bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attribute Reduction Based on Genetic Algorithm for the Coevolution of Meteorological Data in the Industrial Internet of Things
Authors: Cheng Yong , Zheng Zhongren , Wang Jun , Yang Ling , Wan Shaohua
Published: January 2019

Due to the problem of attribute redundancy in meteorological data from the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and the slow efficiency of existing attribute reduction algorithms, attribute reduction based on a genetic algorithm for the coevolution of meteorological data was proposed. The evolutionary population was divided into two subpopulations: one subpopulation used elite individuals to assist crossover operations to increase the convergence speed of the algorithm, and the other subpopulation balanced the population diversity in the evolutionary process by introducing a random population; these two subpopulations completed the evolutionary operations together. With the TSDPSO-AR algorithm and ARAGA algorithm, the attribute reduction operation for precipitation in meteorological data was performed. The results showed that the proposed algorithm maintained the diversity of the population during evolution, improved the reduction performance, and simplified the information system.
A Method for Improving Imputation and Prediction Accuracy of Highly Seasonal Univariate Data with Large Periods of Missingness
Authors: Chaudhry Aizaz , Li Wei , Basri Amir , Patenaude François
Published: January 2019

Imputation of missing data in datasets with high seasonality plays an important role in data analysis and prediction. Failure to appropriately account for missing data may lead to erroneous findings, false conclusions, and inaccurate predictions. The essence of a good imputation method is its missingness-recovery-ability, i.e., the ability to deal with large periods of missing data in the dataset and the ability to extract the right characteristics (e.g., seasonality pattern) buried under the dataset to be analyzed. Univariate imputation is usually incapable of providing a reasonable imputation for a variable when periods of missing values are large. On the other hand, the default multivariate imputation approach cannot provide an accurate imputation for a variable when missing values of other correlated variables used for imputation occur at exactly the same time intervals. To deal with these drawbacks and to provide feasible imputations in such scenarios, we propose a novel method that converts a single variable into a multivariate form by exploiting the high seasonality and random missingness of this variable. After this conversion, multivariate imputation can then be applied. We then test the proposed method on an LTE spectrum dataset for imputing a single variable, such as the average cell throughput. We compare the performance of our proposed method with Kalman filtering and default method for multivariate imputation. The performance evaluation results clearly show that the proposed method significantly outperforms Kalman filtering and default method in terms of imputation and prediction accuracy.
Patient-Specific Phantomless Estimation of Bone Mineral Density and Its Effects on Finite Element Analysis Results: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Lee Young Han , Kim Jung Jin , Jang In Gwun
Published: January 2019

Objectives. This study proposes a regression model for the phantomless Hounsfield units (HU) to bone mineral density (BMD) conversion including patient physical factors and analyzes the accuracy of the estimated BMD values. Methods. The HU values, BMDs, circumferences of the body, and cross-sectional areas of bone were measured from 39 quantitative computed tomography images of L2 vertebrae and hips. Then, the phantomless HU-to-BMD conversion was derived using a multiple linear regression model. For the statistical analysis, the correlation between the estimated BMD values and the reference BMD values was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation test. Voxelwise BMD and finite element analysis (FEA) results were analyzed in terms of root-mean-square error (RMSE) and strain energy density, respectively. Results. The HU values and circumferences were statistically significant (p<0.05) for the lumbar spine, whereas only the HU values were statistically significant (p<0.05) for the proximal femur. The BMD values estimated using the proposed HU-to-BMD conversion were significantly correlated with those measured using the reference phantom: Pearson’s correlation coefficients of 0.998 and 0.984 for the lumbar spine and proximal femur, respectively. The RMSEs of the estimated BMD values for the lumbar spine and hip were 4.26 ± 0.60 (mg/cc) and 8.35 ± 0.57 (mg/cc), respectively. The errors of total strain energy were 1.06% and 0.91%, respectively. Conclusions. The proposed phantomless HU-to-BMD conversion demonstrates the potential of precisely estimating BMD values from CT images without the reference phantom and being utilized as a viable tool for FEA-based quantitative assessment using routine CT images.
Burnout Syndrome amongst Medical Students in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Determinants in Preclinical and Clinical Students
Authors: Njim Tsi , Makebe Haman , Toukam Louise , Kika Belmond , Fonkou Steve , Fondungallah Johnson , Fondong Azingala
Published: January 2019

