bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cohort profile: the Jundiaí Zika cohort (JZC), a pregnancy and birth cohort in São Paulo state, Brazil
Authors: Sanchez Clemente Nuria , Rodrigues Manoela , Pascalicchio Ana Paula , Gazeta Rosa Estela , Vedovello Danila , Brickley Elizabeth B , De Almeida Marcia F , Passos Saulo D
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The Jundiaí Zika Cohort (JZC) is a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort setup in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, to investigate the epidemic of cases of microcephaly and other neurological disorders, presumed to be associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) infection.

Participants

A total of 748 women with high-risk pregnancies were recruited in the period of March 2016 to August 2017.

Findings to date

Baseline sociodemographic and medical data were collected at recruitment from 737 pregnant women. Biological samples (ie, blood, saliva and urine) were collected from 695 of the pregnant women (94.3%), of whom 53 (7.6%) were ZIKV-positive on subsequent testing by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in urine. Biological sample (ie, blood, saliva, urine and cerebrospinal fluid) were collected within 10 days of birth from 409 (57.4%) of the liveborn infants, of whom 19 (4.6%) were ZIKV-positive on subsequent testing by RT-PCR in urine. All remaining biological specimens, as well as colostrum, umbilical cord and placental samples, have been stored in a secure biorepository. Antenatal and postnatal imaging studies and neonatal anthropometry were carried out.

Future plans

The JZC provides a unique data set which will continue to be explored to study the effects of pregnancy comorbidities on Zika virus infection during pregnancy, the long-term outcomes of children with congenital Zika infection and how physiotherapy and group interventions can improve outcomes for congenitally-infected children. All women in the cohort have reached the end of their pregnancy and currently the oldest children are 2 years old. The study will continue until all the children reach their third birthday (April 2021).
Insight into hepatitis B prevalence and risk factors among Vietnamese Americans: a cross-sectional analysis of data from a community-based screening program
Authors: Lee Alice W , Jacobs Wura , Chan Elena , Nguyen Becky , Hua Dung N , Ho John N , Yuen Priscilla , Van Nguyen Thai
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The aims of our study were to describe current hepatitis B prevalence among Vietnamese Americans and to examine predictors of hepatitis B risk in this specific ethnic community.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of data from a community-based screening program.

Setting

This analysis was based on hepatitis screening community events in Southern California.

Participants

2508 Vietnamese Americans in Southern California.

Outcome measures

Serological tests for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibody, and total hepatitis B core antibody were used to classify participants as one of four hepatitis B infection statuses: currently infected, previously infected, susceptible, or immune due to a previous hepatitis B vaccination.

Results

Across 2508 participants, 9.0% were currently infected with hepatitis B and 17.7% were at risk for hepatitis B. Females and those reporting a previous hepatitis B vaccination were at significant decreased risk of hepatitis B (OR=0.48, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.69 and OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.93, respectively) whereas those born outside of the USA and with a family history of the disease showed substantial increased risk (OR=13.36, 95% CI 1.62 to 110.05 and OR=4.68, 95% CI 2.66 to 8.22, respectively). Among those who reported a previous hepatitis B vaccination, less than half (42.9%) possessed the protective antibodies that result from a hepatitis B vaccination.

Conclusions

Vietnamese Americans remain disproportionately burdened by hepatitis B. Public health efforts that focus on improving hepatitis B awareness and vaccination knowledge and that are tailored to specific high-risk subgroups, such as immigrants and those with infected family members, could help in addressing the disease’s burden in this high-prevalence population.
U-Flourish university students well-being and academic success longitudinal study: a study protocol
Authors: Goodday Sarah Margaret , Rivera Daniel , Foran Hannah , King Nathan , Milanovic Melissa , Keown-Stoneman Charles DG , Horrocks Julie , Tetzlaff Elizabeth , Bowie Christopher R , Pickett William , Harkness Kate , Saunders Kate E , Cunningham Simone , McNevin Steven , Duffy Anne
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Over 30% of Canadians between the ages of 16 and 24 years attend university. This period of life coincides with the onset of common mental illnesses. Yet, data to inform university-based mental health prevention and early intervention initiatives are limited. The U-Flourish longitudinal study based out of Queen’s University, Canada and involving Oxford University in the UK, is a student informed study funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Research Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (CIHR-SPOR). The primary goal of U-Flourish research is to examine the contribution of risk and resiliency factors to outcomes of well-being and academic success in first year students transitioning to university.

