bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adequate 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are inversely associated with various cardiometabolic risk factors in Chinese children, especially obese children
Authors: Xiao Pei , Dong Hongbo , Li Haibo , Yan Yinkun , Cheng Hong , Liu Junting , Zhao Xiaoyuan , Hou Dongqing , Mi Jie
Published: February 2020

Objective

Vitamin D deficiency has recently evolved as a major public health issue worldwide. But the relationship between vitamin D and cardiovascular health in children remains unclear. Accordingly, we aimed to examine the associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and cardiometabolic risk factors, and to assess the possible effect modification of obesity on the associations in a Chinese pediatric population.

Research design and methods

A cross-sectional sample of 6091 children aged 6–18 years was obtained using a cluster sampling method. The 25(OH)D concentrations, and metabolic risk factors, including waist to height ratio, blood pressure, blood lipids, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and insulin were measured. Adjusted ORs and multiplicative or additive interaction were calculated to assess the associations and effect modification, respectively.

Results

Triglycerides, FBG, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were inversely associated with 25(OH)D concentrations (p<0.05) in both sexes. The OR of hyperglycemia among individuals with insufficient vitamin D was higher than those with adequate vitamin D after adjusting for covariates (OR: 1.47; 95% CI 1.26 to 1.70). Moreover, girls with insufficient vitamin D had significantly higher odds for hypertension and high total cholesterol than those with adequate vitamin D, which was not observed in boys. Thirty-two percent (95% CI 14% to 51%) of the increased odds of hyperglycemia can be explained by the interaction between insufficient vitamin D and obesity.

Conclusions

Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with increased odds of various cardiometabolic risk factors in Chinese children and has a synergistic effect on hyperglycemia with obesity.
Relationships between cognitive leisure activities and cognitive function in older adults with depressive symptoms: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Min Ji , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Doi Takehiko , Nakakubo Sho , Kurita Satoshi , Makizako Hyuma , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The current study aimed to elucidate the associations between cognitive leisure activities and cognitive function in an older population stratified by having or not having depressive symptoms.

Design

A retrospective cross-sectional study based on a self-report questionnaire.

Setting

Annual health check-ups in a rural community in Japan.

Participants

A total of 11 010 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years (mean age: 74.0±5.4 years) was examined. Participants with missing data for the main outcome (n=1630) were excluded.

Outcome measures

Cognitive impairment was defined as at least 1.5 SD below the reference threshold (age-adjusted and education-adjusted score) on two of more of the tests in the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool. Depressive symptoms were defined by a 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale score ≥6. We assessed the frequency of participation in cognitive leisure activities using the validated scale (score: 0–42). A score of ≥8 points was defined as frequent participation in cognitive leisure activities.

Results

A total of 12.6% (n=1186) of the participants had depressive symptoms. There was a significant association between cognitive leisure activities and cognitive impairment in older adults (adjusted OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.65 to 0.94). In older adults with depressive symptoms, a higher frequency of cognitive leisure activities was negatively associated with cognitive impairment (adjusted OR=0.45, 95% CI=0.28 to 0.70). In contrast, there was no significant association in older adults without depressive symptoms (adjusted OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.70 to 1.02).

Conclusions

Engaging in cognitive leisure activities in late life is associated with better cognitive function in older adults with depressive symptoms.
Risk of opioid misuse in people with cancer and pain and related clinical considerations: a qualitative study of the perspectives of Australian general practitioners
Authors: Luckett Tim , Newton-John Toby , Phillips Jane , Holliday Simon , Giannitrapani Karleen , Powell-Davies Gawaine , Lovell Melanie , Liauw Winston , Rowett Debra , Pearson Sallie-Anne , Raymond Bronwyn , Heneka Nicole , Lorenz Karl
Published: February 2020

Objective

To explore the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) concerning the risk of opioid misuse in people with cancer and pain and related clinical considerations.

Design

A qualitative approach using semistructured telephone interviews. Analysis used an integrative approach.

Setting

Primary care.

Participants

Australian GPs with experience of prescribing opioids for people with cancer and pain.

Results

Twenty-two GPs participated, and three themes emerged. Theme 1 (Misuse is not the main problem) contextualised misuse as a relatively minor concern compared with pain control and toxicity, and highlighted underlying systemic factors, including limitations in continuity of care and doctor expertise. Theme 2 (‘A different mindset’ for cancer pain) captured participants’ relative comfort in prescribing opioids for pain in cancer versus non-cancer contexts, and acknowledgement that compassion and greater perceived community acceptance were driving factors, in addition to scientific support for mechanisms and clinical efficacy. Participant attitudes towards prescribing for people with cancer versus non-cancer pain differed most when cancer was in the palliative phase, when they were unconcerned by misuse. Participants were equivocal about the risk–benefit ratio of long-term opioid therapy in the chronic phase of cancer, and were reluctant to prescribe for disease-free survivors. Theme 3 (‘The question is always, ‘how lazy have you been?’) captured participants’ acknowledgement that they sometimes prescribed opioids for cancer pain as a default, easier option compared with more holistic pain management.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the role of specific clinical considerations in distinguishing risk of opioid misuse in the cancer versus non-cancer population, rather than diagnosis per se. Further efforts are needed to ensure continuity of care where opioid prescribing is shared. Greater evidence is needed to guide opioid prescribing in disease-free survivors and the chronic phase of cancer, especially in the context of new treatments for metastatic disease.
Measuring menstrual hygiene experience: development and validation of the Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS-36) in Soroti, Uganda
Authors: Hennegan Julie , Nansubuga Agnes , Smith Calum , Redshaw Maggie , Akullo Agnes , Schwab Kellogg J
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study describes the development and validation of the Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS-36), which measures the extent to which respondents’ menstrual practices and environments meet their needs.

