bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Efficacy Analysis of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Rechallenge in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Katayama Yuki , Shimamoto Takayuki , Yamada Tadaaki , Takeda Takayuki , Yamada Takahiro , Shiotsu Shinsuke , Chihara Yusuke , Hiranuma Osamu , Iwasaku Masahiro , Kaneko Yoshiko , Uchino Junji , Takayama Koichi
Published: January 2020

Little is known regarding the effectiveness and tolerability of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) rechallenge after disease progression following initial ICI treatments. To identify eligible patients for ICI rechallenge, we retrospectively analyzed the relationship between clinical profiles and the effect of ICI rechallenge in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We enrolled 35 NSCLC patients at six different institutions who were retreated with ICIs after discontinued initial ICI treatments due to disease progression. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the impact of clinical profiles on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Median PFS and OS were 81 d (95% confidence interval, CI, 41–112 d) and 225 d (95% CI 106–361 d), respectively. The objective response rate was 2.9%, and the disease control rate was 42.9%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Score (ECOG-PS) ≥ 2 (hazard ratio, HR, 2.38; 95% CI 1.03–5.52; p = 0.043) and body mass index (BMI) > 20 (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19–0.95, p = 0.036) were significantly associated with PFS of ICI rechallenge. Our observations suggest that poor ECOG-PS and low BMI at intervention with ICI rechallenge may be negative predictors for ICI rechallenge treatment in patients with NSCLC.
Relationship between Atrial Tachyarrhythmias and Intrathoracic Impedance in Patients with a Pacemaker and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Liao Min-Tsun , Chen Chun-Kai , Lin Ting-Tse , Cheng Li-Ying , Ting Hong-Wen , Wang Rou-Fang , Liu Zhi-Jun , Liu Yen-Bin
Published: January 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). Modern pacemakers provide an index of intrathoracic fluid status (OptiVol fluid index—OVFI) by measuring daily intrathoracic impedance. This study aimed to determine whether OVFI is associated with increased atrial tachycardia/fibrillation (AT/AF) events in patients with a preserved ejection fraction (EF). We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with Medtronic Advisa pacemakers between 2012 and 2014 in our hospital. The association and temporal relationship between OVFI and AT/AF events were determined. A total of 150 patients with 211 follow-up visits (mean 1.4 visits per patient) were evaluated. The device-detected AT/AF prevalence was 47%. Device-measured OVFI ≥ 20 Ω-days was significantly associated with the onset of AT/AF ≥ 4 h. OVFI threshold crossing preceded AT/AF events in 55.1% of cases, followed by AT/AF events in only 18.7%. Fluid overload represented by OVFI may trigger AT/AF episodes in patients with a preserved EF more often than that previously reported in patients with a reduced EF. Our findings support the view that worsening pulmonary congestion is associated with increased AT/AF frequency and suggests that fluid overload could trigger and perpetuate AT/AF events in patients with a preserved EF.
Various Endoscopic Techniques for Treatment of Consequences of Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis: Practical Updates for the Endoscopist
Authors: Jagielski Mateusz , Smoczyński Marian , Szeliga Jacek , Adrych Krystian , Jackowski Marek
Published: January 2020

Despite great progress in acute pancreatitis (AP) treatment over the last 30 years, treatment of the consequences of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) remains controversial. While numerous reports on minimally invasive treatment of the consequences of ANP have been published, several aspects of interventional treatment, particularly endoscopy, are still unclear. In this article, we attempt to discuss these aspects and summarize the current knowledge on endoscopic therapy for pancreatic necrosis. Endotherapy has been shown to be a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment modality in patients with consequences of ANP. The evolution of endoscopic techniques has made endoscopic drainage more effective and reduced the use of other minimally invasive therapies for pancreatic necrosis.
World Health Organization’s Growth Reference Overestimates the Prevalence of Severe Malnutrition in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia in Africa
Authors: Ghafuri Djamila L. , Abdullahi Shehu U. , Jibir Binta W. , Gambo Safiya , Bello-Manga Halima , Haliru Lawal , Bulama Khadija , Usman Fahd M. , Gambo Awwal , Aliyu Muktar H. , Greene Brittany C. , Kassim Adetola A. , Slaughter Chris , Rodeghier Mark , DeBaun Michael R.
Published: January 2020

