bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-domain frequency-invariant beampattern synthesis via alternating direction method of multipliers
Authors: Wang Wenxia , Yan Shefeng , Mao Linlin
Published: May 2020

This paper addresses time-domain frequency-invariant beampattern synthesis under multiple constraints. Mainlobe spatial response variation is introduced to characterize the frequency invariance. Peak constraints and norm constraints are imposed to control the sidelobe response and robustness of the beamformer, respectively. Such constraints are separated with the help of the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM), and an iterative solution is derived. Unlike the traditional interior-point approach with cubic complexity, the proposed algorithm shows quadratic complexity in a single iteration. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can achieve satisfactory performance in less time.
A boundary element method based near field acoustic holography in noisy environments
Authors: Wu Haijun , Li Dou , Yu Liang , Jiang Weikang
Published: May 2020

In noisy environments, the acoustic wave is complicated and consists of the radiated wave, the incident wave, as well as its scattering wave. Double-layered pressure measurement is introduced to the boundary element method based near field acoustic holography to recover the free field quantities. First, the incoming and outgoing propagation waves are separated by exploring the propagation property of the two waves from their source to the field with the boundary integral equation. Subsequently, the scattering wave is filtered out by considering the boundary condition of the vibrating structure. Further, a measurement on an enclosing hologram is adopted to accurately reconstruct the distribution of normal velocity on the boundary. Two sets of the system of linear equations are built on the double-layered measurements. The Schur complement equation is then applied in conjunction with the Tikhonov regularization method to obtain an optimized reconstruction. Numerical examples are set up for two representative radiators impinged by incident waves. It is demonstrated that the free field normal velocity can be correctly reconstructed even if the signal-to-noise ratio is negative. An experiment is conducted for the cubic radiator to verify the accuracy and potential for the practical reconstruction in a noisy environment.
Simvastatin Improves Cardiac Function through Notch 1 Activation in BALB/c Mice with Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Guzmán-Rivera Daniela , Liempi Ana , González-Herrera Fabiola , Fuentes-Retamal Sebastián , Carrillo Ileana , Abarca Patricio , Castillo Christian , Kemmerling Ulrike , Pesce Barbara , Maya Juan Diego
Published: May 2020

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan
Trypanosoma cruzi
, endemic in Latin America but distributed worldwide because of migration. Without appropriate treatment, the disease progresses from an acute asymptomatic phase to a chronic, progressive inflammatory cardiomyopathy causing heart failure and death. Despite specific trypanocidal therapy, heart damage progression cannot be stopped or reversed. Statins, as part of their pleiotropic actions, can modulate chagasic myocarditis by inducing the production of 15-epi-lipoxin A
4
(15-epi-LXA
4
), a proresolution lipid mediator in inflammation.
Polyethylene Glycol 40-Modified Peptide with High Therapeutic Efficacy in Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acutely Infected Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Li Mingli , Cheng Shuihong , Ding Yibo , Wang Chen , Feng Yong , Wang Wenzhao , Ma Liying , Li Xuebing
Published: May 2020

Poor pharmacokinetics have severely hindered the clinical use of anti-HIV peptides. Different small molecules, such as lipid, cholesterol, and small PEG, were designed to modify peptides to improve their pharmacokinetics. In this study, we incorporated large branched PEG to anti-HIV peptide and obtained a conjugate with extended half-life and improved
in vivo
efficacy. The strategy we developed in this study can also be applicable for the development of other peptide candidates.
Habenula lesions improve glucose metabolism in rats with type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity and inhibiting gluconeogenesis
Authors: Qu Peng , Wang Yachun , Liu Lei , Qi Mengmeng , Sun Yimeng , Zheng Siyang , Xu Zichen , Liu Changhong , Bai Xiaoyan , Zhang Qinggao , Yang Limin
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The habenular nucleus (Hb), a famous relay station in the midbrain, is vital for controlling many physiological functions of vertebrates. The role of Hb in the pathogenesis of depression has been thoroughly studied, but whether it functions in the pathogenesis of diabetes remains unknown. In this study, we found that Hb lesions could improve glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by inhibiting the peripheral sympathetic nervous system and hepatic glucose production.

Research design and methods

T2DM rats were induced by a high-carbohydrate and fat diet combined with streptozotocin. Electrical lesion method was applied to suppress the function of Hb. Serum and tissue samples of rats in the control group, T2DM group, sham group, and Hb lesion group were detected by ELISA, western blotting, and biochemical methods.

Results

Compared with the sham group, the expression levels of AMPK phosphorylation and insulin receptor (IR) were significantly increased, whereas glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylated kinase were reduced in the liver of the Hb lesion group. In the glucose tolerance test and pyruvate tolerance test, the lesion group showed stronger glucose tolerance and lower hepatic gluconeogenesis than the sham. These results suggest that Hb lesions not only effectively increase insulin sensitivity and improve insulin resistance but also inhibit gluconeogenesis in T2DM rats. Moreover, Hb lesions increase the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B, glucocorticoid receptor, and IR in the hippocampus. In this study, we also found that Hb lesions increase the content of acetylcholine in the adrenal glands and reduce the content of epinephrine in both the adrenal glands and the liver, which may be the main reason for the Hb lesions to regulate glucose metabolism in the liver.

