bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viable non-singular cosmic bounce in holonomy improved F(R) gravity endowed with a Lagrange multiplier
Authors: Elizalde Emilio , Odintsov S. D. , Paul Tanmoy
Published: January 2020

Matter and quasi-matter bounce scenarios are studied for an F(R) gravity model with holonomy corrections and a Lagrange multiplier, with a scale factor $$a(t) = \left( a_0t^2 + 1 \right) ^n$$a(t)=a0t2+1n, where the Hubble parameter squared has a linear and a quadratic dependence on the effective energy density. Provided $$n < 1/2$$n<1/2, it is shown that the primordial curvature perturbations are generated deeply into the contracting era, at large negative time, which makes the low-curvature limit a good approximation for calculating the perturbation power spectrum. Moreover, it is shown that, for n within this range, the obtained cosmological quantities are fully compatible with the Planck constraints, and that the “low curvature limit” comes as a viable approximation to calculate the power spectra of both scalar and tensor perturbations. Using reconstruction techniques for F(R) gravity with the Lagrange multiplier, the precise form of the effective F(R) gravity is found, from which one determines the power spectra of scalar and tensor perturbations in such bouncing scenario. Correspondingly, the spectral index for curvature perturbations and the tensor to scalar ratio are obtained, and these values are successfully confronted with the latest Planck observations. Further, it is shown that both the weak and the null energy conditions are satisfied, thanks to the holonomy corrections performed in the theory–which are then proven to be necessary for achieving this goal. In fact, when approaching the bouncing era, the holonomy corrections become significant and play a crucial role in order to restore the energy conditions. Summing up, a cosmological bouncing scenario with the scale factor above and fulfilling the energy conditions can be adequately described by the F(R) model with a Lagrange multiplier and holonomy corrections, which prove to be very important.
Carbon nanotube accelerator — Path toward TeV/m acceleration: Theory, experiment, and challenges
Authors: Shin Young-Min
Published: January 2020

Aspirations of modern high energy particle physics call for compact and cost efficient lepton and hadron colliders with energy reach and luminosity significantly beyond the modern HEP facilities. Strong interplanar fields in crystals of the order of 10–100 V/Å can effectively guide and collimate high energy particles. Besides continuous focusing crystals plasma, if properly excited, can be used for particle acceleration with exceptionally high gradients [Formula: see text](TeV/m). However, the angstrom-scale size of channels in crystals might be too small to accept and accelerate significant number of particles. Carbon-based nano-structures such as carbon-nanotubes (CNTs) and graphenes have a large degree of dimensional flexibility and thermo-mechanical strength and thus could be more suitable for channeling acceleration of high intensity beams. Nano-channels of the synthetic crystals can accept a few orders of magnitude larger phase-space volume of channeled particles with much higher thermal tolerance than natural crystals.

This paper presents conceptual foundations of the CNT acceleration, including underlying theory, practical outline and technical challenges of the proof-of-principle experiment. Also, an analytic description of the plasmon-assisted laser acceleration is detailed with practical acceleration parameters, in particular with specifications of a typical tabletop femtosecond laser system. The maximally achievable acceleration gradients and energy gains within dephasing lengths and CNT lengths are discussed with respect to laser-incident angles and the CNT-filling ratios.
A Narrative Review of Storing and Querying XML Documents Using Relational Database
Authors: Qtaish Amjad , Alshammari Mohammad T.
Published: January 2020

Extensible Markup Language (XML) has become a common language for data interchange and data representation in the Web. The evolution of the big data environment and the large volume of data which is being represented by XML on the Web increase the challenges in effectively managing such data in terms of storing and querying. Numerous solutions have been introduced to store and query XML data, including the file systems, Object-Oriented Database (OODB), Native XML Database (NXD), and Relational Database (RDB). Previous research attempts indicate that RDB is the most powerful technology for managing XML data to date. Because of the structure variations of XML and RDB, the need to map XML data to an RDB scheme is increased. This growth has prompted numerous researchers and database vendors to propose different approaches to map XML documents to an RDB, translating different types of XPath queries to SQL queries and returning the results to an XML format. This paper aims to comprehensively review most cited and latest mapping approaches and database vendors that use RDB solution to store and query XML documents, in a narrative manner. The advantages and the drawbacks of each approach is discussed, particularly in terms of storing and querying. The paper also provides some insight into managing XML documents using RDB solution in terms of storing and querying and contributes to the XML community.
Generalized Langevin Equation: An Introductory Review for Biophysicists
Authors: Chung Shin-Ho , Roper Michael
Published: January 2020

An introductory, pedagogical review of the generalized Langevin equation (GLE) within the classical regime is presented. It is intended to be accessible to biophysicists with an interest in molecular dynamics (MD).

