bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Extreme Learning Machine Based on Artificial Immune System
Authors: Tian Hui-yuan , Li Shi-jian , Wu Tian-qi , Yao Min
Published: June 2018

Extreme learning machine algorithm proposed in recent years has been widely used in many fields due to its fast training speed and good generalization performance. Unlike the traditional neural network, the ELM algorithm greatly improves the training speed by randomly generating the relevant parameters of the input layer and the hidden layer. However, due to the randomly generated parameters, some generated “bad” parameters may be introduced to bring negative effect on the final generalization ability. To overcome such drawback, this paper combines the artificial immune system (AIS) with ELM, namely, AIS-ELM. With the help of AIS’s global search and good convergence, the randomly generated parameters of ELM are optimized effectively and efficiently to achieve a better generalization performance. To evaluate the performance of AIS-ELM, this paper compares it with relevant algorithms on several benchmark datasets. The experimental results reveal that our proposed algorithm can always achieve superior performance.
Impact on Network Performance of Probe Vehicle Data Usage: An Experimental Design for Simulation Assessment
Authors: Montero Lídia , Linares Maria Paz , Casanovas Josep , Codina Esteve , Recio Gonzalo , Lorente Ester , Salmerón Juan
Published: June 2018

Probe-based technologies are proliferating as a means of inferring traffic states. Technological companies are interested in traffic data for computing the best routes in a traffic-aware manner and they also provide real-time traffic information with certain temporal accuracy. This paper analyses and evaluates how data provided by a fleet of probe cars can be used to develop a navigation service and how the penetration rate of this service affects a set of city-scale KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and driver KPIs. The case study adopts a model-driven approach in which microscopic simulation emulates real-size fleets of probe vehicles that provide positions and speed data. What is noteworthy about the modelling behaviour is that drivers are segmented according to their knowledge of network conditions for selected trips: experts, regular drivers, and tourists. The paper presents and discusses the modelling approach and the results obtained from an experimental Barcelona CBD model designed to evaluate the penetration rates of probe vehicles and route guidance. An analysis of the simulation experiments reveals remarkable links among city-scale KPIs, which—from a multivariate point of view—is a novelty. A simulation-based framework for results analysis and visualization is also introduced in order to simplify the simulation results analysis and easily visualize OD paths for driver segments.
Dynamic Complexities in a Supply Chain System with Lateral Transshipments
Authors: Wei Yongchang , Chen Fangyu , Xiong Feng
Published: June 2018

The horizontal interaction between retailers, coupled with replenishment rules and time delays, makes the dynamics in supply chain systems highly complicated. This paper aims to explore the impacts of lateral transshipments on the stability, bullwhip effect, and other performance measurements in the context of a two‐tiered supply chain system composed of one supplier and two retailers. In particular, we developed a unified discrete‐time state space model to address two different scenarios of placing orders. Analytical stability results are derived, through which we found that inappropriate lateral transshipment policies readily destabilize the supply chain system. Moreover, the lead time of lateral transshipments further complicates the stability problem. Theoretical results are validated through simulation experiments and the influences of system parameters on performance measures are investigated numerically. Numerical simulations show that lateral transshipments help improve the customer service level for both retailers. It is also interesting to observe that the demand of the two retailers can be satisfied even if only one retailer places orders from the upstream supplier.
Application of Dual Hesitant Fuzzy Geometric Bonferroni Mean Operators in Deciding an Energy Policy for the Society
Authors: Jamil Raja Noshad , Rashid Tabasam
Published: June 2018

Dual hesitant fuzzy geometric Bonferroni mean is defined for dual hesitant fuzzy sets. Different properties of dual hesitant fuzzy geometric Bonferroni mean are discussed. Some special cases are studied in detail for dual hesitant fuzzy geometric Bonferroni mean. In addition, dual hesitant fuzzy weighted geometric Bonferroni mean and dual hesitant fuzzy Choquet geometric Bonferroni mean are proposed. A multicriteria decision-making method is discussed to find the best alternative among different alternatives by using proposed aggregated operators and an illustrated example is also given to understand our proposal.
Nonlinear Predictive Threshold Model for Real-Time Abnormal Gait Detection
Authors: Hemmatpour Masoud , Ferrero Renato , Gandino Filippo , Montrucchio Bartolomeo , Rebaudengo Maurizio
Published: June 2018

Falls are critical events for human health due to the associated risk of physical and psychological injuries. Several fall-related systems have been developed in order to reduce injuries. Among them, fall-risk prediction systems are one of the most promising approaches, as they strive to predict a fall before its occurrence. A category of fall-risk prediction systems evaluates balance and muscle strength through some clinical functional assessment tests, while other prediction systems investigate the recognition of abnormal gait patterns to predict a fall in real time. The main contribution of this paper is a nonlinear model of user gait in combination with a threshold-based classification in order to recognize abnormal gait patterns with low complexity and high accuracy. In addition, a dataset with realistic parameters is prepared to simulate abnormal walks and to evaluate fall prediction methods. The accelerometer and gyroscope sensors available in a smartphone have been exploited to create the dataset. The proposed approach has been implemented and compared with the state-of-the-art approaches showing that it is able to predict an abnormal walk with a higher accuracy (93.5%) and a higher efficiency (up to 3.5 faster) than other feasible approaches.
Ginkgo biloba Exocarp Extract Inhibits the Metastasis of B16‐F10 Melanoma Involving PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB/MMP‐9 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cao Chenjie , Su Ya , Gao Yanqi , Luo Chengrong , Yin Lu , Zhao Yingjie , Chen Huasheng , Xu Aihua
Published: June 2018

