bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monetary Policy Effects on the Stock Market in China: Comparing Two Restriction Schemes in the SVAR Model
Authors: Wang Gang , Jiang Yucheng
Published: October 2020

This paper analyzes and compares the effects of the monetary policy on the stock price in China based on SVAR models with two different restriction schemes. As suggested by existing literature, there are four major monetary policy instruments used by the People’s Bank of China. They are the seven-day repo rate, the one-year benchmark lending rate, the M2, and the total loan. We run SVARs with the monetary policy instrument, the stock index, and the macroeconomic variables and show the impulse responses of the stock index to the monetary policy shocks. After comparing two restriction schemes, the short-run Cholesky restrictions and the short-run and long-run combined restrictions for identification, we conclude that the latter restriction method leads to better estimation than the former one. In general, a contractionary monetary policy shock lowers the stock price, appreciates the Chinese currency, reduces the output gap, injects deflation, and shrinks the commodity price gap. We find that the benchmark lending rate is more effective in regulating the Chinese stock market than the other monetary policy instruments. In addition, a combination of price-based and quantity-based monetary policy instruments is suggested for impacting the stock market and stabilizing the economy in China.
A Particle Fuzzy Decisive Framework for Moving Target Detection in the Multichannel SAR Framework
Authors: Jaya Eppili , Krishna B. T.
Published: October 2020

Target detection is one of the important subfields in the research of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). It faces several challenges, due to the stationary objects, leading to the presence of scatter signal. Many researchers have succeeded on target detection, and this work introduces an approach for moving target detection in SAR. The newly developed scheme named Adaptive Particle Fuzzy System for Moving Target Detection (APFS-MTD) as the scheme utilizes the particle swarm optimization (PSO), adaptive, and fuzzy linguistic rules in APFS for identifying the target location. Initially, the received signals from the SAR are fed through the Generalized Radon-Fourier Transform (GRFT), Fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT), and matched filter to calculate the correlation using Ambiguity Function (AF). Then, the location of target is identified in the search space and is forwarded to the proposed APFS. The proposed APFS is the modification of standard Adaptive genetic fuzzy system using PSO. The performance of the MTD based on APFS is evaluated based on detection time, missed target rate, and Mean Square Error (MSE). The developed method achieves the minimal detection time of 4.13[Formula: see text]s, minimal MSE of 677.19, and the minimal moving target rate of 0.145, respectively.
Effect of Sensor Sensitivity on Autonomous Aerial Vehicle Target Localization
Authors: Quirion Nate , Liu Dahai
Published: October 2020

In recent years, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) development and application have achieved remarkable growth. With the advancement of technology, UASs nowadays feature more advanced autonomous capabilities than ever before. In order to achieve autonomous behavior, intelligent systems are required to be incorporated to support system learning, control and decision-making. With these capabilities, UASs can learn from their past experiences, through interacting with the task environment to adapt their behavior to enhance their future performance. Machine learning is one of the most commonly used techniques for UASs to acquire knowledge from their experience, and research in this area is still developing. In this study, Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithms were used on autonomous aerial systems to achieve adaptive behavior and decision-making capabilities. The effects of UAS sensor sensitivity, as modeled through Signal Detection Theory (SDT), on the ability of RL algorithms to accomplish a target localization task were investigated. Three levels of sensor sensitivity were simulated and compared to the results of the same system using a perfect sensor, with the consideration of two RL algorithms, namely, Temporal Difference (TD) and Monte Carlo (MC) methods. Target localization and identification task were used as the test bed, and a hierarchical architecture was developed with two distinct agents. Mission performance was analyzed using multiple metrics, including episodic reward and the time taken to locate all targets. Statistical analyses were carried out to detect significant differences in the comparison of steady-state behavior of different factors. Results were discussed, and future research direction was given at the end of the paper.
Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels in Nonexcitable Tissues
Authors: Pitt Geoffrey S. , Matsui Maiko , Cao Chike
Published: October 2020

The identification of a gain-of-function mutation in CACNA1C as the cause of Timothy syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and syndactyly, highlighted roles for the L-type voltage-gated Ca2+channel CaV1.2 in nonexcitable cells. Previous studies in cells and animal models had suggested that several voltage-gated Ca2+channels (VGCCs) regulated critical signaling events in various cell types that are not expected to support action potentials, but definitive data were lacking. VGCCs occupy a special position among ion channels, uniquely able to translate membrane excitability into the cytoplasmic Ca2+changes that underlie the cellular responses to electrical activity. Yet how these channels function in cells not firing action potentials and what the consequences of their actions are in nonexcitable cells remain critical questions. The development of new animal and cellular models and the emergence of large data sets and unbiased genome screens have added to our understanding of the unanticipated roles for VGCCs in nonexcitable cells. Here, we review current knowledge of VGCC regulation and function in nonexcitable tissues and cells, with the goal of providing a platform for continued investigation.
Plasma-Synthesized Nanoparticles for Hybrid CNT/Nanoparticles Composites
Authors: Brunet Paul , McGlynn Ruairi James , Chakrabarti Supriya , Maguire Paul , Mariotti Davide
Published: October 2020

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted a lot of attention due to their unique electrical, thermal and mechanical properties [1-3]. CNTs are also highly suitable to achieve multi-functional materials when combined with a range of nanoparticles (NPs)[4-6].

In this work, CNT macroscopic ribbon structures are synthesized using the floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD) approach, using Iron as a catalyst, sulfur to limit the iron growth and to enhance the growth rate of the CNTs and methane as a carbon precursor [7].