Background. Due to a series of recognised psychological stressors in the traditional path of medical studies, medical students are prone to experience burnout syndrome. Objective. This study aimed to determine the predictors of burnout syndrome amongst medical students in Cameroon. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study which recruited 413 medical students consecutively after sampling three of the five medical schools in Cameroon using a random sequence generator. Data were collected via a printed self-administered questionnaire from consenting participants assessing burnout syndrome using the OLdenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). Data was analysed using Stata version 12 and p value significance was set at 95%. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify independent determinants of burnout syndrome. Results. An alpha Cronbach coefficient of 0.74 showed that the OLBI assessed the same underlying construct of burnout syndrome in this population. The results of the multiple linear regression showed that five predictors explained 35.0% of the variance (R2 = 35.0, F(9, 184) = 10.99, p <0.001). It was found that marital status significantly predicted burnout (Beta: 4.82, p value: 0.024), as well as relationship difficulties (Beta: 3.17, p value <0.001), cumulative GPA (Beta: -2.15, p value: 0.006), regretting the choice of medical studies (Beta: 7.85, p value <0.001), and recreational drug use (Beta: 6.99, p value: 0.005). Conclusion. Early detection of burnout in medical students in Cameroon could be done by identifying and addressing the potential determinants. The institution of preventive measures against burnout syndrome in medical schools in Cameroon is warranted to decrease the morbidity associated with the condition.
An External Archive‐Based Constrained State Transition Algorithm for Optimal Power Dispatch
Authors: Zhou Xiaojun , Long Jianpeng , Xu Chongchong , Jia Guanbo
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes an external archive‐based constrained state transition algorithm (EA‐CSTA) with a preference trade‐off strategy for solving the power dispatch optimization problem in the electrochemical process of zinc (EPZ). The optimal power dispatch problem aims to obtain the optimal current density schedule to minimize the cost of power consumption with some rigorous technology and production constraints. The current density of each production equipment in different power stages is restricted by technology and production requirements. In addition, electricity price and current density are considered comprehensively to influence the cost of power consumption. In the process of optimization, technology and production restrictions are difficult to be satisfied, which are modeled as nonconvex equality constraints in the power dispatch optimization problem. Moreover, multiple production equipment and different power supply stages increase the amount of decision variables. In order to solve this problem, an external archive‐based constrained state transition algorithm (EA‐CSTA) is proposed. The external archive strategy is adopted for maintaining the diversity of solutions to increase the probability of finding the optima of power dispatch optimization problem. Moreover, a preference trade‐off strategy is designed to improve the global search performance of EA‐CSTA, and the translation transformation in state transition algorithm is modified to improve the local search ability of EA‐CSTA. Finally, the experimental results indicate that the proposed method is more efficient compared with other approaches in previous papers for the optimal power dispatch. Furthermore, the proposed method significantly reduces the cost of power consumption, which not only guides the production process of zinc electrolysis but also alleviates the pressure of the power grid load.
Hölder Type Inequalities for Sugeno Integrals under Usual Multiplication Operations
Authors: Hong Dug Hun , Kim Jae Duck
Published: January 2019

The classical Hölder inequality shows an interesting upper bound for Lebesgue integral of the product of two functions. This paper proposes Hölder type inequalities and reverse Hölder type inequalities for Sugeno integrals under usual multiplication operations for nonincreasing concave or convex functions. One of the interesting results is that the inequality, (S)∫01f(x)pdμ1/p(S)∫01g(x)qdμ1/q≤p-q/p-p-q+1∨q-p/q-q-p+1(S)∫01f(x)g(x)dμ, where 1<p<∞,1/p+1/q=1 and μ is the Lebesgue measure on R, holds if f and g are nonincreasing and concave functions. As a special case, we consider Cauchy-Schwarz type inequalities for Sugeno integrals involving nonincreasing concave or convex functions. Some examples are provided to illustrate the validity of the proposed inequalities.
Predictors of Initial and Sustained Remission in Patients Treated with Antithyroid Drugs for Graves’ Hyperthyroidism: The RISG Study
Authors: Karmisholt J. , Andersen S. L. , Bulow-Pedersen I. , Carlé A. , Krejbjerg A. , Nygaard B.
Published: January 2019

Purpose. To study predictors of attaining (part 1) and sustaining (part 2) remission in patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism (GH) treated with antithyroid drugs (ATD). Methods. In the prospective first part, the included patients were treated with ATD until a prespecified definition of remission (thyrotropin > 0.4 mU/L and TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb) ≤ 1. 0 IU/L in a patient receiving a methimazole dose ≤ 5 mg/day, on two occasions two months apart) was met, or for 24 months. In the second part, patients attaining remission in part 1 were randomized to treatment or observation and followed until relapse or for 24 months. Results. 173 patients completed study 1 and 53% attained remission. TRAb and age were the only significant predictors of remission. Patients with baseline TRAb below vs above 10 IU/L attained remission in 63% compared to 39%, and 5 months priorly (p<0.001). In study 2, 96.4% of the patients randomized to treatment (n=33) sustained remission compared to 66% in the observation group (n=33). Treatment arm was the only significant parameter (p<0.001) of sustained remission. Conclusion. Baseline TRAb was prognostic for attaining remission in GH. Consecutive TRAb measurements during treatment were not worthwhile, but a single measurement after 6-8 months in patients with initial TRAb < 10 IU/L could substantially shorten the treatment period in a subgroup of patients. Only 3.6% of the patients in remission experienced relapse during follow-up when treated with a combination of fixed low dose methimazole and L-T4. ClinTrial.gov registration number is  NCT00796913.
Experimental Research on the Impact Environment of Multiplate Cabinet
Authors: Guo Jun , Huang Shizhang , Kang Youwei , Hao Ning , Xie Hao
Published: January 2019

