bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bike-sharing Optimization Framework Combining Dynamic Rebalancing and User Incentives
Authors: Chiariotti Federico , Pielli Chiara , Zanella Andrea , Zorzi Michele
Published: February 2020

Bike-sharing systems have become an established reality in cities all across the world and are a key component of the Smart City paradigm. However, the unbalanced traffic patterns during rush hours can completely empty some stations, while filling others, and the service becomes unavailable for further users. The traditional approach to solve this problem is to use rebalancing trucks, which take bikes from full stations and deposit them at empty ones, reducing the likelihood of system outages. Another paradigm that is gaining steam is gamification, i.e., incentivizing users to fix the system by influencing their behavior with rewards and prizes. In this work, we combine the two efforts and show that a joint optimization considering both rebalancing and incentives results in a higher service quality for a lower cost than using simple rebalancing. We use simulations based on the New York CitiBike usage data to validate our model and analyze several schemes to optimize the bike-sharing system.
Improving Scalability and Reward of Utility-Driven Self-Healing for Large Dynamic Architectures
Authors: Ghahremani Sona , Giese Holger , Vogel Thomas
Published: February 2020

Self-adaptation can be realized in various ways. Rule-based approaches prescribe the adaptation to be executed if the system or environment satisfies certain conditions. They result in scalable solutions but often with merely satisfying adaptation decisions. In contrast, utility-driven approaches determine optimal decisions by using an often costly optimization, which typically does not scale for large problems. We propose a rule-based and utility-driven adaptation scheme that achieves the benefits of both directions such that the adaptation decisions are optimal, whereas the computation scales by avoiding an expensive optimization. We use this adaptation scheme for architecture-based self-healing of large software systems. For this purpose, we define the utility for large dynamic architectures of such systems based on patterns that define issues the self-healing must address. Moreover, we use pattern-based adaptation rules to resolve these issues. Using a pattern-based scheme to define the utility and adaptation rules allows us to compute the impact of each rule application on the overall utility and to realize an incremental and efficient utility-driven self-healing. In addition to formally analyzing the computational effort and optimality of the proposed scheme, we thoroughly demonstrate its scalability and optimality in terms of reward in comparative experiments with a static rule-based approach as a baseline and a utility-driven approach using a constraint solver. These experiments are based on different failure profiles derived from real-world failure logs. We also investigate the impact of different failure profile characteristics on the scalability and reward to evaluate the robustness of the different approaches.
Limit Datalog
Authors: Grau Bernardo Cuenca , Horrocks Ian , Kaminski Mark , Kostylev Egor V. , Motik Boris
Published: February 2020

Motivated by applications in declarative data analysis, we study DatalogZ-an extension of Datalog with stratified negation and arithmetics over integers. Reasoning in this language is undecidable, so we present a fragment, called limit DatalogZ, that is powerful enough to naturally capture many important data analysis tasks. In limit DatalogZ, all intensional predicates with a numeric argument are limit predicates that keep only the maximal or minimal bounds on numeric values. Reasoning in limit DatalogZ is decidable if multiplication is used in a way that satisfies our linearity condition. Moreover, fact entailment in limit-linear DatalogZ is ΔEXP 2 -complete in combined and ΔP2 -complete in data complexity, and it drops to coNEXP and coNP, respectively, if only (semi-)positive programs are considered. We also propose an additional stability requirement, for which the complexity drops to EXP and P, matching the bounds for usual Datalog. Limit DatalogZ thus provides us with a unified logical framework for declarative data analysis and can be used as a basis for understanding the expressive power of the key data analysis constructs.
Hardware-Conscious Stream Processing
Authors: Zhang Shuhao , Zhang Feng , Wu Yingjun , He Bingsheng , Johns Paul
Published: February 2020

Data stream processing systems (DSPSs) enable users to express and run stream applications to continuously process data streams. To achieve realtime data analytics, recent researches keep focusing on optimizing the system latency and throughput. Witnessing the recent great achievements in the computer architecture community, researchers and practitioners have investigated the potential of adoption hardware-conscious stream processing by better utilizing modern hardware capacity in DSPSs. In this paper, we conduct a systematic survey of recent work in the field, particularly along with the following three directions: 1) computation optimization, 2) stream I/O optimization, and 3) query deployment. Finally, we advise on potential future research directions.
The Seattle Report on Database Research
Authors: Abadi Daniel , Ailamaki Anastasia , Andersen David , Bailis Peter , Balazinska Magdalena , Bernstein Philip , Boncz Peter , Chaudhuri Surajit , Cheung Alvin , Doan AnHai , Dong Luna , Franklin Michael J. , Freire Juliana , Halevy Alon , Hellerstein Joseph M. , Idreos Stratos , Kossmann Donald , Kraska Tim , Krishnamurthy Sailesh , Markl Volker , Melnik Sergey , Milo Tova , Mohan C. , Neumann Thomas , Chin Ooi Beng , Ozcan Fatma , Patel Jignesh , Pavlo Andrew , Popa Raluca , Ramakrishnan Raghu , Ré Christopher , Stonebraker Michael , Suciu Dan
Published: February 2020

