bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functions of Exogenous RUNX2 in Giant Cell Tumor of Bone In Vitro
Authors: Jin Yuan‐han , Zhang Jing , Zhu Hao , Fan Gen‐tao , Zhou Guang‐xin
Published: March 2020

Objectives

This research aimed to investigate the relative level of Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB). Through the histopathological similarities between osteoporosis and GCTB, the biological functions of exogenous RUNXS were demonstrated in GCTB cell lines. This generated awareness of the molecular mechanism of the biogenesis and metastasis of GCTB, as well as showing the pathways and processes involved in this study. This research also expected to provide hints for the clinical treatment of patients with GCTB, to release the tumor burden and reduce the recurrence rate and metastasis of patients with this condition.

Methods

The expression of RUNX2 in the tumors was verified by Western Blot, qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry, compared with the normal tissues’ adjacent tumors. Subsequently, the plasmids expressing RUNX2 were constructed, amplified and transfected into the 0404 cell line through transfection kits (0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 2.4 ng/μl). After that, the proliferation, migration, invasion, cellular viability and apoptosis of 0404 cell lines were examined by EDU assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay, annexin v staining, and CCK8 assay, respectively.

Results

The messenger RNA (mRNA) level of RUNX2 in tumors was over 100 folds more than the normal tissues. The protein level of tumors upregulated 8.32(±4.41) folds relatively. After the transfection of RUNX2 overexpressed plasmids into the 0404 cell line, the mRNA level of RUNX2 increased approximately 530.11(±24.87), 1117.96(±77.68), 2835.09(±45.22) and 4781.51(±79.37) folds respectively, and the protein level was upregulated about 4.12(±1.15), 16.73(±1.63), 21.53(±2.41) and 23.39(±0.85) folds respectively. The proliferation of 0404 cells was inhibited by 2.13(±1.02)% of 1.6 ng/μl group and 3.03(±1.76)% of 2.4 ng/μl group. And the migration was inhibited about 45.56(±6.13)%, 50.79(±5.27)%, 63.15(±8.62)% and 93.90(±3.65)% respectively. The invasion was decreased about 14.49(±5.4)%, 37.02(±6.52)%, 42.24(±2.59)% and 48.97(±10.61)% respectively. Meanwhile, FITC Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay demonstrated that RUNX2 plasmids could promote apoptosis rate around 4.15(±0.27)%, 5.07(±0.27)%, 7.61(±0.45)% and 11.32(±1.02)% respectively, and CCK8 proved these plasmids could weaken cellular viability in a concentration‐dependent manner with the time passing.

Conclusions

RUNX2 is highly expressed in giant cell tumors of bone. The RUNX2 overexpressed plasmids we constructed could be successfully transfected into 0404 cell line. Far more importantly, the exogenous RUNX2 can seriously block the biological functions of 0404 cell line in a concentration‐dependent manner, including proliferation, translocation, invasion, cellular viability, and apoptosis. Meanwhile, the mechanism was hypothesized and discussed in the article.
Understanding the Competing Effects of Economic Hardship and Income Inequality on Voter Turnout
Authors: Wilford Allan M.
Published: March 2020

This article examines how economic hardship and income inequality affect voter turnout across 41 elections from 22 countries. Research on how these factors affect voter turnout has routinely produced uneven results. Furthermore, recent rises in income inequality have led many to revisit how the distribution of resources in society may affect voting. Using multilevel modeling techniques, I find strong evidence that economic hardship negatively affects participation rates for those mainly from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, while income inequality has only marginal effects on overall voter turnout.

Related Articles

Stockemer, Daniel. 2013. “Corruption and Turnout in Presidential Elections: A Macro‐Level Quantitative Analysis.” Politics & Policy 41 (2): 189‐212. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12012

Stockemer, Daniel. 2016. “Is the Turnout Function in Democracies and Nondemocracies Alike or Different?” Politics & Policy 44 (5): 889‐915. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12174

Stockemer, Daniel, and Stephanie Parent. 2013. “The Inequality Turnout Nexus: New Evidence from Presidential Elections.” Politics & Policy 42 (2): 221‐245. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12067
Nocturnal home hemodialysis in children: Advantages, implementation, and barriers
Authors: Grewal Manpreet K. , Mehta Arul , Chakraborty Ronith , Raina Rupesh
Published: March 2020

Chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in children are major health concerns worldwide with increasing incidence and prevalence. Renal replacement therapies and kidney transplants have remarkably improved the management of patients with ESRD in both adult and pediatric populations. Kidney transplant has the best patient outcomes, but many a time it has a considerable waiting period. In the meantime, the majority of patients with pediatric ESRD are dependent on dialysis. The conventionally utilized hemodialysis regimen is the three times weekly, in‐center hemodialysis. Many studies have demonstrated the unfavorable long‐term morbidity associated with the conventional regimen. Intensified dialysis programs, which include extended nocturnal hemodialysis or short daily hemodialysis, are being increasingly advocated over the past two decades. In addition to having much better clinical outcomes as compared with the conventional regimen, the flexibility to provide dialysis at home serves as a great incentive. PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases for literature on nocturnal home hemodialysis in children with ESRD were extensively searched. Contrary to the noticeable literature available on adult home hemodialysis, a small number of studies exist in the pediatric population. In this review, the benefits, implementation and associated barriers of nocturnal home hemodialysis in children were addressed.
Significance of the Microfluidic Flow Inside the Organ of Corti
Authors: Zagadou Brissi F. , Barbone Paul E. , Mountain David C.
Published: March 2020

We study the vibration modes of a short section in the middle turn of the gerbil cochlea including both longitudinal and radial interstitial fluid spaces between the pillar cells (PC) and the sensory hair cells to determine the role of the interstitial fluid flow within the organ of corti (OoC). Three detailed finite element (FE) models of the cochlear short section (CSS) are studied. In model 1, the CSS is without fluids; model 2 includes the OoC fluid, but not the exterior scalae fluids; and model 3 is the CSS with both scalae and OoC fluids. We find that: (1) the fundamental mode shape of models 1 or 3 is similar to the classical basilar membrane (BM) bending mode that includes pivoting of the arch of corti, and hence determines the low frequency vibrational mode shape of the cochlea in the presence of the cochlear wave. (2) The fundamental mode shape of model 2 is characterized by a cross-sectional shape change similar to the passive response of the cochlea. This mode shape includes a tilting motion of the inner hair cell (IHC) region, a fluid motion within the tunnel of corti (ToC) in the radial direction and along the OoC, and a bulging motion of the reticular lamina (RL) above the outer hair cell (OHC). Each of these motions provides a plausible mode of excitation of the sensory hair cells. (3) The higher vibrational modes of model 1 are similar to the electrically evoked response within the OoC and suggests that the higher vibrational modes are responsible for the active response of the cochlea. We also observed that the fluid flow through the OoC interstitial space is significant, and the model comparison suggests that the OoC fluid contributes to the biphasic BM motion seen in electrical stimulation experiments. The effect of fluid viscosity on cilium deflection was assessed by performing a transient analysis to calculate the cilium shearing gain. The gain values are found to be within the range of experimentally measured values reported by Dallos et al. (1996, The Cochlea, Springer-Verlag, New York).
A Critical Review of the Physics and Modeling of Deteriorated Heat Transfer in Supercritical Fluids
Authors: Copping Andrew W. , Yaras Metin I.
Published: March 2020

Modeling of deterioration of heat transfer (DHT) observed in fluid flows at supercritical pressure remains a challenge due to incomplete understanding of the underlying physics. Given the challenges involved in the experimental and computational study of this phenomenon, it is crucial that the growing collective experimental and computational data be periodically analyzed in a comparative manner through critical reviews. This paper aims to provide such a critical review. The experimental and computational evidence continues to support the postulate that streamwise acceleration of the lower density, near-wall fluid layer relative to the higher density bulk flow promotes reduced turbulent mixing and hence reduced convective heat transport. At lower mass flowrates, this may be driven by buoyancy force, whereas at higher thermal loading, the dominant driver may be the increased favorable streamwise pressure gradient prompted by the bulk flow acceleration. A discussion of these physical mechanisms and an assessment of related semi-empirical models constitute the scope of this review.
“Honey, I Shrunk the Solar Plant!”
Authors: Kribus Abraham
Published: March 2020

Thermal Integral Micro-Generation (TIMGen) systems on the scale of a few Watts are proposed for use with solar or fuel-derived heat. The optics, the thermal receiver, and several generation technologies (MEMS Stirling and Brayton engines, thermal photovoltaic, thermoelectric) are discussed. Estimates of system performance show the potential for efficiency competitive with photovoltaic cells and large-scale thermal plants. TIMGen plants are modular, scalable, highly redundant, and potentially low-cost via mass production.
The Advanced Dish Development System Project
Authors: Diver Richard B. , Andraka Charles E. , Rawlinson K. Scott , Goldberg Vern , Thomas Gary
Published: March 2020

