bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global exponential stability analysis of anti-periodic solutions of discontinuous bidirectional associative memory (BAM) neural networks with time-varying delays
Authors: Fu Xiangying , Kong Fanchao
Published: August 2020

This paper is concerned with a class of bidirectional associative memory (BAM) neural networks with discontinuous activations and time-varying delays. Under the basic framework of differential inclusions theory, the existence result of solutions in sense of Filippov solution is firstly established by using the fundamental solution matrix of coefficients and inequality analysis technique. Also, the boundness of the solutions can be estimated. Secondly, based on the non-smooth Lyapunov-like approach and by construsting suitable Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals, some new sufficient criteria are given to ascertain the globally exponential stability of the anti-periodic solutions for the proposed neural network system. Furthermore, we have collated our effort with some previous existing ones in the literatures and showed that it can take more advantages. Finally, two examples with numerical simulations are exploited to illustrate the correctness.
Language, employability and positioning in a Danish integration programme
Authors: Lønsmann Dorte
Published: August 2020

In many European countries, integration policies focus on getting refugees quickly into the labour market. In order to accomplish this, refugees in Denmark are placed in work internships. Based on fieldwork in an integration programme that combines mandatory Danish language classes with so-called “language internships”, where refugees do work internships for the purpose of learning Danish at work, the present study takes a critical look at discourses and positionings related to refugee access to the Danish labour market. The study finds clear evidence of an employability discourse which emphasises individual responsibility for employment while downplaying structural factors. Paradoxically, the employability discourse positions the refugees on the one hand as unemployable because of their lack of Danish language competence and hence as marginalised and relatively powerless. On the other hand, in this same discourse, they are repeatedly positioned as agents responsible for creating their own opportunities, including employment opportunities, while the language internships are constructed as a means of gaining employment and being able to leave the unemployment system. By investigating acts of positioning by participants in the integration programme and comparing them with discourses on language, work and integration in Denmark, the study concludes that despite intentions about the internships leading to employment and thus empowerment, the language internships lead to decapitalisation and marginalisation for the refugee participants.
Validation of the 8th lung cancer TNM classification and clinical staging system in a German cohort of surgically resected patients
Authors: Taber Samantha , Pfannschmidt Joachim
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The updated 8th edition of the tumor, node, metastases (TNM) classification system for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) attempts to improve on the previous 7th edition in predicting outcomes and guiding management decisions. This study sought to determine whether the 8th edition was more accurate in predicting long-term survival in a European population of surgically treated NSCLC patients.

Methods

We scanned the archives of the Heckeshorn Lung Clinic for patients with preoperative clinical stages of IIIA or lower (based on the 7th edition), who received surgery for NSCLC between 2009 and 2014. We used pathologists’ reports and data on tumor size and location to reassign tumor stages according to the 8th edition. We then analyzed stage specific survival and compared the accuracy of the two systems in predicting long-term survival. We excluded patients with neoadjuvant treatment, incomplete follow-up data, tumor histologies other than NSCLC, or death within 30 days of surgery.

Results

The final analysis included 1,013 patients. Overall five-year survival was 47.3%. The median overall survival (OS) was 63 months (range 1–222), and the median disease-free survival (DFS) was 50 months (0–122). The median follow-up time for non-censored patients was 84 months (range 60–122).

Conclusions

We found significant survival differences between the newly defined stages 1A1, 1A2 and 1A3 (previously 1A). We also found that the 8th edition of TMN classification was a significantly better predictor of long-term survival, compared to the 7th edition.
Das Digitale Deutsche Frauenarchiv
Authors: Lehnert Katrin , Zierold Marius , Diehr Susanne
Published: August 2020

Der i.d.a.-Dachverband hat sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, die Lesben- und Frauenbewegungsgeschichte zu bewahren. Er vernetzt rund 40 Archive, Bibliotheken und Dokumentationsstellen. Seit 2015 existiert der META-Katalog des Dachverbands, der bibliothekarische und archivalische Materialien spartenübergreifend nachweist. Darauf aufbauend ging 2018 das Digitale Deutsche Frauenarchiv (DDF) online. Der Beitrag widmet sich Herausforderungen beim Datenmanagement in META sowie bei der Rechteklärung für das DDF und zeigt, was das DDF der Wissenschaft und der allgemeinen Öffentlichkeit bietet.
Wie beeinflusst die Generationszugehörigkeit das Teilen von Wissen in Unternehmen?
Authors: März Sophie , Seo DongBack , Womser-Hacker Christa
Published: August 2020