Anthropometric indices are widely used to assess the health and nutritional status of children. We tested the hypothesis that the 2007 World Health Organization (WHO) reference for assessment of malnutrition in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) overestimates the prevalence of severe malnutrition when compared to a previously constructed SCA-specific reference. We applied the WHO and SCA-specific references to children with SCA aged 5–12 years living in northern Nigeria (Primary Prevention of Stroke in Children with SCA in sub-Saharan Africa (SPRING) trial) to determine the difference in prevalence of severe malnutrition defined as body mass index (BMI) Z-score <−3 and whether severe malnutrition was associated with lower mean hemoglobin levels or abnormal transcranial Doppler measurements (>200 cm/s). A total of 799 children were included in the final analysis (median age 8.2 years (interquartile range (IQR) 6.4–10.4)). The application of the WHO reference resulted in lower mean BMI than the SCA-specific reference (−2.3 versus −1.2; p < 0.001, respectively). The use of the WHO reference when compared to the SCA-specific reference population also resulted in a higher prevalence of severe malnutrition (28.6% vs. 6.4%; p < 0.001). The WHO reference significantly overestimates the prevalence of severe malnutrition in children with SCA when compared to an SCA-specific reference. Regardless of the reference population, severe malnutrition was not associated with lower mean hemoglobin levels or abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) measurements.
Changes in Metabolic Syndrome Status and Risk of Dementia
Authors: Lee Ji Eun , Shin Dong Wook , Han Kyungdo , Kim Dahye , Yoo Jung Eun , Lee Jinkook , Kim SangYun , Son Ki Young , Cho Belong , Kim Moon Jong
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the effects of changes in metabolic syndrome (MS) status and each component on subsequent dementia occurrence. The study population was participants of a biennial National Health Screening Program in 2009–2010 and 2011–2012 in Korea. Participants were divided into four groups according to change in MS status during the two-year interval screening: sustained normal, worsened (normal to MS), improved (MS to normal), and sustained MS group. Risk of dementia among the groups was estimated from the second screening date to 31 December 2016 using a Cox proportional hazards model. A total of 4,106,590 participants were included. The mean follow-up was 4.9 years. Compared to the sustained normal group, adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) (95% confidence interval) were 1.11 (1.08–1.13) for total dementia, 1.08 (1.05–1.11) for Alzheimer’s disease, and 1.20 (1.13–1.28) for vascular dementia in the worsened group; 1.12 (1.10–1.15), 1.10 (1.07–1.13), and 1.19 (1.12–1.27) for the improved group; and 1.18 (1.16–1.20), 1.13 (1.11–1.15), and 1.38 (1.32–1.44) for the sustained MS group. Normalization of MS lowered the risk of all dementia types; total dementia (aHR 1.18 versus 1.12), Alzheimer’s disease (1.13 versus 1.10), and vascular dementia (1.38 versus 1.19). Among MS components, fasting glucose and blood pressure showed more impact. In conclusion, changes in MS status were associated with the risk of dementia. Strategies to improve MS, especially hyperglycemia and blood pressure, may help to prevent dementia.
Association between Circulation Indole-3-Acetic Acid Levels and Stem Cell Factor in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wu Ping-Hsun , Lin Yi-Ting , Wu Pei-Yu , Lee Hei-Hwa , Lee Su-Chu , Hung Szu-Chun , Chen Szu-Chia , Kuo Mei-Chuan , Chiu Yi-Wen
Published: January 2020

Protein-bound uremic toxin is a cardiovascular (CV) risk factor for patients with end-stage renal disease. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was found to be associated with CV disease but the detailed pathophysiology remains unknown. Moreover, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades play an important role in the pathogenesis of CV disease. Thus, we explored the association between circulating IAA levels and forty MAPK cascade associated proteins in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Circulating total form IAA was quantified by mass spectrometry and forty MAPK cascade associated proteins by a proximity extension assay in 331 prevalent HD patients. Accounting for multiple testing, and in multivariable-adjusted linear regression models, circulating total form IAA levels were positively associated with stem cell factor (β coefficient 0.13, 95% confidence interval 0.04 to 0.21, p = 0.004). A bioinformatics approach using the search tool for interactions of chemicals (STITCH) tool provided information that IAA may be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, hematopoietic cells, and the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. The knowledge gained here can be generalized, thereby impacting the non-traditional CV risk factors in patients with kidney disease. Further in vitro work is necessary to validate the translation of the mechanistic pathways.
Effectiveness of Two Dietary Approaches on the Quality of Life and Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Guerreiro Maria Margarida , Santos Zélia , Carolino Elisabete , Correa Julieta , Cravo Marilia , Augusto Fátima , Chagas Cristina , Guerreiro Catarina Sousa
Published: January 2020

To evaluate the effectiveness of a low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, monosaccharaides, disaccharides and polyols) diet in the relief of symptoms and an improvement of the quality of life in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome in comparison to a standard diet according to the British Dietetic Association’s guidelines. A non-randomized clinical trial of adult patients with IBS was compared two diet interventions. An assessment of symptoms, quality of life, and nutritional status was performed before and after the four-week mark of intervention. Individuals from the Low FODMAP Diet (LFD) group were evaluated on a third moment, after the controlled reintroduction of FODMAPs. A total of 70 individuals were divided in two groups: Low FODMAP Diet (LFD; n = 47) and Standard Diet (SD; n = 23). 57 individuals completed the four-week intervention (LFD; n = 39; SD; n = 18). At the completion of four weeks, the symptoms improved in both groups (LFD: p < 0.01; DC: p < 0.05) but LFD led to a higher relief (p < 0.05), primarily with respect to abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Quality of life improved significantly in both groups, with no significant differences between SD vs LFD (p > 0.05). In the LFD group, the relief of symptoms observed at the four-week mark remained constant after reintroduction of FODMAPs. Both interventions seem to be effective for the relief of symptoms and quality of life, however LFD had higher effectiveness in the former. The results with LFD suggest it can be a preferred approach in individuals with diarrhoeal profile.
Back to The Fusion: Mitofusin-2 in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sita Giulia , Hrelia Patrizia , Graziosi Agnese , Morroni Fabiana
Published: January 2020