Section 1 presents why the equation may be of interest within biophysical modeling. A detailed elementary first principles derivation of the (multidimensional) Kac–Zwanzig model is presented. The literature is reviewed with a focus on biophysical applications and representation by Markovian stochastic differential equations. The relationship with the Mori–Zwanzig formalism is discussed. The framework of model reduction and approximation is emphasized. Some open problems are identified.
DynaMO
Authors: Kurunathan Harrison , Severino Ricardo , Koubaa Anis , Tovar Eduardo
Published: January 2020

Deterministic Synchronous Multichannel Extension (DSME) is a prominent MAC behavior first introduced in IEEE 802.15.4e supporting deterministic guarantees using its multisuperframe structure. DSME also facilitates techniques like multi-channel and Contention Access Period (CAP) reduction to increase the number of available guaranteed timeslots in a network. However, any tuning of these functionalities in dynamic scenarios is not explored in the standard. In this paper, we present a multisuperframe tuning technique called DynaMO which tunes the CAP reduction and Multisuperframe Order in an effective manner to improve flexibility and scalability, while guaranteeing bounded delay. We also provide simulations to prove that DynaMO with its dynamic tuning feature can offer up to 15--30% reduction in terms of latency in a large DSME network.
Routing heuristics for load-balanced transmission in TSN-based networks
Authors: Ojewale Mubarak Adetunji , Yomsi Patrick Meumeu
Published: January 2020

A carefully designed routing synthesis can help system designers achieve a better load balancing in TSN-based networks and avoid congestion. To this end purpose, this work proposes two heuristics referred to as (1) LB-DRR, which aims at achieving a better load balancing and compute as much disjoint routing paths as possible for each replicated flow; and (2) CR-DRR, which recomputes paths for time-sensitive flows in congestion situations. Extensive simulations demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms the classical Shortest Path (SPA) and the weighted Equal Cost Multi-path (wt-ECMP) algorithms in terms of the maximum load transmitted on a link by more than 70% and 20%, respectively.
Endospore Inactivation by Emerging Technologies: A Review of Target Structures and Inactivation Mechanisms
Authors: Reineke Kai , Mathys Alexander
Published: January 2020

Recent developments in preservation technologies allow for the delivery of food with nutritional value and superior taste. Of special interest are low-acid, shelf-stable foods in which the complete control or inactivation of bacterial endospores is the crucial step to ensure consumer safety. Relevant preservation methods can be classified into physicochemical or physical hurdles, and the latter can be subclassified into thermal and nonthermal processes. The underlying inactivation mechanisms for each of these physicochemical or physical processes impact different morphological or molecular structures essential for spore germination and integrity in the dormant state. This review provides an overview of distinct endospore defense mechanisms that affect emerging physical hurdles as well as which technologies address these mechanisms. The physical spore-inactivation technologies considered include thermal, dynamic, and isostatic high pressure and electromagnetic technologies, such as pulsed electric fields, UV light, cold atmospheric pressure plasma, and high- or low-energy electron beam.
Deregulation and the Assault on Science and the Environment
Authors: Samet Jonathan M. , Burke Thomas A.
Published: January 2020

The quality of the environment is a major determinant of the health and well-being of a population. The role of scientific evidence is central in the network of laws addressing environmental pollution in the United States and has been critical in addressing the myriad sources of environmental pollution and the burden of disease attributable to environmental factors. We address the shift away from reasoned action and science to a reliance on belief and document the efforts to separate regulation from science and to remove science-based regulations and policies intended to protect public health. We outline the general steps for moving from research to policy, show how each has been undermined, offer specific examples, and point to resources that document the enormity of the current efforts to set aside scientific evidence.
CRISPR-Cas9/phosphoproteomics identifies multiple noncanonical targets of myosin light chain kinase
Authors: Isobe Kiyoshi , Raghuram Viswanathan , Krishnan Laya , Chou Chung-Lin , Yang Chin-Rang , Knepper Mark A.
Published: January 2020

Prior studies have implicated myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) in the regulation of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) in the renal collecting duct. To discover signaling targets of MLCK, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to delete the MLCK gene ( Mylk) to obtain MLCK-null mpkCCD cells and carried out comprehensive phosphoproteomics using stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture for quantification. Immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy demonstrated a defect in the processing of AQP2-containing early endosomes to late endosomes. The phosphoproteomics experiments revealed that, of the 1,743 phosphopeptides quantified over multiple replicates, 107 were changed in abundance by MLCK deletion (29 decreased and 78 increased). One of the decreased phosphopeptides corresponded to the canonical target site in myosin regulatory light chain. Network analysis indicated that targeted phosphoproteins clustered into distinct structural/functional groups: actomyosin, signaling, nuclear envelope, gene transcription, mRNA processing, energy metabolism, intermediate filaments, adherens junctions, and tight junctions. There was significant overlap between the derived MLCK signaling network and a previously determined PKA signaling network. The presence of multiple proteins in the actomyosin category prompted experiments showing that MLCK deletion inhibits the normal effect of vasopressin to depolymerize F-actin, providing a potential explanation for the AQP2 trafficking defect. Changes in phosphorylation of multiple proteins in the nuclear envelope prompted measurement of nuclear size, showing a significant increase in average nuclear volume. We conclude that MLCK is part of a multicomponent signaling pathway in both the cytoplasm and nucleus that includes much more than simple regulation of conventional nonmuscle myosins through myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Triggers Hepatic Mitochondrial Stress through Cyclophilin D Acetylation
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Mao Jinbao , Zhou Xinli , Li Qiu , Gao Ling , Zhao Jiajun
Published: January 2020