Approximately every five years, a group of database researchers meet to do a self-assessment of our community, including reflections on our impact on the industry as well as challenges facing our research community. This report summarizes the discussion and conclusions of the 9th such meeting, held during October 9-10, 2018 in Seattle.
Impairments to Consolidation, Reconsolidation, and Long-Term Memory Maintenance Lead to Memory Erasure
Authors: Haubrich Josué , Bernabo Matteo , Baker Andrew G. , Nader Karim
Published: February 2020

An enduring problem in neuroscience is determining whether cases of amnesia result from eradication of the memory trace (storage impairment) or if the trace is present but inaccessible (retrieval impairment). The most direct approach to resolving this question is to quantify changes in the brain mechanisms of long-term memory (BM-LTM). This approach argues that if the amnesia is due to a retrieval failure, BM-LTM should remain at levels comparable to trained, unimpaired animals. Conversely, if memories are erased, BM-LTM should be reduced to resemble untrained levels. Here we review the use of BM-LTM in a number of studies that induced amnesia by targeting memory maintenance or reconsolidation. The literature strongly suggests that such amnesia is due to storage rather than retrieval impairments. We also describe the shortcomings of the purely behavioral protocol that purports to show recovery from amnesia as a method of understanding the nature of amnesia.
Single-Molecule FRET of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Authors: Metskas Lauren Ann , Rhoades Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are now widely recognized as playing critical roles in a broad range of cellular functions as well as being implicated in diverse diseases. Their lack of stable secondary structure and tertiary interactions, coupled with their sensitivity to measurement conditions, stymies many traditional structural biology approaches. Single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) is now widely used to characterize the physicochemical properties of these proteins in isolation and is being increasingly applied to more complex assemblies and experimental environments. This review provides an overview of confocal diffusion-based smFRET as an experimental tool, including descriptions of instrumentation, data analysis, and protein labeling. Recent papers are discussed that illustrate the unique capability of smFRET to provide insight into aggregation-prone IDPs, protein–protein interactions involving IDPs, and IDPs in complex experimental milieus.
Short-Term Load Forecasting with Improved CEEMDAN and GWO-Based Multiple Kernel ELM
Authors: Li Taiyong , Qian Zijie , He Ting
Published: February 2020

Short-term load forecasting (STLF) is an essential and challenging task for power- or energy-providing companies. Recent research has demonstrated that a framework called “decomposition and ensemble” is very powerful for energy forecasting. To improve the effectiveness of STLF, this paper proposes a novel approach integrating the improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN), grey wolf optimization (GWO), and multiple kernel extreme learning machine (MKELM), namely, ICEEMDAN-GWO-MKELM, for STLF, following this framework. The proposed ICEEMDAN-GWO-MKELM consists of three stages. First, the complex raw load data are decomposed into a couple of relatively simple components by ICEEMDAN. Second, MKELM is used to forecast each decomposed component individually. Specifically, we use GWO to optimize both the weight and the parameters of every single kernel in extreme learning machine to improve the forecasting ability. Finally, the results of all the components are aggregated as the final forecasting result. The extensive experiments reveal that the ICEEMDAN-GWO-MKELM can outperform several state-of-the-art forecasting approaches in terms of some evaluation criteria, showing that the ICEEMDAN-GWO-MKELM is very effective for STLF.
Determinants of Noncompletion of the Third Dose of Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine in Pregnant Women in Dschang Health District, Cameroon
Authors: Ymele Fouelifack Florent , Kenfack Bruno , Lekelem Nguefack Skinner , Nforbewing Ndenkeh Jackson Jr , Fouedjio Jeanne Hortence , Dongmo Fouelifa Loic , Tebeu Pierre Marie
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Tetanus vaccination plays an important role in the fight against neonatal mortality. Our study aimed to determine the noncompletion rate of the 3rd dose of tetanus toxoid vaccine (TTV) and to analyze the associated factors in pregnant women. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2 hospitals of Dschang Health District and targeting all women at least in their second gestation coming for antenatal consultation. Upon informed consent by the participant, a prepared questionnaire was administered. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS v22.0 with results presented in means and proportions. Logistic regression was used at two levels to identify independently associated factors for noncompletion of the third dose of TTV with a significance set at 5%. Results. A total of 380 pregnant women were recruited in this study of mean age 27 ± 5.2 yrs, 70% being married, more than 80% having at least secondary education, and 31.8% of them being students. It was noted that 172 (45.26%) of these women had not received the third dose of TTV. The analysis of the adjusted effects showed that not going to postnatal consultation (aOR = 6.75; 3.98–11.49, p<0.0001), not accompanying her baby to vaccination (aOR = 3.784; 1.803–7.942, p<0.0001), and being single (aOR = 1.87; 1.05–3.3, p=0.034) were independently associated with the above noncompletion rate. Conclusion. Tetanus vaccination coverage is not yet optimal in Dschang Health District and is associated with marital status as well as postgestational behavior of the mothers. There is thus the need to put in place strategies that will provide social support to single mothers as well as encourage women to attend postnatal consultation and to accompany their own children for vaccination. Furthermore, community-based vaccination could capture some of the lost women thus optimizing the overall vaccination coverage.
Agent-Based Simulation to Improve Policy Sensitivity of Trip-Based Models
Authors: Moeckel Rolf , Kuehnel Nico , Llorca Carlos , Moreno Ana Tsui , Rayaprolu Hema
Published: February 2020

