bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waterpipe Nicotine Dependence and Depressive Symptoms among Adolescent Waterpipe and Dual Users
Authors: Abbadi Ahmad , Alnahar Jawad , Zoghoul Sohaib , Bsoul Abdullah , Alarood Salameh , Al-Mistarehi Abdel-Hameed , Alzyoud Sukaina
Published: November 2020

Background. Waterpipe nicotine dependence and its association with depressive symptoms and dual usage among adolescents are currently not examined in the literature. Adolescents are a vulnerable population that is susceptible to depression and initiation of tobacco use. We aim, in this novel study, to assess the association between depressive symptoms and waterpipe nicotine dependence among adolescents in Jordan, evaluate the association between waterpipe smoking status (waterpipe smoker vs. dual user) and waterpipe nicotine dependence, and assess the internal validity of the Waterpipe Nicotine Dependence Scale (WNDS). Method. A cross-sectional study among adolescents of grade 9th to 12th in Jordan was conducted through multistage cluster random sampling. The self-reported Arabic Youth Tobacco Use Composite Measure Questionnaire (YTUCM) was used to collect the surveys that include demographic information, smoking status, and the WNDS to assess waterpipe nicotine dependence and depressive symptoms. Multiple linear regression and the t-test were used to analyze the data. Findings. One thousand three hundred and three surveys were collected, of which 1082 were included in the study (443 males and 639 females). 64.9% of the sample were nontobacco users, while 20.1% were waterpipe- (WTP-) only smokers, 11.4% were dual users, and 3.7% were cigarettes-only users. After adjusting for weights, 66.6% were nonsmokers, 19.2% were WTP-only smokers, 10.2% were dual users, and 3.9% were cigarettes-only smokers. Using multiple linear regression, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with WTP nicotine dependence (β 0.618), upon adjusting for confounders. Furthermore, dual users were associated with higher WTP nicotine dependence (β 12.034) compared to WTP-only smokers after adjusting for confounders. Cronbach’s alpha for the WNDS was 0.955. Conclusions. Our study shows that there is a statistically significant association between depressive symptoms and WTP nicotine dependence and higher dependence among dual users compared to WTP-only smokers. The WNDS can be a useful tool to assess WTP nicotine dependence with high internal consistency. However, a longitudinal study is needed to further understand the association and temporality between the depressive symptoms and WTP nicotine dependence. Additionally, research is needed to shorten the WNDS while maintaining high internal consistency and assess the external validity of the WNDS and the short- and long-term consequences of dual usage.
Meta‐Analysis of Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Ligustrazine in the Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Wu Xiaozheng , Li Wen , Luo Zhenliang , Chen Yunzhi
Published: November 2020

Objective. To systematically review the efficacy and safety of Ligustrazine in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods. The electronic literature databases (PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang database, and VIP) were retrieved through a computer to find out the randomized controlled trials (RCT) of Ligustrazine in the treatment of IPF according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria screening test. Cochrane’s bias risk table was also used to evaluate the quality of the study and to extract effective data. RevMan 5.3 was used for statistical analysis. Results. A total of 7 RCTs (a total of 366 patients, including 196 in experimental and 170 in control group). Compared with the control group, Ligustrazine could improve the clinical symptoms ([OR] = 2.20, 95% CI [1.40, 3.46], P = 0.0006), lung function (VC % [MD] = 3.92, 95% CI [0.68, 7.17], P = 0.02), (TLC% [MD] = 4.94, 95% CI [0.37, 9.52], P = 0.03), the pulmonary diffusion function (DLCO % [MD] = 9.12, 95% CI [5.70, 12.55], P < 0.00001), and arterial blood gas analysis (PaO2 [MD] = 7.11, 95% CI [1.96, 12.25], P = 0.007) (PaCO2 [MD] = −2.42, 95% CI [−4.36, −0.49], P = 0.01) of IPF patients, respectively. However, FEV1/FVC % ([MD] = 9.37, 95% CI [−1.23, 19.97], P = 0.08) and adverse reactions ([MD] = 0.35, 95% CI [0.02, 5.36], P = 0.45) were not significantly improved. Conclusion. Ligustrazine has certain clinical efficacy in the treatment of IPF, but the safety of applying it and the adverse reactions need to be further analyzed and determined. It can be considered as a new alternative and complementary medicine to be promoted and recommended for use in medical units in various countries in the world and it solved the difficult problem of conventional drug treatment of IPF; therefore, more research strength can be put in the treatment of the pathological mechanism of IPF for further exploration. The study was registered under registration number CRD42020193626.
Probe of Radiant Flow on Temperature-Dependent Viscosity Models of Differential Type MHD Fluid
Authors: Hussain Azad , Akbar Sobia , Sarwar Lubna , Nadeem Sohail
Published: November 2020

This paper numerically investigates the combined effects of the radiation and MHD on the flow of a viscoelastic Walters’ B liquid fluid model past a porous plate with temperature-dependent variable viscosity. To study the effects of variable viscosity on the fluid model, the equations of continuity, momentum with magnetohydrodynamic term, and energy with radiation term have been expanded. To understand the phenomenon, Reynold’s model and Vogel’s model of variable viscosity are also incorporated. The dimensionless governing equations are two-dimensional coupled and highly nonlinear partial differential equations. The highly nonlinear PDEs are transferred into ODEs with the assistance of suitable transformations which are solved with the help of numerical techniques, namely, shooting technique coupled with Runge–Kutta method and BVP4c solution method for the numerical solutions of governing nonlinear problems. Viscosity is considered as a function of temperature. Skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number are investigated through tables and graphs in the present probe. The behavior of emerging parameters on the velocity and temperature profiles is studied with the help of graphs. For Reynold’s model, we have shrinking stream lines and increasing three-dimensional graphs.