Plasma-induced non-equilibrium electrochemistry (PiNE) was then used to synthesize NiO QDs and subsequently spray coated them onto CNT ribbons. The PiNE process used a Ni foil as the anode and a nickel tube as the cathode powered by direct current supply (45 min, 2 kV, 5mA). The NiO QDs exhibited a diameter of 3nm and were spray coated onto the CNTs which had been pre-treated with HNO3 to remove the Fe catalysts. The CNT-NiO QDs composite were tested for H2 generation with promising results.

As the two-step process highlighted limitations in the NP loading, a second approach was devised, developed and tested for high loading with Zn-based NPs. An RF helium microplasma reactor was integrated in-line with the CNT synthesis set-up to produce CNT-NPs in one-step process. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of ZnO NPs with a good coverage of the CNT ribbons. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that up to 40% of Zn can be loaded on the CNT ribbons, which represents a substantial improvement towards energy storage applications.

References

1. Ebbesen, T.W., et al., Electrical conductivity of individual carbon nanotubes. Nature, 1996. 382(6586): p. 54-56.

2. Kim, P., et al., Thermal Transport Measurements of Individual Multiwalled Nanotubes. Physical Review Letters, 2001. 87(21): p. 215502.

3. Baughman, R.H., A.A. Zakhidov, and W.A. de Heer, Carbon Nanotubes--the Route Toward Applications. Science, 2002. 297(5582): p. 787.

4. Qiu, L., et al., Enhancing the interfacial interaction of carbon nanotubes fibers by Au nanoparticles with improved performance of the electrical and thermal conductivity. Carbon, 2019. 141: p. 497-505.

5. Chaudhary, D., et al., ZnO nanoparticles decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes for enhanced photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical water splitting. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology a-Chemistry, 2018. 351: p. 154-161.

6. Roy, A., et al., NiO-CNT composite for high performance supercapacitor electrode and oxygen evolution reaction. Electrochimica Acta, 2018. 283: p. 327-337.

7. Hoecker, C., et al., The Dependence of CNT Aerogel Synthesis on Sulfur-driven Catalyst Nucleation Processes and a Critical Catalyst Particle Mass Concentration. Scientific Reports, 2017. 7(1): p. 14519.

Figure 1
Estimation of Integral Inequalities Using the Generalized Fractional Derivative Operator in the Hilfer Sense
Authors: Rashid Saima , Ashraf Rehana , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: October 2020

With the great progress of fractional calculus, integral inequalities have been greatly enriched by fractional operators; users and researchers have formed a real-world phenomenon in the production of the evaluation process, which results in convexity. Monotonicity and inequality theory has a strong relationship, whichever we work on, and we can apply it to the other one due to the strong correlation produced between them, especially in the past few years. In this article, we introduce some estimations of left and right sides of the generalized Caputo fractional derivatives of a function fornthorder differentiability via convex function, and related inequalities have been presented. Monotonicity and convexity of functions are used with some usual and straightforward inequalities. Moreover, we establish some new inequalities forC⌣ebys⌣ev and Gru¨ss type involving the generalized Caputo fractional derivative operators. The finding provides the theoretical basis and practical significance for the establishment of fractional calculus in convexity. It also introduces new ways of thinking and methods for innovative scientific research.
Bacteriology and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns among Neonates Diagnosed of Omphalitis at a Tertiary Special Care Baby Unit in Western Uganda
Authors: Turyasiima Munanura , Nduwimana Martin , Kiconco Gloria , Egesa Walufu Ivan , Manuel Silva Andres , Kalubi Peter , Ortiz Yamile Enedina Arias
Published: October 2020

Background. Newborn infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates in low-income countries. Clinical diagnosis for omphalitis in such settings is possible but this does not depict the microbiological characteristics of the involved organisms, and clinicians have often prescribed empirical antibiotics in neonates with omphalitis, despite an increasing burden of antibiotic resistance. Methods. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the bacteriology and antibiotic susceptibility patterns among neonates diagnosed with omphalitis at the special care baby unit (SCBU) of Kampala International University-Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH), western Uganda from March to June 2019. Sixty-five (65) neonates with a clinical diagnosis of omphalitis were consecutively recruited in the study. Cord swabs were taken under sterile (aseptic) precautions from all neonates, and antibiotic susceptibility tests performed using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion technique with commercially available antibiotics disks of ampicillin, cloxacillin, gentamicin, amikacin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, vancomycin, and imipenem on Mueller Hinton agar plates. The data was analyzed using STATA version 13.0, frequencies and proportions used to describe the variables. Results. Fifty-five, 55 (84.6%), neonates with suspected omphalitis had positive cord swab culture. Staphylococcal aureus (58.2%) was the commonest cause of omphalitis followed by Neisseria spp (16.4%), E. coli 6 (10.9%), Proteus spp (5.5%), Klebsiella spp (3.6%), Citrobacter spp (3.6%), and Haemophilus spp (1.8%) in decreasing frequency. Isolates were resistant to ampicillin (87.7%), gentamicin (54.4%), and cloxacillin (34.4%), the drugs recommended for use in neonates with suspected omphalitis. Conclusions. Staphylococcal aureus is still the predominant cause of omphalitis among neonates. There was high resistance to the commonly used antibiotics in the treatment of omphalitis among newborns. This study reemphasizes that clinicians should do cord swabbing for both culture and susceptibility tests among newborns with suspected omphalitis before initiation of antibiotics.
Comparison of Corneal Biomechanical Properties between Post-LASIK Ectasia and Primary Keratoconus
Authors: Zhao Wuxiao , Shen Yang , Jian Weijun , Shang Jianmin , Jhanji Vishal , Aruma Aruma , Zhou Xingtao
Published: October 2020

