bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
About this title - Passive Margins: Tectonics, Sedimentation and Magmatism
Authors: McClay K. R. , Hammerstein J. A.
Published: May 2020

This volume has evolved from papers written in memory of Professor David Roberts. They summarize the key findings of recent research on passive margins, from tectonics, bathymetry, stratigraphy and sedimentation, structural evolution and magmatism. Papers include analyses of the central and southern Atlantic margins of South America and Africa, papers on magmatism and extension in the NE Brazilian margin and on the Cote de Ivoire margin, rift architectures of the NW Red Sea margin, tectonics of the eastern Mediterranean margin, salt tectonics of passive margins of the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil, and papers on the NW Shelf margin of Australia. The volume provides readers with new insights into the complexities of passive margin systems that are in reality, not so passive.
Paleozoic plate kinematics during the Pannotia–Pangaea supercontinent cycle
Authors: Kroner Uwe , Stephan Tobias , Romer Rolf L. , Roscher Marco
Published: May 2020

Three supercontinents have been suggested to have existed in the last 1 Gyr. The supercontinent status of Pangaea and Rodinia is undisputed. In contrast, there is ongoing controversy on whether Pannotia existed at all. Here, we test the hypothesis of a Pannotian supercontinent. Using first-order tectonic constraints, we reconstruct the Paleozoic kinematics of major continents relative to the East European Craton. Back-rotation from Pangaea results in a supercontinent constellation in the early Paleozoic corroborating the existence of Pannotia. The presented model explains first-order constraints for both the break-up of Pannotia and the subsequent assembly of Pangaea. The break-up of Pannotia comprises (1) the early Paleozoic opening of Iapetus II and in turn the Rheic Ocean, concomitant with the subduction of the Neoproterozoic Iapetus I Ocean and (2) the coeval opening of the Palaeo-Arctic Ocean, which separated Siberia from the North American Craton. The subsequent convergence of the North American Craton, Avalonia, Gondwana and Siberia with the East European Craton resulted in Paleozoic collisional orogenies at different plate boundary zones. The existence of Rodinia, Pannotia and Pangaea as
pari passu
supercontinents implicates two complete supercontinent cycles from Rodinia to Pannotia and from Pannotia to Pangaea in the Neoproterozoic and the Paleozoic, respectively.
Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers with Tailored Functionality: From the Perspective of Intermolecular Interactions
Authors: Wang Rui-Yang , Park Moon Jeong
Published: May 2020

Recent advances in the synthesis of block copolymers have enabled the creation of smart and functional designer polymers possessing specific intermolecular interactions. The long-range nature of these interactions strongly affects the molecular packings and microstructures of such polymers, which are intimately related to their properties. In addition to various applications, their unique physicochemical properties, distinguished from conventional block copolymers, are attracting significant attention from polymer and materials scientists. In this review, we describe the current understanding of the structure-property relationship of block copolymers having long-range interactions and suggest possible directions of technological development. We particularly focus on how specific interactions, such as Coulombic, π-π stacking, hydrogen-bonding, and metal/ion-dipole interactions, affect the molecular arrangements of block copolymers on the nanometer and molecular scales. Such information could lead to block copolymers with more advanced functions for future nanotechnologies.
The Political Theory of Parties and Partisanship: Catching Up
Authors: Muirhead Russell , Rosenblum Nancy L.
Published: May 2020

Despite their centrality to modern democracy, until recently political parties were relegated to the margins of normative democratic theory, taking a back seat to social movements, civil society associations, deliberative experiments, spaces for local participatory government, and direct popular participation. Yet, in the past 15 years, a burgeoning literature has emerged in democratic theory focused directly on parties and partisanship; that is our focus in this review. We locate three main normative defenses of parties: one centered in the special role parties can play in political justification as agents of public reason, a second that looks to the way parties contribute to deliberation, and a third that focuses on the partisan commitment to regulated political rivalry and peaceful rotation in office. In this last connection, we survey work on the constitutional status of parties and reasons for banning parties. We then consider the relation of partisanship to citizenship, and in a fourth section we turn to the ethics of partisanship. Parties and partisanship are interwoven but separable: If partisans are necessary to realize the value of parties, the reverse holds as well, and parties are necessary to realize the value of partisanship.
Tensin2 is important for podocyte-glomerular basement membrane interaction and integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier
Authors: Uchio-Yamada Kozue , Yasuda Keiko , Monobe Yoko , Akagi Ken-ichi , Suzuki Osamu , Manabe Noboru
Published: May 2020

