bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting PI3K Signaling in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Sanchez Vanessa Edna , Nichols Cydney , Kim Hye Na , Gang Eun Ji , Kim Yong-Mi
Published: January 2019

Adhesion of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells to bone marrow stroma cells triggers intracellular signals regulating cell-adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR). Stromal cell protection of ALL cells has been shown to require active AKT. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), adhesion-mediated activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway is reported. A novel FDA-approved PI3Kδ inhibitor, CAL-101/idelalisib, leads to downregulation of p-AKT and increased apoptosis of CLL cells. Recently, two additional PI3K inhibitors have received FDA approval. As the PI3K/AKT pathway is also implicated in adhesion-mediated survival of ALL cells, PI3K inhibitors have been evaluated preclinically in ALL. However, PI3K inhibition has yet to be approved for clinical use in ALL. Here, we review the role of PI3K in normal hematopoietic cells, and in ALL. We focus on summarizing targeting strategies of PI3K in ALL.
Efficient Selection of Antibodies Reactive to Homologous Epitopes on Human and Mouse Hepatocyte Growth Factors by Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Analysis of the B Cell Repertoire
Authors: Kim Soohyun , Lee Hyunho , Noh Jinsung , Lee Yonghee , Han Haejun , Yoo Duck Kyun , Kim Hyori , Kwon Sunghoon , Chung Junho
Published: January 2019

YYB-101 is a humanized rabbit anti-human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-neutralizing antibody currently in clinical trial. To test the effect of HGF neutralization with antibody on anti-cancer T cell immunity, we generated surrogate antibodies that are reactive to the mouse homologue of the epitope targeted by YYB-101. First, we immunized a chicken with human HGF and monitored changes in the B cell repertoire by next-generation sequencing (NGS). We then extracted the VH gene repertoire from the NGS data, clustered it into components by sequence homology, and classified the components by the change in the number of unique VH sequences and the frequencies of the VH sequences within each component following immunization. Those changes should accompany the preferential proliferation and somatic hypermutation or gene conversion of B cells encoding HGF-reactive antibodies. One component showed significant increases in the number and frequencies of unique VH sequences and harbored genes encoding antibodies that were reactive to human HGF and competitive with YYB-101 for HGF binding. Some of the antibodies also reacted to mouse HGF. The selected VH sequences shared 98.3% identity and 98.9% amino acid similarity. It is therefore likely that the antibodies encoded by them all react to the epitope targeted by YYB-101.
Automatic Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Evolutionary Approach for Facing the Interpretability Problem
Authors: Senatore Rosa , Della Cioppa Antonio , Marcelli Angelo
Published: January 2019

Background: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems for automatic diagnoses is increasingly in the clinical field, being a useful support for the identification of several diseases. Nonetheless, the acceptance of AI-based diagnoses by the physicians is hampered by the black-box approach implemented by most performing systems, which do not clearly state the classification rules adopted. Methods: In this framework we propose a classification method based on a Cartesian Genetic Programming (CGP) approach, which allows for the automatic identification of the presence of the disease, and concurrently, provides the explicit classification model used by the system. Results: The proposed approach has been evaluated on the publicly available HandPD dataset, which contains handwriting samples drawn by Parkinson’s disease patients and healthy controls. We show that our approach compares favorably with state-of-the-art methods, and more importantly, allows the physician to identify an explicit model relevant for the diagnosis based on the most informative subset of features. Conclusion: The obtained results suggest that the proposed approach is particularly appealing in that, starting from the explicit model, it allows the physicians to derive a set of guidelines for defining novel testing protocols and intervention strategies.
The Universality of Experiential Consciousness
Authors: Logan Robert K.
Published: January 2019

It is argued that of Block’s (On a confusion about a function of consciousness, 1995; The Nature of Consciousness: Philosophical Debates, 1997) two types of consciousness, namely phenomenal consciousness (p-consciousness) and access consciousness (a-consciousness), that p-consciousness applies to all living things but that a-consciousness is uniquely human. This differs from Block’s assertion that a-consciousness also applies to some non-human organisms. It is suggested that p-consciousness, awareness, experience and perception are basically equivalent and that human consciousness has in addition to percept-based p-consciousness, concept-based a-consciousness, a verbal and conceptual form of consciousness that can be utilized to coordinate, organize and plan activities for rational decision-making. This argument is based on Logan’s (The Extended Mind: The Emergence of Language, The Human Mind and Culture, 1997) assertion that humans are uniquely capable of reasoning and rationality because they are uniquely capable of verbal language and hence the ability to conceptualize.
Statistical Deadband: A Novel Approach for Event-Based Data Reporting
Authors: Torrisi Nunzio Marco
Published: January 2019

