bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is associated with a higher risk of advanced colorectal neoplasm
Authors: Cho Yuri , Lim Soo‐Kyung , Joo Sae Kyung , Jeong Dong‐Hyong , Kim Jung Ho , Bae Jeong Mo , Park Jeong Hwan , Chang Mee Soo , Lee Dong Hyeon , Jung Yong Jin , Kim Byeong Gwan , Kim Donghee , Lee Kook Lae , Kim Won
Published: June 2019

Background & Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known to increase the risk of adenomatous colonic polyps. However, the role of screening colonoscopy in patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD in detecting advanced colorectal neoplasm is not clearly evidence‐based. Therefore, we investigated whether the histological severity of NAFLD is associated with advanced colorectal neoplasm.

Methods

This study included patients ≥18 years old who underwent screening colonoscopy between 2013 and 2018 within a biopsy‐evaluated prospective NAFLD cohort. Advanced colorectal neoplasm was defined as an adenomatous polyp greater than 10 mm in diameter and/or with villous histology and/or with high‐grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma.

Results

Among the 476 patients with clinically suspected NAFLD, 379 patients were diagnosed with biopsy‐proven NAFLD and 97 patients had no evidence of NAFLD histologically, who were analyzed as healthy controls. The prevalence of advanced colorectal neoplasm was 11.1% (n = 53). Patients with advanced colorectal neoplasm had higher grade of steatosis (P = 0.004) and higher stage of hepatic fibrosis (P = 0.044) than those with normal colonoscopic findings or low‐grade adenomatous polyp. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was an independent risk factor for both colorectal polyp (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% confidential interval [CI], 1.12‐3.86; P = 0.020) and advanced colorectal neoplasm (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.01‐7.87; P = 0.049).

Conclusions

The presence of biopsy‐proven NASH was significantly associated with an increased risk of advanced colorectal neoplasm among patients with NAFLD. This finding may alert physicians to conduct screening colonoscopy in patients with NASH to detect advanced colorectal neoplasm early.
The dual lifestyle of genome‐integrating virophages in protists
Authors: Berjón‐Otero Mónica , Koslová Anna , Fischer Matthias G.
Published: June 2019

DNA viruses with efficient host genome integration capability were unknown in eukaryotes until recently. The discovery of virophages, satellite‐like DNA viruses that depend on lytic giant viruses that infect protists, revealed a genetically diverse group of viruses with high genome mobility. Virophages can act as strong inhibitors of their associated giant viruses, and the resulting beneficial effects on their unicellular hosts resemble a population‐based antiviral defense mechanism. By comparing various aspects of genome‐integrating virophages, in particular the virophage mavirus, with other mobile genetic elements and parasite‐derived defense mechanisms in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, we show that virophages share many features with other host–parasite systems. Yet, the dual lifestyle exhibited by mavirus remains unprecedented among eukaryotic DNA viruses, with potentially far‐reaching ecological and evolutionary consequences for the host.
Overexpression of FBR41 enhances resistance to sphinganine analog mycotoxin‐induced cell death and Alternaria stem canker in tomato
Authors: Shao Zhiyong , Zhao Yanting , Liu Lihong , Chen Shanshan , Li Chuanyou , Meng Fanliang , Liu Haoran , Hu Songshen , Wang Jiansheng , Wang Qiaomei
Published: June 2019

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) and Alternaria alternate f. sp. lycopersici (AAL)‐toxin are classified as sphinganine analog mycotoxins (SAMTs), which induce programmed cell death (PCD) in plants and pose health threat to humans who consume the contaminated crop products. Herein, Fumonisin B1 Resistant41 (FBR41), a dominant mutant allele, was identified by map‐based cloning of Arabidopsis FB1‐resistant mutant fbr41, then ectopically expressed in AAL‐toxin sensitive tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivar. FBR41‐overexpressing tomato plants exhibited less severe cell death phenotype upon AAL‐toxin treatment. Analysis of free sphingoid bases showed that both fbr41 and FBR41‐overexpressing tomato plants accumulated less sphinganine and phytosphingosine upon FB1 and AAL‐toxin treatment, respectively. Alternaria stem canker is a disease caused by AAL and responsible for severe economic losses in tomato production, and FBR41‐overexpressing tomato plants exhibited enhanced resistance to AAL with decreased fungal biomass and less cell death, which was accompanied by attenuated accumulation of free sphingoid bases and jasmonate (JA). Taken together, our results indicate that FBR41 is potential in inhibiting SAMT‐induced PCD and controlling Alternaria stem canker in tomato.
Rice plastidial NAD‐dependent malate dehydrogenase 1 negatively regulates salt stress response by reducing the vitamin B6 content
Authors: Nan Nan , Wang Jie , Shi Yuejie , Qian Yangwen , Jiang Long , Huang Shuangzhan , Liu Yutong , Wu Ying , Liu Bao , Xu Zheng‐Yi
Published: June 2019

