bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circadian Effects of Drug Responses
Authors: Nahmias Yaakov , Androulakis Ioannis P.
Published: March 2021

Circadian rhythms describe physiological systems that repeat themselves with a cycle of approximately 24 h. Our understanding of the cellular and molecular origins of these oscillations has improved dramatically, allowing us to appreciate the significant role these oscillations play in maintaining physiological homeostasis. Circadian rhythms allow living organisms to predict and efficiently respond to a dynamically changing environment, set by repetitive day/night cycles. Since circadian rhythms underlie almost every aspect of human physiology, it is unsurprising that they also influence the response of a living organism to disease, stress, and therapeutics. Therefore, not only do the mechanisms that maintain health and disrupt homeostasis depend on our internal circadian clock, but also the way drugs are perceived and function depends on these physiological rhythms. We present a holistic view of the therapeutic process, discussing components such as disease state, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, as well as adverse reactions that are critically affected by circadian rhythms. We outline challenges and opportunities in moving toward personalized medicine approaches that explore and capitalize on circadian rhythms for the benefit of the patient.
The Chalkboard: Alloy Electrodeposition
Authors: Jeerage Kavita , Schwartz Daniel T.
Published: March 2021

Alloy electrodeposition was first developed in the 1840s at nearly the same time as metal deposition, with brass coatings being an early commercial application. Despite this long history, alloy electrodeposition continues to attract attention; the majority of the electrodeposition-related articles published by The Electrochemical Society are on alloys. The enduring interest in alloy electrodeposition is tied to the wide range and tunability of physical properties one can achieve by varying alloy composition.
Molecular Electronics
Authors: McCreery Richard
Published: March 2021

Molecular electronics has emerged as an area with both enormous promise and enormous challenges. The idea of using molecules as components in electronic circuits dates back at least to a 1974 article by Aviram and Ratner entitled, “Molecular Rectifiers” [Chem. Phys. Lett., 29, 277, (1974)].
Electrochemical Sensors for Energy and Transportation
Authors: Mukundan (Mukund) Rangachary , Garzon Fernando
Published: March 2021

Electrochemical sensors have widespread application in the automotive and energy industries—two major users of fossil fuels. The combustion of fossil fuels is a major source of air pollution and has been under increasing scrutiny by public and government organizations.
Integration of Molecular Components into Silicon Memory Devices
Authors: Kuhr Werner G.
Published: March 2021

Consumer and business appetite for electronic devices drives the semiconductor industry’s need for miniaturization. The state of the art of semiconductor devices now has critical feature dimensions substantially less than 0.1 μm. While many devices can be manufactured effectively at such dimensions through the continued extension and optimization of existing process technologies, it is uncertain at what point along the path of miniaturization such devices, which rely on the bulk properties of materials, will retain the required functional characteristics.
Gold Nanoparticle Multilayers: Rectification of Quantized Charging Even in the Presence of Hard Electrolyte Anions
Authors: Deng Fengjun
Published: March 2021

A Summary Report to The Electrochemical Society for the 2004 F. M. Becket Summer Research Fellowship.
Low-voltage-activated inward current in murine antral smooth muscle cells is an artifact
Authors: Lee Ji Yeon , Zheng Haifeng , Sanders Kenton M. , Koh Sang Don
Published: March 2021

Two types of voltage-dependent inward currents were evoked by depolarization in murine antral smooth muscle cells (SMCs) bathed in Ca2+-containing physiological solution: high-voltage-activated (HVA) and low-voltage-activated (LVA) inward currents. We examined whether the LVA current was due to: 1) T-type Ca2+ channels, 2) Ca2+-activated Cl−channels, 3) nonselective cation channels (NSCC), or 4) voltage-dependent K+ channels. Replacement of external Ca2+ (2 mM) with equimolar Ba2+ increased the amplitude of the HVA current but blocked the LVA current. Nicardipine blocked the HVA current, and in the presence of nicardipine, T-type Ca2+ blockers failed to block LVA current. A Cl− channel antagonist had little effect on LVA current. Cation-free external solution completely abolished both HVA and LVA currents. Addition of Ca2+ to the solution restored only HVA currents. Addition of K+ (5 mM) to otherwise cation-free solution induced LVA current that reversed at −20 mV. These data suggest that LVA current is not due to T-type Ca2+ channels, Ca2+-activated Cl− channels, or NSCC. A-type K+ (KA) currents and delayed rectifying K+ (KDR) currents can be resolved in antral SMCs dialyzed with a solution containing 140 mM K+. When cells were exposed to high K+ external solution and dialyzed with Cs+-rich solution in the presence of nicardipine, LVA current was evoked and reversed at positive potentials. LVA currents were blocked by K+ channel blockers, 4-aminopyridine, and tetraethylammonium. In conclusion, LVA inward currents can be generated by K+ influx via KA channels in murine antral SMCs when cells were dialyzed with Cs+-rich solution.
Pancreatic fat cells of humans with type 2 diabetes display reduced adipogenic and lipolytic activity
Authors: Barroso Oquendo Morgana , Siegel-Axel Dorothea , Gerst Felicia , Lorza-Gil Estela , Moller Anja , Wagner Robert , Machann Jürgen , Fend Falko , Königsrainer Alfred , Heni Martin , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Ullrich Susanne , Birkenfeld Andreas L.
Published: March 2021