Methods

A 54-item pool was developed following systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies and expert feedback. Item reduction and scale validation were undertaken using a cross-sectional survey of 538 menstruating schoolgirls in Soroti, Uganda. Test–retest reliability was assessed in a subsample of 52 girls 2 weeks after the first administration. Construct validity was tested through relationships with hypothesised correlates: confidence to manage menses, self-reported school absenteeism and mental health symptoms.

Results

The MPNS-36 comprises 28 items applicable to all respondents and 8 items capturing washing and drying experiences for those reusing menstrual materials. A four-factor solution for the core 28 items was the best fit for the data (root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0.028–0.029; comparative fit index (CFI)=0.961–0.964; Tucker-Lewis index (TLI)=0.953–0.955), supplemented by two factors for reuse (RMSEA=0.021–0.030; CFI=0.987–0.994; TLI=0.981–0.991). Subscale and total scores were calculated as mean scores to support accessibility for practitioners. The subscales were ‘material and home environment needs’ (11 items, αordinal=0.84), ‘transport and school environment needs’ (5 items, αordinal=0.73), ‘material reliability concerns’ (3 items, αordinal=0.55), ‘change and disposal insecurity’ (9 items, αordinal=0.80), ‘reuse needs’ (5 items, αordinal=0.76) and ‘reuse insecurity’ (3 items, αordinal=0.56). Relationships between subscales and hypothesised correlates supported validity. Home-based and school-based items were more strongly associated with confidence to manage menstruation at home and school, respectively. Higher total scores indicated more positive experiences and were associated with greater odds of not missing school during the last menstrual period (OR=2.62, 95% CI 1.52 to 4.50). Test–retest reliability was moderate (total score: intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC(2,1)=0.69).

Conclusions

The MPNS-36 demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity. It is the first measure to capture perceived menstrual hygiene and may be useful across a range of study designs. Future research should explore the validity and suitability of the measure across contexts and populations.
Cohort profile: the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre, Brazil, birth cohort study (MINA-Brazil)
Authors: Cardoso Marly A , Matijasevich Alicia , Malta Maira Barreto , Lourenco Barbara Hatzlhoffer , Gimeno Suely G A , Ferreira Marcelo U , Castro Marcia C
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre, Brazil (MINA-Brazil) is a longitudinal, prospective population-based birth cohort, set-up to understand the effects of early environmental exposures and maternal lifestyle choices on growth and development of the Amazonian children.

Participants

Mother–baby pairs (n=1246) were enrolled at delivery from July 2015 to June 2016 in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil. Mothers of 43.7% of the cohort were recruited in the study during pregnancy from February 2015 to January 2016. Study visits took place during pregnancy, delivery, at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after delivery. In addition to clinical and epidemiological data, samples collected by the MINA-Brazil study include plasma, serum and extracted DNA from blood and faeces, which are stored in a biobank.

Findings to date

Key baseline reports found a high prevalence of gestational night blindness (11.5%; 95% CI 9.97% to 13.25%) and maternal anaemia (39.4%; 95% CI 36.84% to 41.95%) at delivery. Antenatal malaria episodes (74.6% ofPlasmodium vivax) were diagnosed in 8.0% of the women and were associated with an average reduction in birth weight z-scores of 0.35 (95% CI 0.14 to 0.57) and in birth length z-scores of 0.31 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.54), compared with malaria-free pregnancies. At 2-year follow-up, data collection strategies combined telephone calls, WhatsApp, social media community and home visits to minimise losses of follow-up (retention rate of 79.5%).

Future plans

A 5-year follow-up visit is planned in 2021 with similar interviews and biospecimens collection. The findings from this prospective cohort will provide novel insights into the roles of prenatal and postnatal factors in determining early childhood development in an Amazonian population.
Notch1–Nrf2 signaling crosstalk provides myocardial protection by reducing ROS formation
Authors: Zhou Xue-liang , Wu Xia , Zhu Rong-rong , Xu Hua , Li Yun-yun , Xu Qi-rong , Liu Sheng , Lai Song-qing , Xu Xinping , Wan Li , Wu Qi-cai , Liu Ji-chun
Published: February 2020