Conclusion

Hb is an important neuroanatomical target for the regulation of glucose metabolism in the central nervous system of diabetic rats.
Evidence for rapid avoidance of rockfish habitat under reduced quota and comprehensive at-sea monitoring in the British Columbia Pacific halibut fishery
Authors: Forrest Robyn E. , Stewart Ian J. , Monnahan Cole C. , Bannar-Martin Katherine H. , Lacko Lisa C.
Published: May 2020

The British Columbia longline fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) has experienced important recent management changes, including the introduction of comprehensive electronic catch monitoring on all vessels; an integrated transferable quota system; a reduction in Pacific halibut quotas; and, beginning in 2016, sharp decreases in quota for yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus, an incidentally caught species). We describe this fishery before integration, after integration, and after the yelloweye rockfish quota reduction using spatial clustering methods to define discrete fishing opportunities. We calculate the relative utilization of these fishing opportunities and their overlap with areas with high encounter rates of yelloweye rockfish during each of the three periods. The spatial footprint (area fished) increased before integration, then decreased after integration. Each period showed shifts in utilization among four large fishing areas. Immediately after the reductions in yelloweye rockfish quota, fishing opportunities with high encounter rates of yelloweye rockfish had significantly lower utilization than areas with low encounter rates, implying rapid avoidance behaviour.
Pilot-wave theory for a relativistic spin zero particle
Authors: Vollick Dan N.
Published: May 2020

In the usual approach to the pilot-wave theory for a spin zero particle one starts with the Klein–Gordon equation, which is the relativistic generalization of the Schrodinger equation. This approach encounters several difficulties including superluminal motion and particle trajectories that move backwards in time. In this paper, I start with the relativistic classical Hamilton–Jacobi equation and introduce the quantum potential in a way that avoids the preceding difficulties. Particle trajectories are time-like or null and are future-pointing. The wave equation satisfied by the field is a nonlinear generalization of the Klein–Gordon equation.
Scrutinizing various phenomenological interactions in the context of holographic Ricci dark energy models
Authors: Sadri Ehsan , Khurshudyan Martiros , Zeng Ding-fang
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we examine two types of interacting holographic dark energy model using Pantheon supernova data, BAO BOSS DR12, CMB Planck 2015, fgas (gas mass fraction) and SZ/Xray (Sunyaev–Zeldovich effect and X-ray emission) data from galaxy clusters (GC). In particular, we considered the Holographic Ricci dark energy and Extended holographic Ricci dark energy models. During this analysis, we considered seven types of phenomenological interaction terms (three linear and four non-linear) $$Q_1=3Hb\left( \rho _{D}+\rho _m\right) $$Q1=3HbρD+ρm, $$Q_2=3Hb\rho _{D}$$Q2=3HbρD, $$Q_3=3Hb\rho _{m}$$Q3=3Hbρm, $$Q_4=3Hb\left( \rho _{D}+\frac{\rho _{D}^2}{\rho _{D}+\rho _m}\right) $$Q4=3HbρD+ρD2ρD+ρm, $$Q_5=3Hb\left( \rho _{m}+\frac{\rho _{m}^2}{\rho _{D}+\rho _m}\right) $$Q5=3Hbρm+ρm2ρD+ρm, $$Q_6=3Hb\left( \rho _{D}+\rho _{m}+\frac{\rho _{D}^2}{\rho _{D}+\rho _m}\right) $$Q6=3HbρD+ρm+ρD2ρD+ρm, $$Q_7=3Hb\Big (\rho _{D}+\rho _{m}+\frac{\rho _{m}^2}{\rho _{D}+\rho _m}\Big )$$Q7=3Hb(ρD+ρm+ρm2ρD+ρm) respectively. To find the best model we apply Bayesian Inference (BI) and use the $$\Lambda $$ΛCDM as the referring model for comparison. Using the Bayesian Evidence model selection method we note that the $$Q_3$$Q3 and $$Q_5$$Q5 interaction terms are favored by observational data among the other ones. The obtained results also demonstrated that the evidence from the Bayesian inference method against the considered types of holographic Ricci dark energy model is strong since the $$\Lambda $$ΛCDM is considered as the reference model and also the $$\Lambda $$ΛCDM is preferred over the models. We also observed that the values of the deceleration parameter and the transition redshift for all models are compatible with the latest observational data and Planck 2015. In addition, we studied the jerk parameter for all models. Using our modified CAMB code, we observed that the interacting models suppress the CMB spectrum at low multipoles and enhances the acoustic peaks.
Superradiance of a global monopole in Reissner–Nordström(–AdS) space-time
Authors: Seçuk M. Haluk , Delice Özgür
Published: May 2020