As an installation and protection device for electrical and electronic components, a shipboard cabinet is a typical multiplate structure. In order to study the impact environment distribution laws of such structures, impact testing was carried out on a shipboard cabinet under four working conditions in this paper. In addition, the impact response characteristics of such a multiplate structure were determined by numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. The impact environments of some pivotal points in cabinet were measured and some laws of dynamic response were found. The impact environment of central position was more severe on a single plate because of the first vibration modal. For different plates, the responses were usually similar at low‐frequency band and a little different at high‐frequency band. The theoretical analysis of the single degree of freedom oscillator was carried out, and the sensitivity of the response to the different characteristic frequencies was discussed based on the shock spectrum theory. A new method of calculating the response at a special frequency was proposed and verified.
Comparison of Diaphragmatic Stretch Technique and Manual Diaphragm Release Technique on Diaphragmatic Excursion in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Nair Aishwarya , Alaparthi Gopala Krishna , Krishnan Shyam , Rai Santhosh , Anand R. , Acharya Vishak , Acharya Preetam
Published: January 2019

Background. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) impairs the function of the diaphragm by placing it at a mechanical disadvantage, shortening its operating length and changing the mechanical linkage between its various parts. This makes the diaphragm’s contraction less effective in raising and expanding the lower rib cage, thereby increasing the work of breathing and reducing the functional capacity. Aim of the Study. To compare the effects of diaphragmatic stretch and manual diaphragm release technique on diaphragmatic excursion in patients with COPD. Materials and Methods. This randomised crossover trial included 20 clinically stable patients with mild and moderate COPD classified according to the GOLD criteria. The patients were allocated to group A or group B by block randomization done by primary investigator. The information about the technique was concealed in a sealed opaque envelope and revealed to the patients only after allocation of groups. After taking the demographic data and baseline values of the outcome measures (diaphragm mobility by ultrasonography performed by an experienced radiologist and chest expansion by inch tape performed by the therapist), group A subjects underwent the diaphragmatic stretch technique and the group B subjects underwent the manual diaphragm release technique. Both the interventions were performed in 2 sets of 10 deep breaths with 1-minute interval between the sets. The two outcome variables were recorded immediately after the intervention. A wash-out period of 3 hours was maintained to neutralize the effect of given intervention. Later the patients of group A and group B were crossed over to the other group. Results. In the diaphragmatic stretch technique, there was a statistically significant improvement in the diaphragmatic excursion before and after the treatment. On the right side, p=0.00 and p=0.003 in the midclavicular line and midaxillary line. On the left side, p=0.004 and p=0.312 in the midclavicular and midaxillary line. In manual diaphragm release technique, there was a statistically significant improvement before and after the treatment. On the right side, p=0.000 and p=0.000 in the midclavicular line and midaxillary line. On the left side, p=0.002 and p=0.000 in the midclavicular line and midaxillary line. There was no statistically significant difference in diaphragmatic excursion in the comparison of the postintervention values of both techniques. Conclusion. The diaphragmatic stretch technique and manual diaphragm release technique can be safely recommended for patients with clinically stable COPD to improve diaphragmatic excursion.
Negative Affect, Type D Personality, Quality of Life, and Dysfunctional Outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Vogel Matthias , Riediger Christian , Krippl Martin , Frommer Jörg , Lohmann Christoph , Illiger Sebastian
Published: January 2019

Background. Type D personality (TDP) is a sign of tapered stress and compromises treatment outcomes including those of hip arthroplasty. The common dissatisfaction with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is predicted by fear avoidance, pain catastrophizing and emotional lability, with poor quality of life (QoL) reflecting these strains. This study is the first to investigate the influence of TDP on TKA assuming (1) negative affect (NA) to be linked to fear avoidance and to increased dissatisfaction with TKA and (2) the expression of NA and social inhibition (SI) to not be stable over time. Method. We studied 79 participants using the brief symptom inventory-18, the pain-catastrophizing scale, the Tampa scale of kinesiophobia, the SF-36, and the WOMAC preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. T-test and regression were used to compare the variables of interest between groups built based upon outcome severity. Result. NA at follow-up predicted knee pain (p=0.02) and knee function (p<0.01) at follow-up. Contrarily, increased expressions of NA/SI at follow-up were predicted by NA (p=0.04) and rumination (p=0.05) at the baseline. Conclusion. The present results suggest the postoperative increase of NA to be linked to dysfunctional outcomes of TKA due to an interaction with pain catastrophizing. Baseline self-rated physical health did not connect to the dissatisfaction with TKA 1-year postoperatively.
In Vivo Biokinetics of 177Lu-OPS201 in Mice and Pigs as a Model for Predicting Human Dosimetry
Authors: Beykan Seval , Fani Melpomeni , Jensen Svend Borup , Nicolas Guillaume , Wild Damian , Kaufmann Jens , Lassmann Michael
Published: January 2019

