bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interventions to treat pain in paediatric CFS/ME: a systematic review
Authors: Ascough Caitlin , King Hayley , Serafimova Teona , Beasant Lucy , Jackson Sophie , Baldock Luke , Pickering Anthony Edward , Brooks Jonathan , Crawley Esther
Published: March 2020

Background

Paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is common (prevalence 1%–2%). Two-thirds of children experience moderate or severe pain, which is associated with increased fatigue and poorer physical function. However, we do not know if treatment for CFS/ME improves pain.

Objective

Identify whether specialist treatment of paediatric CFS/ME improves pain.

Methods

We conducted a detailed search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library. Two researchers independently screened texts published between 1994 and 24 January 2019 with no language restrictions. Inclusion criteria were (1) randomised controlled trials and observational studies; (2) participants aged <19 years with CFS/ME; and (3) measure of pain before and after an intervention.

Results

Of 1898 papers screened, 26 studies investigated treatment for paediatric CFS/ME, 19 of which did not measure pain at any time point. Only five treatment studies measured pain at baseline and follow-up and were included in this review. None of the interventions were specifically targeted at treating pain. Of the included studies, two showed no improvement in pain scores, one suggested an improvement in one subgroup and two studies identified improvements in pain measures in ‘recovered’ patients compared with ‘non-recovered’ patients.

Conclusions

Despite the prevalence and impact of pain in children with CFS/ME surprisingly few treatment studies measured pain. In those that did measure pain, the treatments used focused on overall management of CFS/ME and we identified no treatments that were targeted specifically at managing pain. There is limited evidence that treatment helps improve pain scores. However, patients who recover appear to have less pain than those who do not recover. More studies are needed to determine if pain in paediatric CFS/ME requires a specific treatment approach, with a particular focus on patients who do not recover following initial treatment.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019117540.
Influence of surface footing loading on soil arching above multiple buried structures in transparent sand
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Tao Fengjuan , Han Jie , Ye Guanbao , Cheng Bingnan , Liu Liu
Published: March 2020

Constructing a new buried structure nearby an existing one or constructing multiple buried structures in close proximity may change overburden stresses, induce ground movement, and affect soil–structure interaction. Such issues become more complex when these nearby buried structures are subjected to surface cyclic footing loading. Cyclic loading is expected to have different influences on the buried structures from static loading. This paper presents two-dimensional trapdoor tests with transparent soil to investigate the influences of static versus cyclic surface loading, number of trapdoors, overburden soil height, and load frequency on soil arching above single or multiple adjacent buried structures. The particle image velocimetry technique was adopted to monitor soil movements during testing. The test results showed that soil arching degraded more under cyclic loading than under static loading. The interaction of buried structures, the thin overburden soil, and the high load frequency accelerated soil arching degradation and induced larger ground surface displacement.
Not all ponds are created equal: long-term beaver (Castor canadensis) lodge occupancy in a heterogeneous landscape
Authors: Hood G.A.
Published: March 2020

Modeling habitat selection often represents single spatial scales and short time periods. However, for species that dramatically modify environments upon initial colonization, non-linear interactions change original habitat to one where habitat selection is confounded by subsequent modifications by the organism itself. The ability of beavers (Castor canadensis Kuhl, 1820) to dramatically alter habitat components over time makes them a model species for examining habitat selection spatially and temporally. This study identified habitat features selected by a relatively long-lived, colonial species, and how selection influenced site occupancy over varying spatial scales. Remote sensing and field data provided spatial and temporal coverage of four measures of occupancy. Models of occupancy over an 11-year period, combined with environmental variables, identified features influencing occupancy, abandonment, and recolonization at 30, 50, and 100 m scales. Unlike many studies, % deciduous was a poor predictor of occupancy. Instead, pond area, % grassland, distance to a pond that was active at least once, and standard deviation (SD) of slope were important variables. SD of slope was the only variable not influenced by beavers. Examining species–habitat relationships over broader spatial and temporal scales, particularly for ecosystem engineers, enhances understanding of non-linear effects and how they influence perceptions of habitat selection.
Study of tilted cylindrical quark star
Authors: Sharif M. , Nazir Sumaira
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we study perfect, anisotropic and anisotropic dissipative cylindrical quark star for the tilted observer. To this end, the field equations and dynamical equations are formulated and assume MIT bag model to find a numerical solution of the field equations. The behavior of resulting model is investigated by plotting density, pressure, anisotropy and energy conditions. We check viability of the solutions through physical features related to stellar matter configuration. Finally, we discuss stability for all the cases of fluid distribution.
Comparison of different surface modifications on mechanical properties of HNTs incorporated CFRP for fine particle accumulation
Authors: Yu Tianyu , Kim Yun-Hae , Park Soo-Jeong
Published: March 2020