In this article, the behavior of a charged and massive scalar field around a global monopole swallowed by a Reissner–Nordström–Anti-de Sitter (RN–AdS) black hole is investigated by considering the Klein–Gordon equation in this geometry. The superradiance phenomenon and instability behavior of the black hole against charged scalar perturbations are studied for both an RN–AdS case and also for an RN black hole surrounded by a reflective mirror, i.e., the black hole bomb case. The effects of the monopole on these cases are discussed analytically and also with the help of several graphs in detail. The monopole charge affects the superradiance threshold frequency and also effects the instability time scale for both cases. The existence of global monopole makes these black holes more stable against superradiance instability.
Wavelet-Based Image Compression Encoding Techniques — A Complete Performance Analysis
Authors: Raja S. P.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a complete analysis of wavelet-based image compression encoding techniques. The techniques involved in this paper are embedded zerotree wavelet (EZW), set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT), wavelet difference reduction (WDR), adaptively scanned wavelet difference reduction (ASWDR), set partitioned embedded block coder (SPECK), compression with reversible embedded wavelet (CREW) and spatial orientation tree wavelet (STW). Experiments are done by varying level of the decomposition, bits per pixel and compression ratio. The evaluation is done by taking parameters like peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), mean square error (MSE), image quality index (IQI) and structural similarity index (SSIM), average difference (AD), normalized cross-correlation (NK), structural content (SC), maximum difference (MD), Laplacian mean squared error (LMSE) and normalized absolute error (NAE).
Probabilistic, Multi-Scale Fractional Tonal Correction Bilateral Filter-Based Hazy Image Enhancement
Authors: Nnolim U. A.
Published: May 2020

This paper describes an algorithm utilizing a modified multi-scale fractional order-based operator combined with a probabilistic tonal operator, adaptive color enhancement and bilateral filtering to process hazy and underwater images. The multi-scale algorithm complements the tonal operator by enhancing edges, preventing overexposure of bright image regions, while enhancing details in the dark areas. The addition of a previously developed global enhancement operator removes color cast and improves global contrast in underwater images. The color enhancement function augments the color results of the dehazing algorithm without distorting image intensity. Furthermore, the bilateral filter suppresses noise while preserving enhanced details/edges due to the multi-scale algorithm. Experimental results indicate that the proposed system yields comparable or better results than other algorithms from the literature.
Recognition of Isothetic Arc Using Number Theoretic Properties
Authors: Surajkanta Yumnam , Pal Shyamosree
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we propose an arc recognition method based on the number theoretic properties of isothetic covers. A definition of digital circles is given based on the dilation of Euclidean circles with unit squares. We show that a variant of the digital circle is equivalent to the grid centers between the isothetic covers of disks. Number theoretic properties of the isothetic covers of disks are explored and show that the distribution of square numbers can be used to find the run lengths of the isothetic covers. Arc recognition algorithms are developed based on the number theoretic properties.
Epitaxial Growth of Two-Dimensional Layered Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Choudhury Tanushree H. , Zhang Xiaotian , Al Balushi Zakaria Y. , Chubarov Mikhail , Redwing Joan M.
Published: May 2020

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayers and heterostructures have emerged as a compelling class of materials with transformative properties that may be harnessed for novel device technologies. These materials are commonly fabricated by exfoliation of flakes from bulk crystals, but wafer-scale epitaxy of single-crystal films is required to advance the field. This article reviews the fundamental aspects of epitaxial growth of van der Waals–bonded crystals specific to TMD films. The structural and electronic properties of TMD crystals are initially described along with sources and methods used for vapor phase deposition. Issues specific to TMD epitaxy are critically reviewed, including substrate properties and film-substrate orientation and bonding. The current status of TMD epitaxy on different substrate types is discussed along with characterization techniques for large-areaepitaxial films. Future directions are proposed, including developments in substrates, in situ and full-wafer characterization techniques, and heterostructure growth.
Economic Geography, Politics, and Policy
Authors: Rickard Stephanie J.
Published: May 2020

Globalization has reduced the importance of distance between countries. Yet, within countries, geography matters now more than ever. Economic activities, including production and employment, occur unevenly across space within countries, and globalization consequently impacts various regions differently. Some areas benefit from international economic integration while others lose, and as a result, economic geography shapes citizens’ experience of globalization. Economic geography also influences governments’ responses to globalization and economic shocks. Economic geography consequently merits the attention of political scientists. By examining economic geography, researchers will find new traction on long-standing theoretical debates and valuable insights on recent developments, including the growing backlash against globalization. The challenges of studying economic geography include causal complexity and measurement issues.
Corrosion of Additively Manufactured CoCrFeMnNi High Entropy Alloy in Molten NaNO3-KNO3
Authors: Moon Jeremy T. , Schindelholz Eric J. , Melia Michael A. , Kustas Andrew B. , Chidambaram Dev
Published: May 2020