Introduction. 177Lu-OPS201 is a high-affinity somatostatin receptor subtype 2 antagonist for PRRT in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. The aim is to find the optimal scaling for dosimetry and to compare the biokinetics of 177Lu-OPS201 in animals and humans. Methods. Data on biokinetics of 177Lu-OPS201 were analyzed in athymic nude Foxn1nu mice (28 F, weight: 26 ± 1 g), Danish Landrace pigs (3 F-1 M, weight: 28 ± 2 kg), and patients (3 F-1 M, weight: 61 ± 17 kg) with administered activities of 0.19–0.27 MBq (mice), 97–113 MBq (pigs), and 850–1086 MBq (patients). After euthanizing mice (up to 168 h), the organ-specific activity contents (including blood) were measured. Multiple planar and SPECT/CT scans were performed until 250 h (pigs) and 72 h (patients) to quantify the uptake in the kidneys and liver. Blood samples were taken up to 23 h (patients) and 300 h (pigs). In pigs and patients, kidney protection was applied. Time-dependent uptake data sets were created for each species and organ/tissue. Biexponential fits were applied to compare the biokinetics in the kidneys, liver, and blood of each species. The time-integrated activity coefficients (TIACs) were calculated by using NUKFIT. To determine the optimal scaling, several methods (relative mass scaling, time scaling, combined mass and time scaling, and allometric scaling) were compared. Results. A fast blood clearance of the compound was observed in the first phase (<56 h) for all species. In comparison with patients, pigs showed higher liver retention. Based on the direct comparison of the TIACs, an underestimation in mice (liver and kidneys) and an overestimation in pigs’ kidneys compared to the patient data (kidney TIAC: mice = 1.4 h, pigs = 7.7 h, and patients = 5.8 h; liver TIAC: mice = 0.7 h, pigs = 4.1 h, and patients = 5.3 h) were observed. Most similar TIACs were obtained by applying time scaling (mice) and combined scaling (pigs) (kidney TIAC: mice = 3.9 h, pigs = 4.8 h, and patients = 5.8 h; liver TIAC: mice = 0.9 h, pigs = 4.7 h, and patients = 5.3 h). Conclusion. If the organ mass ratios between the species are high, the combined mass and time scaling method is optimal to minimize the interspecies differences. The analysis of the fit functions and the TIACs shows that pigs are better mimicking human biokinetics.
Wind and Payload Disturbance Rejection Control Based on Adaptive Neural Estimators: Application on Quadrotors
Authors: Sierra Jesús Enrique , Santos Matilde
Published: January 2019

In this work, a new intelligent control strategy based on neural networks is proposed to cope with some external disturbances that can affect quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) dynamics. Specifically, the variation of the system mass during logistic tasks and the influence of the wind are considered. An adaptive neuromass estimator and an adaptive neural disturbance estimator complement the action of a set of PID controllers, stabilizing the UAV and improving the system performance. The control strategy has been extensively tested with different trajectories: linear, helical, circular, and even a lemniscate one. During the experiments, the mass of the UAV is triplicated and winds of 6 and 9 in Beaufort’s scale are introduced. Simulation results show how the online learning of the estimator increases the robustness of the controller, reducing the effects of the changes in the mass and of the wind on the quadrotor.
Effectiveness of the Chronic Care Model in Type 2 Diabetes Management in a Community Health Service Center in China: A Group Randomized Experimental Study
Authors: Kong Jing-Xia , Zhu Lin , Wang Hong-Mei , Li Ying , Guo An-Ying , Gao Chao , Miao Yan-Yao , Wang Ting , Lu Xiao-Yang , Zhu Hong-Hong , Patrick Donald L.
Published: January 2019

Objective. The Chronic Care Model, based on core elements of team-centered care in chronic diseases, has widely been accepted. This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the Chronic Care Model in type 2 diabetes management. Methods. A group randomized experimental study was conducted. Twelve communities of the Zhaohui Community Health Service Center in Hangzhou, China, were randomly assigned into an intervention group (n=6) receiving the Chronic Care Model-based intervention and a control group (n=6) receiving conventional care. A total of three hundred patients, twenty-five for each community, aged ≥18 years with type 2 diabetes for at least 1-year duration, were recruited. Data of health behaviors, clinical outcomes, and health-related quality of life (Short-Form 36-item questionnaire) were collected before and after a 9-month intervention and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and linear mixed regression. A total of 258 patients (134 in intervention and 124 in control) who completed the baseline and follow-up evaluations and the entire intervention were included in the final analyses. Results. Health behaviors such as drinking habit (OR=0.07, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.75), physical activity (OR=2.92, 95% CI: 1.18, 7.25), and diet habit (OR=4.30, 95% CI: 1.49, 12.43) were improved. The intervention group had a remarkable reduction in glycated hemoglobin (from 7.17% to 6.60%, P<0.001). The quality of life score changes of the role limitation due to physical problems (mean=9.97, 95% CI: 3.33, 16.60), social functioning (mean=6.50, 95% CI: 2.37, 10.64), role limitation due to emotional problems (mean=8.06, 95% CI: 2.15, 13.96), and physical component summary score (mean=3.31, 95% CI: 1.22, 5.39) were improved in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusion. The Chronic Care Model-based intervention helped improve some health behaviors, clinical outcomes, and quality of life of type 2 diabetes patients in China in a short term.
Imidazole and Azo-Based Schiff Bases Ligands as Highly Active Antifungal and Antioxidant Components
Authors: Slassi Siham , Fix-Tailler Adeline , Larcher Gérald , Amine Amina , El-Ghayoury Abdelkrim
Published: January 2019