Deadband algorithms are implemented inside industrial gateways to reduce the volume of data sent across different networks. By tuning the deadband sampling resolution by a preset interval Δ , it is possible to estimate the balance between the traffic rates of networks connected by industrial SCADA gateways. This work describes the design and implementation of two original deadband algorithms based on statistical concepts derived by John Bollinger in his financial technical analysis. The statistical algorithms proposed do not require the setup of a preset interval—this is required by non-statistical algorithms. All algorithms were evaluated and compared by computing the effectiveness and fidelity over a public collection of random pseudo-periodic signals. The overall performance measured in the simulations showed better results, in terms of effectiveness and fidelity, for the statistical algorithms, while the measured computing resources were not as efficient as for the non-statistical deadband algorithms.
A Strategic Analysis of Cargolux Airlines International Position in the Global Air Cargo Supply Chain Using Porter’s Five Forces Model
Authors: Baxter Glenn
Published: January 2019

The objective of this research was to examine Cargolux Airlines International’s, one of the world’s major dedicated all-cargo airlines, strategic position in the global air cargo supply chain. To achieve this objective, a qualitative research approach was used. The data gathered for the study was examined by document analysis. The strategic analysis of Cargolux Airlines International was underpinned using Porter’s Five Forces Model. The study found that Cargolux has developed an extensive portfolio of products that satisfy discrete air cargo market segments’ requirements. The airline has also entered strategic partnership agreements with Emirates SkyCargo, Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), and Oman Air, which has enabled the partners to expand their route networks and to better optimize their available air cargo capacities. Cargolux has also established Milan-based Cargo Italia, which focuses on serving the important Italian air cargo market. The airline has also developed a successful two hub strategy in conjunction with one of its major shareholders, Henan Civil Aviation and Investment Company (HNCA). In 2017, Cargolux commenced a journey of transformation with the introduction of the “Cargolux 2025 Strategy”. A limitation of the study was that Cargolux’s annual revenues were not available. It was, therefore, not possible to analyze the airline’s revenue performance.
Hydrogen Bond versus Halogen Bond in HXOn (X = F, Cl, Br, and I) Complexes with Lewis Bases
Authors: Quiñonero David , Frontera Antonio
Published: January 2019

We have theoretically studied the formation of hydrogen-bonded (HB) and halogen-bonded (XB) complexes of halogen oxoacids (HXOn) with Lewis bases (NH3 and Cl−) at the CCSD(T)/CBS//RIMP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. Minima structures have been found for all HB and XB systems. Proton transfer is generally observed in complexes with three or four oxygen atoms, namely, HXO4:NH3, HClO3:Cl−, HBrO3:Cl−, and HXO4:Cl−. All XB complexes fall into the category of halogen-shared complexes, except for HClO4:NH3 and HClO4:Cl−, which are traditional ones. The interaction energies generally increase with the number of O atoms. Comparison of the energetics of the complexes indicates that the only XB complexes that are more favored than those of HB are HIO:NH3, HIO:Cl−, HIO2:Cl−, and HIO3:Cl−. The atoms-in-molecules (AIM) theory is used to analyze the complexes and results in good correlations between electron density and its Laplacian values with intermolecular equilibrium distances. The natural bon orbital (NBO) is used to analyze the complexes in terms of charge-transfer energy contributions, which usually increase as the number of O atoms increases. The nature of the interactions has been analyzed using the symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) method. The results indicate that the most important energy contribution comes from electrostatics, followed by induction.
Impact of Sex Differences and Diabetes on Coronary Atherosclerosis and Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Madonna Rosalinda , Balistreri Carmela Rita , De Rosa Salvatore , Muscoli Saverio , Selvaggio Stefano , Selvaggio Giancarlo , Ferdinandy Péter , De Caterina Raffaele
Published: January 2019

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) are the main cause of mortality in industrialized countries. Although it is well known that there is a difference in the risk of these diseases in women and men, current therapy does not consider the sexual dimorphism; i.e., differences in anatomical structures and metabolism of tissues. Here, we discuss how genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, cellular or molecular factors may explain the different CVD risk, especially in high-risk groups such as women with diabetes. We analyze whether sex may modify the effects of diabetes at risk of CAD. Finally, we discuss current diagnostic techniques in the evaluation of CAD and IHD in diabetic women.
Increased Circulating VAP-1 Levels Are Associated with Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Kraemer Marcel , Krawczyk Marcin , Noor Fozia , Grünhage Frank , Lammert Frank , Schneider Jochen G.
Published: January 2019

Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is a multifunction protein. While membrane-bound VAP-1 is an adhesion protein, soluble VAP-1 catalyzes the deamination of primary amines through its semicarbazide-sensitive amino oxidase (SSAO) activity. VAP-1 supports the transmigration of leukocytes and increases oxidative stress. In chronic liver diseases, it plays a role in leukocyte infiltration and fibrogenesis. Here, we measured VAP-1 plasma concentration and its SSAO activity in 322 patients with chronic hepatitis C infection and evaluated the association of VAP-1 with fibrosis stages. VAP-1 concentration strongly correlated with liver stiffness and was the second strongest influencing variable after gamma-glutamytransferase (GGT) for liver stiffness in regression analysis. The VAP-1 concentration increased with advancing fibrosis stages and the highest concentrations were found in patients with cirrhosis. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, a VAP-1 cut-off value of 541 ng/mL predicted histologically confirmed cirrhosis (sensitivity 74%; specificity 72%). SSAO activity correlated only moderately with liver stiffness, showing a relatively small increase in advanced fibrosis. To our knowledge, this is the first study on VAP-1 in chronic hepatitis C infection showing its association with progressive fibrosis. In conclusion, VAP-1 plasma concentration, rather than its SSAO activity, may represent a non-invasive biomarker for monitoring fibrogenesis in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.
Effect of Size and Location of Nevi on Postoperative Pain and Emergence Agitation in Children Undergoing Nevi Excision
Authors: Kim Jin-Soo , Lee Hye Sun , Park Dong Ha , Seok Suhyun , Kim Tae Kwang , Lee Hye Seon , Kim Ji Eun
Published: January 2019

Congenital melanocytic nevi need surgical excisions. However, the effect of the size and location of the nevi on pain and emergence agitation have yet to be studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate (1) the ideal parameter of the nevus size and (2) the effects of the size and location of the nevus on pain and emergence agitation. This observational study enrolled 100 children scheduled for an excision of a nevus under sevoflurane anesthesia. The parameters of the nevus size included the long diameter, the area before resection, the area of resection, and the proportion (the area of resection/total body surface). The nevus locations included the trunk, face, scalp, and extremities. The proportion of the nevi was the most ideal parameter in evaluating the pain and emergence agitation. A large size showed a higher emergence agitation than a small size (median (range); 6 (0–20) in small groups vs. 12.5 (0–20) in large groups, p = 0.021). However, the pain was comparable. The nevus location did not influence pain or emergence agitation. In a multivariate regression analysis, a younger age and an extensive excision were associated with higher pain and emergence agitation. In conclusion, large nevi induced more severe emergence agitation. However, the nevus location did not affect the outcome. In addition, a younger age was associated with pain and emergence agitation. Clinicians need to consider the proportion of nevi when managing children undergoing a nevus excision.
Driving Type 2 Diabetes Risk Scores into Clinical Practice: Performance Analysis in Hospital Settings
Authors: Martinez-Millana Antonio , Argente-Pla María , Valdivieso Martinez Bernardo , Traver Salcedo Vicente , Merino-Torres Juan Francisco
Published: January 2019

Electronic health records and computational modelling have paved the way for the development of Type 2 Diabetes risk scores to identify subjects at high risk. Unfortunately, few risk scores have been externally validated, and their performance can be compromised when routine clinical data is used. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of well-established risk scores for Type 2 Diabetes using routinely collected clinical data and to quantify their impact on the decision making process of endocrinologists. We tested six risk models that have been validated in external cohorts, as opposed to model development, on electronic health records collected from 2008-2015 from a population of 10,730 subjects. Unavailable or missing data in electronic health records was imputed using an existing validated Bayesian Network. Risk scores were assessed on the basis of statistical performance to differentiate between subjects who developed diabetes and those who did not. Eight endocrinologists provided clinical recommendations based on the risk score output. Due to inaccuracies and discrepancies regarding the exact date of Type 2 Diabetes onset, 76 subjects from the initial population were eligible for the study. Risk scores were useful for identifying subjects who developed diabetes (Framingham risk score yielded a c-statistic of 85%), however, our findings suggest that electronic health records are not prepared to massively use this type of risk scores. Use of a Bayesian Network was key for completion of the risk estimation and did not affect the risk score calculation (p > 0.05). Risk score estimation did not have a significant effect on the clinical recommendation except for starting pharmacological treatment (p = 0.004) and dietary counselling (p = 0.039). Despite their potential use, electronic health records should be carefully analyzed before the massive use of Type 2 Diabetes risk scores for the identification of high-risk subjects, and subsequent targeting of preventive actions.
Deciphering the Molecular Profile of Lung Cancer: New Strategies for the Early Detection and Prognostic Stratification
Authors: Dama Elisa , Melocchi Valentina , Colangelo Tommaso , Cuttano Roberto , Bianchi Fabrizio
Published: January 2019

Recent advances in radiological imaging and genomic analysis are profoundly changing the way to manage lung cancer patients. Screening programs which couple lung cancer risk prediction models and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) recently showed their effectiveness in the early diagnosis of lung tumors. In addition, the emerging field of radiomics is revolutionizing the approach to handle medical images, i.e., from a “simple” visual inspection to a high-throughput analysis of hundreds of quantitative features of images which can predict prognosis and therapy response. Yet, with the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and the establishment of large genomic consortia, the whole mutational and transcriptomic profile of lung cancer has been unveiled and made publicly available via web services interfaces. This has tremendously accelerated the discovery of actionable mutations, as well as the identification of cancer biomarkers, which are pivotal for development of personalized targeted therapies. In this review, we will describe recent advances in cancer biomarkers discovery for early diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of chemotherapy response.
The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring, Diabetes Smartphone Applications, and Self-Care Behavior in Glycemic Control: Results of a Multi-National Online Survey
Authors: Kebede Mihiretu M. , Schuett Cora , Pischke Claudia R.
Published: January 2019

