bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis of cT1N0M1 Gastric Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Han Jianbo , Tu Junhao , Tang Chaoyang , Ma Xiang , Huang Chi
Published: May 2019

Background. Distant metastasis of early gastric cancer is a rare subgroup and poorly understood. The present study is aimed at summarizing the clinicopathological characteristics, prognosis, and management of clinical T1N0M1 (cT1N0M1) gastric cancer. Method. Between 2004 and 2015, patients diagnosed with cT1N0M1 gastric cancer were retrospectively analyzed using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Results. A total of 1093 cT1N0M1 gastric cancer patients were identified. 49 patients (4.5%) received cancer-directed surgery, and 113 patients (10.4%) were managed with radiotherapy. Compared with the other stage IV diseases, a relatively high proportion of black population (19.9% vs. 15.8%), patients older than 60 years (63.1% vs. 57.8%), and adenocarcinoma (59.5% vs. 55.9%) were observed in the cT1N0M1 gastric cancer subgroup. Besides that, patients with cT1N0M1 had the characteristics of less poor differentiated or undifferentiated (54.3% vs. 61.7%). Patients with cT1N0M1 had worse cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) as compared to the other metastatic gastric cancer patients (CSS: p=0.002, OS: p=0.001 for log-rank test). Intriguingly, patients with cT1N0M1 had poor prognosis as compared to patients with cT1N+M1 (CSS: p=0.015, OS: p=0.007 for log-rank test). The 3-year and 5-year CSS for patients with cT1N0M1 were 5.7% and 4.0%, respectively. The addition of surgery resulted in improved CSS (p<0.001 for log-rank test) while radiotherapy was not associated with CSS (p=0.756 for log-rank test) in patients with cT1N0M1. A multivariate Cox analysis showed that surgery (HR=0.378, 95% CI: 0.255-0.562) and patients younger than 60 (HR=0.745, 95% CI: 0.647-0.858) years were independent protective factors for these subgroup patients. Conclusion. Patients with cT1N0M1 gastric cancer had distinctive clinicopathological characteristics and presented poor prognosis. Knowledge of these differences contributes to guiding clinical evaluation for metastatic gastric cancer patients. More aggressive therapeutic strategy should be highlighted for this subgroup.
The Prediction of Serial Number in OpenSSL’s X.509 Certificate
Authors: Wang Jizhi
Published: May 2019

In 2007, a real faked X.509 certificate based on the chosen-prefix collision of MD5 was presented by Marc Stevens. In the method, attackers needed to predict the serial number of X.509 certificates generated by CAs besides constructing the collision pairs of MD5. After that, the randomness of the serial number is required. Then, in this case, how do we predict the random serial number? Thus, the way of generating serial number in OpenSSL was reviewed. The vulnerability was found that the value of the field “not before” of X.509 certificates generated by OpenSSL leaked the generating time of the certificates. Since the time is the seed of generating serial number in OpenSSL, we can limit the seed in a narrow range and get a series of candidate serial numbers and use these candidate serial numbers to construct faked X.509 certificates through Stevens’s method. Although MD5 algorithm has been replaced by CAs, the kind of attack will be feasible if the chosen-prefix collision of current hash functions is found in the future. Furthermore, we investigate the way of generating serial numbers of certificates in other open source libraries, such as EJBCA, CFSSL, NSS, Botan, and Fortify.
A New Approach on Proving Collatz Conjecture
Authors: Ren Wei
Published: May 2019

Collatz Conjecture (3x+1 problem) states any natural number x will return to 1 after 3⁎x+1 computation (when x is odd) and x/2 computation (when x is even). In this paper, we propose a new approach for possibly proving Collatz Conjecture (CC). We propose Reduced Collatz Conjecture (RCC)—any natural number x will return to an integer that is less than x. We prove that RCC is equivalent to CC. For proving RCC, we propose exploring laws of Reduced Collatz Dynamics (RCD), i.e., from a starting integer to the first integer less than the starting integer. RCC can also be stated as follows: RCD of any natural number exists. We prove that RCD is the components of original Collatz dynamics (from a starting integer to 1); i.e., RCD is more primitive and presents better properties. We prove that RCD presents unified structure in terms of (3⁎x+1)/2 and x/2, because 3⁎x+1 is always followed by x/2. The number of forthcoming (3⁎x+1)/2 computations can be determined directly by inputting x. We propose an induction method for proving RCC. We also discover that some starting integers present RCD with short lengths no more than 7. Hence, partial natural numbers are proved to guarantee RCC in this paper, e.g., 0 module 2; 1 module 4; 3 module 16; 11 or 23 module 32; 7, 15, or 59 module 128. The future work for proving CC can follow this direction, to prove that RCD of left portion of natural numbers exists.
Overexpression of Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase Correlates with Cancer Malignancy and Predicts Poor Prognosis in Canine Mammary Gland Tumors
Authors: Chiu Yi-Han , Lei Han-Jung , Huang Kuo-Chin , Chiang Yi-Lin , Lin Chen-Si
Published: May 2019