Tensin2 (Tns2), an integrin-linked protein, is enriched in podocytes within the glomerulus. Previous studies have revealed that Tns2-deficient mice exhibit defects of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) soon after birth in a strain-dependent manner. However, the mechanisms for the onset of defects caused by Tns2 deficiency remains unidentified. Here, we aimed to determine the role of Tns2 using newborn Tns2-deficient mice and murine primary podocytes. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that developing glomeruli during postnatal nephrogenesis exhibited abnormal GBM processing due to ectopic laminin-α2accumulation followed by GBM thickening. In addition, analysis of primary podocytes revealed that Tns2 deficiency led to impaired podocyte-GBM interaction and massive expression of laminin-α2in podocytes. Our study suggests that weakened podocyte-GBM interaction due to Tns2 deficiency causes increased mechanical stress on podocytes by continuous daily filtration after birth, resulting in stressed podocytes ectopically producing laminin-α2, which interrupts GBM processing. We conclude that Tns2 plays important roles in the podocyte-GBM interaction and maintenance of the glomerular filtration barrier.
Developmental loss, but not pharmacological suppression, of renal carbonic anhydrase 2 results in pyelonephritis susceptibility
Authors: Ketz John , Saxena Vijay , Arregui Samuel , Jackson Ashley , Schwartz George J. , Yagisawa Takafumi , Fairchild Robert L. , Hains David S. , Schwaderer Andrew L.
Published: May 2020

Carbonic anhydrase II knockout ( Car2−/−) mice have depleted numbers of renal intercalated cells, which are increasingly recognized to be innate immune effectors. We compared pyelonephritis susceptibility following reciprocal renal transplantations between Car2−/−and wild-type mice. We examined the effect of pharmacological CA suppression using acetazolamide in an experimental murine model of urinary tract infection. Car2−/−versus wild-type mice were compared for differences in renal innate immunity. In our transplant scheme, mice lacking CA-II in the kidney had increased pyelonephritis risk. Mice treated with acetazolamide had lower kidney bacterial burdens at 6 h postinfection, which appeared to be due to tubular flow from diuresis because comparable results were obtained when furosemide was substituted for acetazolamide. Isolated Car2−/−kidney cells enriched for intercalated cells demonstrated altered intercalated cell innate immune gene expression, notably increased calgizzarin and insulin receptor expression. Intercalated cell number and function along with renal tubular flow are determinants of pyelonephritis risk.
Minimizing the Diagnostic Delay in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: The Role of Nonneurologist Practitioners
Authors: Matharan Martin , Mathis Stéphane , Bonabaud Sarah , Carla Louis , Soulages Antoine , Le Masson Gwendal
Published: May 2020

Introduction. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), usually fatal in a few years, is a neurodegenerative disorder where the diagnostic delay, although variable according to the studies, remains too long. The main objective of this study was to determine the average time to diagnose ALS and the role of each physician, general practitioner (GP), or specialist (neurologist or not) involved in the management of these patients. The secondary objective was to propose some simple schemes to quickly identify an ALS suspicion with the aim to reduce this delay. Patients and Methods. This retrospective study evaluated the diagnostic delay (and other intermediate delays) of 90 ALS patients registered in the ALS Center of Bordeaux (France) in 2013. The main clinical signs encountered (and their order of appearance) were studied. Results. The average diagnostic delay was 17 months, with a median diagnostic delay of 12 months. The average diagnostic delay was 2.7 months between the first symptoms and the first complaint to GP, followed by an additional 6.5 month delay before the patient’s first visit to a neurologist. This period could be shortened, especially if GP performed additional tests quickly (p=0.01), as the time spent consulting various specialists often extends this crucial step. Overall, diagnostic delay accounted for 40% of the total duration of the disease progression. Conclusion. In relation to total survival time, the diagnostic delay of ALS appears to be proportionately very long, sometimes longer than that observed in previous studies (because it also included the total delay to diagnostic or treatment initiation). The rapid execution of useful additional tests by the first medical doctor, often GP (with the help of a neurologist), considerably reduces the diagnostic delay. The central role of GP seems to be crucial in the management of patients with ALS. The main objective is, of course, to initiate appropriate treatment and care as soon as possible. Finally, based on our results, we also provide a short practical diagram to help nonneurologist practitioners to quickly discuss the diagnosis of ALS in case of some specific symptoms (“red flags”).
Styrene Oxide Caused Cell Cycle Arrest and Abolished Myogenic Differentiation of C2C12 Myoblasts
Authors: Surinlert Piyaporn , Kongthong Nitchamon , Watthanard Mariam , Sae-lao Thannicha , Sookbangnop Piyawat , Pholpramool Chumpol , Tipbunjong Chittipong
Published: May 2020

