cases doubled, rising from approximately 50 to 100 per year between 2013 and 2018. A total of 475 initially reactive PGD tests during the entire study period were reported, and 7 (1.5%) of these were determined to be true positives. Hospitals surveyed reported testing platelet units once, with no repeat testing if the unit was PGD reactive. Evaluation of the reported PGD reactive cases for apheresis platelets for 2018 (n = 93) resulted in an estimated cost to the blood center of $87,000, which included the labor and material costs of working up the cases and the estimated value of the lost 64 units and co‐components. In addition, there was a loss of the opportunity to collect over 85 apheresis platelets during the time the implicated donor was temporarily deferred.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of hospital reports of reactive PGD tests has shown modest growth in the past 5 years. The number of initially reactive PGD tests that were confirmed was minimal. Blood centers can incur cost and platelet inventory loss from initially false‐positive test results.
Exploring a Practical Pathway toward Democracy in China
Authors: He Jiahong
Published: May 2020

The current democratic system in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is based on the political consultation and the people’s congress. In this system of indirect democracy, the key is to ensure that those in power are representing the people’s interests. Over the last thirty years, China has been exploring the pathway toward democracy, but a long road lies ahead. Currently, China needs to take substantial practical measures to guarantee people’s democratic rights, including the right to know, the right to speak, and the right to vote.
Primary and Lower Secondary School Teachers and the Development of Their Attitudes towards the Curriculum Reform: Three Stories
Authors: Ševčík Karel , Pešková Karolína , Janko Tomáš
Published: May 2020

The aim of the study was to clarify the impact of teachers’ own experience connected to the implementation of the curricular reform on their attitude towards the reform. Based on the previous research in the same field, the authors decided to focus on the state of the teachers’ attitudes during the three stages. The analyses dealt with the expectations of teachers before the implementation of the reform, crucial moments during the implementation of the reform into practice, and final teachers’ attitudes towards the reform today. For this purpose, three qualitative case studies were conducted focusing on three primary school teachers who were chosen based on their different attitude trajectories. The data which were gathered through the method of in-depth interviews were analysed by the means of qualitative content analysis. Initial expectations of all the three respondents can be characterized as positive because the reform was perceived as an opportunity to deepen teaching, enable specialization of a certain school and improve communication among teachers. Even though crucial moments of one of the teachers had positive connotations and led to her positive attitude, the other two teachers experienced mostly negative moments that included weak organisation support, not fulfilling the potential of the reform and underappreciation of teachers’ work. The negative moments led to the resistance towards the whole reform and its current form or to the search for compensation strategies which would allow the teacher to cope with the reform as it is.
Binder-Free Thin-Film Electrode Fabricated by Spray Drying Method: A Case of LiFePO4
Authors: Guo Xiaolong , Lan Tu , Feng Xiang , Li De , Chen Yong
Published: May 2020

With the development of portable electronic devices, it is an urgent demand to miniaturize energy storage components, especially for Li-ion batteries, and the thin-film electrode is a promising miniaturization strategy. In this work, we successfully fabricated a binder-free thin-film electrode of LiFePO4/C by a spray drying method. According to the scanning electron microscopy, the Al-foil substrate was coated with a porous LiFePO4/C layer of ca. 4 µm thick, and the X-ray diffraction and the Raman spectra reveal the good crystallization of LiFePO4 and the presence of amorphous carbon. The as-prepared electrode exhibits an excellent cycle stability, which works quite good even after 2000 cycles. Thereby, we suggested that the as-prepared binder-free thin-film electrode can be potentially applied in the field of all-solid-state, flexible, and micro Li-ion batteries.
Nonlinear Dynamics of a Rotary Energy Harvester With a Double Frequency Up-Conversion Mechanism
Authors: Nezami Saman , Lee Soobum
Published: May 2020