In recent years, interest in natural plant extracts for cancer treatment is growing in the drug development field. Ginkgo biloba exocarp extract (GBEE) is known for possessing inhibitory effects on various mouse and human cancer cells. And no adverse reactions were observed during its clinical application to cancer patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of GBEE on the metastasis of B16‐F10 melanoma and its related mechanisms. The B16‐F10 melanoma lung metastasis model was established in C57BL/6J mice. It was found that GBEE inhibited the growth and pulmonary metastasis of B16‐F10 melanoma transplanted tumor and downregulated the level of MMP‐9 protein. Meanwhile, the B16‐F10 cells were used to study in vitro. The results showed that GBEE inhibited the proliferation and migration of B16‐F10 cells. Simultaneously, it suppressed the heterogeneous adhesion of B16‐F10 cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in a concentration‐dependent manner. In addition, the levels of p‐PI3K, p‐Akt, NF‐κB, and MMP‐9 were decreased, while the PI3K and Akt were not significantly changed. These results indicate that GBEE can inhibit the metastasis of B16‐F10 melanoma via multiple links and the molecular mechanism involved the regulation of PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB/MMP‐9 signaling pathway.
Effects of Leptonic Nonunitarity on Lepton Flavor Violation, Neutrino Oscillation, Leptogenesis, and Lightest Neutrino Mass
Authors: Ghosh Gayatri , Bora Kalpana
Published: June 2018

Neutrino physics is a mature branch of science with all the three neutrino mixing angles and two mass squared differences determined with high precision. In spite of several experimental verifications of neutrino oscillations and precise measurements of two mass squared differences and the three mixing angles, the unitarity of the leptonic mixing matrix is not yet established, leaving room for the presence of small nonunitarity effects. Deriving the bounds on these nonunitarity parameters from existing experimental constraints, on cLFV decays such as μ→eγ, μ→τγ, and τ→eγ, we study their effects on the generation of baryon asymmetry through leptogenesis and neutrino oscillation probabilities. We consider a model where see-saw is extended by an additional singlet S which is very light but can give rise to nonunitarity effects without affecting the form on see-saw formula. We do a parameter scan of a minimal see-saw model in a type I see-saw framework satisfying the Planck data on baryon to photon ratio of the Universe, which lies in the interval 5.8×10-10<YB<6.6×10-10(BBN). We predict values of lightest neutrino mass and Dirac and Majorana CP-violating phases δCP, α, and β, for normal hierarchy and inverted hierarchy for one-flavor leptogenesis. It is worth mentioning that all these four quantities are unknown yet, and future experiments will be measuring them.
A Stochastic HIV Infection Model with Latent Infection and Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Liu Jun , Wang Yan , Liu Luju , Zhao Tingting
Published: June 2018

Recent studies have demonstrated that the latent infection is a major obstacle to the viral elimination in HIV infection process. In this paper, we formulate a stochastic HIV infection model to include both latent infection and combination drug therapies. We derive that the model solution is unique and positive, and the solution is global. By constructing appropriate stochastic Lyapunov functions, the existence of an ergodic stationary distribution is obtained when the critical condition is greater than one. Furthermore, through rigorous analysis and deduction, the extinction of the virus is established under certain conditions. Numerical simulations are performed to show that small intensity of white noises can maintain the existence of a stationary distribution, while large intensity of white noises is beneficial to the extinction of the virus.
A Mobile Computing Method Using CNN and SR for Signature Authentication with Contour Damage and Light Distortion
Authors: Wang Mei , Zhai Ke , Liu Chi Harold , Li Yujie
Published: June 2018

A signature is a useful human feature in our society, and determining the genuineness of a signature is very important. A signature image is typically analyzed for its genuineness classification; however, increasing classification accuracy while decreasing computation time is difficult. Many factors affect image quality and the genuineness classification, such as contour damage and light distortion or the classification algorithm. To this end, we propose a mobile computing method of signature image authentication (SIA) with improved recognition accuracy and reduced computation time. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the proposed golden global‐local (G‐L) algorithm has the best filtering result compared with the methods of mean filtering, medium filtering, and Gaussian filtering. The developed minimum probability threshold (MPT) algorithm produces the best segmentation result with minimum error compared with methods of maximum entropy and iterative segmentation. In addition, the designed convolutional neural network (CNN) solves the light distortion problem for detailed frame feature extraction of a signature image. Finally, the proposed SIA algorithm achieves the best signature authentication accuracy compared with CNN and sparse representation, and computation times are competitive. Thus, the proposed SIA algorithm can be easily implemented in a mobile phone.
Short-Term Origin-Destination Based Metro Flow Prediction with Probabilistic Model Selection Approach
Authors: Dai Xiaoqing , Sun Lijun , Xu Yanyan
Published: June 2018