Exposure testing was performed on CoCrFeMnNi equiatomic high entropy alloy (HEA) produced via directed energy deposition additive manufacturing in NaNO3-KNO3 (60–40 wt%) molten salt at 500 °C for 50 h to evaluate the corrosion performance and oxide film chemistry of the HEA. Potentiodynamic electrochemical corrosion testing, scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam milling coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy were used to analyze the corrosion behavior and chemistry of the HEA/nitrate molten salt system. The CoCrFeMnNi HEA exhibited a higher passive current density during potentiodynamic polarization testing than steel alloys SS316L and 4130 and the high-Ni alloy 800 H in identical conditions. The oxide film was primarily composed of a (Mn,Co,Ni)Fe2O4 spinel with a vertical plate-like morphology at the surface. Cr and Ni were found to be totally depleted at the outer surface of the oxide and dissolved in high concentrations in the molten salt. While Cr was expected to dissolve into the molten salt, the high concentration of dissolved Ni has not been observed with traditional alloys, suggesting that Ni is less stable in the spinel when Mn and Co are present.
Inhibition of interleukin-6 on matrix protein production by glomerular mesangial cells and the pathway involved
Authors: Chaudhari Sarika , Yazdizadeh Shotorbani Parisa , Tao Yu , Davis Mark E. , Mallet Robert T. , Ma Rong
Published: May 2020

Activation of immunological pathways and disturbances of extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics are important contributors to the pathogenesis of chronic kidney diseases. Glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) are critical for homeostasis of glomerular ECM dynamics. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) can act as a pro/anti-inflammatory agent relative to cell types and conditions. This study investigated whether IL-6 influences ECM protein production by MCs and the regulatory pathways involved. Experiments were carried out in cultured human MCs (HMCs) and in mice. We found that overexpression of IL-6 and its receptor decreased the abundance of fibronectin and collagen type IV in MCs. ELISA and immunoblot analysis demonstrated that thapsigargin [an activator of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE)], but not the endoplasmic reticulum stress inducer tunicamycin, significantly increased IL-6 content. This thapsigargin effect was abolished by GSK-7975A, a selective inhibitor of SOCE, and by silencing Orai1 (the channel protein mediating SOCE). Furthermore, inhibition of NF-κB pharmacologically and genetically significantly reduced SOCE-induced IL-6 production. Thapsigargin also stimulated nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB. Moreover, MCs overexpressing IL-6 and its receptor in HMCs increased the content of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), and IL-6 inhibition of fibronectin was attenuated by the GLP-1R antagonist exendin 9–39. In agreement with the HMC data, specific knockdown of Orai1 in MCs using the targeted nanoparticle delivery system in mice significantly reduced glomerular GLP-1R levels. Taken together, our results suggest a novel SOCE/NF-κB/IL-6/GLP-1R signaling pathway that inhibits ECM protein production by MCs.
CBX7 suppression prevents ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress through the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway
Authors: Zhang Ye , Zhang Jian-Jian , Liu Xiu-Heng , Wang Lei
Published: May 2020

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) usually occurs in renal transplantation and partial nephrectomy, which could lead to acute kidney injury. However, the effective treatment for renal I/R still remains limited. In the present study, we investigated whether inhibition of chromobox 7 (CBX7) could attenuate renal I/R injury in vivo and in vitro as well as the potential mechanisms. Adult male mice were subjected to right renal ischemia and reperfusion for different periods, both with and without the CBX7 inhibitor UNC3866. In addition, human kidney cells (HK-2) were subjected to a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) process for different periods, both with or without the CBX7 inhibitor or siRNA for CBX7. The results showed that expression of CBX7, glucose regulator protein-78 (GRP78), phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2α (p-eIF2α), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were increased after extension of I/R and H/R periods. Moreover, overexpression of CBX7 could elevate the expression of CBX7, GRP78, p-eIF2α, and CHOP. However, CBX7 inhibition with either UNC3866 or genetic knockdown led to reduced expression of GRP78, p-eIF2α, and CHOP through nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 activation in I/R and H/R injury. Furthermore, ML385, the Nrf2 inhibitor, could elevate endoplasmic reticulum stress levels, abrogating the protective effects of UNC3866 against renal I/R injury. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that CBX7 inhibition alleviated acute kidney injury by preventing endoplasmic reticulum stress via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, indicating that CBX7 inhibitor could be a potential therapeutic target for renal I/R injury.
GLP-1-induced renal vasodilation in rodents depends exclusively on the known GLP-1 receptor and is lost in prehypertensive rats
Authors: Jensen Elisa P. , Møller Sophie , Hviid Aleksander Vauvert , Veedfald Simon , Holst Jens J. , Pedersen Jens , Ørskov Cathrine , Sorensen Charlotte M.
Published: May 2020