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that undergo constant fission and fusion. Mitochondria dysfunction underlies several human disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Preservation of mitochondrial dynamics is fundamental for regulating the organelle’s functions. Several proteins participate in the regulation of mitochondrial morphology and networks, and among these, Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) has been extensively studied. This review focuses on the role of Mfn2 in mitochondrial dynamics and in the crosstalk between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, in particular in AD. Understanding how this protein may be related to AD pathogenesis will provide essential information for the development of therapies for diseases linked to disturbed mitochondrial dynamics, as in AD.
Patient-Derived Colorectal Cancer Organoids Upregulate Revival Stem Cell Marker Genes following Chemotherapeutic Treatment
Authors: Engel Rebekah M. , Chan Wing Hei , Nickless David , Hlavca Sara , Richards Elizabeth , Kerr Genevieve , Oliva Karen , McMurrick Paul J. , Jardé Thierry , Abud Helen E.
Published: January 2020

Colorectal cancer stem cells have been proposed to drive disease progression, tumour recurrence and chemoresistance. However, studies ablating leucine rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5)-positive stem cells have shown that they are rapidly replenished in primary tumours. Following injury in normal tissue, LGR5+ stem cells are replaced by a newly defined, transient population of revival stem cells. We investigated whether markers of the revival stem cell population are present in colorectal tumours and how this signature relates to chemoresistance. We examined the expression of different stem cell markers in a cohort of patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids and correlated expression with sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment. Our findings revealed that there was inter-tumour variability in the expression of stem cell markers. Clusterin (CLU), a marker of the revival stem cell population, was significantly enriched following 5-FU treatment and expression correlated with the level of drug resistance. Patient outcome data revealed that CLU expression is associated with both lower patient survival and an increase in disease recurrence. This suggests that CLU is a marker of drug resistance and may identify cells that drive colorectal cancer progression.
Bioinformatics and Computational Tools for Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis in Clinical Genetics
Authors: Pereira Rute , Oliveira Jorge , Sousa Mário
Published: January 2020

Clinical genetics has an important role in the healthcare system to provide a definitive diagnosis for many rare syndromes. It also can have an influence over genetics prevention, disease prognosis and assisting the selection of the best options of care/treatment for patients. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has transformed clinical genetics making possible to analyze hundreds of genes at an unprecedented speed and at a lower price when comparing to conventional Sanger sequencing. Despite the growing literature concerning NGS in a clinical setting, this review aims to fill the gap that exists among (bio)informaticians, molecular geneticists and clinicians, by presenting a general overview of the NGS technology and workflow. First, we will review the current NGS platforms, focusing on the two main platforms Illumina and Ion Torrent, and discussing the major strong points and weaknesses intrinsic to each platform. Next, the NGS analytical bioinformatic pipelines are dissected, giving some emphasis to the algorithms commonly used to generate process data and to analyze sequence variants. Finally, the main challenges around NGS bioinformatics are placed in perspective for future developments. Even with the huge achievements made in NGS technology and bioinformatics, further improvements in bioinformatic algorithms are still required to deal with complex and genetically heterogeneous disorders.
One-Fifth of Children with Sickle Cell Anemia Show Exercise-Induced Hemoglobin Desaturation: Rate of Perceived Exertion and Role of Blood Rheology
Authors: Brousse Valentine , Pondarre Corinne , Arnaud Cecile , Kamden Annie , de Montalembert Mariane , Boutonnat-Faucher Benedicte , Bourdeau Hélène , Charlot Keyne , Grévent David , Verlhac Suzanne , da Costa Lydie , Connes Philippe
Published: January 2020

Perceived exertion is an important self-limiting factor influencing functional capacity in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Exercise-related hemoglobin desaturation (EHD) may occur during a six-minute walking test (6MWT) and could influence the perceived rate of exertion. The aims of this study were (1) to compare the 6MWT responses (heart rate, perceived rate of exertion, and distance covered) between SCA children with and without EHD, and (2) to test the associations between EHD and several biological/physiological parameters. Nine of 51 SCA children (18%) at steady state (mean age 11.9 ± 3.8 years) exhibited EHD at the end of the 6MWT. The rate of perceived exertion increased with exercise in the two groups, but reached higher values in the EHD group. Heart rate and performance during the 6MWT did not differ between the two groups. The magnitude of change in SpO2 during the 6MWT was independently associated with the red blood cell (RBC) deformability and RBC aggregates strength. This study demonstrates that SCA children with EHD during a 6MWT have a higher rate of perceived exertion than non-EHD children despite a similar physiological demand, and that abnormal RBC rheology determinants appear to be significant contributors.
Proteinuria Is Associated with Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis in Non-Albuminuric Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bae Jaehyun , Lee Yong-ho , Kang Eun Seok , Cha Bong-Soo , Lee Byung-Wan
Published: January 2020