This paper develops a mathematical model of a two degree-of-freedom piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) in which vibration is driven by disk swing motion. The proposed device converts slow mechanical rotation into piezoelectric vibration using gravity force and magnetic repelling force. The harvester consists of a disk and a piezoelectric cantilevered beam. The disk with an unbalanced mass swings on a rotating object (e.g., wind turbine blade) and two magnets attached to both the beam and the disk can transfer the kinetic energy of the disk to the beam without physical contact. The energy method is used to derive three coupled equations to model the motion of the disk, vibration of the beam, and the piezoelectric voltage output. The effect of harvester orientation on power generation performance is studied as the rotational speed changes, and the simulation results are experimentally verified. Possible application of this energy harvester to a power-sustainable sensor node for large-scale wind turbine blades monitoring is discussed.
A New Analytical Theory for the Strength Calculation of the Two Different Tubesheets in Floating-Head Heat Exchangers
Authors: Zhu Guodong , Qian Caifu , Xue Mingde
Published: May 2020

Strength calculation for tubesheets in floating-head heat exchangers (FHXs) in current standards is based on analytical theory which assumes that the two tubesheets are symmetrical with same thickness, same material. This assumption results in a design that is not optimized for the requirement of the FHXs. In this paper, a new analytical theory is proposed which is able to perform strength calculation for tubesheets of different size and materials in FHXs. Comparison of the analytical stresses with those obtained by finite element simulation shows that the new theory proposed here is reliable and applicable. In addition, this new theory covers the symmetric one adopted in current standards such as ASME and is effective for the optimization design of the floating tubesheet (FT) as well as other relevant elements in the FHXs.
A new species of Armascirus and description of the male of Scutopalus tomentosus from Brazil (Acari: Cunaxidae)

Authors: Wurlitzer Wesley Borges , Noronha Aloyséia Cristina Da Silva , Johann Liana , Ferla Noeli Juarez , Da Silva Guilherme Liberato
Published: May 2020

In this work, we describe the male of Scutopalus tomentosus Rocha, Skvarla & Ferla, 2013 and a new species Armascirus amazoniensis Wurlitzer & Silva sp. nov. from specimens collected on coconut crop, Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae), cultivated in state of Pará, into the Amazonic biome, Brazil.
How the Daily Smartphone is Associated With Daily Travel, Physical Activity, and Self-Perceived Health: Evidence From 2017 National Household Travel Survey
Authors: Yang Yong , Li Sheng , Zhang Kai , Xiang Xiaoling , Li Zhigang , Ahn SangNam , Murphy James
Published: May 2020

Knowledge of how smartphone use in daily life, rather than in the context of intervention, may influence people’s behaviors and health is limited and mixed. The 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) data were used to examine the associations between daily smartphone use and several outcomes, including engaging in vigorous physical activity, self-perceived being healthy, and the adjusted mean differences for total trips and active travels among older adults (≥65 years) as well as among young and middle-aged groups (18–64 years), respectively. The prevalence of daily smartphone use declined with increasing age. Daily smartphone use was associated with increased total trips and active travel, a higher likelihood of engaging in vigorous physical activity, and in self-perceived being healthy status. The associations were stronger among older adults than young and middle-aged adults. More studies are needed to address the complex pathways among daily smartphone use and other outcomes. Daily smartphone use has the potential to address the unmet daily needs of older adults and bridge health disparities for this disadvantaged group.
A Multistudy Cross-Sectional and Experimental Examination Into the Interactive Effects of Moral Identity and Moral Disengagement on Doping
Authors: Stanger Nicholas , Backhouse Susan H.
Published: May 2020

Moral identity and moral disengagement have been linked with doping likelihood. However, experiments testing the temporal direction of these relationships are absent. The authors conducted one cross-sectional and two experimental studies investigating the conjunctive effects of moral identity and moral disengagement on doping likelihood (or intention). Dispositional moral identity was inversely (marginally), and doping moral disengagement, positively, associated with doping intention (Study 1). Manipulating situations to amplify opportunities for moral disengagement increased doping likelihood via anticipated guilt (Study 2). Moreover, dispositional moral identity (Study 2) and inducing moral identity (Study 3) were linked with lower doping likelihood and attenuated the relationship between doping moral disengagement and doping likelihood. However, the suppressing effect of moral identity on doping likelihood was overridden when opportunities for moral disengagement were amplified. These findings support multifaceted antidoping efforts, which include simultaneously enhancing athlete moral identity and personal responsibility alongside reducing social opportunities for moral disengagement.
Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli GW-AmxH19, Isolated from Hospital Wastewater in Greifswald, Germany
Authors: Schneider Dominik , Zühlke Daniela , Petscheleit Tabea , Poehlein Anja , Riedel Katharina , Daniel Rolf
Published: May 2020

