bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in neuronal activity across the mouse ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus in response to low glucose: Evaluation using an extracellular multi‐electrode array approach
Authors: Hanna Lydia , Kawalek Tristan J. , Beall Craig , Ellacott Kate L. J.
Published: December 2019

The hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMN) is involved in maintaining systemic glucose homeostasis. Neurophysiological studies in rodent brain slices have identified populations of VMN glucose‐sensing neurones: glucose‐excited (GE) neurones, cells which increased their firing rate in response to increases in glucose concentration, and glucose‐inhibited (GI) neurones, which show a reduced firing frequency in response to increasing glucose concentrations. To date, most slice electrophysiological studies characterising VMN glucose‐sensing neurones in rodents have utilised the patch clamp technique. Multi‐electrode arrays (MEAs) are a state‐of‐the‐art electrophysiological tool enabling the electrical activity of many cells to be recorded across multiple electrode sites (channels) simultaneously. We used a perforated MEA (pMEA) system to evaluate electrical activity changes across the dorsal‐ventral extent of the mouse VMN region in response to alterations in glucose concentration. Because intrinsic (ie, direct postsynaptic sensing) and extrinsic (ie, presynaptically modulated) glucosensation were not discriminated, we use the terminology ‘GE/presynaptically excited by an increase (PER)’ and ‘GI/presynaptically excited by a decrease (PED)’ in the present study to describe responsiveness to changes in extracellular glucose across the mouse VMN. We observed that 15%‐60% of channels were GE/PER, whereas 2%‐7% were GI/PED channels. Within the dorsomedial portion of the VMN (DM‐VMN), significantly more channels were GE/PER compared to the ventrolateral portion of the VMN (VL‐VMN). However, GE/PER channels within the VL‐VMN showed a significantly higher basal firing rate in 2.5 mmol l‐1 glucose than DM‐VMN GE/PER channels. No significant difference in the distribution of GI/PED channels was observed between the VMN subregions. The results of the present study demonstrate the utility of the pMEA approach for evaluating glucose responsivity across the mouse VMN. pMEA studies could be used to refine our understanding of other neuroendocrine systems by examining population level changes in electrical activity across brain nuclei, thus providing key functional neuroanatomical information to complement and inform the design of single‐cell neurophysiological studies.
Refinements of the application of paramedian forehead flap in nasal defects repair in Asian patients
Authors: Zhang Wen‐Chao , Liu Zhifei , Wang Xiaojun , Dong Ruijia , Zeng Ang , Yu Nanze , Zhu Lin , Long Fei , Si Loubin , Teng Yue
Published: December 2019

Background

Due to the relatively higher tendency of postsurgery scars, insufficient cartilage support, and low surgical acceptability, nasal defect repair with forehead flap in Asian patients needs further study.

Objective

We aim to determine the necessity of tissue expansion, timing of pedicle division, and the importance of cartilage scaffold reinforcement and scar prevention at the donor site during nasal reconstruction in Asian patients with paramedian forehead flap.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent nasal reconstruction with forehead flap at our hospital from January 2013 to January 2018. The demographical information, surgery details, and postoperative complications of all patients were recorded. The reconstructed nose, scars, and eyebrow deformities were evaluated by digital photographs, and the overall satisfaction of the patients was documented.

Results

The study included 15 patients (7 males and 8 females). All nasal defects involved at least two aesthetic units and included seven full‐thickness defects. Only one patient underwent two revision operations. Complications like hematoma, infection, and necrosis were not detected, except in one patient with partial necrosis of the flap. All patients were satisfied with the reconstructed nose and did not report any respiratory dysfunction. No obvious scars or eyebrow deformities were observed.

Conclusion

Three‐stage full‐thickness forehead flap should be used to repair nasal defects in Asian patients, with immediate cartilage scaffold reconstruction at stage one and reinforcement at stage two. Botox injection into the forehead can refine the scar.
The impact of varying educational intervention on consumer understanding and attitude toward reducing sodium in food: Implications for marketing strategies
Authors: Saraiva Gonçalves Carla , Souza Carneiro João de Deus , Abadia Reis Rocha Renata , Carvalho de Rezende Daniel
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different forms of educational intervention (active learning, passive learning, and passive learning with an authoritative effect) and the way it is presented (soft or aggressive), to improve the knowledge of consumers regarding sodium and also sodium‐reduced product labels. The different educational interventions were used to provide information about sodium chloride, its importance in the body, and the label of the product with reduced sodium content. The research questionnaire was designed to determine the effect of different educational approaches. The educational interventions were equally efficient for the participant understanding of the questions about sodium and label. For questions, which refer to participant behavior and intention to buy, the educational intervention, passive learning was slightly (p ≤ .05) better than the others. The aggressive approach proved to be more efficient compared to the soft approach as the approach technique for educational intervention. The use of shocking information, such as the mortality rate, is an important tool to influence consumers to change their behavior.