γ

and

Pr

are reduced for both models.
The Efficacy and Safety of Nicorandil for Periprocedural Myocardial Injury in Patients Undergoing PCI: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Yuanxi , Hu Wenbiao , Song Qinghua , Wang Qiwu
Published: November 2020

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nicorandil for periprocedural myocardial injury in patients undergoing PCI through meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods. We analyzed the clinical data of patients including the incidence of periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) from selected articles. RCTs were retrieved from medical literature databases. RR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to compare the endpoints. Results. In total, 15 articles (16 trial comparisons) were retrieved which contained 2221 patients. In general, 1130 patients (50.9%) were randomized to the experimental group, whereas 1091 patients (49.1%) were randomized to the control group. The result showed that nicorandil significantly reduced the incidence of PMI and MACE after PCI compared to the control group. Conclusions. Overall, early use of nicorandil in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was associated with a significant reduction of PMI and MACE.
Identifying Compound Effect of Drugs on Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Based on the Association Rule and a Random Walking‐Based Model
Authors: Fang Yanyan , Liu Jian , Xin Ling , Sun Yue , Wan Lei , Huang Dan , Wen Jianting , Zhang Ying , Wang Bing
Published: November 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that is diagnosed mainly on the basis of patient signs, symptoms, and laboratory indices. However, the exact causes of RA are unclear. Moreover, there is a lack of any method of dynamically evaluating the efficacy of the medication administered to treat RA. Here, we applied a random walk model to reveal the compatibility among the various constituents of traditional Chinese medicine and evaluate their therapeutic efficacy against RA. Drugs commonly used to treat RA were investigated using cluster analysis. The association rule analysis was applied to identify compatibilities among the constituents. A random walk model was developed to evaluate drug efficacy based on an in‐house database comprising the clinical records of 9,408 RA patients. Frequently administered medicines were combined into three correlated sets. The evaluation based on the random walk method showed that the drug combination improved ESR, CRP, C3, C4, and IgA more effectively than any single drug. The present study demonstrated that the TCM constituents complement each other and various combinations of them produce different therapeutic effects on RA treatment.
Undernutrition and Associated Factors among Lactating Mothers in Dega Damot Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Almaw Derseh Hunegnaw , Zeleke Liknaw Bewket , Endalifer Melese Linger , Muhammad Esmael Ali , Derso Terefe
Published: November 2020

Introduction. Nutritional status of lactating women is highly linked with the overall nutritional status of population. Undernutrition during lactation results in increased morbidity and mortality to the mother and her child. The literature is dearth regarding to nutrition status of lactating mothers in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess undernutrition and associated factors among lactating mothers having child 6–23 months in Dega Damot Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 21 to April 19, 2018. Simple random sampling technique was employed to recruit a total of 733 participants. Data were collected by using an interview-administered questionnaire and entered into EpiData version 4.2 and transferred to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. Factors associated with undernutrition were identified using multivariable logistic regression at a

p

value of less than 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. The direction and strength of association was interpreted using adjusted odds ratio. Results. In this study, the magnitude of undernutrition among lactating women was 21.8%. Being unmarried (AOR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.54, 4.53), their first pregnancy <18 years (AOR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.42, 3.87), having more than 5 number of pregnancies (AOR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.55, 5.03), inadequate dietary diversity score (AOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.16, 3.83), and household food insecurity (AOR: 3.68, 95% CI: 2.35, 5.77) were significantly associated factors with undernutrition. Conclusions. The prevalence of undernutrition among lactating women was found to be high. Programs should do better in enhancing activities of agricultural production to reduce household food insecure and to increase accessibility of diversified diet. Other researchers better to do other studies to identify main factors of undernutrition using a qualitative study.
The Use of Carbon Quantum Dot as Alternative of Stannous Chloride Application in Radiopharmaceutical Kits
Authors: Ghoreishi Seyedeh Masoumeh , Najdian Atena , Yadegari Sina , Seyedhamzeh Mohammad , Etemadzade Maziyar , Mirzaei Mehdi , Hadadian Shahin , Alikhani Zahra , Ardestani Mehdi Shafiee
Published: November 2020

Even today, technetium-99m is a radionuclide choice for diagnostic in nuclear medicine. The unique chemical and physical properties of technetium-99m make it suitable as an available radionuclide in many centers. In this study, we examined the potential of CQD as a reducing agent in the MDP kit. Citric acid-derived CQD was synthesized and confirmed by FT-IR, TEM, UV-Vis, XPS, and surface analysis. No cytotoxicity was observed by the MTT assay. They were reducing properties of the CQD confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. The MDP kit is prepared by evaluating different parameters that affect the radiolabeling yield, including ligand, time, and CQD. The optimum amount of each parameter is obtained by Box–Behnken software. Finally, fluorescent spectroscopy, SPECT imaging, and biodistribution study showed that CQD reduces technetium-99m. Accumulation of radiotracer in the femur showed that CQD could be used in a radiopharmaceutical kit.
A New Reliability Model Based on Lindley Distribution with Application to Failure Data
Authors: Al-Mutairi Norah N. , Al-Turk Lutfiah I. , Al-Rajhi Sharifah A.
Published: November 2020

