bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep learning for detecting tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes in testicular germ cell tumours
Authors: Linder Nina , Taylor Jenny C , Colling Richard , Pell Robert , Alveyn Edward , Joseph Johnson , Protheroe Andrew , Lundin Mikael , Lundin Johan , Verrill Clare
Published: December 2018

Aims

To evaluate if a deep learning algorithm can be trained to identify tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in tissue samples of testicular germ cell tumours and to assess whether the TIL counts correlate with relapse status of the patient.

Methods

TILs were manually annotated in 259 tumour regions from 28 whole-slide images (WSIs) of H&E-stained tissue samples. A deep learning algorithm was trained on half of the regions and tested on the other half. The algorithm was further applied to larger areas of tumour WSIs from 89 patients and correlated with clinicopathological data.

Results

A correlation coefficient of 0.89 was achieved when comparing the algorithm with the manual TIL count in the test set of images in which TILs were present (n=47). In the WSI regions from the 89 patient samples, the median TIL density was 1009/mm2. In seminomas, none of the relapsed patients belonged to the highest TIL density tertile (>2011/mm2). TIL quantifications performed visually by three pathologists on the same tumours were not significantly associated with outcome. The average interobserver agreement between the pathologists when assigning a patient into TIL tertiles was 0.32 (Kappa test) compared with 0.35 between the algorithm and the experts, respectively. A higher TIL density was associated with a lower clinical tumour stage, seminoma histology and lack of lymphovascular invasion.

Conclusions

Deep learning–based image analysis can be used for detecting TILs in testicular germ cell cancer more objectively and it has potential for use as a prognostic marker for disease relapse.
Assessment of in vitro effects of direct thrombin inhibitors and activated factor X inhibitors through clot waveform analysis
Authors: Wakui Masatoshi , Fujimori Yuta , Katagiri Hisako , Nakamura Shoko , Kondo Yoshino , Kuroda Yuko , Nakagawa Terumichi , Shimizu Nobuko , Murata Mitsuru
Published: December 2018

Aims

Clot waveform analysis (CWA) has been reported to extend the interpretation of clotting time measurement. The parameters obtained from successive derivatives of the clotting reaction curves reflect the rates of activation of individual coagulation factors, theoretically dissecting the cascade pathway. This study aims to assess the in vitro effects of direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) and activated factor X (FXa) inhibitors.

Methods

CWA was applied to the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) assay of plasma samples spiked with each drug. For CWA of APTT measurement curves (APTT-CWA), the positive mode of clotting reaction curves was defined as the direction towards fibrin generation.

Results

All the maximum positive values in the successive derivatives were decreased dependently on the concentrations of each drug. Moreover, the negative values in the second and third derivatives appeared putatively due to consumption of thrombin and factor FXa, respectively, to form complexes with plasma serine protease inhibitors. The decrease of the maximum negative values observed dependently on the concentrations of each drug appeared to be consistent with the decreased generation of thrombin and factor FXa. The analysis of Hill coefficients of each drug in the dose–response of changes in the APTT-CWA parameters revealed a difference in anticoagulant cooperativity between DTIs versus FXa inhibitors.

Conclusions

The APTT-CWA demonstrated evidence for the blockade of thrombin-positive feedback by DTIs and FXa inhibitors and that for the differences in anticoagulant cooperativity between them. The results demonstrate the usability of CWA for assessment of anticoagulation and provide insights into direct anticoagulants.
T cell dysfunction in chronic hepatitis B infection and liver cancer: evidence from transcriptome analysis
Authors: Wang Yu-Gang , Zheng Dong-Hui , Shi Min , Xu Xi-Ming
Published: December 2018

Background

T cell dysfunction occurs in many diseases, especially in chronic virus infection and cancers. However, up to now, little is known on the distinctions in T cell exhaustion between cancer and chronic virus infection. The objective of this study is to explore the transcriptional similarities and differences in exhausted CD8 +T cell between chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

RNA sequencing was performed to compare the transcriptome of CD8 +T cells isolated from healthy donors’ blood, tumour tissues of patients with HCC and chronic HBV infected HCC patients’ paracancerous tissues. DESeq2 algorithm was used to determine differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was conducted for in-depth analysis of these differentially expressed genes.

Results

A total number of 2109 and 2203 genes were differentially expressed in patients with chronic HBV infection and HCC, respectively. Comparing these two groups of differentially deregulated genes, we found that nearly half of them were shared, and these shared genes were further classified into several functional categories, such as metabolic process, binding and intracellular organelle. KEGG analysis revealed that these shared deregulated genes were involved in many important pathways such as Parkinson’s disease, oxidative phosphorylation and messenger RNA surveillance. Interestingly, we reported that chronic HBV infection specific deregulated genes were mainly enriched in graft versus host disease, allograft rejection, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis pathways. Whereas, HCC-specific deregulated genes were highly enriched in oxidative phosphorylation, thyroid cancer and endometrial cancer pathways.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that T cell dysfunction associated with HCC and chronic HBV infection shares high similarities, however, each possesses its own features in terms of specific genes and signalling pathways. Uncovering the differences of T cells dysfunction would facilitate our understanding the diseases pathogenesis and developing innovative therapies in the future.
Lower lymphocyte to monocyte ratio is a potential predictor of poor outcome in patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Li Shen , Liu Kai , Zhang Rui , Gao Yuan , Fang Hui , Liu Xinjing , Pei Lulu , Chou L-Ying Richard , Guan Sheng , Guo Xinbin , Xu Haowen , Song Bo , Xu Yuming
Published: December 2018

Background

Lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) is associated with functional outcome in patients with stroke. But the relationship between the LMR value and the prognosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) has not been investigated.