The Gram-negative and rod-shaped
Escherichia coli
strain GW-AmxH19 was isolated from university hospital wastewater in Greifswald, Germany. The genome consists of two replicons, including one circular chromosome (5.04 Mb) and a circular plasmid (126.96 kb). The genome harbors 4,694 protein-coding genes, comprising multidrug resistance and a potential association with urogenital tract infections.
Supplemental material: Discussion: Neogene volcanism at the front of the central Mexican Volcanic Belt: Basaltic andesites to dacites, with contemporaneous shoshonites and high-TiO2 lava
Authors: Torres-Alvarado Ignacio S.
Published: May 2020

GSA Data Repository Item 2003108, GSA Bulletin, Vol. 115, p. 1020. File size: 11 p., about 54 K bytes.
Using incognito standardised patients to evaluate quality of eye care in China
Authors: Nie Jingchun , Zhang Lifang , Gao Jiayuan , Li Jason , Zhou Qian , Shi Yaojiang , Sylvia Sean , Congdon Nathan
Published: May 2020

Background/aims

Few studies have objectively examined the quality of eye care in China. We assessed refractive care using the incognito standardised patient (SP) approach, a gold standard for evaluating clinical practice.

Methods

A total of 52 SPs were trained to provide standardised responses during eye examinations, and underwent automated and non-cycloplegic, subjective refraction by a senior ophthalmologist from Zhongshan Ophthalmologic Center, a national-level clinical and research centre. SPs subsequently received subjective refraction and eye exams at a randomly selected sample of 40 public hospitals and 93 private optical shops in Shaanxi, Northwestern China. Difference between expert and local refraction in the better-seeing eye was calculated by the vector diopteric method, and completeness of exams assessed against national standards. SP and provider demographic information and provider clinical experience were recorded.

Results

SPs (n=52, mean (range) age, 25.7 (22–31) years, 28.8% male) underwent 133 eye exams (mean total duration 15.0±11.7 min) by 133 local refractionists (24–60 years, 30.3% male). Only 93 (69.9%), 121 (91.0%) and 104 (78.2%) of local refractionists assessed vision, automated and subjective refraction, respectively. The median inaccuracy was −0.25 diopters (D), while 25.6% of results differed by an absolute value of ≥1.0 D and 6.0% by ≥2.0 D. Predictors of inaccurate refraction included spectacle power <−6.0 D (OR=2.66; 95% CI, 1.27 to 5.56), service at a public (vs private) hospital (OR=2.01; 95% CI, 1.11 to 3.63) and provider male sex (OR=2.03; 95% CI, 1.11 to 3.69).

Conclusion

Inaccurate refractions are common in Northwestern China, particularly in public facilities. Important assessments, including subjective refraction, are frequently omitted.
Income, income inequality and schizophrenia in China: a population-based multilevel analysis
Authors: Ding Ruoxi , Zhang Lei , He Ping , Song Xinming , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: May 2020

Background

Previous studies have suggested that socio-environmental factors interact with genetic risk in the genesis of schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between income, income inequality and schizophrenia and its heterogeneity among different geographic scales and subgroups.

Methods

We used data from the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability (2006). The sample consisted of 1 909 205 participants aged 18 years or older. Individuals who were suspected to be psychiatrically disabled were administered the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule, Version II and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision Symptom Checklist for Mental Disorders by trained clinical psychiatrists to diagnose schizophrenia. Gross household income per capita was used to calculate the Gini coefficient to measure income inequality. Multilevel logistic regression with cross-level interaction was applied to examine the association of income, income inequality and schizophrenia.

