bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A GAME MODEL OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT BASED ON FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF TIME SERIES
Authors: LI SHANGHONG , LIAO LIANG , CHANG SHENG-HUNG
Published: May 2020

Fractal analysis of time series is an important tool for describing complex systems and solving nonlinear problems based on time series datebases, of which the core is believed that the geometric bodies composed of various parts of the system have self-similarity and scale invariance. Supply chain management uses integrated thinking, from the perspective of system, to design, plan and control the logistics, capital flow, and information flow in the supply chain for minimizing internal consumption, improving competitiveness or welfare levels, and achieving win–win cooperation. Whether or not the supply chain enterprises cooperate is essentially a game between the enterprises; according to the game theory, the profit of an enterprise depends not only on its own behavior, but also on the behavior of another enterprise with which it deals. On basis of summarizing and analyzing of previous research works, this paper expounded the current research status and significance of the game model of supply chain management, elaborated the development background, current status, and future challenges of the fractal analysis of time series, introduced the methods and principles of fractal dimension calculation and replicator dynamic equation, established a game model of supply chain management based on the fractal analysis of time series including scale-free area determination and model optimization solution, and conducted the fractal analysis of the game model of supply chain management and discussed the equilibrium and statistical similarity of this proposed model. The final simulation experiment showed that the game model of supply chain management based on the fractal analysis of time series applied the phase space reconstruction principle to the data sample selection of fractal prediction algorithm in supply chain, which solved the problem of low similarity between data samples taken by fractal prediction objects with fuzzy self-similar characteristics and periodic ambiguity, and improved the prediction accuracy of the fractal prediction algorithm when predicting objects in the game model of supply chain management.
DESIGN OF A NONLINEAR SITR FRACTAL MODEL BASED ON THE DYNAMICS OF A NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Authors: SÁNCHEZ YOLANDA GUERRERO , SABIR ZULQURNAIN , GUIRAO JUAN L. G.
Published: May 2020

The aim of the present paper is to state a simplified nonlinear mathematical model to describe the dynamics of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The design of the mathematical model is described in terms of four categories susceptible ([Formula: see text], infected ([Formula: see text], treatment ([Formula: see text] and recovered ([Formula: see text], i.e. SITR model with fractals parameters. These days there are big controversy on if is needed to apply confinement measure to the population of the word or if the infection must develop a natural stabilization sharing with it our normal life (like USA or Brazil administrations claim). The aim of our study is to present different scenarios where we draw the evolution of the model in four different cases depending on the contact rate between people. We show that if no confinement rules are applied the stabilization of the infection arrives around 300 days affecting a huge number of population. On the contrary with a contact rate small, due to confinement and social distancing rules, the stabilization of the infection is reached earlier.
APPROXIMATE ENDPOINT SOLUTIONS FOR A CLASS OF FRACTIONAL q-DIFFERENTIAL INCLUSIONS BY COMPUTATIONAL RESULTS
Authors: AYDOGAN S. M. , AGUILAR J. F. GÓMEZ , BALEANU D. , REZAPOUR SH. , SAMEI M. E.
Published: May 2020

By using the notion of endpoints for set-valued functions and some classical fixed point techniques, we investigate the existence of solutions for two fractional [Formula: see text]-differential inclusions under some integral boundary value conditions. By providing an example, we illustrate our main result about endpoint. Also, we give some related algorithms and numerical results.
ON THE NEW EXPLICIT SOLUTIONS OF THE FRACTIONAL NONLINEAR SPACE-TIME NUCLEAR MODEL
Authors: ABDEL-ATY ABDEL-HALEEM , KHATER MOSTAFA M. A. , ATTIA RAGHDA A. M. , ABDEL-ATY M. , ELEUCH HICHEM
Published: May 2020

In this research, the analytical and numerical solutions of the fractional nonlinear space-time Phi-four model are investigated by employing two systematic schemes and the B-spline schemes. A new fractional operator definition is applied to this model to convert the model from its fractional formula to an integer-order nonlinear ordinary differential equation. The considered model is of major interest for studying the nuclear interaction, elementary particles in a condensed medium, and propagation of dislocations in crystals. Explicit wave solutions are obtained.
ANALYSIS OF FRACTAL–FRACTIONAL MALARIA TRANSMISSION MODEL
Authors: GÓMEZ-AGUILAR J. F. , CÓRDOVA-FRAGA T. , ABDELJAWAD THABET , KHAN AZIZ , KHAN HASIB
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the malaria transmission (MT) model under control strategies is considered using the Liouville–Caputo fractional order (FO) derivatives with exponential decay law and power-law. For the solutions we are using an iterative technique involving Laplace transform. We examined the uniqueness and existence (UE) of the solutions by applying the fixed-point theory. Also, fractal–fractional operators that include power-law and exponential decay law are considered. Numerical results of the MT model are obtained for the particular values of the FO derivatives [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Possibilities of the practical use of a stationary strain gradient in the interelectrode volume of unpolarized ferroceramic plates
Authors: Zakharov Yu. N. , Sakhnenko V. P. , Parinov I. A. , Raevsky I. P. , Bunin M. A. , Chebanenko V. A. , Zaerko M. A. , Sitalo E. I. , Pavelko A. A. , Kiseleva L. I.
Published: May 2020