Methods

CVST patients, admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, were retrospectively identified from November 2010 to January 2017. Functional outcomes of patients were evaluated with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Patients were divided into good (mRS 0–2) and poor (mRS 3–6) outcomes groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between LMR and the poor survival outcome.

Results

A total of 228 patients were included of which 41 had poor outcomes (18.0%). The duration of follow-up was 22 months (6–66 months). LMR (2.3±1.2 vs 3.2±1.8, p<0.01) was significantly lower in the poor outcome group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that LMR (HR 0.726, 95% CI 0.546 to 0.964, p=0.027) was a independent predictor of poor prognosis.

Conclusions

LMR may be a predictor of poor prognosis in CVST patients.
Impact of the NHS stop smoking services on smoking prevalence in England: a simulation modelling evaluation
Authors: Song Fujian , Elwell-Sutton Tim , Naughton Felix
Published: December 2018

Background

The English National Health Service (NHS) Stop Smoking Services (SSS), established in 2001, were the first such services in the world. An appropriate evaluation of the SSS has national and international significance. This modelling study sought to evaluate the impact of the SSS on changes in smoking prevalence in England.

Methods

A discrete time state-transition model was developed to simulate changes in smoking status among the adult population in England during 2001–2016. Input parameters were based on data from national statistics, population representative surveys and published literature. The main outcome was the percentage point reduction in smoking prevalence attributable to the SSS.

Results

Smoking prevalence was reduced by 10.8% in absolute terms during 2001–2016 in England, and 15.1% of the reduction could be attributable to the SSS. The percentage point reduction in smoking prevalence each year was on average 0.72%, and 0.11% could be attributable to the SSS. The proportion of SSS supported quit attempts increased from 5.6% in 2001, to as high as 19.3% in 2011, and then reduced to 8.4% in 2016. Quit attempts with SSS support had a higher success rate than those without SSS support (15.1%vs11.7%). Smoking prevalence in England continued to decline after the SSS was much reduced from 2013 onwards.

Conclusions

Approximately 15% of the percentage point reduction in smoking prevalence during 2001–2016 in England may be attributable to the NHS SSS, although uncertainty remains regarding the actual impact of the formal smoking cessation services.
Sex differences in subcutaneous adipose tissue redox homeostasis and inflammation markers in control and high-fat diet fed rats
Authors: Vasconcelos Renata Prado , Peixoto Milena Simões , de Oliveira Keciany Alves , Ferreira Andrea Claudia Freitas , Coelho-de-Souza Andrelina Noronha , Carvalho Denise P. , de Oliveira Ariclécio Cunha , Fortunato Rodrigo S.
Published: December 2018

The development of obesity-related metabolic disorders is more evident in male in comparison with female subjects, but the mechanisms are unknown. Several studies have shown that oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of obesity, but the majority of these studies were performed with male animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sex-related differences in subcutaneous adipose tissue redox homeostasis and inflammation of rats chronically fed a high-fat diet. NADPH oxidase (NOX), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activities were evaluated in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SC) of adult male and female rats fed either a standard chow (SCD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 11 weeks. NOX2 and NOX4 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, total reduced thiols, interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and IL-6 were also determined. Higher antioxidant enzyme activities and total reduced thiol levels were detected in SC of control male compared with female rats. Chronic HFD administration increased NOX activity and NOX2 and NOX4 mRNA levels and decreased SOD and GPx activities only in male animals. IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, as well as Adgre1, CD11b, and CD68 mRNA levels, were also higher in SC of males after HFD feeding. In SC of females, catalase activity was higher after HFD feeding. Taken together, our results show that redox homeostasis and inflammation of SC is sexually dimorphic. Furthermore, males show higher oxidative stress in SC after 11 weeks of HFD feeding owing to both increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through NOX2 and NOX4 and decreased ROS detoxification.
U–Pb geochronology, Nd–Sm geochemistry, structural setting, and tectonic significance of Late Devonian and Paleogene intrusions in northern Yukon and northeastern Alaska
Authors: Lane Larry S. , Mortensen James K.
Published: December 2018