The association of specific urinary proteins other than albumin with cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been shown. In this respect, CV outcomes may differ in non-albuminuric T2D patients who were considered as a low risk group, according to the presence of proteinuria. We investigated the association between proteinuria and atherosclerosis assessed by carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) in non-albuminuric T2D patients. 2047 T2D patients whose urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio was below 30 mg/g were recruited and classified into a non-proteinuria (NP, uPCR < 150 mg/g, n = 1865) group and a non-albuminuric proteinuria (NAP, uPCR ≥ 150 mg/g, n = 182) group. CIMT was compared between the two groups and logistic regression analysis was conducted to verify whether proteinuria could predict deteriorated CIMT status. In this cross-sectional study, mean CIMT of the NAP group were significantly thicker than those of the NP group (0.73 ± 0.16 vs. 0.70 ± 0.14, p = 0.016). The presence of proteinuria is associated with deteriorated CIMT after the adjustment for conventional risk factors (odds ratio, 2.342; 95% confidence interval, 1.082–5.070, p = 0.030) in regression analysis. We postulated that the measurement of urinary protein in conjunction with albumin might be helpful for predicting atherosclerosis, especially for non-albuminuric patients.
Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Urinary Bladder Is a Glycogen-Rich Tumor with Poorer Prognosis
Authors: Zhou Zhengqiu , Kinslow Connor J. , Wang Peng , Huang Bin , Cheng Simon K. , Deutsch Israel , Gentry Matthew S. , Sun Ramon C.
Published: January 2020

Clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare variant of urinary bladder carcinoma with a glycogen-rich phenotype and unknown prognosis. Using the National Cancer Institute’s surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) program database, we documented recent trends in incidence, mortality, demographical characteristics, and survival on this rare subtype of urinary bladder cancer. The overall age-adjusted incidence and mortality of CCA was 0.087 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.069–0.107) and 0.064 (95% CI: 0.049–0.081) respectively per million population. In comparison to non-CCAs, CCAs were more commonly associated with younger age (<60 years old, p = 0.005), female (p < 0.001), black ethnicity (p = 0.001), grade III (p < 0.001), and higher AJCC 6th staging (p < 0.001). In addition, CCA patients more frequently received complete cystectomy (p < 0.001) and beam radiation (p < 0.001) than non-CCA patients. Our study showed a poorer prognosis of CCAs compared to all other carcinomas of the urinary bladder (p < 0.001), accounted for by higher tumor staging of CCA cases. This study adds to the growing evidence that glycogen-rich cancers may have unique characteristics affecting tumor aggressiveness and patient prognosis. Additional mechanistic studies are needed to assess whether it’s the excess glycogen that contributes to the higher stage at diagnosis.
Why Intelligence Is Missing from American Education Policy and Practice, and What Can Be Done About It
Authors: Maranto Robert , Wai Jonathan
Published: January 2020

To understand why education as a field has not incorporated intelligence, we must consider the field’s history and culture. Accordingly, in this cross-disciplinary collaboration between a political scientist who studies institutions and a psychologist who studies intelligence, we outline how the roots of contemporary American Educational Leadership as a field determine its contemporary avoidance of the concept of intelligence. Rooted in early 20th century progressivism and scientific management, Educational Leadership theory envisions professionally run schools as “Taylorist” factories with teaching and leadership largely standardized, prioritizing compliance over cognitive ability among educators. Further, the roots of modern education theory do not see the intelligence of students as largely malleable. Hence, prioritizing intelligence is viewed as elitist. For more than a century, these assumptions have impacted recruitment into education as a profession. We conclude with ideas about how to bring intelligence into mainstream schooling, within the existing K-12 education institutional context. We believe that better integration of intelligence and broader individual differences research in education policy and practice would lead to more rapid advances to finding evidence based solutions to help children.
Ecological Function of Phenolic Compounds from Mediterranean Fucoid Algae and Seagrasses: An Overview on the Genus Cystoseira sensu lato and Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile
Authors: Mannino Anna Maria , Micheli Carla
Published: January 2020

Biodiversity is undergoing rapid and worrying changes, partially driven by anthropogenic activities. Human impacts and climate change (e.g., increasing temperature and ocean acidification), which act at different spatial scales, represent the most serious threats to biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function. In the Mediterranean Sea, complex systems such as fucoid algae and seagrasses, characterized by a high associated biodiversity, are regularly exposed to natural and anthropogenic pressures. These systems, particularly sensitive to a variety of stressors, evolved several physiological and biochemical traits as a response to the different pressures which they are subjected to. For instance, they produce a huge quantity of secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, to adapt to different environmental stressors and to defend themselves from biological pressures. These natural products are receiving increasing attention due to their possible applications in a wide range of industrial sectors. In this paper we provide an overview on the ecological role of phenolic compounds from the genus Cystoseira sensu lato and Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile, also highlighting their potential use as ecological biomarkers.
The Performance of Low-Pressure Seawater as a CO2 Solvent in Underwater Air-Independent Propulsion Systems
Authors: Park Eun-Young , Choi Jungho
Published: January 2020