Background: This study investigated the determinants (with a special emphasis on the role of diabetes app use, use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device, and self-care behavior) of glycemic control of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A web-based survey was conducted using diabetes Facebook groups, online patient-forums, and targeted Facebook advertisements (ads). Demographic, CGM, diabetes app use, and self-care behavior data were collected. Glycemic level data were categorized into hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and good control. Multinomial logistic regression stratified by diabetes type was performed. Results: The survey URL was posted in 78 Facebook groups and eight online forums, and ten targeted Facebook ads were conducted yielding 1854 responses. Of those owning smartphones (n = 1753, 95%), 1052 (62.6%) had type 1 and 630 (37.4%) had type 2 DM. More than half of the type 1 respondents (n = 549, 52.2%) and one third the respondents with type 2 DM (n = 210, 33.3%) reported using diabetes apps. Increased odds of experiencing hyperglycemia were noted in persons with type 1 DM with lower educational status (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.7; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.21–2.39); smokers (1.63, 95% CI: 1.15–2.32), and high diabetes self-management concern (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.15–2.32). CGM use (AOR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44–1.00); “general diet” (AOR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79–0.94); and “blood glucose monitoring” (AOR = 0.88, 95%CI: 0.80–0.97) self-care behavior reduced the odds of experiencing hyperglycemia. Hypoglycemia in type 1 DM was reduced by using CGM (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.09–0.60), while it was increased by experiencing a high diabetes self-management concern (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.04–3.61). Hyperglycemia in type 2 DM was increased by age (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00–1.04); high self-management concern (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.74–3.84); and poor confidence in self-management capacity (AOR = 3.22, 2.07–5.00). Conversely, diabetes app use (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41–0.96) and “general diet” self-care (AOR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75–0.94), were significantly associated with the reduced odds of hyperglycemia. Conclusion: Diabetes apps, CGM, and educational interventions aimed at reducing self-management concerns and enhancing dietary self-care behavior and self-management confidence may help patients with diabetes to improve glycemic control.
Colorectal Cancer Prognosis Is Not Associated with BRAF and KRAS Mutations-A STROBE Compliant Study
Authors: Lee Joon-Hyop , Ahn Jiyoung , Park Won , Choe Eun , Kim Eunyoung , Shin Rumi , Heo Seung , Jung Sohee , Kim Kwangsoo , Chai Young , Chae Heejoon
Published: January 2019

Background: We investigated the associations between v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAFV600E, henceforth BRAF) and v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations and colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis, using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE39582) datasets. Materials and Methods: The effects of BRAF and KRAS mutations on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of CRC were evaluated. Results: The mutational status of BRAF and KRAS genes was not associated with overall survival (OS) or DFS of the CRC patients drawn from the TCGA database. The 3-year OS and DFS rates of the BRAF mutation (+) vs. mutation (−) groups were 92.6% vs. 90.4% and 79.7% vs. 68.4%, respectively. The 3-year OS and DFS rates of the KRAS mutation (+) vs. mutation (−) groups were 90.4% vs. 90.5% and 65.3% vs. 73.5%, respectively. In stage II patients, however, the 3-year OS rate was lower in the BRAF mutation (+) group than in the mutation (−) group (85.5% vs. 97.7%, p < 0.001). The mutational status of BRAF genes of 497 CRC patients drawn from the GSE39582 database was not associated with OS or DFS. The 3-year OS and DFS rates of BRAF mutation (+) vs. mutation (−) groups were 75.7% vs. 78.9% and 73.6% vs. 71.1%, respectively. However, KRAS mutational status had an effect on 3-year OS rate (71.9% mutation (+) vs. 83% mutation (−), p = 0.05) and DFS rate (66.3% mutation (+) vs. 74.6% mutation (−), p = 0.013). Conclusions: We found no consistent association between the mutational status of BRAF nor KRAS and the OS and DFS of CRC patients from the TCGA and GSE39582 databases. Studies with longer-term records and larger patient numbers may be necessary to expound the influence of BRAF and KRAS mutations on the outcomes of CRC.
Molecular Profile of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers in Octogenarians: The Door to Precision Medicine in Elderly Patients
Authors: Fumagalli Caterina , Catania Chiara , Ranghiero Alberto , Bosi Carlo , Viale Giuseppe , de Marinis Filippo , Barberis Massimo , Guerini-Rocco Elena
Published: January 2019