Tumor biomarkers are developed to indicate tumor status, clinical outcome, or prognosis. Since currently there are no effective biomarkers for canine mammary tumor (CMT), this study intended to verify whether kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), one of the key enzymes involved in tryptophan catabolism, is competent for predicting prognosis in patients with CMT. By investigating a series of 86 CMT clinical cases, we found that both gene and protein expression of KMO discriminated malignant from benign CMTs and was significantly higher in stage IV and V tumors than in lower-stage CMTs. About 73.7% of malignant CMTs showed strong expression of KMO which correlated with lower overall survival rates in patients. Further, downregulation of KMO activity significantly inhibited cell proliferation of CMT cells. Taken together, the findings indicated that KMO is a potential biomarker for tumor diagnosis, and this might open up new perspectives for clinical applications of CMT.
A Study on Seismic Isolation of Shield Tunnel Using Quasi‐Static Finite Element Method
Authors: Li Can , Chen Weizhong , Zhao Wusheng , Suzuki Takeyasu , Shishikura Yoshihiro
Published: May 2019

Using a quasi‐static method based on an axisymmetric finite element model for seismic response analysis of seismically isolated tunnels, the seismic isolation effect of the isolation layer is studied, and the seismic isolation mechanism of the isolation layer is clarified. The results show that, along the longitudinal direction of the tunnel, the seismic isolation effect is mainly affected by the shear modulus of the isolation material. The smaller the shear modulus is, the more evident the seismic isolation effect is. This is due to the tunnel being isolated from deformation of its peripheral ground through shear deformation of the isolation layer. However, along the transverse direction of the tunnel, the seismic isolation effect is mainly affected by the shear modulus and Poisson’s ratio of the isolation material. When Poisson’s ratio is close to 0.5, a seismic isolation effect is not evident because the tunnel cannot be isolated from deformation of its peripheral ground through compression deformation of the isolation layer. Finally, a seismic isolation system comprising a shield tunnel in which flexible segments are arranged at both ends of an isolation layer is proposed, and it is proved that the seismic isolation system has significant seismic isolation effects both on the longitudinal direction and on the transverse direction.
Neuroprotective Role of the Nrf2 Pathway in Subarachnoid Haemorrhage and Its Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Zolnourian Ardalan , Galea Ian , Bulters Diederik
Published: May 2019

The mechanisms underlying poor outcome following subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) are complex and multifactorial. They include early brain injury, spreading depolarisation, inflammation, oxidative stress, macroscopic cerebral vasospasm, and microcirculatory disturbances. Nrf2 is a global promoter of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response and has potential protective effects against all of these mechanisms. It has been shown to be upregulated after SAH, and Nrf2 knockout animals have poorer functional and behavioural outcomes after SAH. There are many agents known to activate the Nrf2 pathway. Of these, the actions of sulforaphane, curcumin, astaxanthin, lycopene,tert-butylhydroquinone, dimethyl fumarate, melatonin, and erythropoietin have been studied in SAH models. This review details the different mechanisms of injury after SAH including the contribution of haemoglobin (Hb) and its breakdown products. It then summarises the evidence that the Nrf2 pathway is active and protective after SAH and finally examines the evidence supporting Nrf2 upregulation as a therapy after SAH.
From Connectivity to Advanced Internet Services: A Comprehensive Review of Small Satellites Communications and Networks
Authors: Burleigh Scott C. , De Cola Tomaso , Morosi Simone , Jayousi Sara , Cianca Ernestina , Fuchs Christian
Published: May 2019

Recently, the availability of innovative and affordable COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) technological solutions and the ever-improving results of microelectronics and microsystems technologies have enabled the design of ever smaller yet ever more powerful satellites. The emergence of very capable small satellites heralds an era of new opportunities in the commercial space market. Initially applied only to scientific missions, Earth observation and remote sensing, small satellites are now being deployed to support telecommunications services. This review paper examines the operational features of small satellites that contribute to their success. An overview of recent advances and development trends in the field of small satellites is provided, with a special focus on telecommunication aspects such as the use of higher frequency bands, optical communications, new protocols, and advanced architectures.
Kangquan Recipe Regulates the Expression of BAMBI Protein via the TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats
Authors: Chen Wenfan , Huang Xiaoqing , Peng Axiang , Chen Tingting , Yang Renzhi , Huang Yuanpeng , Yang Zongbao , Xi Shengyan
Published: May 2019