We describe, herein, the synthesis, full characterization, and optical properties of four different ligandsL1-L4which associate an azo group, an imidazole unit, and a Schiff base fragment. The UV-visible absorption bands are characteristic ofπ→π⁎andn→π⁎transitions with an additional charge transfer between the azobenzene moiety and the imino group. Finally the determination of MIC80values against pathogenic fungi such asS. apiospermum,A. fumigatus,andC. albicansrevealed that these ligands have effective antifungal properties with highest activities (MIC80) onC. albicansfor the azole based ligandsL1-L3. DPPH radical scavenging of the studied ligands was also tested.
Prediction on Remaining Life of a V‐Notched Beam by Measured Modal Frequency
Authors: Liu Wenguang , Barkey Mark E.
Published: January 2019

A prediction method for the remaining life of a V‐notched beam using measured modal frequencies is proposed in this article. The main purpose is to provide a new monitoring method of crack growth for a cantilever beam. At first, the fatigue crack growth characteristic and the change law of modal frequencies of a V‐notched cantilever beam under cyclic loading were studied by experiments. Subsequently, the relation of modal frequencies and crack growth were analyzed. Thereafter, the decrease ratio of the first modal frequency was employed to reflect the crack damage so as to set up the relation of the modal frequency and the crack damage, and the evolution model between the crack damage and the cyclic loading numbers were set up. A prediction method for crack growth life was proposed for a cantilever beam based on the decrease ratio of the first modal frequency in the end. The remaining life of a V‐notched cantilever beam can be obtained using the proposed method with a given endured loading cycles and the corresponding measured modal frequency. Results indicate that the remaining fatigue life of the V‐notched cantilever beam is related to the decrease ratio of the modal frequency, and the predicted remaining life is in good agreement with the measured remaining life as the crack depth extends to a certain value.
Advances in Synthesis and Applications of Microalgal Nanoparticles for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Agarwal Prashant , Gupta Ritika , Agarwal Neeraj
Published: January 2019

Rapid industrialization, economic development, and population overgrowth are the major reasons responsible for the release of organic and inorganic substances into the environment, further leading to environmental pollution and contamination of water. Nowadays, it is truism that wastewater treatment has raised concern worldwide and is the need of the hour. Therefore, it is necessary to conserve sustainable energy and adopt advanced wastewater treatment technologies. Microalgae culture is gaining tremendous attention as it provides a combined benefit of treating wastewater as a growth medium and algae biomass production which can be used for several livestock purposes. Microalgae are ubiquitous and extremely diverse microorganisms which can accumulate toxic contaminants and heavy metals from wastewater, making them superior contender to become a powerful nanofactory. Furthermore, they are versatile, relatively convenient, and easy to handle, along with various other advantages such as synthesis can be performed at low temperature with greater energy efficiency, less toxicity, and low risk to the environment. Comparing with other organisms such as fungi, yeast, and bacteria, microalgae are equally important organisms in the synthesis of nanoparticles; therefore, the study of algae-mediated biosynthesis of nanometals can be taken towards a newer branch and it has been termed as phytonanotechnology. Here, an overview of recent advances in wastewater treatment processes through an amalgamation of nanoparticles and microalgae is provided.
Does Use of Different Platforms Influence the Relationship between Cocreation Value‐in‐Use and Participants’ Cocreation Behaviors? An Application in Third‐Party Managed Virtual Communities
Authors: Rubio Natalia , Villaseñor Nieves , Yague Maria Jesús
Published: January 2019

Despite an increasing amount of research on cocreation value, research on participants’ value‐in‐use in third‐party managed virtual communities remains limited. This study explores how participants perceive value‐in‐use through their participation in third‐party managed virtual communities and the influence of the participants’ value‐in‐use on three cocreation behaviors typical of these communities: information searching, feedback, and coinnovation activities. Participant value‐in‐use is a multidimensional construct consisting of five dimensions: informational value, entertainment value, social integrative value, personal integrative value, and community interactivity. We also consider whether use of different platforms (website, mobile app, or both) exerts a moderating effect on this cocreation process and identify significant differences in the relationships proposed based on the platform the participants use to access the virtual community. The research is contrasted empirically using the virtual community TripAdvisor. The PLS‐SEM method is used to test the model proposed. In comparing the website and mobile app models, the results show significantly stronger effects on the relationships in the route “informational value‐participants’ value‐in‐use‐information searching” for the website. Also, we find a stronger route for personal integrative value‐participants’ value‐in‐use‐feedback among users of the mobile app than for website users. In the case of participants who use only one platform (website or mobile app) rather than both (website and mobile app), the weight of use of one technology rather than both is significantly greater in coinnovation. This study enriches previous studies that advance theories of cocreation value and provides companies with practical guidance to identify and encourage cocreation behaviors and enhance the perceived value‐in‐use of virtual community participants.
Stability of Alkaloids during Drying Process and Their Effect on Anticoagulating Activity of Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis
Authors: Zou Lu , Lu Fengyu , Lin Bing , Zhou Ying , Liu Tingting , Sun Yue
Published: January 2019