Practical Applications

This research provides unprecedented information for the scientific community and the food industry. It expands the knowledge about the effectiveness of educational interventions (active learning, passive learning, and passive learning with authoritarian effect), which plays an effective role in improving consumer understanding of the damages caused by excessive sodium intake. The results of this can be study used to define media plans in order to achieve the consumption and consequently guide the consumer to consume less sodium.
Optimal age‐dependent income taxation in a dynamic extensive model: The case for negative participation tax on young people
Authors: Kataoka Takao , Takamatsu Yoshihiro
Published: December 2019

We consider optimal age‐dependent income taxation in a dynamic model where the labor‐leisure choice is the extensive margin, each household faces idiosyncratic shocks to labor productivity and a pecuniary cost to work, and there is no insurance market against the shocks. We show that the well‐known property of the optimal participation tax rate in the static model continues to hold in our dynamic economy, that is, the participation tax rates for some income groups with low consumption are likely negative. In dynamic models, the optimal participation tax rate depends on age and on labor income. Our numerical simulations suggest that a negative participation tax should be restricted to young households.
Pentapeptide‐repeat, cytoplasmic‐membrane protein HglK influences the septal junctions in the heterocystous cyanobacterium Anabaena
Authors: Arévalo Sergio , Flores Enrique
Published: December 2019

N2‐fixing heterocystous cyanobacteria grow as chains of cells that are connected by proteinaceous septal junctions, which traverse the septal peptidoglycan through nanopores and mediate intercellular molecular transfer. In the model organism Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, proteins SepJ, FraC and FraD, which are localized at the cell poles in the intercellular septa, are needed to produce septal junctions. The pentapeptide‐repeat, membrane‐spanning protein HglK has been described to be involved in the deposition of the heterocyst‐specific glycolipid layer, but the hglK mutant also showed intercellular septa broader than in the wild type. Here we found that hglK mutant of Anabaena is impaired in the expression of heterocyst‐related genes coxB2A2C2 (cytochrome c oxidase) and nifHDK (nitrogenase), indicating a defect in heterocyst differentiation. HglK was predominantly localized at the intercellular septa and was required to make long filaments, produce a normal number of nanopores and express full intercellular molecular transfer activity. However, the effects of hglK inactivation were not additive to those of the inactivation of sepJ and/or fraC‐fraD. We suggest that HglK contributes to the architecture of the intercellular septa with an impact on the function of septal junctions.
Natural variation in the Arabidopsis AGO2 gene is associated with susceptibility to potato virus X
Authors: Brosseau Chantal , Bolaji Ayooluwa , Roussin‐Léveillée Charles , Zhao Zhenxing , Biga Sébastien , Moffett Peter
Published: December 2019

RNA silencing functions as an anti‐viral defence in plants through the action of DICER‐like (DCL) and ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins. Despite the importance of this mechanism, little is known about the functional consequences of variation in genes encoding RNA silencing components.

The AGO2 protein has been shown to be important for defense against multiple viruses, and we investigated how naturally occurring differences in AGO2 between and within species affects its antiviral activities.

We find that the AGO2 protein from Arabidopsis thaliana, but not Nicotiana benthamiana, effectively limits potato virus X (PVX). Consistent with this, we find that the A. thaliana AGO2 gene shows a high incidence of polymorphisms between accessions, with evidence of selective pressure. Using functional analyses, we identify polymorphisms that specifically affect AGO2 antiviral activity, without interfering with other AGO2‐associated functions such as anti‐bacterial resistance or DNA methylation.

Our results suggest that viruses adapt to overcome RNA silencing in their hosts. Furthermore, they indicate that plant–virus interactions have influenced natural variation in RNA‐silencing components and that the latter may be a source of genetically encoded virus resistance.
Impact of monovision on dynamic accommodation of early presbyopes
Authors: Almutairi Meznah S , Altoaimi Basal H , Bradley Arthur
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To examine the impact of monovision on dynamic changes in accommodation, pupil responses, spherical aberration and resultant image quality in early presbyopes.

Methods

Refractive state, pupil size and spherical aberration levels were monitored in nine early presbyopes who exhibited some accommodation (40–50 years, mean = 42 ± 2.37 years) using a Shack‐Hartmann aberrometer as a binocularly viewed stimulus stepped closer (from 2 m to 40 cm), or farther (from 40 cm to 2 m). Comparison data from two fully presbyopic (i.e. non‐accommodating) subjects (ages 46 and 61 years) and two young adults (ages 26 and 29 years) were also collected. Each subject was fit with four different refractive strategies: (1) both eyes corrected for 2 m, (2) both eyes corrected for 40 cm, (3) monovision with the measured right eye corrected for 2 m and, (4) monovision with the right eye corrected for 40 cm. Monochromatic image quality was quantified using the AreaMTF metric.