It has been established that in plates made of hot-pressed ferroelectric ceramics PZT-19 ([Formula: see text]C), after metal electrodes from Ag are burned into opposite surfaces with different depths of mechanical damage, counter-directional stationary deformation gradients and, accordingly, internal electric displacement fields create a stationary flexoelectric effect. As a result, unpolarized ceramics below the Curie temperature become a pyroelectric, and above it become a pyroelectric bolometer. After polishing the less damaged surface and replacing the Ag (valency [Formula: see text]) electrode with Cr ([Formula: see text]) by thermal evaporation in vacuum from the intact surface, a new thermally stable polarization is created, directed from the damaged surface in the interelectrode volume. Such plates have an asymmetric dielectric hysteresis loop, retain the values of the pyroelectric effect and piezoelectric effect in the ferroelectric phase, as well as the bolometric effect in the paraelectric phase after repeated heating cycles to [Formula: see text]C and cooling to [Formula: see text].
Carboniferous to Early Triassic magmatism and accretion in Alxa (NW China): implications for accretionary orogenesis of the southern Altaids
Authors: Song Dongfang , Xiao Wenjiao , Windley Brian F. , Han Chunming
Published: May 2020

Alxa occupies a crucial position between the Tianshan–Beishan orogen to the west and the Solonker suture to the east and is important in our understanding of the accretionary orogenesis of the southern Altaids. To unravel the tectonic history of the Alxa region, we undertook an integrated study of the field geology, geochemistry and geochronology of magmatic rocks and an accretionary complex. Six granites and one rhyolite from the Zhusileng–Hangwula arc show a peraluminous, high-K calc-alkaline composition and one gabbro is tholeiitic. They show patterns rich in incompatible elements and negative Nb–Ta anomalies on primitive mantle-normalized trace element spider diagrams. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb dating reveals 348–329 and 267–250 Ma magmatic events. These data indicate that the Zhusileng–Hangwula arc was a Japan-type island arc from the late Paleozoic to Early Triassic. The Engger Us mélange comprises pillow basalts with a normal-type mid-ocean ridge basalt composition, tuffs, cherts, siliceous mudstones, limestones and turbidites, which are tectonically juxtaposed by a block-in-matrix structure. This mélange is interpreted as a Carboniferous–Permian accretionary complex. These new data, combined with previous studies, confirm that the Palaeo-Asian Ocean subducted bidirectionally in the Alxa region in the Carboniferous–Early Triassic. A consistent divergent subduction system existed from Alxa to Solonker before the terminal closure of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean in the Mid- to Late Triassic.

Supplementary material:
Major and trace element data and zircon U-Pb age results of all the samples are available at:
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4962230
Mining Expressive Rules in Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Ahmadi Naser , Huynh Viet-Phi , Meduri Vamsi , Ortona Stefano , Papotti Paolo
Published: May 2020

We describe RuDiK, an algorithm and a system for mining declarative rules over RDF knowledge graphs (KGs). RuDiK can discover rules expressing both
positive
relationships between KG elements, e.g., “if two persons share at least one parent, they are likely to be siblings,” and
negative
patterns identifying data contradictions, e.g., “if two persons are married, one cannot be the child of the other” or “the birth year for a person cannot be bigger than her graduation year.” While the first kind of rules identify new facts in the KG, the second kind enables the detection of incorrect triples and the generation of (training) negative examples for learning algorithms. High-quality rules are also critical for any reasoning task involving the KGs.

Our approach increases the
expressive power
of the supported rule language w.r.t. the existing systems. RuDiK discovers rules containing (i) comparisons among literal values and (ii) selection conditions with constants. Richer rules increase the accuracy and the coverage over the facts in the KG for the task at hand. This is achieved with aggressive pruning of the search space and with disk-based algorithms, which enable the execution of the system in commodity machines. Also, RuDiK is robust to errors and missing data in the input graph. It discovers
approximate
rules with a measure of support that is aware of the quality issues. Our experimental evaluation with real-world KGs shows that RuDiK does better than existing solutions in terms of scalability and that it can identify effective rules for different target applications.
Osteoclast-derived exosomal let-7a-5p targets Smad2 to promote the hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes
Authors: Dai Jingjin , Dong Rui , Han Xinyun , Li Jianmei , Gong Xiaoshan , Bai Yun , Kang Fei , Liang Mengmeng , Zeng Fanchun , Hou Zhiyong , Dong Shiwu
Published: May 2020

The invasion of osteoclasts into the cartilage via blood vessels advances the process of endochondral ossification, and dysregulation of dynamic intercellular interactions results in skeletal dysplasias. Although the regulation of osteoclasts by growth plate chondrocytes has been reported in detail, the effect of osteoclasts on chondrocytes remains to be determined. In this study, ATDC5 cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were differentiated into chondrocytes and treated with conditioned medium obtained from bone marrow macrophages differentiated to osteoclast precursors and osteoclasts. Exosomes were inhibited in conditioned medium or isolated directly from osteoclasts to further determine whether osteoclast-derived exosomes play an important role in chondrocyte hypertrophy. Additionally, exosomal miRNAs were detected, and let-7a-5p was selected as an miRNA with significantly increased expression in osteoclast-derived exosomes. Experiments were performed to verify the potential target Smad2 and investigate how let-7a-5p affected chondrocytes. The results suggest that both osteoclast precursors and osteoclasts promote chondrocyte hypertrophy and that the promotive effect of osteoclasts is more significant than that of osteoclast precursors. Osteoclast-derived exosomes promote the hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes. Moreover, osteoclast-derived exosomal let-7a-5p inhibits Smad2 to decrease the transforming growth factor-β-induced inhibition of chondrocyte hypertrophy. Our research reveals the role of osteoclasts in the regulation of chondrocytes and provides insights into the highly coordinated intercellular process of endochondral ossification.
Immobilization leads to alterations in intracellular phosphagen and creatine transporter content in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Luo Dan , Edwards Sophie , Smeuninx Benoit , McKendry James , Nishimura Yusuke , Perkins Molly , Philp Andrew , Joanisse Sophie , Breen Leigh
Published: May 2020