Contaminations of chemicals in foods and drinks are raising public concerns. Among these, styrene, a monomer for plastic production, receives increasing interest due to its ability to leach from the packaging and contaminate in foods and drinks causing many health problems. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of styrene monomer (STR) and its metabolite styrene oxide (STO) on C2C12 myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Based on an MTT assay, both STR and STO showed no cytotoxic effect at 10–100 μM. However, at 50–100 μM STO, but not STR, significantly inhibited cell proliferation. The STO-treated cells were accumulated in S-phase of cell cycles as revealed by flow cytometry. The antioxidant enzyme (catalase and superoxide dismutase) activities and the gene expressing these enzymes of the arrested cells were decreased and ultimately led to nuclear condensation and expression of apoptotic markers such as cleaved caspase-3 and-9, but not cleaved caspase-8. In addition, STO significantly suppressed myogenic differentiation by decreasing both the number and size of differentiated myotubes. Biochemical analysis showed attenuations of total protein synthesis and myosin heavy chain (MHC) protein expression. In conclusion, a metabolite of styrene, STO, leached from plastic packaging of foods and beverages suppressed both myoblast proliferation and differentiation, which would affect skeletal muscle development and regeneration.
Investigation of Residual Bearing Capacity of Corroded Reinforced Concrete Short Columns under Impact Load Based on Nondestructive Testing
Authors: Sun Guorui , Zhang Yi , Tian Yubin , Bo Lizhuang , Shen Jiyang , Shi Jun
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates the damage and residual bearing capacity of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) short columns after impact and presents a method for evaluating the residual bearing capacity of RC short columns by nondestructive testing. Firstly, accelerated corrosion test and drop hammer impact test were carried out to obtain specimens under different impact loads and corrosion rates. Then, the damage caused by corrosion and impact loads was evaluated by supersonic wave aided nondestructive test. Through the damage factor, the influence of corrosion rate and impact loads on the specimen was revealed, and the calculation method of corrosion rate and impact velocity was proposed. Finally, according to the bearing capacity test results, the influence factors of reinforcement, concrete, and impact were introduced into the bearing capacity calculation equation. Considering the relationship between the residual bearing capacity of RC short columns and the damage factor, an improved formula for calculating the residual bearing capacity of corroded RC short columns under impact loads was proposed. This work lays the foundation for further research on mechanical properties of corroded RC structures under impact loads.
Robust Control for Nonlinear Markov Jump Systems with Partially Unknown Transition Probabilities
Authors: Kang Lifan , Wang Yue , Hou Ting
Published: May 2020

This note focuses on the finite horizon H2/H∞ control for stochastic nonlinear jump systems with partially unknown transition probabilities. We derive the nonlinear stochastic bounded real lemma and the nonlinear optimal regular result for the considered system at first. A sufficient condition and a necessary condition for the solution of H2/H∞ control are, respectively, offered by four cross-coupled Hamilton–Jacobi equations (HJEs). Besides, numerical examples show the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Quantitative Investigation of Aggregate Skeleton Force Chains of Asphalt Mixtures Based on Computational Granular Mechanics
Authors: Liu Guoqiang , Han Dongdong , Zhao Yongli
Published: May 2020

For asphalt mixtures, the difference between strong force chains (SCF) can reflect the skeleton performance. In this paper, six kinds of mineral mixture discrete element model were established. And various SCF evaluation indices of different mineral mixtures were calculated. Results indicate that the short length SCF number proportions of dense‐skeleton type mineral mixtures are higher than that of dense‐suspended type mineral mixtures under the same nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS). And the NMAS has a great influence on the SCF length cumulative proportions, and different NMAS can significantly change the stress transfer path for dense‐suspended type mixture. Nevertheless, the SCF length cumulative proportions have consistency for dense‐skeleton type mixtures. The small SCF alignment coefficient proportions of dense‐suspended type mixtures are higher than that of dense‐skeleton type mixtures. In particular, under larger NMAS, the difference is more obvious. The SCF that is close to straight line is conducive to transfer loading. Therefore, dense‐skeleton type mixture has better rutting resistance. The SCF bears the main loading for mixtures. Mixtures stone matrix asphalt (SMA) has a stronger bearing capacity than that of mixtures AC under the same NMAS. These findings provide insight into the mechanics of skeleton structure.
Delay-Dependent H∞ Control for T-S Fuzzy Systems with Local Nonlinear Models: An LMI Approach
Authors: Xia Zhile
Published: May 2020

This paper studies the stabilization design scheme with H∞ performance for a large class of nonlinear discrete-time systems. The system under study is modeled by Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) model with local nonlinearity and state delay. First, the model is changed into an equivalent fuzzy switching model. And then, according to projection theorem and piecewise Lyapunov function (PLF), two new H∞ control methods are proposed for fuzzy switched systems, which consider the time delay information of the system. Finally, the relationship among all fuzzy subsystems is considered. Because the results are only expressed by a series of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), the controller can be directly designed by the linear matrix inequalities toolbox of MATLAB.
Novel Discoveries Targeting Pathogenic Gut Microbes and New Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer: Does Pathogenic E. coli Infection Cause Pancreatic Cancer Progression Modulated by TUBB/Rho/ROCK Signaling Pathway? A Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Luo Wenhao , Cao Zhe , Qiu Jiangdong , Liu Yueze , Zheng Lianfang , Zhang Taiping
Published: May 2020