Results

When fit with monovision, the largest number of early presbyopes produce an accommodative response dominated by the right eye correction (distance or near) as the stimulus is abruptly changed from the retinal conjugate plane of one eye to that of the other eye. However, the accommodative responses in some early presbyopes were always dominated by the distance corrected eye, the near corrected eye, or by convergence. When the stimulus approached, the near corrected eye experienced high image quality only if there was no accommodative response. However, reduced image quality was observed if an accommodative response was initiated. Neither accommodation nor pupil response latencies were longer with monovision corrections compared with bilateral distance corrections (p > 0.05). In the early presbyopes, spherical aberration was reduced during near viewing, but primarily due to pupil miosis and not lens shape changes.

Conclusion

As the stimulus was abruptly changed from the retinal conjugate plane of the distance corrected eye to that of the near corrected eye, most early presbyopes fit with monovision accommodated, which resulted in a decline, not an increase in image quality in the near corrected eye. These results reveal a non‐optimal accommodative strategy in early presbyopes fit with monovision.
Clinical Effects of Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion by Conventional Open versus Percutaneous Robot‐Assisted Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw Placement in Elderly Patients
Authors: Feng Shuo , Tian Wei , Wei Yi
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To compare the clinical outcomes of percutaneous robot‐assisted minimally invasive pedicle screw insertion versus freehand fluoroscopy‐assisted pedicle screw insertion using a traditional open technique in elderly patients undergoing an oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) procedure.

Methods

Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 80 patients with lumbar degenerative disease who attended the spinal surgery department of the Beijing Jishuitan Hospital between January 2017 and April 2018 were enrolled in the present study. Patients were randomized 1:1 to undergo percutaneous robot‐assisted minimally invasive pedicle screw insertion (experimental group, n = 40) or freehand fluoroscopy‐assisted pedicle screw insertion using a traditional open technique (control group, n = 40). Outcomes were accuracy of screw placement evaluated on postoperative CT using the modified Gertzbein and Robbins scale, operative time, blood loss, postoperative drainage, lower back and leg pain evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), lumbar function evaluated using the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and complication rates.

Results

A total of 344 vertebral pedicle screws were inserted: 170 screws in the experimental group, and 174 screws in the control group. Accurate screw placement was significantly higher in the experimental group (98.2% [167/170]) than in the control group (93.1% [162/174]). Clinical outcomes showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative VAS for lower back pain in the immediate postoperative period.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted pedicle screw insertion in OLIF is an effective strategy for the management of elderly patients with lumbar degenerative diseases.
Psychological consultancy in mental health services: A systematic review of service, staff, and patient outcomes
Authors: Ghag Jeetender , Kellett Stephen , Ackroyd Katie
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Psychological consultation in mental health is an organizational intervention aiming to enable mental health care to be delivered in a more efficient manner. This review sought to: (1) clarify what theoretical models underpin consultancy, (2) define how consultancy is implemented, (3) assess the methodological rigour of the evidence base, and (4) define the outcomes achieved for services, staff, and patients. The review was focal to direct and indirect forms of consultation.

Method

PRISMA guidelines were followed. Three databases were searched identifying N = 17 studies, and these were quality assessed using the QualSyst quality ratings checklist. Studies were grouped by model of consultation and outcome. A thematic analysis then clustered the patient, staff, and service outcomes into either discrepant or confirmatory evidence.

Results

The most frequently adopted theoretical models underpinning psychological consultation are cognitive‐behavioural and cognitive‐analytic. Method of consultancy implementation is typically via case formulation meetings. Study quality varied from limited to strong. The main confirmatory and positive outcomes for staff are an increase in understanding and also more positive feelings towards patients, and for the service, there is a reduced need for other interventions.

Conclusions

Psychological consultation appears a useful and worthwhile aspect of leadership by psychological therapists. Training in delivering consultancy needs to be well integrated into the core curricula of clinical training programmes. The evidence base is still in its infancy, and further well‐controlled research is required.
Mouse models of uveal melanoma: Strengths, weaknesses, and future directions
Authors: Richards Jackson R. , Yoo Jae Hyuk , Shin Donghan , Odelberg Shannon J.
Published: December 2019

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary malignancy of the eye, and a number of discoveries in the last decade have led to a more thorough molecular characterization of this cancer. However, the prognosis remains dismal for patients with metastases, and there is an urgent need to identify treatments that are effective for this stage of disease. Animal models are important tools for preclinical studies of uveal melanoma. A variety of models exist, and they have specific advantages, disadvantages, and applications. In this review article, these differences are explored in detail, and ideas for new models that might overcome current challenges are proposed.
Risk factors for febrile urinary tract infections in the first year after pediatric renal transplantation
Authors: Arpali Emre , Karatas Cihan , Akyollu Basak , Akinci Serkan , Gunaydin Bilal , Sal Oguzhan , Nayir Ahmet , Kocak Burak
Published: December 2019