A suite of six Devonian granites and one syenite were emplaced into the upper crust of northern Yukon between 364.8 ± 2.7 and 371.2 ± 1.4 Ma. The Bear Mountain syenite and related rhyolite porphyry in adjacent Alaska intruded at 52.3 ± 0.4 and 53.5 ± 0.2 Ma, respectively. A felsic volcaniclastic unit and quartz-phyric sill are newly documented adjacent to the Mount Sedgwick granite. The volcaniclastic unit may indicate the presence of a related volcanic edifice. The presence of xenocrystic zircon grains in most of the intrusions suggests initial emplacement of magmas began 10–20 Myr before final emplacement into the upper crust. A Famennian final intrusion age coincides with Late Devonian encroachment of Ellesmerian deformation into the region. Attendant crustal flexure, or evolving foreland structures, may have facilitated upward migration of the magmas. Geochemistry of the intrusions indicates that the Devonian magmatism was largely derived from partial melting of lower and middle crust, implying widespread mafic magmatic underplating in Middle to Late Devonian time. Only Dave Lord syenite retains evidence of an original mantle geochemical signature. Mantle underplating may have played a role in localizing extension, volcanism, and rifting that led to the Late Devonian opening of the Angayucham ocean basin. The Eocene Bear Mountain pluton is inferred to be a northerly example of widespread Cenozoic within-plate magmatism in Alaska.
Brief structural insight into the allosteric gating mechanism of BK (Slo1) channel
Authors: Almássy János , Nánási Péter P.
Published: December 2018

The big conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ channel, also known as BK, MaxiK, Slo1, or KCa1.1, is a ligand- and voltage-gated K+ channel. Although structure-function studies of the past decades, involving mutagenesis and electrophysiological measurements, revealed fine details of the mechanism of BK channel gating, the exact molecular details remained unknown until the quaternary structure of the protein has been solved at a resolution of 3.5 Å using cryo-electron microscopy. In this short review, we are going to summarize these results and interpret the gating model of the BK channel in the light of the recent structural results.
APPROXIMATION OF PHYSICAL MEASUREMENT DATA BY DISCRETE ORTHOGONAL EIGENFUNCTIONS OF LINEAR DIFFERENTIAL OPERATORS
Authors: Harker Matthew , O’Leary Paul
Published: December 2018

We present a new method for computing the eigenfunctions of a linear differential operator such that they satisfy a discrete orthogonality constraint, and can thereby be used to efficiently approximate physical measurement data. Classic eigenfunctions, such as those of Sturm-Liouville problems, are typically used for approximating continuous functions, but are cumbersome for approximating discrete data. We take a matrix-based variational approach to compute eigenfunctions based on physical problems which can be used in the same manner as the DCT or DFT. The approach uses sparse matrix methods, so it can be used to compute a small number of eigenfunctions. The method is verified on common eigenvalue problems, and the approximation of real-world measurement data of a bending beam by means of its computed mode-shapes.
DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF FUNCTIONALLY GRADED NANOCOMPOSITE BEAMS SUBJECTED TO A MOVING LOAD USING A MESH-FREE METHOD
Authors: Sayyidmousavi Alireza , Foroutan Mehrdad , Bougherara Habiba , Fawaz Zouheir
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the dynamic response of functionally graded nanocomposite beams under the action of a moving load are investigated. Three different types of Carbon NanoTubes (CNT’s) distributions in a polymer matrix material are studied; Uniform Distribution (UD), Symmetrically Functionally Graded (SFG) distribution and Unsymmetrically Functionally Graded (USFG) distribution. The analysis is carried out by a mesh-free method using the two-dimensional theory of elasticity. After validation, the effects of different design parameters such as CNT’s distribution, the velocity and position of the moving load on the dynamic behavior of the beam are examined. The results also highlight the importance of the reinforcement distribution type from a design perspective. The current approach can serve as a benchmark against which other semi-analytical and numerical methods based on classical beam theories can be compared.
Inflation driven by massive vector fields with derivative self-interactions
Authors: Oliveros A. , Jaraba Marcos A.
Published: December 2018

Inspired by the Generalized Proca Theory, we study a vector–tensor model of inflation with massive vector fields and derivative self-interactions. The action under consideration contains a usual Maxwell-like kinetic term, a general potential term and a term with nonminimal derivative coupling between the vector field and gravity, via the dual Riemann tensor. In this theory, the last term contains a free parameter, [Formula: see text], which quantifies the nonminimal derivative coupling. In this scenario, taking into account a spatially flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe and a general vector field, we obtain the general expressions for the equation of motion and the total energy–momentum tensor. Choosing a Proca-type potential, a suitable inflationary regimen driven by massive vector fields is studied. In this model, the isotropy of expansion is guaranteed by considering a triplet of orthogonal vector fields. In order to obtain an inflationary solution with this model, the quasi de Sitter expansion was considered. In this case, the vector field behaves as a constant. Finally, slow-roll analysis is performed and slow-roll conditions are defined for this model, which, for suitable constraints of the model parameters, can give the required number of e-folds for sufficient inflation.
Geomorphological analysis of gullies on the central peak of Lyot Crater, Mars
Authors: Gulick Virginia C. , Glines Natalie , Hart Shawn , Freeman Patrick
Published: December 2018