Results

A total of 7 628 persons (0.40%) were identified as having schizophrenia. Income was independently associated with schizophrenia. At the province level, greater income inequality was significantly associated with a higher risk of schizophrenia (OR﻿, 1.03﻿; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.06), and no significant association was observed at the county level. The analysis with cross-level interaction showed that the association at the province level was most pronounced in the highest income quartile (OR, 1.02; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.03).

Conclusion

The significant association between income and schizophrenia was consistent with the absolute income hypothesis. The adverse effect of income inequality on the risk of schizophrenia starts to operate at a larger area level, and it is more pronounced for the affluent population in China. This finding further supports the relative income hypothesis and social causation pathway for schizophrenia and calls attention to the vulnerability of high-income groups.
Elevated N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide is associated with increased mortality in patients with COVID-19: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pranata Raymond , Huang Ian , Lukito Antonia Anna , Raharjo Sunu Budhi
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

Systematic literature search from several electronic databases were performed. The outcome was mortality (non-survivor) in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. NT-proBNP data were in continuous variable (pg/mL), dichotomous data (elevated/non-elevated) and effect estimate adjusted to cardiac injury/elevated biomarkers of cardiac injury.

Results

A total of 967 patients from six studies were included in this analysis. NT-proBNP was higher in non-survivor group (standardised mean difference 0.75 (0.44, 1.07), p<0.001; I2: 61%). Elevated NT-proBNP was associated with increased mortality (RR 3.63 (92.21, 5.95), p<0.001; I2: 60%). Sensitivity analysis by removing a study reduces heterogeneity (risk ratio 3.47 (2.36, 5.11), p<0.001; I2: 49%). Pooled adjusted HR (adjusted to cardiac injury/elevated biomarkers of cardiac injury) showed that elevated NT-proBNP was independently associated with mortality (HR 1.37 (1.19, 1.57), p<0.001; I2: 0%, p=0.77). Pooled analysis of multiple cut-off point resulted in a sensitivity of 76% (46%–92%) and specificity of 88% (71%–96%). Summary receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrates an area under curve of 0.90 (0.87–0.93). Elevated NT-proBNP has a likelihood ratio (LR) +6.4 and LR -0.3.

Conclusion

Elevated NT-proBNP level was associated with increased mortality in COVID-19 pneumonia.
A comparison of project delivery method performance for water infrastructure capital projects
Authors: Feghaly Jeffrey , El Asmar Mounir , Ariaratnam Samuel T.
Published: May 2020

Water and wastewater infrastructure globally is aging and in need of rehabilitation and replacement. Design-bid-build (DBB) is the traditional method of project delivery widely applied across the construction industry. However, alternative project delivery methods (APDM) such as construction manager at risk (CMAR) and design-build (DB) are on the rise demonstrating project delivery performance benefits. The research objective is to assess the impact of APDM specifically for the water and wastewater industry. A comprehensive list of performance metrics was identified from the literature and through an industry expert workshop. Information on 75 water and wastewater treatment plant projects using DBB, CMAR, and DB was collected. Quantitative data analysis revealed that DB statistically outperformed DBB in terms of project speed and intensity. This study contributed to the existing body of knowledge by showing that treatment plants can be delivered significantly faster and with greater quality for no additional cost by using APDM.
Prospects for discovering supersymmetric long-lived particles with MoEDAL
Authors: Felea D. , Mamuzic J. , Masełek R. , Mavromatos N. E. , Mitsou V. A. , Pinfold J. L. , de Austri R. Ruiz , Sakurai K. , Santra A. , Vives O.
Published: May 2020