Methods and analysis

The study is a longitudinal survey of all first-year undergraduate students entering Queen’s University in the fall term of 2018 (and will launch at Oxford University in fall of 2019). In accordance with the CIHR-SPOR definitions, students represent the target population (ie, patient equivalent). Student peer health educators were recruited to inform the design, content and implementation of the study. Baseline surveys of Queen’s first year students were completed in the fall of 2018, and follow-up surveys at the end of first year in the spring of 2019. Extensive student-led engagement campaigns were used to maximise participation rates. The baseline survey included measures of personal factors, family factors, environmental factors, psychological and emotional health, and lifestyle factors. Main outcomes include self-reported indicators of mental health at follow-up and mental health service access, as well as objective measures of academic success through linkage to university administrative and academic databases. A combination of mixed effects regression techniques will be employed to determine associations between baseline predictive factors and mental health and academic outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained by the Health Sciences and Affiliated Teaching Hospitals Research Ethics Board (HSREB) (#6023126) at Queen’s University. Findings will be disseminated through international and national peer-reviewed scientific articles and other channels including student-driven support and advocacy groups, newsletters and social media.
Settings and monitoring of mechanical ventilation during physical therapy in adult critically ill patients: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: González-Seguel Felipe , Camus-Molina Agustín , Jasmén Sepúlveda Anita , Pérez Araos Rodrigo , Molina Blamey Jorge , Graf Santos Jerónimo
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Early mobilisation has been extensively advocated to improve functional outcomes in critically ill patients, even though consistent evidence of its benefits has remained elusive. These conflicting results could be explained by a lack of knowledge on the optimal dosage of physical therapy and a mismatch between ventilatory support and exercise-induced patient ventilatory demand. Modern mechanical ventilators provide real-time monitoring of respiratory/metabolic variables and ventilatory setting that could be used for physical therapy dosage or ventilatory support titration, allowing individualised interventions in these patients. The aim of this review is to comprehensively map and summarise current knowledge on adjustments of respiratory support and respiratory or metabolic monitoring during physical therapy in adult critically ill mechanically ventilated patients.

Methods and analysis

This is a scoping review protocol based on the methodology of the Joanna-Briggs-Institute. The search strategy will be conducted from inception to 30 June 2019 as a cut-off date in PubMed, CINAHL, Rehabilitation & Sport Medicine, Scielo Citation Index, Epistemónikos, Clinical Trials, PEDro and Cochrane Library, performed by a biomedical librarian and two critical care physiotherapists. All types of articles will be selected, including conference abstracts, clinical practice guidelines and expert recommendations. Bibliometric variables, patient characteristics, physical therapy interventions, ventilator settings and respiratory or metabolic monitoring will be extracted. The identified literature will be analysed by four critical care physiotherapists and reviewed by a senior critical care physician.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required. The knowledge-translation of the results will be carried out based on the End-of-Grant strategies: diffusion, dissemination and application. The results will be published in a peer-review journal, presentations will be disseminated in relevant congresses, and recommendations based on the results will be developed through training for mechanical ventilation and physical therapy stakeholders.
The REDS score: a new scoring system to risk-stratify emergency department suspected sepsis: a derivation and validation study
Authors: Sivayoham Narani , Blake Lesley A , Tharimoopantavida Shafi E , Chughtai Saad , Hussain Adil N , Cecconi Maurizio , Rhodes Andrew
Published: August 2019

Objective

To derive and validate a new clinical prediction rule to risk-stratify emergency department (ED) patients admitted with suspected sepsis.

Design

Retrospective prognostic study of prospectively collected data.

Setting

ED.

Participants

Patients aged ≥18 years who met two Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome criteria or one Red Flag sepsis criteria on arrival, received intravenous antibiotics for a suspected infection and admitted.

Primary outcome measure

In-hospital all-cause mortality.

Method

The data were divided into derivation and validation cohorts. The simplified-Mortality in Severe Sepsis in the ED score and quick-SOFA scores, refractory hypotension and lactate were collectively termed ‘component scores’ and cumulatively termed the ‘Risk-stratification of ED suspected Sepsis (REDS) score’. Each patient in the derivation cohort received a score (0–3) for each component score. The REDS score ranged from 0 to 12. The component scores were subject to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for the REDS and the components scores were constructed and their cut-off points identified. Scores above the cut-off points were deemed high-risk. The area under the ROC (AUROC) curves and sensitivity for mortality of the high-risk category of the REDS score and component scores were compared. The REDS score was internally validated.

Results

2115 patients of whom 282 (13.3%) died in hospital. Derivation cohort: 1078 patients with 140 deaths (13%). The AUROC curve with 95% CI, cut-off point and sensitivity for mortality (95% CI) of the high-risk category of the REDS score were: derivation: 0.78 (0.75 to 0.80); ≥3; 85.0 (78 to 90.5). Validation: 0.74 (0.71 to 0.76); ≥3; 84.5 (77.5 to 90.0). The AUROC curve and the sensitivity for mortality of the REDS score was better than that of the component scores. Specificity and mortality rates for REDS scores of ≥3, ≥5 and ≥7 were 54.8%, 88.8% and 96.9% and 21.8%, 36.0% and 49.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

The REDS score is a simple and objective score to risk-stratify ED patients with suspected sepsis.
Faecal haemoglobin concentration among subjects with negative FIT results is associated with the detection rate of neoplasia at subsequent rounds: a prospective study in the context of population based screening programmes in Italy
Authors: Senore Carlo , Zappa Marco , Campari Cinzia , Crotta Sergio , Armaroli Paola , Arrigoni Arrigo , Cassoni Paola , Colla Rossana , Fracchia Mario , Gili Fabrizio , Grazzini Grazia , Lolli Roberto , Menozzi Patrizia , Orione Lorenzo , Polizzi Salvatore , Rapi Stefano , Riggi Emilia , Rubeca Tiziana , Sassatelli Romano , Visioli Carmen , Segnan Nereo
Published: August 2019

Objective

To estimate the predictive role of faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) concentration among subjects with faecal immunochemical test (FIT) results below the positivity cut-off for the subsequent risk of advanced neoplasia (AN: colorectal cancer—CRC—or advanced adenoma).