Software reliability is an important feature that influences systems’ reliability. Software reliability models are a common tool to evaluate software reliability quantitatively. Various reliability models have been suggested based on the NHPP (nonhomogeneous Poisson process). In this article, a new NHPP model based on the Lindley distribution is proposed. The mathematical formulas for its measures of reliability are obtained and graphically illustrated. The proposed model’s parameters are estimated using both the NLSE (nonlinear least squares estimation) and the WNLSE (weighted nonlinear least squares estimation) methods. The model is then validated based on several different reliability datasets. The methods of estimation are evaluated and compared using three different criteria. The performance of the new model is also evaluated and compared, both objectively and subjectively, with three previously suggested models. The application results show that our new model demonstrates good performance in our selected failure data.
[Retracted] Studying the Role and Molecular Mechanisms of MAP4K3 in Sorafenib Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Yi , Mo Xiaofei , Hong Simei , Li Tianbao , Chen Baozhen , Chen Gang
Published: November 2020

Sorafenib is the first FDA‐approved therapeutic drug for molecular target medication on advanced‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma. It is reported that sorafenib could improve the survival of progression‐free patients for 4 to 6 months; however, most of the patients developed drug resistance. Thus, it is critical to reveal the biological mechanisms behind sorafenib resistance. In this study, a sorafenib‐resistant model was developed by exposing HepG2 cells to sorafenib with gradient increasing concentration, and the resistance‐related genes were screened by microarray. Real‐time qPCR was used to validate selected gene expression of the resistance model, and lentivirus vector‐mediated RNA interference was applied for specific gene knockdown. In addition, high‐throughput High Celigo Select (HCS) and flow cytometry were used to measure the effect on cellular proliferation and apoptosis. As a result, our study established a sorafenib‐resistant model with IC50 of 9.988 μM. The Affymetrix expression profile of the sorafenib‐resistant model showed 35 resistant‐related genes, and 91.4% of the resistant genes showed upregulation in HepG2 resistance cells. In addition, 20 genes were knocked down to measure cell proliferation, and MAP4K3 with high proliferation inhibiting phenotype was chosen for further study. Meanwhile, the HCS results revealed that shMAP4K3 transfection could downregulate resistant cell proliferation, and the flow cytometry results showed that cell apoptosis was significantly increased in the MAP4K3 knockdown group. In summary, MAP4K3 is a novel molecular marker for improving the drug sensitivity of sorafenib treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Altered Preoperative Nutritional Status in Colorectal Cancer: A Not So Infrequent Issue
Authors: Páramo-Zunzunegui Javier , Ramos-Carrasco Araceli , Alonso-García Marcos , Cuberes-Montserrat Rosa , Rodríguez-Caravaca Gil , Durán-Poveda Manuel
Published: November 2020

Introduction. Malnutrition and weight loss in cancer patients is a common problem that affects the prognosis of the disease. In the case of CRC, malnutrition rates range between 30 and 60%. Objectives. Description of the preoperative nutritional status of patients diagnosed with colorectal neoplasia who will undergo surgery. Materials and Methods. A prospective observational study is performed. Results. Of 234 patients studied, we observed that 139 (59%) had some degree of nutritional risk. Of all of them, 44.9% (N = 47) had 1-2 points according to MUST and 25% (N = 27) had more than 2 points. No differences were found when studying nutritional risk according to the location of the neoplasm. It was observed that 2.15% of the patients were underweight, 51% overweight, and 23% obese. 19.4% of patients lost less than 5 kg in the 3–6 months prior to diagnosis, 20.7% lost between 5 and 10 kg, and 2.1% lost more than 10 kg. In asymptomatic patients, the weight loss was lower than in symptomatic patients, loss <5 kg, 8.2% vs. 22.8%, and loss 5–10 kg, 16.2% vs. 29.3%, with a value of

p
=
0.016

. 5% (N = 7) of the patients had hypoalbuminemia record. 16.5% (N = 23) had some degree of prealbumin deficiency and 20.9% (N = 29) of hypoproteinemia. Symptomatic patients had more frequent analytical alterations, 1-2 altered parameters in 48.8% (N = 20) of asymptomatic vs. 61.2% (N = 22) in the symptomatic,

p
=
0.049

.
Acupoint Catgut Embedding for Insomnia: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Wanrong , Li Zhen , Zhang Huixing , Wang Yue , Chen Hui , Xiong Lize
Published: November 2020