We present a study on the possibility of searching for long-lived supersymmetric partners with the MoEDAL experiment at the LHC. MoEDAL is sensitive to highly ionising objects such as magnetic monopoles or massive (meta)stable electrically charged particles. We focus on prospects of directly detecting long-lived sleptons in a phenomenologically realistic model which involves an intermediate neutral long-lived particle in the decay chain. This scenario is not yet excluded by the current data from ATLAS or CMS, and is compatible with astrophysical constraints. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we compare the sensitivities of MoEDAL versus ATLAS in scenarios where MoEDAL could provide discovery reach complementary to ATLAS and CMS, thanks to looser selection criteria combined with the virtual absence of background. It is also interesting to point out that, in such scenarios, in which charged staus are the main long-lived candidates, the relevant mass range for MoEDAL is compatible with a potential role of Supersymmetry in providing an explanation for the anomalous events observed by the ANITA detector.
An acoustic invisible medium: A first-principles study
Authors: Zhang Hao-Zhe , Zhu Xing-Feng
Published: May 2020

We design and build an acoustic invisible medium (AIM) based on first principles. Isotropic, inhomogeneous mass density and bulk modulus profiles of the AIM are derived from scattering-free conditions. Acoustic invisibility is illustrated by two types of examples: the AIM under plane-wave incidence and point sound sources. It is found that an AIM of arbitrary shape is invisible to plane waves of any incident angle. The invisibility of the AIM holds for any sound source sitting anywhere except for in the AIM region. Acoustic field distributions show that the acoustic wave enters the AIM from one side and recovers its initial shape at the other side. The designed AIMs are numerically verified by the finite element method, and are highly consistent with theoretical results. This work offers an alternative strategy to achieve a scattering-free AIM and could be extendable to the three-dimensional cases.
Imbalanced Data Classification Algorithm Based on Clustering and SVM
Authors: Huang Bo , Zhu Yimin , Wang Zhongzhen , Fang Zhijun
Published: May 2020

The class-imbalance learning is one of the most significant research topics in the data mining and machine learning. Imbalance problem means that one of the classes has much more samples than that of other classes. To deal with the issues of low classification accuracy and high time complexity, this paper proposes an novel imbalance data classification algorithm based on clustering and SVM. The algorithm suggests under-sampling in majority samples based on the distribution characteristics of minority samples. First, specific clusters are detected by cluster analysis on the minority. Second, a cluster boundary strategy is proposed to eliminate the bad influence of noise samples. To structure a balanced dataset for imbalance data, this paper proposes three principles of under-sampling on majority samples according to the characteristic of samples in the cluster. Finally, the optimal classification model from the linear combination of hybrid-kernel SVM is obtained. The experiments based on datasets in UCI and KEEL database show that our algorithm effectively decreases the interference of noise samples. Compared with the SMOTE and Fast-CBUS, the proposed algorithm not only reduces the feature dimension, but also improves the precision of the minor classes under the different labeled sample rates generally.
e-IATROS — A Virtual Medical Doctor and Its Dialogue Systems: Features, Emotion, Learning
Authors: Mallios Stavros , Esposito Anna , Bourbakis Nikolaos
Published: May 2020

The current incremental need for immediate responses (real-time) on many medical emergencies is necessity for an advanced society. In many cases, people who are living in rural areas need a critical, for their healthy, commuting time to a Medical Center (Hospital). In addition, human physicians have limited capability for offering their services to large number of emergencies or medical cases. Thus, there is a need for the medical technologies to take the advantage of the advanced IT and Engineering for the design and development of Virtual Doctor Diagnoses Systems to facilitate such needs. This paper presents the components needed for the development of such an intelligent system, called e-IATROS, and its Virtual Doctor (VDr) dialogue systems. The e-IATROS system has the potential to simultaneously talk to a large number of human patients without humans to detect that they are talking to a computer based system. This is a necessary feature for convincing human patients to trust the machine and express their issues. To do so, the e-IATROS has to use the voice of the actual human doctor for each human patient. Each VDr dialogue system mainly interacts with a patient extracting non-measurable and measurable symptoms to contribute to the generation of possible prognosis. The e-IATROS system is presented with its capabilities recognizing the patient emotion and learning through the process.
Effects of transient nonthermal particles on the big bang nucleosynthesis
Authors: Park Tae-Sun , Min Kyung Joo , Hong Seung-Woo
Published: May 2020