The role of dysregulated intracellular creatine (Cr) metabolism in disuse atrophy is unknown. In this study, skeletal muscle biopsy samples were obtained after 7 days of unilateral leg immobilization (IMMOB) and from the nonimmobilized control limb (CTRL) of 15 healthy men (23.1 ± 3.5 yr). Samples were analyzed for fiber type cross-sectional area (CSA) and creatine transporter (CreaT) at the cell membrane periphery (MEM) or intracellular (INT) areas, via immunofluorescence microscopy. Creatine kinase (CK) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) were determined via immunoblot. Phosphocreatine (PCr), Cr, and ATP were measured via enzymatic analysis. Body composition and maximal isometric knee extensor strength were assessed before and after disuse. Leg strength and fat-free mass were reduced in IMMOB (~32% and 4%, respectively; P < 0.01 for both). Type II fiber CSA was smaller (~12%; P = 0.028) and intramuscular PCr lower (~13%; P = 0.015) in IMMOB vs. CTRL. CreaT protein was greater in type I fibers in both limbs ( P < 0.01). CreaT was greater in IMMOB vs. CTRL ( P < 0.01) and inversely associated with PCr concentration in both limbs ( P < 0.05). MEM CreaT was greater than INT CreaT in type I and II fibers of both limbs (~14% for both; P < 0.01 for both). Type I fiber CreaT tended to be greater in IMMOB vs. CTRL ( P = 0.074). CK was greater and phospho-to-total AMPKThr172 tended to be greater, in IMMOB vs. CTRL ( P = 0.013 and 0.051, respectively). These findings suggest that modulation of intracellular Cr metabolism is an adaptive response to immobilization in young healthy skeletal muscle.
Thrombospondin-1 in maladaptive aging responses: a concept whose time has come
Authors: Isenberg Jeffrey S. , Roberts David D.
Published: May 2020

Numerous age-dependent alterations at the molecular, cellular, tissue and organ systems levels underlie the pathophysiology of aging. Herein, the focus is upon the secreted protein thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) as a promoter of aging and age-related diseases. TSP1 has several physiological functions in youth, including promoting neural synapse formation, mediating responses to ischemic and genotoxic stress, minimizing hemorrhage, limiting angiogenesis, and supporting wound healing. These acute functions of TSP1 generally require only transient expression of the protein. However, accumulating basic and clinical data reinforce the view that chronic diseases of aging are associated with accumulation of TSP1 in the extracellular matrix, which is a significant maladaptive contributor to the aging process. Identification of the relevant cell types that chronically produce and respond to TSP1 and the molecular mechanisms that mediate the resulting maladaptive responses could direct the development of therapeutic agents to delay or revert age-associated maladies.
Paternal deficiency of complement component C1q leads to a preeclampsia-like pregnancy in wild-type female mice and vascular adaptations postpartum
Authors: Sutton Elizabeth F. , Gemmel Mary , Brands Judith , Gallaher Marcia J. , Powers Robert W.
Published: May 2020

Preeclampsia is a spontaneously occurring, pregnancy-specific syndrome that is clinically diagnosed by new onset hypertension and proteinuria. Epidemiological evidence describes an association between a history of preeclampsia and increased risk for cardiovascular disease in later life; however, the mechanism(s) driving this relationship are unclear. Our study aims to leverage a novel preeclampsia-like mouse model, the C1q−/− model, to help elucidate the acute and persistent vascular changes during and following a preeclampsia-like pregnancy. Female C57BL/6J mice were mated to C1q−/− male mice to model a preeclampsia-like pregnancy (“PE-like”), and the maternal cardiovascular phenotype (blood pressure, renal function, systemic glycocalyx, and ex vivo vascular function) was assessed in late pregnancy and postpartum at 6 and 10 mo of age. Uncomplicated, normotensive pregnancies (female C57BL/6J bred to male C57BL/6J mice) served as age-matched controls. In pregnancy, PE-like dams exhibited increased systolic and diastolic pressure during mid- and late gestation, renal dysfunction, fetal growth restriction, and reduced placental efficiency. Ex vivo wire myography studies of mesenteric arteries revealed severe pregnancy-specific endothelial-dependent and -independent vascular dysfunction. At 3 and 7 mo postpartum (6 and 10 mo old, respectively), hypertension resolved in PE-like dams, whereas mild vascular dysfunction persisted at 3 mo postpartum. In conclusion, the female C57BL/6J-by-male C57BL/6J C1q−/− model recapitulates many aspects of the human preeclampsia syndrome in a low-risk, wild-type female mouse. The pregnancy-specific phenotype results in systemic maternal endothelial-dependent and -independent vascular dysfunction that persists postpartum.
Perceptual decisions about object shape bias visuomotor coordination during rapid interception movements
Authors: Barany Deborah A. , Gómez-Granados Ana , Schrayer Margaret , Cutts Sarah A. , Singh Tarkeshwar
Published: May 2020