Objectives. A Meta‐analysis was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint catgut embedding (ACE), a procedure of embedding sutures made of absorbable materials into the skin tissue of acupoints, on insomnia. Methods. Relevant clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were comprehensively searched from eleven electronic databases (up to 1 March 2020). Two authors independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Stata 12 and RevMan 5.3.0 software were used for meta‐analysis. PyCharm 2019 and Gephi software (version 0.9.2) were used for complex network analysis. Results. Thirty‐four RCTs involving 2,655 patients were included. The meta‐analysis suggested that ACE induced a better clinical efficacy compared with that in the estazolam tablets (EZ) group (RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.31) or in the acupuncture (ACU) group (RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.28) and could significantly reduce the score of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (P < 0.05). ACE resulted in better long‐term efficacy compared to that in the EZ group (RR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.58, 2.22) and ACU group (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.48). ACE could significantly reduce the incidence of adverse events (RR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.60) compared with that in the EZ group. Complex network analysis indicated that acupoints of BL23, SP6, PC6, BL15, BL20, BL18, and HT7 were the core acupoints selected in ACE for insomnia. Conclusion. The clinical efficacy of ACE for insomnia is better than that of other interventions (EZ and ACU) in both short‐term and long‐term observations. Considering the efficacy and reduced visits to the clinic by ACE, the present study provides a practical and convenient complementary and alternative therapy for insomnia. This trial is registered with PROSPERO CRD 42020169866.
Identifying the Chinese Herbal Medicine Network and Core Formula for Allergic Rhinitis on a Real‐World Database
Authors: Lu Yen-Chu , Yang Ching-Wei , Lin Yi-Hsuan , Hsueh Ju-Yu , Chen Jiun-Liang , Yang Sien-Hung , Chen Yu-Chun , Chen Hsing-Yu
Published: November 2020

Background and Purpose. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a highly prevalent disease, and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is commonly used for treating AR. This study aims to demonstrate the CHM network for AR and possible molecular pathways. Materials and Methods. Patients with a primary diagnosis of AR (ICD‐9‐CM code: 477.9) in 2010 were included, and the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan was used as the data source. Association rule mining and social network analysis were used to establish and explore the CHM network. Possible molecular pathways of the CHM network were summarized and compared with commonly used western medicine (WM) by conducting overrepresentation analysis in the Reactome pathway database. The potential proteins acted by CHMs were obtained from the CHM ingredient‐protein databases, including STITCH, TCMSP, TCMID, and TCM@Taiwan. Results. There were 89,148 AR subjects found in 2010, and a total of 33,507 patients ever used CHM. On an average, 5.6 types of CHMs were utilized per prescription. Xin‐Yi‐Qing‐Fei‐Tang was used most frequently (25.5% of 222,279 prescriptions), while Xiao‐Qing‐Long‐Tang with Xin‐Yi‐San was the most commonly prescribed CHM‐CHM combination. Up to six distinctive clusters could be found among the CHM network, and core CHMs could be found for AR, such as Xiao‐Qing‐Long‐Tang and Xin‐Yi‐Qing‐Fei‐Tang. A total of 140 molecular pathways were covered by the CHM network (2,432 ingredients from 31 kinds of CHMs), while 39 WMs covered 55 pathways. Among pathways responding to the immune system, WM mainly acted on cytokine signaling‐related pathways, while CHM mostly acted on neutrophil/macrophage‐related innate pathways and dendritic cell‐related adaptive immunity pathways. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated and analyzed the CHM network for AR. Core CHM for AR and possible molecular pathways were presented as well, and this information is crucial for researchers to select candidates for CHM‐related studies.
Use of External Fixators as a 3‐Dimensional Navigation Drill Guide for Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis
Authors: Park Young Uk , Kim Hyong Nyun
Published: November 2020

In this article, we describe a novel technique using external fixators and cannulated screws to construct a 3‐dimensional navigation drill guide to predict the screw trajectory before screw insertion that can prevent screw collision during arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis. Four orthopedic residents who had no prior experience of ankle arthrodesis were instructed on how to use the 3‐dimensional navigation drill guide and where to insert the screws for ankle arthrodesis. Each resident inserted 6.5 cannulated screws on 8 sawbone ankle models using the device and the C‐arm fluoroscopy. An experienced attending surgeon also inserted the same screws on 2 sawbone ankle models to find out if there is any difference between the experienced and inexperienced surgeons. All four residents and an attending surgeon did not experience any collision of screws for the three cannulated screws. Notably, one resident had collision of the 4th screw on his first sawbone model. On the second saw bone model, all surgeons could insert 5 screws without redrilling. A 3‐dimensional navigation drill guide constructed with external fixators can assist surgeons in implementing percutaneous screws for arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis.
Effect of the Deletion of Genes Related to Amino Acid Metabolism on the Production of Higher Alcohols by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wang Ya-Ping , Wei Xiao-Qing , Guo Xue-Wu , Xiao Dong-Guang
Published: November 2020