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a pernicious cancer of the digestive system which remains a high degree of malignancy. Increasing studies demonstrated that regulating the gut microbiome may become a brand new strategy to improve the therapeutic outcomes of PC. This study is aimed at obtaining the pathway in the microbial tumorigenesis of PC. Microarray datasets GSE27890, GSE46234, and GSE17610 were downloaded from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database. Differential analysis was performed for every single gene chip using the R software package (“Limma” package), and functional enrichment analyses were carried out by DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery). The PPI (protein‐protein interaction) network was constructed with the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING). The survival analysis was performed by GEPIA and USCS. A total of 84 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and 3 of them were extracted (TUBB, TUBA4A, and TLR5). Biological process analysis revealed that these 3 genes were mainly enriched in pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection. Survival analysis and pathway analysis revealed that TUBB (tubulin, beta class I) may be associated with the pathogenic E. coli infection, which may be involved in the carcinogenesis and progression of PC by activating the TUBB/Rho/ROCK signaling pathway. Elevated evidence indicated that a specific gut microbe could affect the progression of PC by suppressing immune response. However, little attention has been paid to the relationship and crosstalk between TUBB/Rho/ROCK signaling, microbes, and PC. This article is aimed at deducing that gut and tumor microbes are related to the development of PC by stimulating TUBB/Rho/ROCK signaling, while ablation of microbes by antibiotics cotreated with inhibitors of TUBB/Rho/ROCK signaling were identified as a novel target for PC therapy.
Design of a Multiepitope‐Based Peptide Vaccine against the E Protein of Human COVID‐19: An Immunoinformatics Approach
Authors: Abdelmageed Miyssa I. , Abdelmoneim Abdelrahman H. , Mustafa Mujahed I. , Elfadol Nafisa M. , Murshed Naseem S. , Shantier Shaza W. , Makhawi Abdelrafie M.
Published: May 2020

Background. A new endemic disease has spread across Wuhan City, China, in December 2019. Within few weeks, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a novel coronavirus designated as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). In late January 2020, WHO declared the outbreak of a “public‐health emergency of international concern” due to the rapid and increasing spread of the disease worldwide. Currently, there is no vaccine or approved treatment for this emerging infection; thus, the objective of this study is to design a multiepitope peptide vaccine against COVID‐19 using an immunoinformatics approach. Method. Several techniques facilitating the combination of the immunoinformatics approach and comparative genomic approach were used in order to determine the potential peptides for designing the T‐cell epitope‐based peptide vaccine using the envelope protein of 2019‐nCoV as a target. Results. Extensive mutations, insertion, and deletion were discovered with comparative sequencing in the COVID‐19 strain. Additionally, ten peptides binding to MHC class I and MHC class II were found to be promising candidates for vaccine design with adequate world population coverage of 88.5% and 99.99%, respectively. Conclusion. The T‐cell epitope‐based peptide vaccine was designed for COVID‐19 using the envelope protein as an immunogenic target. Nevertheless, the proposed vaccine rapidly needs to be validated clinically in order to ensure its safety and immunogenic profile to help stop this epidemic before it leads to devastating global outbreaks.
Out‐of‐Plane Bending and Shear Behaviors of Steel Plate‐Concrete Walls for Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Chen Zhihua , Wu Jingshu , Liu Jiadi , Hu Chenghe
Published: May 2020

The steel plate‐concrete structure, with its advantages of modular construction, good seismic capacity, and strong impact resistance, has been gradually replacing the reinforced concrete structure in the containment vessel and internal workshop structure of nuclear power plants in recent years. In this study, the out‐of‐plane single‐point loading test and parametric finite element simulation analysis were conducted on five steel plate‐concrete wall slab specimens with different stud spacings, shear span ratios, and steel contents. Results showed that the steel plate‐concrete wall slab under the out‐of‐plane load had the same failure mode as that of an ordinary reinforced concrete wall. The out‐of‐plane shear capacity of the steel plate‐concrete wall slab increased significantly in the case of numerous studs. With the increase in shear span ratio, steel plate‐concrete members suffered a bending failure. When the steel content was low, they had diagonal tension failure, such as a rare‐reinforced concrete wall. The out‐of‐plane bending and shear mechanism of the steel plate‐concrete shear wall was studied theoretically, and the calculation formulas of the bending and shearing capacities were derived.
Intravenous Arginine Administration Downregulates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity and Attenuates Acute Kidney Injury in Mice with Polymicrobial Sepsis
Authors: Tanuseputero Sharon Angela , Lin Ming-Tsan , Yeh Sung-Ling , Yeh Chiu-Li
Published: May 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major complication of sepsis. Nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that mediate septic AKI. L-arginine (Arg) is a conditionally essential amino acid in catabolic conditions and a substrate for nitric oxide (NO) production; however, its use in sepsis is controversial. This study investigated the effect of intravenous Arg supplementation on modulating NLRP3 inflammasome activity in relation to septic AKI. Mice were divided into normal control (NC), sham, sepsis saline (SS), and sepsis Arg (SA) groups. In order to investigate the role of NO, L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine hydrochloride (L-NIL), an inducible NO synthase inhibitor, was administered to the sepsis groups. Sepsis was induced using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The SS and SA groups received saline or Arg via tail vein 1 h after CLP. Mice were sacrificed at 6, 12, and 24 h after sepsis. The results showed that compared to the NC group, septic mice had higher plasma kidney function parameters and lower Arg levels. Also, renal NLRP3 inflammasome protein expression and tubular injury score increased. After Arg treatment, plasma Arg and NO levels increased, kidney function improved, and expressions of renal NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins were downregulated. Changes in plasma NO and renal NLRP3 inflammasome-related protein expression were abrogated when L-NIL was given to the Arg sepsis groups. Arg plus L-NIL administration also attenuated kidney injury after CLP. The findings suggest that intravenous Arg supplementation immediately after sepsis restores plasma Arg levels and is beneficial for attenuating septic AKI, partly via NO-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition.
Unloading Rheological Test and Model Research of Hard Rock under Complex Conditions
Authors: Zhang Longyun , Yang Shangyang
Published: May 2020