Visual processing for perception and for action is thought to be mediated by two specialized neural pathways. Using a visuomotor decision-making task, we show that participants differentially utilized online perceptual decision-making in reaching and interception and that eye movements necessary for perception influenced motor decision strategies. These results provide evidence that task complexity modulates how pathways processing perception versus action information interact during the visual control of movement.
Motor cortical thickness is related to effort-based decision-making in humans
Authors: Umesh Amith , Kutten Kwame S. , Hogan Patrick S. , Ratnanather J. Tilak , Chib Vikram S.
Published: May 2020

How effortful a task feels is an integral aspect of human decision-making that influences choices to engage in physical activity. We show that properties of motor cortex (the brain region responsible for physical exertion) are related to assessments of effort and decisions to exert. These findings provide a link between the anatomical properties of motor cortex and the cognitive function of effort-based choice.
Simultaneous spike-time locking to multiple frequencies
Authors: Sinz Fabian H. , Sachgau Carolin , Henninger Jörg , Benda Jan , Grewe Jan
Published: May 2020

Locking of neuronal spikes to external and internal signals is a ubiquitous neurophysiological mechanism that has been extensively studied in several brain areas and species. Using experimental data from the electrosensory system and concise mathematical models, we analyze how a single neuron can simultaneously lock to multiple frequencies. Our findings demonstrate how temporal and rate codes can complement each other and lead to rich neuronal representations of sensory signals.
Analgesic Mechanism of Sinomenine against Chronic Pain
Authors: Jiang Wei , Fan Weiming , Gao Tianle , Li Tao , Yin Zhenming , Guo Huihui , Wang Lulu , Han Yanxing , Jiang Jian-Dong
Published: May 2020

Purified from the roots of the plant Sinomenium acutum, sinomenine is traditionally used in China and Japan for treating rheumatism and arthritis. Previously, we have demonstrated that sinomenine possessed a broad analgesic spectrum in various chronic pain animal models and repeated administration of sinomenine did not generate tolerance. In this review article, we discussed sinomenine’s analgesic mechanism with focus on its role on immune regulation and neuroimmune interaction. Sinomenine has distinct immunoregulative properties, in which glutamate, adenosine triphosphate, nitric oxide, and proinflammatory cytokines are thought to be involved. Sinomenine may alter the unbalanced neuroimmune interaction and inhibit neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and central sensitization in chronic pain states. In conclusion, sinomenine has promising potential for chronic pain management in different clinical settings.
Effect of Nigella sativa Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Parameters: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ardiana M. , Pikir B. S. , Santoso A. , Hermawan H. O. , Al-Farabi M. J.
Published: May 2020

Introduction. Nigella sativa is a commonly used traditional medicine which has been shown to have antioxidant properties. However, its supplementation in patients of clinical trials showed conflicting results. Materials and Method. Relevant articles were searched through PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases using “Nigella sativa” or “black seed” or “black caraway” or “thymoquinone” and “oxidative stress” or “antioxidant” and “clinical trial” keywords. Randomized, placebo-controlled human interventions using Nigella sativa were included in this study. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using Jadad’s quality scales. Results. Five studies using 293 subjects met the inclusion criteria. The overall quality of all included trials was determined based on the low risk of bias and the high quality of reported information (Jadad score ≥ 3). Meta-analysis of 293 eligible subjects showed that treatment with Nigella sativa improved the superoxide dismutase (SOD) level (48.18; 95% CI 30.29 to 66.08; p<0.01), but there was no significant effect on the malondialdehyde (MDA) level (−5.32; 95% CI −1.19 to 0.128; p=0.114) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level (0.219; 95% CI −0.136 to 0.573; p = 0.227). Conclusion. This meta-analysis suggests that Nigella sativa supplementation in humans may benefit as an antioxidant by increasing SOD levels but has no significant effect on the MDA level and TAC level.
Inversion of the Equivalent Electric Dipole Moment of Ship’s Corrosion-Related Static Electric Field in Frequency Domain
Authors: Sun Qiang , Jiang Run-xiang , Yu Peng
Published: May 2020

When evaluating the ship’s underwater electric field stealth, the underwater electric potential or the underwater electric field is often used, but it is easily affected by the environment conditions. As a result, the evaluating accuracy is not high. To solve this problem, the equivalent electric dipole moment is used as the evaluating factor in this paper. Firstly, the method of inverting the equivalent electric dipole moment in the frequency domain is proposed. However, the limited measuring range will also lead to some errors based on the proposed method. As a result, we improve the proposed method by applying an integral correction which uses a standard dipole source. To test the effectiveness of this method, a simulation experiment is carried out, and the results show that the method has high inversion accuracy even in a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) environment. This method has provided a new technological approach for evaluating the ship’s corrosion-related static electric field.
Hematological and Biochemical Profile of Patients Infected with Schistosoma mansoni in Comparison with Apparently Healthy Individuals at Sanja Town, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dessie Nega , Lema Wossenseged , Aemero Mulugeta
Published: May 2020