Purpose. To compare the corneal biomechanical properties between post-LASIK ectasia and primary keratoconus. Methods. A total of 42 eyes of 42 patients with matching age and central corneal thickness (CCT) were divided into two groups according to diagnosis of post-LASIK ectasia (PLE group; n = 21; age range: 22–47 years) and primary keratoconus (KC group; n = 21; age range: 21–47 years). The corneal biomechanical properties were assessed using Scheimpflug-based technology (Corvis ST; Oculus Optikgeräte, Wetzlar, Germany). The paired t-test and linear regression analysis were performed. Results. The PLE group had significantly higher mean stiffness parameter at the first applanation (SP-A1; 76.65 ± 21.66 vs 52.72 ± 13.65,

p
≤
0.001

) and mean stress-strain index (SSI) (SSI: 0.78 ± 0.16 versus 0.64 ± 0.12,

p
=
0.001

) than the KC group. SP-A1 was positively correlated with CCT in the PLE group (Pearson’s r = 0.816,

p
≤
0.001

), but not in the KC group (Pearson’s r = −0.014,

p
=
0.952

). No statistical correlation was observed between SSI and CCT in either group (Pearson’s r = 0.292,

p
=
0.199

, and Pearson’s r = 0.004,

p
=
0.985

, respectively). Conclusions. In our case series, KC manifested more severe than PLE in biomechanical properties. Since SSI measurements were independent of corneal thickness, it can be used for corneal biomechanical assessment.
A User-Defined Location-Sharing Scheme with Efficiency and Privacy in Mobile Social Networks
Authors: Peng Tao , Liu Jierong , Wang Guojun , Liu Qin , Chen Jianer , Zhu Jiawei
Published: October 2020

The popularity of the modern smart devices and mobile social networks (MSNs) brings mobile users better experiences and services by taking advantage of location-aware capabilities. Location sharing, as an important function of MSNs, has attracted attention with growing popularity. While the users get great benefits and conveniences from MSNs, they also have high concerns about the privacy of location. However, in the existing solution, the privacy of users can hardly be guaranteed without the assumption of full trust in the service provider (SP), and few previous research studies have discussed the individual requirement of mobile users in MSNs. In this paper, we propose a user-defined location-sharing scheme (ULSS) to achieve enhanced privacy preservation under different contexts. We present a coarse-grained proximity detection method and a lightweight order-preserving encryption- (OPE-) based method to provide the users with flexible privacy preservation at different privacy levels. The proposed scheme preserves user’s location privacy with respect to SP, friends, and other adversaries, getting rid of the introduction of fully trusted party (TTP). Extensive experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed scheme.
Uniform Energy Decay Rates for the Fuzzy Viscoelastic Model with a Nonlinear Source
Authors: Zhang Fengyun
Published: October 2020

This paper considers the fuzzy viscoelastic model with a nonlinear source

u

t
t

+
L
u
+

∫
0
t

g

t
−
ζ

Δ
u

ζ

d
ζ

−

u

γ

u
−
η
Δ

u

t

=
0

in a bounded field Ω. Under weak assumptions of the function

g

t

, with the aid of Mathematica software, the computational technique is used to construct the auxiliary functionals and precise priori estimates. As time goes to infinity, we prove that the solution is global and energy decays to zero in two different ways: the exponential form and the polynomial form.
Automatic Analysis Architecture of IoT Malware Samples
Authors: Carrillo-Mondejar Javier , Castelo Gomez Juan Manuel , Núñez-Gómez Carlos , Roldán Gómez Jose , Martínez José Luis
Published: October 2020

The weakness of the security measures implemented on IoT devices, added to the sensitivity of the data that they handle, has created an attractive environment for cybercriminals to carry out attacks. To do so, they develop malware to compromise devices and control them. The study of malware samples is a crucial task in order to gain information on how to protect these devices, but it is impossible to manually do this due to the immense number of existing samples. Moreover, in the IoT, coexist multiple hardware architectures, such as ARM, PowerPC, MIPS, Intel 8086, or x64-86, which enlarges even more the quantity of malicious software. In this article, a modular solution to automatically analyze IoT malware samples from these architectures is proposed. In addition, the proposal is subjected to evaluation, analyzing a testbed of 1500 malware samples, proving that it is an effective approach to rapidly examining malicious software compiled for any architecture.
Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis of 16S rRNA Sequences Identified Two Lineages of Helicobacter pylori Strains Detected from Different Regions in Sudan Suggestive of Differential Evolution
Authors: Idris Abeer Babiker , Hassan Hadeel Gassim , Ali Maryam Atif Salaheldin , Eltaher Sulafa Mohamed , Idris Leena Babiker , Altayb Hisham N. , Abass Amin Mohamed , Ibrahim Mustafa Mohammed Ahmed , Ibrahim El-Amin Mohamed , Hassan Mohamed A.
Published: October 2020