The central peak region of Lyot Crater provides an intriguing case study of Martian gully formation on local topographic highs. To better understand how these gullies formed, we carried out a detailed morphological analysis using a HiRISE stereo image pair and a digital terrain model. Gully lengths range from
c.
2.2 to 4.3 km, with maximum depths from 17 to 54 m. Alcove slopes range from
c.
20 to 22°, channel slopes range from 12 to 16° and apron slopes range from 10 to 14°. In general, these slopes are much lower than both the angle of repose (
c.
33°) required to initiate dry flows and the apex slope required to keep these flows from depositing (>21°) under Mars gravity. We find that the observed gully morphology and spatial associations are consistent with an origin by liquid flow. Apron volumes are
c.
10–40% of the gully volume, which we suggest indicates significant volatile loss (water and/or CO
2
) in the slope materials in which they formed because apron volumes emplaced by dry gravitational flows would equal or exceed the gully volumes due to their lower packing density. These observations, coupled with the gullies’ unique micro-environmental setting, lead us to favour a fluvial origin. In addition, we find that the gullies formed almost exclusively on the western slope region, which suggests a possible orographic component. Potential water sources may have been supplied locally in the recent geological past by dry winds blowing across an ice-covered lake situated in a low elevation area just west of the central peak or more globally during periods of higher obliquity. In either case, the integration of morphometric and morphological investigations suggests that these gullies probably formed by surface runoff and through-flow from snow- or icepack melting on the central peak of Lyot Crater.
l-NIL prevents the ischemia and reperfusion injury involving TLR-4, GST, clusterin, and NFAT-5 in mice
Authors: Pasten Consuelo , Alvarado Cristóbal , Rocco Jocelyn , Contreras Luis , Aracena Paula , Liberona Jéssica , Suazo Cristian , Michea Luis , Irarrázabal Carlos E.
Published: December 2018

On renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, recruitment of neutrophils during the inflammatory process promotes local generation of oxygen and nitrogen reactive species, which, in turn, are likely to exacerbate tissue damage. The mechanism by which inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is involved in I/R has not been elucidated. In this work, the selective iNOS inhibitor l- N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine (l-NIL) and the NOS substrate l-arginine were employed to understand the role of NOS activity on the expression of particular target genes and the oxidative stress elicited after a 30-min of bilateral renal ischemia, followed by 48-h reperfusion in Balb/c mice. The main findings of the present study were that pharmacological inhibition of iNOS with l-NIL during an I/R challenge of mice kidney decreased renal injury, prevented tissue loss of integrity, and improved renal function. Several novel findings regarding the molecular mechanism by which iNOS inhibition led to these protective effects are as follows: 1) a prevention of the I/R-related increase in expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), and its downstream target, IL-1β; 2) reduced oxidative stress following the I/R challenge; noteworthy, this study shows the first evidence of glutathione S-transferase (GST) inactivation following kidney I/R, a phenomenon fully prevented by iNOS inhibition; 3) increased expression of clusterin, a survival autophagy component; and 4) increased expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT-5) and its target gene aquaporin-1. In conclusion, prevention of renal damage following I/R by the pharmacological inhibition of iNOS with l-NIL was associated with the inactivation of proinflammatory pathway triggered by TLR-4, oxidative stress, renoprotection (autophagy inactivation), and NFAT-5 signaling pathway.
The role of sensory stimulation on motor learning via action observation: a mini review
Authors: Jayasinghe S. A. L.
Published: December 2018

Action observation involves the observation of an action followed by an attempt to replicate it. Recent studies show that increased sensorimotor cortical connectivity improves motor performance via observation and that priming the sensory system before observation enhances the effects of observation-based learning. Understanding the role of the sensory system is, therefore, critical for rehabilitation of movement disorders that have a sensory deficit.
Wireless Adaptive Video Streaming with Edge Cloud
Authors: Smith Kristofer R. , Liu Hang , Hsieh Li-Tse , de Foy Xavier , Gazda Robert
Published: December 2018

Wireless data traffic, especially video traffic, continues to increase at a rapid rate. Innovative network architectures and protocols are needed to improve the efficiency of data delivery and the quality of experience (QoE) of mobile users. Mobile edge computing (MEC) is a new paradigm that integrates computing capabilities at the edge of the wireless network. This paper presents a computation‐capable and programmable wireless access network architecture to enable more efficient and robust video content delivery based on the MEC concept. It incorporates in‐network data processing and communications under a unified software‐defined networking platform. To address the multiple resource management challenges that arise in exploiting such integration, we propose a framework to optimize the QoE for multiple video streams, subject to wireless transmission capacity and in‐network computation constraints. We then propose two simplified algorithms for resource allocation. The evaluation results demonstrate the benefits of the proposed algorithms for the optimization of video content delivery.
Exploiting the Interplay between Liquid-Liquid Demixing and Crystallization of the PVDF Membrane for Membrane Distillation
Authors: Nawi N. I. M. , Bilad M. R. , Nordin N. A. H. M. , Mavukkandy M. O. , Putra Z. A. , Wirzal M. D. H. , Jaafar J. , Khan Asim L.
Published: December 2018