Both the Notch1 and Keap1–Nrf2 signaling pathways have cardioprotective effects, but the role of Notch1–Nrf2 crosstalk in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury is unclear. In this study, we established hypoxia–reoxygenation in neonate rat myocardial cells and employed γ-secretase inhibitor and curcumin to inhibit and activate the Notch1 and Keap1–Nrf2 signaling pathways, respectively. We found that the combined action of the Notch1 and Keap1–Nrf2 signaling pathways significantly increased cardiomyocyte viability, inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis, reduced the formation of reactive oxygen species, and increased antioxidant activities. In conclusion, these findings suggest that Notch1–Nrf2 crosstalk exerts myocardial protection by reducing the formation of reactive oxygen species.
Weak cosmic censorship in Born–Infeld electrodynamics and bound on charge-to-mass ratio
Authors: Hu Tong-Tong , Song Yan , Sun Shuo , Li Hong-Bo , Wang Yong-Qiang
Published: February 2020

We construct a class of counterexamples to cosmic censorship in four dimensional Einstein–Born–Infeld theory with asymptotically anti-de Sitter boundary conditions, and investigate the effect of the Born–Infeld parameter b in comparison with the counterpart of Einstein–Maxwell theory. When a charged massive scalar field is included into the action, we find that this class of counterexamples to cosmic censorship would be removed if the charge of scalar fields is above the bound of charge $$q_{w}$$qw. In particular, the bound of charge required to preserve cosmic censorship increases with the increasing of Born–Infeld parameter. Meanwhile, we also show the lower bounds on charge-to-mass ratio with the different values of Born–Infeld parameter.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Estimation in Electromyography Signals Contaminated with Electrocardiography Signals
Authors: Oo Thandar , Phukpattaranont Pornchai
Published: February 2020

When electromyography (EMG) signals are collected from muscles in the torso, they can be perturbed by the electrocardiography (ECG) signals from heart activity. In this paper, we present a novel signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimate for an EMG signal contaminated by an ECG signal. We use six features that are popular in assessing EMG signals, namely skewness, kurtosis, mean average value, waveform length, zero crossing and mean frequency. The features were calculated from the raw EMG signals and the detail coefficients of the discrete stationary wavelet transform. Then, these features are used as inputs to a neural network that outputs the estimate of SNR. While we used simulated EMG signals artificially contaminated with simulated ECG signals as the training data, the testing was done with simulated EMG signals artificially contaminated with real ECG signals. The results showed that the waveform length determined with raw EMG signals was the best feature for estimating SNR. It gave the highest average correlation coefficient of 0.9663. These results suggest that the waveform length could be deployed not only in EMG recognition systems but also in EMG signal quality measurements when the EMG signals are contaminated by ECG interference.
Implications of Assisted Reproductive Technologies for Pregnancy Outcomes in Mammals
Authors: Hansen Peter J.
Published: February 2020

Development of assisted reproductive technologies has been driven by the goals of reducing the incidence of infertility, increasing the number of offspring from genetically elite animals, facilitating genetic manipulation, aiding preservation and long-distance movement of germplasm, and generating research material. Superovulation is associated with reduced fertilization rate and alterations in endometrial function. In vitro production of embryos can have a variety of consequences. Most embryos produced in vitro are capable of establishing pregnancy and developing into healthy neonatal animals. However, in vitro production is associated with reduced ability to develop to the blastocyst stage, increased incidence of failure to establish pregnancy, placental dysfunction, and altered fetal development. Changes in the developmental program mean that some consequences of being produced in vitro can extend into adult life. Reduced competence of the embryo produced in vitro to develop to the blastocyst stage is caused largely by disruption of events during oocyte maturation and fertilization. Conditions during embryo culture can affect embryo freezability and competence to establish pregnancy after transfer. Culture conditions, including actions of embryokines, can also affect the postnatal phenotype of the resultant progeny.
Performance Ranking Method Based on Superefficiency with Directional Distance Function in DEA
Authors: Tang Jing , Liu Jianzhong , Chen Jianghua , Wei Fangqing
Published: February 2020

In data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology, superefficiency models eliminate the DMU to be evaluated from the production possibility set (PPS) to investigate whether its performance is superefficient. However, the infeasibility has been found in the superefficiency models when variable return-to-scale (VRS) technology is assumed. In recent developments, directional distance functions (DDF) are introduced into VRS superefficiency models to address the infeasibility, and the obtained efficiency scores from the DDF-based VRS superefficiency measure are used to rank all DMUs. In this study, we discuss conditions on selecting some proper reference bundles for feasible DDF and suggest a new DDF-based VRS superefficiency measure, which is unit-invariant and does not need to specify additional parameters. Two example illustrations are evaluated to demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of our proposed DDF-based VRS superefficiency ranking method.
Analysis of Segmental Lymph Node Metastasis and Clinical Features in cT1N0M0 Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Guanghao , Sun Yanbin , Zou Zifang , Xu Shun
Published: February 2020