The higher alcohols produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae exert remarkable influence on the taste and flavour of Chinese Baijiu. In order to study the regulation mechanism of amino acid metabolism genes on higher alcohol production, eight recombinant strains with amino acid metabolism gene deletion were constructed. The growth, fermentation performance, higher alcohol production, and expression level of genes in recombinant and original α5 strains were determined. Results displayed that the total higher alcohol concentration in α5ΔGDH1 strain decreased by 27.31% to 348.68 mg/L compared with that of α5. The total content of higher alcohols in α5ΔCAN1 and α5ΔGAT1 strains increased by 211.44% and 28.36% to 1493.96 and 615.73 mg/L, respectively, compared with that of α5. This study is the first to report that the CAN1 and GAT1 genes have great influence on the generation of higher alcohols. The results demonstrated that amino acid metabolism plays a substantial role in the metabolism of higher alcohols by S. cerevisiae. Interestingly, we also found that gene knockout downregulated the expression levels of the knocked out gene and other genes in the recombinant strain and thus affected the formation of higher alcohols by S. cerevisiae. This study provides worthy insights for comprehending the metabolic mechanism of higher alcohols in S. cerevisiae for Baijiu fermentation.
Some New Postquantum Integral Inequalities
Authors: Chu Yu-Ming , Awan Muhammad Uzair , Talib Sadia , Iftikhar Sabah , Riahi Latifa
Published: November 2020

The goal of this paper is to derive a new generalized postquantum integral identity. Using this new identity as an auxiliary result, we derive some new variants of integral inequalities usingp,q-differentiable preinvex functions. We also point out some special cases of the obtained results which show that our results are quite unifying ones.
Price Cap Models in Pharmaceutical Online-to-Offline Supply Chains
Authors: Zheng Yi , Liu Li , Shi Victor , Liu Bin , Huang Wenxing
Published: November 2020

Pharmaceutical supply chains are often highly complex with conflicting objectives of social welfare and profit maximization. Furthermore, there are various stakeholders including pharmaceutical manufacturer, distributors, retailers, patients, and the government. In this paper, we consider a two-stage supply chain consisting of one pharmaceutical manufacturer and a pharmacy with online and offline channels. We focus on four price cap models: no price cap regulation, pharmaceutical manufacturer’s price cap regulation, pharmacy price cap regulation, and linkage price cap regulation. We apply game theory, investigate how the price cap regulations affect the firms’ pricing, and evaluate the economic performance and social welfare of the dual-channel pharmaceutical supply chain. Our findings show that first, like the single-channel pharmaceutical supply chain, the profit of the regulated firm always decreases and the profit of the unregulated firm always increases when they are under one-sided price cap regulations. Second, the impacts of the linkage price cap regulation on the supply chain are more complicated depending on the linkage coefficient and market share. Overall, our findings can provide theoretical and practical insights to help the government devise price cap regulations for complex modern pharmaceutical supply chains.
Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography Assessment of Bursa Premacularis in Healthy Eyes
Authors: Carpineto Paolo , D’Aloisio Rossella , Guarini Daniele , Iafigliola Carla , Cerino Luca , Sciarroni Elisabetta , Di Antonio Luca , Clemente Katia , Di Nicola Marta , Di Martino Giuseppe , Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Toto Lisa
Published: November 2020

Purpose. To describe the reliability and the limits of bursa premacularis (BPM) evaluation using a swept source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) device with enface and 16 mm‐high definition (HD) longitudinal scans. Methods. 60 eyes of 60 subjects were enrolled and imaged with SS‐OCT system (PLEX Elite 9000, Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA, USA). BPM area was measured using enface scans imported to ImageJ. HD horizontal and vertical longitudinal scans centered at the fovea were used to detect width (W) and central thickness (CT) of BPM at baseline (T0) and after 30 minutes (T30) performed by two different observers. An enhanced vitreous visualization software provided by the manufacturer of the device was used to highlight vitreous structures. Results. BPM was identifiable in 100% of eyes using both horizontal and vertical longitudinal scans. On horizontal scan, BPM was not entirely measurable in 21.7% and in 18.3% of cases at T0 and T30, respectively. On vertical scan, BPM was not entirely measurable in 75.0% and in 81.7% at T0 and T30, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the two different time measurements with an intraclass correlation coefficient above 70%. Median BPM area was 26.9 (Q1‐Q3: 19.5‐40.5) mm2. In en face imaging, the most frequent BPM shape was the boat one. Conclusion. SS‐OCT is a reliable tool for a detailed quantification and mapping of BPM, and it is able to add useful details about the morphological BPM features in youth population. However, the enhanced visualization of the vitreous structures is still a challenge, also with the most forefront devices.
An Extension of the Double

G

′

/
G
,

1
/
G

-Expansion Method for Conformable Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Al-Shawba Altaf A. , Abdullah Farah A. , Azmi Amirah , Akbar M. Ali
Published: November 2020

The phenomena, molecular path in a liquid or a gas, fluctuating price stoke, fission and fusion, quantum field theory, relativistic wave motion, etc., are modeled through the nonlinear time fractional clannish random Walker’s parabolic (CRWP) equation, nonlinear time fractional SharmaTassoOlver (STO) equation, and the nonlinear space-time fractional KleinGordon equation. The fractional derivative is described in the sense of conformable derivative. From there, the

G

′

/
G
,
 
1
/
G

-expansion method is found to be ensuing, effective, and capable to provide functional solutions to nonlinear models concerning physical and engineering problems. In this study, an extension of the