The objective of the Advanced Dish Development System (ADDS) project is to develop and validate a 9-kWe dish/Stirling solar power system that meets the needs of the remote power marketplace. Key market criteria for concentrating solar power entry into remote power applications such as water pumping and village electrification are reliable unattended operation, minimal and low technology service requirements, and the ability to compete with the cost of alternatives. The Advanced Dish Development System is a test bed for advanced components and systems level testing to address the issues of the remote power market. The ADDS project involves integration and test, at a system level, of advanced dish/Stirling systems. The basic design utilizes the WGAssociates solar concentrator and controls, and the SOLO 161 Stirling Power Conversion Unit. Development has focused on extending the application of dish/Stirling systems to water pumping, reliability improvement and incorporating advanced components such as structural facets, heat pipe receivers, and advanced controls and communications. Testing includes long-term unattended, automatic operation of stand-alone 9-kWe dish/Stirling solar power generation systems in both on and off-grid modes at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) in Albuquerque, NM and in the field. In 1999, a first generation (Mod 1) system was fielded at the NSTTF and routine unattended operation initiated. In 2000, a system reliability tracking system was implemented on the Mod 1 system and an upgraded, second-generation (Mod 2) system, including a stand-alone water-pumping capability was developed. To better understand the market and system requirements, field-testing will be conducted at one or more American Indian applications partners test sites in the Southwest U.S. Partnering agreements have been initiated with four tribes and familiarization training completed. In this paper, the ADDS project plan and technical approach are presented. The major system components and features along with test results and project status are also described.
Using an Ersatz Thermosiphon Loop to Model Natural Convection Flows Inside a Shallow Enclosure
Authors: Burch Jay D. , Gawlik Keith M.
Published: March 2020

Natural convection loops can occur when extracting energy from thermal storage with immersed “load-side” heat exchangers. To assist in heat exchanger design and annual performance simulations of such systems, this paper proposes modeling the natural convection loop with a comparatively simple “ersatz” thermosiphon loop (ETL). In a “real” thermosiphon loop, fluid in channels (such as pipes) flows in a closed loop under the influence of a net buoyancy head. The flow/temperature solution is derived by equating buoyancy head to total pressure drop. In the proposed approach, the “ersatz” flow channels are defined for each problem of interest based upon experiment, numerical solution, or other information. As a simplified model, the heat transfer and friction coefficients in the ETL model must be adjusted to fit known case(s). For the case of a horizontal shallow enclosure with temperature boundary conditions at both ends, it is shown that the ETL model adjusted via CFD results is a reasonable surrogate for the actual heat transfer predicted by an analytical solution. Over an order of magnitude variation of the heat transfer, the heat transfer deviates by about 8% on average.
Effects of Tilt and Azimuth on Annual Incident Solar Radiation for United States Locations
Authors: Christensen Craig B. , Barker Greg M.
Published: March 2020

This paper presents generalized results regarding the effect of surface orientation on annual incident solar radiation for locations in the United States. A surface-orientation factor (SOF) is defined, equal to Iann/Iann,max, the ratio of annual incident solar radiation for a particular orientation to annual incident solar radiation for an optimally oriented surface.

SOF contour plots can be used to conveniently indicate the effects of surface orientation over a range of tilt and azimuth angles (from horizontal to vertical and from south to east/west). Correlations, presented in this paper, can be used to calculate SOF’s based on latitude and a climate factor, w. Regional SOF contour plots indicate surface orientation effects by geographic region with boundaries determined according to latitude-w values. Effects of morning/afternoon cloudiness and snow cover are also addressed.
Measured Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Panels
Authors: Fanney A. Hunter , Dougherty Brian P. , Davis Mark W.
Published: March 2020

The photovoltaic industry is experiencing rapid growth. Industry analysts project that photovoltaic sales will increase from their current $1.5 billion level to over $27 billion by 2020, representing an average growth rate of 25% [1]. To date, the vast majority of sales have been for navigational signals, call boxes, telecommunication centers, consumer products, off-grid electrification projects, and small grid-interactive residential rooftop applications.

Building integrated photovoltaics, the integration of photovoltaic cells into one of more of the exterior surfaces of the building envelope, represents a small but growing photovoltaic application. In order for building owners, designers, and architects to make informed economic decisions regarding the use of building integrated photovoltaics, accurate predictive tools and performance data are needed. A building integrated photovoltaic test bed has been constructed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology to provide the performance data needed for model validation. The facility incorporates four identical pairs of building integrated photovoltaic panels constructed using single-crystalline, polycrystalline, silicon film, and amorphous silicon photovoltaic cells. One panel of each identical pair is installed with thermal insulation attached to its rear surface. The second paired panel is installed without thermal insulation. This experimental configuration yields results that quantify the effect of elevated cell temperature on the panels’ performance for different cell technologies.