This paper presents an investigation into the effect of particle accumulation on an amorphous halloysite nanotube (A-HNT)/Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminate, fabricated through Vacuum-assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VaRTM). Resin blending and Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) methods were impeded to incorporate the A-HNTs. Bending, short beam shear (SBS), and end-notched flexure (ENF) tests were individually conducted on three sections, which were divided from an integral CFRP laminate. The anchoring effect of the carbon fibers and the scouring effect of the resin flow together lead to the different A-HNT accumulation patterns in both incorporation methods, and thus caused the observed distinctions in the properties of each separated section. Extensively incorporated A-HNTs showed a tendency to aggregate, resulting in the degradation of the material’s properties.
The standard strength test of 3D printing materials and its application for UAV propellers
Authors: Yeh Yung-Lan
Published: March 2020

This study investigates the possibility analysis of UAV propeller made by commercial 3D printing machine. The primary experimental facility is 3D printer based on Fused Deposition Modeling method (FDM). The main methodology of this work is to construct standard test piece according to ASTM standard and use for standard test. The Polylactic Acid (PLA) and carbon fiber composite material are the main two printing materials in this work. Experimental results reveal that the strength and bending of these two materials are enough to be the propeller of middle size UAV, especially the carbon fiber composite material. This study not only confirms the application possibility of UAV propeller made by 3D printing, but also carries out the real flight test to identify performance enhancement and future application.
Dispersion technology on mechanical properties of carbon nanomaterials reinforced epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Chiang Chin-Lung , Hsu Chien-Wei , Wu Hsiu-Ming , Shen Ming-Yuan
Published: March 2020

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are platelet-liked graphite nanocrystals with multigraphene layers. In general, a high contact area between polymer and nanofiller maximizes stress transfer from the polymer matrix to nanofillers. Therefore, GNPs can be expected to exhibit better reinforcement than CNTs in polymer composites, because of their ultrahigh aspect ratio (600–10,000) and higher surface constant area. The GNPs planar structure provides a 2D path for phonon transport, and the ultrahigh surface area allows a large surface contact area with polymer resulting in the enhancement of the composite thermal conductivity. In this study, simple and efficient planetary mixing methods were used to enable the GNPs to disperse uniformly throughout the epoxy solution (i.e. 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 wt%) and then to prepare GNPs/epoxy nanocomposites. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposite, including ultimate tensile, flexural strength and flexural modulus, were investigated. Finally, the fracture surface of the specimen was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the dispersion of the GNPs in the composites.
Vehicle Interior Sound Quality Evaluation Index Selection Scheme Based on Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Pan Jian , Cao Xiaolin , Wang Dengfeng , Chen Jing , Yuan Jiankun
Published: March 2020

In the process of vehicle interior sound quality research, the subjective assessment usually requires a lot of manpower, time and material resources. It is necessary to choose appropriate objective indexes to predict the subjective results. In this paper, a sound quality evaluation index analysis and selection scheme based on grey relational analysis (GRA) is designed. In order to make a reasonable prediction of the subjective indexes with the limited data, GRA of the objective indexes and subjective indexes is conducted. Because three subjective indexes are considered in our study, an indicator that can represent the three chosen subjective indexes is established for the subsequent analysis. Furthermore, the comprehensive ranking and the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) of the objective indexes are involved to make the selection of objective indexes easy and meaningful. Finally, the objective indexes are divided into five groups by HCA. According to the clustering results, four objective indexes including “fluctuation”, “sharpness”, “articulation index” and “roughness” are suitable for predicting and representing the subjective indexes to some degree. The scheme proposed in this paper lays the foundation for further optimization and control of vehicle interior sound quality. The method can also be applied to solve other similar multi-factor analysis and selection problems.
Anti-Corrosion Performance of Conductive Copolymers of Polyaniline/Polythiophene on a Stainless Steel Surface in Acidic Media
Authors: Xue Shouqing , Ma Yuanzhong , Miao Yunxia , Li Weinan
Published: March 2020

The composite conductive copolymers of polyaniline/polythiophene (Pani/PTH) were successfully prepared by an electrochemical method on a stainless steel surface containing both aniline and thiophene in a 0.3[Formula: see text]mol/L oxalic acid solution. The anti-corrosion performance of the Pani/PTH on stainless steel surfaces was investigated in acidic media by polarization curve analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Additionally, the surface morphology of Pani/PTH composite conductive copolymers was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the Pani/PTH copolymers strongly adhered to the surface of the stainless steel. Compared with that of bare stainless steel, composite conductive copolymers of Pani/PTH on the stainless steel surface provided good anti-corrosion behavior; additionally, the corrosion potential could be improved by approximately 400[Formula: see text]mV, while the current density decreased by two orders of magnitude in the corrosion media. The above results were in accordance with the SEM characterization results. The SEM spectrum showed that the Pani/PTH film had a uniform, dense and shiny structure, so it had better anti-corrosion behavior.
Mass wasting on Alpha Ridge in the Arctic Ocean: new insights from multibeam bathymetry and sub-bottom profiler data
Authors: Boggild Kai , Mosher David C. , Travaglini Paola , Gebhardt Catalina , Mayer Larry
Published: March 2020