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone known to stimulate postprandial insulin release. However, GLP-1 also exerts extrapancreatic effects, including renal effects. Some of these renal effects are attenuated in hypertensive rats, where renal expression of GLP-1 receptors is reduced. Here, we assessed the expression and vascular function of GLP-1 receptors in kidneys from young prehypertensive rats. We also examined GLP-1-induced vasodilation in the renal vasculature in wild-type (WT) and GLP-1 receptor knockout mice using wire and pressure myography and the isolated perfused juxtamedullary nephron preparation. We investigated whether GLP-1 and the metabolite GLP-1(9–36)amide had renal vascular effects independent of the known GLP-1 receptor. We hypothesized that hypertension decreased expression of renal GLP-1 receptors. We also hypothesized that GLP-1-induced renal vasodilatation depended on expression of the known GLP-1 receptor. In contrast to normotensive rats, no immunohistochemical staining or vasodilatory function of GLP-1 receptors was found in kidneys from prehypertensive rats. In WT mice, GLP-1 induced renal vasodilation and reduced the renal autoregulatory response. The GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin 9–39 inhibited relaxation, and GLP-1(9–36)amide had no vasodilatory effect. In GLP-1 receptor knockout mice, no relaxation induced by GLP-1 or GLP-1(9–36)amide was found, the autoregulatory response in afferent arterioles was normal, and no GLP-1-induced reduction of autoregulation was found. We conclude that in prehypertensive kidneys, expression and function of GLP-1 receptors is lost. The renal vasodilatory effect of GLP-1 is mediated exclusively by the known GLP-1 receptor. GLP-1(9–36)amide has no renal vasodilatory effect. GLP-1 attenuates renal autoregulation by reducing the myogenic response.
Optimal Control Strategies for the Infectiology of Brucellosis
Authors: Nyerere Nkuba , Luboobi Livingstone S. , Mpeshe Saul C. , Shirima Gabriel M.
Published: May 2020

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection caused by Gram-negative bacteria of genus Brucella. The disease is of public health, veterinary, and economic significance in most of the developed and developing countries. Direct contact between susceptible and infective animals or their contaminated products are the two major routes of the disease transmission. In this paper, we investigate the impacts of controls of livestock vaccination, gradual culling through slaughter of seropositive cattle and small ruminants, environmental hygiene and sanitation, and personal protection in humans on the transmission dynamics of Brucellosis. The necessary conditions for an optimal control problem are rigorously analyzed using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. The main ambition is to minimize the spread of brucellosis disease in the community as well as the costs of control strategies. Findings showed that the effective use of livestock vaccination, gradual culling through slaughter of seropositive cattle and small ruminants, environmental hygiene and sanitation, and personal protection in humans have a significant impact in minimizing the disease spread in livestock and human populations. Moreover, cost-effectiveness analysis of the controls showed that the combination of livestock vaccination, gradual culling through slaughter, environmental sanitation, and personal protection in humans has high impact and lower cost of prevention.
Acute Esophageal Necrosis in a Septic Patient with a History of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Coles Michael , Madray Victoria , Uy Pearl
Published: May 2020

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), or colloquially named “black esophagus,” is a rare clinical condition often associated with ischemic injury to the esophagus secondary to splanchnic vasoconstriction during hypotensive episodes. We present a case of a 78-year-old man with extensive cardiovascular disease who was initially admitted for gallstone pancreatitis and possible cholangitis. His hospital course was complicated by possible sepsis secondary to aspiration pneumonia and hematemesis secondary to acute ischemic esophageal necrosis as noted on upper endoscopy. Interestingly, the patient only had a transient episode of hypotension (approximately 35 minutes) not requiring vasopressor support, which improved with fluid resuscitation, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) done 3 days prior showed normal esophageal mucosa. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of acute esophageal necrosis as a potential etiology of gastrointestinal (GI) bleed in patients with cardiovascular disease and sepsis.
Implications of NAD+ Metabolism in the Aging Retina and Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Jadeja Ravirajsinh N. , Thounaojam Menaka C. , Bartoli Manuela , Martin Pamela M.
Published: May 2020

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) plays an important role in various key biological processes including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and gene expression. Accumulating clinical and experimental evidence highlights an age-dependent decline in NAD+ levels and its association with the development and progression of several age-related diseases. This supports the establishment of NAD+ as a critical regulator of aging and longevity and, relatedly, a promising therapeutic target to counter adverse events associated with the normal process of aging and/or the development and progression of age-related disease. Relative to the above, the metabolism of NAD+ has been the subject of numerous investigations in various cells, tissues, and organ systems; however, interestingly, studies of NAD+ metabolism in the retina and its relevance to the regulation of visual health and function are comparatively few. This is surprising given the critical causative impact of mitochondrial oxidative damage and bioenergetic crises on the development and progression of degenerative disease of the retina. Hence, the role of NAD+ in this tissue, normally and aging and/or disease, should not be ignored. Herein, we discuss important findings in the field of NAD+ metabolism, with particular emphasis on the importance of the NAD+ biosynthesizing enzyme NAMPT, the related metabolism of NAD+ in the retina, and the consequences of NAMPT and NAD+ deficiency or depletion in this tissue in aging and disease. We discuss also the implications of potential therapeutic strategies that augment NAD+ levels on the preservation of retinal health and function in the above conditions. The overarching goal of this review is to emphasize the importance of NAD+ metabolism in normal, aging, and/or diseased retina and, by so doing, highlight the necessity of additional clinical studies dedicated to evaluating the therapeutic utility of strategies that enhance NAD+ levels in improving vision.
Fault Diagnosis of Oil Pumping Machine Retarder Based on Sound Texture-Vibration Entropy Characteristics and Gray Wolf Optimization-Support Vector Machine
Authors: Zhao Shutao , Chang Ke , Wang Erxu , Li Bo , Wang Kedeng , Wu Qingquan
Published: May 2020