Reliable prediction of short-term passenger flow could greatly support metro authorities’ decision processes, help passengers to adjust their travel schedule, or, in extreme cases, assist emergency management. The inflow and outflow of the metro station are strongly associated with the travel demand within metro networks. The purpose of this paper is to obtain such prediction. We first collect the origin-destination information from the smart-card data and explore the passenger flow patterns in a metro system. We then propose a data driven framework for short-term metro passenger flow prediction with the ability to utilize both spatial and temporal related information. The approach adopts two forecasts as basic models and then uses a probabilistic model selection method, random forest classification, to combine the two outputs to achieve a better forecast. In the experiments, we compare the proposed model with four other prediction models, i.e., autoregressive-moving-average, neural networks, support vector regression, and averaging ensemble model, as well as the basic models. The results indicate that the proposed approach outperforms the others in most cases. The origin-destination flows extracted from smart-card data can be successfully exploited to describe different metro travel patterns. And the framework proposed here, especially the probabilistic combination method, can improve the performance of short-term transportation prediction.
Robust Fractional‐Order PID Controller Tuning Based on Bode’s Optimal Loop Shaping
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhang Shuo
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a novel fractional‐order PID controller tuning strategy based on Bode’s optimal loop shaping which is commonly used for LTI feedback systems. Firstly, the controller parameters are achieved based on flat phase property and Bode’s optimal reference model, so that the controlled system is robust to gain variations and can achieve desirable transient performance according to various control requirements. Then, robustness analysis of the controlled system is carried out to support the results. Furthermore, the parameter setting is analyzed to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed controller. At last, some simulation examples are shown to verify the accuracy and usefulness of the proposed control strategy. The proposed fractional‐order PID controller does not have any restriction on the controlled plant, so it can be widely applied on both integer‐order and fractional‐order systems.
Effect and Mechanism of ShiZhiFang on Uric Acid Metabolism in Hyperuricemic Rats
Authors: Wu Yansheng , Wang Yixing , Ou Jiaoying , Wan Qiang , Shi Liqiang , Li Yingqiao , He Fei , Wang Huiling , He Liqun , Gao Jiandong
Published: June 2018

Objective. To explore the effect and mechanism of ShiZhiFang on uric acid metabolism. Methods. 40 rats were divided into normal group, model group, ShiZhiFang group, and benzbromarone group. The hyperuricemic rat model was induced by yeast gavage at 15 g/kg and potassium oxonate intraperitoneal injection at 600 mg/kg for two weeks. During the next two weeks, ShiZhiFang group rats were given ShiZhiFang by gavage, and benzbromarone group rats were given benzbromarone by gavage. The serum uric acid, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, XOD activity, urinary uric acid, urinary β2‐MG, and histopathological changes were observed in the rats of each group after treatment. Results. The hyperuricemic model was established successfully and did not show the increase of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Compared with the model group, the serum uric acid, serum XOD activity, and urinary β2‐MG were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and 24 h urinary uric acid excretion was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) in ShiZhiFang group, whereas the two treatment groups were of no statistical significant in above indicators (p > 0.05); renal histopathology showed that the lesions in two treatment groups were reduced compared to the model groups. The gene and protein expression of uric acid anion transporters rOAT1 and rOAT3 in the kidney was significantly higher than that in model group (p < 0.01). Conclusion. The model is suitable for the study of primary hyperuricemia. The mechanisms of ShiZhiFang on uric acid metabolism in hyperuricemic rats may be involved in reducing the activity of serum XOD and promoting the transcription and expression of rOAT1 and rOAT3 in the kidney.
Finite-Time Bounded Tracking Control for Linear Discrete-Time Systems
Authors: Liao Fucheng , Wu Yingxue , Yu Xiao , Deng Jiamei
Published: June 2018

A finite-time bounded tracking control problem for a class of linear discrete-time systems subject to disturbances is investigated. Firstly, by applying a difference method to constructing the error system, the problem is transformed into a finite-time boundedness problem of the output vector of the error system. In fact, this is a finite-time boundedness problem with respect to the partial variables. Secondly, based on the partial stability theory and the research methods of finite-time boundedness problem, a state feedback controller formulated in form of linear matrix inequality is proposed. Based on this, a finite-time bounded tracking controller of the original system is obtained. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the controller.
Triazole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus from Fungicide-Experienced Soils in Naivasha Subcounty and Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Kemoi Edson K. , Nyerere Andrew , Bii Christine C.
Published: June 2018