Marine geological and geophysical data from Alpha Ridge in the Arctic Ocean are sparse because of thick perennial sea-ice cover, which prevents access by most surface vessels. Rare seismic data in this area, acquired largely from drifting ice-camps, had shown the hemipelagic drape that covers most of the ridge is highly disrupted within a large (>90 000 km
2
) south central region. Here, evidence of pronounced seafloor erosion and debris flows infilling seafloor lows was previously interpreted to be the result of a possible bolide impact. In recent years, several icebreaker expeditions have successfully acquired multibeam bathymetry and sub-bottom profiler data in the western segment of this region. Analysis of these data reveals a complex seafloor morphology characterized by ridges and troughs, angular blocks and escarpments as well as seismic facies characterized by hyperbolic seafloor reflections, and convoluted to incoherent and transparent sub-bottom reflectivity. These features are interpreted as evidence of sediment mass movement with varying degrees of lateral transport deformation. At least two episodes of failure are interpreted based on the presence of both buried and surficial mass-transport features. As multiple events are interpreted, seismicity is the most plausible trigger mechanism rather than bolide impact.
Formation of Liquid Water Pathways in PEM Fuel Cells: A 3-D Pore-Scale Perspective
Authors: Shrestha P. , Lee CH. , Fahy K. F. , Balakrishnan M. , Ge N. , Bazylak A.
Published: March 2020

We investigated the 3-D pore-scale liquid water distribution within the cathode GDL via in operando synchrotron X-ray tomography during low current density fuel cell operation to capture the early appearance of liquid water pathways. We found that the invasion of liquid water into the GDL only partially filled certain GDL pores. Liquid water preferentially flowed along some GDL fibers, which was attributed to the hydrophilic nature of carbon fiber and the presence of pore-scale mixed wettability within the GDLs.
(E)-N′-(1-(7-Hydroxy-2-Oxo-2H-Chromen-3-Yl) Ethylidene) Benzohydrazide, a Novel Synthesized Coumarin, Ameliorates Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats through Attenuating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis
Authors: Feriani Anouar , Khdhiri Emna , Tir Meriam , Elmufti Afoua , Tlili Nizar , Hajji Raouf , Ammar Houcine , Allouche Noureddine , Abid Souhir , Ghazouani Lakhdar , Mnafgui Kais
Published: March 2020

The present study was directed to investigate the effect of precotreatment with (E)-N′-(1-(7-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl) ethylidene) benzohydrazide (7-hyd.HC), a novel potent synthesized coumarin, on isoproterenol- (ISO-) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. The hydrazone compound was characterized by IR, 1D, and 2D NMR analyses. Experimental induction of MI in rats was established by ISO (85 mg/kg/day, s.c) for two consecutive days (6th and 7th days). 7-hyd.HC or sintrom was given for 7 days prior and simultaneous to ISO injection. 7-hyd.HC offered a cardiopreventive effect by preventing heart injury marker leakage (LDH, ALT, AST, CK-MB, and cTn-I) from cardiomyocytes and normalizing cardiac function and ECG pattern, as well as improving lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C), which were altered by ISO administration. Moreover, 7-hyd.HC precotreatment significantly mitigated the oxidative stress biomarkers, as evidenced by the decrease of lipid peroxidation and the increased level of the myocardial GSH level together with the SOD, GSH-Px, and catalase activities. 7-hyd.HC inhibited the cardiac apoptosis by upregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and downregulating the expression of Bax and caspase-3 genes. In addition, 7-hyd.HC reduced the elevated fibrinogen rate and better prevented the myocardial necrosis and improved the interstitial edema and neutrophil infiltration than sintrom. Overall, 7-hyd.HC ameliorated the severity of ISO-induced myocardial infarction through improving the oxidative status, attenuating apoptosis, and reducing fibrinogen production. The 7-hyd.HC actions could be mediated by its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory capacities.
Response to Dabrafenib and Trametinib of a Patient with Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma Harboring a BRAF V600E Mutation
Authors: Seo Takuji , Noguchi Emi , Yoshida Masayuki , Mori Taisuke , Tanioka Maki , Sudo Kazuki , Shimomura Akihiko , Yonemori Kan , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Tamura Kenji
Published: March 2020

Background. Metaplastic breast carcinomas are rare and carry poor prognoses. They are also more aggressive than other breast cancers and are known for their resistance to chemotherapy. Prolonged treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib is a therapy for malignant melanoma that improves the progression-free survival and overall survival. Such molecular-targeted therapies are also being developed for cancers with BRAF mutation, a driver of malignant melanoma. Case Presentation. A 57-year-old woman with metaplastic breast cancer and chemotherapy-refractory massive pleural effusion. After contained anthracycline regimen failure, her breast cancer progressed to an advanced stage. We ordered next-generation sequencing- (NGS-) based tumor molecular profiling from core needle biopsy of the breast. The NGS report indicated the presence of a BRAF V600E mutation. After initiation of dabrafenib and trametinib, her symptom and the pleural effusion were decreased. The first assessment of CT scans showed a decreased pleural effusion and shrunken subcutaneous lesions. Approximately 2 weeks later, a new lesion appeared. She died from 12 weeks after initiation of dabrafenib and trametinib treatment. Conclusion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of BRAF mutation breast cancer treated with dabrafenib and trametinib and it heralds the possibility of targeted therapy for rare breast cancers.
Precipitation Behavior of the Topologically Close-Packed Phase in the DD5 Superalloy during Long-Term Aging
Authors: Liu Guiqun , Zhang Xiaoli , Wang Xinyi , Qiao Yanxin
Published: March 2020