The effects of introducing a small amount of nonthermal distribution (NTD) of elements in big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) are studied by allowing a fraction of the NTD to be time-dependent so that it contributes only during a certain period of the BBN evolution. The fraction is modeled as a Gaussian-shaped function of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the temperature of the cosmos, and thus the function is specified by three parameters; the central temporal position, the width and the magnitude. The change in the average nuclear reaction rates due to the presence of the NTD is assumed to be proportional to the Maxwellian reaction rates but with temperature [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] being another parameter of our model. By scanning a wide four-dimensional parametric space at about half a million points, we have found about 130 points with [Formula: see text], at which the predicted primordial abundances of light elements are consistent with the observations. The magnitude parameter [Formula: see text] of these points turns out to be scattered over a very wide range from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], and the [Formula: see text]-parameter is found to be strongly correlated with the magnitude parameter [Formula: see text]. The temperature region with [Formula: see text] or the temporal region [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s seems to play a central role in lowering [Formula: see text].
Nuclear structure properties of spin-1/2 heavy nuclei within the relativistic cluster model
Authors: Divshali Keivan Darooyi , Shojaei Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2020

[Formula: see text]C is a beta decay isotope, its beta decay is very slow reflecting the stability of this nucleus and emitted from medium and heavy mass nuclei. The [Formula: see text]C result is in excellent agreement with the favored ground-state-to-ground-state transition according to the cluster model of Blendowske et al. We study nuclear structure properties of spin-1/2 heavy nuclei in the relativistic core-cluster model, that its cluster is [Formula: see text]C. According to this model for spin-1/2 heavy nuclei and for obtaining its wave function, we solve the Dirac equation with the new phenomenological potential by parametric Nikiforov–Uvarov method and then calculate the binding energy and charge radius.
Estrogen receptor modulation of some polyphenols extracted from Daucus carota as a probable mechanism for antifertility effect: An in silico study
Authors: Ganguly Mausumi , Hazarika Jnyandeep , Sarma Shruti , Bhuyan Pranjal , Mahanta Rita
Published: May 2020

The seeds of Daucus carota, traditionally used by women in many countries to prevent conception, were proved to have negative impact on reproductive hormone levels as well as on the estrous cycles in albino mice affecting the fertility status. This study is an attempt to investigate the possible role of polyphenols present in the seeds in hampering the reproductive processes. The Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation and binding free energy calculation studies reveal that six polyphenols present in the seeds can bind with the active sites of human Estrogen Receptor (ER) and may interfere in the estrogen signaling in human. These polyphenols were found to bind to a conservative pocket of ER[Formula: see text], which is comprised of residues 343–388, 421–428 and 525–540. Docking studies indicated the presence of strong hydrogen bonding, pi–pi interactions and numerous hydrophobic interactions that stabilize the ER[Formula: see text]-polyphenol complexes.

The docked complexes were further subjected to MM/GBSA analysis to calculate binding free energies. Molecular dynamic simulation studies carried out for a period of 20[Formula: see text]ns revealed low RMS deviation values suggesting high accuracy of the docking poses and stability of the complexes. Out of the six polyphenols, catechin and epicatechin have shown highest binding affinity towards the ER[Formula: see text] receptor. These findings will help in identifying ER modulators of plant origin targeting ER alpha and predicting their effects on the reproductive hormone homeostasis. Moreover, this study may form preliminary basis for further identification of potential herbal antifertility agents.
A New Viscous Potential Function for Developing the Viscohyperelastic Constitutive Model for Bovine Liver Tissue: Continuum Formulation and Finite Element Implementation
Authors: Ghahfarokhi Zahra Matin , Salmani-Tehrani Mehdi , Zand Mahdi Moghimi , Esmaeilian Sara
Published: May 2020