Obesity, especially visceral fat accumulation, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of T2D on the pancreatic fat depot. Pancreatic fat pads from 17 partial pancreatectomized patients (PPP) were collected, pancreatic preadipocytes isolated, and in vitro differentiated. Patients were grouped using HbA1c into normal glucose tolerant (NGT), prediabetic (PD), and T2D. Transcriptome profiles of preadipocytes and adipocytes were assessed by RNAseq. Insulin sensitivity was estimated by quantifying AKT phosphorylation on Western blots. Lipogenic capacity was assessed with oil red O staining, lipolytic activity via fatty acid release. Secreted factors were measured using ELISA. Comparative transcriptome analysis of preadipocytes and adipocytes indicates defective upregulation of genes governing adipogenesis ( NR1H3), lipogenesis ( FASN, SCD, ELOVL6, and FADS1), and lipolysis ( LIPE) during differentiation of cells from T2D–PPP. In addition, the ratio of leptin/adiponectin mRNA was higher in T2D than in NGT–PPP. Preadipocytes and adipocytes of NGT–PPP were more insulin sensitive than T2D–PPP cells in regard to AKT phosphorylation. Triglyceride accumulation was similar in NGT and T2D adipocytes. Despite a high expression of the receptors NPR1 and NPR2 in NGT and T2D adipocytes, lipolysis was stimulated by ANP 1.74-fold in NGT cells only. This stimulation was further increased by the PDE5 inhibitor dipyridamole (3.09-fold). Dipyridamole and forskolin increased lipolysis receptor independently 1.88-fold and 1.48-fold, respectively, solely in NGT cells. In conclusion, the metabolic status persistently affects differentiation and lipolysis of pancreatic adipocytes. These alterations could aggravate the development of T2D.
TRPV4-Rho signaling drives cytoskeletal and focal adhesion remodeling in trabecular meshwork cells
Authors: Lakk Monika , Križaj David
Published: March 2021

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is dynamically regulated by the trabecular meshwork (TM), a mechanosensitive tissue that protects the eye from injury through dynamic regulation of aqueous humor flow. TM compensates for mechanical stress impelled by chronic IOP elevations through increased actin polymerization, tissue stiffness, and contractility. This process has been associated with open angle glaucoma; however, the mechanisms that link mechanical stress to pathological cytoskeletal remodeling downstream from the mechanotransducers remain poorly understood. We used fluorescence imaging and biochemical analyses to investigate cytoskeletal and focal adhesion remodeling in human TM cells stimulated with physiological strains. Mechanical stretch promoted F-actin polymerization, increased the number and size of focal adhesions, and stimulated the activation of the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK). Stretch-induced activation of the small GTPase Ras homolog family member A (RhoA), and tyrosine phosphorylations of focal adhesion proteins paxillin, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), vinculin, and zyxin were time dependently inhibited by ROCK inhibitor trans-4-[(1R)-1-aminoethyl]-N-4-pyridinylcyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride (Y-27632), and by HC-067047, an antagonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels. Both TRPV4 and ROCK activation were required for zyxin translocation and increase in the number/size of focal adhesions in stretched cells. Y-27632 blocked actin polymerization without affecting calcium influx induced by membrane stretch and the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A. These results reveal that mechanical tuning of TM cells requires parallel activation of TRPV4, integrins, and ROCK, with chronic stress leading to sustained remodeling of the cytoskeleton and focal complexes.
Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG differentially affect gut microbes and metabolites in mice with Treg deficiency
Authors: Liu Yuying , Hoang Thomas K. , Taylor Christopher M. , Park Evelyn S. , Freeborn Jasmin , Luo Meng , Roos Stefan , Rhoads J. Marc
Published: March 2021