Background. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is ubiquitous among humans and one of the best-studied examples of an intimate association between bacteria and humans. Phylogeny and Phylogeography of H. pylori strains are known to mirror human migration patterns and reflect significant demographic events in human prehistory. In this study, we analyzed the molecular evolution of H. pylori strains detected from different tribes and regions of Sudan using 16S rRNA gene and the phylogenetic approach. Materials and methods. A total of 75 gastric biopsies were taken from patients who had been referred for endoscopy from different regions of Sudan. The DNA extraction was performed by using the guanidine chloride method. Two sets of primers (universal and specific for H. pylori) were used to amplify the 16S ribosomal gene. Sanger sequencing was applied, and the resulted sequences were matched with the sequences of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) nucleotide database. The evolutionary aspects were analyzed using MEGA7 software. Results. Molecular detection of H. pylori has shown that 28 (37.33%) of the patients were positive for H. pylori and no significant differences were found in sociodemographic characteristics, endoscopy series, and H. pylori infection. Nucleotide variations were observed at five nucleotide positions (positions 219, 305, 578, 741, and 763–764), and one insertion mutation (750_InsC_751) was present in sixty-seven percent (7/12) of our strains. These six mutations were detected in regions of the 16S rRNA not closely associated with either tetracycline or tRNA binding sites; 66.67% of them were located in the central domain of 16S rRNA. The phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences identified two lineages of H. pylori strains detected from different regions in Sudan. The presence of Sudanese H. pylori strains resembling Hungarian H. pylori strains could reflect the migration of Hungarian people to Sudan or vice versa. Conclusion. This finding emphasizes the significance of studying the phylogeny of H. pylori strains as a discriminatory tool to mirror human migration patterns. In addition, the 16S rRNA gene amplification method was found useful for bacterial identification and phylogeny.
Height of Mining-Induced Fractured Zones in Overlying Strata and Permeability of Rock with Nonpenetrative Fractures
Authors: Liu Yu , Liu Qimeng , Li Wenping , Hu Youbiao
Published: October 2020

Exploitation of shallow thick coal seams that are overlain by phreatic aquifers may cause loss of the water resource and destruction of the surface ecological environment. In order to explain the phenomenon that the actual leakage of phreatic water is greater than the predicted value, field investigation and analogue simulation were carried out, and the nonpenetrative fractured zone (NFZ) was proposed based on the original three zone theory. Further, a “vertical four-zone model” was established and the overlying strata was divided into a caved zone (CZ), through-going fractured zone (TFZ), NFZ, and continuous zone (COZ) from the bottom to the top. The characteristics of fractured rock within NFZ and the determination method of its height were studied. The results showed that the height of NFZ ranged from 11.55 to 21.20 m, which was approximately 0.17 times the combined height of the TFZ and the CZ. To reveal the mechanism of phreatic water leakage, the permeability of rock within NFZ was studied for their premining and postmining using an in situ water injection test and laboratory test. The results showed that the permeability of the rock in NFZ was increased by 7.52 to 48.37 times due to mining, and the magnitude of the increase was nonlinear from top to bottom. The increase of permeability of tested specimens was also related to the lithology. The results of the study are helpful to the prediction of the potential loss of phreatic water and the determination of the mining thickness.
Combination of Alcohol and EVOH as a New Embolic Agent: Midterm Tissue and Inflammatory Effects in a Swine Model
Authors: Hak Jean-François , Tradi Farouk , Bobot Mickael , Brige Pauline , Habert Paul , Chopinet Sophie , Haffner Aurélie , Soulez Gilles , Guillet Benjamin , Vidal Vincent
Published: October 2020

Objective. To evaluate the vascular occlusion and midterm tissue toxicity properties of a combination of ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) (Squid 18®) (75%) and alcohol (25%)—Alco-Squid 18—in a swine model. Materials and Methods. Alco-Squid 18 (75% Squid 18® mixed with 25% alcohol) (AS18) was compared to embolization with 96% alcohol alone and to embolization with Squid 18® (S18®) alone. An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) model was created in group 1 (n = 2). Each AVM model was then embolized with AS18 or S18® alone with evaluation of a ratio between the volume of embolic agent divided by the volume of the AVM (evaluated by CT). For group 2 (n = 5), each agent was tested on three different kidneys (upper pole kidney artery). Pre- and postinterventional CTs, angiographies, blood alcohol content dosages, and histological studies (3 months postintervention) were performed. Results. AS18 has better distal distribution than S18® alone, both in the kidneys (mean capsule-S18® distance: 3.9 mm (±0.23) and mean capsule-AS18 distance: 2.3 mm (±0.11) (

p
=
0.029

) and in the AVM model. Histological exploration found a higher rate of tubular necrosis with AS18 compared with S18® alone and alcohol alone (3.78 ± 0.44 compared to 2.33 ± 1.22

p
 
=
 0
.
012

and 1.22 ± 0.67

p
 
<
0
 
.
0001

). The blood alcohol content was negligible in all cases. Conclusion. AS18 can suggest a better distal sclerotic and embolic character as compared with S18® alone without systemic toxicity.
Management of Pacemaker Implantation during COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Rivetti Luigi , Mantovan Roberto , Sitta Nadir , Marinigh Ricarda , Allocca Giuseppe , Mohammed Moemen , Pizzino Fausto , Nucifora Giuseppe
Published: October 2020

The management of device implantation during the COVID-19 infection has not well defined yet. This is the first case of complete atrioventricular block in a symptomatic patient affected by the COVID-19 infection treated with early pacemaker implantation to minimize the risk of virus contagion.
Static Game Models and Applications Based on Market Supervision and Compliance Management of P2P Platform
Authors: Pang Sulin , Yang Junkun , Li Rongzhou , Cao Jun
Published: October 2020