The mainstay in prevention and treatment of aspergillosis is the use triazole drugs. In Kenya, the use of agricultural azole is one of the predisposing factors in development of resistance. One hundred fifty-six (156) experienced soils were collected from agricultural farms and cultured on Sabouraud DextroseAagar. The study isolated 48 yielded Aspergillus fumigatus and 2 A. flavus. All the isolates were subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing against three triazoles: posaconazole, voriconazole, and itraconazole. Out of the isolates, 3 had MIC of 32 and 1 had MIC of 16 against itraconazole, and 1 isolate had MIC of 32 against posaconazole. CYP51A gene was sequenced, and TR34/L98H mutation was identified. Triazole resistance existing in Kenya calls for rational use of azole-based fungicides in agriculture over concerns of emerging antifungal resistance in clinical practice.
An Insight into Ginsenoside Metabolite Compound K as a Potential Tool for Skin Disorder
Authors: Kim En Hyung , Kim Wonnam
Published: June 2018

Ginsenosides are the major bioactive natural compounds derived from Panax ginseng. Several studies report the pharmaceutical benefits of several ginsenosides, including antidementia, antitumor, and anti‐inflammatory activity. Biotransformations by gut microbiome contribute to the biological function of these ginsenosides. After ingestion ginsenosides are hydrolyzed to Rg2, Rg3, compound K, and others by human gut flora. Compound K is considered the representative active metabolite after oral administration of ginseng or ginsenosides. Various studies report the diverse biological functions of compound K, such as antitumor, antidiabetic, antiallergic, and anti‐inflammatory activity. Recent clinical trial and in vitro studies demonstrate the antiaging activities of ginsenosides in human skin. Ginsenosides have been considered as an important natural dermatological agent. In this review, we will cover the modern tools and techniques to understand biotransformation and delivery of compound K. Also the biological function of compound K on skin disorder and its potential dermatological application will be discussed.
Experimental and Simulation Study on Diffusion Behavior of Chloride Ion in Cracking Concrete and Reinforcement Corrosion
Authors: Cheng Yongchun , Zhang Yuwei , Wu Chunli , Jiao Yubo
Published: June 2018

A chloride ion is a key factor affecting durability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. In order to investigate chloride migration in cracked concrete, considering the mesoscopic heterogeneity of concrete, concrete modeled here is treated as a four‐phase composite consisting aggregate, mortar, crack, and interfacial transition zone (ITZ). In this paper, two‐dimensional finite element models of cracked concrete with different crack widths and crack quantity are established and the control parameters are determined based on the nonsteady‐state chloride migration (NSSCM) test. In addition, based on the concrete finite element models, influences of crack width, crack quantity, and erosion time on chloride migration behaviors and characteristics are studied. Furthermore, a prediction model of chloride concentration on the simulated surface of a rebar in concrete influenced by different crack states is established. This model is used to derive the corrosion current density and corrosion depth prediction models of a rebar in this paper, which can be used by engineers to estimate the migration behaviors of chloride and rebar corrosion degree in RC structures in a short time and evaluate the duration of RC structures after knowing the status of cracks and chloride diffusion sources.
On a Generalization of Hofstadter’s Q‐Sequence: A Family of Chaotic Generational Structures
Authors: Alkan Altug
Published: June 2018

Hofstadter Q‐recurrence is defined by the nested recurrence Q(n) = Q(n − Q(n − 1)) + Q(n − Q(n − 2)), and there are still many unanswered questions about certain solutions of it. In this paper, a generalization of Hofstadter’s Q‐sequence is proposed and selected members of this generalization are investigated based on their chaotic generational structures and Pinn’s statistical technique. Solutions studied have also curious approximate patterns and considerably similar statistical properties with Hofstadter’s famous Q‐sequence in terms of growth characteristics of their successive generations. In fact, the family of sequences that this paper introduces suggests the existence of conjectural global properties in order to classify unpredictable solutions to Q‐recurrence and a generalization of it.
Peripapillary Vessel Density Reversal after Trabeculectomy in Glaucoma
Authors: In Jung Hee , Lee So Yeon , Cho Seok Ho , Hong Young Jae
Published: June 2018

Purpose. To evaluate the microvascular changes at the peripapillary area and optic disc in glaucomatous eyes after IOP lowering by trabeculectomy using OCT angiography. Methods. 25 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who underwent trabeculectomy by a single surgeon were evaluated. Using optical coherence tomography angiography, vessel density was evaluated within the whole image, peripapillary, nasal region, and temporal region. Peripapillary vessel density was measured preoperative, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively in POAG patients. Reversal of vessel density was calculated for all analyzed areas. Results. The intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased from 30.92 ± 6.32 mmHg (range, 18–44) to 12.64 ± 3.35 mmHg (range, 8–22) at 3-month postoperatively. Compared with the preoperative baseline value, whole vessel density, peripapillary vessel density (PvD), and PvD in nasal region and temporal region were significantly increased at 3-month postoperatively. The magnitude of the vessel density reversal was significantly associated with higher preoperative IOP and greater IOP reduction. Conclusions. A significant increase in the peripapillary vessel density was demonstrated after trabeculectomy using OCT angiography. The reversal of peripapillary vessel density was associated with higher preoperative IOP and greater IOP reduction. Our postoperative results suggest that the ocular perfusion impairment by high intraocular pressure can be improved by IOP reduction, and the reversal of microvasculature may contribute to the rate of glaucoma progression.
Optimal Energy Consumption for Mobile Manipulators Executing Door-Opening Task
Authors: Ma Changyou , Gao Haibo , Ding Liang , Tao Jianguo , Xia Kerui , Yu Haitao , Deng Zongquan
Published: June 2018