Membrane distillation (MD) purifies water by transporting its vapor through a hydrophobic membrane. An ideal MD membrane poses high water flux and high fouling, scaling, and wetting resistances. In this study, we develop polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes for MD by focusing on reduction of PVDF degree of crystallinity. We explore the roles of dope solution temperature in dictating the phase separation mechanisms as well as the structure and the performance of semicrystalline PVDF membranes. DSC spectra show that higher dope solution temperature depresses crystallinity via formation of imperfect crystal. Such findings were also supported by FTIR and XRD results. The SEM images reveal formation of spherulite-like morphology in the membrane matrices for membranes prepared from high temperature dope solutions. A good balance between solid-liquid and liquid-liquid phase separations that offers low degree of crystallinity was found at a dope solution temperature of 60°C (PVDF-60), which showed the MD flux of 18 l/m2 h (vs. 6 l/m2 h for temperature of 25°C, as a benchmark) and nearly complete salt rejection when run at hot and cold temperatures of 65°C and 25°C, respectively. The PVDF-60 shows a high wetting resistance and stable MD flux of 10.5 l/m2 h over a 50 h test for treating brine solution as the feed (70 g NaCl/l).
Haplotypes of TNFα/βGenes Associated with Sex-Specific Paranoid Schizophrenic Risk in Tunisian Population
Authors: Inoubli Oumaima , Jemli Achraf , Ben Fredj Sihem , Mechri Anouar , Gaha Lotfi , Bel Hadj Jrad Besma
Published: December 2018

Several medical research findings have announced a strong association between the biology of cytokines and various brain activities. Since growing evidences suggest the crucial and complex role of the tumor necrosis factor in the CNS, we have hypothesized that functional genetic variants of the LTA and TNFA genes (LTA +252A/G (rs909253) and TNFA −857C/T (rs1799724) and TNFA −238G/A (rs361525)) may be involved in the predisposition to schizophrenia. This research is based on a case-control study. The RFLP-PCR genotyping was conducted on a Tunisian population composed of 208 patients and 208 controls. We found a strong significant overrepresentation of the minor alleles (G, T, and A, respectively) in all patients compared with controls (p=0.003,OR=1.55;p=0.005,OR=1.78; andp=0.0001,OR=1.74, respectively). This correlation was confirmed for male but not for female patients. Interestingly, the frequencies of the minor alleles were significantly more common among patients with paranoid schizophrenia when compared with controls (p=0.003,OR=1.75;p=5·10−6,OR=3.04; andp=4·10−6,OR=2.35, respectively). This potential association was confirmed by a logistic binary regression analysis only for the development of the paranoid form of schizophrenia (p=0.001/OR=2.6;p=0.0002/OR=3.2; andp=0.0004/OR=3.1, respectively) and remained not significant for the other subtypes. Moreover, our study showed an important association between GCA haplotype and the development of this pathological form (p=10−4,OR=3.71). In conclusion, our results proved a significant association between the three polymorphisms and paranoid schizophrenia, at least in the Tunisian population, suggesting a substantially increased risk for paranoid schizophrenia with dominant inheritance of these three minor alleles.
Intergenerational Programs Involving Adolescents, Institutionalized Elderly, and Older Volunteers: Results from a Pilot Research-Action in Italy
Authors: Santini Sara , Tombolesi Valentina , Baschiera Barbara , Lamura Giovanni
Published: December 2018

Changes in traditional family structures, public policy arrangements, and new family care patterns are reducing opportunities for interaction between younger and older people in Europe and in Italy, especially when the latter live in residential care facilities. This may bolster age-related stereotypes in both generations and end up with affecting older people’s self-confidence, devaluing their emotional and relational capabilities. “Let’s Re-Generate” is a pilot research-action project—based on an intergenerational program carried out in a nursing home in Central Italy—which aimed at prompting institutionalized older people and adolescents in the community to enhance intergenerational ties through various shared activities. Results from focus groups with 25 teenagers and in-depth interviews with 16 older residents and 16 older volunteers provide an in-depth insight on the positive impact of intergenerational programs, which foster the interaction between different ages, help overcome age-related stereotypes, and improve older people’s mental well-being and older volunteers’ generativity. The main recommendation emerging from this study is that intergenerational activities should be integrated in the daily routine of nursing homes, acting as useful tools for fostering older residents’ capability of reacting to dependency and social isolation.
SP110Polymorphisms Are Genetic Markers for Vulnerability to Latent and Active Tuberculosis Infection in Taiwan
Authors: Chang So-Yi , Chen Mei-Ling , Lee Meng-Rui , Liang Yun-Chieh , Lu Tzu-Pin , Wang Jann-Yuan , Yan Bo-Shiun
Published: December 2018