In the treatment of Treg-deficiency-induced autoimmunity, Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (LR) showed greater efficacy than Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). The study demonstrated that two different probiotics produce distinct signatures in the fecal microbial community in mice with Treg deficiency, but with many similarities in global plasma metabolites in general. However, there are strain-specific microbial products with different anti-inflammatory properties, reinforcing the concept that “one size does not fit all” in the treatment of autoimmune disease.
Gab1 in livers with persistent hepatocyte apoptosis has an antiapoptotic effect and reduces chronic liver injury, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis
Authors: Mizutani Naoki , Hikita Hayato , Saito Yoshinobu , Myojin Yuta , Sato Katsuhiko , Urabe Makiko , Kurahashi Tomohide , Shiode Yuto , Sakane Sadatsugu , Murai Kazuhiro , Nozaki Yasutoshi , Kodama Takahiro , Sakamori Ryotaro , Yoshida Yuichi , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: March 2021

Grb2-associated binder 1 (Gab1) is known to contribute to liver regeneration after acute liver injury. However, in chronic liver diseases, Gab1 plays a greater role in suppressing hepatocyte apoptosis than in liver regeneration, resulting in suppression of hepatocyte proliferation, liver fibrosis, and liver carcinogenesis.
RSV infection potentiates TRPV1-mediated calcium transport in bronchial epithelium of asthmatic children
Authors: Harford Terri J. , Grove Lisa , Rezaee Fariba , Scheraga Rachel , Olman Mitchell A. , Piedimonte Giovanni
Published: March 2021

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel is expressed in human bronchial epithelium (HBE), where it transduces Ca2+ in response to airborne irritants. TRPV1 activation results in bronchoconstriction, cough, and mucus production, and may therefore contribute to the pathophysiology of obstructive airway disease. Since children with asthma face the greatest risk of developing virus-induced airway obstruction, we hypothesized that changes in TRPV1 expression, localization, and function in the airway epithelium may play a role in bronchiolitis and asthma in childhood. We sought to measure TRPV1 protein expression, localization, and function in HBE cells from children with versus without asthma, both at baseline and after RSV infection. We determined changes in TRPV1 protein expression, subcellular localization, and function both at baseline and after RSV infection in primary HBE cells from normal children and children with asthma. Basal TRPV1 protein expression was higher in HBE from children with versus without asthma and primarily localized to plasma membranes (PMs). During RSV infection, TRPV1 protein increased more in the PM of asthmatic HBE as compared with nonasthmatic cells. TRPV1-mediated increase in intracellular Ca2+ was greater in RSV-infected asthmatic cells, but this increase was attenuated when extracellular Ca2+ was removed. Nerve growth factor (NGF) recapitulated the effect of RSV on TRPV1 activation in HBE cells. Our data suggest that children with asthma have intrinsically hyperreactive airways due in part to higher TRPV1-mediated Ca2+ influx across epithelial membranes, and this abnormality is further exacerbated by NGF overexpression during RSV infection driving additional Ca2+ from intracellular stores.
Postural mechanisms in moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy
Authors: Goodworth Adam , Saavedra Sandra
Published: March 2021

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of motor disability in children. People with moderate-to-severe CP are typically nonambulatory and have major impairments in trunk postural control. We present the first systems identification study to investigate postural responses to external stimulus in this population and hypothesize at how the atypical postural control system functions with use of a feedback model. People with moderate-to-severe CP may use a simple control system with significant sensorimotor noise.
CD38 in the age of COVID-19: a medical perspective
Authors: Horenstein Alberto L. , Faini Angelo C. , Malavasi Fabio
Published: March 2021

This medical review addresses the hypothesis that CD38/NADase is at the center of a functional axis (i.e., intracellular Ca2+mobilization/IFNγ response/reactive oxygen species burst) driven by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, as already verified in respiratory syncytial virus pathology and CD38 activity in other cellular settings. Key features of the hypothesis are that 1) the substrates of CD38 (e.g., NAD+and NADP+) are depleted by viral-induced metabolic changes; 2) the products of the enzymatic activity of CD38 [e.g., cyclic adenosine diphosphate-ribose (ADPR)/ADPR/nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate] and related enzymes [e.g., poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase, Sirtuins, and ADP-ribosyl hydrolase] are involved in the anti‐viral and proinflammatory response that favors the onset of lung immunopathology (e.g., cytokine storm and organ fibrosis); and 3) the pathological changes induced by this kinetic mechanism may be reduced by distinct modulators of the CD38/NAD+axis (e.g., CD38 blockers, NAD+suppliers, among others). This view is supported by arrays of associative basic and applied research data that are herein discussed and integrated with conclusions reported by others in the field of inflammatory, immune, tumor, and viral diseases.
Regulator-Based Risk Statistics with Scenario Analysis
Authors: Deng Xiaochuan , Sun Fei
Published: March 2021