Design

Prospective cohort of subjects aged 50–69 years, undergoing their first FIT between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2010 in four population-based programmes in Italy.

Methods

All programmes adopted the same analytical procedure (OC Sensor, Eiken Japan), performed every 2 years, on a single sample, with the same positivity cut-off (20 µg Hb/g faeces). We assessed the AN risk at subsequent exams, the cumulative AN detection rate (DR) over the 4-year period following the second FIT and the interval CRC (IC) risk following two negative FITs by cumulative amount of f-Hb concentration over two consecutive negative FITs, using multivariable logistic regression models and the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

The cumulative probability of a positive FIT result over the subsequent two rounds ranged between 7.8% (95% CI 7.5 to 8.2) for subjects with undetectable f-Hb at the initial two tests (50% of the screenees) and 48.4% (95% CI 44.0 to 53.0) among those (0.7% of the screenees) with a cumulative f-Hb concentration ≥20 µg/g faeces. The corresponding figures for cumulative DR were: 1.4% (95% CI 1.3 to 1.6) and 25.5% (95% CI 21.4 to 30.2) for AN; 0.17% (95% CI 0.12 to 0.23) and 4.5% (95% CI 2.8 to 7.1) for CRC. IC risk was also associated with cumulative f-Hb levels.

Conclusion

The association of cumulative f-Hb concentration with subsequent AN and IC risk may allow to design tailored strategies to optimise the utilisation of endoscopy resources: subjects with cumulative f-Hb concentration ≥20 µg/g faeces over two negative tests could be referred immediately for total colonoscopy (TC), while screening interval might be extended for those with undetectable f-Hb.
Analytical solutions for unsteady forced convection pulsating flow in a microchannel in the presence of EDL effects
Authors: Xu Hang
Published: August 2019

A forced convection flow driven in a microchannel by an applied pressure gradient that fluctuates with small amplitude harmonically in time in the presence of electrical double layer effects is investigated. An analytical expression for the electrostatic potential is obtained via Poisson’s equation. Based on this solution, we further obtain analytical solutions for velocity and temperature for both the cases Pr ≠ 1 and Pr = 1. Results show that they match each other as Pr → 1− and Pr → 1+. The explicit expression of the transient Nusselt number is derived. We notice that the Debye–Hückel parameter γ and the angular velocity Ω are key factors for flow behaviours. Our proposed study adds some new insights by including the time-dependent pressure term that is usually overlooked in previous works. It is expected that this work could help to understand the transportal mechanisms of forced convection flow in microfluidic equipment and instruments.
The expression of LjROP4 is required for rhizobial infection in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Ke Danxia , Peng Kunpeng
Published: August 2019

Increasing evidence suggests that Rho of plant (ROP) GTPases play important roles in the rhizobium–legume symbiotic nodulation, but the molecular mechanisms of their regulation in symbiosis remain poorly understood. In this study, we showed that ROP4 in Lotus japonicus (LjROP4) is involved in the symbiotic interaction between L. japonicus and Mesorhizobium loti. Tissue expression analysis showed that LjROP4 expressed highly in the root. Histochemical staining analysis showed that after rhizobia inoculation, GUS reporter activity increased in the root vascular bundle, root tip, and lateral root primordia. During nodule development, GUS activity was detected in the cortex of nodule primordia and young nodules. In the mature nodules, GUS activity was detected only in the vascular bundle. Compared with the control, the overexpression of ROP4 and ROP4-CA produced much more pronounced root hair swelling and curling induced by M. loti. The infection event and nodule number noticeably increased, which was consistent with this promotion of root hair deformation. Moreover, RNA interference of LjROP4 produced opposite phenotypes. These data suggest that LjROP4 is required for root hair deformation during rhizobial infection. Thus, our study provides important information about root hair deformation responses induced by nod factors in the early stages of symbiotic interaction.
Whether dark energy can contribute to the treatment and healing of diseases
Authors: Singh Koijam Manihar , Singh Kangujam Priyokumar
Published: August 2019

In studying a five-dimensional universe entangled with Brans–Dicke (BD) field, it is amazingly found that a portion of the dark energy contained in this universe may contribute to the treatment and healing of different diseases and illnesses in human beings. But in such activities, the dark energy, in some cases, might have been transformed into other forms of energy. The reaction between the dark energy and the different kinds of matter contained in this universe is found to possibly have some power to rejuvenate many forms of lives in this cosmos.
Role of dust in the microwave emission of galactic halos
Authors: Amekhyan A. , Sargsyan S. , Stepanian A.
Published: August 2019