Das Teilen von Wissen ist für die heutige Informationsgesellschaft eine der wichtigsten Herausforderungen. Um ein erfolgreiches und innovatives Agieren zum Beispiel in Unternehmen zu ermöglichen, ist eine kontinuierliche Strategie im Umgang mit Wissen und Information unerlässlich. Diese ist abhängig von gutem Wissensmanagement und vor allem von der Bereitschaft, Wissen zu teilen. Da Altersdiversität und damit einhergehende Generationenkonflikte den unternehmerischen Alltag stark prägen, wird in dieser Arbeit auf die Unterschiede zwischen jüngeren und älteren Arbeitnehmern1 eingegangen. Wie können verschiedene Altersgruppen motiviert werden, ihr Wissen zu teilen? Welche Umstände sollten vermieden werden, damit keine Hürden entstehen? Um diesen Fragen nachzugehen, wurde eine Umfrage in deutschen Unternehmen mit einer Rücklaufquote von 236 Personen durchgeführt. Diese veranschaulicht, dass ältere Mitarbeiter mehr dazu tendieren, ihr Wissen zu teilen als ihre jüngeren Kollegen. Vor allem die Befürchtung, sich zu blamieren und Fehler zu machen, scheint der jüngeren Generation Probleme zu bereiten. Für Unternehmen ist es wichtig, Unterschiede und Gemeinsamkeiten zu erkennen, um Strategien und Instrumentarien zu entwickeln, die eine gelungene Interaktion verschiedener Altersgruppen ermöglichen.
Controllability of multi-term time-fractional differential systems with state-dependent delay
Authors: Chaudhary Renu , Singh Vikram , Pandey D. N.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, controllability results for a class of multi-term time-fractional differential systems with state-dependent delay have been studied.
The concept of fractional calculus, measure of noncompactness and Mönch fixed-point theorem has been implemented to obtain a new set of controllability results.
Finally, an application is given to illustrate the obtained results.
Vaccines and the Armed Forces: There “AIN’T” NO “Anti-vaxxers” in the Military
Authors: Rosen Richard
Published: August 2020

As many of you may remember from your first-year Tort and Constitutional Law courses, courts recognize the right of competent adults to refuse medical treatment, even if necessary to save their lives; this generally includes the right to refuse immunizations from diseases, particularly if the vaccine has not yet been approved by the Food & Drug Administration. As you also undoubtedly know, servicemembers are different. To maintain the strength and readiness of the armed forces, military personnel must undergo necessary medical treatment. Otherwise, if they become casualties to disease or other treatable disabilities, servicemembers become burdens on their units, and their jobs must be assumed by others—often leaving their units short-handed. Their illnesses or disabilities thus affect the ability of their units to accomplish their missions and may jeopardize the safety and lives of their fellow servicemembers. Indeed, until World War II, the majority of combat deaths in military units engaged in combat were due to infectious diseases rather than direct combat injuries.
The Constitutionality of Mandatory Vaccinations: Eliminating Exemptions
Authors: Lee Conner
Published: August 2020

Life-threatening diseases have been the biggest fear of individuals dating back to the beginning of time. Taking the lives of millions, it was almost inevitable that one disease or another would completely knock out the human population. Fortunately, Edward Jenner developed the first successful vaccine in 1796 to combat a deadly smallpox outbreak. The creation of vaccinations is among the greatest achievements in the history of public health. Today, there are few measures that compare with the amount of lives saved due to vaccines. In fact, many life-threatening diseases in the United States have been reduced by more than 99%. In addition to saving the lives of children, there have been a drastic economic benefit as well that has resulted in our society saving almost $69 billion. The benefits of vaccinations have not gone unnoticed by legislatures. Today, all 50 states have enacted some form of compulsory vaccinations for children who plan on attending school in order to decrease the spread of diseases among our youth.
Let’s Make a (Smart) Deal: Biodiplomacy in the Age of Trump
Authors: Hearn Noah Blaine
Published: August 2020

North Korea poses significant risks to national security as it continues to develop weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). On February 28, 2019, United States President Donald Trump announced that he would be departing his second summit with Kim Jong Un without having reached a deal regarding the denuclearization of North Korea. This anticlimactic outcome followed weeks of media buildup surrounding the two leaders’ meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam; however, negotiators from both countries have pledged to continue their efforts at crafting a deal. As they continue this endeavor, those with a seat at the negotiating table must recognize that the most prudent path forward for the United States is to ensure that any such disarmament deal also address North Korea’s capacity to develop of biological weapons (BWs) in addition to nuclear and chemical capabilities as part of a comprehensive strategy.
Relationship between trough level of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (imatinib and nilotinib) and BCR-ABL ratios in an Indonesian chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) population
Authors: Suprapti Budi , Andarsari Mareta Rindang , Hapsari Pharmasinta Putri , Khotib Junaidi , Suharjono  , Bintoro Siprianus Ugroseno Yudho
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Among Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) patients treated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI-imatinib-nilotinib), some showed a suboptimal response. Based on pharmacokinetic studies, TKI trough level (

C

m
i
n

∞

${C}_{min}\hat{\infty }$

) is associated with clinical outcomes, reflected by the BCR-ABL ratio. However, the interindividual pharmacokinetic variability of imatinib and nilotinib is found to be moderate–high. This study aims to analyze the relationship between TKI

C

m
i
n

∞

 

${C}_{min}\hat{\infty }$

and BCL-ABL ratio in chronic-phase CML patients.

Methods

Cross-sectional study to CML chronic-phase patients treated with imatinib 400 mg daily or nilotinib 400 or 800 mg daily for ≥12 months. The exclusion criteria were therapy discontinuation within 29 days (imatinib) or 8 days (nilotinib) before the sampling day. Blood samples were drawn 1 h before the next dose. Imatinib-nilotinib

C

m
i
n

∞

${C}_{min}\hat{\infty }$

and BCR-ABL ratio were measured using HPLC and RT-qPCR. The relationship was analyzed using bivariate correlation Spearman’s rho test.