When there are potential risks in the progress of the engineering project, regulators pay more attentions to losses rather than gains. In this paper, we design a new class of risk statistics for engineering, named regulator-based risk statistics. Considering the properties of regulator-based risk statistics, we are able to derive the dual representations for them. At last, the regulator-based version is investigated.
New Existence Results for Nonlinear Fractional Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Ibnelazyz Lahcen , Guida Karim , Hilal Khalid , Melliani Said
Published: March 2021

This paper discusses a boundary value problem of nonlinear fractional integrodifferential equations of order

1
<
α
≤
2

and

1
<
β
≤
2

and boundary conditions of the form

x

0

=
x

1

=

D

c

β

x

1

=

D

c

β

x

0

=
0

. Some new existence and uniqueness results are proposed by using the fixed point theory. In particular, we make use of the Banach contraction mapping principle and Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem under some weak conditions. Moreover, two illustrative examples are studied to support the results.
The Roles of FOXO1 in Periodontal Homeostasis and Disease
Authors: Ren Liang , Yang Jing , Wang Jun , Zhou Xuedong , Liu Chengcheng
Published: March 2021

Periodontitis is an oral chronic inflammatory disease that is initiated by periodontal microbial communities and requires disruption of the homeostatic responses. The prevalence of periodontal disease increases with age; more than 70% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease. A pathogenic microbial community is required for initiating periodontal disease. Dysbiotic immune-inflammatory response and bone remodeling are characteristics of periodontitis. The transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) is a key regulator of a number of cellular processes, including cell survival and differentiation, immune status, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, and apoptosis. Although accumulating evidence indicates that FOXO1 activity can be induced by periodontal pathogens, the roles of FOXO1 in periodontal homeostasis and disease have not been well documented. The present review summarizes how the FOXO1 signaling axis can regulate periodontal bacteria-epithelial interactions, immune-inflammatory response, bone remodeling, and wound healing.
A Hybrid Alarm Association Method Based on AP Clustering and Causality
Authors: Tao Xiao-ling , Shi Lan , Zhao Feng , Lu Shen , Peng Yang
Published: March 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) brought great convenience to people’s daily lives. Meanwhile, the IoT devices are facing severe attacks from hackers and malicious attackers. Hackers and malicious attackers use various methods to invade the Internet of Things system, causing the Internet of Things to face a large number of targeted, concealed, and penetrating potential threats, which makes the privacy problem of the Internet of Things suffers serious challenges. But the existing methods and technologies cannot fully identify the attacker’s attack process and protect the privacy of the Internet of Things. Alarm correlation method can construct a complete attack scenario and identify the attacker’s intention by alarming the alarm data which provides an effective protection for user privacy. However, the existing alarm correlation methods still have the disadvantages of low correlation accuracy, poor correlation efficiency, and strong dependence on the knowledge base. To address these issues, we propose an alarm correlation method based on Affinity Propagation (AP) clustering algorithm and causal relationship. Our method considers that the alarm data triggered by the same attack process has high similarity characteristics, adopts the AP algorithm to improve the correlation efficiency, and at the same time constructs a complete attack process based on the causal correlation idea. The new alarm correlation method has a high correlation effect and builds a complete attack process to help managers identify attack intentions and prevent attacks.
Research on Noise Reduction Method of Pressure Pulsation Signal of Draft Tube of Hydropower Unit Based on ALIF‐SVD
Authors: Ren Yan , Liu Pan , Hu Leiming , Huang Jin , Qiao Ruoyu , Chen Hongping , Li Xiaokai , Huang Shaojie
Published: March 2021