Urinary tract infection is the most common infectious complication following kidney transplant. Anatomic abnormalities, bladder dysfunction, a positive history of febrile urinary tract infection, and recipient age are reported risk factors. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for fUTI, which necessitated hospitalization in the first year after renal transplantation in our pediatric transplant population. A retrospective review of 195 pediatric patients who underwent kidney transplant between 2008 and 2017 from a single institution was performed. All patients admitted to the hospital with fUTI were marked for further analyses. The risk factors including age, gender, dialysis type, history of urologic disorders, and preoperative proteinuria for fUTI in the first year after kidney transplantation and graft survivals were investigated. Independent‐sample t test and chi‐square tests were used for univariate analysis. Exhaustive CHAID algorithm was used for multivariate analysis. The data of 115 male and 80 female patients were retracted. The mean ages of our cohort for males and females were 9.5 ± 5.1 and 10 ± 4.8 years, respectively. The age of the patients at transplant and their gender were found to be a statistically significant risk factors for developing fUTIs. Multivariate analysis showed that fUTI was common in female patients and a subgroup of male patients who had preoperative proteinuria, but no neurogenic bladder had higher risk compared with male patients without proteinuria. Patient surveillance and antibiotic prophylaxis algorithms can be developed to prevent febrile urinary tract infections seen after pediatric kidney transplantation in risky population.
Haploidentical bone marrow transplantation in a patient with sickle cell disease and acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Chellapandian Deepak , Nicholson Cameron L.
Published: December 2019

Myeloid neoplasms in children with sickle cell disease have been rarely reported, and the exact underlying connection between these two conditions is not clearly understood. Whether the acute myeloid leukemia in hydroxyurea‐treated sickle cell patients is co‐incidental or related to therapy remains an unanswered question. Herein, we report a 14‐year‐old girl of Haitian descent with sickle beta zero thalassemia on chronic hydroxyurea therapy who developed FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)‐mutated acute myeloid leukemia and underwent a complete disease remission following a combination chemotherapy with sorafenib and was subsequently treated using a T cell replete unmanipulated haploidentical bone marrow transplantation followed by post‐transplant cyclophosphamide.
Impunity and Hope
Authors: Reeves Tony
Published: December 2019

Is there a duty to prosecute grave international crimes? Many have thought so, even if they recognize the obligation to be defeasible. However, the theoretical literature frequently leaves the grounds for such a duty inadequately specified, or unsystematically amalgamated, leaving it unclear which considerations should drive and shape processes of criminal accountability. Further, the circumstance leaves calls to end impunity vulnerable to skeptical worries concerning the risks and costs of punishing perpetrators. I argue that a qualified duty to prosecute can be substantiated on the basis of a single class of reasons, though also that standard justifications of international criminal law (as currently conceived) are not up to the task. The account exploits the expressive dimension of punishment, but locates the central good of criminal accountability in its capacity to appropriately enable an agential stance on the part of subjects in transitional circumstances. It can legitimate, in a way to be specified, hope. The approach also displays the cynicism of an anti‐impunity ethos in the absence of a robust commitment to securing basic human rights in transitional circumstances.
Teaching small animal reproduction via virtual patients
Authors: Vogt Lena , Duckwitz Veronica , Arlt Sebastian P. , Haimerl Peggy , Bartel Alexander , Hautzinger Claudia , Birk Stephan , Haase Sebastian , Ladwig‐Wiegard Mechthild , Doherr Marcus G.
Published: December 2019

Virtual patients have become an interesting alternative in medical education. Due to increasing demands regarding theoretical and clinical teaching and to improve an interdisciplinary approach, a new blended learning concept including virtual patients was developed and implemented in the veterinary curriculum of the Freie Universität Berlin. In the presented project, three virtual patients from the field of canine reproduction were developed. They focus on pregnancy diagnosis with suspected luteal insufficiency, pyometra and benign prostatic hyperplasia, respectively. The results of an evaluation by veterinary students of the 7th semester showed a high acceptance of virtual patients in a blended learning reproduction module in the interdisciplinary lectures. Students especially preferred videos, such as video lectures, hands‐on videos and animations as well as a glossary for background information, to successfully and autonomously work on a virtual case. The content covered by the new modules that were developed in the context of this project is part of a spiral curriculum; they will be revised and enhanced during the clinical year.
Survey on the oral health status of community‐dwelling older people with visual impairment
Authors: Hidaka Rena , Furuya Junichi , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Matsubara Chiaki , Obana Michiyo , Tokunaga Junji , Endo Keiko
Published: December 2019

Aims

Little is known about the impact of low vision (LV) on dental care in the elderly population. The present study aimed to clarify the oral health status and oral health behavior of older people with LV.

Methods and results

We surveyed community‐dwelling older people (age ≥ 65 years, non‐LV = 35, LV = 23); and collected data on sex, age, systemic diseases, oral health status, and oral health behavior. Although there was no difference in dental clinic visits within one year, the LV group received significantly lesser oral health instructions by dental hygienists and dentists than the non‐LV (60.9% vs 85.7%, P < 0.05) group. Additionally, the LV group was more than twice as aware of the “8020 Campaign,” written by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan than the non‐LV group. The non‐LV group had higher awareness of thickening agents and denture cleaners, both of which may require visual input. Although we had assumed that LV would lead to poor results for the oral health status, there were no demonstrable differences between both groups.