This article focuses on the two-party static game between market supervisory organization and peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform. Considering 4 game modes with both “strong supervision” and “weak supervision” of market supervisory organization and “compliance management” and “noncompliance management” of P2P lending platform, the paper establishes a static game model between P2P lending platform and market supervisory organization and solves the market equilibrium solutions. Based on income, cost, disguised cost, and fine of P2P lending platform and income, cost, and reward of market supervisory organization, it discusses conditional strategies that P2P lending platform selects “compliance management” or “noncompliance management” and that market supervisory organization selects “strong supervision” or “weak supervision,” respectively. Furthermore, the relevant influencing factors are analyzed which come from 18 P2P lending platforms in Guangdong Province of China, and the conclusions were in good agreement with the actual market. The research has scientific guiding significance.
Toward a Stakeholder Perspective on Safety Risk Factors of Metro Construction: A Social Network Analysis
Authors: Lu Ying , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2020

The rapid development of the metro has greatly relieved the traffic pressure on the urban ground system, but the frequency of metro construction accidents is also increasing year by year. Due to the complex construction process of the metro, once an accident occurs, casualties and property damage are extremely serious. The safety risk factors triggered by different stakeholders were the primary cause of accidents during the metro construction phase. This paper builts a social analysis network of safety risk factors in metro construction from a stakeholder’s perspective. Based on 42 accident cases and related literature, 6 stakeholders and 25 safety risk factors were identified and the relationships between stakeholders and safety risk factors were also determined. Through the application of social network analysis, a social network of safety risk factors in metro construction was constructed, and quantitative analysis was carried out based on density, degree centrality, betweenness centrality, and cohesive subgroup. The results showed that the key safety risk factors in the construction phase of the metro were in action of the contractor’s construction site managers, lack of safety protection at the construction site, insufficient detailed survey and design information provided by the designer, unfavorable government regulation, and bad weather. Moreover, the results of 20 cohesive subgroups illustrated the interrelationship between safety risk factors. S1H2 (“violations by operatives” related to contractor) and S1H4 (“lack of safety precautions” related to contractor) and S5H5 (“ineffective supervision” related to supervisor) both belonged to subgroup G1, which means that there is a high probability that these three safety risk factors would occur simultaneously. This paper provided a basis to improve the level of safety risk management and control from the stakeholder’s perspective.
A Consistency Check Method for Trusted Hesitant Fuzzy Sets with Confidence Levels Based on a Distance Measure
Authors: Xiao Huimin , Wang Meiqi , Xi Xiaoning
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes a consistency check method for hesitant fuzzy sets with confidence levels by employing a distance measure. Firstly, we analyze the difference between each fuzzy element and its corresponding attribute comprehensive decision value and then obtain a comprehensive distance measure for each attribute. Subsequently, by taking the relative credibility as the weight, we assess the consistency of hesitant fuzzy sets. Finally, numerical examples are put forward to verify the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed method.
Exploiting Protein Translation Dependence in Multiple Myeloma with Omacetaxine-Based Therapy
Authors: Walker Zachary J. , Idler Beau M. , Davis Lorraine N. , Stevens Brett M. , VanWyngarden Michael J. , Ohlstrom Denis , Bearrows Shelby C. , Hammes Andrew , Smith Clayton A. , Jordan Craig T. , Mark Tomer M. , Forsberg Peter A. , Sherbenou Daniel W.
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

The prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma who are resistant to proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs (IMiD), and daratumumab is extremely poor. Even B-cell maturation antigen–specific chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies provide only a temporary benefit before patients succumb to their disease. In this article, we interrogate the unique sensitivity of multiple myeloma cells to the alternative strategy of blocking protein translation with omacetaxine.

Experimental Design:

We determined protein translation levels (n = 17) and sensitivity to omacetaxine (n = 51) of primary multiple myeloma patient samples. Synergy was evaluated between omacetaxine and IMiDs in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Underlying mechanism was investigated via proteomic analysis.

Results:

Almost universally, primary patient multiple myeloma cells exhibit >2.5-fold increased rates of protein translation compared with normal marrow cells. Ex vivo treatment with omacetaxine resulted in >50% reduction in viable multiple myeloma cells. In this cohort, high levels of translation serve as a biomarker for patient multiple myeloma cell sensitivity to omacetaxine. Unexpectedly, omacetaxine demonstrated synergy with IMiDs in multiple myeloma cell lines in vitro. In addition, in an IMiD-resistant relapsed patient sample, omacetaxine/IMiD combination treatment resensitized the multiple myeloma cells to the IMiD. Proteomic analysis found that the omacetaxine/IMiD combination treatment produced a double-hit on the IRF4/c-MYC pathway, which is critical to multiple myeloma survival.

Conclusions:

Overall, protein translation inhibitors represent a potential new drug class for myeloma treatment and provide a rationale for conducting clinical trials with omacetaxine alone and in combination with IMiDs for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
Open-label, Multicenter, Phase II Study of RC48-ADC, a HER2-Targeting Antibody–Drug Conjugate, in Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Sheng Xinan , Yan Xieqiao , Wang Lin , Shi Yanxia , Yao Xin , Luo Hong , Shi Benkang , Liu Jiyan , He Zhisong , Yu Guohua , Ying Jianming , Han Weiqing , Hu Changlu , Ling Yun , Chi Zhihong , Cui Chuanliang , Si Lu , Fang Jianmin , Zhou Aiping , Guo Jun
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of RC48-ADC, a novel humanized anti-HER2 antibody conjugated with monomethyl auristatin E, in patients with HER2+ locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) refractory to standard therapies.