This paper presents the first set of experimental results from this facility. Comparisons are made between the electrical performance of the insulated and non-insulated panels for each of the four cell technologies. The monthly and overall conversion efficiencies for each cell technology are presented and the seasonal performance variations discussed. Daily efficiencies are presented for a selected month. Finally, hourly plots of the power output and panel temperatures are presented and discussed for the single-crystalline and amorphous silicon panels.
Solar-Hybrid Gas Turbine-Based Power Tower Systems (REFOS)
Authors: Buck Reiner , Bräuning Thomas , Denk Thorsten , Pfänder Markus , Schwarzbözl Peter , Tellez Felix
Published: March 2020

Solar hybrid power plants have a significant potential for cost reduction when the solar energy is introduced into a gas turbine system. The introduction in gas turbine systems could be realized with pressurized volumetric air receivers heating the compressed air of the gas turbine before it enters the combustor. A receiver module, consisting of a secondary concentrator and a volumetric receiver unit, was tested at the Plataforma Solar de Almería, Spain. Air exit temperatures up to 815°C and power levels of 410 kW were achieved. Total solar test time summed up to 247 h. Receiver efficiencies were in the range of 70%.

A new secondary concentrator with improved efficiency was designed and built. Based on an inexpensive manufacturing technology, the secondary concentrator geometry was optimized to reduce the optical losses. Performance tests with this new secondary and a cold-water calorimeter proved the efficiency increase of about 10%. Maximum operation power was 450 kW at the exit aperture. The incidence-angle depending behaviour showed good agreement with the predictions, as well as the results of a special photographic measurement campaign.

Several configurations of solar-hybrid gas turbine cycles in the low to medium power range are examined for performance and costs. The results confirm the promising potential of this technology to reach competitiveness in certain power markets: Results of a comparison between a 30 MW solar-hybrid combined cycle plant and an ISCCS power plant are presented. Future developments for system improvement and cost reduction are discussed.
Direct Steam Generation in Parabolic Troughs: First Results of the DISS Project
Authors: Eck M. , Steinmann W.-D.
Published: March 2020

This article presents the latest experimental results of the European DISS (DIrect Solar Steam) project. The experiments are subdivided into steady state and transient tests. The goal of the steady state tests is the investigation of the thermohydraulic phenomena of the occurring two phase flow, whereas the transient tests are needed for the controller design. The experimental results are compared to simulation studies. Implications for the plant operation will be discussed.
Integrating Service Learning Into the Sport Management Curriculum
Authors: Alfaro-Barrantes Priscila , Jacobs Brittany L. , Wendry Brian
Published: March 2020

This paper is an extension of a 2019 NASSM Teaching & Learning Fair presentation. It outlines two activities that have been integrated into the sport management curriculum at a small business college in New England.
Clinical features and management of children with primary ciliary dyskinesia in England
Authors: Rubbo Bruna , Best Sunayna , Hirst Robert Anthony , Shoemark Amelia , Goggin Patricia , Carr Siobhan B , Chetcuti Philip , Hogg Claire , Kenia Priti , Lucas Jane S , Moya Eduardo , Narayanan Manjith , O'Callaghan Christopher , Williamson Michael , Walker Woolf Theodore
Published: March 2020

Objective

In England, the National Health Service commissioned a National Management Service for children with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). The aims of this study were to describe the health of children seen in this Service and compare lung function to children with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Design

Multi-centre service evaluation of the English National Management PCD Service.

Setting

Four nationally commissioned PCD centres in England.

Patients

333 children with PCD reviewed in the Service in 2015; lung function data were also compared with 2970 children with CF.

Results

Median age at diagnosis for PCD was 2.6 years, significantly lower in children with situs inversus (1.0 vs 6.0 years, p<0.001). Compared with national data from the CF Registry, mean (SD) %predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was 76.8% in PCD (n=240) and 85.0% in CF, and FEV1 was lower in children with PCD up to the age of 15 years. Approximately half of children had some hearing impairment, with 26% requiring hearing aids. Children with a lower body mass index (BMI) had lower FEV1 (p<0.001). One-third of children had positive respiratory cultures at review, 54% of these grew Haemophilus influenzae.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that children with PCD in England have worse lung function than those with CF. Nutritional status should be considered in PCD management, as those with a lower BMI have significantly lower FEV1. Hearing impairment is common but seems to improve with age. Well-designed and powered randomised controlled trials on management of PCD are needed to inform best clinical practice.
Diurnal variation in autonomic regulation among patients with genotyped Rett syndrome
Authors: Carroll Michael Sean , Ramirez Jan-Marino , Weese-Mayer Debra E
Published: March 2020

Background

Rett syndrome is a severe neurological disorder with a range of disabling autonomic and respiratory symptoms and resulting predominantly from variants in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene on the long arm of the X-chromosome. As basic research begins to suggest potential treatments, sensitive measures of the dynamic phenotype are needed to evaluate the results of these research efforts. Here we test the hypothesis that the physiological fingerprint of Rett syndrome in a naturalistic environment differs from that of controls, and differs among genotypes within Rett syndrome.

Methods

A comprehensive array of heart rate variability, cardiorespiratory coupling and cardiac repolarisation measures were evaluated from an existing database of overnight and daytime inhome ambulatory recordings in 47 cases and matched controls.