Background & Aims. Oxidative stress-related liver diseases were shown to be associated with elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Mitochondria are the main source of cellular reactive oxygen species. However, the relationship between TSH and hepatic mitochondrial stress/dysfunction and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we focused on exploring the effects and mechanism of TSH on hepatic mitochondrial stress. Methods. As the function of TSH is mediated through the TSH receptor (TSHR), Tshr-/- mice and liver-specific Tshr knockout (LKO) mice were used in our study. The thyroid-specific Tshr knockout mouse model injected with TSH (TKO+TSH) was used as a mimic for subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) patients. Hepatic mitochondrial stress and function were analyzed in these mouse models, and the expression of key genes involved in mitochondrial stress was measured. Results. A relatively lower degree of mitochondrial stress was observed in the livers of Tshr-/- mice and LKO mice than those of their littermate counterparts. TSH caused concentration- and time-dependent effects on mitochondrial stress and cyclophilin D (CypD) acetylation in hepatocytes in vitro. Microarray and RT-PCR analyses showed that Tshr-/- mice had much higher lncRNA-AK044604 expression than their littermate counterparts. The use of the AK044604 overexpression plasmid and SIRT1 agonist proved that TSH aggravates CypD acetylation and mitochondrial stress via lncRNA-AK044604 and SIRT1. An inhibitor of CypD acetylation, cyclosporine A, suppressed TSH-induced hepatic mitochondrial stress and dysfunction. Conclusions. TSH stimulates hepatic CypD acetylation through the lncRNA-AK044604/SIRT1/SIRT3 signaling pathway, indicating an essential role for TSH in mitochondrial stress in the liver.
Preprotection of Tea Polysaccharides with Different Molecular Weights Can Reduce the Adhesion between Renal Epithelial Cells and Nano-Calcium Oxalate Crystals
Authors: Zhao Yao-Wang , Liu Li , Li Chuang-Ye , Zhang Hui , Sun Xin-Yuan , Ouyang Jian-Ming
Published: January 2020

Crystal adhesion is an important link in the formation of kidney stones. This study investigated and compared the adhesion differences between nano-calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and human renal proximal tubule epithelial (HK-2) cells before and after treatment with tea polysaccharides (TPSs) TPS0, TPS1, TPS2, and TPS3 with molecular weights of 10.88, 8.16, 4.82, and 2.31 kDa, respectively. TPS treatment effectively reduced the damage of COM to HK-2 cells, thereby resulting in increased cell activity, decreased release of lactate dehydrogenase, cell morphology recovery, decreased level of reactive oxygen species, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, increased lysosomal integrity, decreased expression of adhesion molecule osteopontin and eversion of phosphatidylserine, and decreased crystal adhesion. Among the TPSs, TPS2 with moderate molecular weight had the best protective effect on cells and the strongest effect on the inhibition of crystal adhesion. Thus, TPS2 may be a potential anticalculus drug.
Sensitivity Analysis of Fleet Size for Dynamic Headway-Based Control Method Performance in terms of Passengers’ Experience
Authors: Liang Shidong , Zhang Hu , Ma Minghui , He Shengxue
Published: January 2020

The headway-based control method is usually used to regulate the bus headways to improve the bus operation. However, these control methods only focus on equalizing bus headways, neglecting analysis for STD (standard deviation) of passengers on the buses. Therefore, in order to fix this gap, this paper analyzed performance of the control method in terms of regulating bus headways and number of passengers on the buses under variable number of buses on the route. First, as an enhanced version of headways-based control method, a coordinated control method based on the self-equalizing bus headways concept involving bus holding and stop-skipping is proposed. A discrete system is formulated to describe the bus operation, and the coordinated control method is imbedded into it. In order to reflect the performance in regulating bus headways and the number of passengers, two indexes are formulated, respectively. Finally, a set of numerical analysis was conducted. The test results showed that the regulated bus headways can make the number of passengers on buses equalized. As a by-product, the headway-based control method can make the bus capacity be well utilized by equalizing bus headways on the bus route.
Neonatal and Maternal Complications of Placenta Praevia and Its Risk Factors in Tikur Anbessa Specialized and Gandhi Memorial Hospitals: Unmatched Case-Control Study
Authors: Adere Ashete , Mulu Abay , Temesgen Fikremelekot
Published: January 2020