In order to study the unloading rheological properties of hard rock under complicated conditions, the proposed Mengdigou hydropower station with a granite dam foundation was taken as the research object. This paper studied the unloading rheological properties of the granite by testing means, and it obtained the unloading rheological deformation characteristics and deformation rules of the granite under complex stress conditions. The granite unloading rheological characteristics of the whole stress‐strain curve were analyzed, and the nonlinear unloading rheological model (FOD‐HKVP) was proposed based on the fractional‐order derivative. When certain conditions are satisfied, it is possible to degrade this model into the classical Nishihara model, but it should be noted that the FOD‐HKVP model is a more reasonable way to determine the long‐term strength of the granite and to consider also the rock unloading rheological damage effect. It introduced the fractional‐order viscous body of combination components with a different fractional‐order derivative to describe the nonlinear creep characteristics of the granite unloading, which provides an adequate description of steady‐state creep and accelerated creep properties. Following the analysis of test data and parameter identification for the FOD‐HKVP model, the rationality of the model was validated. Compared with the Nishihara model, the fitting accuracy of FOD‐HKVP model was more accurate.
Cost of Tuberculosis Care in Programmatic Settings from Karnataka, India: Is It Catastrophic for the Patients?
Authors: Poornima M. P. , Shruthi M. N. , Chingale Ashwini Laxmanrao , Veena V. , Nagaraja Sharath Burugina , Madhukeshwar Akshaya Kibballi
Published: May 2020

Background. TB diagnostic and treatment services in India are provided free of cost in the programmatic context across the country. There are different costs incurred during health care utilization, and this study was conducted to estimate such costs.Methodology. A longitudinal study was conducted among patients of three urban tuberculosis units (TUs) of Davangere, Belagavi, and Bengaluru, Karnataka. Trained data collectors administered a validated questionnaire and recorded monthly costs incurred by the patients which are expressed in median Indian National Rupees (INR). The analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0. Apvalue of <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results. Among 214 patients, about 37%, 42%, and 21% belonged to Davangere, Belagavi, and Bengaluru, respectively. Median total pre- and postdiagnostic costs incurred across the three TUs were 3800 and 4000 INR, respectively. The direct nonmedical cost was higher for accommodation (median cost of 800 INR) and direct medical cost for non-TB drugs (median cost of 2000 INR). However, maximum direct medical and nonmedical costs were attributed to hospital admissions (1200 INR) and accommodation costs (700 INR) in the postdiagnostic period, respectively. The median indirect cost incurred was 300 INR overall, and the maximum total indirect cost was 40000 INR in the postdiagnostic period. About one-third of patients faced loss of income and 19.6% faced coping costs. Patients spent about 6.7% (0.97%–52.3%) of their income on TB treatment. About 12.3% patients faced catastrophic expenditure. Median cost was significantly higher among those seeking private health care facilities (12100 INR in private vs. 6800 INR in public;p<0.05) during the prediagnostic period. Prediagnostic and diagnostic out-of-pocket expenditures (OPE) were significantly higher across all the three centres (p<0.05).Conclusion. The TB patients experienced untoward expenditure under programmatic settings. The costs encountered by one in eight patients were catastrophic by nature.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Risk Factors among School Children in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kirinyaga County, Kenya
Authors: Njambi Elizabeth , Magu Dennis , Masaku Janet , Okoyo Collins , Njenga Sammy M.
Published: May 2020