The progression of lung adenocarcinoma through lymph node metastasis has been well established; however, the process of segmental lymph node (LSN) metastasis in cT1N0M0 lung adenocarcinoma remains unclear. We aimed to elucidate the markers of lymph node metastasis to different segments in early‐stage lung adenocarcinoma and identify new indications for segmentectomy. A total of 200 patients were enrolled in this study. These patients were diagnosed with cT1N0M0 lung adenocarcinoma after positron emission tomography/computed tomography and received lobectomy and lymph node dissection surgeries. Lymph nodes retrieved from each station were sorted. The metastatic status of the isolated (i) LSNs and several characteristics were analyzed. Patients with ground‐glass nodules (GGNs) (P = 0.025), AIS/MIA/lepidic adenocarcinoma (P = 0.038), nodules with a maximum diameter ≤1 cm (P = 0.017), maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) < 2.5 (P = 0.029), serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels ≤4.5 ng/ml (P = 0.036), and no N1 lymph nodes metastasis (P = 0.036) had significantly lower iLSN metastasis rates than those without these characteristics. Pure GGNs, CEA levels ≤4.5 ng/ml, SUVmax < 2.5, tumors with a maximum diameter of ≤1 cm, or those confirmed to be adenocarcinoma in situ, minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, or invasive lepidic‐predominant adenocarcinoma by frozen section may indicate segmentectomy. However, segmentectomy is not suitable for patients with metastasis to the N1 lymph nodes.
Research on the Stability Evaluation Model of Composite Support Pillar in Backfill-Strip Mining
Authors: Zhu Xiaojun , Guo Guangli , Liu Hui , Peng Xueni , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: February 2020

Backfill-strip mining, which combines the advantages of strip mining and backfill mining, is proposed to overcome high cost and shortage of filling materials in coal mines at present. The composite support pillar (CSP) is a combined support pillar of the filling body and coal pillar for supporting the overlying strata and achieving subsidence control. The stability of CSP is the key to the success of subsidence control in backfill-strip mining engineering. A stability evaluation model of the CSP mechanical model was proposed. First, the lateral stress between the coal pillar and filling body is calculated in consideration of their interaction relation in CSP based on the earth pressure theory. Then, the width calculation models of the broken and plastic zones of three types of CSPs are established on the basis of limit equilibrium theory. On this basis, the mathematical model of the safety design width of the three types of CSPs is proposed to ensure the stability of CSP. Meanwhile, an engineering case of stability width design of CSP is shown. This study can provide theoretical reference and technical support for the engineering design of backfill-strip mining.
Radiomic Analysis of Craniopharyngioma and Meningioma in the Sellar/Parasellar Area with MR Images Features and Texture Features: A Feasible Study
Authors: Tian Zerong , Chen Chaoyue , Zhang Yang , Fan Yimeng , Feng Ridong , Xu Jianguo
Published: February 2020

Purpose. To investigate the ability of qualitative Magnetic Resonance (MR) images features and quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) texture features in the contrastive analysis between craniopharyngioma and meningioma. Method. A total number of 127 patients were included in this study (craniopharyngioma = 63; meningioma = 64). All the features analyzed in this study were acquired from preoperative MRI images. Qualitative MR images features were evaluated with chi-square tests or Fisher exact test, while MRI texture features were evaluated with the Mann–Whitney U test with the Benjamini–Hochberg method. Then binary logistic regression analysis for texture features was performed to evaluate their ability as independent predictors, and the diagnostic accuracy was calculated next for these texture features with high abilities as independent predictors using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results. Four qualitative MR images features showed significant difference between craniopharyngioma and meningioma, but only cystic alteration could be considered as diagnostic independent predictors. Meanwhile, three quantitative parameters, histogram-based matrix- (HISTO-) Skewness, Grey-level co-occurrence matrix- (GLCM-) Contrast on contrast-enhanced images, and HISTO-Skewness on images of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), showed promising abilities in the contrastive analysis. Besides, these texture features were found significantly to be relative to cystic alteration. Conclusion. MR images features and texture features were useful in the contrastive analysis of craniopharyngioma and meningioma. Furthermore, qualitative MR images features and MRI texture features could be related to each other.
Simultaneous Determination of Ternary Mixture of Carboxin, Chlorpyrifos, and Tebuconazole Residues in Cabbage Samples Using Three Spectrophotometric Methods
Authors: Omer Shilan A. , Fakhre Nabil A.
Published: February 2020