Background. Placenta praevia is a disorder that happens during pregnancy when the placenta is abnormally placed in the lower uterine segment, which at times covers the cervix. The incidence of placenta praevia is 3-5 per 1000 pregnancies worldwide and is still rising because of increasing caesarean section rates. Objective. To assess and identify the risk factors and maternal and neonatal complications associated with placenta praevia. Method and Materials. Target populations for this study were all women diagnosed with placenta praevia transvaginally or transabdominally either during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy or intraoperatively in Tikur Anbessa Specialized and Gandhi Memorial Hospitals. The study design was unmatched case-control study. Data was carefully extracted from medical records, reviewed, and analyzed. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals. Results. Pregnancies complicated by placenta praevia were 303. Six neonatal deaths were recorded in this study. The magnitude of placenta praevia observed was 0.7%. Advanced maternal age (≥35) (AOR 6.3; 95% CI: 3.20, 12.51), multiparity (AOR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.46, 3.46), and previous history of caesarean section (AOR 2.7; 95% CI: 1.64, 4.58) had an increased odds of placenta praevia. Postpartum anemia (AOR 14.6; 95% CI: 6.48, 32.87) and blood transfusion 1-3 units (AOR 2.7; 95% CI: 1.10, 6.53) were major maternal complications associated with placenta praevia. Neonates born to women with placenta praevia were at increased risk of respiratory syndrome (AOR 4; 95% CI: 1.24, 13.85), IUGR (AOR 6.3; 95% CI: 1.79, 22.38), and preterm birth (AOR 8; 95% CI: 4.91, 12.90). Conclusion. Advanced maternal age, multiparity, and previous histories of caesarean section were significantly associated risk factors of placenta praevia. Adverse maternal outcomes associated with placenta praevia were postpartum anemia and the need for blood transfusion. Neonates born from placenta praevia women were also at risk of being born preterm, intrauterine growth restriction, and respiratory distress syndrome.
Factors Associated with Apgar Score among Newborns Delivered by Cesarean Sections at Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa
Authors: Obsa Mohammed Suleiman , Shanka Getahun Molla , Menchamo Misrak Woldayohannes , Fite Robera Olana , Awol Meron Abrar
Published: January 2020

Background. Newborns can be assessed clinically using the Apgar score test to quickly and summarily assess the health of newborn physical condition immediately after delivery and to determine any immediate need for extra medical or emergency care. This study is aimed at assessing factors associated with Apgar score among newborns delivered by cesarean sections and factors associated with Apgar score. Method. Institutional-based cohort study design was conducted. All eligible study participants were included. Training was given for data collectors and supervisors. Regular supervision and follow-up was made. Data was entered into Epi Info version 7 computer software by investigators and was transported to SPSS version 20 computer program for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with Apgar score. Result. A total 354 newborn babies were included into the study. Majority of baby had low Apgar score at one minute and high Apgar score at five minutes. About 30.2% of newborn baby had Apgar score below seven minutes. On the other hand, about 12.8% of all newborns had low Apgar score at five minutes. It had been found that those neonates who were born when skin incision to delivery time is greater than three minutes were about fourfolds more likely to have low Apgar score than those who were born when skin incision to delivery time is less than three minutes (AOR 3.645) (95% CI (0.116-26.421)). Conclusion. Newborn babies have a low Apgar score at one minute as compared to five minutes. But low Apgar score at five minutes has long-term sequel. Therefore, it is very important to reduce factors associated with low Apgar score at both minutes.
The Influence of Coupled Thermomechanical Processes on the Pressure and Temperature due to Cold Water Injection into Multiple Fracture Zones in Deep Rock Formation
Authors: Figueiredo Bruno , Tsang Chin-Fu , Niemi Auli
Published: January 2020

A technique to produce geothermal energy from deep rock formations at elevated temperatures consists of drilling two parallel deep boreholes, the second of which is directed so as to intersect a series of fractures produced by hydraulic fracturing in the first borehole. Then, the first borehole is used for injection of cold water and the second used to produce water that has been heated by the deep rock formation. Some very useful analytical solutions have been applied for a quick estimate of the water outlet temperature and injection/production pressures in this enhanced geothermal system (EGS), but they do not take into account the influence of thermomechanical and hydromechanical effects on the time evolutions of the pressure and temperature. This paper provided help for the engineering design of the EGS based on these analytical solutions, by evaluating the separate influences of the thermal (T), hydromechanical (HM), thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) effects on the fluid pore pressure and temperature. A thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) model was developed to simulate the heat extraction from multiple preexisting fracture zones in the hot rock formation, by considering permeability changes due to the injection pressure as a function of changes in the mean effective stress. It was found that the thermal effects (without coupling with mechanical effects) led to a decrease of the transmissivity of the fracture zones and a consequent increase in the injection pressure, by a maximum factor of 2. When the temperature is constant, the influence of the hydromechanical effects on the fluid pore pressure was found to be negligible, because in such scenario, the variation of the mean effective stress was 3 MPa, which was associated with a maximum increase in the initial permeability of the fracture zone only by a factor of 1.2. Thermo-hydro-mechanical effects led to a maximum increase in the permeability of the fracture zones of approximately 10 times the initial value, which was associated with a decrease in the fluid pore pressure by a maximum factor of 1.25 and 2, when hydrological and thermohydrological effects were considered, respectively. Changes in temperature were found not to be affected significantly by the thermomechanical and hydromechanical effects, but by the flow rate in the fracture zones. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to study the influence of the number, the initial permeability, the elastic modulus and the residual porosity of the fracture zones, and the elastic modulus of the confining intact rock, on the simulation results. The results were found to be the most sensitive to the number and the initial permeability of the fracture zones.
Metastatic Thyroid Cancer Presenting as Renal Cortical Mass
Authors: Hasan Osamah , Houlihan Matthew , Kohler Tobias S. , Hollowell Courtney M. P.
Published: January 2020