Conclusion

Older individuals with LV require suitable forms of nonvisual communication to receive oral health instruction and literacy.
The HLA‐B*51:284 allele identified in a volunteer donor for hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Baek In‐Cheol , Choi Eun‐Jeong , Shin Dong‐Hwan , Kim Hyoung‐Jae , Kim Tai‐Gyu
Published: December 2019

HLA‐B*51:284 differs from HLA‐B*51:01:01:01 in codon 44 in exon 2.
Credit rationing and firm exports: Microeconomic evidence from small and medium‐sized enterprises in China
Authors: Cheng Dong , Tan Yong , Yu Jian
Published: December 2019

This paper examines the effect of credit rationing on export performance by small and medium‐sized firms in China. We use a detailed firm‐level data provided by the Small and Medium‐sized Enterprises Dynamic Survey (SMEDS) during 2015–16 to conduct this analysis. The SMEDS provides firm‐specific measures of credit rationing based directly on firm‐level responses to the survey rather than indirect ones, based on firm‐level financial statements. We find that, at the extensive margin, weak and strong credit rationing reduces export probability of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) by 15.1% and 39.6%, respectively. At the intensive margin, they decrease SMEs' export values by more than 20.0% and over 28.8%, respectively. Different than existing literature, we construct valid firm‐level instruments, firm‐level housing stock, for credit rationing rather than using province‐level instruments. We also employ county‐industry‐level instruments and obtain consistent estimates. In addition, credit rationing exhibits heterogeneous impacts on firms with different liquidity ratios, product portfolios, external collateral and capital utilisation rates.
An economic analysis of different treatments for bleeding in patients with acquired haemophilia
Authors: Kim Chong H. , Simmons Sierra C. , Wang Dandan , Najafzadeh Parisa , Azad Ameneh , Pham Huy P.
Published: December 2019

Background

Acquired haemophilia A (AHA), with potentially high risk of morbidity and mortality, occurs as a result of inhibitors against factor VIII. Bleeding due to AHA can be treated with activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC), recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) or recently, recombinant porcine‐sequence factor VIII (rpFVIII). We extended our previous cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA) comparing rpFVIII against the available traditional options.

Methods

For high‐titred, haemorrhaging AHA patients treated with either aPCC, rFVIIa or rpFVIII, over the course of 6‐days, a Markov simulation was conducted to evaluate the outcomes when these patients transitioned into any of the four following health states: (1) continuous bleeding, (2) thrombosis, (3) stop bleeding and (4) death, with states (2), (3) and (4) modelled as absorbing states. All model parameters were obtained from the medical literature, except the costs of aPCC, rFVIIa and the factor VIII assay, which came from our institutional data.

Results

Excluding the cost of the initial treatment on day 0, the total subsequent treatment cost of rFVIIa was substantially more than the costs of aPCC and rpFVIII ($13 925 vs. $1778 vs. $6957, respectively). The average quality‐adjusted life days (QALDs) gained from rpFVIII was lowest (4·89 vs. 4·9 for rFVIIa and 4·91 for aPCC). Overall, aPCC dominated the other two treatments. The model was determined to be robust across the tested ranges for all input variables.

Conclusion

Based on this economic model, for AHA patients with high titres who were bleeding, aPCC was the most cost‐effective treatment option and may be considered for use if there is no clinical contraindication.
Effect of Structured Physical Activity on Inflammation and Immune Activation Profile of Antiretroviral Therapy-Experienced Children Living With HIV
Authors: Gopalan Bindu P. , Dias Mary , Arumugam Karthika , D’Souza Reena R. , Perumpil Mathew , Kulkarni Prasanna , Ranga Udaykumar , Shet Anita
Published: December 2019

Aim: To compare the markers of inflammation and immune activation in virally suppressed HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy, who practiced regular structured exercise comprising running and yoga to those who did not over a 2-year period. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 72 children aged 8 to 16 years divided into 2 groups, exercisers (n = 36) and the nonexercisers (n = 36) based on their intentional physical activity. The analyses were carried out at baseline and after 2 years (Y2) for the soluble biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, interferon gamma, sCD14, and sCD163). In addition, cell-associated biomarker (CD38), lipopolysaccharides, and the gene expression of interleukin-2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were also measured at Y2. Results: Reduction in levels of sCD14 (effect size [ES], −0.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.08 to −0.14), tumor necrosis factor alpha (ES, −0.7; 95% CI, −1.18 to −0.23), interferon gamma (ES, −0.7; 95% CI, −1.17 to −0.22), and interleukin-10 (ES, −0.6; 95% CI, −1.08 to −0.14) was observed among exercisers as compared with nonexercisers at Y2. In addition, CD38+ expressing CD4+ T cells were found to be lower among exercisers (P = .01) at Y2. However, the differences in levels of interleukin-6, sCD163, lipopolysaccharides, interleukin-2, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were not significantly different among the 2 groups. Conclusion: The study result suggests that regular structured physical activity improves the inflammatory profile of antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV-infected children.
Forward elastic scattering: dynamical gluon mass and semihard interactions
Authors: Broilo M. , Fagundes D. A. , Luna E. G. S. , Menon M. J.
Published: December 2019