Three simple precise and accurate spectrophotometric methods are developed for simultaneous determination of ternary mixtures of carboxin, chlorpyrifos, and tebuconazole residues in cabbage grown in the experimental field. The first method is a double divisor-ratio spectra derivative that relies on the derivative of ratio spectra and attained through dividing the absorption spectra of the ternary mixture by the sum of standard spectrum of a mixture of two from three components, using methanol as a solvent and measuring CAR at 242 nm, CHL at 236 nm, 276 nm, and 300 nm, and TEB at 226 nm. The second method is a successive derivative of ratio spectra which determined CAR at 256 nm and 258 nm, CHL at 290 nm and 292 nm, and TEB at 226 nm and 228 nm. The third method is a mean centering of ratio spectra where CAR, CHL, and TEB were measured at 306 nm, 280 nm, and 240 nm, respectively. These procedures do not involve any previous separation. The extraction of analytes was carried out by using acetonitrile, and the procedure of purification was fulfilled by dispersive solid-phase extraction with a primary-secondary amine (PSA). The proposed methods showed excellent linearity range for three spectrophotometric methods over the concentration ranges of 1–30 μg/mL, 1–50 μg/mL, and 1–45 μg/mL for carboxin, chlorpyrifos, and tebuconazole, respectively. The analytical characteristics such as detection limit, determination limit, relative standard deviation, and accuracy of the three methods were performed. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.153–0.260 μg/mL for carboxin, 0.137–0.272 μg/mL for chlorpyrifos, and 0.109–0.205 μg/mL for tebuconazole with limits of quantification lower than 0.790, 0.824, and 0.621 μg/mL for CAR, CHL, and TEB, respectively. The recoveries ranged from 87.02% to 94.53% for carboxin, 92.32% to 108.53% for chlorpyrifos, and 87.19% to 98.00% for tebuconazole with relative standard deviations less than 5.91%, 5.99%, and 5.53% in all instances for carboxin, chlorpyrifos, and tebuconazole, respectively. The results obtained from the proposed methods were compared statistically by using one-way ANOVA, and the results revealed that there were no significant differences between three different spectrophotometric methods. The suggested methods can be applied with great success to the simultaneous estimation of carboxin, chlorpyrifos, and tebuconazole residues in cabbage samples.
Response of Fractal Analysis to Soil Quality Succession in Long-Term Compound Soil Improvement of Mu Us Sandy Land, China
Authors: Zhang Haiou , Xie Jiancang , Han Jichang , Nan Haipeng , Guo Zhen
Published: February 2020

The degraded aeolian sandy soil in China’s Mu Us Sandy Land requires amendment before it can be suitable for maize or other agricultural production. The addition of material from the local “soft” bedrock can create a new compound soil whose particle composition and structural stability are key issues for sustainable soil development in the region. We used field data from 2010 to 2018 to study the variations in fractal characteristics of compound soil particles at soft rock to sand volume ratios of 1 : 1, 1 : 2, and 1 : 5, along with changes in soil organic matter. Over the study period, all three compound soils showed gradual increases in clay and silt content with corresponding decreasing sand content. The fractal dimension (FD) of particles at ratio 1 : 2 increased by 8.8%, higher than those at 1 : 1 (8.6%) and 1 : 5 (7.7%). The organic matter content (OMC) of particles at ratio 1 : 2 reached a maximum (6.24 ± 0.30 g/kg), an increase of 12 times over the original value. The FD and OMC of particles at ratios 1 : 1 and 1 : 5 were less stable but showed overall increase. The 1 : 2 ratio compound soil was most suitable for maize growth as its clear increase in silt and clay content most improved the texture and OMC of the original sandy soil. Such research has important theoretical and practical significance for understanding the evolutionary mechanism and sustainable use of the compound soil in agriculture within the Mu Us Sandy Land.
Effectiveness and Safety of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrates in Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocols for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ge Li-Na , Wang Lin , Wang Feng
Published: February 2020

To evaluate the necessity and safety of preoperative oral carbohydrates in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for diabetes mellitus patients. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WANFANG databases for articles published through September 2018. We used the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Literature screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation were performed independently by two investigators. Of the 6328 retrieved articles, five eligible randomized controlled trials were included. Two were from China and three were from Germany, Sweden, and Canada. Preoperative oral carbohydrates may facilitate control of preoperative blood glucose, improve postoperative insulin resistance in diabetes patients, and decrease the occurrence of adverse reactions. However, the overall quality of the included studies was low. The available evidence shows that preoperative oral carbohydrates are probably beneficial for patients with diabetes mellitus. High‐quality, large randomized controlled trials are needed to verify our findings and provide quantitative results.
Prediction of the Progressive Loss of Winding Clamping Pressure in Power Transformers
Authors: Gao Shuguo , Zhao Jun , Meng Lingming , Liu Hongliang
Published: February 2020

This paper investigates the progressive loss of winding clamping pressure resulted from thermal aging in power transformers. Firstly, out-of-plane stress-strain characteristics of aging pressboards are investigated experimentally and relationship between mechanical properties of pressboards and aging hours is established accordingly. Then, a thermal-mechanical model is built to correlate the aging time with temperature based on the first-order reaction kinetics. Based on the above investigations, the correlation between temperature and mechanical properties of pressboards is obtained and the progressive loss of clamping pressure is predicted. The results show that with the progressive softening of pressboards from aging, the clamping pressure drops linearly under 60°C and nonlinearly over 60°C. The remaining clamping pressure of a transformer winding with 30 years’ service history is only 80.12% and 51.59% of its initial pressure under 50°C and 60°C, respectively.
Estimates for the Finite-Time Ruin Probability of a Time-Dependent Risk Model with a Brownian Perturbation
Authors: Wang Kaiyong , Cui Yongfang , Mao Yanzhu
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we consider a time-dependent risk model with a Brownian perturbation. In this model, there is a dependence structure between the claim sizes and their corresponding interarrival times. Assuming the claim sizes have subexponential distributions, we obtain the asymptotic lower bound of the finite-time ruin probability. When the claim sizes have distributions from the class L∩D, the asymptotic upper bound of the finite-time ruin probability has been presented. These results confirm that when the claim sizes are heavy-tailed, the asymptotics of the finite-time ruin probability of this time-dependent model are insensitive to the Brownian perturbation.
Risk Assessment of Oxygen Lance Burning Loss Using Bow-Tie Analysis Based on Fuzzy Theory
Authors: Li Jishuoli , Xu Kaili , Fan Bingjie , Geng Liyan
Published: February 2020