The authors present a rare case of primary diagnosis of metastatic, differentiated thyroid cancer presenting as a solitary, large renal mass. Renal cortical masses which represent metastatic primary malignancies are often small, multifocal, and in the setting of active malignancy. Surgical excision of this patient’s renal mass demonstrated the unexpected diagnosis and subsequent endocrine surgical intervention.
pVACtools: A Computational Toolkit to Identify and Visualize Cancer Neoantigens
Authors: Hundal Jasreet , Kiwala Susanna , McMichael Joshua , Miller Christopher A. , Xia Huiming , Wollam Alexander T. , Liu Connor J. , Zhao Sidi , Feng Yang-Yang , Graubert Aaron P. , Wollam Amber Z. , Neichin Jonas , Neveau Megan , Walker Jason , Gillanders William E. , Mardis Elaine R. , Griffith Obi L. , Griffith Malachi
Published: January 2020

Identification of neoantigens is a critical step in predicting response to checkpoint blockade therapy and design of personalized cancer vaccines. This is a cross-disciplinary challenge, involving genomics, proteomics, immunology, and computational approaches. We have built a computational framework called pVACtools that, when paired with a well-established genomics pipeline, produces an end-to-end solution for neoantigen characterization. pVACtools supports identification of altered peptides from different mechanisms, including point mutations, in-frame and frameshift insertions and deletions, and gene fusions. Prediction of peptide:MHC binding is accomplished by supporting an ensemble of MHC Class I and II binding algorithms within a framework designed to facilitate the incorporation of additional algorithms. Prioritization of predicted peptides occurs by integrating diverse data, including mutant allele expression, peptide binding affinities, and determination whether a mutation is clonal or subclonal. Interactive visualization via a Web interface allows clinical users to efficiently generate, review, and interpret results, selecting candidate peptides for individual patient vaccine designs. Additional modules support design choices needed for competing vaccine delivery approaches. One such module optimizes peptide ordering to minimize junctional epitopes in DNA vector vaccines. Downstream analysis commands for synthetic long peptide vaccines are available to assess candidates for factors that influence peptide synthesis. All of the aforementioned steps are executed via a modular workflow consisting of tools for neoantigen prediction from somatic alterations (pVACseq and pVACfuse), prioritization, and selection using a graphical Web-based interface (pVACviz), and design of DNA vector–based vaccines (pVACvector) and synthetic long peptide vaccines. pVACtools is available at http://www.pvactools.org.
Long-Distance Skiing and Incidence of Hypertension
Authors: Andersen Kasper , Hållmarker Ulf , James Stefan , Sundström Johan
Published: January 2020

Background:

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for death worldwide, and high levels of physical activity are associated with a lower incidence of hypertension. The associations of excessive levels of exercise and incidence of hypertension are less well known. We aim to compare the incidence of hypertension among 206 889 participants in a long-distance cross-country skiing event and 505 542 people randomly sampled from the general population (matched to the skiers on age, sex, and place of residence).

Methods:

Skiers’ best performance (in percent of winning time) and number of completed races during the study period were associated with incidence of hypertension after participation in Vasaloppet. Hypertension was defined as prescription of blood pressure–lowering drugs as obtained from the national drug registry. Models were adjusted for sex, age, education, and income (total effect).

Results:

During a median time of risk of 8.3 years, skiers had a lower incidence of hypertension compared with nonskiers (hazard ratio [HR], 0.59 [95% CI, 0.58–0.60]). Among the skiers, better performance (in percent of winning time) in Vasaloppet was strongly associated with a lower incidence of hypertension (fastest fifth: HR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.39-0.42]; slowest fifth: HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.75–0.81]). The association was nearly linear and did not differ between sexes. Among the skiers, a weaker association was seen between the number of completed races during the study period and the incidence of hypertension (1 race: HR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.62–0.65]; >5 races: HR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.50–0.53]). A subanalysis of 10 804 participants including adjustment for lifestyle factors showed similar results.

Conclusions:

Participation in a long-distance skiing event was associated with a 41% lower incidence of hypertension over the next 8 years compared with nonparticipation. A near linear association between performance and incidence of hypertension was observed. This adds to the list of beneficial effects of intensive training, because hypertension is the leading risk factor of premature death globally.
Incidence, Trends, and Outcomes of Type 2 Myocardial Infarction in a Community Cohort
Authors: Raphael Claire E. , Roger Véronique L. , Sandoval Yader , Singh Mandeep , Bell Malcolm , Lerman Amir , Rihal Charanjit S. , Gersh Bernard J. , Lewis Bradley , Lennon Ryan J. , Jaffe Allan S. , Gulati Rajiv
Published: January 2020

Background:

Type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) occurs because of an acute imbalance in myocardial oxygen supply and demand in the absence of atherothrombosis. Despite being frequently encountered in clinical practice, the population-based incidence and trends remain unknown, and the long-term outcomes are incompletely characterized.