Results

Twenty-three imatinib and 11 nilotinib patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean imatinib and nilotinib

C

m
i
n

∞

${C}_{min}\hat{\infty }$

were 1,065.46 ± 765.71 and 1,445 ± 1,010.35 ng/mL respectively. There were large interindividual variations in both groups (71.87% vs. 69.88%). Half of the patients in each group were found to reach

C

m
i
n

∞

${C}_{min}\hat{\infty }$

target (≥1.000 ng/mL, imatinib; ≥800 ng/mL nilotinib), but only 12 (35,29%) of them result in BCR-ABL ratio ≤0.1%.

C

m
i
n

∞

 

${C}_{min}\hat{\infty }$

imatinib was found to be significantly associated with BCR-ABL ratio. But, not with the nilotinib group.

Conclusions

There were high interindividual variations of imatinib and nilotinib correlated with BCR-ABL ratio, but no correlation in nilotinib.
Food-added azodicarbonamide alters haematogical parameters, antioxidant status and biochemical/histomorphological indices of liver and kidney injury in rats
Authors: Olofinnade Anthony T. , Onaolapo Adejoke Y. , Onaolapo Olakunle J. , Olowe Olugbenga A. , Adeyeba Oluwaseyi A.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is a dough enhancer currently used as a replacement for potassium bromate in the process of bread-making in countries such as Nigeria. However, comprehensive information on the toxicological profile of ADA is not readily available. The present study investigated the toxicological effects of ADA in rats.

Methods

Twenty-four adult rats were randomly assigned into four groups of six rats each. Animals in group A served as the control (administered standard diet), whereas animals in groups B, C and D were fed ADA in food at 1, 2 and 4%, respectively. Standard or ADA diet was fed to the animals daily for a period of 28 days. Body weight was measured weekly, whereas food and water consumption was measured daily. On day 28, animals were fasted overnight after which they were euthanised. Blood samples taken were used for assessment of fasting blood glucose, haematological parameters, serum lipids, antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation status, electrolytes and urea, plasma proteins and biochemical parameters of liver and kidney injury. The liver and kidneys were then excised and processed for general histological study.

Results

The results showed that repeated administration of ADA was associated with dose-related decrease in weight gain, decrease in overall food consumption, decreased superoxide dismutase activity/glutathione level and increased lipid peroxidation. There was also biochemical and morphological evidence of liver and kidney injury.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that food-added ADA could be injurious to the body cells and organs in rats.
Could Anise decrease the intensity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms in comparison to placebo? A double-blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Farahmand Maryam , Khalili Davood , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh , Amin Gholamreza , Negarandeh Reza
Published: August 2020

Background

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has a high prevalence among women of reproductive ages but despite its high prevalence, it has no determined and absolute treatment, so far. So, the aim of the present study was to compare the effect Pimpinella Anisum (Anise) with placebo on the intensity of the symptoms of PMS.

Methods

The present study was a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial. College students who were suffering from PMS and had the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly assigned into two groups of intervention (Anise) and control (placebo). Participants in the intervention group, received 110 mg capsules of Anise three times day (a total dose of 330 mg per day); the control group received similar capsules with the same dosing that contained starch. Consumption of the capsules was started 7 days before the start of the menstruation and continued until 3 days after, which was a total of 10 days during two consecutive menstruation cycles. The intensity of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome was measured using Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). To compare the intensity of the symptoms between the two study groups, generalized estimating equation statistical method was used.

Results

Eventually, sixty-seven 18–35 year old college students who were suffering from premenstrual syndrome were enrolled in the study. Comparing the mean score of the intensity of the syndrome between the two groups after the first and the second menstruation cycles showed a decrease in the intervention group to 13.9 (p-value<0.001; 95% CI: 16.5,−11.4) and 9.8 (p-value<0.001; 95% CI: 12.4,−7.3), respectively.

Conclusion

Results of the study showed that, in general, Anise was effective in decreasing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in comparison to placebo.
Structural characterization, antioxidant, and antibiofilm activities of Coffea canephora green seeds
Authors: Aissaoui Mohammed , Rahmoun Mohammed Nadjib , Latrache Hassan , Barek Said , Elassri Ayoub , Bensouici Chawki , El Haci Imad Abdelhamid , Choukchou-Braham Noureddine
Published: August 2020

Objectives

In order to explore Coffea canephora green seeds as natural extract for application in the functional-food industry, we focused this study to the evaluation of the antioxidant and the antiadhesion effect of C. canephora green seeds extracts.

Methods

The analysis of C. canephora green seeds extracts was carried out by RP-HPLC-PDA. These extracts were screened for antioxidant activities by ABTS and phenanthroline assays. The antibacterial activity was determined by microdilution method against three reference bacteria. The inhibition of bacterial adhesion at 1/8 MIC was carried out against three reference bacteria.