Results

Differences between girls with Rett syndrome and matched controls were apparent in a range of autonomic measures, and suggest a shift towards sympathetic activation and/or parasympathetic inactivation. Daily temporal trends analysed in the context of circadian rhythms reveal alterations in amplitude and phase of diurnal patterns of autonomic balance. Further analysis by genotype class confirms a graded presentation of the Rett syndrome phenotype such that patients with early truncating mutations were most different from controls, while late truncating and missense mutations were least different from controls.

Conclusions

Comprehensive autonomic measures from extensive inhome physiological measurements can detect subtle variations in the phenotype of girls with Rett syndrome, suggesting these techniques are suitable for guiding novel therapies.
A game of patience between predator and prey: waiting for opponent’s action determines successful capture or escape
Authors: Nishiumi Nozomi , Mori Akira
Published: March 2020

When predator and prey animals face each other, preemptive actions by both sides are considered to mediate successful capture or escape. However, in spite of the general presumption, some animals, such as predatory snakes and their frog prey, occasionally remain motionless or move slowly for a while before striking or escaping, respectively. To clarify the possible advantages of this behaviour, we examined interactions between Japanese Four-lined Ratsnakes (Elaphe quadrivirgata (H. Boie, 1826)) and Black-spotted Pond Frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus (Hallowell, 1861)), focusing especially on kinematic features of strike behaviour of snakes and flight behaviour of frogs in close quarters. Staged encounter experiments and field observations revealed that counteractions against an opponent’s preemptive actions are effective for both snakes and frogs until a certain distance because they are hardly able to change their trajectories once they initiate strike or escape behaviours. Snakes and frogs also appropriately switched their behaviour from waiting for the opponent’s action to taking preemptive action at this threshold distance. These results suggested the occurrence of a game of patience between snakes and frogs in which they wait for the opponent’s action to achieve effective countermeasures. Our study provides new insights for predicting optimal decision-making by predators and prey and will contribute to a better understanding of their strategies.
Structural design and mechanical performance evaluations of flexible and lightweight belt by CFRP
Authors: Bae Sung-Youl , Kim Yun-Hae
Published: March 2020

This research presents the structural design and mechanical performance evaluation results of a lightweight belt for high-rise elevators. Weight reduction of elevator components is indispensable in developing ultra-high-rise elevators. In this study, the structural design and performance evaluation of high-rise elevator ropes were carried out. The weight of the newly designed Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) belt was reduced by 30% compared with the original steel wire rope. The structural analysis results of the CFRP belt showed that the design criteria were met on the design load condition of the belt. Also, mechanical tests were executed to verify the mechanical characteristics of the newly developed belt, with the results showing that the belt had sufficient structural performance compared with conventional steel wire rope.
DETERMINANTS OF THE LEVEL OF INFORMALIZATION OF ENTERPRISES: SOME EVIDENCE FROM ACCRA, GHANA
Authors: WILLIAMS COLIN C. , ADOM KWAME , HORODNIC IOANA ALEXANDRA
Published: March 2020

Based on the recognition that enterprises operate at different levels of informality, this paper evaluates the determinants of their degree of informalization. To do so, a 2016 survey of the varying degrees of informalization of 171 entrepreneurs in Ghana is reported. The finding is that only 21% of enterprises were wholly informal and 16% wholly formal. Nearly two-thirds (63%) were neither wholly informal nor wholly formal. Higher levels of informalization are significantly associated with younger entrepreneurs, those with lower levels of educational attainment, lower household incomes and younger enterprises. It is also significantly associated with the wider institutional compliance environment. Higher levels of informality are present among entrepreneurs unaware of the need for registration, who lack vertical trust (i.e., do not believe the state does anything for them, and perceive there to be public sector corruption), view informality as normal (i.e., a normal practice in their family) and view all similar businesses as operating informally (i.e., lack horizontal trust). The paper concludes by discussing the theoretical and policy implications.
Guard Cell Metabolism and Stomatal Function
Authors: Lawson Tracy , Matthews Jack
Published: March 2020

The control of gaseous exchange between the leaf and external atmosphere is governed by stomatal conductance ( gs); therefore, stomata play a critical role in photosynthesis and transpiration and overall plant productivity. Stomatal conductance is determined by both anatomical features and behavioral characteristics. Here we review some of the osmoregulatory pathways in guard cell metabolism, genes and signals that determine stomatal function and patterning, and the recent work that explores coordination between gs and carbon assimilation ( A) and the influence of spatial distribution of functional stomata on underlying mesophyll anatomy. We also evaluate the current literature on mesophyll-driven signals that may coordinate stomatal behavior with mesophyll carbon assimilation and explore stomatal kinetics as a possible target to improve A and water use efficiency. By understanding these processes, we can start to provide insight into manipulation of these regulatory pathways to improve stomatal behavior and identify novel unexploited targets for altering stomatal behavior and improving crop plant productivity.
A ChemE Grows in Brooklyn
Authors: Hall Carol K.
Published: March 2020