Oxygen lances (OLs) are important devices used in converter steel making. However, the occurrence of OL burning loss (OLBL) failure may lead to explosion accidents. To better prevent OLBL failure, it is necessary to perform a probabilistic assessment. Bow-tie analysis based on fuzzy theory was proposed to assess OLBL, which represents a hazardous event. In this paper, fuzzy theory based on triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) was applied to calculate the failure data. Fuzzy fault tree analysis (FFTA) in combination with the improved similarity aggregation method (ISAM) was employed to reduce the error generated due to the subjective judgement of experts. Furthermore, a comprehensive importance analysis method was developed to rank the importance of basic events (BEs), facilitating the adoption of the corresponding safety decisions. When performing fuzzy event tree analysis (FETA), the occurrence probability of outcome events (OEs) was determined by conducting a layer of protection analysis (LOPA). Finally, safety measures were proposed based on the assessment results to achieve safe production. The results indicated that the use of bow-tie analysis is appropriate to perform qualitative and quantitative assessment. Through bow-tie analysis based on fuzzy theory, the occurrence probability of OLBL was determined to be in the interval (5.34E − 02, 2.69E − 01). By adding independent protective layers (IPLs), the occurrence probability of OEs caused by OLBL can be effectively reduced.
A Closed‐Form Solution for the Analysis of Antifreeze Disease Fortification Length in a Permafrost Tunnel
Authors: Zhang Jun-wei , Zhang Yi-chong , Li Lei , Liu Bing-feng , Mei Zhi-rong
Published: February 2020

Frost damage in permafrost tunnels is very common, and this can have a negative influence on traffic. The most serious frost damage typically occurs at a certain length from the tunnel opening. Thus the antifreeze measures of the lining structure in this area need to be strengthened. In this study, the antifreeze disease fortification length for permafrost tunnels is determined from heat transfer and mathematical physics equations by the theoretical analysis method. The temperature distribution characteristics of the lining along the tunnel axis under the influence of the tunnel depth, the tunnel radius, the wind velocity at the tunnel opening, and the thermal conductivity of the insulation layer are analysed. The results show that the longitudinal temperature characteristics in the tunnel axis are influenced by many factors. The proposed antifreeze disease length of the permafrost tunnel was found to be approximately 31 times of the tunnel diameter, which agrees with the results of the numerical simulation. It verifies the rationality of the theoretical calculation. This value, 31 times of the tunnel diameter, can be used as a reference for the design of the tunnel antifreeze disease fortification length.
Parameter Analysis on Hardening Soil Model of Soft Soil for Foundation Pits Based on Shear Rates in Shenzhen Bay, China
Authors: Fu Yanbin , He Siyue , Zhang Sizhan , Yang Yong
Published: February 2020

The hardening soil (HS) model is the most commonly used constitutive models of soft soil of foundation pits of PLAXIS software in numerical analysis, and its parameters are prerequisite for accurate calculation. In this paper, relevant parameters of the HS model in Shenzhen Bay in China were studied through one‐dimensional consolidation tests and triaxial shear tests. Analytical methods of reference secant stiffness and failure ratio of soft soil were systematically studied, the influence of shear rates on reference secant stiffness and failure ratio of soft soil was analyzed, and the relationship between stiffness parameters and compressive modulus of soft soil was established. The results showed that reference secant stiffness and failure ratio of soft soil obtained by different analytical methods were quite different, and the errors of reference secant stiffness and failure ratio of soft soil obtained by stress‐strain curves were the smallest and the stability was the best; at the same time, with increase of shear rates, the peak deviator stress and reference secant stiffness of soft soil increased, but failure ratio did not change much. The research results could provide a reference of parameter analysis of soft soil for the HS model in the numerical analysis and similar working conditions of foundation pits.
Normative Values for Londrina ADL Protocol in Healthy Individuals in Age Group of 40–60 Years among Indian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sreedevi Uttanoor , Alaparthi Gopala Krishna , krishnan Shyam , Chakravarthy Bairapareddy Kalyana , Anand R. , Acharya Vishak
Published: February 2020