As a substitute for humans, the mobile manipulator has become increasingly vital for on-site rescues at Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) in recent years. The high energy efficiency of the mobile manipulator when executing specific rescue tasks is of great importance for the mobile manipulator. This paper focuses on the energy consumption of a robot executing the door-opening task, in a scenario mimicking an NPP rescue. We present an energy consumption optimization scheme to determine the optimal base position and joint motion of the manipulator. We developed a two-step procedure to solve the optimization problem, taking the quadric terms of the joint torques as the objective function. Firstly, the rotational motion of the door is parameterized by using piecewise fifth-order polynomials, and the parameters of the polynomials are optimized by minimizing the joint torques at the specified base position using the Quasi-Newton method. Second, the global optimal movement of the manipulator for executing the door-opening task is acquired by means of searching a grid for feasible base positions. Comprehensive door-opening experiments using a mobile manipulator platform were conducted. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been demonstrated by the results of physical experiments.
Pediatric Traumatic Retinal Detachment: Clinical Features, Prognostic Factors, and Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Yaşa Dilek , Erdem Zeynep Gizem , Ürdem Ufuk , Demir Gökhan , Demircan Ali , Alkın Zeynep
Published: June 2018

Purpose. We report the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and surgical outcomes for 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (23-G PPV) in pediatric cases of traumatic retinal detachment (RD). Methods. Medical records of pediatric patients who underwent 23-G PPV to treat traumatic retinal detachment were retrospectively reviewed. These patients underwent a follow-up examination at least 1 year following surgery. Associations between various preoperative factors and anatomical and visual outcomes were analyzed. An Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) and a Pediatric Ocular Trauma Score (POTS) were calculated for each patient. Raw scores were converted to their corresponding OTS and POTS categories. Final visual acuities by categories were compared with those in the OTS and POTS studies. Results. The mean age of the patients was 9 ± 4 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 4.7 : 1. The mean follow-up time was 23 ± 14 months. Anatomical success was achieved in 72% of the eyes, and functional success (>5/200) was achieved in 37% of the eyes. Functional success was less common among patients with visual acuities less than hand motion, macula-off retinal detachment, proliferative vitreoretinopathy at presentation, and recurrent retinal detachment during follow-up. When we compared the categorical distribution of final visual acuities in all categories, our results were significantly different than those suggested by OTS and POTS. Conclusions. Visual outcomes are poorer compared to anatomical outcomes. OTS and POTS do not provide reliable prognostic information if the patient has RD. Presenting visual acuity, the presence of macula-off RD, and PVR are all important predictors of final visual acuity.
Clozapine-Induced Phototoxicity: An Unusual Side Effect of Atypical Antipsychotics
Authors: Al-Aojan S. , Al-Khalifah A.
Published: June 2018

Introduction. Clozapine is a second-generation antipsychotic used for treatment-refractory schizophrenia. Photosensitivity is a major concern when prescribing typical antipsychotics, while atypical antipsychotics are thought to be less photosensitive. Case Report. We report a 27-year-old military personnel who developed a phototoxic drug reaction after using clozapine for schizophrenia. Conclusion. Recognition of rare but possible ability of atypical antipsychotics to cause photosensitivity is pertinent to patients care and proper counseling.
Optimal Siting of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Using Pythagorean Fuzzy VIKOR Approach
Authors: Cui Feng-Bao , You Xiao-Yue , Shi Hua , Liu Hu-Chen
Published: June 2018