Background. Kangquan Recipe (KQR) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound made by our research group for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Whether KQR can treat BPH as a single drug or play a role in the treatment of BPH in combination therapy needs further study. Aim of the Study. To investigate the effect of KQR on the expression of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway-related factors in rats with BPH. In-depth analysis revealed the relevant signal transduction mechanism by which KQR acts to treat BPH. Materials and Methods. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups of 8 rats each. In addition to the control group, 40 rats were castrated and then injected with testosterone propionate to form a prostatic hyperplasia model. After 30 days, three groups received different concentrations of KQR (14 g/kg, 7 g/kg, and 3.5 g/kg), and the finasteride group received 0.5 mg/kg finasteride. The BPH group and the control group received the same volume of saline. All groups were treated for a total of 30 days. Rat body weight, prostate volume, wet weight, index, histology, and the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β, TGF-βR1, TGF-βR2, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, BAMBI, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin in the prostate tissue were measured after the end of treatment. Results. Compared with the control group, the BPH group had increased prostate wet weight, volume, and index, and the histology showed significant BPH. Compared with the BPH group, the three KQR groups and the finasteride group all had varying levels of reduction in the prostate wet weight, volume, and index of the prostate and varying degrees of improvement in the histological manifestations of BPH. KQR downregulates the mRNA and/or protein expression of TGF-β, TGF-βR1, TGF-βR2, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, and N-cadherin protein in prostate tissue and increases the mRNA and protein expression of BAMBI and E-cadherin protein. Conclusions. In the model of BPH induced by testosterone propionate after castration, KQR can inhibit the conduction of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway by upregulating the expression of BAMBI protein and reversing EMT in rat prostate tissue.
Insomnia among Town Residents in Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Ali Tilahun , Belete Habte , Awoke Tadesse , Zewde Fisseha , Derajew Habtamu , Yimer Solomon , Menberu Melak
Published: May 2019

Background. Insomnia is one of the most common sleep problems throughout the world and a major public health concern among adults in the general population. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of insomnia and its associated factors among town adult residents in Ethiopia. Methods. Community-based cross-sectional study was done among 840 randomly selected adult participants by using standardized and pretested Athens insomnia scale (AIS) to assess insomnia. Systematic random sampling technique was used to get samples of the study participants. Data were entered into Epi-Info and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression models were used for analysis. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to show the odds, and P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results. The prevalence of insomnia was found to be 42.9%. Sleep problems were associated with female sex [AOR =2.74, 95% CI; (1.77, 4.24)], age above 48 years [AOR=4.67, 95% CI: (2.32, 9.40)], being single [AOR=2.81, 95% CI (1.59, 4.95)] and widowed [AOR=4.20, 95% CI; (1.60, 11.01)], khat chewing [AOR=1.76,95% CI; (1.19, 2.60)], current tobacco smoking [AOR=3.13, 95% CI; (1.64, 5.95)], caffeinated beverage use [AOR=1.67, 95% CI; (1.12, 2.49)], comorbid medical-surgical disorders [AOR=2.03, 95% CI; (1.18, 3.48)], common mental disorders [AOR=8.92, 95% CI; (5.93,13.44)], and noise at bed time [AOR=2.13 95% CI; (1.20, 3.78)]. Conclusion. The prevalence of insomnia has to be found high and associated with many area related factors. It is important to pay attention in urban settings and large scale studies recommended.
Healthy Foods as Proxy for Functional Foods: Consumers’ Awareness, Perception, and Demand for Natural Functional Foods in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Akhter , Rahut Dil Bahadur
Published: May 2019

Using comprehensive primary dataset collected from 400 respondents from all four major provinces of Pakistan, this study assesses consumers’ knowledge, awareness, and perception regarding the use of functional foods. The empirical findings show that the majority of the consumers do not have information and knowledge about the functional foods in Pakistan. Hence, the frequency of consumption of functional food was low especially in rural areas. The result revealed that consumers with ill health were more eager to consume functional foods compared to healthier people. Besides health, the level of education and gender (female) of the respondent also play significant role in the acceptability and consumption of the functional foods in Pakistan. Geographically the people in the cities were more aware and willing to pay more for the functional foods as compared to people living in the villages. Majority of the consumers think that consumption of functional foods can help them to maintain good health, hence the policy makers’ needs to create more awareness.
Feasibility of T2 Mapping and Magnetic Transfer Ratio for Diagnosis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration at the Cervicothoracic Junction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zhang Chao , Lin Yuan , Han Zhihua , Gao Liang , Guo Ruipeng , Shi Qinglei , Chen Lei , Chen Chun
Published: May 2019

Background. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) at the cervicothoracic junction of spine is clinically relevant, however, little attention had been paid. T2 mapping and magnetic transfer ratio (MTR) are useful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to quantitatively evaluate IDD, revealing the biochemical changes within the intervertebral disc. To compare T2 mapping with MTR imaging regarding their accuracy to quantitatively diagnose intervertebral disc degeneration at the cervicothoracic junction, influences of anatomical level, gender, age, and Pfirrmann grade of T2 relaxation time values and MTR values were evaluated.Methods. Sixty-seven patients with neck and upper back pain were included and examined with both T2 mapping and MTR imaging. The Pfirrmann grade, T2 relaxation time values, and MTR value of each disc between C7 and T3 were measured. Differences were investigated among different segmental levels, genders, age ranges, and Pfirrmann grades. The diagnostic accuracy of both MRI techniques was compared using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results. No significant difference was detected comparing T2 relaxation time values or MTR values among different anatomical levels, genders, and segmental levels. And we generally found that T2 relaxation time values decreased, while MTR value increased with increasing age. Importantly, we demonstrated the significant correlation between either T2 relaxation time values or MTR value and Pfirrmann grade.Conclusion. We proved the better accuracy of T2 mapping over MTR imaging to quantitatively evaluate the intervertebral disc degeneration of the cervicothoracic junction.
Interval Type‐2 Fuzzy Multiattribute Group Decision‐Making for Logistics Services Providers Selection by Combining QFD with Partitioned Heronian Mean Operator
Authors: Zhang Hui , Gao Hui , Liu Peide
Published: May 2019