The role of low-xparton dynamics in dictating the high-energy behavior of forward scattering observables at LHC energies is investigated using a QCD-based model with even-under-crossing amplitude dominance at high-energies. We explore the effects of different sets of pre- and post-LHC fine-tuned parton distributions on the forward quantities$$\sigma _{tot}$$σtotand$$\rho $$ρ, fromppand$${\bar{p}}p$$p¯pscattering in the interval 10 GeV–13 TeV. We also investigate the role of the leading soft contribution, the low-energy cuttoff, and the energy dependence of the semihard form factor on these observables. We show that in all cases investigated the highly restrictive data on$$\rho $$ρparameter at$$\sqrt{s}=13$$s=13TeV indicate that a crossing-odd component may play a crucial role in forward elastic scattering at the highest energies, namely the Odderon contribution.
Acute Liver Failure as the Leading Manifestation of Spontaneous Tumour Lysis Syndrome in a Patient with NonHodgkin Lymphoma: Do Current Diagnostic Criteria of Tumour Lysis Syndrome Need Re-Evaluation?
Authors: Tarčuković Janja , Valenčić Lara , Polonijo Željka , Fućak Ana , Dangubić Boban , Grubješić Igor
Published: December 2019

Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is a group of pathophysiological processes caused by rapid degradation of tumour cells with subsequent release of intracellular contents into the extracellular space. It is characterized by the development of systemic metabolic disturbances with or without clinical manifestations. The process usually occurs in highly proliferative, large tumours after induction of cytotoxic therapy. Rarely, however, spontaneous TLS can develop, as well as signs of multiorgan failure triggered by an excessive metabolic load and sterile inflammation. The combination of the aforementioned is thus quite unique. Here, we present a 63-year-old male in which spontaneous TLS was accompanied with acute liver failure and delineated underlying nonHodgkin lymphoma. Initial laboratory findings included hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia, hypocalcaemia, uraemia, and increased creatinine levels indicating the onset of TLS with acute kidney injury. Moreover, the patient showed signs of jaundice, coagulopathy, and hepatic encephalopathy. Development of TLS with multiorgan failure prompted rapid initiation of critical care management, including vigorous intravenous fluid therapy, allopurinol treatment, high flow continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration, and commencement of chemotherapy. The case highlights the possibility of TLS as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with multiorgan failure and the importance of early detection of this potentially challenging and fatal diagnosis.
SDN-Based Centralized Downlink Scheduling with Multiple APs Cooperation in WLANs
Authors: Lei Jianjun , Wang Ying , Xia Ying
Published: December 2019

Conventional DCF and RTS/CTS mechanisms perform the channel contention by a distributed and independent manner, which can lead to severe cochannel interference and low channel utilization in multiple APs dense deployment scenario. In this paper, we propose a channel scheduling cooperation algorithm called CCT-SDN (centralized concurrent transmission based on SDN) that enables multiple APs (Access Points) to perform cooperatively a centralized downlink transmission control, thus achieving higher system throughput and channel utilization by avoiding cochannel interference and implementing concurrent transmission. This design inherits the merit of the conventional distributed random channel access and adopts standardized OpenFlow protocol and Software Defined Network (SDN) architecture to make a centralized concurrent downlink traffic transmission decision among APs. Meanwhile, we also present a novel neighborhood relation storage scheme called SPRIM to enhance the retrieving efficiency of SDN controller, which enables CCT-SDN to perform a real-time control. Moreover, we also develop a theoretical model to prove the improvement of CCT-SDN. Furthermore, our solution does not require any modifications to existing ubiquitous 802.11 terminal devices and thus is likely to be widely deployed. Finally, extensive simulation results on Mininet-WiFi verify that CCT-SDN can achieve significant performance in terms of aggregate throughput, channel utilization, and packet loss rate in different deployment scenarios.
Flexural‐Torsional Vibration of Thin‐Walled Beams Subjected to Combined Initial Axial Load and End Bending Moment: Application to the Design of Saw Tooth Blades
Authors: Phung Van Binh , Nguyen Anh Tuan , Dang Hoang Minh , Dao Thanh-Phong , Duc V. N.
Published: December 2019

The present paper analyzes the vibration issue of thin‐walled beams under combined initial axial load and end moment in two cases with different boundary conditions, specifically the simply supported‐end and the laterally fixed‐end boundary conditions. The analytical expressions for the first natural frequencies of thin‐walled beams were derived by two methods that are a method based on the existence of the roots theorem of differential equation systems and the Rayleigh method. In particular, the stability boundary of a beam can be determined directly from its first natural frequency expression. The analytical results are in good agreement with those from the finite element analysis software ANSYS Mechanical APDL. The research results obtained here are useful for those creating tooth blade designs of innovative frame saw machines.
A Note on Integral Inequalities on Time Scales Associated with Ostrowski’s Type
Authors: Fatima Tahir Saeeda , Mushtaq Muhammad , Muddassar Muhammad
Published: December 2019