Background. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that resides in the vascular system of vertebrates, causing a chronic, debilitating disease that affects more than 200 million people and 800,000 deaths per year in over 70 countries. This parasite causes liver dysfunction and disorders normal hematological and biochemical profiles in addition to portal vein hypertension syndrome, ascites, and liver fibrosis. The general objective of the current study is to assess hematological and biochemical profiles of patients infected with Schistosoma mansoni in comparison with apparently healthy individuals (control group) in Sanja town, northwest Ethiopia. Method. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2019 among microscopically confirmed S. mansoni-infected patients attending Sanja hospital and apparently healthy (control group) from Sanja town community. A total of 220 participants, 110 from the S. mansoni-infected and 110 from the control group, were enrolled using convenient sampling technique. Three grams of stool and six milliliters of blood samples were collected from each study participant. Stool samples were processed using the Kato–Katz technique to determine infection and count parasite density. The blood sample was processed for the analysis of hematological and biochemical profiles using Cell Dyn 1800 (Abbot Hematology, IL, USA) and iChem535 chemistry analyzer, respectively. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, and P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results. This study showed that the mean values of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, total cholesterol, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and total white blood cell count were different in the Schistosoma mansoni-positive group as compared with the control group with statistically significant value (P≤0.05). However, the mean values of blood glucose, red blood cell, packed cell volume, and granulocyte count difference were not statistically significant (P≥0.05). The mean value of hemoglobin, red blood cells, blood glucose, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, total protein, total cholesterol, and total white blood cell was significantly dropped in the moderate and heavy S. mansoni parasitic load patients as compared with the control group and light S. mansoni parasite density patients. However, the mean of AST and ALT progressively elevated as the burden of S. mansoni increased. Conclusion. Most hematological and biochemical profiles were significantly lower in the Schistosoma mansoni-positive group as compared with the control group. Most hematological and biochemical profiles decline significantly as the parasite density increased. Hence, with Schistosoma treatment, supportive treatment against hematological and biochemical disorders is recommended.
Multidimensional Meteorological Variables for Wind Speed Forecasting in Qinghai Region of China: A Novel Approach
Authors: Jiang He , Shihua Luo , Dong Yao
Published: May 2020

The accurate, efficient, and reliable forecasting of wind speed is a hot research topic in wind power generation and integration. However, available forecasting models focus on forecasting the wind speed using historical wind speed data and ignore multidimensional meteorological variables. The objective is to develop a hybrid model with multidimensional meteorological variables for forecasting the wind speed accurately. The complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) is applied to handle the nonlinearity of the wind speed. Then, the original wind speed will be decomposed into a series of intrinsic model functions with specified numbers of frequencies. A quadratic model that considers the two-way interactions between factors is used to pursue accurate forecasting. To reduce the model complexity, Gram–Schmidt-based feature selection (GSFS) is applied to extract the important meteorological factors. Finally, all the forecasting values of IMFs will be summed by assigning weights that are carefully determined by the whale optimization algorithm (WOA). The proposed forecasting approach has been applied on six datasets that were collected in Qinghai province and is compared with several state-of-the-art wind speed forecasting models. The forecasting results demonstrate that the proposed model can represent the nonlinearity of the wind speed and deliver better results than the competitors.
Coordination Strategy of the Supply Chain with Consumer Preferences under the “Presale and Spot-Sale” Mode
Authors: Cao Xiaogang , Wu Hui , Chen Kebing , Wen Hui
Published: May 2020

In recent years, the market economy has been booming, and the demand of consumers has begun to become diversified. Consumers’ preferences for products, the sensitivity of product prices, and other factors can often affect the market demand and also make enterprises realize the importance of consumer preferences. The decision-making model of the supply chain with consumer preference composed of a retailer and a third-party presale platform is established, and we analyze the implementation of a single presale model, a single spot-sale model, and decision-making models under the “presale and sale” mode. The equilibrium strategy of centralized decision and decentralized decision under the mode of “presale and sale” is compared, and the influence of the proportion of informed consumers and the exogenous variables of cross-period discount on supply chain decision is further analyzed. The coordination strategy of the decentralized decision supply chain under the mode of “presale and sale” is put forward, and the coordinated operation among supply chain members is realized. The results show that compared with other sales models, the “presale and spot-sale” model is more beneficial to the profit of the supply chain.
Status of Household Solid Waste Management and Associated Factors in a Slum Community in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Ssemugabo Charles , Wafula Solomon Tsebeni , Lubega Grace Biyinzika , Ndejjo Rawlance , Osuret Jimmy , Halage Abdullah Ali , Musoke David
Published: May 2020