Background. Due to increase in the life expectancy and changes related to aging, it is important to assess ADL (activities of daily living) in older adults. However, there is no standardized protocol available to assess ADLs. Considering the limitations of the available tools, a new protocol named Londrina ADL protocol was developed for which normative values are unavailable in different ethnic groups. Objective. To develop the normative value and reference equation for the Londrina ADL protocol on the basis of anthropometric and demographic variables in healthy individuals in the age group of 40–60 years among the Indian population. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 282 healthy individuals of both the genders between the age group of 40 and 60 and they were divided into 2 groups: 40–49 and 50–60. Each subject was made to perform the Londrina ADL protocol twice with a 30 min interval between the two protocols. The protocol is composed of 5 activities and the best out of the 2 performances were recorded. Results. The mean time taken among 40–49 years by females is 3.50 ± 0.50 min and by males is 3.73 ± 0.43 min. The mean time taken among 50–60 years by females is 4.25 ± 0.20 min and by males is 4.36 ± 0.18 min. The reference equation to predict reference values for the Londrina ADL protocol was as follows: equation (1): Londrina ADL predicted = 1.205 + (0.054 × age (years)) + (0.001 × height (cm)); equation (2): Londrina ADL predicted = 1.374 + (0.054 × age (years)) + (−0.003 × BMI). Conclusion. The reference equation for the time to complete the Londrina ADL protocol was based on age and BMI as independent variables and can be useful for predicting the performance of healthy individuals.
Streptococcus halichoeri: Comparative Genomics of an Emerging Pathogen
Authors: Aaltonen Kirsi , Kant Ravi , Eklund Marjut , Raunio-Saarnisto Mirja , Paulin Lars , Vapalahti Olli , Grönthal Thomas , Rantala Merja , Sironen Tarja
Published: February 2020

Streptococcus halichoeri is an emerging pathogen with a variety of host species and zoonotic potential. It has been isolated from grey seals and other marine mammals as well as from human infections. Beginning in 2010, two concurrent epidemics were identified in Finland, in fur animals and domestic dogs, respectively. The fur animals suffered from a new disease fur animal epidemic necrotic pyoderma (FENP) and the dogs presented with ear infections with poor treatment response. S. halichoeri was isolated in both studies, albeit among other pathogens, indicating a possible role in the disease etiologies. The aim was to find a possible common origin of the fur animal and dog isolates and study the virulence factors to assess pathogenic potential. Isolates from seal, human, dogs, and fur animals were obtained for comparison. The whole genomes were sequenced from 20 different strains using the Illumina MiSeq platform and annotated using an automatic annotation pipeline RAST. The core and pangenomes were formed by comparing the genomes against each other in an all-against-all comparison. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the genes of the core genome. Virulence factors were assessed using the Virulence Factor Database (VFDB) concentrating on the previously confirmed streptococcal factors. A core genome was formed which encompassed approximately half of the genes in Streptococcus halichoeri. The resulting core was nearly saturated and would not change significantly by adding more genomes. The remaining genes formed the pangenome which was highly variable and would still evolve after additional genomes. The results highlight the great adaptability of this bacterium possibly explaining the ease at which it switches hosts and environments. Virulence factors were also analyzed and were found primarily in the core genome. They represented many classes and functions, but the largest single category was adhesins which again supports the marine origin of this species.
Transcription-Associated Cyclin-Dependent Kinases as Targets and Biomarkers for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Chou Jonathan , Quigley David A. , Robinson Troy M. , Feng Felix Y. , Ashworth Alan
Published: February 2020

Drugs targeting the cell cycle–regulatory cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and 6 have been approved for the treatment of hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, and inhibitors targeting other cell-cycle CDKs are currently in clinical trials. Another class of CDKs, the transcription-associated CDKs, including CDK7, CDK8, CDK9, CDK12 and CDK13, are critical regulators of gene expression. Recent evidence suggests several novel functions of these CDKs, including regulation of epigenetic modifications, intronic polyadenylation, DNA-damage responses, and genomic stability. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the transcriptional CDKs, their utility as biomarkers, and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Significance:

CDK inhibitors targeting CDK4 and CDK6 have been approved in hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, and inhibitors targeting other cell-cycle CDKs are currently in clinical trials. Several studies now point to potential therapeutic opportunities by inhibiting the transcription-associated CDKs as well as therapeutic vulnerabilities with PARP inhibitors and immunotherapy in tumors deficient in these CDKs.
Fixed-Life or Rechargeable Battery for Deep Brain Stimulation: A Prospective Long-Term Study of Patient’s Preferences
Authors: Furlanetti Luciano , Raslan Ahmed , Khaleeq Tahir , Hasegawa Harutomo , Tambirajoo Ruby , Samuel Michael , Ashkan Keyoumars
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for movement disorders. We have previously shown that in our practice, the majority of adult patients prefer fixed-life implantable pulse generators (IPGs), although rechargeable batteries are increasingly used. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients’ long-term satisfaction with their choice of battery and factors that influence their decision. Methods: Thirty patients with DBS were given a questionnaire to assess long-term satisfaction and experience with the type of battery they had chosen. Results: Twenty-six patients completed the survey. The mean age was 67.7 ± 7.3 years, and mean follow-up was 18.0 ± 7.2 months. The indications for DBS were Parkinson’s disease (76.9%), tremor (11.5%) and dystonia (11.5%). Eleven patients (42.5%) had chosen the rechargeable battery. All patients were still happy with their choices and would not change the type of battery if they had the chance to do so. However, in patients who chose the fixed-life battery, concern about the size of battery rose from 6.7% pre-operatively to 60% on long-term post-operative follow-up. In patients who chose the rechargeable battery, concern about the need to recharge the battery did not change, remaining low postoperatively. Interestingly, even though the main reason cited for choosing the fixed-life battery was the convenience and concern about forgetting to recharge the battery, patients who had chosen a rechargeable IPG did not experience this problem. Conclusion: Patients and caregivers should be involved in the choice of battery, as each type of IPG has its own advantages and disadvantages. Long-term evaluation of patient’s experience and satisfaction with battery of choice revealed that size of the IPG, need for further replacement surgeries and need for recharging remain matters of major concern. Although preoperatively often underestimated, the size of the battery seems to be an important factor in long-term satisfaction.
Sodium Fate after Sodium Bicarbonate Infusion: Influence of Altered Acid-Base Status
Authors: Adrogué Horacio J. , Awan Ahmed A. , Madias Nicolaos E.
Published: February 2020