The drying process of Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis (URCU), a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, was studied in a scale dryer in laboratory at 65°C. It was observed that the alkaloids content of URCU firstly showed a tendency of increasing and then decreasing after reaching the peak at the 570th minute in the process of constant temperature drying. Moreover, the coagulation time of rabbit determined by test tubes has been adopted to study the effect imposed by the content of alkaloids on the anticoagulating activity of URCU. In addition, the software of Minitab was also utilized to fit the correlation between the content of alkaloids and the anticoagulating activity of URCU. The results obtained demonstrated that anticoagulant activities were available in both rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline, among which the latter was the stronger one, while procoagulant activity was shown in corynoxeine. The case study can provide a useful reference for the research on drying other Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) and further study on URCU.
Nanoclay and Water Uptake Effects on Mechanical Properties of Unsaturated Polyester
Authors: Merah Necar , Mohamed Omer
Published: January 2019

Unsaturated polyester/nanoclay (UP/NC) composites were developed using an optimized process, which combines high shear mixing (HSM) and ultrasonication. Different types of organically modified nanoclays (Cloisites 10A and 20A and Nanomer I.30E) were considered with I.30E resulting in the best morphology with an exfoliated structure. This and the higher aspect ratio of I.30E lead to its better performance under tensile and flexural testing. Different loadings of I.30E (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt%) were thus used to manufacture UP/NC nanocomposites and test their resistance to water uptake as well as the moisture ingress effects on their mechanical properties. The results showed that the addition of I.30E nanoclay enhanced the hydrophobicity of the nanocomposite with a maximum improvement of about 40% at 4 wt% of NC loading. Flexural test results revealed relative degradation in the flexural properties of neat UP and UP/NC, due to moisture uptake. However, the reduction in flexural properties was found to be minimal at the optimum nanoclay loading of 3 wt%.
Enhancement of Through-Thickness Thermal Transport in Unidirectional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Laminates due to the Synergetic Role of Carbon Nanofiber Z-Threads
Authors: Scruggs Alexander M. , Kirmse Sebastian , Hsiao Kuang-Ting
Published: January 2019

This study experimentally and analytically examined the influence of carbon nanofiber (CNF) z-threads on the through-thickness (i.e., z-direction) thermal conductivity of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs). It was hypothesized that a network of CNF z-threads within CFRPs would provide a thermally conductive microstructure throughout the sample thickness that would increase the through-thickness thermal conductivity. The experiments showed that the through-thickness thermal conductivity of the CNF z-threaded CFRPs (9.85 W/m-K) was approximately 7.53 times greater than that of the control CFRPs (1.31 W/m-K) and 2.73 times greater than that of the unaligned CNF-modified CFRPs (3.61 W/m-K). Accordingly, the CNF z-threads were found to play a substantial role in increasing the through-thickness thermal conductivity of CFRPs. To better understand the role of the CNF z-threads in through-thickness thermal transport, simple logical models of the CFRPs were constructed and then compared with the experimental results. Through these analyses, it was determined that CNF z-threads substantially enhance the through-thickness thermal conductivity by creating carbon fiber-CNF linkages throughout the CFRP laminate; these linkages allow the heat flow to largely bypass the resistive resin that envelops the carbon fibers. In addition, thermal infrared tests illustrated that the increased through-thickness thermal conductivity of the CNF z-threaded CFRP enabled the location and visualization of defects within the laminate, which was not possible with the control CFRP.
Aberrant Periodontal and Systemic Immune Response of Overweight Rodents to Periodontal Infection
Authors: Yu Ting , Zhao Li , Huang Xin , Xie Baoyi , Zhang Jincai , Xuan Dongying
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to explore periodontal and systemic immune response of overweight hosts to periodontitis. Forty C57 BL/6J male mice were divided into high (HF) or low fat (LF) diet groups and fed with the two diets, respectively, for 8 weeks. Each diet group was then divided into periodontitis (P) or control (C) groups (n = 10 per group) for 10-day ligation or sham-ligation. Overweight-related parameters including body weight were measured. Alveolar bone loss (ABL) was morphometrically analyzed and periodontal osteoclasts were stained. Periodontal immune response including leukocyte and macrophage number and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed by histology and quantitative PCR. Serum cytokine and lipid levels were quantified using electrochemiluminescence immunoassays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and biochemistry. It was found that HF group had 14.4% body weight gain compared with LF group (P< 0.01). ABL and periodontal osteoclast, leukocyte, and macrophage number were higher in P group than C group regardless of diet (P< 0.05). ABL and periodontal osteoclast number were not affected by diet regardless of ligation or sham-ligation. Leukocyte and macrophage number and protein level of tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α) in periodontium and serum interleukin-6 level were downregulated by HF diet in periodontitis mice (P< 0.05). Periodontal protein level of TNF-αwas highly correlated with serum interleukin-6 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P< 0.01). These findings indicated that impaired immune response occurs both periodontally and systemically in preobesity overweight individuals. Given a well-reported exacerbating effect of obesity on periodontitis, overweight, if let uncontrolled, might place the individuals at potential risk for future periodontal tissue damage.
The Usefulness of Percutaneous Endoscopic Technique in Multifocal Lumbar Pathology
Authors: Lee Chul-Woo , Yoon Kang-Jun
Published: January 2019