G

′

/
G
,
 
1
/
G

-expansion method has been introduced. This enhancement establishes broad-ranging and adequate fresh solutions. In addition, some existing solutions attainable in the literature also confirm the validity of the suggested extension. We believe that the extension might be added to the literature as a reliable and efficient technique to examine a wide variety of nonlinear fractional systems with parameters including solitary and periodic wave solutions to nonlinear FDEs.
Positive Solutions for Two-Point Boundary Value Problems for Fourth-Order Differential Equations with Fully Nonlinear Terms
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Cui Yujun
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we consider the existence of positive solutions for the fully fourth-order boundary value problemu4t=ft,ut,u′t,u″t,u‴t, 0≤t≤1,u0=u1=u″0=u″1=0, wheref:0,1×0,+∞×−∞,+∞×−∞,0×−∞,+∞⟶0,+∞is continuous. This equation can simulate the deformation of an elastic beam simply supported at both ends in a balanced state. By using the fixed-point index theory and the cone theory, we discuss the existence of positive solutions of the fully fourth-order boundary value problem. We transform the fourth-order differential equation into a second-order differential equation by order reduction method. And then, we examine the spectral radius of linear operators and the equivalent norm on continuous space. After that, we obtain the existence of positive solutions of such BVP.
Criteria in Nuclear Fréchet Spaces and Silva Spaces with Refinement of the Cannon-Whittaker Theory
Authors: Abul-Ez Mahmoud , Zayed Mohra
Published: November 2020

Along with the theory of bases in function spaces, the existence of a basis is not always guaranteed. The class of power series spaces contains many classical function spaces, and it is of interest to look for a criterion for this class to ensure the existence of bases which can be expressed in an easier form than in the classical case given by Cannon or even by Newns. In this article, a functional analytical method is provided to determine a criterion for basis transforms in nuclear Fréchet spaces ((NF)-spaces), which is indeed a refinement and a generalization of those given in this concern through the theory of Whittaker on polynomial bases. The provided results are supported by illustrative examples. Then, we give the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of bases in Silva spaces. Moreover, a nuclearity criterion is given for Silva spaces with bases. Subsequently, we show that the presented results refine and generalize the fundamental theory of Cannon-Whittaker on the effectiveness property in the sense of infinite matrices.
Error Signal Differential Term Feedback Enhanced Variable Step Size FxLMS Algorithm for Piezoelectric Active Vibration Control
Authors: Li Weiguang , Wang Wei , Li Bin , Yang Zhichun
Published: November 2020

FxLMS (Filtered-x Least Mean Square) algorithm is widely used in the field of AVC (active vibration control) for its good convergence and strong adaptability. However, the convergence rate and steady-state error are mutually restricted for the fixed step FxLMS algorithm. Increasing step size

μ

to accelerate the convergence rate will result in larger steady-state error and even cause control divergence. In this paper, a new DVSFxLMS (error signal Differential term feedback Variable Step size FxLMS) algorithm is proposed by establishing nonlinear function between

μ

and error signal, while using differential term of the error signal as the feedback control function. Subsequently, a DVSFxLMS controller is designed to carry out the AVC simulation and experiments on cantilever beam with PSA (piezoelectric stack actuator). Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed DVSFxLMS algorithm has faster convergence rate and smaller steady-state error than the traditional FxLMS algorithm, which also has strong antinoise ability and adaptive control ability to quickly track the variable external disturbance.
Proximal Left Main Coronary Artery Aneurysm Presenting as ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated by Stenting
Authors: Vinod Vijay Chander , Yousif Zuhair Eltayeb , Salim Najat Omer , Majwal Talib
Published: November 2020

Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is a rare cardiac anomaly with a reported incidence of 0.3-4.9% of patients who undergo coronary angiography. The term is used when the coronary artery diameter exceeds more than 50% or 1.5 times the reference diameter. It can be congenital or acquired. The commonest acquired cause in an adult is atherosclerosis and in a child is Kawasaki’s disease. The commonest culprit vessel is the Right Coronary Artery (RCA), followed by Left Circumflex (LCx) and Left Anterior Descending (LAD). Left main coronary aneurysms are extremely rare in clinical practice. Coronary angiography is the gold standard procedure, both for diagnosis and treatment. We report a 49-year-old male who presented with anterior wall ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). The initial angiography showed LAD stent thrombosis, but when the second angiography was done, there was spontaneous recanalization of the LAD. Coronary angiography was performed at our hospital, which revealed a long left main coronary artery aneurysm measuring 9.8 mm—maximum diameter. This was treated with a size

5
×
24
 
mm

Begraft coronary stent.
Evaluation and Prediction of Wind Power Utilization Efficiency Based on Super-SBM and LSTM Models: A Case Study of 30 Provinces in China
Authors: Li Chengyu , Wang Qunwei , Zhou Peng
Published: November 2020