The most common travel demand model type is the trip-based model, despite major shortcomings due to its aggregate nature. Activity-based models overcome many of the limitations of the trip-based model, but implementing and calibrating an activity-based model is labor-intensive and running an activity-based model often takes long runtimes. This paper proposes a hybrid called MITO (Microsimulation Transport Orchestrator) that overcomes some of the limitations of trip-based models, yet is easier to implement than an activity-based model. MITO uses microsimulation to simulate each household and person individually. After trip generation, the travel time budget in minutes is calculated for every household. This budget influences destination choice; i.e., people who spent a lot of time commuting are less likely to do much other travel, while people who telecommute might compensate by additional discretionary travel. Mode choice uses a nested logit model, and time-of-day choice schedules trips in 1-minute intervals. Three case studies demonstrate how individuals may be traced through the entire model system from trip generation to the assignment.
Prevalence of Congenital Malaria in Kisangani, A Stable Malaria Transmission Area in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Otuli Noël Labama , Nguma Jean-Didier Bosenge , Alongo Mike-Antoine Maindo , Bosunga Gedeon Katenga , Mukonkole Jean-Paulin Mbo , Likwela Joris Losimba , Okenge Jean-Pascal Manga
Published: February 2020

Background. Gestational malaria is a major public health problem. It produces fetal complications such as low birth weight, perinatal mortality, and congenital malaria. The present study is aimed at determining the prevalence of congenital malaria and its neonatal complications in the city of Kisangani. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Kisangani from 1 January to 30 September 2018. Our study population was composed of 1248 newborns born in our study sites, during the period of our study. Just after their birth, we performed the thick drop smear in the placental print and in umbilical blood smear. Results. The prevalence of congenital malaria was 13.98%; 69.23% of newborns who contracted congenital malaria were from 18- to 34-year-old mothers, 53.85% from primiparous mothers, 92.31% from mothers who took intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine, all (100%) from mothers using the insecticide-treated mosquito nets and 7.69% from HIV-positive mothers. Low birth weight and perinatal mortality were recorded in 76.92% and 7.69% of congenital malaria cases, respectively. Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine had no effect on congenital malaria (FE=0.5218; OR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.1651-3.8769) and on low birth weight (FE=0.3675; OR: 1.2308, 95% CI: 0.0037-0.1464); however, it seemed to have protective effect against perinatal mortality (FE=0.0001; OR: 0.0233, 95% CI: 0.0037-0.1464). Conclusion. Congenital malaria remains a major problem in stable malaria transmission area like Kisangani, and it is grafted by major perinatal complications, particularly low birth weight and perinatal mortality. We recommend an extended study to clarify the relationship between the outcome of pregnancy and the intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine.
Comparative Analysis of the Different Dyes’ Potential to Assess Human Normal and Cancer Cell Viability In Vitro under Different D/H Ratios in a Culture Medium
Authors: Zlatskiy I. A. , Zlatska A. V. , Antipova N. V. , Dolenko S. A. , Gordiienko I. M. , Gubar O. S. , Vasyliev R. G. , Zubov D. A. , Novikova S. N. , Syroeshkin A. V.
Published: February 2020

In this study, using new approach (laser diffraction + biological dyes), we have demonstrated the decrease of cells viability in vitro in the deuterated growth medium, whereas in the deuterium-depleted medium, there was an increase of cell viability. We have also found that not all dyes are equally sensitive to the D/H ratios in the culture medium (system) as well as to the different cell types (cancer vs normal cells).
Construction Project Safety Performance Management Using Analytic Network Process (ANP) as a Multicriteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Tool
Authors: Gunduz Murat , Khader Basil K.
Published: February 2020