Introduction. The multifocal lumbar pathology including disc herniation and stenosis in the spinal canal or foramen has been considered the most difficult to approach surgically. It often requires mandatory dual approaches and/or fusion techniques. Traditional percutaneous endoscopic lumbar transforaminal and interlaminar approach has been focused on unifocal disc herniation. However, the development of endoscopic spinal instruments and surgical technique has broadened surgical indication and therapeutic boundary in endoscopic spine surgery. Cases Presentation. The authors present outcomes of four patients with multilumbar pathology including highly inferior migrated disc combined with lateral recess stenosis, multifocal disc herniation, bilateral disc herniations in spinal canal and foraminal disc herniation combined with central canal stenosis. They were successfully treated by percutaneous uniportal full endoscopic approach with single incision. Conclusion. Percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery is a safe and effective tool to figure out multilumbar pathology in a minimal invasive way.
Bicyclic Peptides as a New Modality for Imaging and Targeting of Proteins Overexpressed by Tumors
Authors: Eder Matthias , Pavan Silvia , Bauder-Wüst Ulrike , van Rietschoten Katerine , Baranski Ann-Christin , Harrison Helen , Campbell Spencer , Stace Catherine L. , Walker Edward H. , Chen Liuhong , Bennett Gavin , Mudd Gemma , Schierbaum Ursula , Leotta Karin , Haberkorn Uwe , Kopka Klaus , Teufel Daniel P.
Published: January 2019

Molecular imaging of cancers using probes specific for tumor-associated target proteins offers a powerful solution for providing information regarding selection of targeted therapy, patient stratification, and response to therapy. Here we demonstrate the power of bicyclic peptides as targeting probes, exemplified with the tumor-overexpressed matrix metalloproteinase MT1-MMP as a target. A bicyclic peptide with subnanomolar affinity towards MT1-MMP was identified, and its radioconjugate showed selective tumor uptake in an HT1080 xenograft mouse model. Proteolytic stabilization of the peptide by chemical modification significantly enhanced the in vivo tumor signal [from 2.5%ID/g to 12%ID/g at 1 hour post injection (p.i.)]. Studies using mouse xenograft models with different cell lines show a robust correlation between tumor signals and in vivo MT1-MMP expression levels. Fatty acid modification of the bicyclic peptide extended its circulating half-life, resulting in increased tumor signals (36%ID/g at 6 hours p.i.). Comparative work with an equipotent radiolabeled MT1-MMP targeting antibody demonstrated starkly differential biodistribution and tumor accumulation properties, with the tumor signal slowly increasing to 6.2%ID/g within 48 hours. The rapid tumor penetration characteristics of bicyclic peptides, coupled with high potency and chemical versatility, thus offer high-contrast imaging probes for clinical diagnostics with compelling additional potential in targeted therapy.

Significance: This work demonstrates the potential of bicyclic peptides as a platform for the development of high-contrast imaging probes for potential use in clinical cancer diagnostics and molecularly targeted therapeutics.
Growth Factor–Independent 1 Is a Tumor Suppressor Gene in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chen Min-Shan , Lo Yuan-Hung , Chen Xi , Williams Christopher S. , Donnelly Jessica M. , Criss Zachary K. , Patel Shreena , Butkus Joann M. , Dubrulle Julien , Finegold Milton J. , Shroyer Noah F.
Published: January 2019

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Growth factor–independent 1 (GFI1) is a zinc finger transcriptional repressor responsible for controlling secretory cell differentiation in the small intestine and colon. GFI1 plays a significant role in the development of human malignancies, including leukemia, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. However, the role of GFI1 in colorectal cancer progression is largely unknown. Our results demonstrate that RNA and protein expression of GFI1 are reduced in advanced-stage nonmucinous colorectal cancer. Subcutaneous tumor xenograft models demonstrated that the reexpression of GFI1 in 4 different human colorectal cancer cell lines inhibits tumor growth. To further investigate the role of Gfi1 in de novo colorectal tumorigenesis, we developed transgenic mice harboring a deletion of Gfi1 in the colon driven by CDX2-cre (Gfi1F/F; CDX2-cre) and crossed them with ApcMin/+ mice (ApcMin/+; Gfi1F/F; CDX2-cre). Loss of Gfi1 significantly increased the total number of colorectal adenomas compared with littermate controls with an APC mutation alone. Furthermore, we found that compound (ApcMin/+; Gfi1F/F; CDX2-cre) mice develop larger adenomas, invasive carcinoma, as well as hyperplastic lesions expressing the neuroendocrine marker chromogranin A, a feature that has not been previously described in APC-mutant tumors in mice. Collectively, these results demonstrate that GFI1 acts as a tumor suppressor gene in colorectal cancer, where deficiency of Gfi1 promotes malignancy in the colon.