Background. Only a third of the total waste generated in slum communities in Kampala is collected and disposed of to the landfill every month. This study assessed the status of household solid waste management and associated factors in a slum community in Kampala, Uganda. Methods. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study involving 395 households using a semistructured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Proper solid waste management was determined based on possession of waste collection and storage receptacle; collection receptacle ability to minimise nuisances (covered); segregation of waste; presence of flies and other vectors; and collection receptacle fill status. Prevalence rate ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were used as a measure of association. Results. Only, 41.3% (163/395) of the households exhibited proper waste management practices. The majority of the households 85.8% (339/395) owned solid waste storage receptacles, most of which were sacs 61.7% (209/339) and would minimise nuisances 72.9% (245/339). The main type of waste collected was biodegradable materials 56.7% (224/395). The majority of the households 78.7% (311/395) did not segregate their waste. Solid waste was mainly transported to the collection point by pulling the collecting sac 54.4% (215/395). The city authority 73.9% (292/395) and private companies 12.9% (51/395) were the major entities collecting waste. Factors associated with proper waste management were collecting waste in plastic containers (adjusted PR = 1.27, 95% CI (1.04–1.55)), polythene bags (adjusted PR = 0.26, 95% CI (0.14–0.47)), and paper bags or metallic bins (adjusted PR = 0.13, 95% CI (0.03–0.44)) as well as awareness of solid waste management laws (adjusted PR = 1.49, 95% CI (1.20–1.85)) and the dangers of improper solid waste management (adjusted PR = 2.15, 95% CI (1.51–3.06)). Conclusion. Solid waste management was generally poor. As such, a cascade of interventions that address knowledge, physical, and behavioural aspects of solid waste management is required to improve its management in slum communities.
Albumin-to-Fibrinogen Ratio Independently Predicts 28-Day Mortality in Patients with Peritonitis-Induced Sepsis
Authors: Tai Huiyu , Zhu Zhiyun , Mei Haifeng , Sun Wenbin , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2020

Background. This study is aimed at investigating whether albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio (AFR) could independently predict the prognosis in patients with peritonitis-induced sepsis. Methods. A total of 246 eligible patients who were scheduled to undergo surgical treatment for peritonitis-induced sepsis were enrolled in this study. The primary observational endpoint was 28-day hospital mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis with the Wald test was performed to identify prognostic factors for 28-day mortality in septic patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier curve analyses were carried out to evaluate the association of baseline AFR and prognosis in septic patients. Results. Of all the cohort study participants, there were 59 nonsurvivors with a 28-day mortality of 24.0% (59/246). Baseline AFR (hazard ratio (HR): 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42–0.93, P=0.018) and the presence of septic shock (HR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.42–3.91, P=0.021) were two independent prognostic factors for 28-day mortality in patients with peritonitis-induced sepsis by multivariate Cox analysis. Baseline AFR was a significant predictor for 28-day mortality with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.751, a cut-off value of 8.85, a sensitivity of 66.10%, and a specificity of 70.05%, respectively (95% CI: 0.688–0.813, P<0.001). A low baseline AFR level (≤8.85) was significantly associated with a lower overall survival rate in septic patients by Kaplan-Meier curve analysis with log-rank test (P=0.004). Conclusions. This study indicates that AFR independently predicts 28-day mortality in patients with peritonitis-induced sepsis.
Enriched LPS Staining within the Germinal Center of a Lymph Node from an HIV-Infected Long-Term Nonprogressor but Not from Progressors
Authors: Huang Lei , Deng Jianning , Lang Ren , Liao Guoyang , Jiang Wei
Published: May 2020

An increased level of microbial translocation has been observed in HIV-infected individuals. The host response to microbial translocation is compromised in HIV-infected progressors but remains unknown in HIV-infected long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs). To evaluate microbial translocation in HIV, we assessed lipopolysaccharide (LPS) immunohistochemistry staining in lymph nodes. We found enriched bacterial LPS immunohistochemistry staining in the germinal center of a lymph node from an HIV-infected LTNP, evenly distributed from three progressors with impaired germinal center structures and rarely detected from two HIV-negative individuals. The impaired germinal center structures were consistent with collagen deposition in lymph nodes using immunohistochemistry staining. These results suggest greater immune responses against bacterial LPS translocation in LTNPs, which may reveal an important mechanism in controlling microbial translocation and disease progression in HIV LTNPs.
Efficient All-Inorganic CsPbBr3 Perovskite Solar Cells by Using CdS/CdSe/CdS Quantum Dots as Intermediate Layers
Authors: Zou Shibing , Li Feng
Published: May 2020