Background: There is a pressing need to expand the evidence base in geriatric lung oncology. Most non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) are diagnosed in the elderly, with approximately 15% of cases affecting octogenarians. Treatment-related decisions are challenging in this population, and the role of biologically driven therapies is still underrated. Methods: A single-institution cohort of 76 NSCLCs from octogenarian patients was submitted to molecular analysis using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) multigene panel, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses, and immunohistochemistry for PD-L1 assessment. Treatment and clinical outcome data were available for 33 patients. Results: Most cases (n = 66, 87%) harbored at least one genomic alteration. EGFR and KRAS mutations were detected in 18 (24%) and 20 (26%) patients, respectively. No ALK alterations were found, but in two patients ROS1 translocation was identified. Of 22 cases tested, 17 were positive for PD-L1 staining. Octogenarian patients who received tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) based on molecular analysis showed clinical benefits, with long progression-free survival as expected in TKI-treated younger cohorts. Conclusions: This study highlights the utility of molecular profiling in all advanced-stage NSCLCs, regardless of the age at diagnosis, to drive personalized treatment. The prevalence of druggable alterations and the clinical benefits obtained by biologically-driven therapies in octogenarians were comparable to those of the younger NSCLC population.
Acute IgA-Dominant Glomerulonephritis Associated with Syphilis Infection in a Pregnant Teenager: A New Disease Association
Authors: Orozco Guillén Alejandra Oralia , Velazquez Silva Ricardo Ivan , Moguel González Bernardo , Guell Yubia Amaya , Garciadiego Fossas Pamela , Custodio Gómez Iris Guadalupe , Miranda Araujo Osvaldo , Soto Abraham Virgilia , Piccoli Giorgina Barbara , Madero Magdalena
Published: January 2019

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly recognized as a risk factor in pregnancy; the differential diagnosis between CKD and preeclampsia (PE) may be of pivotal importance for pregnancy management and for early treatment of CKD. Acknowledging this connection may be useful also in a wider context, such as in the case reported in this paper, which for the first time describes an association between syphilis infection and IgA-dominant glomerulonephritis. A 16-year-old woman, referred to a general hospital due to a seizure, was found to be unknowingly pregnant. Based on hypertension and nephrotic proteinuria, she was initially diagnosed with PE. Immunological tests, as well as hepatitis and HIV tests showed negative results. However, secondary syphilis was diagnosed. In discordance with the PE diagnosis, urinalysis showed glomerular microhematuria with cellular casts. Proteinuria and hypertension did not remit after delivery, which was made via caesarean section, due to uncontrolled hypertension, at an estimated gestational age of 29 weeks. A male baby, weighing 1.1 kg (6.5 centile) was born. The baby was hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit, where he developed subependymal hemorrhage and thrombocytopenia, and neonatal syphilis was diagnosed. The mother underwent a kidney biopsy one week after delivery, leading to the diagnosis of IgA-dominant postinfectious glomerulonephritis. Mother and child were treated with support and antibiotic therapy, and were discharged in good clinical conditions four weeks later. Four months after delivery, the mother was normotensive without therapy, with normal kidney function and without hematuria or proteinuria. In conclusion, this case suggests that IgA-dominant postinfectious glomerulonephritis should be added to the spectrum of syphilis-associated glomerulonephritides, and underlines the need for a careful differential diagnosis with CKD in all cases of presumed PE. While diagnosis relies on kidney biopsy, urinary sediment, a simple and inexpensive test, can be the first step in distinguishing PE from other nephropathies.
Inhibition of NADPH Oxidase 4 (NOX4) Signaling Attenuates Tuberculous Pleural Fibrosis
Authors: Kim Youngmi , Park So Yeong , Jung Harry , Noh You Sun , Lee Jae Jun , Hong Ji Young
Published: January 2019

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase [NOX] enzymes serve several hemostatic and host defense functions in various lung diseases, but the role of NOX4 signaling in tuberculous pleurisy is not well understood. The role of NOX4 signaling in tuberculous pleural fibrosis was studied using invitro pleural mesothelial cell (PMC) experiments and a murine model of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) pleural infection. The production of NOX4 reactive oxygen species (NOX4–ROS) and the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PMCs were both induced by heat-killed mycobacterium tuberculosis (HKMT). In cultured PMCs, HKMT-induced collagen-1 synthesis and EMT were blocked by pretreatment with small interfering RNA (siRNA) NOX4. Moreover, NOX4–ROS production and subsequent fibrosis were reduced by treatment with losartan and the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor TAK-242. The HKMT-induced EMT and intracellular ROS production were mediated by NOX4 via the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. Finally, in a BCG-induced pleurisy model, recruitment of inflammatory pleural cells, release of inflammatory cytokines, and thickened mesothelial fibrosis were attenuated by SiNOX4 compared to SiCon. Our study identified that HKMT-induced pleural fibrosis is mediated by NOX4–ERK–ROS via TLR4 and Angiotensin II receptor type1 (AT1R). There results suggest that NOX4 may be a novel therapeutic target for intervention in tuberculous pleural fibrosis.
CADDY Underwater Stereo-Vision Dataset for Human–Robot Interaction (HRI) in the Context of Diver Activities
Authors: Gomez Chavez Arturo , Ranieri Andrea , Chiarella Davide , Zereik Enrica , Babić Anja , Birk Andreas
Published: January 2019