Salinity is an important environmental factor that adversely impacts crop growth and productivity. Malate dehydrogenases (MDHs) catalyse the reversible interconversion of malate and oxaloacetate using NAD(H)/NADP(H) as a cofactor and regulate plant development and abiotic stress tolerance. Vitamin B6 functions as an essential cofactor in enzymatic reactions involved in numerous cellular processes. However, the role of plastidial MDH in rice (Oryza sativa) in salt stress response by altering vitamin B6 content remains unknown. In this study, we identified a new loss‐of‐function osmdh1 mutant displaying salt stress‐tolerant phenotype. The OsMDH1 was expressed in different tissues of rice plants including leaf, leaf sheath, panicle, glume, bud, root and stem and was induced in the presence of NaCl. Transient expression of OsMDH1‐GFP in rice protoplasts showed that OsMDH1 localizes to chloroplast. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsMDH1 (OsMDH1OX) displayed a salt stress‐sensitive phenotype. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) metabolic profiling revealed that the amount of pyridoxine was significantly reduced in OsMDH1OX lines compared with the NIP plants. Moreover, the pyridoxine content was higher in the osmdh1 mutant and lower in OsMDH1OX plants than in the NIP plants under the salt stress, indicating that OsMDH1 negatively regulates salt stress‐induced pyridoxine accumulation. Furthermore, genome‐wide RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) analysis indicated that ectopic expression of OsMDH1 altered the expression level of genes encoding key enzymes of the vitamin B6 biosynthesis pathway, possibly reducing the level of pyridoxine. Together, our results establish a novel, negative regulatory role of OsMDH1 in salt stress tolerance by affecting vitamin B6 content of rice tissues.
Practical Causal Analysis for the Treatment Timing Effect on Doubly Censored Duration: Effect of Fertility on Work Span
Authors: Angelov Nikolay , Johansson Per , Lee Myoung-jae
Published: June 2019

We present a practical causal framework to estimate the effects of a treatment and its timing on a doubly censored response. We then apply the methodology to find the effect of fertility on work duration where, not just fertility itself, but the timing of fertility should matter greatly. Since fertility and its decision of timing are chosen by the individual, it is likely to be endogenous. We use a populationwide data set over mothers with two children to address the endogeneity issue by using the first two children’s same-sex instrument in a ‘control function’ setting. We find that having a third child reduces the average labour market work duration, and that the magnitude of the effect increases monotonically with the waiting time between the second and third children. Moreover, the negative effect varies substantially over education and second-birth age, being stronger for mothers with higher education and lower second-birth age.
How actual motor competence and perceived motor competence influence motor‐skill engagement of a novel cycling task
Authors: Kavanagh Jennifer , Issartel Johann , Moran Kieran
Published: June 2019

In early childhood, factors that contribute to motor‐skill engagement (MSE) are unknown. Our aim was to explore the relationships between actual and perceived motor competence and their influences on MSE on a balance bike (bike with no pedals). A secondary aim was to investigate whether MSE had an effect on ability on a balance bike. This study comprised of 45 children (29% female) aged 4.5 ± 0.5 years. MSE was assessed using distance travelled on a balance bike over an 8‐week period. Actual motor competence was assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, second edition. Perceived motor competence was assessed using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence. Ability on a balance bike was measured using timed trials on a specifically designed track. Pearson product‐moment correlations were used to assess relationships between actual and perceived motor competence and ability on a balance bike. Linear regressions were used to examine whether actual or perceived motor competence or ability on a balance bike predicted MSE. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine whether there was a difference in ability on a balance bike between three MSE groups over 8 weeks. No relationships were found, and none of the variables predicted MSE. There was a significant difference between the MSE groups on ability on a balance bike over time (P = 0.019). Investigating the contributors to MSE on a novel cycling task during early childhood provides knowledge to ensure children are given the best opportunities for practice and acquisition of skills.
Geoacoustic inversion with generalized additive models
Authors: Piccolo Jacob , Haramuniz George , Michalopoulou Zoi-Heleni
Published: June 2019

Geoacoustic parameter estimation is presented as a non-linear regression problem where prediction is performed using generalized additive models applied to features extracted from broadband acoustic time-series in a machine learning framework. Qualitatively, it can be seen that signals that have propagated in different environments have distinct structures: in some cases, a single mode is identified, in others, multiple modes can be seen; signals can also be distinguished by different energy levels. Features that are employed here comprise relative amplitudes of distinct peaks in the signals, signal kurtosis, signal strength, decay of the time-series with time, and time difference between distinct peaks of the received signals. Functions are sought that relate sediment sound speed and attenuation to these features. A multivariate generalized additive model is proposed using smoothing splines for the nonlinear regression problem of predicting geoacoustic properties using the features. The spline functions are estimated using noise-free training patterns from known environments. After this training step, the geoacoustic properties are predicted in an efficient manner using noisy testing patterns from a variety of different areas.
Simultaneous Ribosome Profiling of Human Host Cells Infected with Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Holmes Michael J. , Shah Premal , Wek Ronald C. , Sullivan William J.
Published: June 2019

Toxoplasma gondii
is a single-celled parasite that has infected up to one-third of the world’s population. Significant overhauls in gene expression in both the parasite and the host cell accompany parasite invasion, and a better understanding of these changes may lead to the development of new therapeutic agents. In this study, we employed ribosome profiling to determine the changes that occur at the levels of transcription and translation in both the parasite and the infected host cell at the same time. We discovered features of
Toxoplasma
mRNAs that suggest a means for controlling parasite gene expression under stressful conditions. We also show that differences in host gene expression occur depending on whether they are confluent or not. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of using ribosomal profiling to interrogate the host-parasite dynamic under a variety of conditions.
Wound dehiscence with continuous versus interrupted mass closure of transverse incisions in children with absorbable suture: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Khan Safwan , Saleem Muhammad , Talat Nabila
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Numerous meta-analyses done on adults suggest superiority of continuous mass closure technique, but any such study does not exist for the pediatric age group. The results in adults cannot be applied to pediatrics because of numerous physiologic and anatomic differences.