Background: We have previously investigated the fate of administered bicarbonate infused as a hypertonic solution in animals with each of the 4 chronic acid-base disorders. Those studies did not address the fate of sodium, the coadministered cation. Methods: We examined baseline total body water (TBW), Na+ space, HCO3– space, and urinary sodium and bicarbonate excretion after acute hypertonic NaHCO3 infusion (1-N solution, 5 mmol/kg body weight) in dogs with each of the 4 chronic acid-base disorders. Observations were made at 30, 60, and 90 min postinfusion. Retained sodium that remains osmotically active distributes in an apparent space that approximates TBW. Na+ space that exceeds TBW uncovers nonosmotic sodium storage. Results: Na+ space approximated TBW at all times in normal and hyperbicarbonatemic animals (metabolic alkalosis and respiratory acidosis), but exceeded TBW by ~30% in hypobicarbonatemic animals (metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis). Such osmotic inactivation was detected at 30 min and remained stable. The pooled data revealed that Na+ space corrected for TBW was independent of the initial blood pH but correlated with initial extracellular bicarbonate concentration (y = –0.01x + 1.4, p= 0.002). The fate of administered sodium and bicarbonate (internal distribution and urinary excretion) was closely linked. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that hypobicarbonatemic animals have a Na+ space that exceeds TBW after an acute infusion of hypertonic NaHCO3 indicating osmotic inactivation of a fraction of retained sodium. In addition to an expanded Na+ space, these animals have a larger HCO3– space compared with hyperbicarbonatemic animals. Both phenomena appear to reflect the wider range of titration of nonbicarbonate buffers (Δ pH) occurring during NaHCO3– loading whenever initial [HCO3–]e is low. The data indicate that the fate of administered bicarbonate drives the internal distribution and the external disposal of sodium, the co-administered cation, and is responsible for the early, but non-progressive, osmotic inactivation of a fraction of the retained sodium.
Noval advance non-linear descriptor and characteristic equivalency to predict CT from MRI image
Authors: Bachu Sowmya , Choubey Shrutibhargava , Choubey Abhishek
Published: February 2020

Attenuation correction designed for PET/MR hybrid imaging frameworks along with portion making arrangements used for MR-based radiation treatment remain testing because of lacking high-energy photon weakening data. We present a new method so as to uses the learned nonlinear neighborhood descriptors also highlight coordinating toward foresee pseudo-CT pictures starting T1w along with T2w MRI information. The nonlinear neighborhood descriptors are acquired through anticipating the direct descriptors interested in the nonlinear high-dimensional space utilizing an unequivocal constituent guide also low-position guess through regulated complex regularization. The nearby neighbors of every near descriptor inside the data MR pictures are looked during an obliged spatial extent of the MR pictures among the training dataset. By that point, the pseudo-CT patches are evaluated through k-closest neighbor relapse. The planned procedure designed for pseudo-CT forecast is quantitatively broke downward on top of a dataset comprising of coordinated mind MRI along with CT pictures on or after 13 subjects.
Memetic algorithm for short messaging service spam filter using text normalization and semantic approach
Authors: Ojugo Arnold Adimabua , Eboka Andrew Okonji
Published: February 2020

Today’s popularity of the short messages services (SMS) has created a propitious environment for spamming to thrive. Spams are unsolicited advertising, adult-themed or inappropriate content, premium fraud, smishing and malware. They are a constant reminder of the need for an effective spam filter. However, SMS limitations of 160-charcaters and 140-bytes size as well as its being rippled with slangs, emoticons and abbreviations further inhibits effective training of models to aid accurate classification. The study proposes Genetic Algorithm Trained Bayesian Network solution that seeks to normalize noisy feats, expand text via use of lexicographic and semantic dictionaries that uses word sense disambiguation technique to train the underlying learning heuristics. And in turn, effectively help to classify SMS in spam and legitimate classes. Hybrid model comprises of text preprocessing, feature selection as well as training and classification section. Study uses a hybrid Genetic Algorithm trained Bayesian model for which the GA is used for feature selection; while, the Bayesian algorithm is used as classifier.