Patients and Methods:

This was a phase II, open-label, multicenter, single-arm study of patients with HER2+ (IHC status 3+ or 2+) locally advanced or mUC who previously failed at least one line of systemic chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) assessed by a blinded independent review committee (BIRC). The secondary endpoint included progression-free survival (PFS), disease control rate, duration of response, overall survival (OS), and safety.

Results:

Forty-three patients were enrolled. The median follow-up was 20.3 months. The overall confirmed ORR as assessed by the BIRC was 51.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 35.5%–66.7%]. Similar responses were observed in prespecified subgroups, such as those with liver metastasis and those previously treated with anti–programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapies. The median PFS and OS were 6.9 months (95% CI, 5.6–8.9) and 13.9 months (95% CI, 9.1–NE), respectively. The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) were hypoesthesia (60.5%), alopecia (55.8%), and leukopenia (55.8%). Twenty-five (58%) patients experienced grade 3 TRAEs, including hypoesthesia (23.3%) and neutropenia (14.0%). No grade 4 or grade 5 TRAEs occurred.

Conclusions:

RC48-ADC demonstrated a promising efficacy with a manageable safety profile in patients with HER2+ locally advanced or mUC who had failed at least one line of systemic chemotherapy.
Breast Cancer Index Predicts Extended Endocrine Benefit to Individualize Selection of Patients with HR+ Early-stage Breast Cancer for 10 Years of Endocrine Therapy
Authors: Noordhoek Iris , Treuner Kai , Putter Hein , Zhang Yi , Wong Jenna , Meershoek-Klein Kranenbarg Elma , Duijm-de Carpentier Marjolijn , van de Velde Cornelis J.H. , Schnabel Catherine A. , Liefers Gerrit-Jan
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Individualized selection of patients with early-stage hormone receptor–positive (HR+) breast cancer for extended endocrine therapy (EET) is required to balance modest gains in outcome with toxicities of prolonged use. This study examined the Breast Cancer Index [BCI; HOXB13/IL17BR ratio (H/I)] as a predictive biomarker of EET benefit in patients from the Investigation on the Duration of Extended Adjuvant Letrozole trial.

Experimental Design:

BCI was tested in primary tumor specimens from 908 patients randomized to receive 2.5 versus 5 years of extended letrozole. The primary endpoint was recurrence-free interval. Cox models and likelihood ratios tested the interaction between EET and BCI (H/I).

Results:

BCI (H/I)-high significantly predicted benefit from extended letrozole in the overall cohort [HR 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.21–0.84; P = 0.011] and any aromatase inhibitor subset [HR 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16–0.73; P = 0.004), whereas BCI (H/I)-low patients did not derive significant benefit (HR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.58–1.56; P = 0.84 and HR 0.90; 95% CI, 0.53–1.55; P = 0.71, respectively) treatment to biomarker interaction was significant (P = 0.045, P = 0.025, respectively). BCI identified approximately 50% of patients with clinically high-risk disease that did not benefit, and with clinically low-risk disease that derived significant benefit, from an additional 2.5 years of EET.

Conclusions:

BCI (H/I) predicted preferential benefit from 5 versus 2.5 years of EET and identified patients with improved outcomes from completing 10 years of adjuvant endocrine therapy. Findings expand the clinical utility of BCI (H/I) to a broader range of patients and beyond prognostic risk factors as a predictive endocrine response biomarker for early-stage HR+ breast cancer.
Age is in the Eye of the Beholder: Distinguishing Molecular Signatures in Early-onset Pancreatic Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Lou Emil
Published: October 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is more prevalent in older patients, but early-onset cases (<55 years) may be a distinct genetic subpopulation. Differential expression of CDKN2A and transcription factor FOXC2 were found in early-onset cases. This finding opens the door to investigating additional features that distinguish PDAC tumors in this age group.

See related article by Tsang et al., p. 246
Mesenteric Phlebosclerosis Associated with Herbal Medicine
Authors: Kubo Kimitoshi , Kimura Noriko , Maiya Norishige , Matsuda Soichiro , Tsuda Momoko , Kato Mototsugu
Published: October 2020

Mesenteric phlebosclerosis (MP) associated with herbal medicine is rarely reported and its endoscopic and radiological features remain poorly described. An 81-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for right lower abdominal pain and high-grade fever. Computed tomography (CT) revealed wall thickening, pericolic fat stranding, and linear calcifications extending from the cecum to the hepatic flexure of the colon. Ultrasonography (US) revealed wall thickening of the cecum and ascending colon. Colonoscopy (CS) revealed dark-purple edematous mucosa with erosion and ulcers from the cecum to the hepatic flexure of the colon. The patient was histopathologically diagnosed with MP, discontinued orengedokuto, and was treated with intravenous antibiotics for 1 week. Six months after treatment, US and CT revealed no significant changes, but CS showed improvement in dark-purple edematous mucosa with erosion and ulcers. To our knowledge, this report represents a valuable addition to the MP literature describing a rare case of MP associated with herbal medicine.
Daily Distance Traveled Is Associated with Greater Brain Size in Primates
Authors: Vidal-Cordasco Marco , Rodríguez-González Lucía , Prado-Nóvoa Olalla , Zorrilla-Revilla Guillermo , Modesto-Mata Mario
Published: October 2020