Methods

This is a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 1:1 parallel groups, that compares the frequency of dehiscence between the interrupted and continuous mass closure techniques for transverse incisions in pediatric patients. The age range was from birth to 12 years. We sampled 350 patients undergoing emergency or elective exploratory laparotomies in our pediatric surgery unit. Blocked randomization was used and only the patients remained blinded during the intervention. One group was closed with interrupted mass closure (group A) and the other group with continuous mass closure technique (group B). We had to drop 50 patients for not meeting the inclusion criteria.

Results

The wound dehiscence rate for group A was 1.34% (4 patients) and for group B was 3.0% (9 patients). Significance was calculated using χ2(p<0.156). The global wound dehiscence rate was 4.34% (13 patients). The maximum number of patients dehisced on the fifth postoperative day, while the range was 4–11 days. The only statistically significant confounding factor was wound classification (p<0.002).

Discussion

Statistically there is no significant difference between interrupted and continuous mass closures techniques in terms of wound dehiscence. The dirty wounds are at a maximum risk of developing wound dehiscence irrespective of the technique used. We need to strictly adhere to the basic principles of closure especially when dealing with dirty wounds.

Trial registration number

TCTR20150318001.
Screening for congenital heart defects: diversified strategies in current China
Authors: Liu Xiwang , Xu Weize , Yu Jiangen , Shu Qiang
Published: June 2019

Background

Congenital heart defects (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect and a leading cause of infant mortality in China. Detection of CHD during newborn is still challenging. The contradiction between the increasingly mature technology of diagnosis and treatment and the inability of early detection is the biggest current dilemma. A few pilot studies attempt to establish the universal screening for CHD in newborns; however, the rate of misdiagnosis is still high in most Chinese hospitals, especially in some undeveloped middle-western regions.

Data sources

Based on the recent publications on screening of congenital heart diseases in China. We reviewed the use of diversified screening strategies in current China.

Results

Prenatal diagnosis by fetal echocardiography and postnatal detection by pulse oximetry combined with clinical assessment are the useful methods for CHD screening in most areas. The altitude should be taken into account when using pulse oximetry in the middle-western areas of China, where the incidence of CHD maybe higher. Echocardiography is suitable for CHD screening in almost all areas but it could add to financial burden in the developing regions. Genetic analysis could assist clinical doctors to perform more earlier screening and give better counseling regarding the outcome. Due to disparities in economic and medical resources, the screening system should be carried out from multiple perspectives according to the present economic development. Notably, follow-up is an important issue in the screening of CHD, especially for the asymptomatic babies who discharged home. Policies should be formulated to address the epidemiology of CHD in deprived areas to better allocate medical resources and to develop local training programmes to screen and diagnose CHD.

Conclusions

Diversified strategies are available in current China. The two-indicator method for CHD screening is recommended to be implemented in routine postnatal care. We can do more in screening for CHD in the future.
Simultaneous reduction of Cr (VI) and degradation of azo dyes by F-Fe-codoped TiO2/SiO2 photocatalysts under visible and solar irradiation
Authors: Ghanbari Sina , Givianrad Mohammad Hadi , Aberoomand Azar Parviz
Published: June 2019

A new TiO2/SiO2 photocatalyst codoped with fluorine and iron was synthesized using the sol–gel process and immobilized onto glass beads by coupling two methods of dip coating and heat attachment. The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, DRS-UV–vis, FESEM, EDX, TEM, and N2 adsorption–desorption analysis. The effective parameters of pH, flow rate, and photoreactor vessels’ angle against solar irradiation on degradation performance were optimized. Subsequently, the photocatalytic activity of the prepared nanocomposites was investigated in an innovative fabricated photoreactor using a four-component pollutant mixture of Cr (VI), basic red 29, basic blue 41, and basic yellow 51 under visible and solar irradiation. Furthermore, the effectiveness of photoreactor performance was assessed under various outdoor climate conditions as natural irradiation sources. Consequently, UV–vis spectrophotometry results showed significant efficiency of photocatalytic removal of the pollutant mixture. TOC results of 74.39% and 78.04% for removal of organic content of the sample under visible and solar light, respectively, were also confirmed the great capability of the designed system for the simultaneous removal of some hazardous inorganic and organic contaminants under natural light sources.
Physical aspects of the Jeffery fluid inducing homogeneous–heterogeneous reactions in MHD flow: a Cattaneo–Christov approach
Authors: Rehman Khalil Ur , Ali Usman , Zehra Iffat , Malik M.Y. , Ullah Saleem
Published: June 2019