Methods:

We prospectively recruited residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, who experienced an event associated with a cardiac troponin T >99th percentile of a normal reference population (≥0.01 ng/mL) between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2012. Events were retrospectively classified into type 1 myocardial infarction (T1MI, atherothombotic event), T2MI, or myocardial injury (troponin rise not meeting criteria for myocardial infarction [MI]) using the universal definition. Outcomes were long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and recurrent MI. T2MI was further subclassified by the inciting event for supply/demand mismatch.

Results:

A total of 5460 patients had at least one cardiac troponin T ≥0.01 ng/mL; 1365 of these patients were classified as index T1MI (age, 68.5±14.8 years; 63% male) and 1054 were classified as T2MI (age, 73.7±15.8 years; 46% male). The annual incidence of T1MI decreased markedly from 202 to 84 per 100 000 persons between 2003 and 2012 (
P
<0.001), whereas the incidence of T2MI declined from 130 to 78 per 100 000 persons (
P
=0.02). In comparison with patients with T1MI, patients with T2MI had higher long-term all-cause mortality after adjustment for age and sex, driven by early and noncardiovascular death. Rates of cardiovascular death were similar after either type of MI (hazard ratio, 0.8 [95% CI, 0.7–1.0],
P
=0.11). Subclassification of T2MI by cause demonstrated a more favorable prognosis when the principal provoking mechanism was arrhythmia, in comparison with postoperative status, hypotension, anemia, and hypoxia. After index T2MI, the most common MI during follow-up was a recurrent T2MI, whereas the occurrence of a new T1MI was relatively rare (estimated rates at 5 years, 9.7% and 1.7%).

Conclusions:

There has been an evolution in the type of MI occurring in the community over a decade, with the incidence of T2MI now being similar to T1MI. Mortality after T2MI is higher and driven by early and noncardiovascular death. The provoking mechanism of supply/demand mismatch affects long-term survival. These findings underscore the healthcare burden of T2MI and provide benchmarks for clinical trial design.
Counterterrorism and Preventive Repression: China's Changing Strategy in Xinjiang
Authors: Greitens Sheena Chestnut , Lee Myunghee , Yazici Emir
Published: January 2020

In 2017–18, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) changed its domestic security strategy in Xinjiang, escalating the use of mass detention, ideological re-education, and pressure on Uyghur diaspora networks. Commonly proposed explanations for this shift focus on domestic factors: ethnic unrest, minority policy, and regional leadership. The CCP's strategy changes in Xinjiang, however, were also likely catalyzed by changing perceptions of the threat posed by Uyghur contact with transnational Islamic militant groups in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, and a corresponding increase in perceived domestic vulnerability. This threat shifted from theoretical risk to operational reality in 2014–16, and occurred alongside a revised assessment that China's Muslim population was more vulnerable to infiltration by jihadist networks than previously believed. Belief in the need to preventively inoculate an entire population from “infection” by these networks explains the timing of the change in repressive strategy, shift toward collective detention, heavy use of re-education, and attention paid to the Uyghur diaspora. It therefore helps explain specific aspects of the timing and nature of the CCP's strategy changes in Xinjiang. These findings have implications for the study of the connections between counterterrorism and domestic repression, as well as for authoritarian preventive repression and Chinese security policy at home and abroad.
Molecular Docking Studies of Enzyme Binding Drugs on Family of Cytochrome P450
Authors: Yadav Rolly , Pandey Anwesh , Awasthi Nidhi , Shukla Anamika
Published: January 2020

The combination of experimental and computational strategies has been of great value in the identification and development of metabolism of drugs. Nowadays modern drug design, molecular docking methods are helpful in exploring the ligand conformations adopted within the binding sites
of macro-molecular targets such as DNA, proteins, and enzymes, there by reducing cost, time and wayward efforts of chemist. Since the development of the algorithms in the 1980s, molecular docking became an important tool in drug discovery like investigation of crucial molecular events, including
ligand binding modes and the corresponding intermolecular interactions that stabilize the ligand-receptor complex, can be conveniently performed. In present study we have tried to investigate the drug binding pocket of various cytochrome (CYP) enzymes found in humans. All structures of drugs
are optimized at B3LYP/6-31** level of theory using Gaussian program suite. Docking of substrate-enzyme duo was done using AUTODOCK 4.0. Computational docking revealed that almost all drugs have same binding pocket with varied binding affinities due to change in interactions and interacting
distance from heme prosthetic moiety with transition metal iron as chelating ion.
Facile solvothermal synthesis of Fe3O4/magnetic grapefruit peel for adsorptive removal of congo red, humic acid and phosphate from aqueous solutions
Authors: Inkoua Stelgen , Maloko Herman Loussala , Koko Mave Motandi , Yan Liangguo
Published: January 2020