One-fourth of the human population is estimated to have been exposed toMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) and carries the infection in its latent form. This latent infection presents a lifelong risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB) disease, and persons with latent TB infection (LTBI) are significant contributors to the pool of active TB cases. Genetic polymorphisms among hosts have been shown to contribute to the outcome ofMtbinfection. TheSP110gene, which encodes an interferon-induced nuclear protein, has been shown to control host innate immunity toMtbinfection. In this study, we provide experimental data demonstrating the ability of the gene to control genetic susceptibility to latent and active TB infection. Genetic variants of theSP110gene were investigated in the Taiwanese population (including 301 pulmonary TB patients, 68 LTBI individuals, and 278 healthy household contacts of the TB patients), and their association with susceptibility to latent and active TB infection was examined by performing an association analysis in a case-control study. We identified several SNPs (rs7580900, rs7580912, rs9061, rs11556887, and rs2241525) in theSP110gene that are associated with susceptibility to LTBI and/or TB disease. Our studies further showed that the same SNPs may have opposite effects on the control of susceptibility to LTBI versus TB. In addition, our analyses demonstrated that theSP110rs9061 SNP was associated with tumor necrosis factor-α(TNFα) levels in plasma in LTBI subjects. The results suggest that the polymorphisms withinSP110have a role in controlling genetic susceptibility to latent and active TB infection in humans. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that theSP110variants are associated with susceptibility to LTBI. Our study also demonstrated that the identifiedSP110SNPs displayed the potential to predict the risk of LTBI and subsequent TB progression in Taiwan.
A Brief Review on the Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Vitexin
Authors: Lima Layana Karine F. , Pereira Suyanne Kássia S. , Junior Ronaldo dos Santos S. , Santos Felipe Pereira da S. , Nascimento Alyandra de Sousa , Feitosa Chistiane Mendes , Figuerêdo Juliana de Sousa , Cavalcante Antonio do Nascimento , Araújo Edigênia Cavalcante da C. , Rai Mahendra
Published: December 2018

The neural dysfunction is triggered by cellular and molecular events that provoke neurotoxicity and neural death. Currently, neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly common, and available treatments are focused on relieving symptoms. Based on the above, in this review we describe the participation of vitexin in the main events involved in the neurotoxicity and cell death process, as well as the use of vitexin as a therapeutic approach to suppress or attenuate neurodegenerative progress. Vitexin contributes to increasing neuroprotective factors and pathways and counteract the targets that induce neurodegeneration, such as redox imbalance, neuroinflammation, abnormal protein aggregation, and reduction of cognitive and/or motor impairment. The results obtained provide substantial evidence to support the scientific exploration of vitexin in these pathologies, since their effects are still little explored for this direction.
Stability Analysis and Control Optimization of a Prey-Predator Model with Linear Feedback Control
Authors: Li Yaning , Li Yan , Liu Yu , Cheng Huidong
Published: December 2018

The application of pest management involves two thresholds when the chemical control and biological control are adopted, respectively. Our purpose is to provide an appropriate balance between the chemical control and biological control. Therefore, a Smith predator-prey system for integrated pest management is established in this paper. In this model, the intensity of implementation of biological control and chemical control depends linearly on the selected control level (threshold). Firstly, the existence and uniqueness of the order-one periodic solution (i.e., OOPS) are proved by means of the subsequent function method to confirm the feasibility of the biological and chemical control strategy of pest management. Secondly, the stability of system is proved by the limit method of the successor points’ sequences and the analogue of the Poincaré criterion. Moreover, an optimization strategy is formulated to reduce the total cost and obtain the best level of pest control. Finally, the numerical simulation of a specific model is performed.
Modified Nishihara Rheological Model considering the Effect of Thermal‐Mechanical Coupling and Its Experimental Verification
Authors: Wang Xingang , Huang Qiangbing , Lian Baoqin , Liu Nina , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2018

The effect of temperature and pressure, which play important roles in the mechanical properties of rocks during deep energy exploitation, has not been sufficiently studied in the previous rock creep models. In order to investigate thermal effect in creep models, a modified Nishihara rheological model, taking into account the coupled effect of thermal damage and stress, was proposed by combining the theoretical formula for thermal damage of rocks with the modified Nishihara model. The improved model introduces a nonlinear viscous dashpot, which can accurately describe the accelerated rheological phase of rocks. To verify the proposed model, a triaxial rheological experiment was conducted on sandstone subjected to thermal damage (600°C). In addition, the stress‐strain curves within whole creep process of the rheological experiment were analyzed. Furthermore, the theoretical curves of the modified Nishihara rheological model were compared with the experimental results. Results showed that the theoretical curves relatively agree well with the experimental data, suggesting that the proposed new model is more preferred to describing the rheological curve of sandstone subjected to thermal damage at different rheological stages, in particular, it is capable of depicting the accelerated rheological stage of the sandstone, providing a good ability to describe the creep behavior of rocks under thermal‐mechanical coupling.
Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Based on Last-Eliminated Principle and Enhanced Information Sharing
Authors: Lv Xueying , Wang Yitian , Deng Junyi , Zhang Guanyu , Zhang Liu
Published: December 2018