The mechanical behavior of very soft tissues, such as liver, brain, kidney, etc. is assumed to be viscohyperelastic. The conventional approaches like quasi-linear viscoelastic (QLV) are limited to low strain rates and are unable to capture the short-term memory effects. In this paper, a new viscohyperelastic constitutive model is presented in which the strain energy function is decomposed into an elastic and a viscous part. The elastic part of the strain energy is assumed as a Mooney–Rivlin model, while a new viscous potential, as a function of strain and its rate, is proposed. Unconfined uniaxial compression tests are conducted up to 10% compression at two loading velocities of 1.3 and 10.56[Formula: see text](mm/min), to determine the material constants. A numerical simulation is also used to investigate the model-predicted material behavior. It is shown that the model is more sensitive to the hyperelastic parameters than the viscous parameters. This model is also able to predict the stress relaxation and hysteresis; however, an instantaneous relaxation is observed.
Boundedness of L-index in joint variables for composition of analytic functions in the unit ball
Authors: Bandura Andriy
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the following composite analytic functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are considered, where [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] We established conditions which provide equivalence of boundedness of the [Formula: see text]-index of the function [Formula: see text] and boundedness of the [Formula: see text]-index in joint variables of the function [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a continuous function, [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] For the function [Formula: see text] with additional restrictions, the function [Formula: see text] is constructed such that [Formula: see text] has bounded [Formula: see text]-index in joint variables in the case when the function [Formula: see text] has bounded [Formula: see text]-index in the direction [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a positive continuous function. Our proofs are based on the application of analog of Hayman’s theorem for these classes of functions.
MULTI-ASSET PORTFOLIO OPTIMIZATION WITH STOCHASTIC SHARPE RATIO UNDER DRAWDOWN CONSTRAINT
Authors: BISWAS SUBHOJIT , JAWAID SAIF , MUKHERJEE DIGANTA
Published: May 2020

We consider an investor who seeks to maximize his expected utility of the portfolio, consisting of multiple risky assets and one risk-free asset, derived from the terminal wealth relative to the maximum wealth achieved over a fixed time horizon. This is achieved under a portfolio draw down constraint, in a market with local stochastic volatility. In empirical application, considering two risky assets, the assets have been identified with the help of pairs trading. In the absence of closed form solution of the value function and the optimal strategy, we obtain the approximates of these quantities using coefficient series expansion techniques and finite difference schemes. We utilize the risk tolerance factor function to ease our approximations of this value functions and the strategies. All the parameters were estimated from the triplets and used to illustrate and compare the stochastic volatility with the constant volatility situation, and how an investor can deploy different portfolio plans.
Chinese Herbal Formula, Huayu Tongbi Fang, Attenuates Inflammatory Proliferation of Rat Synoviocytes Induced by IL‐1β by Regulating Proliferation and Differentiation of T Lymphocytes
Authors: Chen Hening , Wang Changzhi , Li Jinyu , Huandike Meiyier , Liu Juan , Huang Qingchun , Li Xue , Zhang Huijie , Zhou Jingwei , Chai Limin
Published: May 2020

The inflammatory proliferation of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) and functional imbalances in T lymphocytes play critical roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The clinical efficacy of Huayu Tongbi Fang (HYTB, a traditional herbal formula) in RA treatment has been validated. In this study, we aimed to explore the regulatory mechanisms of HYTB on the proliferation and differentiation of T lymphocytes, and the inhibitory effect of HYTB on inflammatory proliferation of FLSs. The RCS‐364 (Rat FLSs) cells were cocultured with rat splenic lymphocytes that were induced by interleukin‐1β in Transwell chambers. After freeze‐dried HYTB powder treatment, the percentage of T‐cell subset and apoptosis rates of FLSs were measured using flow cytometry. Furthermore, protein expression of key molecules of NF‐κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways was quantified using Western blot. The granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that HYTB could inhibit the inflammatory proliferation of FLSs through inducing cell apoptosis. Additionally, HYTB treatment could intervene in the proliferation and differentiation of T lymphocytes and regulate protein expression of key molecules in NF‐κB and JAK/STAT cell signaling pathways. Moreover, it could inhibit FLS activation by suppressing GM‐CSF production by T cells and FLSs. Therefore, the HYTB formula should be used as a traditional medicine against RA in modern complementary and alternative therapies.
Identification of lncRNA and mRNA Biomarkers in Osteoarthritic Degenerative Meniscus by Weighted Gene Coexpression Network and Competing Endogenous RNA Network Analysis
Authors: Zhao Jun , Su Yu , Jiao Jianfei , Wang Zhengchun , Fang Xiangchun , He Xuefeng , Zhang Xiaofeng , Liu Zhao , Xu Xilin
Published: May 2020