I profile my personal and professional journey from being a girl of the 1950s, with expectations typical for the times, to a chemical engineering professor and still-enthusiastic researcher. I describe my family, my early education, my college and graduate school training in physics, my postdoc years in chemistry, and my subsequent transformation into a chemical engineering faculty member—one of the first women to be appointed to a chemical engineering faculty in the United States. I focus on the events that shaped me, the people who noticed and supported me, and the environment for women scientists and engineers in what some would call the “early days.” My initial research activities centered on applications of statistical mechanics to predict phase equilibria in simple systems. Over time, my interests evolved to focus on applying molecule-level computer simulations to systems of interest to chemical engineers, e.g., hydrocarbons and polymers. Eventually, spurred on by my personal interest in amyloid diseases and my wish to make a contribution to human health, I turned to more biologically oriented problems having to do with protein aggregation and protein design. I give a candid assessment of my strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures. Finally, I share the most valuable lessons that I have learned over a lifetime of professional and personal experience.
Robust Small Area Estimation: An Overview
Authors: Jiang Jiming , Rao J. Sunil
Published: March 2020

A small area typically refers to a subpopulation or domain of interest for which a reliable direct estimate, based only on the domain-specific sample, cannot be produced due to small sample size in the domain. While traditional small area methods and models are widely used nowadays, there have also been much work and interest in robust statistical inference for small area estimation (SAE). We survey this work and provide a comprehensive review here. We begin with a brief review of the traditional SAE methods. We then discuss SAE methods that are developed under weaker assumptions and SAE methods that are robust in certain ways, such as in terms of outliers or model failure. Our discussion also includes topics such as nonparametric SAE methods, Bayesian approaches, model selection and diagnostics, and missing data. A brief review of software packages available for implementing robust SAE methods is also given.
Q-Learning: Theory and Applications
Authors: Clifton Jesse , Laber Eric
Published: March 2020

Q-learning, originally an incremental algorithm for estimating an optimal decision strategy in an infinite-horizon decision problem, now refers to a general class of reinforcement learning methods widely used in statistics and artificial intelligence. In the context of personalized medicine, finite-horizon Q-learning is the workhorse for estimating optimal treatment strategies, known as treatment regimes. Infinite-horizon Q-learning is also increasingly relevant in the growing field of mobile health. In computer science, Q-learning methods have achieved remarkable performance in domains such as game-playing and robotics. In this article, we ( a) review the history of Q-learning in computer science and statistics, ( b) formalize finite-horizon Q-learning within the potential outcomes framework and discuss the inferential difficulties for which it is infamous, and ( c) review variants of infinite-horizon Q-learning and the exploration-exploitation problem, which arises in decision problems with a long time horizon. We close by discussing issues arising with the use of Q-learning in practice, including arguments for combining Q-learning with direct-search methods; sample size considerations for sequential, multiple assignment randomized trials; and possibilities for combining Q-learning with model-based methods.
Object Tracking with Multi-Classifier Fusion Based on Compressive Sensing and Multiple Instance Learning
Authors: Chen Si , Lu Xiaoshun , Chen Xiaosen , Chen Min , Chen Jianghu , Wang Dahan , Zhu Shunzhi
Published: March 2020

Object tracking is a critical research in computer vision and has attracted significant attention over the past few years. However, the traditional object tracking algorithms often suffer from the object drifting problem due to various challenging factors in complex environments such as object occlusion and background clutter. This paper proposes a robust and effective object tracking algorithm, called MCM, which combines compressive sensing and online multiple instance learning in a multi-classifier fusion framework. In this framework, we integrate the different discriminative classifiers by learning the varied and compressed feature vectors based on different random projection matrices. And then an improved online multiple instance learning mechanism SMILE is adopted, which introduces the relative similarity to select and weight the instances in the positive bag. The experiments show that the proposed algorithm can improve the performance of object tracking on the challenging video sequences.
Succinate Supplement Elicited “Pseudohypoxia” Condition to Promote Proliferation, Migration, and Osteogenesis of Periodontal Ligament Cells
Authors: Mao Huimin , Yang Andi , Zhao Yunhe , Lei Lang , Li Houxuan
Published: March 2020