Highly efficient all-inorganic perovskite solar cells require a fast charge transfer from CsPbBr3 to TiO2 to reduce the recombination from trap states. Herein, we insert a CdS/CdSe/CdS quantum dot (QD) layer between the TiO2 and CsPbBr3 layers to fabricate all-inorganic perovskite solar cells. By tuning the thicknesses of the CdSe layer of CdS/CdSe/CdS QDs, the conduction band (CB) levels can be adjusted to -3.72~-3.87 eV. After inserting the QD intermediate layer, the energy offset between the CB of TiO2 and CsPbBr3 is reduced, thus leading to a charge transfer rate boost from 0.040×109 to 0.059×109 s−1. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the solar cell with QD intermediate layer achieves 8.64%, which is 20% higher than its counterpart without QDs.
Pattern of Invasion in Human Pancreatic Cancer Organoids Is Associated with Loss of SMAD4 and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Huang Wenjie , Navarro-Serer Bernat , Jeong Yea Ji , Chianchiano Peter , Xia Limin , Luchini Claudio , Veronese Nicola , Dowiak Cameron , Ng Tammy , Trujillo Maria A. , Huang Bo , Pflüger Michael J. , Macgregor-Das Anne M. , Lionheart Gemma , Jones Danielle , Fujikura Kohei , Nguyen-Ngoc Kim-Vy , Neumann Neil M. , Groot Vincent P. , Hasanain Alina , van Oosten A. Floortje , Fischer Sandra E. , Gallinger Steven , Singhi Aatur D. , Zureikat Amer H. , Brand Randall E. , Gaida Matthias M. , Heinrich Stefan , Burkhart Richard A. , He Jin , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Goggins Michael G. , Thompson Elizabeth D. , Roberts Nicholas J. , Ewald Andrew J. , Wood Laura D.
Published: May 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by extensive local invasion and systemic spread. In this study, we employed a three-dimensional organoid model of human pancreatic cancer to characterize the molecular alterations critical for invasion. Time-lapse microscopy was used to observe invasion in organoids from 25 surgically resected human PDAC samples in collagen I. Subsequent lentiviral modification and small-molecule inhibitors were used to investigate the molecular programs underlying invasion in PDAC organoids. When cultured in collagen I, PDAC organoids exhibited two distinct, morphologically defined invasive phenotypes, mesenchymal and collective. Each individual PDAC gave rise to organoids with a predominant phenotype, and PDAC that generated organoids with predominantly mesenchymal invasion showed a worse prognosis. Collective invasion predominated in organoids from cancers with somatic mutations in the driver gene SMAD4 (or its signaling partner TGFBR2). Reexpression of SMAD4 abrogated the collective invasion phenotype in SMAD4-mutant PDAC organoids, indicating that SMAD4 loss is required for collective invasion in PDAC organoids. Surprisingly, invasion in passaged SMAD4-mutant PDAC organoids required exogenous TGFβ, suggesting that invasion in SMAD4-mutant organoids is mediated through noncanonical TGFβ signaling. The Rho-like GTPases RAC1 and CDC42 acted as potential mediators of TGFβ-stimulated invasion in SMAD4-mutant PDAC organoids, as inhibition of these GTPases suppressed collective invasion in our model. These data suggest that PDAC utilizes different invasion programs depending on SMAD4 status, with collective invasion uniquely present in PDAC with SMAD4 loss.

Significance:

Organoid models of PDAC highlight the importance of SMAD4 loss in invasion, demonstrating that invasion programs in SMAD4-mutant and SMAD4 wild-type tumors are different in both morphology and molecular mechanism.
Medium-throughput Drug Screening of Patient-derived Organoids from Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases to Direct Personalized Therapy
Authors: Narasimhan Vignesh , Wright Josephine A. , Churchill Michael , Wang Tongtong , Rosati Rachele , Lannagan Tamsin R.M. , Vrbanac Laura , Richardson Anne B. , Kobayashi Hiroki , Price Timothy , Tye Gayle X.Y. , Marker Julie , Hewett Peter J. , Flood Michael P. , Pereira Shalini , Whitney G. Adam , Michael Michael , Tie Jeanne , Mukherjee Siddhartha , Grandori Carla , Heriot Alexander G. , Worthley Daniel L. , Ramsay Robert G. , Woods Susan L.
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

Patients with colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases (CRPMs) have limited treatment options and the lowest colorectal cancer survival rates. We aimed to determine whether organoid testing could help guide precision treatment for patients with CRPMs, as the clinical utility of prospective, functional drug screening including nonstandard agents is unknown.

Experimental Design:

CRPM organoids (peritonoids) isolated from patients underwent parallel next-generation sequencing and medium-throughput drug panel testing ex vivo to identify specific drug sensitivities for each patient. We measured the utility of such a service including: success of peritonoid generation, time to cultivate peritonoids, reproducibility of the medium-throughput drug testing, and documented changes to clinical therapy as a result of the testing.

Results:

Peritonoids were successfully generated and validated from 68% (19/28) of patients undergoing standard care. Genomic and drug profiling was completed within 8 weeks and a formal report ranking drug sensitivities was provided to the medical oncology team upon failure of standard care treatment. This resulted in a treatment change for two patients, one of whom had a partial response despite previously progressing on multiple rounds of standard care chemotherapy. The barrier to implementing this technology in Australia is the need for drug access and funding for off-label indications.

Conclusions:

Our approach is feasible, reproducible, and can guide novel therapeutic choices in this poor prognosis cohort, where new treatment options are urgently needed. This platform is relevant to many solid organ malignancies.
A Pilot Study of Urinary Exosomes in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sun Ruihua , Wang Huayuan , Shi Yingying , Gao Dandan , Sun Zhikun , Chen Zhongcan , Jiang Haisong , Zhang Jiewen
Published: May 2020

Background: Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by most cell types and abundantly present in body fluids, including blood, saliva, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and breast milk. Exosomes can spread toxic amyloid-beta (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau between cells, contributing to neuronal loss in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective: To explore changes in the morphology, number, and pathological protein levels of urinary exosomes in AD patients compared with age-matched healthy subjects. Methods: In this study, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of Aβ1–42 and P-S396-tau (normalized by CD63) in urinary exosomes of AD patients and matched healthy subjects. We used transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis to observe the exosomes. Results: We found that the levels of Aβ1–42 and P-S396-tau in the urinary exosomes of AD patients were higher than those of matched healthy controls. Exosomes taken from AD patients were more numerous. Conclusion: The differences in levels of Aβ1–42 and P-S396-tau and the quantity of urinary exosomes between AD patients and healthy controls may provide a basis for early diagnosis of AD.
Integrating Structure and Function in Conceptualizing and Assessing Pathological Traits
Authors: Wright Aidan G.C. , Kaurin Aleksandra
Published: May 2020