The precipitation behaviors of the topologically close-packed (TCP) phases in the bicrystal DD5 superalloy have been investigated. The results showed that the [001] crystallographic orientations are consistent with that of adjacent grains; however, the direction of the needle-like TCP phases is not consistent with that of the γ phase channels. The angle between needle-like TCP phases and γ phase channels is 45°, but the angle between the needle-like TCP phases of the adjacent grains is equal to the misorientation of the adjacent grains. Furthermore, during long-term aging, the needle-like TCP phases gradually decompose and transform into globular and short rod-like phases. The TCP phases precipitate preferentially in the dendrite. It is difficult to precipitate at the interdendrite/grain boundary, which is caused by the segregation of the constituent elements of the TCP phase to the dendrite.
Significance of Linked Color Imaging for Predicting the Risk of Clinical Relapse in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Kanmura Shuji , Tanaka Akihito , Yutsudou Kazuki , Kuwazuru Kosuke , Komaki Fukiko , Komaki Yuga , Iwaya Hiromichi , Arima Shiho , Sasaki Fumisato , Tanoue Shiroh , Hashimoto Shinichi , Ido Akio
Published: March 2020

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with unknown etiology. Recently, mucosal healing has emerged as an important therapeutic endpoint in UC. Linked color imaging (LCI) is a novel endoscopic system that enhances the color differences of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Our previous study emphasized the redness and yellowness of the lesion using LCI observation, which was useful for the evaluation of histological mucosal activity in UC. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between LCI observation and clinical relapse rate in UC patients. We retrospectively analyzed UC patients who underwent total colonoscopy between August 2016 and October 2018 at our facility with Mayo endoscopic scores of 0 or 1. We assessed the correlation between orange-like color lesion (defined as LCI-scarlet color lesions) and clinical relapse rate (requiring additional treatment for UC) during the 1-year follow-up period. Fifty-eight patients (22 female, 36 male; median age at diagnosis, 47.2 (18–80) years) who underwent colonoscopy were analyzed. During the 1-year follow-up period, clinical relapse was observed in 12 patients (20.1%) among which ten patients (83.3%) had an LCI-scarlet color lesions recognized by LCI. By contrast, 29 patients (63%) had no LCI-scarlet color lesions in the clinical remission group (n=46). There was a significant difference in LCI-scarlet color between the clinical relapse and remission groups, remaining significantly associated with clinical relapse. LCI findings, including an orange-like color lesion, have diagnostic implications for predicting the risk of clinical relapse in UC during the 1-year follow-up period.
Therapeutic Potential of Diosgenin and Its Major Derivatives against Neurological Diseases: Recent Advances
Authors: Cai Bangrong , Zhang Ying , Wang Zengtao , Xu Dujuan , Jia Yongyan , Guan Yanbin , Liao Aimei , Liu Gaizhi , Chun ChangJu , Li Jiansheng
Published: March 2020

Diosgenin (DG), a well-known steroidal sapogenin, is present abundantly in medicinal herbs such as Dioscorea rhizome, Dioscorea villosa, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Smilax China, and Rhizoma polgonati. DG is utilized as a major starting material for the production of steroidal drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. Due to its wide range of pharmacological activities and medicinal properties, it has been used in the treatment of cancers, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and infections. Numerous studies have reported that DG is useful in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. Its therapeutic mechanisms are based on the mediation of different signaling pathways, and targeting these pathways might lead to the development of effective therapeutic agents for neurological diseases. The present review mainly summarizes recent progress using DG and its derivatives as therapeutic agents for multiple neurological disorders along with their various mechanisms in the central nervous system. In particular, those related to therapeutic efficacy for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, brain injury, neuroinflammation, and ischemia are discussed. This review article also critically evaluates existing limitations associated with the solubility and bioavailability of DG and discusses imperatives for translational clinical research. It briefly recapitulates recent advances in structural modification and novel formulations to increase the therapeutic efficacy and brain levels of DG. In the present review, databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were used for studies of DG and its derivatives in the treatment of central nervous system diseases published in English until December 10, 2019. Three independent researchers examined articles for eligibility. A total of 150 articles were screened from the above scientific literature databases. Finally, a total of 46 articles were extracted and included in this review. Keywords related to glioma, ischemia, memory, aging, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer, Parkinson, and neurodegenerative disorders were searched in the databases based on DG and its derivatives.
Caveolin-1 Scaffolding Domain Peptide Regulates Colon Endothelial Cell Survival through JNK Pathway
Authors: Fang Kai , Kevil Christopher G.
Published: March 2020