Air-independent propulsion systems have improved the performance and decreased the vulnerability of underwater weapon systems. Reforming systems, however, generates large amounts of water and CO2. The recovery or separation of CO2, a residual gas component generated in vessels, entails considerable cost and energy consumption. It is necessary to understand the characteristics of the interaction between CO2 and seawater under the conditions experienced by underwater weapon systems to design and optimize a CO2 treatment process for dissolving CO2 in seawater. In this study, numerical analysis was conducted using the derived experimental concentration and MATLAB. The diffusion coefficient was derived as a function of temperature according to the CO2 dissolution time. Experiments on CO2 dissolution in seawater were conducted. The concentration of CO2 according to the reaction pressure and experimental temperature was obtained. The diffusion coefficient between CO2 and seawater was found to be 6.3 × 10−5 cm2/s at 25 °C and 7.24 × 10−5 cm2/s at 32 °C. CO2 concentration could be estimated accurately under vessel operating conditions using the derived CO2 diffusion coefficients. Optimal design of the residual gas treatment process will be possible using the derived seawater–CO2 diffusion coefficients under the actual operating conditions experienced by underwater weapon systems.
Pastoral Stone Enclosures as Biological Cultural Heritage: Galician and Cornish Examples of Community Conservation
Authors: Grove Richard , Evans Pim Joám , Serrano Miguel , Cidrás Diego , Viles Heather , Sanmartín Patricia
Published: January 2020

The role and importance of a built structure are closely related to the surrounding area, with interest in a given area having a concomitant effect on the relevance given to the constructions it may hold. Heritage interest in landscape areas has grown in recent times leading to a sound valorisation process. This connects with the recent concept of biological cultural heritage (BCH), or biocultural heritage (definition still in process), that can be understood as domesticated landscapes resulting from long-term biological and social relationships. Although pastoral enclosures (in large part dry-stone walling, whose construction has been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2018) arise as traditional rural constructions linked with a way of life already disappearing, engaged local communities are recovering their biocultural value in terms of identity and positive conservation outcomes. In this sense, this article focuses on valuing traditional stone-built pastoral enclosures in two locations on the Atlantic coast of western Europe: Frojám (NW Iberian Peninsula) and Ladydown Moor (SW England). Findings concerning plant communities related to current or ancient pastoralism, and artefacts of built heritage are described, and an emphasis is placed on community engagement as a mechanism for conservation. The resilience of species-rich grassland communities is identified as a manifestation of biocultural heritage and an opportunity for habitat restoration. Finally, current trends and improvements in understanding of biological heritage and community conservation are addressed.
Biodiversity Impacts of Increased Ethanol Production in Brazil
Authors: Duden A.S. , Verweij P.A. , Faaij A.P.C. , Baisero D. , Rondinini C. , van der Hilst F.
Published: January 2020

Growing domestic and international ethanol demand is expected to result in increased sugarcane cultivation in Brazil. Sugarcane expansion currently results in land-use changes mainly in the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes, two severely threatened biodiversity hotspots. This study quantifies potential biodiversity impacts of increased ethanol demand in Brazil in a spatially explicit manner. We project changes in potential total, threatened, endemic, and range-restricted mammals’ species richness up to 2030. Decreased potential species richness due to increased ethanol demand in 2030 was projected for about 19,000 km2 in the Cerrado, 17,000 km2 in the Atlantic Forest, and 7000 km2 in the Pantanal. In the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, the biodiversity impacts of sugarcane expansion were mainly due to direct land-use change; in the Pantanal, they were largely due to indirect land-use change. The biodiversity impact of increased ethanol demand was projected to be smaller than the impact of other drivers of land-use change. This study provides a first indication of biodiversity impacts related to increased ethanol production in Brazil, which is useful for policy makers and ethanol producers aiming to mitigate impacts. Future research should assess the impact of potential mitigation options, such as nature protection, agroforestry, or agricultural intensification.
Author Response to Comment on: Laboratory Measurement and Analysis of the Deteriorated Layer Permeability Coefficient of Soil-Cement Deteriorated in a Saline Environment
Authors: Jin Qing , Cui Xinzhuang , Su Junwei , Lu Tu , Wang Jieru , Han Ruonan
Published: January 2020

The authors thank Rui Neves for his discussions related to our work. Errors in the formula have been corrected as suggested by the discusser and data in the article have also been revised.
Characteristic Function and Time Consistency for Two-Stage Games with Network Externalities
Authors: Sedakov Artem
Published: January 2020