Results

The RP-HPLC-PDA revealed the presence of gallic acid, vanillin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and P-coumaric acid. The n-buatnol extract have the highest activity ABTS assays (3.96 ± 0.08 μg/mL). For this extract, the A0.5 was 1.90 ± 0.05 μg/mL for phenanthroline assay. The n-butanol extract and the methanolic extract have the higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (40 µg/mL).At MIC/8, the extracts of C. canephora showed 70% higher antidhesive activity against S. aureus ATCC 25923.

Conclusions

Our finding provides an effective and specific new approach to the search of antioxidant and antiadhesive compounds for different uses.
Finite simple exceptional groups of Lie type in which all subgroups of odd index are pronormal
Authors: Kondrat’ev Anatoly S. , Maslova Natalia V. , Revin Danila O.
Published: August 2020

A subgroup H of a group G is said to be pronormal in G if H and

H
g

{H^{g}}

are conjugate in

〈
H
,

H
g

〉

{\langle H,H^{g}\rangle}

for every

g
∈
G

{g\in G}

.
In this paper, we determine the finite simple groups of type

E
6

⁢

(
q
)

{E_{6}(q)}

and

E
6

2

⁢

(
q
)

{{}^{2}E_{6}(q)}

in which all the subgroups of odd index are pronormal.
Thus, we complete a classification of finite simple exceptional groups of Lie type in which all the subgroups of odd index are pronormal.
Growth rate for endomorphisms of finitely generated nilpotent groups
Authors: Fel’shtyn Alexander , Jo Jang Hyun , Lee Jong Bum
Published: August 2020

We prove that the growth rate of an endomorphism of a finitely generated nilpotent group is equal to the growth rate of the induced endomorphism on its abelianization, generalizing the corresponding result for an automorphism in [T. Koberda, Entropy of automorphisms, homology and the intrinsic polynomial structure of nilpotent groups, In the Tradition of Ahlfors–Bers. VI, Contemp. Math. 590, American Mathematical Society, Providence 2013, 87–99].
The methods of dynamical reconstruction of an input in a system of ordinary differential equations
Authors: Maksimov Vyacheslav I.
Published: August 2020

In the paper, for systems described by ordinary differential equations a review of algorithms of dynamical input reconstruction by results of inaccurate observations of its solutions is given. The problem under discussion is referred to the class of dynamical inverse problems. The proposed algorithms are stable with respect to informational noises and computational errors. They are based on the combination of methods of the theory of ill-posed problems and the theory of feedback control. The essence of the methodology underlying the algorithms suggested in the paper consists in the representation of a reconstruction algorithm in the form of a feedback control algorithm for a certain artificial dynamical system, a model; such an algorithm, whose output is the realization of the control in the model, is dynamical by its definition.
Circular Microchannel Heat Sink Optimization Using Entropy Generation Minimization Method
Authors: Kumar Krishan , Kumar Rajan , Bharj Rabinder Singh
Published: August 2020

The performance of the microchannel heat sink (MCHS) in electronic applications needs to be optimized corresponding to the number of channels (N). In this study optimization of the number of channels corresponding to the diameter of the microchannel (

D

N

{D_{N}}

) using an entropy generation minimization approach is achieved for the MCHS used in electronic applications. The numerical study is performed for constant total heat flow rate

(

q

˙

t
o
t

)

({\dot{q}_{tot}})

and total mass flow rate

(

m

˙

t
o
t

)

({\dot{m}_{tot}})

. The results indicate that the dominance of frictional entropy generation (

S

g
e
n
,
F
r

{S_{gen,Fr}}

) increases with the reduction in diameter. However, the entropy generation due to heat transfer (

S

g
e
n
,
H
T

{S_{gen,HT}}

) decreases with the reduction in diameter. Therefore, the optimum diameter (

D

∗

{D^{\ast }}

) is calculated corresponding to the minimum total entropy generation (

S

g
e
n
,
t
o
t
a
l

{S_{gen,total}}

) for the optimum number of channels (

N

∗

{N^{\ast }}

). Furthermore, the entropy generation number (

N

S

{N_{S}}

) and Bejan number (

B
e

Be

) are also calculated.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 and its role in phosphate homeostasis in growing children compared to adults
Authors: Jeddi Marjan , Heidari Maryam , Hatami Neda , Ranjbar Omrani Gholam Hossein
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Phosphate is essential for skeletal mineralization, which is regulated by parathyroid hormone, calcitriol and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Serum phosphate is physiologically higher in younger children, but factors that contribute to this physiological state are poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate phosphate and its regulators in children compared with adults.

Materials and methods

The participants were children aged 3–11 years and adults older than 20 years of age. Biochemical parameters including calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, FGF23, and vitamin D were measured. Fractional excretion of phosphate was calculated, using serum and urine phosphate and creatinine.

Results

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 children (mean age: 9.0 ± 2.1) and 44 adults (mean age: 38.9 ± 11.1). The children had higher serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and FGF23 (p < 0.001), but fractional excretion of phosphate was greater in adults (14.1 ± 5.7, 11.4 ± 4.4, p = 0.019, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.7 to −0.2). Of all individuals, 61.8% had vitamin D deficiency. By multiple regression analysis, entering age, calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D level, the only independent predictor of FGF23 was 1, 25 dihydroxy-vitamin D3 (β: 0.78, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.5–1.1, R2: 0.59 for children, and β: 0.59, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.5–1.4, R2: 0.45 for adults).