The paper addresses the context in which the construction industry is considered risky, as the intense labor and machine environment interacts with acceleration and overlapping activities. This situation results in accidents and fatalities. A high number of accidents and fatalities leads to additional costs and delays, detrimental to all stakeholders. Hazard identification and quantification of their impacts on building safety are crucial for planning. Classifying security risks is a complex process, and risks are interconnected. There is a gap in the literature to study the interconnections of these hazards along with the frequency of occurrences. To bridge this gap, the frequency-adjusted importance index and the ANP (Analytical Networking Process) tool were used to capture the 14 interconnections and their frequencies based on the results of a survey distributed to 106 construction professionals. The main contribution of this work to existing knowledge is to identify and prioritize potential risks in the construction sector, considering their interconnections and their level of occurrence frequency. This is the first study in the literature to combine the frequency-adjusted importance index and the ANP tool, both integrated. The results from the importance index was used as the base for pairwise comparison for the ANP model. Based on the results from the model, recommendations to industry professionals are provided and presented.
One Size Does Not Fit All: Sociodemographic Factors Affecting Weight Loss in Adolescents
Authors: Cummins Claire B. , Bowen-Jallow Kanika , Tasnim Sadia , Prochaska John , Jupiter Daniel , Wright Alex , Hughes Byron D. , Nunez-Lopez Omar , Lyons Elizabeth , Glaser Andrea , Radhakrishnan Ravi S. , Thompson Debbe , Suman Oscar E.
Published: February 2020

Successful lifestyle changes for weight reduction are heavily dependent on recognizing the importance of societal and cultural factors. Patients 13–19 years of age with a BMI ≥95th percentile are eligible for our multidisciplinary adolescent weight loss clinic. A behavioral questionnaire was administered at the initial visit. Patients were seen every 4–6 weeks. Bivariate analysis was used to identify sociodemographic factors associated with differences in weight loss. Overall, receiving reduced cost meals was associated with a lower likelihood of losing weight (kg) (p<0.01). When stratified by race, White adolescents were more likely to lose weight if caretakers reported having enough money to buy healthy food (p<0.05); in contrast, Black adolescents were less likely to lose weight (p<0.05). However, Black patients were more likely to lose weight if they reported eating fruits and vegetables (p<0.05). Female adolescents were more likely to lose weight if they felt unhappy about their appearance (p<0.05). Interestingly, male adolescents were less likely to lose weight if they felt unhappy about their appearance (p<0.05). Social and cultural norms influence weight loss in adolescents in unique and differing ways. Culturally competent individualized interventions could increase weight loss in diverse groups of adolescents with obesity.
Robust Day-Ahead Dispatch for Integrated Power-Heat-Gas Microgrid considering Wind Power Uncertainty
Authors: Liu Yang , Ye Yanli , Chen Xianbang , Li Huaqiang , Huang Yuan
Published: February 2020

Wind power generation has been widely deployed in the modern power system due to the issues of energy crisis and environment pollution. Meanwhile, the microgrid is gradually regarded as a feasible way to connect and accommodate the distributed wind power generations. Recently, more research studies also focus on incorporating various energy systems, for example, heat and gas into the microgrid in terms of satisfying different types of load demands. However, the uncertainty of wind power significantly impacts the economy of the integrated power-heat-gas microgrid. To deal with this issue, this paper presents a two-stage robust model to achieve the optimal day-ahead economic dispatch strategy considering the worst-case wind power scenarios. The first stage makes the initial day-ahead dispatch decision before the observation of uncertain wind power. The additional adjustment action is made in the second stage once the wind power uncertainty is observed. Based on the duality theory and Big-M approach, the original second-stage problem can be dualized and linearized. Therefore, the column-and-constraint generation algorithm can be further implemented to achieve the optimal day-ahead economic dispatch strategy for the integrated power-heat-gas microgrid. The experimental results indicate the effectiveness of the presented approach for achieving operation cost reduction and promoting wind power utilization. The robustness and the economy of the two-stage robust model can be balanced, of which the performances significantly outperform those of the single-stage robust model and the deterministic model.
Improvement of Inflammation through Antioxidant Pathway of Gardeniae Fructus 50% EtOH Extract (GE) from Acute Reflux Esophagitis Rats
Authors: Kim Soo Hyun , Shin Mi-Rae , Lee Ah Reum , Seo Bu-Il , Park Hae-Jin , Roh Seong-Soo
Published: February 2020

Gardeniae Fructus 50% EtOH extract (GE) is a traditional herb that has been used to treat a variety of diseases. In this study, we investigate the antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties of GE on acute reflux‐induced esophagitis (RE) model in rats. 2,2′‐Azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazolin‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays were performed to determine the antioxidant activity of GE. GE was given orally at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight 1h 30 min prior to RE induction. And its effect was assessed in comparison with RE control and normal groups. The administration of the extract of the GE showed remarkable protection of mucosal damage in esophageal tissue, and the histologic observation showed that the gastric lesion was improved. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the serum were diminished by GE treatment. The antioxidative biomarkers including nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf‐2), heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were significantly increased. GE administration significantly reduced the inflammatory protein expression through MAPK‐related signaling pathways and the nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway. These results suggest that GE protects the esophagus mucosal membrane by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory response under reflux esophagitis condition through the antioxidant pathway. Therefore, it is suggested that GE may be a potential remedy for the treatment of reflux esophagitis.
Sliding Mode Control of Vehicle Equipped with Brake-by-Wire System considering Braking Comfort
Authors: Chen Shuai , Zhang Xilong , Wang Jizhong
Published: February 2020