Most mesenchymal stem cells reside in a niche of low oxygen tension. Iron-chelating agents such as CoCl2 and deferoxamine have been utilized to mimic hypoxia and promote cell growth. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether a supplement of succinate, a natural metabolite of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, can mimic hypoxia condition to promote human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). Culturing hPDLCs in hypoxia condition promoted cell proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation; moreover, hypoxia shifted cell metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis with accumulation of succinate in the cytosol and its release into culture supernatants. The succinate supplement enhanced hPDLC proliferation, migration, and osteogenesis with decreased succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) expression and activity, as well as increased hexokinase 2 (HK2) and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), suggesting metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis in a normal oxygen condition. The succinate supplement in cell cultures promoted intracellular succinate accumulation while stabilizing hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), leading to a state of pseudohypoxia. Moreover, we demonstrate that hypoxia-induced proliferation was G-protein-coupled receptor 91- (GPR91-) dependent, while exogenous succinate-elicited proliferation involved the GPR91-dependent and GPR91-independent pathway. In conclusion, the succinate supplement altered cell metabolism in hPDLCs, induced a pseudohypoxia condition, and enhanced proliferation, migration, and osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells in vitro.
Acupuncture plus Rehabilitation for Unilateral Neglect after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Hou Yonghui , Liu Ying , Li Minying , Ning Baile , Wen Zehuai , Fu Wenbin
Published: March 2020

Objectives. To systematically assess the efficacy of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation on unilateral neglect after stroke. Methods. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Excerpt Medical Database (EMBASE), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), and Wan Fang databases were searched online for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture and its effects on unilateral neglect after stroke from their inception to September 2019. RCTs on acupuncture combined with rehabilitation in the experimental group for unilateral neglect compared with rehabilitation alone or rehabilitation plus sham acupuncture in the control group were included. Two authors separately screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the quality of the included studies. Review Manager 5.3 software was used for the data analysis. Results. A total of 542 patients from nine RCTs were included. The meta‐analysis showed that the experimental groups could significantly improve Fugl–Meyer Assessment (FMA) (MD = 11.54, 95% CI [9.54, 13.54], P < 0.00001) and the ability of daily living (SMD = 1.35, 95% CI [0.64, 2.07], P < 0.00001) when compared with the control groups. However, there was no significant difference in the drop of Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS) and Behavioural Inattention Test‐conventional (BIT‐C) between the two groups. Conclusions. Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation was more effective in improving the motor function and the ability of daily living. Because of the limitations regarding the quantity and quality of the studies in this meta‐analysis, high‐quality and well‐designed RCTs are necessary to validate the above conclusions.
An Inverse Problem for a Two-Dimensional Time-Fractional Sideways Heat Equation
Authors: Liu Songshu , Feng Lixin
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we consider a two-dimensional (2D) time-fractional inverse diffusion problem which is severely ill-posed; i.e., the solution (if it exists) does not depend continuously on the data. A modified kernel method is presented for approximating the solution of this problem, and the convergence estimates are obtained based on both a priori choice and a posteriori choice of regularization parameters. The numerical examples illustrate the behavior of the proposed method.
Symmetry Breaking Soliton, Breather, and Lump Solutions of a Nonlocal Kadomtsev–Petviashvili System
Authors: Wu Hong-Yu , Fei Jin-Xi , Ma Zheng-Yi , Chen Jun-Chao , Ma Wen-Xiu
Published: March 2020

The Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation is one of the well-studied models of nonlinear waves in dispersive media and in multicomponent plasmas. In this paper, the coupled Alice-Bob system of the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation is first constructed via the parity with a shift of the space variable x and time reversal with a delay. By introducing an extended Bäcklund transformation, symmetry breaking soliton, symmetry breaking breather, and symmetry breaking lump solutions for this system are presented through the established Hirota bilinear form. According to the corresponding constants in the involved ansatz function, a few fascinating symmetry breaking structures of the presented explicit solutions are shown.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Utilization of Traditional Medicine among the Communities of Debre Tabor Town, Amhara Regional State, North Central Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Aragaw Tezera Jemere , Afework Dessie Tegegne , Getahun Kefyalew Ayalew
Published: March 2020

Background. Traditional medicine is used by about 80% of the Ethiopian people to meet their healthcare needs. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the community on traditional medicine in Debre Tabor town. Methods. A community‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out from November 1, 2018, to December 30, 2018, with a face‐to‐face interview method and involved 402 participants recruited by systematic random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. The association of independent and dependent variables was determined by binary logistic regression. Results. Among the participants, 294 (73.13%) were females and 108 (26.87%) were males. The ages of participants ranged from 18 to 80 (mean age of the participants was 35.73 ± 0.59 years). Above three‐fourths, 322 (80.1%) of the participants had good knowledge. 158 (39.3%) of the participants had a good attitude and 145 (36.1%) of the participants used traditional medicines in their lifetime for different ailments. From all the participants who use traditional medicine, 41 (28.3%) encountered minor adverse effects. Conclusions. The study participants in Debre Tabor have good knowledge but poor attitude and utilization of traditional medicine.
Long-Term Follow-Up after Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer and the Need for Active Monitoring
Authors: Swanson Gregory P. , Chen Wencong , Trevathan Sean , Hermans Michael
Published: March 2020