Aiming at the problem that it is difficult to extract the characteristics of the draft tube pressure fluctuation signal under the background of strong noise, this study proposes a dual noise reduction method based on adaptive local iterative filtering (ALIF) and singular value decomposition (SVD). First, perform ALIF decomposition of the signal to be decomposed to obtain a series of IMF components, calculate the sample entropy of each component, select some IMF components to reconstruct according to the set sample entropy threshold, and then perform SVD decomposition on the reconstructed signal, and according to the location of the singular value difference spectrum mutation point, the appropriate number of reconstructions is selected for reconstruction, so as to achieve the double noise reduction effect. The ALIF‐SVD dual noise reduction method proposed in this study is compared with the single ALIF, EMD, and EMD‐SVD dual noise reduction method through simulation, and the correlation coefficient, signal‐to‐noise ratio, and mean square error are used to evaluate the noise reduction. It is found that the ALIF‐SVD dual noise reduction method avoids the phenomenon of modal aliasing in the decomposition process, effectively removes the noise, and can retain the useful information of the original signal, and the noise reduction effect is better. A unit of a hydropower station in China is further selected as the research object, and its draft tube pressure fluctuation data were analyzed for noise reduction. It was found that this method can accurately extract the signal characteristics under strong noise background, so as to determine the type of pressure fluctuation of the unit, which is helpful to improve the fault recognition rate of hydraulic turbines. And it provides some technical support for the safe and stable operation of hydropower units and the promotion of condition‐based maintenance strategy and improves the intelligent level of hydropower station operation management.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia as Presenting Symptom of Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Burley Nicholas B. , Dy Paul S. , Hande Suraj , Kalantri Shreyas , Mohindroo Chirayu , Miller Kenneth
Published: March 2021

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is related to an underlying condition in an estimated 50 to 60%, while the remaining is idiopathic, as a result of a combination of immune activation, deficiency, or dysregulation. AIHA is associated with viral infections, autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiencies, lymphoproliferative disorders, and pregnancy. AIHA has predictive properties and may be a harbinger of future lymphoproliferative disorders in up to 20% of AIHA cases. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has been associated with lymphoproliferative disorders particularly chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Rarely is it seen in Hodgkin disease. In the following report, we describe the presentation of AIHA, ultimately resulting in the diagnosis of nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma (stage III). From the limited reports and reviews available, it is understood that advanced Hodgkin (stage III or IV) of nodular sclerosis (NS) or mixed cellularity (MC) types portend a stronger affiliation to AIHA. The majority of AIHA-associated Hodgkin lymphoma presents as stage III or IV disease with the hemolysis being the presenting symptom, as in this case. The mainstay of AIHA therapy has been corticosteroids; however, this first-line regimen appears to be less effective when treating AIHA in the setting of HL. The exact mechanism of AIHA related to HL is unclear, and it may be thought to be that tumor cell produced autoantibodies. Other hypotheses include paraneoplastic phenomena or more, perhaps immunity to tumor cells may cross-react with antigens on the red cells. Although these mechanisms require further investigation, the relationship of the AIHA and HL represents a piece to a larger puzzle between autoimmune disorders and lymphoproliferative conditions.
A Four-Component Domino Reaction: An Eco-Compatible and Highly Efficient Construction of 1,8-Naphthyridine Derivatives, Their In Silico Molecular Docking, Drug Likeness, ADME, and Toxicity Studies
Authors: Garg Ankita , Tadesse Aschalew , Eswaramoorthy Rajalakshmanan
Published: March 2021

A multicomponent domino reaction of enaminone, malononitrile, and o-phthalaldehyde has been established, providing direct access to novel highly functionalized pentacyclic cyclopenta [b] indeno [1, 2, 3-de] [1,8] naphthyridine derivatives. The simplicity of execution, readily available substrates, high yields, excellent functional group tolerance, scalability, and good scores of environmental parameters make this synthetic strategy more sustainable and worthy of further attention. This one-pot transformation, which involved multiple steps and did not require the use of a catalyst, constructed four new C-C bonds, two new C-N bonds, and three new rings, with efficient use of all reactants. Furthermore, we performed in silico molecular docking analysis for prediction of anticancer (against human topoisomerase IIβ protein) and antimicrobial (against E.coli. DNA gyrase B protein) activities. Drug likeness and ADMET studies were also predicted. Overall investigation indicates that compound 6i may serve as a candidate that could be developed as potential anticancer and antimicrobial agent among all.
Intelligent Forwarding Strategy for Congestion Control Using Q-Learning and LSTM in Named Data Networking
Authors: Ryu Sanguk , Joe Inwhee , Kim WonTae
Published: March 2021