Time consistency is a property of the solution to a cooperative dynamic game which guarantees that this solution remains stable with respect to its revision by players over time. The fulfillment of this property is directly related to the characteristic function and its behavior with the course of the game as any solution is based on this function. In this paper, we will examine the characteristic functions for two economic models with network externalities represented by a two-stage network game using the theory developed for this class of games. For a network game with positive externalities represented by a public goods provision model, we demonstrate a sufficient condition for time consistency. For a network game with negative externalities represented by a market competition model, we show that the cooperative solution is always time consistent.
A Novel Forward-Backward Algorithm for Solving Convex Minimization Problem in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Suantai Suthep , Kankam Kunrada , Cholamjiak Prasit
Published: January 2020

In this work, we aim to investigate the convex minimization problem of the sum of two objective functions. This optimization problem includes, in particular, image reconstruction and signal recovery. We then propose a new modified forward-backward splitting method without the assumption of the Lipschitz continuity of the gradient of functions by using the line search procedures. It is shown that the sequence generated by the proposed algorithm weakly converges to minimizers of the sum of two convex functions. We also provide some applications of the proposed method to compressed sensing in the frequency domain. The numerical reports show that our method has a better convergence behavior than other methods in terms of the number of iterations and CPU time. Moreover, the numerical results of the comparative analysis are also discussed to show the optimal choice of parameters in the line search.
Fractional Derivatives for Economic Growth Modelling of the Group of Twenty: Application to Prediction
Authors: Tejado Inés , Pérez Emiliano , Valério Duarte
Published: January 2020

This paper studies the economic growth of the countries in the Group of Twenty (G20) in the period 1970–2018. It presents dynamic models for the world’s most important national economies, including for the first time several economies which are not highly developed. Additional care has been devoted to the number of years needed for an accurate short-term prediction of future outputs. Integer order and fractional order differential equation models were obtained from the data. Their output is the gross domestic product (GDP) of a G20 country. Models are multi-input; GDP is found from all or some of the following variables: country’s land area, arable land, population, school attendance, gross capital formation (GCF), exports of goods and services, general government final consumption expenditure (GGFCE), and broad money (M3). Results confirm the better performance of fractional models. This has been established employing several summary statistics. Fractional models do not require increasing the number of parameters, neither do they sacrifice the ability to predict GDP evolution in the short-term. It was found that data over 15 years allows building a model with a satisfactory prediction of the evolution of the GDP.
Constructing a Control Chart Using Functional Data
Authors: Flores Miguel , Naya Salvador , Fernández-Casal Rubén , Zaragoza Sonia , Raña Paula , Tarrío-Saavedra Javier
Published: January 2020

This study proposes a control chart based on functional data to detect anomalies and estimate the normal output of industrial processes and services such as those related to the energy efficiency domain. Companies providing statistical consultancy services in the fields of energy efficiency; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); installation and control; and big data for buildings, have been striving to solve the problem of automatic anomaly detection in buildings controlled by sensors. Given the functional nature of the critical to quality (CTQ) variables, this study proposed a new functional data analysis (FDA) control chart method based on the concept of data depth. Specifically, it developed a control methodology, including the Phase I and II control charts. It is based on the calculation of the depth of functional data, the identification of outliers by smooth bootstrap resampling and the customization of nonparametric rank control charts. A comprehensive simulation study, comprising scenarios defined with different degrees of dependence between curves, was conducted to evaluate the control procedure. The proposed statistical process control procedure was also applied to detect energy efficiency anomalies in the stores of a textile company in the Panama City. In this case, energy consumption has been defined as the CTQ variable of the HVAC system. Briefly, the proposed methodology, which combines FDA and multivariate techniques, adapts the concept of the control chart based on a specific case of functional data and thereby presents a novel alternative for controlling facilities in which the data are obtained by continuous monitoring, as is the case with a great deal of process in the framework of Industry 4.0.
Conformal Equitorsion and Concircular Transformations in a Generalized Riemannian Space
Authors: Velimirović Ana M.
Published: January 2020

In the beginning, the basic facts about a conformal transformations are exposed and then equitorsion conformal transformations are defined. For every five independent curvature tensors in Generalized Riemannian space, the above cited transformations are investigated and corresponding invariants-5 concircular tensors of concircular transformations are found.
The 3-Rainbow Domination Number of the Cartesian Product of Cycles
Authors: Gao Hong , Xi Changqing , Yang Yuansheng
Published: January 2020