School children bear a significant burden of intestinal parasitic infections. Because they spend most of their time at home and school, it is necessary to identify the key water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) factors associated with these infections in both environments. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in Mwea West, Kirinyaga County. 180 primary school children aged 8–14 years were randomly selected from three schools (Mianya, Mbui Njeru, and Mukou primary schools). Questionnaires and checklists were administered and single stool samples were collected. Stool samples were microscopically examined for Schistosoma mansoni, soil-transmitted helminths, and protozoan infections. Data on WASH were obtained at home and school. The factors significantly associated with S. mansoni and intestinal protozoa infections in the school children were determined using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models reporting the odds ratio at 95% confidence intervals. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni and intestinal protozoa infections was 70.5% (95% CI: 59.1–84.3) and 32.7% (95% CI: 26.8–40.1), respectively. Only one case of STH (A. lumbricoides) was identified. The prevalence of coinfections of S. mansoni and intestinal protozoa infections was 22.8% (95% CI: 19.2–27.1). An increased prevalence of S. mansoni infection was associated with children above 12 years (aOR = 3.19, p=0.015), those in Mianya primary (aOR = 1.23, p=0.001), those in Mukou primary (aOR = 3.19, p=0.001), and reported behavior of wearing shoes at home (aOR = 1.67, p=0.010). However, handwashing behavior after defecation at home (aOR = 0.39, p=0.001) was protective against S. mansoni infection. For any protozoan infection, male children had increased odds of infection (aOR = 2.41, p=0.001) while use of wiping material (aOR = 0.55, p=0.019) and water contact (aOR = 0.32, p=0.001) was protective against intestinal protozoa infections. Infections with S. mansoni and any protozoa and their coinfection were present. Findings revealed that several hygiene factors were protective against infections while other were risk factors. Therefore, deworming should be complemented with behavior education on hygienic habits.
Longwall Retreat and Creep Measurement Based on UWB Radar Imaging Method
Authors: Wang Shijia , Wang Shibo , Liu Wanli
Published: May 2020

The measurement of longwall retreat and creep displacements is of great significance for the safety production of a coal mine. In order to reliably and accurately obtain the longwall retreat and creep displacements, this paper proposes an ultrawideband (UWB) radar imaging method. The bolt plates fixed in the roadway coal wall are imaged as the target points. First, a signal model is built, and a modified nonlinear chirp scaling (NLCS) imaging algorithm is designed to obtain the high-resolution image. Then, the retreat and creep displacements are estimated based on the imaging results. Finally, simulation and experiment are performed. The simulation results show that the radar imaging method is theoretically feasible to measure the retreat and creep displacements. The measurement errors in the experiment are 0.058 m and 0.040 m, respectively. In the experiment, the radar velocity fluctuation and signal attenuation cause the target azimuth and range errors in the imaging results, which makes the measurement errors in the experiment larger than that in the simulation. This method requires no additional roadway information except for the bolt plates fixed in the coal wall. In addition, the signal propagation of UWB radar is rarely affected by the dust and moisture in the harsh environment.
Identification of Susceptibility Modules and Genes for Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetic Patients Using WGCNA Analysis
Authors: Liang Weiwei , Sun Fangfang , Zhao Yiming , Shan Lizhen , Lou Hanyu
Published: May 2020

Objective. To identify susceptibility modules and genes for cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Methods. The raw data of GSE13760 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) website. Genes with a false discovery rate<0.05 and a log2 fold change≥0.5 were included in the analysis. WGCNA was used to build a gene coexpression network, screen important modules, and filter the hub genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed for the genes in modules with clinical interest. Genes with a significance over 0.2 and a module membership over 0.8 were used as hub genes. Subsequently, we screened these hub genes in the published genome-wide SNP data of cardiovascular disease. The overlapped genes were defined as key genes. Results. Fourteen gene coexpression modules were constructed via WGCNA analysis. Module greenyellow was mostly significantly correlated with diabetes. The GO analysis showed that genes in the module greenyellow were mainly enriched in extracellular matrix organization, extracellular exosome, and calcium ion binding. The KEGG analysis showed that the genes in the module greenyellow were mainly enriched in antigen processing and presentation, phagosome. Fifteen genes were identified as hub genes. Finally, HLA-DRB1, LRP1, and MMP2 were identified as key genes. Conclusion. This was the first study that used the WGCNA method to construct a coexpression network to explore diabetes-associated susceptibility modules and genes for cardiovascular disease. Our study identified a module and several key genes that acted as essential components in the etiology of diabetes-associated cardiovascular disease, which may enhance our fundamental knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease.
The Role of Antioxidants in Ameliorating Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Ayza Muluken Altaye , Zewdie Kaleab Alemayehu , Tesfaye Bekalu Amare , Wondafrash Dawit Zewdu , Berhe Abera Hadgu
Published: May 2020

The chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agent cyclophosphamide has previously been shown to induce complications within the setting of bone marrow transplantation. More recently, cardiotoxicity has been shown to be a dose-limiting factor during cyclophosphamide therapy, and cardiooncology is getting wider attention. Though mechanism of cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity is not completely understood, it is thought to encompass oxidative and nitrative stress. As such, this review focuses on antioxidants and their role in preventing or ameliorating cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity. It will give special emphasis to the cardioprotective effects of natural, plant-derived antioxidants that have garnered significant interest in recent times.
Assessing Factors That Influence Healthcare Provider Attitudes and Practices regarding Place-Based Exercise Prescriptions: Results of Principal Components Analysis of a Newly Developed Survey Instrument
Authors: Smock Carissa , Chatfield Sheryl L.
Published: May 2020