Logistics service (LS) has key impacts on customers’ satisfaction. Quality function deployment (QFD) can guarantee that logistic services provider’s (LSP) attributes are in accordance with the customer’s preferences for the LS. The partitioned Heronian mean (PHM) operator assumes that all attributes are partitioned into several clusters. Herein, the attributes in the same clusters are interrelated, while the attributes in different clusters are independent, and the operator can be utilized to solve LSP selection (LSPS) problems in which all attributes are partitioned into several clusters. Interval type‐2 fuzzy sets (IT2FSs) can more competently express the ambiguity and vagueness and have more powerful processing abilities. In this paper, we propose a novel LSPS method from the customers’ perspective by combining QFD with the PHM operator in IT2FSs environments. First, we develop the interval type‐2 fuzzy PHM (IT2FPHM) operator and the interval type‐2 fuzzy weighted PHM (IT2FWPHM) operator and discuss some properties of them. Then, based on the relationships between the customer requirements (CRs) and the technical attributes (TAs), QFD is utilized in order to convert the CRs for LS concerns into multiple attributes for LSP’s TAs. Finally, a case of a fresh E‐business LSPS is used in order to demonstrate the validity and rationality of the proposed method, and some comparisons are used in order to show the superiority of the proposed method.
Eggshell Based Nano-Engineered Hydroxyapatite and Poly(lactic) Acid Electrospun Fibers as Potential Tissue Scaffold
Authors: Apalangya Vitus A. , Rangari Vijaya K. , Tiimob Boniface J. , Jeelani Shaik , Samuel Temesgen
Published: May 2019

Nanocomposite electrospun fibers were fabricated from poly(lactic) acid (PLA) and needle-like hydroxyapatite nanoparticles made from eggshells. The X-ray diffraction spectrum and the scanning electron micrograph showed that the hydroxyapatite particles are highly crystalline and are needle-liked in shape with diameters between 10 and 20 nm and lengths ranging from 100 to 200 nm. The microstructural, thermal, and mechanical properties of the electrospun fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC), and tensile testing techniques. The SEM study showed that both pristine and PLA/EnHA fibers surfaces exhibited numerous pores and rough edges suitable for cell attachment. The presence of the rod-liked EnHA particles was found to increase thermal and mechanical properties of PLA fibers relative to pristine PLA fibers. The confocal optical images showed that osteoblast cells were found to attach on dense pristine PLA and PLA/HA-10 wt% fibers after 48 hours of incubation. The stained confocal optical images indicated the secretion of cytoplasmic extension linking adjoining nuclei after 96 hours of incubation. These findings showed that eggshell based nanohydroxyapatite and poly(lactic acid) fibers could be potential scaffold for tissue regeneration.
Factors Associated with High Sodium Intake Assessed from 24-hour Urinary Excretion and the Potential Effect of Energy Intake
Authors: Othman Fatimah , Ambak Rashidah , Siew Man Cheong , Mohd Zaki Nor Azian , Ahmad Mohd Hasnan , Abdul Aziz Nur Shahida , Baharuddin Azli , Salleh Ruhaya , Aris Tahir
Published: May 2019

Dietary consumption and other environmental factors are known factors associated with sodium intake. However, little is known about the influence of energy intake on this relationship. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with high sodium intake assessed from urine sodium excretion and the influence of energy intake. A nationwide, cross-sectional study was conducted from 2015 to 2016 among Malaysian health staff (MySalt 2015). A total of 1027 participants from 1568 targeted participants aged 18 years and older that were randomly selected were included in this study. Sodium intake was determined by measuring sodium excretion in the 24 hr urine test. Dietary, sociodemography, and anthropometry variables as associated risk factors were assessed. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the association between high sodium intake (≥2000 mg/day urinary sodium) and potential risk factors. The prevalence of high sodium intake in this study was 70.1% (n=733). High sodium intake was associated with male (OR 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41, 2.64), Bumiputera Sarawak ethnicity (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09, 0.62), and energy-adjusted sodium intake (mg/d) (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03–1.39). Our results suggested that sex, ethnicity, and energy-adjusted sodium consumption were strong risk factors associated with high sodium intake independent from energy and other potential confounding factors.
New Safe Approximation of Ambiguous Probabilistic Constraints for Financial Optimization Problem
Authors: Du NingNing , Liu Yan-Kui , Liu Ying
Published: May 2019

In financial optimization problem, the optimal portfolios usually depend heavily on the distributions of uncertain return rates. When the distributional information about uncertain return rates is partially available, it is important for investors to find a robust solution for immunization against the distribution uncertainty. The main contribution of this paper is to develop an ambiguous value-at-risk (VaR) optimization framework for portfolio selection problems, where the distributions of uncertain return rates are partially available. For tractability consideration, we deal with new safe approximations of ambiguous probabilistic constraints under two types of random perturbation sets and obtain two equivalent tractable formulations of the ambiguous probabilistic constraints. Finally, to demonstrate the potential for solving portfolio optimization problems, we provide a practical example about the Chinese stock market. The advantage of the proposed robust optimization method is also illustrated by comparing it with the existing optimization approach via numerical experiments.
Effects of Soil Conservation Practice and Crop Rotation on Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties: The Case of Dembecha District, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Degu Melkamu , Melese Asmare , Tena Wondwosen
Published: May 2019