Although China’s wind industry has made great progress in recent years, the wind abandonment phenomenon caused by the unbalanced development of regional wind power is still prominent. It is particularly important for the scientific development of wind power to accurately measure the utilization efficiency of wind power and understand its regional differences in China. This study establishes the improved super-efficiency slack-based measure (Super-SBM) model and long short-term memory (LSTM) network models, systematically and comprehensively measures and predicts the wind power utilization efficiency of 30 regions in China from 2013 to 2020, and explores regional differences in wind power utilization efficiency. Our results show the following: (1) China’s overall wind power utilization efficiency is relatively low but has been on a steady upward trend since 2013. (2) Regional differences are obvious, showing that the spatial distribution pattern of wind power utilization efficiency is greatest in Northeast China, followed by North China, East China, South China, Northwest China, and Central China. The “Three-North” region with abundant wind energy resources has relatively high wind power utilization efficiency and exhibits a good development trend. East China, South China, and Central China, where wind energy resources are relatively poor, have low wind power utilization efficiency, and their development trends are not stable and are more prone to change. (3) The utilization efficiency of wind power in coastal areas is generally better than that in inland areas. There are also differences among the thirty Chinese regions studied. Inner Mongolia and Shandong have achieved real efficiency in wind power utilization efficiency, with optimal allocation of input and output, and a good development trend. The other 28 regions have varying degrees of inefficiency, and there is still room for improvement.
Dynamic Response of Asymmetric and Nonlinear Packaging System under Random Excitation
Authors: Yang Song-Ping , Wang Zhi-Wei
Published: November 2020

This paper focuses on the dynamic response of three asymmetric and nonlinear packaging systems (ANPSs) of practical transport package under random excitation. Next to presenting the displacement probability density functions (PDFs) of ANPSs derived through FPK equations, the influences of the excitation grades and the characteristic parameters (such as the damping, the nonlinear stiffness, and the strain) of packaging cushion materials on the response are discussed in detail. Then, the generalized PDFs of the response peaks are defined and examined by three common distributions. The investigation shows that “inverse excitation cushion factors” (IECFs) have a significance on effecting the displacement PDFs approaching different distributions. Most PDFs of the unilateral response peaks approach Rayleigh distributions and present non-Gaussian characters. The present methods are verified through the validation numerical solutions. Furthermore, the application of the scheme for fatigue damage evaluation of the transport package is carried out.
Deep Learning-Based Signal-To-Noise Ratio Estimation Using Constellation Diagrams
Authors: Xie Xiaojuan , Peng Shengliang , Yang Xi
Published: November 2020

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimation is a fundamental task of spectrum management and data transmission. Existing methods for SNR estimation usually suffer from significant estimation errors when SNR is low. This paper proposes a deep learning (DL) based SNR estimation algorithm using constellation diagrams. Since the constellation diagrams exhibit different patterns at different SNRs, the proposed algorithm achieves SNR estimation via constellation diagram recognition, which can be easily handled based on DL. Three DL networks, AlexNet, InceptionV1, and VGG16, are utilized for DL based SNR estimation. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm always performs well, especially in low SNR scenarios.
In Search of TGCT Biomarkers: A Comprehensive In Silico and Histopathological Analysis
Authors: Raos Dora , Krasic Jure , Masic Silvija , Abramovic Irena , Coric Marijana , Kruslin Bozo , Katusic Bojanac Ana , Bulic-Jakus Floriana , Jezek Davor , Ulamec Monika , Sincic Nino
Published: November 2020

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are ever more affecting the young male population. Germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) is the origin of TGCTs, namely, seminomas (SE) and a heterogeneous group of nonseminomas (NS) comprising embryonal carcinoma, teratoma, yolk sac tumor, and choriocarcinoma. Response to the treatment and prognosis, especially of NS, depend on precise diagnosis with a necessity for discovery of new biomarkers. We aimed to perform comprehensive in silico analysis at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels of six prospective (HOXA9, MGMT, CFC1, PRSS21, RASSF1A, and MAGEC2) and six known TGCT biomarkers (OCT4, SOX17, SOX2, SALL4, NANOG, and KIT) and assess its congruence with histopathological analysis in all forms of TGCTs. Cancer Hallmarks Analytics Tool, the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins database, and UALCAN, an interactive web resource for analyzing cancer OMICS data, were used. In 108 TGCT and 48 tumor-free testicular samples, the immunoreactivity score (IRS) was calculated. SE showed higher frequency in DNA alteration, while DNA methylation was significantly higher for all prospective biomarkers in NS. In GCNIS, we assessed the clinical positivity of RASSF1 and PRSS21 in 52% and 62% of samples, respectively, in contrast to low or nil positivity in healthy seminiferous tubules, TGTCs as a group, SE, NS, or all NS components. Although present in approximately 80% of healthy seminiferous tubules (HT) and GCNIS, HOXA9 was diagnostically positive in 64% of TGCTs, while it was positive in 82% of NS versus 29% of SE. Results at the DNA, mRNA, and protein levels on putative and already known biomarkers were included in the suggested panels that may prove to be important for better diagnostics of various forms of TGCTs.
[Retracted] Revealing PAK2’s Function in the Cell Division through MKLP1’s Interactome
Authors: Zhang Zhao-huan , Liu Xiu-ling , Zhu Yun-yi , Huang Hai , Xu Xiao-hui
Published: November 2020