The contribution of the thermal dust component in galactic halo rotation is explored based on the microwave data of Planck satellite. The temperature asymmetry of Doppler nature revealed for several edge-on galaxies at several microwave frequencies is analyzed regarding the contribution of the thermal dust emission. We derive the dust contribution to the galactic halo rotation using the data in three bands, 353, 545, and 857 GHz for two nearby galaxies M81 and M82. The relevance of the revealed properties on the halo rotation is then discussed in the context of the modified gravity theories proposed to describe the dark matter configurations.
Tsallis holographic dark energy in Bianchi type-III spacetime with scalar fields
Authors: Korunur Murat
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we study one of the new dark energy models named Tsallis holographic dark energy (THDE) model considering the Bianchi type-III spacetime model. Considering deceleration parameter, transition from deceleration to acceleration phase happens at [Formula: see text]. The equation of state (EoS) parameter has been found using the Granda–Oliveros (GO) scale. It is found that for [Formula: see text] values, EoS parameter behaves like the quintessence era; for [Formula: see text], EoS parameter behaves like the phantom dark energy and approaches [Formula: see text]CDM model at late-time cosmic acceleration phase. Also, we reconstructed a correspondence between THDE model and some well-known scalar fields, such as tachyon, quintessence and [Formula: see text]-essence. In addition, we evaluated equation of state parameter, kinetic energy and scalar potential versus time.
Difference in the dynamics of logistic maps
Authors: Song Tianshu , Xia Hui
Published: August 2019

We investigate the evolution of the difference in the conventional logistic map and observed complicated but interesting dynamics. Our results show that the bifurcation, the attractor and the asymptotic measure depend on initial values. The reverse bifurcation, the multiple bifurcation and other bifurcation properties obtained here are different from those of the original logistic map. Furthermore, we find that attractors form a structure which looks like a jigsaw puzzle, and the corresponding distributions related to the Feigenbaum constant are also analyzed.
The Influence of Dirichlet Boundary Conditions on the Dynamics for a Diffusive Predator–Prey System
Authors: Jiang Jun , Wang Jinfeng , Song Yingwei
Published: August 2019

A reaction–diffusion predator–prey system with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions describes the lethal risk of predator and prey species on the boundary. The spatial pattern formations with the homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions are characterized by the Turing type linear instability of homogeneous state and bifurcation theory. Compared with homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions, we see that the homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions may depress the spatial patterns produced through the diffusion-induced instability. In addition, the existence of semi-trivial steady states and the global stability of the trivial steady state are characterized by the comparison technique.
Multiscroll Hyperchaotic System with Hidden Attractors and Its Circuit Implementation
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Chunhua
Published: August 2019

Based on the study on Jerk chaotic system, a multiscroll hyperchaotic system with hidden attractors is proposed in this paper, which has infinite number of equilibriums. The chaotic system can generate [Formula: see text] scroll hyperchaotic hidden attractors. The dynamic characteristics of the multiscroll hyperchaotic system with hidden attractors are analyzed by means of dynamic analysis methods such as Lyapunov exponents and bifurcation diagram. In addition, we have studied the synchronization of the system by applying an adaptive control method. The hardware experiment of the proposed multiscroll hyperchaotic system with hidden attractors is carried out using discrete components. The hardware experimental results are consistent with the numerical simulation results of MATLAB and the theoretical analysis results.
Control of Multistability in a Self-Excited Memristive Hyperchaotic Oscillator
Authors: Fonzin Fozin T. , Kengne R. , Kengne J. , Srinivasan K. , Souffo Tagueu M. , Pelap F. B.
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates the control of multistability in a self-excited memristive hyperchaotic oscillator using linear augmentation method. Such a method is advantageous in the case of system parameters that are inaccessible. The effectiveness of the applied control scheme is revealed numerically through the nonlinear dynamical tools including bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponent spectrum, phase portraits, basins of attraction and relative basin sizes. Results of such numerical methods reveal that the asymmetric pair of chaotic attractors which were coexisting with the symmetric periodic one in the system, are progressively annihilated as the coupling parameter is increasing. The main transitions observed in the control system are the coexistence of three distinct attractors for weak values of the coupling strength. Above a certain critical value of the coupling parameter, only two attractors are now coexisting within the system. Finally, for higher values of the control strength, the controlled system becomes regular and monostable.
An Improved Rao–Nam Cryptosystem Based on Fractional Order Hyperchaotic System and EDF–QC–LDPC
Authors: Liu Jie , Tong Xiaojun , Wang Zhu , Ma Jing , Yi Longteng
Published: August 2019