In order to diagnose the retarder faults of oil pumping machine accurately in complex environments and improve the generalization of the algorithm, a GWO-SVM fault diagnosis algorithm based on the combination of sound texture and vibration entropy characteristics was proposed. Firstly, the acquired sound signal was purified by band-pass filter, then generalized S-transform was developed to extract the box dimension, directivity, and contrast ratio, which reflect the characteristics of time-frequency spectrum, to construct three-dimensional texture eigenvectors. Secondly, the K parameter of variational mode decomposition (VMD) was reasonably selected by the energy method, and then the vibration signal was decomposed to get modal components, and the permutation entropy was obtained from modal components. Finally, joint eigenvectors were constructed and fed into SVM for learning. The gray wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm was used to optimize the parameters of the SVM model based on mixed kernel function, which reduces the impact of sensor frequency response, environmental noise, and load fluctuation disturbance on the accuracy of retarder fault diagnosis. The results showed that the GWO-SVM fault diagnosis method, which is based on the combination of sound texture and vibration entropy characteristics, makes full use of the complementary advantages of signal frequency band. And the overall diagnostic accuracy for the experimental samples reaches 100%, which has good generalization ability.
GIS-Based Niche Hybrid Bat Algorithm for Solving Optimal Spatial Search
Authors: Du Guoming , Chen Yangbo , Sun Wei
Published: May 2020

Complex nonlinear optimization problems are involved in optimal spatial search, such as location allocation problems that occur in multidimensional geographic space. Such search problems are generally difficult to solve by using traditional methods. The bat algorithm (BA) is an effective method for solving optimization problems. However, the solution of the standard BA is easily trapped at one of its local optimum values. The main cause of premature convergence is the loss of diversity in the population. The niche technique is an effective method to maintain the population diversity, to enhance the exploration of the new search domains, and to avoid premature convergence. In this paper, a geographic information system- (GIS-) based niche hybrid bat algorithm (NHBA) is proposed for solving the optimal spatial search. The NHBA is able to avoid the premature convergence and obtain the global optimal values. The GIS technique provides robust support for processing a substantial amount of geographical data. A case in Fangcun District, Guangzhou City, China, is used to test the NHBA. The comparative experiments illustrate that the BA, GA, FA, PSO, and NHBA algorithms outperform the brute-force algorithm in terms of computational efficiency, and the optimal solutions are more easily obtained with NHBA than with BA, GA, FA, and PSO. Moreover, the precision of NHBA is higher and the convergence of NHBA is faster than those of the other algorithms under the same conditions.
Quality Indicators of Pharmaceutical Care in Palestinian Integrative Healthcare Facilities: Findings of a Qualitative Study among Stakeholders
Authors: Shawahna Ramzi
Published: May 2020

Background. Recently, there has been shifts from providing large volumes to providing higher quality of healthcare services. This qualitative exploratory study was conducted to explore the views of different stakeholders on activities and services that could serve as quality indicators of pharmaceutical care in Palestinian integrative healthcare facilities. Methods. A judgmental sampling technique was used to invite and recruit stakeholders for this study. Semistructured in‐depth interviews were conducted with the stakeholders. Data collected during the interviews were qualitatively analyzed using the interpretive description methodology. Themes, subthemes, and patterns were recognized using the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven. The data were coded using RQDA software. Results. Interviews (n = 22) were conducted with 9 complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, 8 pharmacists, 2 physicians, 2 nurses, and 1 risk/quality assurance manager. The interview median duration was 41 with an IQR of 22 min. Following the thematic analysis adopted to achieve the objectives of this study, six major themes emerged from the data collected from the interviews. The themes emerged from the data were (1) provision of collaborative, direct, and comprehensive patient care services; (2) common services and activities at the time of admission, during stay, at transition between wards/services/hospitals, and at discharge to home or community care; (3) screening for, identifying, and resolving problems; (4) collaboration with other healthcare providers; (5) professional development; and (6) performance and efficiency. Conclusions. Quality indicators are invaluable for informing decisions relevant to justifying allocation of scarce resources, securing funds, and demonstrating value in activities and services within integrative healthcare facilities. Further studies are still needed to develop a set of measurable indicators to measure the impact of pharmaceutical care in integrative healthcare facilities.
Helicobacter pylori Infection: Clinical, Endoscopic, and Histological Findings in Lebanese Pediatric Patients
Authors: AL Kirdy F. , Rajab M. , El-Rifai N.
Published: May 2020