We have studied the k-rainbow domination number of C n □ C m for k ≥ 4 (Gao et al. 2019), in which we present the 3-rainbow domination number of C n □ C m , which should be bounded above by the four-rainbow domination number of C n □ C m . Therefore, we give a rough bound on the 3-rainbow domination number of C n □ C m . In this paper, we focus on the 3-rainbow domination number of the Cartesian product of cycles, C n □ C m . A 3-rainbow dominating function (3RDF) f on a given graph G is a mapping from the vertex set to the power set of three colors { 1 , 2 , 3 } in such a way that every vertex that is assigned to the empty set has all three colors in its neighborhood. The weight of a 3RDF on G is the value ω ( f ) = ∑ v ∈ V ( G ) | f ( v ) | . The 3-rainbow domination number, γ r 3 ( G ) , is the minimum weight among all weights of 3RDFs on G. In this paper, we determine exact values of the 3-rainbow domination number of C 3 □ C m and C 4 □ C m and present a tighter bound on the 3-rainbow domination number of C n □ C m for n ≥ 5 .
Second-Order Parametric Free Dualities for Complex Minimax Fractional Programming
Authors: Huang Tone-Yau
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we will consider a minimax fractional programming in complex spaces. Since a duality model in a programming problem plays an important role, we will establish the second-order Mond–Weir type and Wolfe type dual models, and derive the weak, strong, and strictly converse duality theorems.
Geometric Dynamics on Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Udriste Constantin , Tevy Ionel
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this paper is threefold: (i) to highlight the second order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) as generated by flows and Riemannian metrics (decomposable single-time dynamics); (ii) to analyze the second order partial differential equations (PDEs) as generated by multi-time flows and pairs of Riemannian metrics (decomposable multi-time dynamics); (iii) to emphasise second order PDEs as generated by m-distributions and pairs of Riemannian metrics (decomposable multi-time dynamics). We detail five significant decomposed dynamics: (i) the motion of the four outer planets relative to the sun fixed by a Hamiltonian, (ii) the motion in a closed Newmann economical system fixed by a Hamiltonian, (iii) electromagnetic geometric dynamics, (iv) Bessel motion generated by a flow together with an Euclidean metric (created motion), (v) sinh-Gordon bi-time motion generated by a bi-flow and two Euclidean metrics (created motion). Our analysis is based on some least squares Lagrangians and shows that there are dynamics that can be split into flows and motions transversal to the flows.
Different Macrophage Type Triggering as Target of the Action of Biologically Active Substances from Marine Invertebrates
Authors: Dolmatova Lyudmila S. , Dolmatov Igor Yu.
Published: January 2020

Macrophages play a fundamental role in the immune system. Depending on the microenvironment stimuli, macrophages can acquire distinct phenotypes characterized with different sets of the markers of their functional activities. Polarization of macrophages towards M1 type (classical activation) is involved in inflammation and the related progression of diseases, while, in contrast, alternatively activated M2 macrophages are associated with the anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Reprogramming macrophages to switch their phenotypes could provide a new therapeutic strategy, and targeting the M1/M2 macrophage balance is a promising current trend in pharmacology. Marine invertebrates are a vast source of the variety of structurally diverse compounds with potent pharmacological activities. For years, a large number of studies concerning the immunomodulatory properties of the marine substances have been run with using some intracellular markers of immune stimulation or suppression irrespective of the possible application of marine compounds in reprogramming of macrophage activation, and only few reports clearly demonstrated the macrophage-polarizing activities of some marine compounds during the last decade. In this review, the data on the immunomodulating effects of the extracts and pure compounds of a variety of chemical structure from species of different classes of marine invertebrates are described with focus on their potential in shifting M1/M2 macrophage balance towards M1 or M2 phenotype.
Ubiquitin-Proteasome Modulating Dolabellanes and Secosteroids from Soft Coral Clavularia flava
Authors: Chiu Che-Yen , Ling Xue-Hua , Wang Shang-Kwei , Duh Chang-Yih
Published: January 2020

We performed a high-content screening (HCS) assay aiming to discover bioactive molecules with proteasome inhibitory activity. By structural elucidation, we identified six compounds purified from soft coral Clavularia flava, which potentiates proteasome inhibition. Chemical structure elucidation revealed they are dolabellane- and secosteroid-based compounds including a new dolabellane, clavinflol C (1), three known dolabellanes, stolonidiol (2), stolonidiol-17-acetate (3), and clavinflol B (4) as well as two new secosteroids, 3β,11-dihydroxy-24-methyl-9,11-secocholest-5-en-9,23-dione (5) and 3β,11-dihydroxy-24-methylene-9,11-secocholest-5-en-9,23-dione (6). All six compounds show less cytotoxicity than those of known proteasome inhibitors, bortezomib and MG132. In summary, the high-content measurements of control inhibitors, bortezomib and MG132, manifest the highest ratio >2 in high-content measurement. Of the isolated compounds, 2 and 5 showed higher activity, followed by 3 and 6, and then 1 and 4 exhibited moderate inhibition.
Effect of Humidity on CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 Separation Using Novel Robust Mixed Matrix Composite Hollow Fiber Membranes: Experimental and Model Evaluation
Authors: Casado-Coterillo Clara , Fernández-Barquín Ana , Irabien Angel
Published: January 2020

In this work, the performance of new robust mixed matrix composite hollow fiber (MMCHF) membranes with a different selective layer composition is evaluated in the absence and presence of water vapor in CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 separation. The selective layer of these membranes is made of highly permeable hydrophobic poly(trimethyl-1-silylpropine) (PTMSP) and hydrophilic chitosan-ionic liquid (IL-CS) hybrid matrices, respectively, filled with hydrophilic zeolite 4A particles in the first case and HKUST-1 nanoparticles in the second, coated over compatible supports. The effect of water vapor in the feed or using a commercial hydrophobic PDMSXA-10 HF membrane has also been studied for comparison. Mixed gas separation experiments were performed at values of 0 and 50% relative humidity (RH) in the feed and varying CO2 concentration in N2 and CH4, respectively. The performance has been validated by a simple mathematical model considering the effect of temperature and relative humidity on membrane permeability.
Numerical Simulation and Evaluation of Campbell Running and Gating Systems
Authors: Papanikolaou Michail , Pagone Emanuele , Jolly Mark , Salonitis Konstantinos
Published: January 2020