In this study, an improved eliminate particle swarm optimization (IEPSO) is proposed on the basis of the last-eliminated principle to solve optimization problems in engineering design. During optimization, the IEPSO enhances information communication among populations and maintains population diversity to overcome the limitations of classical optimization algorithms in solving multiparameter, strong coupling, and nonlinear engineering optimization problems. These limitations include advanced convergence and the tendency to easily fall into local optimization. The parameters involved in the imported “local-global information sharing” term are analyzed, and the principle of parameter selection for performance is determined. The performances of the IEPSO and classical optimization algorithms are then tested by using multiple sets of classical functions to verify the global search performance of the IEPSO. The simulation test results and those of the improved classical optimization algorithms are compared and analyzed to verify the advanced performance of the IEPSO algorithm.
Asynchronous Group Authentication Based on Geometric Approach
Authors: Wang Hong , Li Jianhua , Zhu Feng , Wang Zhe
Published: December 2018

Individual authentication in air warfare is used to check whether a single participant is a legal member of the predefined group but not determine all participants at one time. An asynchronous (m, t, n) group authentication protocol is proposed based on multidimensional sphere reconstruction theorem of space analytic geometry without making any computational assumption, where m is the number of participants, t is threshold value, and n is the number of members. The proposed protocol can determine whether all participants belong to the predefined group at one time, which is applicable to batch verification prior to individual authentication. The center’s coordinate of (t-1)-dimensional sphere is treated as the shared secret and the coordinate of the point on the surface of the sphere, multiplied by a random blind factor, is issued to all members as their tokens. If m participants can reconstruct the shared secret by utilizing their tokens, indicate that there is not any invalid participant, otherwise perform individual authentication. Analyses show the proposed scheme can not only rule out the illegal outsider but also resist up to t-1 group member conspiring to forge a valid token for an outsider. In addition, compared with other schemes the proposed scheme is more applicable for air warfare network, with light-weight computation, flexible distribution, and high information rate.
Source Contribution Analysis for Exterior Noise of a High‐Speed Train: Experiments and Simulations
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xiao Xinbiao , Wang Dewei , Yang Yan , Fan Jing
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a detailed investigation into the contributions of different sound sources to the exterior noise of a high‐speed train both experimentally and by simulations. The in situ exterior noise measurements of the high‐speed train, including pass‐by noise and noise source identification, are carried out on a viaduct. Pass‐by noise characteristics, noise source localizations, noise source contributions of different regions, and noise source vertical distributions are considered in the data analysis, and it is shown how they are affected by the train speed. An exterior noise simulation model of the high‐speed train is established based on the method of ray acoustics, and the inputs come from the array measurements. The predicted results are generally in good agreement with the measurements. The results show that for the high‐speed train investigated in this paper, the sources with the highest levels are located at bogie and pantograph regions. The contributions of the noise sources in the carbody region on the pass‐by noise increase with an increasing distance, while those in the bogie and train head decrease. The source contribution rates of the bogie and the lower region decrease with increasing train speed, while those of the coach centre increase. At a distance of 25 m, the effect of the different sound sources control on the pass‐by noise is analysed, namely, the lower region, bogie, coach centre, roof region, and pantograph. This study can provide a basis for exterior noise control of high‐speed trains.
Cluster-Like Headache Secondary to Sphenoid Sinus Mucocele
Authors: Branco Mariana , Rodrigues Rita , Lopes Marta , Ruano Luís
Published: December 2018

Background. The great majority of cases of cluster headache (CH) are primary, but there are several reported cases of CH secondary to underlying structural lesions. The identification of these lesions is crucial for the achievement of an effective treatment and favorable outcome, although the determination of a cause-effect relationship between the two entities may be challenging. Case Report. We present the first case of CH secondary to sphenoid sinus mucocele. Discussion. This case reinforces the need to perform neuroimaging studies in CH patients in order to identify lesions that can constitute its cause, especially if atypical features are present. Activation of the trigeminovascular system due to direct contact between the lesion and the trigeminal nerve or by local edema and inflammation possibly plays a role in the pathophysiology of this CH secondary to sphenoid sinus mucocele.
An Analysis of Economic Impact on IoT Industry under GDPR
Authors: Seo Junwoo , Kim Kyoungmin , Park Mookyu , Park Moosung , Lee Kyungho
Published: December 2018

The EU GDPR comes into effect on May 25, 2018. Under this regulation, stronger legislation than the existing directive can be enforced. The IoT industry, especially among various industries, is expected to be heavily influenced by GDPR since it uses diverse and vast amounts of personal information. This paper first analyzes how the IoT industry handles personal information and summarizes why it is affected by GDPR. The paper then uses the cost definition of Gordon and Loeb model to estimate how GDPR affects the cost of IoT firms qualitatively and uses the statistical and legal bases to estimate quantitatively. From a qualitative point of view, GDPR impacted the preventative cost and legal cost of the Gordon and Loeb model. Quantitative view showed that the cost of IoT firms after GDPR could increase by three to four times on average and by 18 times if the most. The study finally can be applied to situational awareness of the economic impact on the certain industry.
Study on Regular Inspection Frequency of Bridge Based on Seismic Vulnerability Analysis
Authors: Sun Peng , Cui Fengkun , Qin Haiyang , Hou Xiaomeng
Published: December 2018