Crop rotation systems especially dominated by cereals (maize and wheat) are intimately linked to soil properties. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of crop rotations and conservation practice on selected soil physicochemical properties in northwestern part of Ethiopia. Soil samples (0–20 cm depth) were collected from seven crop rotations with conservation practice and adjacent fields without any conservation measure in three replications. A total of forty-two composite samples were used for analysis by using SAS software. The land rotated with maize-wheat-faba bean exhibited significantly higher mean bulk density (1.06 g/cm3) than the land rotated with other crops (i.e., ranging from 1.02 to 1.04 g/cm3). Mean values of pH (5.34, 4.98, and 5.4), Ex. acidity (2.03, 2.53, and 2.16 cmolc/kg), soil OM (4.53%, 5.12%, and 5.02%), CEC (45.17, 48.03, and 49.47 cmolc/kg), TN (0.23, 0.25, and 0.27%), Av.P (10.21, 7.23, and 7.95 ppm), and C : N ratio (11.18, 11.95, and 10.8) were recorded under rotations with continuous maize, maize-pepper-pepper, and maize-faba bean-pepper, respectively. Mean values of pH (5.34 and 4.97), Av.P (9.51 and 6.53 ppm), CEC (48.3 and 46.87 cmolc/kg), and Ex. acidity (2.5 and 2.85 cmolc/kg) were also recorded under conserved and unconserved farmlands, respectively. Considering the interaction effect of crop rotations by conservation practice, all studied parameters, except bulk density, CEC, and C : N ratio, were significantly (p<0.05) affected. The findings indicate that although continuous maize showed good content of available P and low exchangeable acidity, it will deplete particular nutrients; therefore, maize-pepper-pepper, maize-wheat-faba bean, and maize-faba bean-pepper recorded a slight trend of good values in studied soil physicochemical properties compared to other rotations. A critical study on such type of issue should be carried out over a longer period of time in order to announce detailed understanding about response of soil property to crop rotations to the community.
A Multiuser Identification Algorithm Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Deng Kaikai , Xing Ling , Zhang Mingchuan , Wu Honghai , Xie Ping
Published: May 2019

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) in 4G/5G deployments, the massive amount of network data generated by users has exploded, which has not only brought a revolution to human’s living, but also caused some malicious actors to utilize these data to attack the privacy of ordinary users. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the entity users behind multiple virtual accounts. Due to the low precision of user identification in the many-to-many mechanism of user identification, a random forest confirmation algorithm based on stable marriage matching (RFCA-SMM) is proposed in this study. It consists of three key steps: we first employ the stable marriage matching model to calculate the similarity between multiple users and utilize a scoring model to calculate the overall similarity of the users, after which candidate matching pairs are selected; second, we construct the random forest model that exploits a user similarity vector training set; afterward, the candidate matching pairs combine the secondary confirmation of the random forest model, which both improve the precision of the many-to-many user identification and protect private user data in the IoT. Extensive experiments are provided to demonstrate that the proposed algorithm improves precision rate, recall rate, and F-Measure (F1), as well as Area Under Curve (AUC).
Prognostic Factors for Clinical Response in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients Treated by Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Wen Lihui , Labopin Myriam , Badoglio Manuela , Wang Dandan , Sun Lingyun , Farge-Bancel Dominique
Published: May 2019

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a broad range of clinical manifestations and a heterogeneous disease course. There is no cure for SLE, but current standard pharmacotherapies can improve disease prognosis in most patients. However, some patients are refractory to conventional treatments and require alternative treatment options. The present study is aimed at identifying predictors of clinical response to allogeneic bone marrow-derived or umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-/UC-MSC) transplant in SLE. All adult patients identified in the Nanjing database with an SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score≥8 at baseline that had undergone MSC transplant and who had at least 1 year of follow-up after one or two successive intravenous injections of allogeneic BM-/UC-MSCs (1 million/kg) were analyzed. SLE symptoms and SLEDAI were assessed at baseline and during follow-up to determine low disease activity (LDA) and clinical remission (CR) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Sixty-nine patients were included in the study, with a median (range) SLEDAI of 13 (8-34) at baseline. Among the 69 patients, 40 (58%) achieved LDA and 16 (23%) achieved CR with a SLEDAI of 9 (4–20), 8 (0-16), 6 (0-18), and 5 (0-18) after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Older age (p=0.006) and no arthralgia/arthritis at baseline (p=0.03) were associated with a higher rate of LDA. Achieving CR was associated with older age (p=0.033), no arthralgia/arthritis at baseline (p=0.001), and no prior use of cyclophosphamide (p=0.003) or hydroxychloroquine (p=0.016). Future studies using unique immunosuppressive regimens and allogeneic MSC sources will further elucidate determinants of clinical response to MSC transplant in SLE.
The Role of Nonerythroid SpectrinαII in Cancer
Authors: Ackermann Anne , Brieger Angela
Published: May 2019