An environment-friendly and economical magnetic composite, namely Fe3O4/GP, was produced from grapefruit peel (GP) and ferric chloride via the solvothermal method in one easy step, and was used to remove Congo red (CR), humic acid (HA), and phosphate (P) from aqueous
solutions. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) procedures and specific surface area and zeta potential determination were applied to describe the structure of Fe3O4/GP composite. The results shown
the Fe3O4 particles, which fabricated during the solvothermal reaction, were distributed evenly on the surface of GP. Then Fe3O4/GP composite also presented a high level of magnetism, and thus could be separated quickly from suspension by an external
magnet. The adsorption efficiencies of Fe3O4/GP for CR, HA, and P were 92.88%, 47.45%, and 99.02%, which were found uninfluenced by the initial solution pH and attained the equilibrium state within 10 min. The kinetic and isothermal tests were performed and the data were
consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and the Freundlich model.
A Meta-Analysis on the Relationship Between Prayer and Student Outcomes
Authors: Jeynes William
Published: January 2020

A meta-analysis, including 13 studies, was undertaken on the relationship between the exercise of student prayer and academic and behavioral outcomes in urban schools. Analyses both with and without sophisticated controls (e.g., socioeconomic status, race, and gender) were used. Additional analyses were done to determine whether the effects of prayer differed by the quality of the study. The results indicated that the exercise of prayer is associated with better levels of student outcomes. Moreover, the effects of prayer were greater for high-quality studies. The significance of these results is discussed.
Steady-state modelling and performance of a rotary direct drive digital valve
Authors: Li Yuesong
Published: January 2020

A rotary direct drive digital valve driven by a stepper motor was proposed. By analysing its working principle, the steady-state mathematical model reflecting the relationship between the pressure, the flow and the angular displacement was deduced. Based on this mathematical model, the models of the null valve coefficients, the zero leakage flow and the steady-state flow torque were given. The simulation shows that the relationship between the pressure and the flow of the rotary valve is nonlinear; however, under a constant load pressure, the flow characteristics and the steady-state flow torque characteristics of the rotary valve with rectangular throttle orifices are linear. The experimental results show that the flow is directly proportional to the steps of the stepper motor, and the proposed mathematical models are valid.
Decision-making of online channels under three power structures
Authors: Jia Xingxing
Published: January 2020

In recent years, e-commerce has developed rapidly. Many manufacturers are beginning to integrate with the Internet and regard online platforms, such as online marketplaces and self-owned online malls, as important sale channels for their products. Considering the difference of shopping experience between the two online channels, this paper models price and service competition between the two channels. This paper discusses the decisions of supply chain participants with three power structures, that is, the manufacturer Stackelberg game, the online marketplace firm Stackelberg game, and the Nash game. The results show that the channel service level and the consumer sensitivity to channel service positively affect the channel price and demand. We characterize a threshold for the wholesale price. When the wholesale price is below the threshold, the channel prices are lowest in the Nash game, and when the wholesale price is greater than the threshold, the channel prices are lowest when the manufacture acts as the leader. Differentiated services can improve the supply chain participants’ profits and the system’s profit compared with the same service. More interestingly, this paper finds that the online marketplace firm should pay attention to improving its service level, while the manufacturer should pay attention to other work differently, such as focusing on generating promotional value and shaping corporate brand image by the self-owned online mall channel.
Association Between Informal Employment and Health Status and the Role of the Working Conditions in Spain
Authors: Montero-Moraga Jose M. , Benavides Fernando G. , Lopez-Ruiz Maria
Published: January 2020

Informal employment is an employment condition in which workers are not protected by labor regulations. It has been associated with poor health status in middle- and low-income countries, but it is still a neglected issue in high-income countries. Our aim was to estimate the association between health status and employment profiles in Spain, attending to the role of workplace risk factors. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 8,060 workers from the Seventh Spanish Working Conditions Survey (2011). We defined 4 employment profiles and estimated the associations between them and poor self-perceived health using Poisson regression models. All analyses were stratified by sex. The prevalence of the informal profile was 4% for women and 1.5% for men. Differences in self-perceived health status among employment profiles were negligible. Only women engaged in informal employment had poorer self-perceived health than those in the reference profile. This difference disappeared after adjusting models for psychosocial risk factors. In conclusion, we did not find differences in self-perceived health status between employment profiles, except for women in informal employment. Efforts should be made to improve the psychosocial risk factors in women in informal employment.
Analysis of Facial Expressions Made While Watching a Video Eliciting Compassion
Authors: Kanovský Martin , Baránková Martina , Halamová Júlia , Strnádelová Bronislava , Koróniová Jana
Published: January 2020