Cell division‐related proteins are essential for the normal development and differentiation of cells and may be related to the occurrence of cancer and the drug resistance mechanism of cancer cells. The mitotic kinesin‐like protein 1 (MKLP1) is a kinesin protein that has been involved in the assembly of the midzone/midbody during mitosis and cytokinesis. In this study, we found that the tail domain of MKLP1 exhibited an autoinhibitory effect on its motor activity. Overexpression of the tail domain in HEK293 cells blocked cytokinesis and caused bi‐/multinucleation. It is possible that protein binding to the MKLP1 tail relieves this autoinhibition and induces the motility of MKLP1. We used the GST pull‐down assay followed by the LC‐MS/MS analysis and identified 54 MKLP1 tail domain‐specific binding proteins. Further, we confirmed the MS result by coimmunoprecipitation and FRET that a serine/threonine kinase, p21‐activated kinase 2 (PAK2), binding to MKLP1. Endogenous PAK2 expression was found to be identical to that of MKLP1 in HEK293 cells during cytokinesis. Finally, functional studies indicated that when PAK2 expression was downregulated by siRNA, MKLP1 underwent a change in its localization away from the midbody, and cell cytokinesis was subsequently impeded. This study presents a novel regulatory mechanism that PAK2 promotes the activation of MKLP1 and contributes to complete cell cytokinesis.
Analysis of Volatile Components of Auricularia auricula from Different Origins by GC-MS Combined with Electronic Nose
Authors: Fu Lijun , Yang Gen , Liu Li , Ma Yongzheng , Zhang Xiumin , Zhang Xin , Li Changqin , Sun Yong
Published: November 2020

Auricularia auricula is a kind of nutrient-rich edible fungus, which has the reputation of “king of vegetarians.” In this paper, the electronic nose combined with GC-MS technology was used to analyze the volatile components of A. auricula in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Shanghai, and Sichuan provinces to investigate the differences and characteristics of A. auricula in different origins. The results showed that the electronic nose could obviously distinguish the samples from Jilin and Shanghai with a high degree of discrimination, while it was inappropriate to distinguish the samples from Heilongjiang and Sichuan Province. GC-MS was used to further analyze the volatile compounds in A. auricula qualitatively and quantitatively. The results showed that 98 volatile components were detected and 23 of them were common components, including alcohols, aldehydes, acids, esters, hydrocarbons, and other volatile components. The relative content of acetic acid and diethyl azodicarboxylate in A. auricula from the four origins was relatively high. According to the relative odor activity value (ROAV), it was found that the key compounds that caused the aroma difference between different origins were 1-octene-3-ol, cis-3-nonene-1-ol, (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-nonenal, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal, and 3-methyl butanal.
Molecular Detection of Cucumber Mosaic Virus and Tobacco Mosaic Virus Infecting African Nightshades (Solanum scabrum Miller)
Authors: Kimaru S. L. , Kilalo D. C. , Muiru W. M. , Kimenju J. W. , Thuku C. R.
Published: November 2020

The two viruses cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) are among the major viruses that constrain the production of African nightshade (ANS). The ANS provides high proportions of micronutrient content and has medicinal, economic, and agronomic benefits. In this study, we utilized molecular methods to detect these viruses present in ANS at two locations in Kenya: Kisii and Kakamega counties. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted from leaves of ANS plants exhibiting viral symptoms and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform for phylogenetic studies. The isolates were grouped based on nucleotide and sequence identity. We detected two isolates of CMV and one isolate of TMV in ANS samples. The isolate sequences have been deposited in the GeneBank to obtain accession numbers. Cucumber mosaic virus nucleotide sequence closely resembled the Kirinyaga isolates in Kenya classified in subgroup I. Tobacco mosaic virus phylogenetic studies revealed close resemblance of isolates KY810785.1 from Britain and AF273221.1 from the USA in clade 1 based on nucleotide and amino acid sequences. This is an indication that the virus is widely distributed across the world. Detection of these two viruses in Kenya suggests that they are prevalent in crop-growing regions and the germplasms. African nightshade could also act as a virus reservoir infecting other plants. This study will inform management options to prevent virus epidemics and be in control of vectors.
Channel Allocation Policy for Distributed Wireless Network: Derivation and Analysis of Optimal Interference
Authors: Bhattarai Amulya , Suksompong Prapun , Charoenlarpnopparut Chalie
Published: November 2020

Distributed wireless networks with smart users (independent and rational) are becoming popular, and researchers are studying distributed equilibrium solutions like Nash Equilibrium (NE) to analyze and predict the convergence of such networks. Our goal is to drive the distributed wireless network to NE with high total throughput. Study of the distribution of network metrics at NE with high total throughput shows that communication links still have significant amount of interference. Adding an interference-received term with an optimal weight (αopt∗) to the link’s payoff can push the distributed network to converge to NE with high total throughput. The channel allocation trend at NE with high total throughput is as follows: each of theC−1links occupies its own channel, and the remainingN−C+1links share the remaining one channel, whereNis the number of links andCis the number of channels in the network. The links (transmitters and receivers) are randomly located andC<N(limited resources). The transmitter of a link has a direct connection with the receiver of the link; hence, several links overlap. This leads to a dense network with considerable amount of interference especially for links sharing channels. A practical application of our work is when smart devices in a room, hall, or concert arena have a direct communication with other smart devices in the area using limited bandwidth. Using best response technique and definitions of NE, we derive and propose an approximate way to mathematically expressαopt∗(referred to asα^opt) along with its probability density function (PDF) for a specific scenario. Then, a generic equation forα^optis inferred for varying network sizes (links) and available resources (channels). Implementing such a policy enhances the total throughput of the distributed wireless network by up to 15%. In a more general setting, our distributed policy can achieve up to 75% of the maximum total throughput (benchmark value reached by centralized solution via exhaustive search) at a fraction of the time and computation resources.