Nonerythroid spectrinαII (SPTAN1) is an important cytoskeletal protein that ensures vital cellular properties including polarity and cell stabilization. In addition, it is involved in cell adhesion, cell-cell contact, and apoptosis. The detection of altered expression of SPTAN1 in tumors indicates that SPTAN1 might be involved in the development and progression of cancer. SPTAN1 has been described in cancer and therapy response and proposed as a potential marker protein for neoplasia, tumor aggressiveness, and therapeutic efficiency. On one hand, the existing data suggest that overexpression of SPTAN1 in tumor cells reflects neoplastic and tumor promoting activity. On the other hand, nuclear SPTAN1 can have tumor suppressing effects by enabling DNA repair through interaction with DNA repair proteins. Moreover, SPTAN1 cleavage products occur during apoptosis and could serve as markers for the efficacy of cancer therapy. Due to SPTAN1’s multifaceted functions and its role in adhesion and migration, SPTAN1 can influence tumor growth and progression in both positive and negative directions depending on its specific regulation. This review summarizes the current knowledge on SPTAN1 in cancer and depicts several mechanisms by which SPTAN1 could impact tumor development and aggressiveness.
Implementation of Genetic Algorithm Integrated with the Deep Neural Network for Estimating at Completion Simulation
Authors: Kareem Kamoona Karrar Raoof , Budayan Cenk
Published: May 2019

In construction project management, there are several factors influencing the final project cost. Among various approaches, estimate at completion (EAC) is an essential approach utilized for final project estimation. The main merit of EAC is including the probability of the project performance and risk. In addition, EAC is extremely helpful for project managers to define and determine the critical throughout the project progress and determine the appropriate solutions to these problems. In this research, a relatively new intelligent model called deep neural network (DNN) is proposed to calculate the EAC. The proposed DNN model is authenticated against one of the predominated intelligent models conducted on the EAC prediction, namely, support vector regression model (SVR). In order to demonstrate the capability of the model in the engineering applications, historical project information obtained from fifteen projects in Iraq region is inspected in this research. The second phase of this research is about the integration of two input algorithms hybridized with the proposed and the comparable predictive intelligent models. These input optimization algorithms are genetic algorithm (GA) and brute force algorithm (BF). The aim of integrating these input optimization algorithms is to approximate the input attributes and investigate the highly influenced factors on the calculation of EAC. Overall, the enthusiasm of this study is to provide a robust intelligent model that estimates the project cost accurately over the traditional methods. Also, the second aim is to introduce a reliable methodology that can provide efficient and effective project cost control. The proposed GA‐DNN is demonstrated as a reliable and robust intelligence model for EAC calculation.
Contribution of Computed Tomography Scan to the Diagnosis of Spinal Tuberculosis in 14 Cases in Assaba, Mauritania
Authors: Boushab Boushab Mohamed , Kone Noukhoum , Basco Leonardo K.
Published: May 2019

Background. The incidence of tuberculosis has increased in recent years in both developed and developing countries. Objective. This retrospective study aimed to review all cases of spinal tuberculosis diagnosed at the Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases in Kiffa Regional Hospital and assess the role of computed tomography (CT) scan in establishing definite diagnosis. Patients and Methods. Data were collected from clinical records of patients admitted to the hospital for rachialgia between August 2016 and July 2018. Results. Fourteen (12.2%) adults with spinal tuberculosis were found among 115 patients with all forms of tuberculosis during the study period. The mean (± standard deviation) age of our patients was 47.5 ± 22.0 years old with male:female (8/6) sex ratio of 1.3. The mean duration of evolution of the disease was 15 months. The presenting signs and symptoms included rachialgia in most patients (93%), associated with segmental spinal stiffness (50%) and/or neurological complications (50%). Diagnosis was established on the basis of clinical history, clinical examination, standard vertebral column radiography, and CT scan. Vertebral imaging showed a clear predominance of lumbar lesions (57%), followed by dorsal (36%) and cervical (7%) involvement. The evolution under treatment was favorable, with the exception of two cases of medullary compression. Conclusion. Spinal tuberculosis is the most common form of osteoarticular tuberculosis. It affects predominantly lumbar and dorsal vertebrae. In the absence of histological confirmation, the presence of back pain associated with major radiological signs of spondylosis disc disease seems to justify the use of CT scan to confirm the diagnosis of this pathology.
Marginalized Point Mass Filter with Estimating Tidal Depth Bias for Underwater Terrain-Aided Navigation
Authors: Peng Dongdong , Zhou Tian , Xu Chao , Zhang Wanyuan , Shen Jiajun
Published: May 2019