The aim of the study was to describe the spontaneous facial expressions elicited by viewers of a compassionate video in terms of the respondents’ muscular activity of single facial action units (AUs). We recruited a convenience sample of 111 undergraduate psychology students, aged 18-25 years ( M = 20.53; SD = 1.62) to watch (at home alone) a short video stimulus eliciting compassion, and we recorded the respondents’ faces using webcams. We used both a manual analysis, based on the Facial Action Coding System, and an automatic analysis of the holistic recognition of facial expressions as obtained through EmotionID software. Manual facial analysis revealed that, during the compassionate moment of the video stimulus, AUs 1 =  inner-brow raiser, 4 =  brow lowerer, 7 =  lids tight, 17 =  chin raiser, 24 =  lip presser, and 55 =  head tilt left occurred more often than other AUs. These same AUs also occurred more often during the compassionate moment than during the baseline recording. Consistent with these findings, automatic facial analysis during the compassionate moment showed that anger occurred more often than other emotions; during the baseline moment, contempt occurred less often than other emotions. Further research is necessary to fully describe the facial expression of compassion.
Global mobility in music higher education: Reflections on how intercultural music-making can enhance students’ musical practices and identities
Authors: Bartleet Brydie-Leigh , Grant Catherine , Mani Charulatha , Tomlinson Vanessa
Published: January 2020

Music higher education institutions are increasingly recognising the educational value of intercultural learning experiences. Delivering such learning experiences in a way that provides music students with a rich cultural and musical learning experience, rather than a superficial one, can be a challenging task, particularly in the case of short-term ‘mobility’ or ‘study-abroad’ programmes. This article explores ways to address this challenge by reflecting on student learnings from a suite of international study experiences, or ‘global mobility programmes’, at one Australian tertiary music institution, run in collaboration with community partners, universities and nongovernmental organisations in the Asia Pacific. Focusing on how intercultural music-making in the context can enhance students’ musical practices and identities, we first outline the sociocultural contexts of our music global mobility programmes in Cambodia, China and India, and explore the different modes of music-making these experiences afforded. We then draw on Coessens’ ‘web of artistic practice’ to explore site-specific examples of the ways in which global mobility programmes can enhance students’ musical practices and identities. These findings hold particular relevance for music educators and higher education institutions in justifying, designing and carrying out such intercultural experiences to maximise student learning and success.
Susceptibility to capillary plugging can predict brain region specific vessel loss with aging
Authors: Schager Ben , Brown Craig E
Published: January 2020

Vessel loss in the aging brain is commonly reported, yet important questions remain concerning whether there are regional vulnerabilities and what mechanisms could account for these regional differences, if they exist. Here we imaged and quantified vessel length, tortuosity and width in 15 brain regions in young adult and aged mice. Our data indicate that vessel loss was most pronounced in white matter followed by cortical, then subcortical grey matter regions, while some regions (visual cortex, amygdala, thalamus) showed no decline with aging. Regions supplied by the anterior cerebral artery were more vulnerable to loss than those supplied by middle or posterior cerebral arteries. Vessel width and tortuosity generally increased with age but neither reliably predicted regional vessel loss. Since capillaries are naturally prone to plugging and prolonged obstructions often lead to vessel pruning, we hypothesized that regional susceptibilities to plugging could help predict vessel loss. By mapping the distribution of microsphere-induced capillary obstructions, we discovered that regions with a higher density of persistent obstructions were more likely to show vessel loss with aging and vice versa. These findings indicate that age-related vessel loss is region specific and can be explained, at least partially, by regional susceptibilities to capillary plugging.
Differential diagnosis of central lymphoma and high-grade glioma: dynamic contrast-enhanced histogram
Authors: Zhang Han-wen , Lyu Gui-wen , He Wen-jie , Lei Yi , Lin Fan , Feng Yu-ning , Wang Meng-zhu
Published: January 2020

Background

In clinical diagnosis, some central nervous system lymphomas (CNSL) are difficult to distinguish from high-grade gliomas (HGG).

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the histogram analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the identification of CNSL and HGG.

Material and Methods

In all, 43 patients diagnosed with HGG (n = 28) and CNSL (n = 15) by histopathology underwent DCE-MRI scanning. Differences in histogram parameters based on DCE-MRI between HGG and CNSL were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U test. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. Short-term follow-up of patients was performed using Kaplan–Meier analysis to explore the survival rates of HGG and CNSL.

Results

For the ROC curve analysis, we demonstrate that the 10th percentile of Ktrans (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.912, sensitivity = 86.7%, specificity = 92.9%), Kep (AUC = 0.940, sensitivity = 93.3%, specificity = 79.6%), Ve (AUC = 0.907, sensitivity = 86.7%, specificity = 89.3%), and AUC (AUC = 0.904, sensitivity = 86.7%, specificity = 92.9%) were significantly different between the CNSL and HGG groups ( P < 0.001), with high diagnostic efficiency. Table 2 shows that the histogram features based on AUC maps (10th, 25th, median, 75th, 90th, and mean) were always significantly higher in the CNSL group than in the HGG group ( P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in Vp or in the 75th, 90th and mean of Ktrans, Kep, and Ve between the CNSL and HGG groups ( P > 0.05).

Conclusion

A histogram analysis of DCE-MRI identified significant differences between HGG and CNSL, and this will help in the clinical differential diagnosis of these conditions.