Conclusion

As far as we know, there is little information regarding the role of FGF23 in physiologic state. In this cross-sectional study no association was found between FGF23 and urinary phosphate excretion in growing children. Further studies with more detail are essential to evaluate phosphate homeostasis during childhood.
Individualized birth length and head circumference percentile charts based on maternal body weight and height
Authors: Voigt Manfred , Meyer-Kahrweg Lena Marie , Landau-Crangle Erin , So Hon Yiu , Däbritz Jan , Rochow Markus , Kunze Mirjam , Rochow Niels
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Measurement of birth length and birth head circumference is part of the newborn assessment. Both measurements aid in distinguishing between proportionate and disproportionate small and large for gestational age newborns. It had been shown that birth weight is related to maternal height and weight. This study aims to analyze birth length and birth head circumference percentiles based on maternal stature.

Methods

This observational study analyzed birth length and birth head circumference percentiles of 2.3 million newborns stratified by maternal height and weight from the first obstetric assessment. Percentiles were calculated for sex and 22–43 gestational weeks for all infants. Eighteen subgroups based on six maternal height and three weight strata were defined and percentiles calculated from 32 to 42 gestational weeks using GAMLSS package for R.

Results

Newborns of mothers with height <158 cm and weight <53 kg (short stature) had a rate of preterm birth of 9%, compared to 5% in the tall stature group (height >177 cm, weight >79 kg). Small stature mothers were 1.7 years younger. Birth length differed by several centimeters for the same percentiles between groups of short and tall stature mothers, whereas birth head circumference differed up to 1.2 cm. The largest deviation of birth length was between the 97th percentiles. For male newborns born at term, birth length at the 97th percentile differed by 3.2 cm, at the 50th percentile by 2.7 cm and at the third percentile by 2.5 cm.

Conclusions

Birth length and birth head circumference are related to maternal height and weight. To more completely assess newborns, the maternal size should be considered.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Nicholls-Dempsey Laura , Czuzoj-Shulman Nicholas , Abenhaim Haim Arie
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction marked by weakness and fatiguability of skeletal muscle. MG has an unpredictable course in pregnancy. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of MG on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

Using the United States’ Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2005 to 2015, we conducted a retrospective cohort study consisting of women who delivered during that period. Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for baseline maternal demographics and comorbidities, were used to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes among pregnancies in women with and without MG.

Results

During the study period, 974 deliveries were to women diagnosed with MG. Women with MG were more likely to be older, African American, obese, have Medicare insurance and be discharged from an urban teaching hospital. Women with MG were also more likely to have chronic hypertension, pre-gestational diabetes, hypothyroidism, and chronic steroid use. Women with MG were at greater risk for acute respiratory failure (OR 13.7, 95% CI 8.9–21.2) and increased length of hospital stay (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.9–3.3). No significant difference was observed in the risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes, caesarean section or instrumental vaginal delivery. Neonates of women with MG were more likely to be premature (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.8).

Conclusions

MG in pregnancy is a high-risk condition associated with greater risk of maternal respiratory failure and preterm birth. Management in a tertiary care center with obstetrical, neurological, anesthesia and neonatology collaboration is recommended.
Professionally responsible advocacy for women and children first during the COVID-19 pandemic: guidance from World Association of Perinatal Medicine and International Academy of Perinatal Medicine
Authors: Chervenak Frank A. , McCullough Laurence B. , Grünebaum Amos , Bornstein Eran , Sen Cihat , Stanojevic Milan , Degtyareva Marina , Kurjak Asim
Published: August 2020

The goal of perinatal medicine is to provide professionally responsible clinical management of the conditions and diagnoses of pregnant, fetal, and neonatal patients. The New York Declaration of the International Academy of Perinatal Medicine, “Women and children First – or Last?” was directed toward the ethical challenges of perinatal medicine in middle-income and low-income countries. The global COVID-19 pandemic presents common ethical challenges in all countries, independent of their national wealth. In this paper the World Association of Perinatal Medicine provides ethics-based guidance for professionally responsible advocacy for women and children first during the COVID-19 pandemic. We first present an ethical framework that explains ethical reasoning, clinically relevant ethical principles and professional virtues, and decision making with pregnant patients and parents. We then apply this ethical framework to evidence-based treatment and its improvement, planned home birth, ring-fencing obstetric services, attendance of spouse or partner at birth, and the responsible management of organizational resources. Perinatal physicians should focus on the mission of perinatal medicine to put women and children first and frame-shifting when necessary to put the lives and health of the population of patients served by a hospital first.
Evaluating the effectiveness of different network flow motifs in association football
Authors: Håland Else Marie , Wiig Astrid Salte , Hvattum Lars Magnus , Stålhane Magnus
Published: August 2020

In association football, a network flow motif describes how distinct players from a team are involved in a passing sequence. The flow motif encodes whether the same players appear several times in a passing sequence, and in which order the players make passes. This information has previously been used to classify the passing style of different teams. In this work, flow motifs are analyzed in terms of their effectiveness in terms of generating shots. Data from four seasons of the Norwegian top division are analyzed, using flow motifs representing subsequences of three passes. The analysis is performed with a generalized additive model (GAM), with a range of explanatory variables included. Findings include that motifs with fewer distinct players are less effective, and that motifs are more likely to lead to shots if the passes in the motif utilize a bigger area of the pitch.
Syntax in morphological guise: Interrogative verbal morphology in Abaza
Authors: Arkadiev Peter M.
Published: August 2020