A Rao–Nam cryptosystem based on error correction code is proposed to provide both security and reliability. Since its security is drastically constrained by the limited error syndromes, in this paper, an improved Rao–Nam cryptosystem based on fractional order hyperchaotic system and Extended Difference Family–Quasi-Cyclic–Low-Density Parity-Check (EDF–QC–LDPC) codes is proposed to improve the security. A four-dimensional fractional order hyperchaotic system is constructed and is used to generate an excellent pseudorandom sequence. By replacing error syndromes with the pseudorandom sequence and permuting the coded message dynamically, the security of the Rao–Nam cryptosystem is enhanced greatly. The ability of the improved Rao–Nam cryptosystem against known attacks is analyzed and the error correction performance with different parameters is simulated. The results show that the proposed cryptosystem has a significant advantage of resisting the chosen-plaintext attack. Moreover, the proposed cryptosystem retains high capacity of error correction.
Dynamics of Weakly Mixing Nonautonomous Systems
Authors: Salman Mohammad , Das Ruchi
Published: August 2019

For a commutative nonautonomous dynamical system we show that topological transitivity of the nonautonomous system induced on probability measures (hyperspaces) is equivalent to the weak mixing of the induced systems. Several counter examples are given for the results which are true in autonomous but need not be true in nonautonomous systems. Wherever possible sufficient conditions are obtained for the results to hold true. For a commutative periodic nonautonomous system on intervals, it is proved that weak mixing implies Devaney chaos. Given a periodic nonautonomous system, it is shown that sensitivity is equivalent to some stronger forms of sensitivity on a closed unit interval.
A note on parameter estimation for discretely sampled SPDEs
Authors: Cialenco Igor , Huang Yicong
Published: August 2019

We consider a parameter estimation problem for one-dimensional stochastic heat equations, when data is sampled discretely in time or spatial component. We prove that, the real valued parameter next to the Laplacian (the drift), and the constant parameter in front of the noise (the volatility) can be consistently estimated under somewhat surprisingly minimal information. Namely, it is enough to observe the solution at a fixed time and on a discrete spatial grid, or at a fixed space point and at discrete time instances of a finite interval, assuming that the mesh-size goes to zero. The proposed estimators have the same form and asymptotic properties regardless of the nature of the domain –bounded domain or whole space. The derivation of the estimators and the proofs of their asymptotic properties are based on computations of power variations of some relevant stochastic processes. We use elements of Malliavin calculus to establish the asymptotic normality properties in the case of bounded domain. We also discuss the joint estimation problem of the drift and volatility coefficient. We conclude with some numerical experiments that illustrate the obtained theoretical results.
Novelty and Novel Objects Increase c-Fos Immunoreactivity in Mossy Cells in the Mouse Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Bernstein Hannah L. , Lu Yi-Ling , Botterill Justin J. , Scharfman Helen E.
Published: August 2019

The dentate gyrus (DG) and its primary cell type, the granule cell (GC), are thought to be critical to many cognitive functions. A major neuronal subtype of the DG is the hilar mossy cell (MC). MCs have been considered to play an important role in cognition, but in vivo studies to understand the activity of MCs during cognitive tasks are challenging because the experiments usually involve trauma to the overlying hippocampus or DG, which kills hilar neurons. In addition, restraint typically occurs, and MC activity is reduced by brief restraint stress. Social isolation often occurs and is potentially confounding. Therefore, we used c-fos protein expression to understand when MCs are active in vivo in socially housed adult C57BL/6 mice in their home cage. We focused on c-fos protein expression after animals explored novel objects, based on previous work which showed that MCs express c-fos protein readily in response to a novel housing location. Also, MCs are required for the training component of the novel object location task and novelty-encoding during a food-related task. GluR2/3 was used as a marker of MCs. The results showed that MC c-fos protein is greatly increased after exposure to novel objects, especially in ventral DG. We also found that novel objects produced higher c-fos levels than familiar objects. Interestingly, a small subset of neurons that did not express GluR2/3 also increased c-fos protein after novel object exposure. In contrast, GCs appeared relatively insensitive. The results support a growing appreciation of the role of the DG in novelty detection and novel object recognition, where hilar neurons and especially MCs are very sensitive.
Epidemiology of β-Lactamase-Producing Staphylococci and Gram Negative Bacteria as Cause of Clinical Bovine Mastitis in Tunisia
Authors: Klibi Amira , Jouini Ahlem , Boubaker El Andolsi Ramzi , Kmiha Souhir , Ben Hamda Cherif , Ghedira Kais , Hamrouni Safa , Ghram Abdeljalil , Maaroufi Abderrazek
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the species distribution of Staphylococcus, Gram negative bacteria (GNB) and the occurrence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococci (MRS) and Extended-Spectrum β-lactamase- (ESBL-) producing GNB. Bacterial culture of 300 clinical mastitis milk samples from 30 different farms across different regions of Tunisia during four seasons was realized. The obtained results showed the presence of high frequency of the tested samples with a positive growth for bacteria (64%). In addition a high recovery rate of Staphylococci and/or GNB in these clinical mastitis milk samples (87%) was detected. In addition, a high percentage of GNB (68.2%) compared to Staphylococcus species (32%) was noted. Moreover, a significant variation of the number of these bacteria according to the farm location, the seasons, and cows age was detected. The highest percentage was observed in the North of Tunisia during the winter and the spring seasons in adult cows with a dominance of GNB growth. Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS) (n=11) and GNB (n=16) species were identified. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most frequently found bacterium followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. The dominant Staphylococcus isolates was S. xylosus followed by S. aureus the major pathogen isolated. Methicillin resistance was confirmed by the presence of the mecA gene in 3 S. aureus and 14 CNS isolates; all of these isolates were lacking the mecC gene. Various species of GNB, resistant to cefotaxime, were detected (n=15). ESBLs were detected on selective medium in 10 E. coli and 4 K. pneumoniae. All ESBL producers strains carry the blaCTX-M. The presence of different resistant mastitis pathogens in dairy farms may complicate therapeutic options and contaminated animals could become zoonotic agent reservoir for human.
Predicting Drug-Disease Associations via Using Gaussian Interaction Profile and Kernel-Based Autoencoder
Authors: Jiang Han-Jing , Huang Yu-An , You Zhu-Hong
Published: August 2019