Explanations for the brain size increments through primate and, particularly, human evolution are numerous. Commonly, these hypotheses rely on the influence that behavioral and ecological variables have on brain size in extant primates, such as diet quality, social group size, or home range (HR) area. However, HR area does not reflect the time spent moving. As such, it has not been properly addressed whether the effort involved in movement could have affected brain size evolution in primates. This study aimed to test the influence of daily movement on primates’ brain sizes, controlling for these other behavioral and ecological factors. We used a large comparative dataset of extant primate species and phylogenetic comparative methods. Our results show a significant correlation between daily movement and brain mass, which is not explained by the influence of diet, social group size, HR, or body mass. Hence, from an evolutionary timescale, a longer daily movement distance is not a constraining factor for the energetic investment in a larger brain. On the contrary, increased mobility could have contributed to brain mass incrementations through evolution.
Iúri Tyniánov e a palavra poética: a poesia no âmbito do Formalismo Russo
Authors: Bernardini Aurora Fornoni
Published: October 2020

Este ensaio apresenta as principais contribuições da teoria formalista russa para o estudo da poesia. Seu foco incide nos principais achados teóricos de Iúri Tyniánov no que se refere à abordagem da linguagem poética. Também aponta analogias e “semelhanças de família” entre as teorias de Tyniánov e as poéticas de Carlos Drummond de Andrade e de Manuel Bandeira.
A figura do mundo na dispersão dos seus fragmentos: o exército de cavalaria, de Isaac Bábel
Authors: Ferrari Marcos Vinícius , Bischof Betina
Published: October 2020

O presente artigo desenvolve uma leitura de O exército de cavalaria (1926), de Isaac Bábel, focalizando, especialmente, a linguagem do autor, a estrutura narrativa e o papel desempenhado pelo narrador protagonista e por sua trajetória de formação. Por meio da análise de três contos (“A travessia do Zbrutch”, “O filho do rabino” e “Berestiechko”), são tratadas questões concernentes à representação da matéria épica, ao efeito geral de paradoxo, conflito e choque observável na obra e, finalmente, à possibilidade de caracterizar o livro de Bábel como um romance modernista.
Entrevista con Pau Sanmartín Ortí: la otra cara del formalismo ruso en España
Authors: Medeiros Gutemberg Araújo de
Published: October 2020

A fortuna crítica sobre o formalismo russo em espanhol teve como sua mais recente contribuição o estudo Otra historia del formalismo ruso, de autoria de Pau Sanmartín Ortí, publicado pela editora madrilenha Lengua de Trapo, em 2008, refundido e ampliado de sua tese de doutoramento, La finalidad poética en el Formalismo ruso: el concepto de desautomatización, defendida na Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Aqui apresentamos uma entrevista com o autor, abordando vários aspectos de como se deu a sua pesquisa e visões mais recentes desta corrente de pensamento determinante até hoje. A entrevista contou com a colaboração do professor e pesquisador Valteir Vaz. Como a entrevista foi realizada em língua espanhola, utilizamos a transliteração de nomes russos daquele país
Poiesis como tomada de decisão: Chklóvski, Tyniánov, Bakhtin
Authors: Steiner Peter
Published: October 2020

A ciência da decisão é uma disciplina relativamente nova: é o produto da imbricação entre matemática, psicologia, economia e outros ramos do saber. Ela estuda como as pessoas fazem suas escolhas e procura fornecer um “quadro racional de escolha entre alternativas possíveis quando as consequências resultantes de tal ação são imprecisamente conhecidas”. Meu artigo aborda as teorias de Viktor Chklóvski e Iúri Tyniánov resumindo como esses dois membros da Sociedade para o Estudo da Linguagem Poética (OPOIAZ), de São Petersburgo, consideravam o escritor um agente racional que almejava um objetivo específico e os meios disponíveis para obtê-lo. Para concluir, justaponho a conceituação formalista de criatividade poética à visão de Mikhail Bakhtin sobre o mesmo assunto, argumentando que a maneira como ele concebe as estratégias disponíveis ao autor literário se adequa a pressupostos da chamada “racionalidade interativa”.
A poética quantitativa do Formalismo Russo
Authors: Pilshchikov Igor
Published: October 2020

Este ensaio aborda a teoria formalista russa de uma perspectiva quantitativa. Seu foco está nas teorias sobre a arte verbal conforme desenvolvidas por Boris Tomachévski, Boris Eikhenbaum, Roman Jakobson e especialmente por Boris Iarkhó. Aborda o pioneirismo de Iarkhó quanto ao estudo quantitativo de aspectos do texto artístico e dos usos da estatística para tal. Além disso, trata-se do primeiro estudo sobre as contribuições de Iarkhó no contexto do Formalismo Russo publicado no Brasil.
A Novel Endocrine Role for the BAT-Released Lipokine 12,13-diHOME to Mediate Cardiac Function
Authors: Pinckard Kelsey M. , Shettigar Vikram K. , Wright Katherine R. , Abay Eaman , Baer Lisa A. , Vidal Pablo , Dewal Revati S. , Das Devleena , Duarte-Sanmiguel Silvia , Hernández-Saavedra Diego , Arts Peter J. , Lehnig Adam C. , Bussberg Valerie , Narain Niven R. , Kiebish Michael A. , Yi Fanchao , Sparks Lauren M. , Goodpaster Bret H. , Smith Steven R. , Pratley Richard E. , Lewandowski E. Douglas , Raman Subha V. , Wold Loren E. , Gallego-Perez Daniel , Coen Paul M. , Ziolo Mark T. , Stanford Kristin I.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an important tissue for thermogenesis, making it a potential target to decrease the risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and recent studies have also identified BAT as an endocrine organ. Although BAT has been implicated to be protective in cardiovascular disease, to this point there are no studies that identify a direct role for BAT to mediate cardiac function.