In this article, we present a novel underwater dataset collected from several field trials within the EU FP7 project “Cognitive autonomous diving buddy (CADDY)”, where an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) was used to interact with divers and monitor their activities. To our knowledge, this is one of the first efforts to collect a large public dataset in underwater environments with the purpose of studying and boosting object classification, segmentation and human pose estimation tasks. The first part of the dataset contains stereo camera recordings (≈10 K) of divers performing hand gestures to communicate with an AUV in different environmental conditions. The gestures can be used to test the robustness of visual detection and classification algorithms in underwater conditions, e.g., under color attenuation and light backscatter. The second part includes stereo footage (≈12.7 K) of divers free-swimming in front of the AUV, along with synchronized measurements from Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) located throughout the diver’s suit (DiverNet), which serve as ground-truth for human pose and tracking methods. In both cases, these rectified images allow the investigation of 3D representation and reasoning pipelines from low-texture targets commonly present in underwater scenarios. This work describes the recording platform, sensor calibration procedure plus the data format and the software utilities provided to use the dataset.
Development of an Outdoor Wave Basin to Conduct Long-Term Model Tests with Real Vegetation for Green Coastal Infrastructures
Authors: Michalzik Jochen , Liebisch Sven , Schlurmann Torsten
Published: January 2019

The demand for physical model tests with real vegetation is increasing due to the current trend to elucidate the performance and durability of green coastal infrastructures to ensure and promote ecosystem services. To address this demand, a new outdoor wave basin (OWB) was built in August 2017 at the Ludwig-Franzius-Institute in Hannover, Germany. This paper reviews the general characteristics and the ongoing development of the new OWB. First insights into the long-term development of the ecosystem services of different grass revetments are discussed in terms of their ecological value and safety standards of sea dikes. Focus is placed on the resistance and ecological value of different grass mixtures that are typically applied on sea dikes situated along the North Sea. Further research concepts are briefly described to highlight how experiments in the new OWB may contribute to the current understanding and design recommendations of green coastal infrastructures. The operation of the OWB enables the performance of long-term experiments over seasonal growth stages of coastal vegetation using either fresh or seawater with wave load stresses and varying sea water levels. The first conducted experiments with different grass revetment combinations mimic typical storm surge conditions with a constant wave load (with a duration of up to 10 hours every second week) on a natural dike.
Chaotic Quantum Double Delta Swarm Algorithm Using Chebyshev Maps: Theoretical Foundations, Performance Analyses and Convergence Issues
Authors: Sengupta Saptarshi , Basak Sanchita , Peters Richard Alan
Published: January 2019

The Quantum Double Delta Swarm (QDDS) Algorithm is a networked, fully-connected novel metaheuristic optimization algorithm inspired by the convergence mechanism to the center of potential generated within a single well of a spatially colocated double–delta well setup. It mimics the wave nature of candidate positions in solution spaces and draws upon quantum mechanical interpretations much like other quantum-inspired computational intelligence paradigms. In this work, we introduce a Chebyshev map driven chaotic perturbation in the optimization phase of the algorithm to diversify weights placed on contemporary and historical, socially-optimal agents’ solutions. We follow this up with a characterization of solution quality on a suite of 23 single–objective functions and carry out a comparative analysis with eight other related nature–inspired approaches. By comparing solution quality and successful runs over dynamic solution ranges, insights about the nature of convergence are obtained. A two-tailed t-test establishes the statistical significance of the solution data whereas Cohen’s d and Hedge’s g values provide a measure of effect sizes. We trace the trajectory of the fittest pseudo-agent over all iterations to comment on the dynamics of the system and prove that the proposed algorithm is theoretically globally convergent under the assumptions adopted for proofs of other closely-related random search algorithms.
Power-Aware Synchronization of a Software Defined Clock
Authors: Ciuffoletti Augusto
Published: January 2019

In a distributed system, a common time reference allows each component to associate the same timestamp to events that occur simultaneously. It is a design option with benefits and drawbacks since it simplifies and makes more efficient a number of functions, but requires additional resources and control to keep component clocks synchronized. In this paper, we quantify how much power is spent to implement such a function, which helps to solve the dilemma in a system of low-power sensors. To find widely applicable results, the formal model used in our investigation is agnostic of the communication pattern that components use to synchronize their clocks, and focuses on the scheduling of clock synchronization operations needed to correct clock drift. This model helps us to discover that the dynamic calibration of clock drift significantly reduces power consumption. We derive an optimal algorithm to keep a software defined clock (SDCk) synchronized with the reference, and we find that its effectiveness is strongly influenced by hardware clock quality. To demonstrate the soundness of formal statements, we introduce a proof of concept. For its implementation, we privilege low-cost components and standard protocols, and we use it to find that the power needed to keep a clock within 200 ms from UTC (Universal Time Coordinate) as on the order of 10−5 W . The prototype is fully documented and reproducible.
Models for Prediction of Surface Roughness in a Face Milling Process Using Triangular Inserts
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Bingxu , Barber Gary C. , Gu Jie , Schall J.David
Published: January 2019