For passengers, the most common feeling during running on the bumpy road is continuous vertical discomfort, and when the vehicle is braking, especially the emergency braking, the instantaneous inertia of the vehicle can also cause a strong discomfort of the passengers, so studying the comfort of the vehicle during the braking process is of great significance for improving the performance of the vehicle. This paper presented a complete control scheme for vehicles equipped with the brake-by-wire (BBW) system aiming at ensuring braking comfort. A novel braking intention classification method was proposed based on vehicle braking comfort, which divided braking intention into mild brake, medium comfort brake, and emergency brake. Correspondingly, in order to improve the control accuracy of the vehicle brake system and to best meet the driver’s brake needs, a braking intention recognizer relying on fuzzy logic was established, which used the road condition and the brake pedal voltage and its change rate as input, output real-time driver's braking intention, and braking intensity. An optimal brake force distribution strategy for the vehicle equipped with the BBW system based on slip rate was proposed to determine the relationship between braking intensity and target slip ratio. Combined with the vehicle dynamics model, improved sliding mode controller, and brake force observer, the joint simulation was conducted in Simulink and CarSim. The cosimulation results show that the proposed braking intention classification method, braking intention recognizer, brake force distribution strategy, and sliding mode control can well ensure the braking comfort of the vehicle equipped with the BBW system under the premise of ensuring brake safety.
Dynamic Pavement Distress Image Stitching Based on Fine-Grained Feature Matching
Authors: Du Yuchuan , Weng Zihang , Liu Chenglong , Wu Difei
Published: February 2020

Camera-based pavement distress detection plays an important role in pavement maintenance. Duplicate collections for the same distress and multiple overlaps of defects are both practical problems that greatly affect the detection results. In this paper, we propose a fine-grained feature-matching and image-stitching method for pavement distress detection to eliminate duplications and visually demonstrates local pavement distress. The original images are processed through a hierarchical structure, including rough data filtering, feature matching, and image stitching. The original data are firstly filtered based on the global position system (GPS) information, which can avoid full-dataset comparison and improve the calculating efficiency. A scale-invariant feature transform is introduced for feature matching based on the extracted key regions using spectral saliency mapping and bounding boxes. Two parameters: the mean Euclidean distance (MEuD) and the matching rate (MCR) are constructed to identify the duplication between two images. A support vector machine is then applied to determine the threshold of MEuD and MCR. This paper further discusses the correlation between the sampling frequency and the number of detection vehicles. The method provided can effectively solve the problem of duplications in pavement distress detection and enhances the feasibility of multivehicle pavement distress detection based on images.
Intra‐Articular Steroid Injection for Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhong Hui-Ming , Zhao Guang-Feng , Lin Tiao , Zhang Xin-Xin , Li Xin-Yu , Lin Jun-Fan , Zhao Si-Qi , Pan Zhi-Jun
Published: February 2020

Purpose. The aim of this current review was to confirm the efficacy of intra‐articular steroid therapy (IAST) for patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and discuss the duration and influential factors of IAST. Methods. Online databases (Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science) were searched from inception to May 2019. Both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and noncontrolled trials assessing the efficacy of hip IAST on pain were included. Common demographics data were extracted using a standardized form. Quality was assessed on the basis of Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence. Results. 12 trials met the inclusion criteria. According to data from individual trials, IAST had significant efficacy on hip OA in both immediate and delay pain reduction, which persisted up to 12 weeks after IAST. The influences of the baseline severity of hip OA or synovitis and injection dose or volume on the clinical outcome of IAST were still controversial. The IAST appeared to be well tolerant by most of the participants. Conclusion. IAST was proved to be an efficacious therapy in both immediate and delay pain reduction for hip OA patients within 12 weeks. The longer follow‐up data of efficacy and safety and potentially influential factors are still unclear and needed further confirmation.
Gastroprotective Activity of the Total Flavones from Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic Flowers
Authors: Zhang Jun , Fu Zai-Lin , Chu Zhao-Xing , Song Bi-Wei
Published: February 2020