This work is to elaborate the Jeffery stagnation point flow towards a cylindrical surface with the homogenous–heterogeneous reactions, magnetic field, and heat generation effects. The heat transport process is delineated by the Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model in concert with the thermal stratification. The consequential PDEs are reduced to ODEs by carrying out a set of similarity transformations. These equations are solved numerically using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg technique along with the shooting proficiency. The involved parameters are analysed and provided by means of graphs. It is concluded that the Jeffery fluid velocity reflects inciting values for curvature parameter but the opposite aspects are recorded for the magnetic field parameter. Further, the Jeffery fluid concentration shows higher values via both the homogenous and heterogeneous reaction parameters. The obtained outcomes are validated with an existing work.
Exploring the Brain Responses to Driving Fatigue Through Simultaneous EEG and fNIRS Measurements
Authors: Lin Chin-Teng , King Jung-Tai , Chuang Chun-Hsiang , Ding Weiping , Chuang Wei-Yu , Liao Lun-De , Wang Yu-Kai
Published: June 2019

Fatigue is one problem with driving as it can lead to difficulties with sustaining attention, behavioral lapses, and a tendency to ignore vital information or operations. In this research, we explore multimodal physiological phenomena in response to driving fatigue through simultaneous functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) recordings with the aim of investigating the relationships between hemodynamic and electrical features and driving performance. Sixteen subjects participated in an event-related lane-deviation driving task while measuring their brain dynamics through fNIRS and EEGs. Three performance groups, classified as Optimal, Suboptimal, and Poor, were defined for comparison. From our analysis, we find that tonic variations occur before a deviation, and phasic variations occur afterward. The tonic results show an increased concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) and power changes in the EEG theta, alpha, and beta bands. Both dynamics are significantly correlated with deteriorated driving performance. The phasic EEG results demonstrate event-related desynchronization associated with the onset of steering vehicle in all power bands. The concentration of phasic HbO2 decreased as performance worsened. Further, the negative correlations between tonic EEG delta and alpha power and HbO2 oscillations suggest that activations in HbO2 are related to mental fatigue. In summary, combined hemodynamic and electrodynamic activities can provide complete knowledge of the brain’s responses as evidence of state changes during fatigue driving.
EVOLUTION OF CHINA’S OUTWARD FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT REGIME: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA UNDER THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE
Authors: YAN THERESA , ENDERWICK PETER
Published: June 2019

Assessment of the likely impact of Chinese OFDI on the ASEAN members of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) requires understanding of the evolution of Chinese policy, regulations and institutions. Utilizing recent developments in institutional theory, this paper examines the interplay between China’s OFDI regulations and enterprise supportive policies. Liberalization of FDI regulations complements policies of technological catch-up and the development of regionally focused multilateral institutions. Evidence of an increasing level of Chinese OFDI since 2003, and of a larger share attracted to the BRI group, particularly the ASEAN countries, is consistent with the theorizing.
Analysis of transverse momentum distributions of charged particles produced in CC interactions at 4.2 A GeV/c
Authors: Gilani A. R. , Wazir Z. , Suleymanov M. K. , Kanwal S. , Aslam S. M. , Zaman Ali
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the transverse momentum and maximum transverse momentum distributions of protons and pions produced in an event for CC collisions at 4.2 A GeV/c have been analyzed. This analysis is based on experimental data obtained from 2 m propane bubble chamber at Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Russia and simulation data obtained from Dubna cascade code. We observed three disparate zones for the transverse momentum distribution of the produced particles. The third zone where transverse momentum is greater than 0.375 GeV/c is restricted only for pions with transverse momentum approximately equal to 1 GeV/c, and for protons the restricted value of [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]1.5 GeV/c. So contribution of pions to this region is less and decreases sharply than the contribution of protons. The results of cascade model are not fully compatible with the experimental results in the third [Formula: see text] region, as this region contains less number of particles for model data as compared with experimental data but is compatible in the case of [Formula: see text].
The energy of the universe in the Bianchi type-II cosmological model
Authors: Yang I-Ching
Published: June 2019

To investigate the energy of Bianchi type-II cosmological model, I used the energy–momentum complexes of Einstein and Møller and obtained the zero total energy in these two prescriptions. This result reinforces the viewpoint of Albrow and Tryon that the universe must have a zero net value for all conserved quantities and be equivalent to the previous works of Nester et al. [Phys. Rev. D 78], 044035 (2008) and Aydogdu et al.
Holomorphic field theories and Calabi–Yau algebras
Authors: Eager Richard , Saberi Ingmar
Published: June 2019

We consider the holomorphic twist of the worldvolume theory of flat D[Formula: see text]-branes transversely probing a Calabi–Yau manifold. A chain complex, constructed using the BV formalism, computes the local observables in the holomorphically twisted theory. Generalizing earlier work in the case [Formula: see text], we find that this complex can be identified with the Ginzburg dg algebra associated to the Calabi–Yau. However, the identification is subtle; the complex is the space of fields contributing to the holomorphic twist of the free theory, and its differential arises from interactions. For [Formula: see text], this holomorphically twisted theory is related to the elliptic genus. We give a general description for D1-branes probing a Calabi–Yau fourfold singularity, and for [Formula: see text] quiver gauge theories. In addition, we propose a relation between the equivariant Hirzebruch [Formula: see text] genus of large-[Formula: see text] symmetric products and cyclic homology.
Optimum design for a novel large mode area fiber with triangle-platform-index core
Authors: Miao Xiaofang , Wu Peng , Zhao Baoyin
Published: June 2019