It has been reported that pathological angiogenesis contributes to both experimental colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Recently, we demonstrated that endothelial caveolin-1 plays a key role in the pathological angiogenesis of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis. However, the molecular mechanism of caveolin-1 regulation of endothelial function is unknown. In this study, we examined how the antennapedia- (AP-) conjugated caveolin-1 scaffolding domain (AP-Cav) modulates vascular endothelial growth factor- (VEGF-) dependent colon endothelial cell angiogenic responses, as seen during colitis. We used mouse colon endothelial cells and found that AP-Cav significantly inhibited VEGF-mediated bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into colon microvascular endothelial cells. AP-Cav significantly blunted VEGF-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) phosphorylation at 10 minutes and 2 hours after stimulation, compared with the AP control peptide. AP-Cav + VEGF-A treatment also significantly increased c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation at 2 hours. AP-Cav + VEGF-A treatment significantly downregulated retinoblastoma (Rb) protein levels, upregulated cleaved caspase-3 protein levels at 4 hours, and induced apoptosis. Thus, our study suggests that disruption of endothelial caveolin-1 function via the AP-Cav diverts VEGF signaling responses away from endothelial cell proliferation and toward apoptosis through the inhibition of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling and the induction of JNK-associated apoptosis.
Elevated Glutathione Peroxidase 2 Expression Promotes Cisplatin Resistance in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Du He , Chen Bi , Jiao Nan-Lin , Liu Yan-Hua , Sun San-Yuan , Zhang You-Wei
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to explore the roles of GPX2, a member of the glutathione peroxidase family (GPXs, GSH-Px), in cisplatin (DDP) resistance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). GPX2 was found to be the most significantly upregulated gene in a DDP-resistant A549/DDP cell line compared with the parental A549 cell line by RNA sequencing. The knockdown of GPX2 expression in A549/DDP cells inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, decreased the IC50 values of DDP, induced apoptosis, inhibited the activities of GSH-Px and superoxide dismutase (SOD), inhibited ATP production and glucose uptake, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production; while GPX2 overexpression in A549 cells resulted in the opposite effects. Using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), we found that GPX2 may be involved in DDP resistance through mediating drug metabolism, the cell cycle, DNA repair and energy metabolism, and the regulation of an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters member ABCB6, which is one of the hallmark genes in glycolysis. Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed that GPX2 was upregulated in 58.6% (89/152) of LUAD cases, and elevated GPX2 expression was correlated with high expression of ABCB6, high 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake, and adverse disease-free survival (DFS) in our cohort. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data also indicated that GPX2 expression was higher in LUAD than it was in normal lung tissues, and the mRNA expression levels of GPX2 and ABCB6 were positively correlated. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that GPX2 acts as oncogene in LUAD and promotes DDP resistance by regulating oxidative stress and energy metabolism.
Multiple-Mixing-Cell Model for Calculation of Minimum Miscibility Pressure Controlled by Tie-Line Length
Authors: Yang FuLin , Yu Peng , Zhang Xue
Published: March 2020

A simple and robust algorithm has been developed to calculate the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP), which is considered one of the crucial and essential design parameters of miscible gas injection projects for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). This algorithm is to track all tie-line lengths through the cell-cell calculation by the minimum distance function for the prediction of MMP. The MMP is the pressure at which any one of all key tie-line lengths becomes zero. To verify the accuracy of the revised MMC algorithm for determining MMP, several examples taken from the published literature have been examined. The calculation results of our revised MMC algorithm show excellent agreement with those estimated by MOC, MMC, and slim-tube experiments, which are found to be reliable within acceptable accuracy (4.53%-0.50%).
Randomized Phase II Trial Evaluating Treatment with EGFR-TKI Associated with Antiestrogen in Women with Nonsquamous Advanced-Stage NSCLC: IFCT-1003 LADIE Trial
Authors: Mazieres Julien , Barlesi Fabrice , Rouquette Isabelle , Molinier Olivier , Besse Benjamin , Monnet Isabelle , Audigier-Valette Clarisse , Toffart Anne-Claire , Renault Patrick Aldo , Fraboulet Séverine , Hiret Sandrine , Mennecier Bertrand , Debieuvre Didier , Westeel Virginie , Masson Philippe , Madroszyk-Flandin Anne , Pichon Eric , Cortot Alexis B. , Amour Elodie , Morin Franck , Zalcman Gérard , Moro-Sibilot Denis , Souquet Pierre-Jean
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

The incidence of lung cancer has dramatically increased in women. Preclinical data have suggested that combining EGFR–tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with an antiestrogen may overcome resistance to EGFR-TKI.

Patients and Methods:

The IFCT-1003 LADIE trial was a 2 × 2 arms parallel open-label randomized phase II trial. EGFR-TKI–naïve postmenopausal women with advanced lung cancer were treated with gefitinib (G) versus gefitinib + fulvestrant (G+F) in the EGFR-mutated group (EGFR+) or with erlotinib (E) versus erlotinib + fulvestrant (E+F) in the EGFR wild-type group (EGFR-WT). The primary objective was progression-free survival (PFS) at 3 and 9 months for EGFR-WT and EGFR+ patients.