Inequalities become a hot topic for researcher due to its wide applications in means and sum, numerical integration, quantum calculus. Different generalizations and refinements are made by researchers. Here, in this article, we give another generalization of integral inequalities and harmonizing them on time scale T from R.
Short-Segment Instrumentation with Fractured Vertebrae Augmentation by Screws and Bone Substitute for Thoracolumbar Unstable Burst Fractures
Authors: Liao Jen-Chung , Chen Wen-Jer
Published: December 2019

Background. For thoracolumbar burst fractures, traditional four-screw (one above and one below) short-segment instrumentation is popular and has a high failure rate. Additional augmentation at the fractured vertebrae is believed to reduce surgical failure. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical and radiographic results of patients who underwent short-segment posterior instrumentation with augmentation by screws and bone substitutes at the fractured vertebrae and to compare these data to those of patients who underwent long-segment instrumentation for thoracolumbar burst fractures. Methods. The study group had twenty patients who underwent short-segment instrumentation with additional augmentation by two screws and bone substitutes at the fractured vertebrae. The control group contained twenty-two patients who underwent eight-screw long instrumentation without vertebra augmentation. Local kyphosis and the anterior body height of the fractured vertebrae were measured. The severity of the fractured vertebrae was evaluated with the load sharing classification (LSC). Any implant failure or loss of correction >10° at the final follow-up was defined as surgical failure. Results. Both groups had similar distributions in terms of age, sex, the injured level, and the mechanism of injury before operation. During the operation, the study group had significantly less blood loss (136.0 vs. 363.6 ml, p=0.001) and required shorter operating times (146.8 vs. 157.5 minutes, p=0.112) than the control group. Immediately after surgery, the study group had better correction of the local kyphosis angle (13.4° vs. 11.9°, p=0.212) and restoration of the anterior height (34.7% vs. 31.0%, p=0.326) than the control group. At the final follow-up, no patients in the study group and only one patient in the control group experienced surgical failure. Conclusions. Patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures who received six-screw short-segment posterior fixators with augmentation at the level of the fractured vertebrae via injectable artificial bone substitute achieved satisfactory clinical and radiographic results, and this method could replace long-segment instrumentation methods used in unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures.
A Case Report of Extensive Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis as a Presenting Sign of Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Lee Janet K. , Murray Kathleen , Renati Swetha
Published: December 2019

Nephrotic syndrome is defined by three characteristic features including proteinuria of >3 g in 24 hours, hypoalbuminemia of less than 3 g/dL, and peripheral edema. Multiple nephropathies can result in nephrotic syndrome. Most commonly, minimal change disease is seen in children under the age of 10, while adults are more commonly found to have membranous nephropathy. Hypercoagulability and thrombotic sequela can be seen in nephrotic syndrome, regardless of underlying etiology, and thrombosis is most commonly seen in deep veins of the lower extremities and renal veins. Our case identifies an adult with previously diagnosed and treated for minimal change disease who presented with weight gain, peripheral edema, foamy urine, headache but no neurologic deficits. The patient was found to have near to complete occlusion of the entire superior sagittal sinus, near complete occlusion of the left transverse and sigmoid sinuses, and nonocclusive thrombus in the right sigmoid sinus. She was treated with heparin and IV steroids then transitioned to warfarin and PO steroids, respectively, with resolution of symptoms. This case report emphasizes on the importance of recognizing CVST as a potential complication of nephrotic syndrome at both initial presentation and relapse.
Pricing Stock Loans with the CGMY Model
Authors: Fan Congyin , Zhou Chunhao
Published: December 2019

The empirical research shows that the log-return of stock price in finance market rejects the normal distribution and admits a subclass of the asymmetric distribution. Hence, the pricing problem of stock loan is investigated under the assumption that the log-return of stock price follows the CGMY process in this work. Under this framework, the pricing model of stock loan can be described by a free boundary condition problem of space-fractional partial differential equation (FPDE). First of all, in order to change the original model defined in a fixed domain, a penalty term is introduced, and then a first order fully implicit difference schemes is developed. Secondly, based on the numerical scheme, we prove the stock loan value generated by our method does not fall below the value obtained when the contract of stock loan is exercised early. Finally, the numerical experiments are implemented and the impacts of key parameters in the CGMY model on the value and optimal redemption price of stock loan are analyzed, and some reasonable explanation should be given.
Optimizing Irrigation Water and N Levels for Higher Yield and Reduced Blossom End Rot Incidence on Tomato
Authors: Gebremariam Mebrahtu , Tesfay Teklay
Published: December 2019