Background. Only truly long-term follow-up can determine the ultimate outcome in prostate cancer. Most studies have a median follow-up of less than 10 years and then project outcomes out to 15 and 20 years. We sought to follow patients for at least 20 years. Materials and Methods. We followed 754 prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy from 1988 to 1995 for a median follow-up (in survivors) of 23.9 years. We excluded lymph node and seminal vesicle positive patients and an additional 47 patients that did not have baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This left 581 patients for analysis. Results. With the factors of PSA, Gleason score, and extraprostatic extension/margin positivity, we could partition patients into three risk groups for biochemical failure (low, intermediate, and high). In further analysis, we found that the risk of metastatic disease in the first two groups was almost identical (4% and 5%, respectively), while it was 19% in the high-risk group. High-risk patients were those with PSA >20 ng/ml and/or Gleason >7, or Gleason 7 + PSA 10–20 + epe (and or margin) positive. They had a 22% prostate cancer mortality. Conclusion. In patients with truly long-term follow-up after prostatectomy for prostate cancer, the risk of metastatic disease and cancer death is very low. Patients with the lower risk findings do not appear to benefit from routine follow-up after 10 years free of biochemical recurrence. With a higher risk of later failure, we recommend that the higher risk patients be followed at least intermittently for another 5 years (out to 15 years).
Cells and Cytokines in Milk of Subclinically Infected Bovine Mammary Glands after the Use of Immunomodulatory Composition GLP 810
Authors: Gulbe Gundega , Pilmane Māra , Saulīte Vaira , Doniņa Simona , Jermolajevs Jevgenijs , Peškova Lilija , Valdovska Anda
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intramammary infusions of natural composition GLP 810 with immunomodulating properties on the local nonspecific cellular and humoral immune response in cows with subclinical mastitis. The composition GLP 810 consists of lactic acid, lysozyme, glycopeptides, and 0.9% solution of NaCl. The following parameters were studied: (1) leukocyte differential distribution in milk, (2) expression of cytokines in milk leukocytes, (3) antibacterial activity, and (4) milk quality. Nineteen mammary glands in five lactating cows were infused with 10 mL of GLP 810, and nineteen other glands from five control cows were treated with 10 mL 0.9% NaCl. The results showed that after intramammary administration of the composition GLP 810 three times with 48 h intervals, the following effects on leukocyte populations in milk were observed: (1) an increase in the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes and (2) a decrease in the number of macrophages. A reduction in the number of pathogenic bacteria was also detected. The analyses of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-10, and beta-defensin-2 revealed that the production of the aforementioned cytokines significantly increased, whereas no significant effects on interleukin-1 and caspase-6 expression in milk leukocytes were recorded. However, there were significant differences between mammary glands with high and low milk somatic cell count. The results suggest that the composition GLP 810 has an immunomodulatory effect on mammary glands and it could be used for improving the immune response in cows with subclinical mastitis during lactation.
Optic Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings of Bilateral Choroidal Neovascularization Associated with Optic Disc Drusen Treated with Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection
Authors: Akıdan Melih , Bulut Mehmet , Yaprak Lütfiye , Erol Muhammet Kazım , Suren Elcin
Published: March 2020

Purpose. The purpose of this case report is to present the findings of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of a patient with bilateral choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with optic disc drusen (ODD), who was treated with intravitreal aflibercept injection. Case presentation. A 14-year-old girl presented with a complaint of visual loss and metamorphopsia in her both eyes. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/32 and 20/25, respectively, in the right and left eyes. Intraocular pressure and anterior segment examination were normal. Dilated fundus examination revealed elevated optic discs with blurred margins in both eyes. In addition, slightly elevated yellow lesion extending from optic nerve head to the macula was observed bilaterally. The patient underwent imaging with colour fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), spectral-domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT), OCTA, orbital ultrasonography (USG), and computed tomography (CT). In particular, OCTA demonstrated clearly the large circular CNV complex in the right eye and the CNV structure in the left eye containing slightly activated main trunk and minimal vessel loops in the papillomacular region. CNV secondary to bilateral ODD was suspected. Intravitreal aflibercept injections were performed in 3 doses to the right eye and a single dose to the left eye. After the injections, BCVA reached its complete level in both eyes. SD-OCT revealed irregularity of RPE in the temporal region of the optic disc and complete regression of the subretinal fluid. Interestingly, the entire CNV complex including the main trunk completely disappeared in OCTA. CNV complex was not observed in OCTA during 1-year follow-up, and peripapillary and macular vascular density measurements did not show any significant change. BCVA was preserved, and no additional injections were needed. Conclusion. It is possible that OCTA can be used for detailed evaluation of CNV associated with ODD, response to anti-VEGF treatment, and peripapillary and macular vascular density. There is a need for further studies to confirm the changes such as disappearance of CNV in OCTA after injection as we observed in our patient.