Terrain-aided navigation is a promising approach to submerged position updates for autonomous underwater vehicles by matching terrain measurements against an underwater reference map. With an accurate prediction of tidal depth bias, a two-dimensional point mass filter, only estimating the horizontal position, has been proven to be effective for terrain-aided navigation. However, the tidal depth bias is unpredictable or predicts in many cases, which will result in the rapid performance degradation if a two-dimensional point mass filter is still used. To address this, a marginalized point mass filter in three dimensions is presented to concurrently estimate and compensate the tidal depth bias in this paper. In the method, the tidal depth bias is extended as a state variable and estimated using the Kalman filter, whereas the horizontal position state is still estimated by the original two-dimensional point mass filter. With the multibeam sonar, simulation experiments in a real underwater digital map demonstrate that the proposed method is able to accurately estimate the tidal depth bias and to obtain the robust navigation solution in suitable terrain.
Depression and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Expression Pattern of Calbindin Immunoreactivity in Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus of Patients Who Underwent Epilepsy Surgery with and without Comorbid Depression
Authors: D’Alessio Luciana , Konopka Hector , Solís Patricia , Scévola Laura , Lima Mónica Fernandez , Nuñez Claudio , Seoane Eduardo , Oddo Silvia , Kochen Silvia
Published: May 2019

Purpose. Changes in calbindin (CB) expression have been reported in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with controversial implications on hippocampal functions. The aim of this study was to determine the CB immunoreactivity in hippocampal dentate gyrus of patients who underwent epilepsy surgery for drug-resistant TLE with and without comorbid depression and/or memory deficits. Methods. Selected hippocampal samples from patients with TLE who underwent epilepsy surgery were included. Clinical and complementary assessment: EEG, video-EEG, MRI, psychiatric assessment (structured clinical interview, DSM-IV), and memory assessment (Rey auditory verbal learning test, RAVLT; Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, RCFT), were determined before surgery. Hippocampal sections were processed using immunoperoxidase with the anti-calbindin antibody. The semiquantitative analysis of CB immunoreactivity was determined in dentate gyrus by computerized image analysis (ImageJ). Results. Hippocampal sections of patients with TLE and HS (n=24) and postmortem controls (n=5) were included. A significant reduction of CB+ cells was found in patients with TLE (p<0.05, Student’s t-test). Among TLE cases (n=24), depression (n=12) and memory deficit (n=17) were determined. Depression was associated with a higher % of cells with the CB dendritic expression (CB-sprouted cells) (F1,20=11.81, p=0.003, hp2=0.37), a higher CB+ area (μm2) (F1,20=5.33, p=0.032, hp2=0.21), and a higher optical density (F1,20=15.09, p=0.001, hp2=0.43) (two-way ANOVA). The GAF scale (general assessment of functioning) of DSM-IV inversely correlated with the % of CB-sprouted cells (r=−0.52, p=0.008) and with the CB+ area (r=−0.46, p=0.022). Conclusions. In this exploratory study, comorbid depression was associated with a differential pattern of CB cell loss in dentate gyrus combined with a higher CB sprouting. These changes may indicate granular cell dysmaturation associated to the epileptic hyperexcitability phenomena. Further investigations should be carried out to confirm these preliminary findings.
Long-Term Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Stroke: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: McCarthy David J. , Diaz Anthony , Sheinberg Dallas L. , Snelling Brian , Luther Evan M. , Chen Stephanie H. , Yavagal Dileep R. , Peterson Eric C. , Starke Robert M.
Published: May 2019

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the standard treatment for large vessel occlusion (LVO) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Few studies have investigated long-term outcomes for AIS treated with MT. Therefore, a pooled meta-analysis using data from randomized clinical trials (RCT) was performed to assess for long-term clinical outcomes. A systematic literature search was conducted on 27 September 2017, by searching the English literature in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase for RCTs investigating long-term outcomes (greater than standard 3-month timepoint) of endovascular intervention versus medical management for patients with AIS. The study was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines and random effects analysis was carried out to account for heterogeneity. Three trials were included: IMS III, MR CLEAN, and REVASCAT, comprising a total of 1,362 patients. Long-term clinical outcomes were available for 1-year follow-up in IMS III and REVASCAT and at 2 years in MR CLEAN. Functional independence at long-term follow-up favored endovascular stroke intervention (OR 1.51; p = 0.02). When stratified by LVO inclusion criteria, greater endovascular functional independence benefits were observed (OR 1.85; p = 0.0005). There was a significant difference between the 2 arms in favor of endovascular therapy for the quality of life at long-term follow-up (mean difference 0.11; p = 0.0002). No difference in mortality at long-term follow-up was observed (OR 0.82; p = 0.12). We conclude that endovascular therapy results in favorable outcomes at long-term follow-up for patients with acute ischemic stroke compared to standard medical treatment alone and that the 90-day timepoint offers a fair representation of the long-term outcomes.
Deformation Characteristics and Influence Factors of a Shallow Tunnel Excavated in Soft Clay with High Plasticity
Authors: Lei Mingfeng , Liu Jiyao , Lin Yuexiang , Shi Chenghua , Liu Can
Published: May 2019