This study was conducted during 2018/19 under drip irrigation in the dry season to examine the effect of irrigation and N levels on yield, economic performance, and incidence of blossom end rot (BER) on tomato. A 3 × 4 factorial design with subdivided plots was implemented. Three irrigation levels (50%, 75%, and 100% ETc) were randomly assigned in the main plots and four N levels (0, 46, 92, and 138 kg ha−1) to the subplots. Climate data were imported into AquaCrop model climate dataset for determining irrigation water amount and irrigation scheduling. Irrigation scheduling was determined using the FAO AquaCrop model. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat software. There was significant interaction effect of irrigation and N levels on yield, yield parameters, and BER incidence on tomato. Highest fruit diameter and fruit length were attained from the combined application of 75% ETc and 138 kg N ha−1. Besides, maximum fruits per plant and marketable yield were obtained under combined use of 100% ETc with 138 kg N ha−1and 75% ETc with 92 kg N ha−1, respectively, whereas lowest yield performance was recorded when 50% ETc is coupled with 0 kg N ha−1. However, highest (21.91%) and lowest (7.03%) BER incidence was found under the combined use of 50% ETc and 0 kg N ha−1100% ETc and 92 kg N ha−1, respectively. The economic analysis revealed that application of 46 kg N ha−1was economically feasible irrespective of the irrigation water levels.
Design and Implementation of Directional Sensors for Privacy-Ensured Device-Free Target Localization in Indoor Environment
Authors: Rehman Ata ur , Ellahi Zeeshan , Iqbal Asif , Ullah Farman , Ali Ahmed , Kwak Kyung Sup
Published: December 2019

This paper presents two radio frequency (RF) sensors with different directivities designed and tested for device-free localization (DFL) in an indoor environment. Mostly, in smart homes and smart offices, peoples may be irritated by wearing the device on them all the time. As compared with device-based localization, the proposed sensors can localize both cooperative and non-cooperative targets (intruders and guests etc.) without privacy leakages. Both sensors are tested to detect the change in received signal strength (ΔRSS) due to the presence of an obstacle. RF sensors, i.e., antennas are designed to operate in the ISM band of 2.4–2.5 GHz. Experimental results show that the sensor with higher directivity provides better ΔRSS that helps in improved accuracy to detect a device-free target.
Development of square wave inverter using DC/DC boost converter
Authors: Aihsan M. Z. , Ahmad N. I. , Mustafa W. A. , Rahman N. A. , Soo J. A.
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes an alternative topology of an inverter to the existing topologies available in the market. A prototype is intended with the purpose of investigates the possibility of designing an inverter using two Boost Converters. This project initialized with a series of simulations using Matlab in order to determine the feasibility of the proposed topology. The next step is the design and development of the proposed prototype where suitable electronics components are chosen based on the simulation result. A PIC microcontroller is used to control the proposed prototype where a control scheme is created based on the programming in the microcontroller. The performance of the proposed prototype has been verified to be optimum by several practical testing using different values of capacitor, inductor and duty cycle. Lastly, data and analysis are presented in a proper mannered way. In the end, this project intends to produce stepped-up square wave output voltage waveform by proper controlling of two Boost Converters.
Comparative study of two potential recuperating converters in DC railway electrification system for harmonic mitigation
Authors: Choi Z. H. , Toh C. L. , Hilmi M. H. Z.
Published: December 2019

The regenerative braking energy produced by Light-Rail-Transit (LRT) train is commonly transferred back to power grid via a conventional three-phase inverter (recuperating converter). Although this is a cost saving solution but the ac grid current and voltage waveforms were distorted. Hence passive filters are integrated to mitigate the harmonics. This paper proposed to replace the conventional inverter system with a multilevel converter. Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) converter and Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) are selected to be evaluated in this paper due to their modularity structures. The aim of this study is to determine the most potential multilevel converter to be implemented without additional passive filters. Nine-level CHB and nine-level MMC converters are modeled with MATLAB/Simulink simulation tool. Both converters are modulated with Level-Shifted Pulse Width Modulation technique. The output voltage and current waveforms generated by CHB and MMC are presented with full analysis. It is concluded that MMC converter is more suitable to be used as a recuperating converter. It produces a clean voltage and current waveforms. The voltage and current Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) indexes are found approximate to 8% and 3%.
Comparison of different magnet arrangement on performance of flux reversal permanent magnet (FRPM) machine
Authors: Remlan M. H. , Aziz R. , Salimin S
Published: December 2019

This paper offers the analysis of performance of Flux Reversal Permanent Magnet (FRPM) machines with different type of magnet arrangements. There are two designs that have been proposed in this report, which one of them has a pair of permanent magnets (PM) with alternate polarities place on surface of stator tooth and the polarities of two adjacent PM at these two stators are identical. This PM arrangement is called as NS-SN configuration. Second design is NS-NS configuration that has different PM polarities on different stator tooth. By comparing this PM arrangement, generally the NS-NS configuration offers high speed and power. However, the NS-SN configuration shows higher maximum torque compared to the previous design. The design process for both configurations is completely using finite element analysis (FEA) which is JMAG-Designer. To make sure the coil phase is in correct position, the design configuration with coil arrangement tests are evaluated. Finally, each flux of both designs been observed by analyse their torque with various armature current density.