This study introduces a method to obtain accurate results regarding bridge seismic cost and reduce structural seismic losses. A three‐span reinforced concrete (RC) continuous bridges model consistent with the reality was established, and seismic vulnerability of the RC bridge was calculated via incremental dynamic analysis combined with local earthquake disaster data. Direct losses from earthquakes are calculated based on local earthquake damage condition, specific maintenance reinforcement methods, and analysis of seismic vulnerability. The indirect economic losses caused by inspection and maintenance are calculated based on local traffic volume. To reduce the effects of bridge aging and deterioration, this paper examines periodic inspection of bridges after earthquakes. By calculating the life cycle cost of structure under different inspection frequencies, the optimal time interval was determined. The results presented for this study can serve as references for the calculation of structural seismic loss and thereby provide the basis for strategies of reducing seismic loss.
Resource Allocation Schemes Based on Intelligent Optimization Algorithms for D2D Communications Underlaying Cellular Networks
Authors: Li Xujie , Zhou Lingjie , Chen Xing , Qi Ailin , Li Chenming , Xu Yanli
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the resource allocation problem for device-to-device (D2D) communications underlaying cellular networks is formulated and analyzed. In our scenario, we consider that the number of D2D user equipment (DUE) pairs is far larger than that of cellular user equipments (CUEs). Meanwhile, the resource blocks are divided into two types: resource blocks for CUEs and the ones for CUEs and DUEs. Firstly, the system model is presented, and the resource allocation problem is formulated. Then, a resource allocation scheme based on the genetic algorithm is proposed. To overcome the problem that the dedicated resource is not fully shared in the genetic algorithm, an improved harmony search algorithm is proposed for resource allocation. Finally, the analysis and simulation results show that the performances of the proposed genetic algorithm and the improved harmony search algorithm outperform than that of the random algorithm and are very close to that of the exhaustive algorithm. This result can provide an effective optimization for resource allocation of D2D communications.
Hyperandrogenism in a Postmenopausal Woman Secondary to Testosterone Secreting Ovarian Stromal Tumor with Acoustic Schwannoma
Authors: Gandrapu Bindu , Sundar Preeyanka , Phillips Brian
Published: December 2018

Androgen-secreting ovarian neoplasms are rare ovarian tumors that present with hirsutism and virilization which may manifest as severe alopecia, deepening of voice, and clitoromegaly. Most often, ovarian tumors are found to be very small or even undetectable. In such cases, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy should be performed after ruling out other causes of high androgens. We present a 63-year-old postmenopausal woman with clinically and radiologically undetectable testosterone-secreting ovarian tumor, which was later on detected on biopsy.
Blastoid Variant Mantle Cell Lymphoma Expressing Aberrant CD3 and CD10 with Concurrent Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: Establishment of a Clonal Relationship by B- and T-Cell Receptor Gene Rearrangements
Authors: Felten Christopher L. , Chan Joel A. , DeCastro Dulce R. , Lopategui Jean , Rajurkar Swapnil P.
Published: December 2018

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma typically expressing CD19, CD20, CD5, FMC-7, CyclinD1, and SOX-11 and harboring the IgH/CCND1 translocation. We report a blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) involving an inguinal lymph node that, in addition to classical phenotypic and genetic findings, also aberrantly coexpresses surface CD10 and cytoplasmic CD3. Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) was also present in the same lymph node and in the bone marrow. B- and T-cell gene rearrangement studies by PCR show the MCL and SLL to be clonally related. Expression of multiple aberrant antigens and concurrent lymphomas of different classifications can cause a diagnostic challenge. Awareness of such a presentation and integration of the data from morphologic evaluation, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and FISH studies is required for proper diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
Synthesis of Al-MCM-41@Ag/TiO2 Nanocomposite and Its Photocatalytic Activity for Degradation of Dibenzothiophene
Authors: Pham Xuan Nui , Pham Tuan Dat , Nguyen Ba Manh , Tran Hoa Thi , Pham Dinh Trong
Published: December 2018

Mesoporous Al-MCM-41@Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized successfully by combining the sol-gel method and hydrothermal treatment, using titanium isopropoxide (TTIP), AgNO3, and Vietnamese bentonite as precursors of Ti, Ag, and Si, respectively. The synthesized materials were well characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm measurements, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis/DRS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photodegradation of dibenzothiophene (DBT) under both UV and visible light irradiation. MCM-41@Ag/TiO2 catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity for the oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of DBT reaching almost 100% conversions at 50°C after 2 h under UV and visible light irradiations. The significant enhanced degradation of DBT over Al-MCM-41@Ag/TiO2 might be due to the synergy effects of high surface area of MCM-41, well-distributed TiO2 anatase, and reduced electron-hole recombination rates due to the dispersion of Ag nanoparticles.