Background. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in varieties of biological processes. This study is aimed at investigating meniscal degeneration‐specific lncRNAs and mRNAs and their related networks in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods. The dataset GSE98918, which included 24 meniscus samples and related clinical data, was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in the meniscus between KOA and control groups were identified. Based on the enriched differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs, we constructed the coexpression network using WGCNA (weighted correlation network analysis) and identified the critical module related to KOA. For mRNAs in the key module, gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were carried out using the DAVID database. A competing endogenous RNA network (ceRNA) based on the screened mRNAs, lncRNAs, and related miRNAs was constructed to reveal presumptive biomarkers further. Finally, the hub lncRNAs and mRNAs were screened, and the diagnostic value was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Hub mRNAs were validated using the dataset GSE113825. Results. We screened 208 significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in menisci between the KOA and non‐KOA samples, which were enriched in sixteen modules using WGCNA, especially the green module. Coexpression network based on the enriched differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in the green module uncovered 5 lncRNAs and 56 mRNAs. The lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA ceRNA network revealed that lnc‐HLA‐DQA1‐5, lnc‐RP11‐127H5.1.1‐1, lnc‐RTN2‐1, IGFBP4 (insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 4), and KLF2 (Kruppel‐like factor 2) were significantly correlated with the meniscus degeneration of KOA. ROC curve analysis revealed that these hub lncRNAs and mRNAs showed excellent diagnostic value for KOA. Conclusions. These hub lncRNAs and mRNAs were potential prognostic biomarkers for the meniscus degeneration of KOA. Further studies are required to validate these new biomarkers and better understand the pathological process of the meniscus degeneration of KOA.
Prescription Patterns of Wu Lin San Concentrated Extract Product for Cystitis in Taiwan: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Lee Chia-Jung , Huan Steven Kuan-Hua , Lee Yi-Hui , Yeh Yu-Shao , Lin I-Hsin , Wang Ching-Chiung
Published: May 2020

The indications for the concentrated extract product (CEP) of Wu Lin San (WLS) are urethritis, cystitis, and gonorrhea. In clinical settings, WLS is combined with other CEPs used. However, there are no prescribed guidelines of CEPs in Taiwan. In this study, we would establish the CEP‐prescribed applications of WLS for cystitis according to the clinical prescription patterns and ancient traditional medicine books. The prescription patterns of WLS were analyzed from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan for the period from 2000 to 2015. The results show that WLS was most frequently prescribed for cystitis (17.12% of a total prescriptions), and its prescribed dosage was 3∼5 g per day. Among them, 62.53% were for patients >40 years, and 72.45% were for women. Moreover, prescription patterns of WLS for cystitis were divided into 4 types: Type 1, WLS combined with Pa Cheng San (PCS) and Ti Tang Tang (29.75%); Type 2, WLS combined with PCS and dandelion (13.89%); Type 3, WLS combined with PCS and Tao Ho Cheng Chi Tang (6.63%); and Type 4, WLS combined with PCS (2.75%). According to lectures, review revealed the following principles of WLS application. WLS only should be adopted for simple heat strangury, while Type 4 should be applied for excess heat and dampness strangury. For patients with heat strangury coupled with an early‐stage blood amassment pattern in lower jiao (abdomen), Type 3 could be administered. Type 2 should be used for heat strangury accompanied by dampness toxicity with infection. By contrast, Type 1 should be applied to patients with severe blood stasis. The application principles of WLS with other CEPs could serve as a reference for cystitis treatment in clinical settings.