Site selection for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) is the process of determining the most suitable location among alternatives for the construction of charging facilities for electric vehicles. It can be regarded as a complex multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) problem requiring consideration of multiple conflicting criteria. In the real world, it is often hard or impossible for decision makers to estimate their preferences with exact numerical values. Therefore, Pythagorean fuzzy set theory has been frequently used to handle imprecise data and vague expressions in practical decision-making problems. In this paper, a Pythagorean fuzzy VIKOR (PF-VIKOR) approach is developed for solving the EVCS site selection problems, in which the evaluations of alternatives are given as linguistic terms characterized by Pythagorean fuzzy values (PFVs). Particularly, the generalized Pythagorean fuzzy ordered weighted standardized distance (GPFOWSD) operator is proposed to calculate the utility and regret measures for ranking alternative sites. Finally, a practical example in Shanghai, China, is included to demonstrate the proposed EVCS sitting model, and the advantages are highlighted by comparing the results with other relevant methods.
Anti‐Inflammatory, Antioxidative, and Hepatoprotective Effects of Trans Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol/Sesame Oil on Adjuvant‐Induced Arthritis in Rats
Authors: Ismail Morouj , Hasan Hiba , El-Orfali Youmna , Ismail Hanan , Khawaja Ghada
Published: June 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful chronic autoimmune disease affecting the joints. Its first‐line therapy, Methotrexate (MTX), although effective in ameliorating the progress of the disease, induces hepatotoxicity over long‐term usage. Thus, seeking natural compounds with fewer side effects could be an alternative therapeutic approach. This study aimed to investigate the anti‐inflammatory, antiarthritic, and antioxidative effects of synthetic trans‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) dissolved in sesame oil (Dronabinol) against MTX in adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AIA) rat model. Daily oral administration of Δ9‐THC/sesame oil, over a period of 21 days, was well tolerated in arthritic rats with no particular psychoactive side effects. It markedly attenuated the severity of clinical manifestations, recovered the histopathological changes in tibiotarsal joints, and repressed the splenomegaly in arthritic rats. Δ9‐THC/sesame oil therapy showed similar effects to MTX in neutralizing the inflammatory process of AIA, through attenuating erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) scores and proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin 1‐beta (IL‐1β), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels, to normal values. As opposed to MTX, this natural combination markedly protected the liver of arthritic rats and downregulated the induced oxidative stress by increasing the antioxidant defense system such as activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and levels of glutathione (GSH). These results suggest promising effects for the clinical use of Δ9‐THC/sesame oil therapy in alleviating arthritic clinical signs as well as arthritis‐induced liver injury.
TERT Promoter Mutation Detection in Cell-Free Tumor-Derived DNA in Patients with IDH Wild-Type Glioblastomas: A Pilot Prospective Study
Authors: Juratli Tareq A. , Stasik Sebastian , Zolal Amir , Schuster Caroline , Richter Sven , Daubner Dirk , Juratli Mazen A. , Thowe Rachel , Hennig Silke , Makina Meriem , Meinhardt Matthias , Lautenschlaeger Tim , Schackert Gabriele , Krex Dietmar , Thiede Christian
Published: June 2018

Purpose: We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility and the potential implications of detecting TERT promoter (TERTp)–mutant cell-free tumor-derived DNA (tDNA) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of glioblastoma patients.

Experimental Design: Matched CSF and plasma samples were collected in 60 patients with glial tumors. The CSF collection was obtained during surgery, before any surgical manipulation of the tumor. The extracted tDNA and corresponding tumor DNA samples were analyzed for TERTp and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) hotspot mutations. In addition, the variant allele frequency (VAF) of TERTp mutation in the CSF-tDNA was correlated with tumor features and patients’ outcome.

Results: Thirty-eight patients had TERTp-mutant/IDH wild-type glioblastomas. The matched TERTp mutation in the CSF-tDNA was successfully detected with 100% specificity (95% CI, 87.6–100%) and 92.1% sensitivity (95% CI, 78.6–98.3%) (n = 35/38). In contrast, the sensitivity in the plasma-tDNA was far lower [n = 3/38, 7.9% (95% CI, 1.6–21.4%)]. We concordantly observed a longer overall survival of patients with low VAF in the CSF-tDNA when compared with patients with high VAF, irrespective of using the lower quartile VAF [11.45%; 14.0 mo. (95% confidence interval, CI, 10.3–17.6) vs. 8.6 mo. (95% CI, 4.1–13.2), P = 0.035], the lower third VAF [13%; 15.4 mo. (95% CI, 11.6–19.2) vs. 8.3 mo. (95% CI, 2.3–14.4), P = 0.008], or the median VAF [20.3%; 14.0 mo. (95% CI, 9.2–18.7) vs. 8.6 mo. (95% CI, 7.5–9.8), P = 0.062] to dichotomize the patients.

Conclusions: This pilot study highlights the value of CSF-tDNA for an accurate and reliable detection of TERTp mutations. Furthermore, our findings suggest that high TERTp mutation VAF levels in the CSF-tDNA may represent a suitable predictor of poor survival in glioblastoma patients. Further studies are needed to complement the findings of our exploratory analysis. Clin Cancer Res; 24(21); 5282–91. ©2018 AACR.
Gestational Age and the Cord Blood Lipidomic Profile in Late Preterm and Term Infants
Authors: McCloskey Kate , De Livera Alysha M. , Collier Fiona , Ponsonby Anne-Louise , Carlin John B. , Vuillermin Peter , Mellett Natalie A. , Jayawardana Kaushala , Weir Jacqueline M. , Blangero John , Curran Joanne E. , Burgner David , Meikle Peter J. ,   BIS investigator group
Published: June 2018