The most common problems encountered in sand casting foundries are related to sand inclusions, air, and oxide films entrainment. These issues can be addressed to a good extent or eliminated by designing proper running systems. The design of a good running system should be based on John Campbell’s “10 casting rules”; it should hinder laminar and turbulent entrainment of the surface film on the liquid, as well as bubble entrainment. These rules have led to the establishment of a group of components such as high and low placed filters (HPF/LPF) and standard gate designs such as the trident gate (TG) and vortex gate (VG) which are incorporated in well-performing running system designs. In this study, the potential of the aforementioned running system designs to eliminate air entrainment and surface defects has been investigated via means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The obtained results suggest that the use of filters significantly enhances the quality of the final cast product; moreover, all of the gating system designs appear to perform better than the basic running system (BRS). Finally, the five in total running and gating system designs have been evaluated with respect to their ability to produce good quality cast products (reduced air entrainment and surface defects) and their sustainability component (runner scrap mass).
Production of Surface Layer with Gradient Microstructure and Microhardess on Copper by High Pressure Surface Rolling
Authors: Li Juying , Mei Qingsong , Li Yana , Wang Beihai
Published: January 2020

Pure copper was subjected to high-pressure surface rolling (HPSR) to obtain a surface gradient layer. Effects of HPSR parameters on the surface microstructure and microhardness of Cu were investigated by using optical microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and the microhardness test. The HPSR surface layer has a gradient microstructure consisting of increasingly refined grains with decreasing depth from the treated surface (DFS). The thicknesses of the refined surface layer can be up to ~1.8 mm, and the grain size of the topmost surface is down to ~88 nm, depending on the HPSR parameters including pressure, time, and temperature. Microhardness of HPSR samples increases with decreasing DFS, with a maximum of ~2.4 times that of the undeformed matrix. The present results indicated that HPSR could be an effective method for the production of a mm-thick surface layer on Cu with gradient microstructure and property.
On the Impact of Microsegregation Model on the Thermophysical and Solidification Behaviors of a Large Size Steel Ingot
Authors: Zhang Chunping , Jahazi Mohammad , Isabel Gallego Paloma
Published: January 2020

The impact of microsegregation models on thermophysical properties and solidification behaviors of a high strength steel was investigated. The examined microsegregation models include the classical equilibrium Lever rule, the extreme non-equilibrium Scheil-Gulliver, as well as other treatments in the intermediate regime proposed by Brody and Flemings, Clyne and Kurz, Kobayashi and Ohnaka. Based on the comparative analyses performed on three representative regions with varied secondary dendrite arm spacing sizes, the classical equilibrium Lever rule and non-equilibrium Scheil scheme were employed to determine the thermophysical features of the studied steel, using the experimentally verified models from literature. The evaluated thermophysical properties include effective thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and density. The calculated thermophysical data were used for three-dimensional simulation of the casting and solidification process of a 40 metric ton steel ingot, using FEM code Thercast®. The simulations captured the full filling, the thermo-mechanical phenomena and macro-scale solute transport in the cast ingot. The results demonstrated that Lever rule turned out to be the most reasonable depiction of the physical behavior of steel in study in large-size cast ingot and appropriate for the relevant macrosegregation simulation study. The determination of the model was validated using the experimentally measured top cavity dimension, the thermal profiles on the mold outside surface by means of thermocouples, and the carbon distribution patterns via mass spectrometer analysis.
The Influence of Heat Input on the Microstructure and Properties of Wire-Arc-Additive-Manufactured Al-Cu-Sn Alloy Deposits
Authors: Wang Shuai , Gu Huimin , Wang Wei , Li Chengde , Ren Lingling , Wang Zhenbiao , Zhai Yuchun , Ma Peihua
Published: January 2020

In this experiment, Al-Cu-Sn alloy was used as raw material to form deposits with different heat input using the wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process. The effects of heat input on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Sn alloy deposits were investigated by metallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mechanical properties tests. The results show that with increased of heat input, the thickness of the deposits increased and the layer height of the deposits increased. The number and size of pores in the deposits also improved with the increased heat input. The grain size of the deposits in the as-deposited state gradually increased and changed from isometric crystals to columnar crystals, the precipitated θ phases gradually converged on the grain boundary from within the grains. After T6 heat treatment, with increased heat input, the number of unsolved θ phases on the grain boundary increased, and the number of θ phases precipitated out of the matrix decreased as the phase spacing increased. With the increased heat input, the mechanical properties of the deposits gradually decreased, and the fracture mode changed from ductile fracture to brittle fracture.