A series of problems, including large deformation of supporting structures, shotcrete peeling, and yielding of the steel frame, occurs constantly during tunnel construction in soft clay layers. These problems considerably raise the risk of tunnel construction. Thus, the deformation characteristics of soft clay around the tunnel during construction must be investigated to guarantee safety. In this research, a field test was conducted on 50 sections of a tunnel, which was built in high‐plasticity clay layers. Then, the deformation characteristics of surrounding rocks and influencing laws caused by burial depth, invasion thickness of soft clay, and atmospheric precipitation were discussed. Results indicated that surrounding rocks are most likely to undergo large deformation during tunnel construction when the burial depth of tunnel ranges from 1.5D to 2.5D (D is the tunnel excavation span). Tunnel deformation also increases rapidly when the invasion thickness exceeds 60% of the tunnel height. The ratio between clay thickness and burial depth of the tunnel is another crucial index that could cause a large tunnel deformation as it exceeds 0.25. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between tunnel deformation and rainfall during the construction period. The deformation of surrounding rocks increases rapidly with rainfall and will continually develop for 1‐2 weeks when the average daily rainfall is greater than 4 mm.
Symptomatic Correlates of Vitamin D Deficiency in First-Episode Psychosis
Authors: Coentre Ricardo , Canelas da Silva Inês
Published: May 2019

Previous studies indicate that low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased severity of psychiatric symptoms in chronic multiepisode psychosis (MEP). We aimed to compare vitamin D levels between first-episode psychosis (FEP) and MEP and to investigate the correlations between vitamin D levels and symptoms in FEP patients. The participants were adults aged 18-45 years who presented with affective and non-affective FEP to an early intervention team in Portugal. Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory, and positive and negative symptoms and general psychopathology were measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Blood samples were analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD). Thirty-three patients completed the study in the FEP group and 33 in the MEP group. FEP patients had low levels of 25OHD (18.16 ± 7.48 ng/mL), with no significant differences from MEP patients. Low 25OHD was significantly correlated with high severities of depressive (r=-0.484, p=0.004) and negative (r=-0.480, p=0.005) symptoms as well as general psychopathology (r=-0.569, p=0.001) in FEP patients. Multiple regression revealed an inverse association between general psychopathology and vitamin D level (p=0.027). More investigation of the association of vitamin D and schizophrenia is needed, namely, using a nonpatient control group and trying to clarify possible causality between vitamin D and psychiatric symptoms.
Full‐Scale Impact Test and Numerical Simulation of a New‐Type Resilient Rock‐Shed Flexible Buffer Structure
Authors: Yu Z. X. , Zhao L. , Guo L. P. , Liu Y. P. , Yang C. , Zhao S. C.
Published: May 2019

Rock sheds have been widely used to protect against rockfall. Traditionally, a cushion layer is placed on the top of a rock shed to reduce the impact force and dissipate energy. However, heavy cushion layers lead to high dead loads and increased construction costs. This paper discusses the concept of an impact‐resilient flexible buffer structure. On the basis of that concept, it also proposes a buffer structure mainly composed of springs, ring nets, spring rods, and support ropes, which can be used to replace the traditional cushion layer on a shed for rockfall protection. Full‐scale impact tests were conducted to study the impact‐resilient characteristic of the structure combined with numerical simulation. The dynamic responses of the buffer structure, including force, deformation, and energy dissipation, were analysed in depth. Finally, parametric numerical simulations of 33 models were conducted; the spring stiffness of these models ranged from 300 kN/m to 1500 kN/m; the impact energy ranged from 100 kJ to 2000 kJ. Moreover, simple approaches for estimating the impact force and braking distance of the buffer structure were proposed and verified using measured data obtained from the impact test.
Retrospective Observational Study on Rebamipide Ophthalmic Suspension on Quality of Life of Dry Eye Disease Patients
Authors: Sakane Yuri , Yamaguchi Masahiko , Shiraishi Atsushi
Published: May 2019

Purpose. The Dry Eye-Related Quality-of-Life Score (DEQS) is a Japanese dry eye-specific questionnaire that has been used to assess the symptoms of dry eye and their effects on the quality of life (QOL) in Japanese individuals. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of rebamipide (RBM) on the QOL of Japanese patients with dry eye disease (DED). Method. The medical records of 43 patients (3 men and 40 women; mean age: 64 ± 14 years; range: 32 to 83 years), who were diagnosed with DED and treated with RBM at the Ehime University Hospital between November 2012 and June 2016, were reviewed. The effects of 2% rebamipide (RBM) ophthalmic suspension on the symptoms of DED was determined by the answers to the DEQS questionnaire and clinical findings. The clinical findings before and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after initiating the RBM treatment were reviewed. The following data were collected from the DEQS: the Summary score and two subscale scores, the Bothersome ocular symptoms score, and the Impact on daily life score. In addition, the standard fluorescein staining score, the Schirmer I test score, and the tear breakup time (TBUT) score were analyzed. Result. The Summary score and Impact of daily life score of the DEQS were improved significantly after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of RBM, and the Bothersome ocular symptoms scores of the DEQS were also improved after 1, 3, and 6 months. The fluorescein staining scores were significantly decreased after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and the TBUT score was significantly increased after 1 month. Conclusion. RBM treatment improves the QOL by alleviating the corneal and conjunctival epithelial damages. The DEQS is a useful questionnaire that can assess the severity of the DED symptoms and their impact on the QOL. This trial is registered with UMIN000024405.