Abaza, a polysynthetic ergative Northwest Caucasian language, possesses a typologically unique system of forming content questions by means of inflectional marking in the verb. I offer a detailed description of this peculiar system, showing how it is grounded in the more general pattern of encoding relativization by means of prefixes forming part of the basic cross-referencing paradigms. I also discuss a tentative diachronic scenario, explaining how at least a subpart of the synthetic interrogative marking in Abaza (and its close relative Abkhaz) could have emerged via univerbation of pseudocleft focus constructions.
Do prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) change their activity and space use in response to domestic cat (Felis catus) excreta?
Authors: Keane Brian , Long Phillip J. , Fleifil Yasmeen , Solomon Nancy G.
Published: August 2020

Behavioral changes that reduce the risk of predation in response to predator-derived odor cues are widespread among mammalian taxa and have received a great deal of attention. Although voles of the genus Microtus are staples in the diet of many mammalian predators, including domestic cats (Felis catus), there are no previous studies on vole space utilization and activity levels in response to odor cues from domestic cats. Therefore, the objective of our study was to investigate responses of adult prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) living in semi-natural habitats to odor cues from domestic cat excreta. Contrary to expectations, neither adult males or females showed significant changes in space use or willingness to enter traps in response to cat odors. One hypothesis to explain our results are that prairie voles have not co-evolved with domestic cats long enough to respond to their odors. Other possible explanations include whether levels of odors in the environment were sufficient to trigger a response or that the perceived risk of predation from odor cues alone did not outweigh relative costs of changing space use and activity levels. Future studies should consider multiple factors when determining what cues are sufficient to elicit antipredatory behavior.
On a functional equation that has the quadratic-multiplicative property
Authors: Park Choonkil , Tamilvanan Kandhasamy , Balasubramanian Ganapathy , Noori Batool , Najati Abbas
Published: August 2020

In this article, we obtain the general solution and prove the Hyers-Ulam stability of the following quadratic-multiplicative functional equation:

ϕ
(
s
t
−
u
v
)
+
ϕ
(
s
v
+
t
u
)
=
[
ϕ
(
s
)
+
ϕ
(
u
)
]
[
ϕ
(
t
)
+
ϕ
(
v
)
]

\phi (st-uv)+\phi (sv+tu)={[}\phi (s)+\phi (u)]{[}\phi (t)+\phi (v)]

by using the direct method and the fixed point method.
A boundedness result for Marcinkiewicz integral operator
Authors: Hawawsheh Laith , Abudayah Mohammad
Published: August 2020

We extend a boundedness result for Marcinkiewicz integral operator. We find a new space of radial functions for which this class of singular integral operators remains

L

p

{L}^{p}

-bounded when its kernel satisfies only the sole integrability condition.
On the density of lines and Santalo’s formula for computing geometric size measures
Authors: El Khaldi Khaldoun , Saleeby Elias G.
Published: August 2020

Methods from integral geometry and geometric probability allow us to estimate
geometric size measures indirectly. In this article, a Monte Carlo algorithm for
simultaneous estimation of hyper-volumes and hyper-surface areas of a class of
compact sets in Euclidean space is developed. The algorithm is based on
Santalo’s formula and the Hadwiger formula from integral geometry, and employs a
comparison principle to assign geometric probabilities. An essential component
of the method is to be able to generate uniform sets of random lines on the
sphere. We utilize an empirically established method to generate these random
chords, and we describe a geometric randomness model associated with it. We
verify our results by computing measures for hyper-ellipsoids and certain
non-convex sets.
Hidden Markov Model with Markovian emission
Authors: Elkimakh Karima , Nasroallah Abdelaziz
Published: August 2020

In our paper [A. Nasroallah and K. Elkimakh,
HMM with emission process resulting from a special combination of independent Markovian emissions,
Monte Carlo Methods Appl. 23 2017, 4, 287–306] we have studied, in a first scenario, the three fundamental hidden Markov problems assuming that, given the hidden process, the observed one selects emissions from a combination of independent Markov chains evolving at the same time. Here, we propose to conduct the same study with a second scenario assuming that given the hidden process, the emission process selects emissions from a combination of independent Markov chain evolving according to their own clock.
Three basic numerical examples are studied to show the proper functioning of the iterative algorithm adapted to the proposed model.
Successful de-escalation antibiotic therapy using cephamycins for sepsis caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae bacteremia: A sequential 25-case series
Authors: Kuwana Tsukasa , Yamaguchi Junko , Kinoshita Kosaku , Hori Satoshi , Ihara Shingo , Taniguchi Tetsuya
Published: August 2020