A triangle-platform-index core fiber is proposed, in which the refractive index distribution in the cross-section of the fiber core is composed of several closely connected triangles and a platform at the outermost layer. The simulation results show that the proposed fiber possesses an extremely large mode field area of [Formula: see text] at the wavelength of [Formula: see text], and achieves single-mode operation state near a bend radius of 17 cm. Furthermore, several different mode field distributions, including Gauss-like distribution, flatten distribution and hollow distribution, are achieved. The proposed fiber can benefit suppressing nonlinear phenomenon to increase the output power level of fiber laser, and promoting special industrial processing.
2.2–4.6-GHz Active Quasi-Circulator with > 24-dB Transmit–Receive Isolation
Authors: Amin Najam Muhammad , Shen Lianfeng , Kaleem Danish , Wang Zhi-Gong , Wang Keping , Siddiqui Faisal , Saeed Rana , Rasheed Haroon , Ahmed Burhan
Published: June 2019

An active quasi-circulator (AQC) integrated circuit is designed and fabricated in a 0.18-[Formula: see text]m CMOS process. The proposed design is based on a parallel combination of a common-source (CS) stage and a combined common-drain (CD) and common-gate (CG) topology. Scattering matrix of the core AQC circuit is derived considering MOSFET’s secondary effects, particularly the body effect as well as output loading effects. Measurements of the quasi-circulator reveal an insertion loss of [Formula: see text] dB between transmitter-to-antenna ports ([Formula: see text]) and of [Formula: see text] dB between antenna-to-receiver ports ([Formula: see text]), within a frequency band of 2.2–4.6 GHz. The isolation between the transmitter and the receiver ports ([Formula: see text]) is better than 24 dB with a maximum value of 29.5[Formula: see text]dB @ 3.6[Formula: see text]GHz. The power dissipation of the proposed AQC is 40[Formula: see text]mW and it covers an active chip area of 0.677[Formula: see text]mm2.
Quasiperiodicity and Chaos Through Hopf–Hopf Bifurcation in Minimal Ring Neural Oscillators Due to a Single Shortcut
Authors: Horikawa Yo , Kitajima Hiroyuki , Matsushita Haruna
Published: June 2019

Quasiperiodicity and chaos in a ring of unidirectionally coupled sigmoidal neurons (a ring neural oscillator) caused by a single shortcut is examined. A codimension-two Hopf–Hopf bifurcation for two periodic solutions exists in a ring of six neurons without self-couplings and in a ring of four neurons with self-couplings in the presence of a shortcut at specific locations. The locus of the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation of the periodic solution emanates from the Hopf–Hopf bifurcation point and a stable quasiperiodic solution is generated. Arnold’s tongues emanate from the locus of the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation, and multiple chaotic oscillations are generated through period-doubling cascades of periodic solutions in the Arnold’s tongues. Further, such chaotic irregular oscillations due to a single shortcut are also observed in propagating oscillations in a ring of Bonhoeffer–van der Pol (BVP) neurons coupled unidirectionally by slow synapses.
A note on coverings of virtual knots
Authors: Nakamura Takuji , Nakanishi Yasutaka , Satoh Shin
Published: June 2019

For a virtual knot [Formula: see text] and an integer [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text]-covering [Formula: see text] is defined by using the indices of chords on a Gauss diagram of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove that for any finite set of virtual knots [Formula: see text], there is a virtual knot [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and otherwise [Formula: see text].
LaCO3OH improving photocatalytic activity of In(OH)3/In2S3 heterostructures
Authors: Guo Lan , Jin Xin , Xu Zhaodi , Yan Aiping , Wan Yiqun
Published: June 2019

Lanthanum hydroxycarbonate (LaCO3OH), a kind of fluorescence materials, was less studied in application for photocatalysis. In this paper, LaCO3OH/In(OH)3/In2S3 (LCO/IO/IS) heterostructures were firstly synthesized by a mild two-step hydrothermal method and investigated by various technologies. The activity of as-prepared samples was evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm). When the content of LaCO3OH is 15[Formula: see text]mol.% (La/In), the obtained sample exhibits the highest performance, beyond two times as high as that of In(OH)3/In2S3. The improved photodegradation activity might be ascribed to higher adsorption capability and photosensitization of RhB due to proper energy structures of the heterostructures, which prompts the effective separation of electrons and holes. This work extends the application of rear earth salts (lanthanum hydroxycarbonate) for purification of dye waste water.
Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Between China and Central Asian States in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Authors: Wang Jin , Kong Dehang
Published: June 2019

As Islamic extremist threats have grown to be a common issue of focus and a major cooperation area between China and Central Asian states since the 1990s, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) provides China with an important regional and even international counter-terrorism platform. Highlighting sustainable security cooperation and countering terrorism in a peaceful way under the “Shanghai Spirit,” the SCO helps stabilize China’s internal security environment while enhancing the country’s economic and cultural cooperation with its Central Asian neighbors. This article reviews the Islamic extremist and terrorist challenges to China and the counter-terrorism cooperation between China and Central Asian states under the framework of the SCO, with a focus on how to tackle the weaknesses of such cooperation. It is concluded that SCO member states must be prudent in taking further steps in counter-terrorism cooperation, especially with regard to whether the organization should be transformed into a quasi-military and political alliance.
Agent-based cooperative animation for box-manipulation using reinforcement learning
Authors: Yang Hsiang-Yu , Wong Sai-Keung
Published: June 2019