Methods:

To determine the role of BAT on cardiac function, we utilized a model of BAT transplantation. We then performed lipidomics and identified an increase in the lipokine 12,13-dihydroxy-9Z-octadecenoic acid (12,13-diHOME). We utilized a mouse model with sustained overexpression of 12,13-diHOME and investigated the role of 12,13-diHOME in a nitric oxide synthase type 1 deficient (NOS1
-/-
) mouse and in isolated cardiomyocytes to determine effects on function and respiration. We also investigated 12,13-diHOME in a cohort of human patients with heart disease.

Results:

Here, we determined that transplantation of BAT (+BAT) improves cardiac function via the release of the lipokine 12,13-diHOME. Sustained overexpression of 12,13-diHOME using tissue nanotransfection negated the deleterious effects of a high-fat diet on cardiac function and remodeling, and acute injection of 12,13-diHOME increased cardiac hemodynamics via direct effects on the cardiomyocyte. Furthermore, incubation of cardiomyocytes with 12,13-diHOME increased mitochondrial respiration. The effects of 12,13-diHOME were absent in
NOS1
−/−
mice and cardiomyocytes. We also provide the first evidence that 12,13-diHOME is decreased in human patients with heart disease.

Conclusions:

Our results identify an endocrine role for BAT to enhance cardiac function that is mediated by regulation of calcium cycling via 12,13-diHOME and NOS1.
Abstract 214: Septin4 Deletion Prevents Hypertrophy to Heart Failure Transition After Transverse Aortic Constriction
Authors: Yucel Dogacan , Van Berlo Jop H , Parthiban Preethy
Published: October 2020

In response to cardiac injury or increased workload, the mammalian heart undergoes ventricular remodeling to maintain cardiac function. Initally, these changes are compensatory, although ultimately, they can lead to death of cardiomyocytes, ventricular dilation, and progression to heart failure. It is critical to understand the underlying mechanisms that regulate this transition, since it could identify new therapeutic targets. The role of the small GTPase Septin4 in the heart, and in regulating cardiac stress response is unknown. Previous research has implicated Septin 4 in regulation of Store Operated Calcium entry, as well as cell death regulation through a splice isoform (ARTS). We performed cardiac pressure overload in wild type controls and Septin 4 knockout (-/-) mice. Importantly, we did not detect differences in cardiac hypertrophy or function at baseline (57% ejection fraction in both groups). Four weeks following transverse aortic constriction (TAC), Septin4-/- mice showed improved cardiac function with higher ejection fraction (51%) compared to controls (40%), while the level of hypertrophy was similar. Furthermore, we detected reduced cleaved caspase-3 staining after TAC in Septin4-/- mice, due to inhibition of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in Septin4 -/- mice. Mechanistically, we detected increases in protein expression of both total and phosphorylated phospholamban and CaMKII in Septin4-/- mice, suggesting alterations in Calcium handling, and indicating compensatory signaling pathways were still active in Septin4-/- mice, while control mice were transitioning to heart failure. In conclusion, genetic deletion of Septin4 prevented cardiomyocyte death and protected mice from heart failure following cardiac pressure overload. Future research will focus on regulation of calcium handling in Septin4-/- mice to determine the exact mechanisms through which Septin4 plays a detrimental role in cardiac remodeling.
Abstract 215: Negative Regulation of Adherens Junction Formation Patterns Cellular Parameters Required for Cardiac Pacemaking
Authors: Thomas Kandace , Henley Trevor , Rossi Simone , Bressan Michael
Published: October 2020

Cardiac Pacemaker Cells (CPCs) rhythmically initiate the electrical impulses that drive heart contractions. Paradoxically, CPCs display the highest rate of spontaneous depolarization in the heart despite being subjected to unfavorable electrochemical conditions that should theoretically suppress their activity. How CPCs overcome such barriers remains a fundamentally unresolved topic in our understanding of cardiac electrophysiology. To address this, we have used computational modeling, high resolution
in vivo
imaging, and direct genetic manipulation of CPCs to examined the developmental processes that coordinate CPC electrical integration into the embryonic heart. Through these studies we have uncovered a series of previously unrecognized cytoarchitectural patterning events that are critical for CPC function. Specifically, we have identified that CPCs uniquely internalize their adherens junction complexes during early cardiac morphogenesis. As a result, CPCs adopt physical attributes, such as small cell size, and electrical characteristics, including poor gap junctional coupling, that are highly beneficial for maintenance of their excitability. Importantly, our data also demonstrate that ectopic adherens junction formation severely perturbs CPC function in a force dependent manner. Thus, these data highlight that regulation of cell-cell interactions controls the basic structural parameters needed to support CPC activity in the heart and that local cellular mechanics should be a design consideration as cellular-based therapeutics for the correction of CPC dysfunction become increasingly feasible.