Background. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common and universally distributed bacterial infection. However, in children, active gastritis and ulcer are rarely seen. Objectives. The aims of this study were to establish the prevalence of H. pylori infection and to compare the clinical, endoscopic, and histopathological findings between infected and noninfected pediatric patients at Makassed General Hospital. Methods. Patients aged between 1 month and 17 years who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from January 2011 to January 2017 were included. The diagnosis of H. pylori was confirmed by a CLO test and/or its presence on biopsy specimens. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, endoscopic and histopathological findings, and gastritis score were recorded retrospectively. Results. During the study period, 651 children underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The main indication was abdominal pain (61%). The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 16.5%. The infection was most commonly seen among children aged between 6 and 10 years (43%). A large number of family members were associated with increased risk of infection (4.8±1.5 versus 5.2±1.8; p<0.05). Epigastric pain was more associated with H. pylori (61.3% versus 14.6% in noninfected patients; p<0.05). Nodular gastritis was commonly seen in infected patients (41.5% vs. 7.9%; p<0.05). Mild and moderate gastritis was seen more in infected versus noninfected patients (mild: 53.8% vs. 14%; moderate: 27.4% vs. 2.4%, respectively). Conclusion. Although epigastric pain was associated with H. pylori, other diagnoses should be considered since the infection are rarely symptomatic in children. Antral nodularity was associated with H. pylori infection; however, its absence does not preclude the diagnosis.
Temporal Association Rule Mining and Updating and Their Application to Blast Furnace in the Steel Industry
Authors: Han Yinghua , Yu Deshui , Yin Chunhui , Zhao Qiang
Published: May 2020

Blast furnace (BF) is the main method of modern iron-making. Ensuring the stability of the BF conditions can effectively improve the quality and output of iron and steel. However, operations of BF depend on mainly human experience, which causes two problems: (1) human experience is not objective and is difficult to inherit and learn and (2) it is difficult to acquire knowledge that contains time information among multiple variables in BF. To address these problems, a data-driven method is proposed. In this article, we propose a novel and efficient algorithm for discovering underlying knowledge in the form of temporal association rules (TARs) in BF iron-making data. First, a new TAR mining framework is proposed for mining temporal frequent patterns. Then, a novel TAR mining algorithm is proposed for mining underlying, up-to-date, and effective knowledge in the form of TARs. Finally, considering the updating of the BF database, a rule updating method is proposed that is based on the algorithm that is proposed in this article. Our extensive experiments demonstrate the satisfactory performance of the proposed algorithm in discovering TARs in comparison with the state-of-the-art algorithms. Experiments on BF iron-making data have demonstrated the superior performance and practicability of the proposed method.
A Corrosion Detection Method for Steel Strands Based on LC Electromagnetic Resonance
Authors: Huang Yong , Zhang Hang , Zhang Benniu , Li Xingxing , Sang Xiaoyu , Si Yi , Er A. Pa , Zheng Yiwei , Yin Qiang , Jiang Jianhui
Published: May 2020

At present, prestress detection is a worldwide problem. Corrosion has an important impact on the accuracy of the stress detection results of prestressed tendons. Once the steel strands in service is corroded, stress corrosion will occur, which seriously affects the safe operation of the prestressed structure. Based on the LC electromagnetic resonance circuit to detect the prestressing force of steel strands, this research has been successfully applied to the detection of the corrosion rate of steel strands, which lays the foundation for the nondestructive detection of the healthy state of steel strands in the existing structure. In this study, the steel strands were regarded as an external inductor embedded in the LC resonance circuit. After the steel strands was corroded, its electromagnetic characteristics would change, and this change was manifested by the resonance frequency. In this paper, the regular change of the resonance frequency caused by the change of the inductance of the steel wire after corrosion was explained theoretically, and a theoretical model of the relationship between the electromagnetic resonance frequency and the corrosion rate was established. In this study, it was proved through experiments that the LC electromagnetic resonance method can accurately detect the overall corrosion degree of bare steel stranded wires, and a fitting formula for corrosion detection of steel stranded wires was established. Through the analysis and exploration of the test data and test phenomena, it has been found that the action mechanism of the stranded wire decreases with the increase of the corrosion rate and the inductance thereof, which leads to the increase of the resonance frequency. The discovery of these laws will provide an improved basis for the prestress detection of in‐service steel strands by LC resonant circuits and make the method to be further applied to practical engineering.
Comprehensive Analysis of Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells and Relevant Therapeutic Strategy in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Lu Guangrong , Chen Liping , Wu Shengjie , Feng Yuao , Lin Tiesu
Published: May 2020