Background: Lipid metabolism is vital to fetal development and cardiometabolic health and the final weeks of gestation are known to be a time of intense metabolic activity. New techniques such as lipidomics allow investigation of a complex lipidomic profile in infants. Objectives: This research aimed to (1) describe variations in lipidomic profile in late preterm and term infants and (2) compare variations to an adult lipidomic profile with known clinical implications. Methods: The Barwon Infant Study (n = 1,074) is a population-derived pre-birth cohort study. The lipidomic profile of cord blood was measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in 225 participants and the association between gestational age and lipidomic profile was investigated using multiple linear regression adjusting for birth weight, exposure to labour, and infant sex. Patterns of association with gestational age across the lipidomic profile were compared with associations between body mass index (BMI) and lipidomic profile observed among adults in the San Antonia Family Heart Study (n = 994). Results: Gestational age was independently associated with the abundances of 39% of lipid species. Variations in the lipidomic profile with increasing gestational age were comparable to some variations observed in association with increasing BMI among adults. Conclusion: There is a strong relationship between gestational age and the cord blood lipid profile at birth, providing further evidence for the importance of metabolic changes of late gestation. A number of the variations in the lipid profile with increasing gestational age are analogous to differences observed in the adult lipid profile with an increasing BMI.
Cardiac Valve Annulus Diameters in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Cross-Sectional Echocardiographic Study
Authors: van Ark Allard E. , Molenschot Mirella C. , Wesseling Maria H. , de Vries Willem B. , Strengers Jan L.M. , Adams Arthur , Breur Johannes M.P.J.
Published: June 2018

Background: With the increasing incidence of births of very preterm very-low-birth-weight infants, there is a demand for echocardiographic reference values of cardiac dimensions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide reference values of cardiac valve annulus diameters in a cohort of extremely preterm very-low-birth-weight neonates and to correlate these with patient characteristics. Methods: Valve diameters of 376 infants of < 32 weeks’ gestation and with a birth weight of ≤2,000 g were measured using 2-dimensional echocardiography. Correlations between valve diameters and patient characteristics (birth length/weight, body surface area, gestational age, and sex) were assessed. Birth weight was used to establish linear regression models. Inter- and intraobserver agreement was assessed through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. Results: Substantial variability was found (aortic valve mean [standard deviation; range]: 5.0 mm [0.6; 3.7–6.5]; pulmonic valve: 5.8 mm [0.8; 3.4–7.9]; mitral valve: 8.0 mm [1.0; 5.5–10.5]; tricuspid valve: 7.6 mm [1.2; 4.9–10.6]). There was a moderate correlation between birth weight and valve diameter (R2 aortic valve: 0.36; pulmonic valve: 0.20; mitral valve: 0.24; tricuspid valve: 0.24). Adequate intraobserver (ICC range 0.74–0.91) and interobserver agreement (ICC range 0.77–0.89) was found. Conclusions: Our study provides ready-to-use reference values for cardiac valve annulus diameters for extremely preterm infants.
Genetic Variability in E6 and E7 Oncogenes from Human Papillomavirus Type 58 in Mexican Women
Authors: Conde-Ferraez Laura , Pacheco-Arjona Ramón , Novelo Canul Cinthia , Gomez-Carballo Jesus , Ramirez-Prado Jorge Humberto , Ayora-Talavera Guadalupe , González-Losa Maria del Refugio
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: The study aimed to describe human papillomavirus (HPV) 58 genetic variability in E6 and E7 oncogenes from women in southeast Mexico and their phylogenetic relationships with the sequences from other geographical regions. Methods: The E6-E7 region was amplified by nested PCR, and sequenced for identification of polymorphisms, phylogenetic trees construction, and haplotype and fixation tests. Results: HPV58 positive samples were obtained from a repository, 54 were amplified, 47 sequences for the E6 gene, and 51 sequences for the E7 gene were obtained. Fifteen new E6 mutations were found; the most frequent were G279T (G57V; 29.78%), T249G (F47C; 34.04%), and A270G (Y54C; 34.04%), and previously reported c307t (63.82%). For E7, 17 known mutations were found, the most frequent were C632T (T20I), 35.30%, G760A (G63S), 35.30%, and t744g 74.50%. No significant association with the severity of the lesions was found. The polytomy in the E6 tree did not allow proposing phylogenetic relationship, and E7 tree presented defined branches. All sequences were presumably A lineage, most closely related to A1 and/or A3 sublineage. HPV58 variants are not specific for a geographical area. Population and fixation analyses suggest a possible Asian origin of HPV58 from Yucatan. The most frequent E7 haplotype in Yucatan groups with other populations of the world. Conclusion: The genetic variability of HPV58 from Mexico was described for the first time. E7 was more conserved than E6. New mutants present exclusively in Yucatan were identified.
Neonatal Phototherapy: A Novel Therapy to Prevent Allergic Skin Disease for At Least 5 Years
Authors: Ku Min-Sho 
Published: June 2018