This paper presents an approach to assist the generation of agent-based cooperative animation using reinforcement learning. We focus on manipulation skills for box-shaped objects, including pushing, pulling, and moving objects in a relay way. There are a learning process and an animation process. In the learning process, different kinds of agents are trained using reinforcement learning. Policies are learned to control the agents to perform specific tasks. A physics simulator is adopted to simulate the interaction among objects. In the animation process, users animate agents with the learned policies. We propose several tools to intuitively create cooperative animations. We applied our method to generate several animations in which agents work together to finish tasks. A user study indicates that by using our tools, diverse cooperative animations can be easily created.
Real-Time Rendering with Lighting Grid Hierarchy
Authors: Lin Daqi , Yuksel Cem
Published: June 2019

We present an extension of the lighting grid hierarchy method for real-time rendering with many lights on the GPU. We describe efficient methods for parallel construction of the lighting grid hierarchy and using it with deferred rending. We also present a method for estimating shadows from many lights with a small number of shadow samples using the ray tracing API on the GPU. We show how our approach can be used for real-time global illumination computation with virtual point lights.
Modeling of Human Visual Attention in Multiparty Open-World Dialogues
Authors: Stefanov Kalin , Salvi Giampiero , Kontogiorgos Dimosthenis , Kjellström Hedvig , Beskow Jonas
Published: June 2019

This study proposes, develops, and evaluates methods for modeling the eye-gaze direction and head orientation of a person in multiparty open-world dialogues, as a function of low-level communicative signals generated by his/hers interlocutors. These signals include speech activity, eye-gaze direction, and head orientation, all of which can be estimated in real time during the interaction. By utilizing these signals and novel data representations suitable for the task and context, the developed methods can generate plausible candidate gaze targets in real time. The methods are based on Feedforward Neural Networks and Long Short-Term Memory Networks. The proposed methods are developed using several hours of unrestricted interaction data and their performance is compared with a heuristic baseline method. The study offers an extensive evaluation of the proposed methods that investigates the contribution of different predictors to the accurate generation of candidate gaze targets. The results show that the methods can accurately generate candidate gaze targets when the person being modeled is in a listening state. However, when the person being modeled is in a speaking state, the proposed methods yield significantly lower performance.
Effects of Minimal Extracorporeal Circulation on the Systemic Inflammatory Response and the Need for Transfusion after Coronary Bypass Grafting Surgery
Authors: Elçi Mehmet Emre , Kahraman Aydın , Mutlu Emre , İspir Cemil Selim
Published: June 2019

Objectives. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of the minimal extracorporeal circulation (MiECT) on postoperative systemic inflammatory response and the need for transfusion in patients undergoing open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.Methods. Patients were divided into two groups; Group M (n=31) included the patients operated via using the MiECT system and Group C (n=27) included the patients operated via using conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Perioperative markers of inflammation after cardiopulmonary bypass in both groups were tested by measuring the levels via chemiluminescent immunometric assay. Blood samples were taken consecutively after anesthesia induction, 30thminute of CPB, on the 6th, 24th, and 48thhours after cardiopulmonary bypass.Results. The mean amount of priming solution was significantly lower in Group M when compared to Group C (802.60 ± 48.26 and 1603.71 ± 49.85 ml). The mean hematocrit (Hct) value taken immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass was found to be significantly higher in the MiECT patients with respect to the other group (% 32.71 ± 3.98 and % 28.82 ± 4.39). The transfused amounts of erythrocyte suspension and fresh frozen plasma were found to be significantly lower in patients in Group M when compared to those in Group C. Postoperative mediastinal drainage was also significantly lower in patients in Group M with respect to the other group. There was no significant difference between markers of inflammation.Conclusion. Our results show that MiECT seems to be more advantageous in terms of priming volume, perioperative hematocrit levels, need for blood and blood product transfusion, and mediastinal drainage with respect to the conventional approach after coronary artery bypass grafting.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Spectrum of Fungi in Patients with Onychomycosis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Prospective Study
Authors: Bitew Adane , Wolde Sinknesh
Published: June 2019

Background. Onychomycosis is a common refractory infection deleteriously affecting quality of life via social stigma and upsetting day-to-day activities. Objective. To study the prevalence of onychomycosis, spectrum of fungal etiological agents, and associated risk factors. Methods. A prospective nonrandomized study on the prevalence of onychomycosis was carried out from September 2017 to April 2018 at a dermatology center in Addis Ababa. Nail scrapings were collected from 303 patients clinically identified with nail disorders of fungal origin by dermatologists. Fungal etiological agents were identified microscopically and by culture method following standard procedures. Results. The prevalence of onychomycosis was 60.4%. Fungi neither were detected nor showed visible fungal growth in 39.6% of the cases. Females were more likely to present dystrophic nails than men. Patients in the middle age group were more affected. The isolation rates of dermatophytes, yeasts, and nondermatophyte molds were 44.7%, 33.3%, and 32.3%, respectively. Trichophyton rubrum, Scytalidium dimidiatum, and Candida albicans were the dominant species of dermatophytes, nondermatophyte molds, and yeasts, respectively. There was no statistically significant association between onychomycosis and risk factors. Conclusions. The prevalence rate of onychomycosis in the present study was high. The isolation rate of nondermatophyte molds was comparable with that of dermatophytes. Further studies on the prevalence of onychomycosis, fungal etiological agents, and changes in species distribution of the etiological agents of nail infection in Ethiopia are important.
Meditation in Deutschland: Eine national repräsentative Umfrage
Authors: Cramer Holger
Published: June 2019