Implications:

These findings reveal that GFI1 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in colorectal tumorigenesis.
Chemoprevention of Lung Carcinogenesis by Dietary Nicotinamide and Inhaled Budesonide
Authors: Galbraith Arthur R. , Seabloom Donna E. , Wuertz Beverly R. , Antonides Jennifer D. , Steele Vernon E. , Wattenberg Lee W. , Ondrey Frank G.
Published: January 2019

Nicotinamide, the amide form of vitamin B3, and budesonide, a synthetic glucocorticoid used in the treatment of asthma, were evaluated to determine their individual and combinational chemopreventive efficacy on benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung tumors in female A/J mice. Nicotinamide fed at a dietary concentration of 0.75% significantly inhibited tumor multiplicity. Nicotinamide by aerosol inhalation at doses up to 15 mg/kg/day did not result in a statistically significant reduction in tumor multiplicity. Finally, dietary nicotinamide was administered with aerosol budesonide and tumor multiplicity reduced by 90% at 1 week and 49% at 8 weeks post last carcinogen dose. We conclude nicotinamide is an effective and safe agent for lung cancer dietary prevention at both early- and late-stage carcinogenesis and that efficacy is increased with aerosol budesonide. Combination chemoprevention with these agents is a well-tolerated and effective strategy which could be clinically advanced to human studies.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 E6 Oncoprotein Expression in Infections with Single and Multiple Genotypes
Authors: Wu Zeni , Li Ting-Yuan , Jiang Mingyue , Yu Lulu , Zhao Jing , Wang Hairui , Zhang Xun , Chen Wen , Qiao Youlin
Published: January 2019

Factors that differentiate risk of cervical cancer associated with infection with single versus multiple HPV types are yet undefined. We hypothesize that E6 oncoprotein is one determining factor. This cross-sectional, multicenter study was performed between 2013 and 2017. A total of 1,781 women were recruited from six hospitals. Samples were tested for presence of 14 types of high-risk HPV DNA. HPV16/18-positive samples were also tested for HPV16/18-E6 oncoprotein. Of 1,781 subjects, 687 (38.6%) tested positive for HPV16/18. HPV16/18 single infections were associated with higher E6 positivity rates compared with multiple infections only for cancer cases (HPV16: 92.2% vs. 76.5%; HPV18: 93.9% vs. 62.1%) but not for normal histopathology or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. In HPV16/18 coinfection subjects, the positivity rate was 42.9% for HPV16-E6 and 42.9% for HPV18-E6. The combined positivity rate of either HPV16-E6 or HPV18-E6 among HPV16/18 coinfection subjects was 78.6%, similar with HPV16 (74.8%) and HPV18 (79.5%) single-infection subjects. The positivity rates of HPV16/18 E6 oncoprotein varied depending on the HPV-type composition in multiple infection (“clusters”) including HPV types other than 16 and 18. Multiple infection clusters most likely to express HPV16-E6 and HPV18-E6 were HPV16/52 (61.5%) and HPV18/52 (66.7%), and the less were HPV16/45 (10.0%) and HPV18/51 (16.7%), respectively. Patterns of E6 oncoprotein expression varied depending on clustering types. However, expression was greatest in women with single HPV-type infections compared with those with multiple HPV types regardless of histopathology. Our findings provided new insight of natural history of cervical cancer.
The Iron Tug-of-War between Bacterial Siderophores and Innate Immunity
Authors: Golonka Rachel , Yeoh Beng San , Vijay-Kumar Matam
Published: January 2019

Iron is necessary for the survival of almost all aerobic organisms. In the mammalian host, iron is a required cofactor for the assembly of functional iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster proteins, heme-binding proteins and ribonucleotide reductases that regulate various functions, including heme synthesis, oxygen transport and DNA synthesis. However, the bioavailability of iron is low due to its insolubility under aerobic conditions. Moreover, the host coordinates a nutritional immune response to restrict the accessibility of iron against potential pathogens. To counter nutritional immunity, most commensal and pathogenic bacteria synthesize and secrete small iron chelators termed siderophores. Siderophores have potent affinity for iron, which allows them to seize the essential metal from the host iron-binding proteins. To safeguard against iron thievery, the host relies upon the innate immune protein, lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), which could sequester catecholate-type siderophores and thus impede bacterial growth. However, certain bacteria are capable of outmaneuvering the host by either producing “stealth” siderophores or by expressing competitive antagonists that bind Lcn2 in lieu of siderophores. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying the complex iron tug-of-war between host and bacteria with an emphasis on how host innate immunity responds to siderophores.
Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Thrombotic Microangiopathy with Eculizumab in a Patient with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Hausberg Martin , Felten Helmut , Pfeffer Stefan
Published: January 2019

The unexpected occurrence of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), characterised by microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia, in a patient with cancer requires urgent diagnosis and appropriate management. TMA in patients with metastatic cancer can be a manifestation of the malignancy itself or a therapeutic complication. Distinguishing the cause of TMA is complicated but clinically important to initiate appropriate treatment of metastatic cancer and avoid potential drug toxicity. Eculizumab, which inhibits alternative complement pathway activation, has been shown to be effective in chemotherapy-induced TMA. We report the case of a 69-year-old woman with breast cancer who experienced a mitomycin-C-induced TMA manifestation. TMA did not respond to conservative therapy, plasmapheresis or rituximab and rapidly lead to dialysis dependency. Despite disease progression and metastases, eculizumab treatment was associated with recovered renal function and enabled the patient to avoid dialysis, improving her quality of life.