Computational drug repositioning, designed to identify new indications for existing drugs, significantly reduced the cost and time involved in drug development. Prediction of drug-disease associations is promising for drug repositioning. Recent years have witnessed an increasing number of machine learning-based methods for calculating drug repositioning. In this paper, a novel feature learning method based on Gaussian interaction profile kernel and autoencoder (GIPAE) is proposed for drug-disease association. In order to further reduce the computation cost, both batch normalization layer and the full-connected layer are introduced to reduce training complexity. The experimental results of 10-fold cross validation indicate that the proposed method achieves superior performance on Fdataset and Cdataset with the AUCs of 93.30% and 96.03%, respectively, which were higher than many previous computational models. To further assess the accuracy of GIPAE, we conducted case studies on two complex human diseases. The top 20 drugs predicted, 14 obesity-related drugs, and 11 drugs related to Alzheimer's disease were validated in the CTD database. The results of cross validation and case studies indicated that GIPAE is a reliable model for predicting drug-disease associations.
Investigation of the Mechanical Behavior of Partially Precast Partially Encased Assembled Composite Beams
Authors: Zhang Liufeng , Yang Yinghua
Published: August 2019

In view of the characteristics of a high floor and the heavy load of logistics buildings, a partially prefabricated partially encased assembled composite beam (PPEC) is proposed in order to achieve the low cost construction of such buildings. In this research, the mechanical properties of PPEC beams were studied experimentally. The effects of the concrete strength grade, steel content, shear span ratio, and fabrication methods on the mechanical properties of the PPEC beams were analyzed. The results showed that the proposed structural form of the PPEC beams was generally feasible. Based on the test results, a practical shear formula for PPEC beams was proposed, and the calculated results were in good agreement with the test results.
Design and Implementation of a Low-Energy-Consumption Air-Conditioning Control System for Smart Vehicle
Authors: Weng Chien-Lun , Kau Lih-Jen
Published: August 2019

About 7% of people’s daily time is spent in taking vehicles between office and home. Besides, with the improvement of the living standard in today’s society, people’s requirements for a comfortable environment inside the car are constantly increasing and this must rely on an effective vehicle air conditioner to maintain the comfort of the cabin environment. In general, a vehicle air conditioner uses the air-mixing mode to regulate the temperature control system. In this mode of operation, the compressor needs to work continuously, which is extremely energy consuming. The vehicle’s air conditioner is greatly affected by the inner and outer heat load, which are generated therein. Furthermore, the heat load is instantly changeable. Therefore, only when the controller can adapt to the feature of heat load, then we can find the optimal control method, thus enabling the vehicle’s air conditioner to interact with the actual heat load to supply the balanced cooling capacity and, as a result, create the most comfortable environment inside the cabin with minimum energy consumption. For this purpose, we bring up in this paper a low-energy-consumption smart vehicle air-conditioning control system to detect total heat load, which can change the vehicle’s air-conditioning capacity mode to maintain the average temperature at 25.2°C∼26.2°C and the average humidity at 46.6%∼54.4% in the cabin. When the inner heat load is stable, the rest times of the compressor can reach 16∼23 times per hour, which attains a rate of fuel saving around 21%∼28%. With the proposed architecture, the purpose of the low-energy-consumption vehicle air-conditioning system can be achieved, which, at the same time, creates a comfortable environment inside the cabin.
Hybrid Method of Modal Analysis and Laser Shock Scanning to Visualize the Pyroshock Propagation in a Tension Joint
Authors: Kim Yong-Woon , Jang Jae-Kyeong , Lee Jung-Ryul , Gim Hak-Seong
Published: August 2019