Hintergrund: Zunehmende Evidenz weist auf positive Wirkungen der Meditation bei psychischen und körperlichen Symptomen hin. Ziel dieser national repräsentativen Umfrage war die Erhebung der Lebenszeitprävalenz und Punktprävalenz der Meditations-Praxis in Deutschland, der Gründe für Meditation und der wahrgenommenen Veränderungen durch die Meditation. Methoden: In dieser national repräsentativen Umfrage mit 2’126 TeilnehmerInnen ab 14 Jahren wurde im April und Mai 2018 die derzeitige und frühere Meditations-Praxis erhoben. Unterschiede zwischen soziodemographischen Subgruppen wurden mittels Chi-Quadrat-Tests analysiert. Ergebnisse: Die Lebenszeitprävalenz der Meditations-Praxis lag bei 15,1%, die Punkt-Prävalenz bei 6,6%. Eine höhere Prävalenz war assoziiert mit weiblichem Geschlecht (p < 0,001), erwerbsfähigem Alter (p = 0,015), Abitur/Hochschulabschluss (p = 0,002) und Berufs­tätigkeit (p = 0,027). Die durchschnittliche Dauer der Meditations-Praxis betrug 47,1 Monate. Die häufigsten Gründe zu meditieren waren Verbesserungen des geistigen Befindens (71,1%), der geistigen Leistungsfähigkeit (50,3%), bei regelmäßig Meditierenden auch des körperlichen Befindens (59,3%). Positive Veränderungen durch die Meditations-Praxis berichteten 95,8%, insbesondere größere Ausgeglichenheit, Entspannung und Wohlbefinden. Weitere 12,4% der aktuell nicht meditierenden Befragten konnten sich vorstellen, in den nächsten 12 Monaten mit Meditation zu beginnen. Außerdem praktizierten 5,6% der Befragten Yoga; 46,6% der aktuell Yoga Praktizierenden meditierten auch, und 39,0% der aktuell Meditierenden übten auch Yoga. Schlussfolgerung: Geschätzte 15,7 Millionen Menschen in Deutschland meditieren aktuell oder sind daran interessiert, mit Meditation zu beginnen. Frauen und berufstätige Personen mit Abitur/Hochschulabschluss im erwerbsfähigen Alter meditieren häufiger. Über 95% der Praktizierenden berichten positive Veränderungen durch die Meditation.
Unrecognized Cardiac Amyloidosis at the Time of Mitral Valve Surgery: Incidence and Outcomes
Authors: Xu Bo , Godoy Rivas Carlos , Rodriguez E. Rene , Tan Carmela , Gillinov A. Marc , Harb Serge , Jellis Christine , Griffin Brian
Published: June 2019

Objective: It is increasingly recognized that cardiac amyloidosis can occur in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing both surgical and transcatheter valve replacements. We aimed to investigate whether unrecognized cardiac amyloidosis may also occur in patients with severe mitral valve disease undergoing surgery. Methods: The pathology department database at our center was retrospectively analyzed over a 10-year period for cases in which the mitral valve or another type of cardiac tissue removed at the time of mitral surgery demonstrated incidental amyloidosis. Clinical and echocardiographic variables were collected from the electronic medical record and the echocardiographic database. Results: Between 2007 and 2016, a total of 7,733 mitral valve surgical specimens were received. Of these, there were 15 cases in which the mitral valve, or another type of cardiac tissue removed at surgery, demonstrated incidentally detected amyloidosis. The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (87%) and atrial fibrillation (80%); 13 patients (87%) underwent bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement, and 2 patients (13%) underwent mitral valve repair. Sites of amyloid deposition were the mitral valve (80%), left atrial appendage (33%), and subaortic tissue (7%); 14 patients (93%) had wild-type transthyretin amyloid. The mean duration of follow-up was 1,023 days (range: 29–2,811 days). There were no surgical complications in the follow-up period. Conclusions: Over a 10-year period, incidentally detected cardiac amyloidosis occurred in 0.2% of the mitral valve surgical cases. The outcomes for these patients undergoing mitral valve surgery were excellent, with no complications or deaths attributable to surgery at a mean follow-up of 1,023 days.
Three Dangers: Phenomenological Reflections on the Psychotherapy of Psychosis
Authors: Sass Louis
Published: June 2019