Research was carried out to develop a mathematical model based on the cutting tool surface profile geometry to predict surface roughness in face milling. Previous models were derived using either the simple assumption of a perfectly round tool nose or statistical analysis based on a large number of experiments. In this research, three milling cases were defined based on the magnitude of the feed rate using a triangular insert with a round corner. In case 1, the machine marks only consisted of a series of arcs. In case 2, the machine marks included a series of an arc and one straight line. In case 3, the machine marks consisted of a series of an arc and two straight lines. Three different equations for surface roughness prediction were obtained based on each of the three cases. Experiments were done to validate the models, and the results showed that the mathematical models had good correlation with experimental results.
Tribological Behavior of Titanium Alloy Treated by Nitriding and Surface Texturing Composite Technology
Authors: Kang Jiajie , Wang Mingzheng , Yue Wen , Fu Zhiqiang , Zhu Lina , She Dingshun , Wang Chengbiao
Published: January 2019

This study experimentally investigated the effect of surface textures on the tribological mechanism of nitrided titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V). The titanium alloy samples were nitrided at various temperatures ranging from 750 to 950 °C for 10 h in a plasma nitriding furnace. Then, surface textures were fabricated on the polished titanium alloy and plasma nitrided samples by laser process system. The surface roughness, microhardness, and constitution of samples treated by single nitriding and samples treated by composite technology were characterized. The tribological properties of the samples were investigated on a CSM ball-on-disc tribometer. The results show that plasma nitriding effectively enhances the wear resistance of the substrate. The wear rate decreases first and then increases with the increase of nitriding temperature, and the wear rate reaches the minimum at 900 °C. However, the increase in roughness caused by nitriding treatment leads to an increase in the friction coefficient. It is found that surface textures can obviously reduce the friction coefficient of the nitrided titanium alloy. In addition, it can also reduce the wear rate of titanium alloys after nitriding at 900 and 950 °C. It can be concluded that the nitriding and surface texturing combined treatment can obviously reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate at the nitriding temperatures of 900 and 950 °C. This is attributed to the combined effect of high hardness of nitride layers and the function of micro-trap for wear debris of surface textures.
Tuning and Feasibility Analysis of Classical First-Order MIMO Non-Linear Sliding Mode Control Design for Industrial Applications
Authors: Palmieri Alessandro , Procopio Renato , Bonfiglio Andrea , Brignone Massimo , Invernizzi Marco , Morini Andrea , Veselic’ Boban
Published: January 2019

Model-based control techniques have been gaining more and more interest these days. These complex control systems are mostly based on theories, such as feedback linearization, model predictive control, adaptive and robust control. In this paper the latter approach is investigated, in particular, sliding mode (SM) control is analyzed. While several works on the description and application of SM control on single-input single-output systems can easily be found, its application on multi-input multi-output systems is not examined in depth at the same level. Hence, this work aims at formalizing some theoretical complements about the necessary conditions for the feasibility of the SM control for multi-input-multi-output systems. Furthermore, in order to obtain the desired performance from the control system, a method for parameter tuning is proposed in the particular case in which the relative degree of the controlled channels is equal to one. Finally, a simple control problem example is shown with the aim of stressing the benefits derived from the application of the theoretical complements described here.
Coefficient Inequalities of Functions Associated with Hyperbolic Domains
Authors: Malik Sarfraz Nawaz , Mahmood Shahid , Raza Mohsan , Farman Sumbal , Zainab Saira , Muhammad Nazeer
Published: January 2019

In this work, our focus is to study the Fekete-Szegö functional in a different and innovative manner, and to do this we find its upper bound for certain analytic functions which give hyperbolic regions as image domain. The upper bounds obtained in this paper give refinement of already known results. Moreover, we extend our work by calculating similar problems for the inverse functions of these certain analytic functions for the sake of completeness.
Numerical Gradient Schemes for Heat Equations Based on the Collocation Polynomial and Hermite Interpolation
Authors: Li Hou-Biao , Song Ming-Yan , Zhong Er-Jie , Gu Xian-Ming
Published: January 2019

As is well-known, the advantage of the high-order compact difference scheme (H-OCD) is that it is unconditionally stable and convergent on the order O ( τ 2 + h 4 ) (where τ is the time step size and h is the mesh size), under the maximum norm for a class of nonlinear delay partial differential equations with initial and Dirichlet boundary conditions. In this article, a new numerical gradient scheme based on the collocation polynomial and Hermite interpolation is presented. The convergence order of this kind of method is also O ( τ 2 + h 4 ) under the discrete maximum norm when the spatial step size is twice the one of H-OCD, which accelerates the computational process. In addition, some corresponding analyses are made and the Richardson extrapolation technique is also considered in the time direction. The results of numerical experiments are consistent with the theoretical analysis.
A New Family of Chaotic Systems with Different Closed Curve Equilibrium
Authors: Zhu Xinhe , Du Wei-Shih
Published: January 2019