The use of pyrodevices in the aerospace industry has been increasing because of their ability to implement separation missions with a small weight, for example, space launchers, spacecrafts, and missiles. During operation, pyrodevices generate pyroshock, which causes failures of electronic devices. Recently, a pyroshock simulation method using laser shock has been developed to evaluate the risk of pyroshock before flight mission. However, depending on the structure, the laser shock showed some difficulty simulating pyroshock in the low‐frequency regime accompanying vibration. Therefore, in this study, we developed a hybrid method of numerical modal analysis and laser shock‐based experimental simulation to visualize the pyroshock propagation in all the relevant frequency regimes. For the proof of concept of the proposed method, we performed experiments of explosive bolt‐induced shock and pyrolock‐induced shock in the open‐box‐type tension joint and compared the hybrid simulation results with actual pyroshock. From the results, we obtained the simulated time‐domain signal with an averaged peak‐to‐peak acceleration difference (PAD) of 11.2% and the shock response spectrum (SRS) with an averaged mean acceleration difference (MAD) of 28.5%. In addition, we were able to visualize the simulation results in the temporal and spectral domains to compare the pyroshock induced by each pyrodevice. A comparison of the simulations showed that the pyrolock had an impulse level of 1/12 compared to the explosion bolt. In particular, it was confirmed that the pyrolock‐induced shock at the near field can cause damage to the electronic equipment despite a smaller impulse than that of the explosive bolt‐induced shock. The hybrid method developed in this paper demonstrates that it is possible to simulate pyroshock for all the frequency regimes in complex specimens and to evaluate the risk in the time and frequency domain.
Antiobesity, Regulation of Lipid Metabolism, and Attenuation of Liver Oxidative Stress Effects of Hydroxy-α-sanshool Isolated from Zanthoxylum bungeanum on High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats
Authors: Wang Li , Fan Wenxiang , Zhang Mengmeng , Zhang Qing , Li Lin , Wang Jiaolong , Zhu Lei , Wei Daneng , Peng Wei , Wu Chunjie
Published: August 2019

Zanthoxylum bungeanum is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used to relieve pain, dispel dampness, stop diarrhea, and prevent itching. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiobesity and hypolipidemic effects of hydroxy-α-sanshool (HAS) isolated from Z. bungeanum on hyperlipidemic rats. Wistar rats (n=48) were randomly divided into six groups: (1) normal diet rats (ND), (2) high-fat diet- (HFD-) treated rats, (3) HFD+fenofibrate-treated rats (HFD+FNB), (4) HFD+low dose of HAS-treated rats (HFD+LD, 9 mg/kg), (5) HFD+middle dose of HAS-treated rats (HFD+MD, 18 mg/kg), and (6) HFD+high dose of HAS-treated rats (HFD+HD, 36 mg/kg). The body weight and food intake of the rats were recorded during the treatment period. After 4 weeks of HAS treatment, abdominal adipose tissues were observed and total cholesterol (T-CHO), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) of serum and liver tissues were determined. Furthermore, histochemical examinations using oil red O and hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E) were carried out and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver were determined. After HFD feeding, the body weight gain and food efficiency ratio of HFD rats were significantly enhanced (p<0.05vs. ND rats) and HAS treatment (18 and 36 mg/kg) significantly decreased the body weight gain and food efficiency ratio (p<0.05vs. HFD rats). In addition, HAS treatment could decrease the abdominal adipose tissues and liver adipocytes. Furthermore, HAS treatment significantly decreased the T-CHO, TG, and LDL-C, whereas it increased HDL-C (p<0.05vs. HFD rats) in serum and the liver. HAS treatment increased the GSH level and SOD activity in the liver (p<0.05vs. HFD rats), whereas it decreased the levels of MDA (p<0.05vs. HFD rats). mRNA analyses suggested that HAS treatment increases the expression of Pparg (proliferator-activated receptor γ) and Apoe (peroxisome apolipoprotein E). Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting indicated that HAS stimulation increased the levels of PPARγ and APOE in the liver, as a stress response of the body defense system. These results revealed that HAS exerts antiobesity and hypolipidemic activities in HFD rats by reducing liver oxidative stress and thus could be considered as a potential candidate drug to cure or prevent obesity and hyperlipidemia.
Characterization and Evaluation of Zeolite A/Fe3O4Nanocomposite as a Potential Adsorbent for Removal of Organic Molecules from Wastewater
Authors: Nyankson Emmanuel , Adjasoo Jonas , Efavi Johnson Kwame , Amedalor Reuben , Yaya Abu , Manu Gloria Pokuaa , Asare Kingsford , Amartey Nii Amarkai
Published: August 2019