Introduction. The purpose of this paper is to describe development and preliminary assessment of an instrument designed to assess facilitators and barriers of provider-provided, place-based exercise prescriptions, including provider attributes, perceptions, knowledge, and resource needs. Although the American Medical Association-Supported “Exercise is Medicine” initiative encourages the practice of exercise prescription among member providers, only a small proportion engages in this practice. Additionally, little is known about the role of place-based exercise prescriptions, although access to physical activity resources differs based on residence, access to transportation, income, and other factors. To utilize potential for prescriptions to encourage physical activity, better understanding of the role of place is essential. Methods. Previously validated and newly developed items were combined to create an 88-item survey that was administered to 166 healthcare providers. Results. Results of principal components analysis suggested a five-factor structure; three factors—provider belief in exercise benefits, provider training needs, and place-based concerns—demonstrated high internal consistency. Factors demonstrating low internal consistency included provider attitudes about their role in exercise prescription and providers’ perceptions of patient barriers. Conclusions. Following this stage in survey validation, the 88-item developed survey could be shortened by eliminating items with low loadings. Providers may be more receptive to a shorter instrument, which could facilitate reliability and validity testing of a revised instrument. Further steps to validate the instrument include assessing consistent responses over time and considering predictive ability of the survey as an additional measure of validity. Results from the initial survey administration indicate that providers’ lack of training regarding how to prescribe exercise and lack of knowledge of safe, affordable, or proximate locations for patients to engage in prescribed exercise present barriers to wider use of exercise prescriptions. Community-clinical linkages which network providers with area physical activity and exercise resources may present a partial solution. Knowledge of safe, affordable, or proximate locations for patients to engage in prescribed exercise presents a barrier to place-based exercise prescriptions.
A Relaxed Self-Adaptive Projection Algorithm for Solving the Multiple-Sets Split Equality Problem
Authors: Che Haitao , Chen Haibin
Published: May 2020

In this article, we introduce a relaxed self-adaptive projection algorithm for solving the multiple-sets split equality problem. Firstly, we transfer the original problem to the constrained multiple-sets split equality problem and a fixed point equation system is established. Then, we show the equivalence of the constrained multiple-sets split equality problem and the fixed point equation system. Secondly, we present a relaxed self-adaptive projection algorithm for the fixed point equation system. The advantage of the self-adaptive step size is that it could be obtained directly from the iterative procedure. Furthermore, we prove the convergence of the proposed algorithm. Finally, several numerical results are shown to confirm the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
The Mediating Effects of Attachment Styles on the Relationship between Sensory Processing Styles and Interpersonal Problems in Healthy University Students
Authors: Lee Oan Na , Park Gyeong-A
Published: May 2020

Purpose. Difficulties with sensory processing are known to have negative effects on individuals’ attachment styles and the interpersonal domain. We investigated the relationships among sensory processing styles, attachment styles, and interpersonal problems to better understand the role of attachment styles on the relationship between sensory processing styles and interpersonal problems. Participants. One-hundred and eighty-four university students (aged 18-28 years) completed a set of self-reported measures. Methods. Sensory processing styles, attachment styles, and interpersonal problems were assessed with the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised, and Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-Short Circumplex Form, respectively. Results. Low registration (r=0.587, p<0.001) and sensory avoidance (r=0.501, p<0.001) were positively correlated with interpersonal problems. Regression analyses indicated that low registration (β=0.301, p<0.001) and anxious attachment (β=0.640, p<0.001) were predictors of interpersonal problems (R2=0.672, p<0.001), and sensation avoidance (β=0.386, p<0.001) and avoidant attachment (β=0.233, p<0.001) were predictors of interpersonal problems (R2=0.286, p<0.001). Participants with higher levels of low registration reported higher levels of interpersonal problems, and this relationship was partially mediated by anxious attachment. Participants with higher levels of sensory avoidance reported higher levels of interpersonal problems, and this relationship was partially mediated by avoidant attachment. Conclusions. This study clarifies the relationships between sensory processing styles and interpersonal problems and the mediating effects of attachment styles. The results were discussed in light of the related literature.
Decision Support Methodology Based on Covering-Based Interval-Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Rough Set Model and Its Application to Hospital Open-Source EHRs System Selection
Authors: Liu Fang , Wu Ju , Mou Lianming , Liu Yi
Published: May 2020

The target of current work is to propose a new approach to deal with multiattribute decision-making (MADM) problems with interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set (IVPFS) based on the concepts of covering-based rough set (CRS) and TOPSIS and give its application in MADM problems. To begin with, we integrate the fuzzy rough set (FRS), IVPFS and CRS and define the covering-based interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy rough set (CIVPFRS). Firstly, the relative notions of the CIVPFRS model are introduced. In addition, the distance measure of interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy numbers (IVPFNs) is defined; based on the proposed distance, the rough and precision degrees of CIVPFRS are discussed. Thirdly, on the basis of the theoretical analysis for CIVPFRS models, an interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy TOPSIS method is designed to deal with the MADM problems with interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy information (IVPFI). Last of all, the validity and merits of the proposed approach are illustrated by an example, and the sensitivity analysis of the parameters and the comparison with the existing related methods are carried out.β
Comparison between the Interferon γ Release Assay—QuantiFERON Gold Plus (QFT-Plus)—and Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) in the Detection of Tuberculosis Infection in Immunocompromised Children
Authors: Primaturia Cory , Reniarti Lelani , Nataprawira Heda M. N.
Published: May 2020