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’ (5th Edition) Alternative Model of Personality Disorders includes a dimensional trait model to describe individual differences in the manifestation of personality pathology. Empirically derived quantitative trait models of psychopathology address many of the structural problems of classical diagnostic schemes (e.g., nonbinary distributions, excessive comorbidity, and diagnostic heterogeneity). However, they are largely based on the structure of individual differences in the manifestation of psychopathology. In contrast, clinical theories of personality disorder, which are the foundation of intervention efforts, are based on the function of maladaptive behavior. This distinction is akin to the difference between morphology and physiology in the broader biological sciences. A structure-function divide in the focus of empirical and clinical work contributes to a lack of integration and difficulties with translation. Here we discuss this tension and argue for the need to bridge this divide and adopt research efforts that integrate structure and function of personality traits. Specifically, we suggest that between-person structure identifies the principal domains of functioning, but to understand dysfunction personality must be conceptualized and studied as an ensemble of contextualized dynamic processes.
Intimismo entre humanos e animais em um zoológico na Amazônia (Belém - PA)
Authors: Silveira Flávio da , Silva Matheus Pereira da
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo parte de uma etnografia sobre as relações entre humanos e animais em um zoológico na Amazônia (Belém – PA), a partir das experiências interespecíficas diárias entre os profissionais nomeados tratadores e os animais cativos que constituem o acervo de espécies do pequeno zoo abrigado em seu interior. Através do acompanhamento das atividades diárias dos tratadores a título de alimentação, higienização dos viveiros e as motivações que orientam os cuidados diversos, problematizamos as negociações de sentido imputadas ao cumprimento de suas tarefas e ao estabelecimento de relações, engajamentos, estranhamentos e rupturas temporárias em seus laços, considerando as trocas de afetos e olhares que apontam para o que chamamos de intimismo em seus (des)encontros diários.
Na varanda, o silêncio
Authors: Almeida Rafael Antunes
Published: May 2020

O presente trabalho, resultado da pesquisa de campo que vem sendo desenvolvida na maior Colônia outrora destinada ao tratamento da hanseníase no Ceará, descreve um conjunto de situações etnográficas que apontam para práticas que tem que ver com uma certa resistência ao ato de narrar a dor da internação. Com o fim da política estatal de internação compulsória e a permanência dos antigos internos nas dependências da colônia, aparentemente os velhos moradores estão menos interessados em perguntas sobre os anos de reclusão, do que em diálogos sobre o que fizeram de suas vidas. O artigo, portanto, é uma tentativa de produzir uma etnografia da doença que desloca o foco da investigação da memória, em favor da atenção aos silêncios e aos processos de esquecimento.
Reflexivity and Self-Referentiality in Image
Authors: Torres Hilda Landrove
Published: May 2020

This paper presents an analysis of ‘image-within-image’ in Panel VII, Hieroglyphic Stairway 2, Structure 33 of the ancient Maya city of Yaxchilan, considering the position it occupies in the set of panels and its integration in the architectural setting. It will also examine the narrative registered in the embedded text and the subject of both text and image. It will argue that the recursive device of ‘image-within-image’ in the Panel extends to the totality of the staircase with the other twelve that compose it, and to the ritual activity celebrated on it. The analysis will provide an opportunity to explore reflexivity and self-referentiality and their implications for insights on ritual and personhood among Late Classic Maya. To do this, I will build on anthropology of art approach and its notion that visual devices may elicit ontological conceptions.
Análise das causas dos acidentes automobilísticos nas rodovias federais da Bahia entre 2014 e 2017
Authors: Ribeiro Lucas De Abreu , Pimentel João Luiz , Ribeiro Helton , Benedito Márcia Lopes Hostalácio , Ribeiro Karina Luiza Pereira
Published: May 2020

Estimativas indicam que milhões de pessoas morrem por ano em decorrência de acidentes de trânsito. Por se tratar de um assunto tão sério que, muitas vezes é negligenciado pelas autoridades políticas, o presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar as principais causas dos acidentes automobilísticos nas rodovias federais da Bahia, considerada uma das regiões mais violentas quando o assunto é trânsito. Como material de investigação foi analisado o relatório de acidentes produzido pela Superintendência Regional da Bahia da Polícia Rodoviária Federal no período de 2014 e 2017. Os dados foram tabulados no Software Estatístico SPSS e analisados posteriormente. As causas foram agrupadas em categorias semelhantes. Os resultados mostram que, apesar do número de acidentes em 2017 ter reduzido quando comparado aos anos de 2014 e 2015, os acidentes tornaram-se mais graves na região e estiveram associados com uma maior porcentagem de óbitos. Os dados também indicam que os eventos em que havia ocorrido o consumo de álcool ou de substâncias psicotrópicas são mais graves e produzem um número maior de óbitos. Considerando as categorias apresentadas, a “atitudes imprudentes do condutor” foi a principal causa dos acidentes nas rodovias federais da Bahia no período analisado, principalmente, em decorrência do desrespeito às leis de trânsito.