Results:

Overall, 204 patients (gefitinib 104 and G+F 100) and 175 patients (erlotinib 87 and E+F 88) were enrolled in the EGFR+ and EGFR-WT cohorts. In the EGFR+ cohort, the primary endpoint was reached, with 58% of the G+F group patients being nonprogressive at 9 months. Adding fulvestrant to gefitinib was not associated with improved PFS (9.9 vs 9.4 months) or overall survival (OS; 22.1 vs 28.6 months). In the EGFR-WT cohort, the primary endpoint was also achieved (33.7% of the patients were nonprogressive at 3 months). Adding fulvestrant to erlotinib was not associated with improved outcome (PFS 1.8 vs 2.0 and OS 10.3 vs 7.3 months). No PFS difference was observed regarding estrogen receptor alpha expression. The tolerance was as expected with no treatment-related death.

Conclusions:

Adding fulvestrant to EGFR-TKI is feasible, but not associated with prolonged PFS regardless of EGFR status. The lack of benefits while combining fulvestrant to EGFR-TKI does not support its future development in an unselected population.
Reducción broncoscópica del volumen pulmonar mediante una válvula endobronquial para tratar una bulla enfisematosa extensa: reporte de un caso
Authors: Rhee Chin Kook , Lee Eung Gu
Published: March 2020

Antecedentes: En pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), las técnicas de reducción broncoscópica del volumen pulmonar (RBVP) que emplean válvulas endobronquiales unidireccionales mejoran la función pulmonar y aumentan la tolerancia al ejercicio. El tratamiento de RBVP está incluido en los lineamientos terapéuticos de la Iniciativa Global para la Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica (GOLD) para pacientes con EPOC sin ventilación colateral interlobular. Sin embargo, no se ha intentado la RBVP con válvula endobronquial en pacientes con bulla gigante. Presentación del caso: Reportamos una RBVP exitosa y segura utilizando una válvula endobronquial en un paciente con un enfisema bulloso extenso en el lóbulo medio derecho. Un varón de 65 años fue diagnosticado con EPOC 5 años antes, y al momento presentaba una bulla de gran tamaño en el lóbulo medio derecho. Durante el seguimiento regular, los síntomas de dificultad para respirar empeoraron gradualmente, y el tamaño de la bulla se incrementó gradualmente de acuerdo con la tomografía computarizada (TC). Por tanto, decidimos tratar al paciente con RBVP mediante una válvula endobronquial unidireccional. El sistema Chartis (Pulmonx, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, EE. UU.) confirmó la ausencia de ventilación colateral en el bronquio medio derecho. Insertamos exitosamente una válvula endobronquial en el bronquio medio derecho. Tras la inserción, la bulla disminuyó drásticamente su tamaño, y los síntomas del paciente y su calidad de vida mejoraron marcadamente. Conclusión: Este caso apoya la reciente sugerencia de que la RBVP puede ser un tratamiento alternativo exitoso para pacientes seleccionados apropiadamente.
Neumonía adquirida en la comunidad: Identificando las comorbilidades como factores de riesgo
Authors: Fong-Ponce Briseyra Guadalupe
Published: March 2020

Background: UK specific data on the risk of developing hospitalised CAP for patients with underlying comorbidities is lacking. This study compared the likelihood of hospitalised all-cause community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients with certain high-risk comorbidities and a comparator group with no known risk factors for pneumococcal disease. Methods: This retrospective cohort study interrogated data in the Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) dataset between financial years 2012/13 and 2016/17. In total 3,078,623 patients in England (aged ≥18 years) were linked to their hospitalisation records. This included 2,950,910 individuals with defined risk groups and a comparator group of 127,713 people who had undergone tooth extraction with none of the risk group diagnoses. Risk groups studied were chronic respiratory disease (CRD), chronic heart disease (CHD), chronic liver disease (CLD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes (DM) and post bone marrow transplant (BMT). The patients were tracked forward from year 0 (2012/13) to Year 3 (2016/17) and all diagnoses of hospitalised CAP were recorded. A Logistic regression model compared odds of developing hospitalised CAP for patients in risk groups compared to healthy controls. The model was simultaneously adjusted for age, sex, strategic heath authority (SHA), index of multiple deprivation (IMD), ethnicity, and comorbidity. To account for differing comorbidity profiles between populations the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was applied. The model estimated odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals of developing hospitalised CAP for each specified clinical risk group. Results: Patients within all the risk groups studied were more likely to develop hospitalised CAP than patients in the comparator group. The odds ratios varied between underlying conditions ranging from 1.18 (95% CI 1.13, 1.23) for those with DM to 5.48 (95% CI 5.28, 5.70) for those with CRD. Conclusions: Individuals with any of 6 pre-defined underlying comorbidities are at significantly increased risk of developing hospitalised CAP compared to those with no underlying comorbid condition. Since the likelihood varies by risk group it should be possible to target patients with each of these underlying comorbidities with the most appropriate preventative measures, including immunisations.
Modelling and control of fouling in submerged membrane bioreactor using neural network internal model control
Authors: Mahmod Nurazizah , Wahab Norhaliza Abdul , Gaya Muhammad Sani
Published: March 2020