Background. Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic flower is a medicinal plant for the treatment of diseases in China. The present study was carried out to scientifically validate the gastroprotective activity and clarify the possible mechanism of the total flavones from Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic flowers (TFA). Methods. Gastric ulcer was induced in mice by oral administration of ethanol. The gastroprotective activity of TFA was evaluated by the gastric ulcer index and histological examinations. The gastric tissue was collected in the form of homogenate. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and protein content were measured. Western blotting for the expression of Bax, Bcl‐2, TNF‐α, and NF‐κB(p65) was also carried out. The effect of TFA was compared with that of standard antiulcer drug omeprazole (100 mg/kg). Results. This gastroprotective effect of TFA could be attributed to the increase in the activity of SOD and GSH and decrease in the levels of MDA and also decrease in the levels of Bax, TNF‐α, and NF‐κB(p65) expressions and increase in the Bcl‐2 expression level. Conclusion. The findings of this study demonstrated that TFA could significantly attenuate ethanol‐induced gastric injury via antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects.
Comprehensive Quantitative Assessment of Lung Liquid Clearance by Lung Ultrasound Score in Neonates with No Lung Disease during the First 24 Hours
Authors: Guo Bin-Bin , Wang Kun-Kun , Xie Li , Liu Xiu-Juan , Chen Xiao-Ya , Zhang Feng , Chen Chuang , Wu Chang-Jun
Published: February 2020

Objectives. To comprehensively and quantitatively assess the process of lung liquid clearance using the lung ultrasound score. This study is to evaluate the whole healthy lungs of neonates during the first 24 h. Methods. Lung ultrasound was performed in neonates with no respiratory symptoms within 3 h after birth, and scans were then repeated at 6 hours and 24 hours, respectively. The entire chest wall was divided into 12 regions. The lung ultrasound scores of the anterior, posterior, upper, and lower regions and sum of all regions were calculated according to the ultrasound pattern of each region examined. Results. The total lung ultrasound score decreased gradually during the first 24 h, with the total lung ultrasound score at 6 h being significantly lower than that at <3 h (P < 0.05). At <3 h, B‐lines were more abundant in the posterior chest than in the anterior chest (P < 0.001), and more B‐lines were observed in the lower chest than in the upper chest (P < 0.001). At 6 h and 24 h, there were no significant differences among the regions. Conclusion. Changes in the lung ultrasound score may quantitatively reflect the characteristics of different regions and processes of lung liquid clearance during the first 24 h.
Beneficial Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field during Cast Immobilization in Patients with Distal Radius Fracture
Authors: Krzyżańska Lucyna , Straburzyńska-Lupa Anna , Rąglewska Patrycja , Romanowski Leszek
Published: February 2020

To assess whether pulsed electromagnetic field therapy during cast immobilization of distal radius fractures has beneficial effects on pain and limb function, the study included 52 patients (mean age 60.8 ± 15.0 years) with distal radius fractures treated with cast immobilization. Patients were allocated to a pulsed electromagnetic field group (n = 27) or a control group (n = 25). Pain; forearm and arm circumference; range of motion; disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score; and touch sensation were evaluated on the day of the plaster cast dressing and 3 and 6 weeks after. In comparison to the control group, the pulsed electromagnetic field group reported significant changes after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment: lower pain levels (p = 0.0052; p < 0.0001, respectively), greater mobility of upper‐limb joints, improvement in exteroceptive sensation, and reduction in disability of the upper limb (disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand) (p = 0.0003; p < 0.0001, respectively). Our results suggest that early addition of pulsed electromagnetic field treatment, during cast immobilization of distal radius fractures, has beneficial effects on the pain, exteroceptive sensation, range of motion, and daily functioning of patients.
Dietary Iron Intake in Pregnant Women in Europe: A Review of 24 Studies from 14 Countries in the Period 1991–2014
Authors: Milman Nils Thorm
Published: February 2020

Objective. Assessment of dietary iron intake in pregnant women in Europe. Design. Review. Setting. Literature search of dietary surveys reporting the intake of dietary iron using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases covering the years 1990–2019. Subjects. Healthy pregnant women. Results. 24 dietary surveys/studies in 14 European countries were included. Nine studies (38%) used Food Frequency Questionnaires, which yielded significantly higher iron intake than studies using Dietary Records. Results from Dietary Record studies in 11 countries showed that iron intake varied between 8.3–15.4 mg/day with an estimated “median” value of 10–11 mg/day. Spain, Bosnia, and Poland reported an intake of 8.3–10.1 mg/day, Croatia, England, Norway, and Finland an intake of 10.2–11.4 mg/day, and Germany, Portugal, Czech Republic, and Greece an intake of 12.2–15.4 mg/day. The recommended iron intake in the various countries varied from 14.8–30 mg/day. In all studies, 60–100% of the women had a dietary iron intake below the recommended intake. Conclusions. In Europe, the majority of pregnant women have a dietary iron intake, which is markedly below the recommended intake. This contributes to a low iron status in many pregnant women. Most guidelines do not advice routine iron supplements, while two guidelines (World Health Organization and Nordic Nutrition Recommendations) recommend routine iron supplementation during pregnancy. Within the European community, we need to reach consensus on the various guidelines and on the issue of iron supplementation. We should establish common European standardized dietary methods, uniform Dietary Reference Values, and uniform statistical methods in order to perform more reliable comparisons between studies in different countries.
Finite Element Simulation of Oil and Gas Reservoir In Situ Stress Based on a 3D Corner-point Grid Model
Authors: Yuyang Liu , Shiqi Liu , Mao Pan
Published: February 2020