Background. Immunocompromised patients are at a higher risk of having latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) has been proven to perform effectively in LTBI detection among immunocompromised adults and can overcome the limitations of the tuberculin skin test (TST). However, the role of QFT-Plus in detecting LTBI in immunocompromised paediatric patients has not been well established. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the test agreement between QFT-Plus and the TST in LTBI detection among immunocompromised children. Method. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled immunocompromised paediatric patients, aged between 5 and 18 years, who were treated with corticosteroids and/or chemotherapy from June to November 2019. We categorized them into three groups based on the following diseases: hematologic malignancies and nephrological and immunological diseases. We recorded the patient characteristics and QFT-Plus and TST results, in which the positive result of the TST was induration≥5 mm. Within the same group, comparisons between the two tests were performed using the McNemar test, and results were statistically significant for p values of <0.05. The kappa index was used to assess the agreement between the two test results. Results. Among 71 patients (median age: 11.8 years) who underwent TST and QFT-Plus testing, 52% were females, and 69% had a normal nutritional status. Chemotherapy was the most common treatment modality for hematologic malignancy compared to other immunosuppressive treatments. The total number of patients with positive QFT-Plus and TST results was 11/71 (15.5%) and 4/71 (5.6%), respectively, among whom 3/11 patients had positive results in both tests, and one patient with positive TST results exhibited a discrepancy, as this was not followed by positive QFT-Plus results. QFT-Plus generated more positive results than the TST in immunocompromised children (McNemar, p=0.039 (p<0.05)). The diagnostic agreement between the tests was fair (K=0.345, 95% CI: 0.05–0.745). Conclusion. QFT-Plus detected LTBI more effectively than the TST in immunocompromised children.
Oral Collagen Drink for Antiaging: Antioxidation, Facilitation of the Increase of Collagen Synthesis, and Improvement of Protein Folding and DNA Repair in Human Skin Fibroblasts
Authors: Lin Ping , Hua Nan , Hsu Yu-Chen , Kan Kai-Wen , Chen Jia-Haur , Lin Yung-Hao , Lin Yung-Hsiang , Kuan Chen-Meng
Published: May 2020

This work unveils a fish collagen drink for improvement of skin aging. Previous studies frequently discussed the skin aging from the angle of the representative characteristics of collagen loss and the oxidative-induced expression of proteolytic enzymes matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), but few groups comprehensively investigated the efficacy of oral hydrolyzed collagen for enhancing protein folding and DNA repair as well as improving notable cell behaviors. To delineate the broad perspective on delaying skin aging, we inspected the collagen drink-treated fibroblast cells from the molecular and cellular aspects. The results show that the collagen drink could perform the compact antiaging effects on ROS inhibition, the facilitation of the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, the increase of mitochondrial activity, and improvement of the gene expression regarding correct protein folding, DNA mismatch repair (MMR) and base excision repair (BER). Although the experimental results are built on the cellular models, we believe that the positive outcomes can provide more details on the influence of oral hydrolyzed collagen supplement for antiaging. In short, we have successfully proved that the synergistic effect of the collagen drink could not only reduce the oxidative damage but also ameliorate the cell functionality to compensate the harmful effects induced by UVA.
Muscle-Bone Interactions in Chinese Men and Women Aged 18–35 Years
Authors: Su Meihua , Chen Zhaojing , Baker Breanne , Buchanan Samuel , Bemben Debra , Bemben Michael
Published: May 2020

To characterize bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength, muscle and fat mass, and muscle strength and power in Chinese women (n = 25) and men (n = 28) classified as in the bone accrual phase (18–25 years) or in the peak bone mass phase (26–35 years). Calcium intakes, physical activity levels, and serum vitamin D were measured. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) assessed body composition, lumbar spine, and hip areal BMD (aBMD) variables and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) assessed cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone strength. Muscle strength and power were assessed by grip strength, leg press, and vertical jump tests. Calcium, serum vitamin D, and physical activity levels were similar across age and sex groups. Significant sex differences p<0.05 were found for most body composition variables, hip aBMD, tibia variables, and muscle strength and power. Adjusting for height and weight eliminated most of the significant sex differences. Women showed stronger positive correlations between body composition and bone variables (r = 0.44 to 0.78) than men. Also, correlations between muscle strength/power were stronger in women vs. men (r = 0.43 to 0.82). Bone traits were better related to body composition and muscle function in Chinese women compared to Chinese men aged 18 to 35 years, and peak bone mass seems to be achieved by 25 years of age in both Chinese men and women since there were no differences between the two age groups.