Background: Preventing the development of allergic skin disease in children is the best way to treat the disease. Objectives: Ultraviolet (UV)-free blue light phototherapy has been reported to treat atopic eczema. We evaluated the effect of neonatal phototherapy on allergic skin disease in children. Methods: We randomly recruited 117,041 children from an insurance research database. Those with neonatal jaundice and receiving neonatal phototherapy were classified as the icteric-phototherapy group (n = 4,744), those with neonatal jaundice and not receiving phototherapy were classified as the icteric-non-phototherapy group (n = 5,003), and those without jaundice were classified as the non-icteric group (n = 107,294). We reviewed claims from birth to age 5 years. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD), clinical visit times, and topical prescriptions for allergic skin disease at different ages were compared among groups. Results: AD prevalence was lower in the icteric-phototherapy group than in the icteric-non-phototherapy group. Moreover, clinical visit times for allergic skin disease were lower at age 1–4 years, and topical agent prescription for allergic skin disease were lower at age 1–5 years, in the icteric-phototherapy group than in the icteric-non-phototherapy group. The decreased use of topical agents could reach 64.29%. The 5-year complications of skin disease and cancer in the phototherapy group were not higher. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the effect of UV-free blue light therapy on allergic skin disease in newborns. Blue light therapy in newborns may be a novel method to efficiently prevent allergic skin disease for at least 5 years.
A Preliminary Study of Central Nervous System Arousal and Sleep Quality in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Cardinale Ryan , O’Donnell Lisa , Chun Jinsoo , Park Jiyoung , Kross Ethan , Kamali Masoud , McInnis Melvin , Deldin Patricia
Published: June 2018

Sleep disturbances are commonly reported in patients with bipolar I disorder (BPI) and are risk factors for mood episodes. In other populations, central nervous system (CNS) hyperarousal is associated with sleep initiation and maintenance problems, and CNS hypoarousal is associated with increased sleep drive. However, it is unclear whether CNS arousal levels are a useful index of sleep disruption in BPI. This study aimed to investigate daytime CNS arousal levels in relation to perceived sleep quality in BPI. Resting EEG, mood state, and self-reported sleep quality data were collected from 34 individuals with BPI. CNS hyperarousal was associated with pervasive poor subjective sleep quality including increased sleep disturbances, increased sleep latency, and reduced global sleep quality. CNS hypoarousal was associated with greater daytime sleepiness, indicating reduced arousal. These preliminary findings suggest that CNS arousal may be a useful index for identifying individuals at high risk for relapse into a mood episode. A limitation of this study is the use of self-report instruments for sleep quality assessment. Future research should investigate the temporal relationship of CNS arousal to sleep disturbances using objective measurements of sleep quality such as polysomnography. If these findings are replicated, measures of CNS arousals may allow for identification of high-risk patients with BPI.
Maternal Intrapartum Antibiotic Administration and Infantile Colic: Is there a Connection?
Authors: Leppälehto Elli , Pärtty Anna , Kalliomäki Marko , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Isolauri Erika , Rautava Samuli
Published: June 2018

Background: The aetiology of infantile colic remains unknown. However, altered gut microbiota composition has been reported in children with the disorder. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the associations between perinatal factors potentially affecting gut colonization and infantile colic. Methods: Altogether 48 infants with colic and 29 controls were selected from 2 ongoing clinical studies. Infants with and without colic were comparable with regard to their background characteristics. Results: A significant difference was detected in intrapartum antibiotic use and breastfeeding rates between infants with and without colic. The association between exposure to intrapartum antibiotics and infantile colic remained statistically significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Conclusions: Since intrapartum antibiotic exposure may have an effect on early gut colonization, our finding is consistent with the association between aberrant early gut microbiota composition and development of colic. Antibiotic-exposed neonates may represent a novel target group for preventive intervention studies.
Knockdown of MiR-20a Enhances Sensitivity of Colorectal Cancer Cells to Cisplatin by Increasing ASK1 Expression
Authors: Zhang Luyao , He Liang , Zhang Hua , Chen Yan
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Platinum-based chemotherapy is one of the most important strategies for treatment of colorectal cancer. To improve the therapeutic efficiency, adjuvant drugs were sought to sensitize colorectal cancer cells to platinum-based agents such as cisplatin. As previous research has shown that miRNAs are associated with chemosensitivity, we aimed to alter miRNA regulation in colorectal cancer cells to increase their chemosensitivity. Methods: MTT assays were performed to determine the viability of HT29, SW480, and LoVo cells. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to examine the expression of miR-20a in these cell lines. Regulation of the miR-20a/ASK1 axis was confirmed by western blotting and luciferase reporter assays. After treatment with miR-20a inhibitor (anti-miR-20a) and cisplatin, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Activation of ASK1, Bcl-xl, JNK, and caspase-9, -7, and -3 was detected by western blotting. Results: miR-20a was overexpressed in colorectal cancer cell lines. Furthermore, knockdown of miR-20a increased the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to cisplatin treatment in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that the ASK1 gene was the target of miR-20a, and knockdown of miR-20a increased the expression of ASK1 in colorectal cancer cells. As cisplatin treatment induced production of ROS, knockdown of miR-20a enhanced ROS signaling through promoting the phosphorylation of ASK1. Phosphorylation of JNK and the subsequent mitochondrial apoptosis were triggered by the combination of cisplatin and anti-miR-20a. Conclusions: Knockdown of miR-20a enhanced sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to cisplatin through the ROS/ASK1/JNK pathway.