A three-dimensional (3D) corner-point grid model gives a relatively accurate description of the structural properties and spatial distribution of oil and gas reservoirs than Cartesian grids. The finite element simulation of the stress field provides a relatively probable presentation of the in situ stress distribution. Both methods are of great importance to the exploration and development of oil and gas fields. Implementing the finite element simulation of in situ stress on a 3D corner-point grid model not only retains the structural attributes of a reservoir but also allows the accurate simulation of the 3D stress distribution. In this paper, we present a method for implementing the finite element simulation of in situ stress based on a 3D corner-point grid model. We first established a fine 3D reservoir model with corner-point grids and then converted the grids into corresponding 3D finite element grid models using a grid conversion algorithm. Next, we simulated the in situ stress distribution with the finite element method. The stress model is then resampled to corresponding corner-point grid geological models using the reverse algorithm. The grid conversion algorithm is to provide data support for the subsequent numerical simulation and other research efforts, thereby guaranteeing procedure continuity and data consistency. Finally, we simulated the stress distribution of a real oil field, the X region. Comparing the simulated result with the measured result, the high agreement validated the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method.
On Performance of Two-Parameter Gompertz-Based X¯ Control Charts
Authors: Adewara Johnson A. , Adekeye Kayode S. , Aako Olubisi L.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, two methods of control chart were proposed to monitor the process based on the two-parameter Gompertz distribution. The proposed methods are the Gompertz Shewhart approach and Gompertz skewness correction method. A simulation study was conducted to compare the performance of the proposed chart with that of the skewness correction approach for various sample sizes. Furthermore, real-life data on thickness of paint on refrigerators which are nonnormal data that have attributes of a Gompertz distribution were used to illustrate the proposed control chart. The coverage probability (CP), control limit interval (CLI), and average run length (ARL) were used to measure the performance of the two methods. It was found that the Gompertz exact method where the control limits are calculated through the percentiles of the underline distribution has the highest coverage probability, while the Gompertz Shewhart approach and Gompertz skewness correction method have the least CLI and ARL. Hence, the two-parameter Gompertz-based methods would detect out-of-control faster for Gompertz-based X¯ charts.
Nonplanar Crack Growth Simulation of Multiple Cracks Using Finite Element Method
Authors: Fageehi Yahya Ali , Alshoaibi Abdulnaser M.
Published: February 2020

This work deals with a 2D finite element simulation of nonplanar multiple cracks using fracture and crack propagation analysis. This analysis was performed by using the developed source code software written by Visual Fortran Language. This source code includes the adaptive mesh generation utilizing the advanced front method and also the mesh refinement process. In order to correctly represent the field singularity, the quarter‐point singular elements are constructed around the tip of the crack. The crack growth criteria are used to predict the crack growth direction by utilizing the circumferential stress factor in calculating the yielding stress in elastic fracture assumptions. The stress intensity factor determination is one of the most critical procedures as it determines the crack initiation and propagation mechanism. Moreover, the stress intensity factor histories during the crack growth are measured with the use of equivalent domain integral methods. The crack path simulation and stress intensity factor calculations are compared with the literature and revealed that the results are in agreement with research carried in this domain.
Recurrent Hypoglycemia in a Case of Congenital Analbuminemia
Authors: Litzel Martin , Caridi Gianluca , Lugani Francesca , Campagnoli Monica , Minchiotti Lorenzo , Fischli Stefan
Published: February 2020

In congenital analbuminemia (CAA), mutations in the albumin gene result in a severe deficiency or absence of plasma albumin. Only about 90 cases have been reported to date, but the specific features of glucose and lipid metabolism in congenital analbuminemia have only been studied in a rat model of analbuminemia. We report the case of a female patient hospitalized for a streptococcal skin infection who showed recurrent hypoglycemia. A diagnosis of CAA was confirmed by mutation analysis and by the detection of a single base variation in theALBgene. Hypoglycemia was first documented after a fasting period during acute illness. Recurrent hypoglycemia persisted despite good general condition and normal nutrition during antimicrobial therapy with moxifloxacin. Several contributing factors causing this hypoglycemia can be discussed. Individuals with CAA are prone to adverse drug effects caused by changes in drug-protein binding properties. It is unclear if specific changes of glucose and lipid metabolism in CAA constitute a risk factor for hypoglycemia.
Renal Volume in ADPKD Patient Evaluation
Authors: Galliani M. , Vitaliano E. , Chicca S. , Calvaruso L. , Di Lullo L. , Iorio F. , Tosti M. E. , Paone A.
Published: February 2020