Background/Aims: This paper offers a hermeneutic-phenomenological perspective on three dangers relevant to the psychotherapy of an underserved and often poorly understood population: persons with schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions. Methods: The discussion offered relies on analyses offered by Heidegger (on the “forgetting of the ontological difference”), Husserl (on the nature and importance of intersubjectivity), and Levinas (on appreciating the “infinitude” of human experience, versus adopting a “totalizing” attitude). Results: The three dangers are: (1) that of neglecting the ontological horizon or overall framework dimension of altered experience in favor of a preoccupation with more obvious, content elements of experience (e.g., by focusing overly much on specific delusional beliefs and their apparent falsehood, rather than on how delusions may be experienced and how literally they may, or may not, be taken); (2) the danger of overemphasizing the relevance and need for direct interpersonal interaction at the expense of appreciating issues concerning the implicit, intersubjective sense of sharing (or not sharing) perspectives with other persons; and finally (3) the error of being overconfident of one’s ability to grasp the patient’s subjectivity. Conclusion: The paper explores how phenomenology’s general perspective may offer a helpful alternative or supplement to some widespread attitudes and practices.
Toward a Phenomenological Psychotherapy for Schizophrenia
Authors: Škodlar Borut , Henriksen Mads Gram
Published: June 2019

During the last decades, research in phenomenological psychopathology has provided a vast array of insights that are invaluable for understanding the experiential worlds of patients with schizophrenia. Precisely, knowledge of patients’ experiences is a necessary basis for a sound and thoughtful psychotherapy. This is especially important in psychotherapy for schizophrenia, where patients’ experiences may not always be easily accessible or understandable. In the available literature, we found only scattered suggestions for a translation of insights from phenomenological psychopathology into psychotherapeutic practice. The aim of this article is to offer a preliminary translation. First, we outline characteristics of the experiential worlds in schizophrenia, highlighting what we call “core experiences” and “experience-near concepts.” Then we explore the psychotherapeutic methods and strategies that can be developed and elaborated on the basis of the accumulated research in phenomenological psychopathology, drawing also on experiences from a phenomenologically informed psychotherapy unit at the University Psychiatric Hospital of Ljubljana. Here, we propose principles of a phenomenological psychotherapy for schizophrenia, dividing them into the following subgroups: (1) overall goals, (2) general attitudes, (3) main domains, and (4) therapeutic strategies. The unique value of phenomenological psychotherapy seems to lie in its ability to capture the heart of the patients’ experiences and their inherent vulnerabilities and then use these insights to inform psychotherapeutic interventions.
Efficacy of Combination Therapy with Actinomycin D and Methotrexate in the Treatment of Low-Risk Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia
Authors: Kang Hai-Li , Zhao Qun , Yang Shu-Li , Duan Wei
Published: June 2019

Objectives: We aimed to identify an optimal regimen for low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (LR-GTN) providing reduction in dosage and toxicity/side effects, enhancement of therapeutic efficacy, and a shorter treatment duration. Methods: A total of 149 LR-GTN patients were enrolled in the affiliated Beijing Maternity Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2014 to January 2017 and randomly divided into 3 groups with 50 cases in the methotrexate (MTX) group, 49 in actinomycin D (ACT-D) group, and 50 in ACT-D+MTX group. Follow-up recorded symptoms, physical and bimanual gynecological examinations, routine blood test, serum β-HCG level, liver and renal functions, electrolytes, electrocardiogram before each treatment course, and pelvic and abdominal B-mode ultrasound or pelvic/abdominal/chest computed tomography. Results: Serum complete remission (SCR) was 96.0, 87.8, and 83.7% for the ACT-D+MTX, ACT-D, and MTX groups, respectively, with SCR being highest in the ACT-D+MTX group, statistically higher than in the MTX group. Vomiting was the only side effect differing significantly by chemotherapy regimen, with a distinctly higher incidence in the ACT-D+MTX group compared with the MTX group (p = 0.028). The reduction rate of serum β-HCG in the ACT-D+MTX group was significantly greater than in the other 2 groups. Conclusion: Combined ACT-D+MTX chemotherapy achieved overall better efficacy and showed less toxicity than ACT-D or MTX alone, and thus can be prioritized for the treatment of LR-GTN.
Calycosin Inhibits Intestinal Fibrosis on CCD-18Co Cells via Modulating Transforming Growth Factor-β/Smad Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Jing , Deng Tan , Wang Yaxin , Zhang Mengmeng , Zhu Guannan , Fang Haiming , Wang Jiajia
Published: June 2019

Background: Intestinal fibrosis is the major complication of Crohn’s disease (CD). There are no other good treatments for CD except surgery and remains a refractory disease. Calycosin (CA), the active component of astragalus membranaceus, has been reported the potential effect on lung fibrosis and renal fibrosis. In this study, we aim to explore the effect of CA on intestinal fibrosis in vitro and the possible signal pathway. Methods: The antifibrotic effect of CA is investigated in human intestinal fibroblasts (CCD-18Co) cells induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). MTT method was used to screen the concentration of CA. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to evaluate the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and TGF-β/Smad pathway. Results: The results showed that the concentration of CA was 12.5, 25, 50 μmol/L. CA could inhibit the expression of α-SMA and collagen I. In addition, CA regulated the expression of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that CA could inhibit the activation of CCD-18Co cells and reduce the expression of extracellular matrix. Our study highlighted that CA-inhibited TGF-β/Smad pathway through inhibiting the expression of p-Smad2, p-Smad3, Smad4, and TGF-β1 and raised the Smad7 expression. Therefore, CA might inhibit intestinal fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad pathway.