Carbapenems are frequently used to treat infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E), but carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteria are a clinical concern. Although cephamycins (cefmetazole; CMZ) have been shown to be effective against mild cases of ESBL-E infection, data on their use for severe ESBL-E infections with sepsis or septic shock remain scarce. Herein, we discuss a de-escalation therapy to CMZ that could be used after empiric antibiotic therapy in ICU patients with sepsis or septic shock caused by ESBL-E bacteremia. A sequence of 25 cases diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock caused by ESBL-E bacteria was evaluated. The attending infectious disease specialist physicians selected the antibiotics and decided the de-escalation timing. The median SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) and APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) severity scores were 8 and 30; the rate of septic shock was 60%. Infections originated most frequently with urinary tract infection (UTI) (56%) and Escherichia coli (85%). Eleven patients were de-escalated to CMZ after vital signs were stable, and all survived. No patients died of UTI regardless of with or without de-escalation. The median timing of de-escalation antibiotic therapy after admission was 4 days (range, 3–6 days). At the time of de-escalation, the median SOFA score fell from 8 to 5, the median APACHE II score from 28 to 22, and the rate of septic shock from 55% to 0%. We conclude that for sepsis in UTI caused by ESBL-E bacteremia, de-escalation therapy from broad-spectrum antibiotics to CMZ is a potential treatment option when vital signs are stable.
Voltage-dependent anion channels mediated apoptosis in refractory epilepsy
Authors: Zhao Yan , Jiang Wen-Jing , Ma Lin , Lin Yan , Wang Xing-Bang
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) in mitochondria-mediated apoptosis of neurons in refractory epilepsy. Western blot analyses were carried out to detect the changes in cytochrome C, caspase 9, Bax, and Bcl-2. TUNEL assays were also carried out to investigate cell apoptosis under the upregulation and downregulation of VDAC1 with or without Bax or Bcl-2. VDAC1 induced Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase 9, increasing the release of cytochrome C. VDAC1 played an essential role in the apoptotic cell death of refractory epilepsy. It is concluded that VDAC1 plays an important role in refractory epilepsy and could be a possible therapeutic target of anti-epileptic drugs. The current study provides a new understanding of the possible mechanisms of refractory epilepsy.
Clinical significance and potential mechanisms of miR-223-3p and miR-204-5p in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck: a study based on TCGA and GEO
Authors: Zhao Lei , Tian Congzhe , Xiao Erbin , Du Jinduo , Liang Jingwei , Chen Xianghong , Chi Weiwei
Published: August 2020

Objective

To explore the clinical significance and mechanisms of altered miRNAs in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) and provide references for SCCHN diagnosis and prognosis.

Method

Differential expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in SCCHN were screened through gene expression omnibus (GEO) DataSets and verified by the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. Next, the overall survival analysis, receiver operating characteristics, and clinical correlation analysis were adopted to filter the miRNAs with diagnostic and prognostic values. Finally, functional enrichment analyses were conducted for inquiring into the mechanisms of miRNAs.

Results

Total 103 DEMs (p < 0.05, fold change ≥ 2) in SCCHN were screened out from GSE124566. Partly, the expression levels of the selected (12/17) miRNAs were verified by TCGA. Followed, of the 12 miRNAs, two miRNA expression levels were associated with the overall survival, and five miRNAs showed diagnostic values (AUC ≥ 0.85). Besides, miR-223-3p and miR-204-5p expression levels were correlated to certain clinical features. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) related biological process and energy metabolism controlling related AMPK signaling pathway might mediate the roles of miR-223-3p and miR-204-5p, respectively.

Conclusion

With diagnostic and prognostic values, miR-223-3p and miR-204-5p may be involved in the progression of SCCHN through EMT-related biological process and energy balance related AMPK signaling pathway, respectively.
A critical inquiry on the ideological and hegemonic practices in EFL textbooks
Authors: Ulum Ömer Gökhan , Köksal Dinçay
Published: August 2020

The expanding hegemony of English caused English Language Teaching to suddenly turn into an international business with huge financial investment, and accordingly produced EFL textbooks evolved into a cornerstone of the business. Further, studies on the relation between ideology, hegemony, and textbooks have multiplied in recent decades as a result of the rise of critical theory, critical pedagogy, and critical thinking skills which have inspired scholars to establish a critical perspective towards EFL textbooks considering the compounds of ideology and hegemony. In this paper, using a mixed method research design, qualitatively collected data through interviews and quantitatively gathered data through a questionnaire aimed to reveal the views of teachers/instructors and learners about the ideological and hegemonic practices contained in the EFL textbooks. The results of questionnaire and interview showed that ideology and hegemony are closely related to each other. Moreover, it is hard to give a clear-cut definition of these two terms because both textbooks and participants often used these two terms interchangeably. However, the participants declared diverse views on the underlying ideology and hegemonic practices in globally and locally written EFL textbooks.
Dealing with hate to boost multiculturalism in colleges/schools of education
Authors: Obiakor Festus E.
Published: August 2020