The clinical manifestations of ADPKD are related to the growth of renal cysts. Renal volume has been recognised as the biomarker that is able to identify those patients at risk of complications (hypertension and haematuria) and at risk of progression to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Recently, several scores have been introduced to predict the evolution of ADPKD. The Mayo Clinic Group developed a classification based on renal volume as measured by CT or MRI and corrected for age and height (Ht-TKV); this allowed predicting the evolution of the disease, but it has not been fully validated so far. In addition, it is used to identify patients labelled as “fast progressors” and eligible for Tolvaptan therapy according to the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) recommendations. We studied 80 patients who underwent MRI and had been classified as ADPKD typical form (class 1A-1E). A significant correlation between renal volume, hypertension, and low GFR was found (p<0.005). A progressive increase in disease severity has been found across the different Mayo classes; 41.2% were eligible for Tolvaptan therapy. The results demonstrate that the Mayo method is easy to perform and provides valid information in order to identify with rapidly progressing disease.
From Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition to In Vivo Hypouricemic Effect: An Integrated Overview of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies with Focus on Natural Molecules and Analogues
Authors: Serrano João L. , Figueiredo Joana , Almeida Paulo , Silvestre Samuel
Published: February 2020

Hyperuricemia is characterized by elevated uric acid (UA) levels on blood, which can lead to gout, a common pathology. These high UA levels are associated with increased purine ingestion and metabolization and/or its decreased excretion. In this field, xanthine oxidase (XO), by converting hypoxanthine and xanthine to UA, plays an important role in hyperuricemia control. Based on limitations and adverse effects associated with the use of allopurinol and febuxostat, the most known approved drugs with XO inhibitory effect, the search for new molecules with XO activity is growing. However, despite the high number of studies, it was found that the majority of tested products with relevant XO inhibition were left out, and no further pharmacological evaluation was performed. Thus, in the present review, available information published in the past six years concerning isolated molecules with in vitro XO inhibition complemented with cytotoxicity evaluation as well as other relevant studies, including in vivo hypouricemic effect, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile was compiled. Interestingly, the analysis of data collected demonstrated that molecules from natural sources or their mimetics and semisynthetic derivatives constitute the majority of compounds being explored at the moment by means of in vitro and in vivo animal studies. Therefore, several of these molecules can be useful as lead compounds and some of them can even have the potential to be considered in the future clinical candidates for the treatment of hyperuricemia.
Robot Path Planning Based on Genetic Algorithm Fused with Continuous Bezier Optimization
Authors: Ma Jianwei , Liu Yang , Zang Shaofei , Wang Lin
Published: February 2020

In this study, a new method of smooth path planning is proposed based on Bezier curves and is applied to solve the problem of redundant nodes and peak inflection points in the path planning process of traditional algorithms. First, genetic operations are used to obtain the control points of the Bezier curve. Second, a shorter path is selected by an optimization criterion that the length of the Bezier curve is determined by the control points. Finally, a safe distance and adaptive penalty factor are introduced into the fitness function to ensure the safety of the walking process of the robot. Numerous experiments are implemented in two different environments and compared with the existing methods. It is proved that the proposed method is more effective to generate a shorter, smoother, and safer path compared with traditional approaches.
Predicting Acute Postoperative Pain Trajectories and Long-Term Outcomes of Adolescents after Spinal Fusion Surgery
Authors: Ocay Don Daniel , Li Mandy M.J. , Ingelmo Pablo , Ouellet Jean A. , Pagé M. Gabrielle , Ferland Catherine E.
Published: February 2020

Objectives. Acute pain trajectories are associated with long-term outcomes such as persistent pain and functional disability in adults. However, there are limited data on acute postoperative pain trajectories in the pediatric population. The aims of this study were to investigate acute postoperative pain trajectories, their predictors, and their impact on long- term outcomes in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods. We evaluated the preoperative pain intensity, use of analgesics, psychosocial measures and physical functioning of adolescents scheduled to undergo spinal fusion, and their average 6-hour self-reported pain intensity scores for their entire hospital stay. Six months after surgery, baseline variables were reassessed. We used growth mixture modeling to conduct acute postoperative pain trajectory analysis and to identify predictors of pain trajectories. Generalized linear models were conducted to determine whether acute pain trajectories predict long-term outcomes. Results. One hundred and six patients were included in the best-fitted acute pain trajectory model that included four classes that differed in initial pain intensity and rates of change over time. Preoperative pain catastrophizer status and use of analgesics significantly predicted pain trajectory membership. Furthermore, at the 6-month follow-up, patients experiencing moderate-to-severe pain in the acute postoperative period were more likely to report higher levels of pain severity, use pain medication, and miss a greater number of school/work days due to back pain in the last three months. Discussion. Preoperative assessment and analyzing the progression of pain in the acute postoperative period can help identify those at risk of negative long-term outcomes after surgery.