A growing body of evidence has indicated that behaviors of cancers are defined by not only intrinsic activities of tumor cells but also tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in the tumor microenvironment. However, it still lacks a well-structured and comprehensive analysis of TIICs and its therapeutic value in esophageal cancer (EC). The proportions of 22 TIICs were evaluated between 150 normal tissues and 141 tumor tissues of EC by the CIBERSORT algorithm. Besides, correlation analyses between proportions of TIICs and clinicopathological characters, including age, gender, histologic grade, tumor location, histologic type, LRP1B mutation, TP53 mutation, tumor stage, lymph node stage, and TNM stage, were conducted. We constructed a risk score model to improve prognostic capacity with 5 TIICs by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) regression analysis. The risk score=−1.86∗plasma+2.56∗T cell follicular helper−1.37∗monocytes−3.64∗activated dendritic cells−2.24∗resting mast cells (immune cells in the risk model mean the proportions of immune cell infiltration in EC). Patients in the high-risk group had significantly worse overall survival than these in the low-risk group (HR: 2.146, 95% CI: 1.243-3.705, p=0.0061). Finally, we identified Semustine and Sirolimus as two candidate compounds for the treatment of EC based on CMap analysis. In conclusion, the proportions of TIICs may be important to the progression, prognosis, and treatment of EC.
Machine Learning–Based Predictive Farmland Optimization and Crop Monitoring System
Authors: Adebiyi Marion Olubunmi , Ogundokun Roseline Oluwaseun , Abokhai Aneoghena Amarachi
Published: May 2020

E-agriculture is the integration of technology and digital mechanisms into agricultural processes for more efficient output. This study provided a machine learning–aided mobile system for farmland optimization, using various inputs such as location, crop type, soil type, soil pH, and spacing. Random forest algorithm and BigML were employed to analyze and classify datasets containing crop features that generated subclasses based on random crop feature parameters. The subclasses were further grouped into three main classes to match the crops using data from the companion crops. The study concluded that the approach aided decision making and also assisted in the design of a mobile application using Appery.io. This Appery.io then took in some user input parameters, thereby offering various optimization sets. It was also deduced that the system led to users’ optimization of information when implemented on their farmlands.
Experimental Study on Structural Form and Excavation Model of Urban Metro Cross Transfer Station with Super Large Cross Section and Shallow Excavation
Authors: Lin Zhi , Chen Xiang , Yang Hongyun , Cheng Chongguo , Wang Huasong , Yang Changjiang , Zhu Genqiao
Published: May 2020

The construction of urban underground cross‐interchange transfer subway stations often encounters the difficulties of shallow‐buried, different surrounding rock, large spans and heights, congested road traffic, and surrounding buildings sensitive to the construction sequence. Therefore, there is a need for an underground project that controls the stability of underground space and ground subsidence. Based on the construction difficulties of a certain station (the maximum excavation area over 760 m2), this paper conducts a comprehensive selection design of the structure, construction mechanics response, and control technology of this type of interchange station structure and construction excavation. First of all, based on the design experience of large‐scale underground transfer transportation engineering and taking full consideration of the stratum conditions, an “arch‐wall” cross transfer structure method is proposed. The refined numerical analysis shows that the structure can fully utilize the stratum conditions to reduce the ground surface settlement. Then, in view of the stability of surrounding rock during the construction of a large section, based on the traditional large section excavation method, a construction method of “cross rock beam + heading method” was proposed. In order to verify the effect of the construction method, the three‐dimensional detailed numerical model was used to simulate the construction conditions, and the mechanical response characteristics and displacement changes of surrounding rock under each excavation step are explored. Simultaneous interpreting with the traditional large section excavation method, the results show that the new method has advantages in controlling the stability of the surrounding rock. Meanwhile, in order to ensure the safe construction of the project, the self‐developed multifunctional engineering test system for traffic tunnels is used to carry out a large‐scale physical model experiment to simulate the entire process of the “arch‐wall” cross transfer structure construction response characteristics. By analyzing the data of measuring points, the results show that the structure form and the excavation method cause the ground surface settlement, stress, and structural forces meet the requirements for safe construction. Finally, the station can be safely constructed under the new structure form and construction method. Therefore, the structure form and method proposed in this paper can be adapted to the large‐scale underground structure under construction in complex environments.
JAK Inhibition as a New Treatment Strategy for Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Seif Farhad , Aazami Hossein , Khoshmirsafa Majid , Kamali Monireh , Mohsenzadegan Monireh , Pornour Majid , Mansouri Davood
Published: May 2020

After the advent of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) commenced across the world. Understanding the Immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 is essential for interrupting viral infectivity and preventing aberrant immune responses before a vaccine can be developed. In this review, we provide the latest insights into the roles of angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) and Ang II receptor-1 (AT1-R) in this disease. Novel therapeutic strategies, including recombinant ACE2, ACE inhibitors, AT1-R blockers, and Ang 1–7 peptides, may prevent or reduce viruses-induced pulmonary, cardiac, and renal injuries. However, more studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of these therapeutics. Furthermore, considering the common role of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway in AT1-R expressed on peripheral tissues and cytokine receptors on the surface of immune cells, potential targeting of this pathway using JAK inhibitors (JAKinibs) is suggested as a promising approach in patients with COVID-19 who are admitted to hospitals. In addition to antiviral therapy, potential ACE2- and AT1-R-inhibiting strategies, and other supportive care, we suggest other potential JAKinibs and novel anti-inflammatory combination therapies that affect the JAK-STAT pathway in patients with COVID-19. Since the combination of MTX and baricitinib leads to outstanding clinical outcomes, the addition of baricitinib to MTX might be a potential strategy.