Hate has always been a part of our lives and world. We have rationalized about it and pretended that it is a personality difference that is not very harmful and hurtful. However, hate continues to be devastating and visible in the forms of discrimination, racism, xenophobia, linguistic superiority, religious bigotry, Messiah Complex, White supremacy, and prejudice, to mention a few. At Colleges/Schools of Education (C/SOE) and their respective colleges and universities, hate and its related problems continue to manifest themselves in these institutions in divergent ways, thereby making them unsafe, unhealthy, and uncomfortable environments to culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) and vulnerable individuals who have been traditionally devalued, disenfranchized, disadvantaged, and disillusioned. In this article, I discuss the dangers of hate in C/SOE and recommend what we can do to boost multiculturalism in these educational environments.
Crystal structure of 4-[(4-methoxy-2-nitrophenyl)carbamoyl]butanoic acid, C12H14N2O6
Authors: Hanifa Bibi , Sirajuddin Muhammad , Lo Kong Mun , Tiekink Edward R.T.
Published: August 2020

C12H14N2O6, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 4.8835(4) Å, b = 9.2111(7) Å, c = 14.6655(7) Å, α = 76.135(5)°, β = 82.693(6)°, γ = 87.379(7)°, V = 635.19(8) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0449, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1297, T = 293(1) K.
Clinical implications of fear extinction in anxiety disorders
Authors: Zlomuzica Armin , Schneider Silvia , Konrad Carolin , Merz Christian J. , Wolf Oliver T. , Raeder Friederike , Margraf Jürgen
Published: August 2020

Anxiety disorders (ADs) are characterized by increased chronicity and comorbidity with other ADs. Although exposure is the most effective therapy option for ADs, some patients show poor treatment response and a heightened vulnerability for relapse after treatment completion. Hence, significant research effort needs to be devoted to improve the long-term effectiveness of exposure effects. Recent attempts to increase exposure therapy efficacy use strategies aimed at promoting the acquisition and retrieval of extinction memories. The present review illustrates the value and limitations of such extinction-based therapy approaches. We present and discuss recent findings from translational studies using cortisol and self-efficacy enhancement as an add-on to exposure therapy. We illustrate how the integration of findings from experimental research on fear extinction learning and self-efficacy could advance the development of more optimized treatments for ADs.
A reliable analytical technique for fractional Caudrey-Dodd-Gibbon equation with Mittag-Leffler kernel
Authors: Veeresha P. , Prakasha D. G.
Published: August 2020

The pivotal aim of the present work is to find the solution for fractional Caudrey-Dodd-Gibbon (CDG) equation using q-homotopy analysis transform method (q-HATM). The considered technique is graceful amalgamations of Laplace transform technique with q-homotopy analysis scheme, and fractional derivative defined with Atangana-Baleanu (AB) operator. The fixed point hypothesis considered in order to demonstrate the existence and uniqueness of the obtained solution for the projected fractional-order model. In order to illustrate and validate the efficiency of the future technique, we analysed the projected model in terms of fractional order. Moreover, the physical behaviour of q-HATM solutions have been captured in terms of plots for diverse fractional order and the numerical simulation is also demonstrated. The obtained results elucidate that, the considered algorithm is easy to implement, highly methodical as well as accurate and very effective to examine the nature of nonlinear differential equations of arbitrary order arisen in the connected areas of science and engineering.
Effect of magnetized variable thermal conductivity on flow and heat transfer characteristics of unsteady Williamson fluid
Authors: Shankar Usha , Naduvinamani N. B. , Basha Hussain
Published: August 2020

A two-dimensional mathematical model of magnetized unsteady incompressible Williamson fluid flow over a sensor surface with variable thermal conductivity and exterior squeezing with viscous dissipation effect is investigated, numerically. Present flow model is developed based on the considered flow geometry. Effect of Lorentz forces on flow behaviour is described in terms of magnetic field and which is accounted in momentum equation. Influence of variable thermal conductivity on heat transfer is considered in the energy equation. Present investigated problem gives the highly complicated nonlinear, unsteady governing flow equations and which are coupled in nature. Owing to the failure of analytical/direct techniques, the considered physical problem is solved by using Runge-Kutta scheme (RK-4) via similarity transformations approach. Graphs and tables are presented to describe the physical behaviour of various control parameters on flow phenomenon. Temperature boundary layer thickens for the amplifying value of Weissenberg parameter and permeable velocity parameter. Velocity profile decreased for the increasing squeezed flow index and permeable velocity parameter. Increasing magnetic number increases the velocity profile. Magnifying squeezed flow index magnifies the magnitude of Nusselt number. Also, RK-4 efficiently solves the highly complicated nonlinear complex equations that are arising in the fluid flow problems. The present results in this article are significantly matching with the published results in the literature.
Analysing urban traffic volumes and mapping noise emissions in Rome (Italy) in the context of containment measures for the COVID-19 disease
Authors: Aletta Francesco , Brinchi Stefano , Carrese Stefano , Gemma Andrea , Guattari Claudia , Mannini Livia , Patella Sergio Maria
Published: August 2020

This study presents the result of a traffic simulation analysis based on Floating Car Data and a noise emission assessment to show the impact of mobility restriction for COVID-19 containment on urban vehicular traffic and road noise pollution on the road network of Rome, Italy. The adoption of strong and severe measures to contain the spreading of Coronavirus during March-April 2020 generated a significant reduction in private vehicle trips in the city of Rome (-64.6% during the lockdown). Traffic volumes, obtained through a simulation approach, were used as input parameters for a noise emission assessment conducted using the CNOSSOS-EU method, and an overall noise emissions reduction on the entire road network was found, even if its extent varied between road types.