Chaotic systems with hidden attractors, infinite number of equilibrium points and different closed curve equilibrium have received much attention in the past six years. In this work, we introduce a new family of chaotic systems with different closed curve equilibrium. Using the methods of equilibrium points, phase portraits, maximal Lyapunov exponents, Kaplan–Yorke dimension, and eigenvalues, we analyze the dynamical properties of the proposed systems and extend the general knowledge of such systems.
Neutrosophic Multigroups and Applications
Authors: Uluçay Vakkas , Şahin Memet
Published: January 2019

In recent years, fuzzy multisets and neutrosophic sets have become a subject of great interest for researchers and have been widely applied to algebraic structures include groups, rings, fields and lattices. Neutrosophic multiset is a generalization of multisets and neutrosophic sets. In this paper, we proposed a algebraic structure on neutrosophic multisets is called neutrosophic multigroups which allow the truth-membership, indeterminacy-membership and falsity-membership sequence have a set of real values between zero and one. This new notation of group as a bridge among neutrosophic multiset theory, set theory and group theory and also shows the effect of neutrosophic multisets on a group structure. We finally derive the basic properties of neutrosophic multigroups and give its applications to group theory.
Two Classes of Entropy Measures for Complex Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Bi Lvqing , Zeng Zhiqiang , Hu Bo , Dai Songsong
Published: January 2019

Complex fuzzy sets are characterized by complex-valued membership functions, whose range is extended from the traditional fuzzy range of [0,1] to the unit circle in the complex plane. In this paper, we define two kinds of entropy measures for complex fuzzy sets, called type-A and type-B entropy measures, and analyze their rotational invariance properties. Among them, two formulas of type-A entropy measures possess the attribute of rotational invariance, whereas the other two formulas of type-B entropy measures lack this characteristic.
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method Using Heronian Mean Operators under a Bipolar Neutrosophic Environment
Authors: Fan Changxing , Ye Jun , Feng Sheng , Fan En , Hu Keli
Published: January 2019

In real applications, most decisions are fuzzy decisions, and the decision results mainly depend on the choice of aggregation operators. In order to aggregate information more scientifically and reasonably, the Heronian mean operator was studied in this paper. Considering the advantages and limitations of the Heronian mean (HM) operator, four Heronian mean operators for bipolar neutrosophic number (BNN) are proposed: the BNN generalized weighted HM (BNNGWHM) operator, the BNN improved generalized weighted HM (BNNIGWHM) operator, the BNN generalized weighted geometry HM (BNNGWGHM) operator, and the BNN improved generalized weighted geometry HM (BNNIGWGHM) operator. Then, their propositions were examined. Furthermore, two multi-criteria decision methods based on the proposed BNNIGWHM and BNNIGWGHM operator are introduced under a BNN environment. Lastly, the effectiveness of the new methods was verified with an example.
Fractional Metric Dimension of Generalized Jahangir Graph
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Kashif Agha , Rashid Tabasam , Javaid Muhammad
Published: January 2019

Arumugam and Mathew [Discret. Math. 2012, 312, 1584–1590] introduced the notion of fractional metric dimension of a connected graph. In this paper, a combinatorial technique is devised to compute it. In addition, using this technique the fractional metric dimension of the generalized Jahangir graph J m , k is computed for k ≥ 0 and m = 5 .
Stability Analysis of Quaternion-Valued Neutral-Type Neural Networks with Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Shu Jinlong , Xiong Lianglin , Wu Tao , Liu Zixin
Published: January 2019

This paper addresses the problem of global μ -stability for quaternion-valued neutral-type neural networks (QVNTNNs) with time-varying delays. First, QVNTNNs are transformed into two complex-valued systems by using a transformation to reduce the complexity of the computation generated by the non-commutativity of quaternion multiplication. A new convex inequality in a complex field is introduced. In what follows, the condition for the existence and uniqueness of the equilibrium point is primarily obtained by the homeomorphism theory. Next, the global stability conditions of the complex-valued systems are provided by constructing a novel Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, using an integral inequality technique, and reciprocal convex combination approach. The gained global μ -stability conditions can be divided into three different kinds of stability forms by varying the positive continuous function μ ( t ) . Finally, three reliable examples and a simulation are given to display the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Fisher-Type Fixed Point Results in b-Metric Spaces
Authors: Alqahtani Badr , Fulga Andreea , Karapınar Erdal , Özturk Ali
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we prove some common fixed-point theorems for two self-mappings in the context of a complete b-metric space by proposing a new contractive type condition. Further, we derive a result for three self-mappings in the same setting. We provide two examples to demonstrate the validity of the obtained results.