In this work, zeolite (Z) and Z-Fe3O4nanocomposite (Z-Fe3O4NC) have been synthesized. The Fe3O4nanoparticles were synthesized using the extract from maize leaves and ferric and ferrous chloride salts and encapsulated into the zeolite framework. The nanocomposite (Z-Fe3O4NC) was characterized using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The potential of Z-Fe3O4NC as an adsorbent for removing methylene blue molecules (MB) from solution was examined using UV-Vis and kinetic and equilibrium isotherm models. The adsorption data fitted best with the pseudo-second-order model and Weber and Morris model, indicating that the adsorption process was chemisorption, while the Weber and Morris described the rate-controlling steps. The intraparticle diffusion model suggests that the adsorption processes were pore and surface diffusion controlled. The Langmuir isotherm model best describes the adsorption process indicating homogeneous monolayer coverage of MB molecules onto the surface of the Z-Fe3O4NC. The maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity was 2.57 mg/g at 25°C. The maximum adsorption efficiency was 97.5%. After regeneration, the maximum adsorption efficiency achieved at a pH of 7 was 82.6%.
Algo-Trading Strategy for Intraweek Foreign Exchange Speculation Based on Random Forest and Probit Regression
Authors: Chihab Younes , Bousbaa Zineb , Chihab Marouane , Bencharef Omar , Ziti Soumia
Published: August 2019

In the Forex market, the price of the currencies increases and decreases rapidly based on many economic and political factors such as commercial balance, the growth index, the inflation rate, and the employment indicators. Having a good strategy to buy and sell can make a profit from the above changes. A successful strategy in Forex should take into consideration the relation between benefits and risks. In this work, we propose an intraweek foreign exchange speculation strategy for currency markets based on a combination of technical indicators. This system has a two-level decision and is composed of the Probit regression model and rules discovery using Random Forest. There are two minimum requirements for a trading strategy: a rule to enter the market and a rule to exit it. Our proposed system, to enter the currency market, should validate two conditions. First, it should validate Random Forest access rules over the following week while in the second one the predicted value of the next day using Probit should be positive. To exit the currency market just one negative warning from Probit or Random Forest is enough. This system was used to develop dynamic portfolio trading systems. The profitability of the model was examined for USD/(EUR, JYN, BRP) variation within the period from January 2014 to January 2016. The proposed system allows improving the prediction accuracy. This indicates a good prediction of the behavior market and it helps to identify the good times to enter it or to leave it.
Diagnostic Accuracy of circRNAs in Esophageal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Niu Chen , Zhao Lei , Guo Xudong , Shen Yi , Shao Yi , Liu Fen
Published: August 2019

Purpose. Early detection of esophageal cancer is beneficial to the survival and prognosis of patients. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to be a potential biomarker for cancer, which can be used for the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. However, the roles of circRNAs in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer has been controversial. The present study, therefore, is aimed at determining the diagnostic accuracy of circRNAs in esophageal cancer. Methods. Relevant researches were searched from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, OVID, and ISI Web of Science online databases up to March 11, 2019. The estimation of diagnostic indicators, threshold effect, and publication bias were measured by a bivariate binomial mixed model, the Spearman correlation, and Deeks’ funnel plot asymmetry test, respectively. Results. Five studies from 4 articles were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, overall positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.69-0.87), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.68-0.94), 5.27 (95% CI: 2.46-11.32), 0.24 (95% CI: 0.16-0.36), 21.66 (95% CI: 9.33-50.30), and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84-0.90), respectively. The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.60 (P=0.285). The P value of Deeks’ funnel plot was 0.81. Conclusion. The above-mentioned results suggested that circRNAs possess a relatively higher diagnostic performance in distinguishing esophageal cancer patients from healthy individuals. Therefore, they may serve as potential clinical biomarkers for esophageal cancer diagnosis.
An Activatable Cancer-Targeted Hydrogen Peroxide Probe for Photoacoustic and Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Weber Judith , Bollepalli Laura , Belenguer Ana M. , Antonio Marco Di , De Mitri Nicola , Joseph James , Balasubramanian Shankar , Hunter Christopher A. , Bohndiek Sarah E.
Published: August 2019

Reactive oxygen species play an important role in cancer, however, their promiscuous reactivity, low abundance, and short-lived nature limit our ability to study them in real time in living subjects with conventional noninvasive imaging methods. Photoacoustic imaging is an emerging modality for in vivo visualization of molecular processes with deep tissue penetration and high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we describe the design and synthesis of a targeted, activatable probe for photoacoustic imaging, which is responsive to one of the major and abundant reactive oxygen species, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This bifunctional probe, which is also detectable with fluorescence imaging, is composed of a heptamethine carbocyanine dye scaffold for signal generation, a 2-deoxyglucose cancer localization moiety, and a boronic ester functionality that specifically detects and reacts to H2O2. The optical properties of the probe were characterized using absorption, fluorescence, and photoacoustic measurements; upon addition of pathophysiologic H2O2 concentrations, a clear increase in fluorescence and red-shift of the absorption and photoacoustic spectra were observed. Studies performed in vitro showed no significant toxicity and specific uptake of the probe into the cytosol in breast cancer cell lines. Importantly, intravenous injection of the probe led to targeted uptake and accumulation in solid tumors, which enabled noninvasive photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging of H2O2. In conclusion, the reported probe shows promise for the in vivo visualization of hydrogen peroxide.

Significance:

This study presents the first activatable and cancer-targeted hydrogen peroxide probe for photoacoustic molecular imaging, paving the way for visualization of hydrogen peroxide at high spatiotemporal resolution in living subjects.