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) is one of the best solutions for water and wastewater treatment systems in producing high quality effluent that meets its standard regulations. However, fouling is one of the main issues in membrane filtration for membrane bioreactor system. The prediction of fouling is crucial in the membrane bioreactor control system design. This paper presents an intelligence modeling system so called artificial neural network (ANN). The feedforward neural network (FFNN), radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) and nonlinear autoregressive exogenous neural network (NARXNN) are applied to model the submerged MBR filtration system. The simulation results show good predictions for all methods which the highest performance of the model given by RBFNN. Based on the developed models, the neural network internal model control (NNIMC) is implemented to control fouling development in membrane filtration process. Three different control structures of the NNIMC are proposed. The FFNN IMC, RBFNN IMC and NARXNN IMC controllers are compared to the conventional IMC. The RBFNN IMC has a superior performance both in tracking and disturbance rejections.
Optimization of artificial neural network topology for membrane bioreactor filtration using response surface methodology
Authors: Ibrahim Syahira , Abdul Wahab Norhaliza , Ismail Fatimah Sham , Md Sam Yahaya
Published: March 2020

The optimization of artificial neural networks (ANN) topology for predicting permeate flux of palm oil mill effluent (POME) in membrane bioreactor (MBR) filtration has been investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). A radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) model, trained by gradient descent with momentum (GDM) algorithms was developed to correlate output (permeate flux) to the four exogenous input variables (airflow rate, transmembrane pressure, permeate pump and aeration pump). A second-order polynomial model was developed from training results for natural log mean square error of 50 developed ANNs to generate 3D response surfaces. The optimum ANN topology had minimum ln MSE when the number of hidden neurons, spread, momentum coefficient, learning rate and number of epochs were 16, 1.4, 0.28, 0.3 and 1852, respectively. The MSE and regression coeffcient of the ANN model were determined as 0.0022 and 0.9906 for training, 0.0052 and 0.9839 for testing and 0.0217 and 0.9707 for validation data sets. These results confirmed that combining RSM and ANN was precise for predicting permeates flux of POME on MBR system. This development may have significant potential to improve model accuracy and reduce computational time.
Estimation of water quality index using artificial intelligence approaches and multi-linear regression
Authors: Gaya Muhammad Sani , Abba Sani Isah , Abdu Aliyu Muhammad , Tukur Abubakar Ibrahim , Saleh Mubarak Auwal , Esmaili Parvaneh , Wahab Norhaliza Abdul
Published: March 2020

Water quality index is a measure of water quality at a certain location and over a period of time. High value indicates that the water is unsafe for drinking and inadequate in quality to meet the designated uses. Most of the classical models are unreliable producing unpromising forecasting results. This study presents Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques and a Multi Linear Regression (MLR) as the classical linear model for estimating the Water Quality Index (WQI) of Palla station of Yamuna river, India. Full-scale data of the river were used in validating the models. Performance measures such as Mean Square Error (MSE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Determination Coefficient (DC) were utilized in evaluating the accuracy and performance of the models. The obtained result depicted the superiority of AI models over the MLR model. The results also indicated that, the best model of both ANN and ANFIS proved high improvement in performance accuracy over MLR up to 10% in the verification phase. The difference between ANN and ANFIS accuracy is negligible due to a slight increment in performance accuracy indicating that both ANN and ANFIS could serve as reliable models for the estimation of WQI.
Artificial neural network forecasting performance with missing value imputations
Authors: Abd Rahman Nur Haizum , Hisyam Lee Muhammad
Published: March 2020

This paper presents time series forecasting method in order to achieve high accuracy performance. In this study, the modern time series approach with the presence of missing values problem is developed. The artificial neural networks (ANNs) is used to forecast the future values with the missing value imputations methods used known as average, normal ratio and also the modified method. The results are validated by using mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE). The result shown that by considering the right method in missing values problems can improved artificial neural network forecast accuracy. It is proven in both MAE and RMSE measurements as forecast improved from 8.75 to 4.56 and from 10.57 to 5.85 respectively. Thus, this study suggests by understanding the problem in time series data can produce accurate forecast and the correct decision making can be produced.
Brain network similarity: methods and applications
Authors: Mheich Ahmad , Wendling Fabrice , Hassan Mahmoud
Published: March 2020

Graph theoretical approach has proved an effective tool to understand, characterize, and quantify the complex brain network. However, much less attention has been paid to methods that quantitatively compare two graphs, a crucial issue in the context of brain networks. Comparing brain networks is indeed mandatory in several network neuroscience applications. Here, we discuss the current state of the art, challenges, and a collection of analysis tools that have been developed in recent years to compare brain networks. We first introduce the graph similarity problem in brain network application. We then describe the methodological background of the available metrics and algorithms of comparing graphs, their strengths, and limitations. We also report results obtained in concrete applications from normal brain networks. More precisely, we show the potential use of brain network similarity to build a “network of networks” that may give new insights into the object categorization in the human brain. Additionally, we discuss future directions in terms of network similarity methods and applications.
Multi-timescale hybrid components of the functional brain connectome: A bimodal EEG-fMRI decomposition
Authors: Wirsich Jonathan , Amico Enrico , Giraud Anne-Lise , Goñi Joaquín , Sadaghiani Sepideh
Published: March 2020

Concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) bridge brain connectivity across timescales. During concurrent EEG-fMRI resting-state recordings, whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) strength is spatially correlated across modalities. However, cross-modal investigations have commonly remained correlational, and joint analysis of EEG-fMRI connectivity is largely unexplored. Here we investigated if there exist (spatially) independent FC networks linked between modalities. We applied the recently proposed hybrid connectivity independent component analysis (connICA) framework to two concurrent EEG-fMRI resting-state datasets (total 40 subjects). Two robust components were found across both datasets. The first component has a uniformly distributed EEG frequency fingerprint linked mainly to intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs) in both modalities. Conversely, the second component is sensitive to different EEG frequencies and is primarily linked to intra-ICN connectivity in fMRI but to inter-ICN connectivity in EEG. The first hybrid component suggests that connectivity dynamics within well-known ICNs span timescales, from millisecond range in all canonical frequencies of FCEEG to second range of FCfMRI. Conversely, the second component additionally exposes linked but spatially divergent neuronal processing at the two timescales. This work reveals the existence of joint spatially independent components, suggesting that parts of resting-state connectivity are co-expressed in a linked manner across EEG and fMRI over individuals.
Chinese Negotiators: Tradition and Modernity
Authors: Faure Guy Olivier
Published: March 2020

Since China opened to the outside world in 1978, Chinese negotiators have made considerable changes in the ways they consider negotiation, strategies to implement action, and tactics used. The underlying values of their practice have also undergone a notable evolution. However, there are dimensions which remain stable and constitute the core of what could be defined as the deep “Chineseness” of these negotiators. This essay provides insight into Chinese negotiation practice and its evolution.
We Called Her Peddamma: Caste, Gender, and Missionary Medicine in Guntur: 1880–1930
Authors: Mocherla Ashok Kumar
Published: March 2020

The medical work carried out by Dr. Anna Sarah Kugler in the town of Guntur (1880–1930), which was a part of the Telugu speaking region of the erstwhile Madras Presidency, as a foreign medical missionary associated with the mission field of the then General Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, constitutes a significant phase in the history of medicine and gender in South India. Despite bringing about visible changes in gender perceptions of medical professions, strangely, she or her work finds no mention in the social science literature on history of medicine in modern South India in general and coastal Andhra Pradesh in particular. This paper explores the nature and patterns of definitive changes that gender roles and patriarchal structures among the Telugus residing in coastal Andhra Pradesh have undergone after coming under the influence of a mission hospital in Guntur established by Dr. Anna Sarah Kugler. By doing so, it also brings out an analysis on how this medical institution transformed the firmly-held traditional perceptions and stereotypes on the sources of illness, disease, and treatments, and in turn laid the foundation for modern medicine to establish itself in South India.
Aphelonotus schuhi sp. nov., the first s­­pecies of the family Pachynomidae from Puerto Rico (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
Authors: KMENT PETR , RÉDEI DÁVID
Published: March 2020

Aphelonotus schuhi sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pachynomidae: Aphelonotinae) is described from Puerto Rico based on a single male collected by flight interception trap. The new species is morphologically similar to A. taino Schuh, Weirauch & Grillo, 2015 and A. xenos Schuh, Weirauch & Grillo, 2015, being distinguished from them by the combination of the presence of a stout subapical spine on the protibia and the characteristic shape of the parameres. An informal A. xenos species-group is proposed to accommodate these three species.
The immature stages of Phylloicus obliquus Navás, 1931 (Insecta: Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae)
Authors: CAVALCANTE BRUNA MARIA SILVA , DUMAS LEANDRO LOURENÇO , NESSIMIAN JORGE LUIZ
Published: March 2020

Larva and pupa of Phylloicus obliquus Navás are associated, described, illustrated and compared with other Neotropical species of the same genus. The P. obliquus larva differs from the others due to the pattern of distribution of muscle scars on the head, mandibles with two teeth, and a dense row of long yellow setae on the inner margin. The pupa differs from other Phylloicus pupae by the sequence and shape of tergal abdominal hook plates. The case of P. obliquus larvae is composed of rectangular fragments of vegetal material with uniform shape and always arranged in overlapping layers. Larvae were found in a small second order Atlantic Forest stream.
Gondwanorchestia tristanensis gen. nov. sp. nov., a new southern hemisphere genus and species of talitrid amphipod (Amphipoda, Senticaudata, Talitridae)
Authors: LOWRY JAMES K. , MYERS ALAN A. , PÉREZ-SCHULTHEISS JORGE
Published: March 2020

Material collected by the Norwegian Scientific Expedition to Tristan Da Cunha in the South Atlantic Ocean in the years 1937–1938 and later attributed by Stephensen, 1949 to Orchestia scutigerula Dana, 1852 has been re-examined and is described as a new genus and species, Gondwanorchestia tristanensis sp. nov. Orchestia scutigerula Dana, 1852 is transferred to Gondwanorchestia gen nov. and compared with G. tristanensis sp. nov.