Named data networking (NDN) is a future network architecture that replaces IP-oriented communication with content-oriented communication and has new features such as cache, multiple paths, and multiple sources. Services such as video streaming, to which NDN can be applied in the future, can cause congestion if data is concentrated on one of the nodes during high demand. To solve this problem, sending rate control methods such as TCP congestion control have been proposed, but they do not adequately reflect the characteristics of NDN. Therefore, we use reinforcement learning and deep learning to propose a congestion control method that takes advantage of multipath features. The intelligent forwarding strategy for congestion control using Q-learning and long short-term memory in NDN proposed in this paper is divided into two phases. The first phase uses an LSTM model to train a pending interest table (PIT) entry rate that can be used as an indicator to detect congestion by knowing the amount of data returned. In the second phase, it is forwarded to an alternative path that is not congestive via Q-learning based on the PIT entry rate predicted by the trained LSTM model. The simulation results show that the proposed method increases the data reception rate by 6.5% and 19.5% and decreases the packet drop rate by 7.3% and 17.2% compared to an adaptive SRTT-based forwarding strategy (ASF) and BestRoute.
Compensation Method for Inclination Errors in Measurement Results of Tooth Surface of Spiral Bevel Gear
Authors: Liu Yongsheng , Fang Suping , Chen Yixin , Zhang Jianye
Published: March 2021

The manufacturing error of spiral bevel gear tooth surface has a great influence on transmission efficiency and gear life. The error of the gear tooth surface needs to be measured accurately and fed back to the machine tool to adjust the parameters. When measuring the spiral bevel gear using a gear measuring machine, combined with the measurement theory of the tooth flank of spiral bevel gear, this paper proposed a method to compensate the inclination error in the measurement result precisely. Based on the iterative search method, a precision matching method for the theoretical and the measured tooth surface of the spiral bevel gear was designed to calculate the compensation results. The experimental results show that the inclination errors included in tooth surface measurement results reduced from more than 3 μm to less than 0.5 μm, and more than 70% of the errors are compensated by the proposed method. The accuracy of the measurement results improved significantly after compensation, and furthermore, it can provide a more accurate basis for the adjustment of machine tool parameters in the manufacturing process.
Interval Intuitionistic Fuzzy Decision Model with Abnormal Information and Its Application in Talent Selection
Authors: Ji Xueer , Wang Lei , Xue Huifeng
Published: March 2021

In some complex decision-making problems such as talent selection, experts often hesitate between multiple evaluation values during their decision making and can only give a range of information due to the fuzziness and imprecision of qualitative decision-making attributes. Interval intuitionistic fuzzy sets and their decision-making methods provide a useful tool to describe the fuzziness of decision attributes and decision experts’ hesitation. However, the abnormal information in the expert decision information has not been considered in the previous works; that is, some interval intuitionistic fuzzy numbers exceed the defined interval range. This kind of abnormal decision information often makes it difficult to obtain accurate decision results using the decision model. To avoid the abnormal information influence on decision-making results, the hesitancy degree-based interval intuitionistic fuzzy sets are employed to propose an adaptive correction method of abnormal information, which can correct the abnormal decision information without changing the decision preference of experts. The abnormal information correction method is utilized to construct a new interval intuitionistic fuzzy entropy by combining hesitancy and fuzziness. This provides a multiattribute decision-making method, including abnormal decision information. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method and decision-making model are evaluated using an application case study of talent selection.
Forecasting Foreign Exchange Volatility Using Deep Learning Autoencoder‐LSTM Techniques
Authors: Jung Gunho , Choi Sun-Yong
Published: March 2021

Since the breakdown of the Bretton Woods system in the early 1970s, the foreign exchange (FX) market has become an important focus of both academic and practical research. There are many reasons why FX is important, but one of most important aspects is the determination of foreign investment values. Therefore, FX serves as the backbone of international investments and global trading. Additionally, because fluctuations in FX affect the value of imported and exported goods and services, such fluctuations have an important impact on the economic competitiveness of multinational corporations and countries. Therefore, the volatility of FX rates is a major concern for scholars and practitioners. Forecasting FX volatility is a crucial financial problem that is attracting significant attention based on its diverse implications. Recently, various deep learning models based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been widely employed in finance and economics, particularly for forecasting volatility. The main goal of this study was to predict FX volatility effectively using ANN models. To this end, we propose a hybrid model that combines the long short‐term memory (LSTM) and autoencoder models. These deep learning models are known to perform well in time‐series prediction for forecasting FX volatility. Therefore, we expect that our approach will be suitable for FX volatility prediction because it combines the merits of these two models. Methodologically, we employ the Foreign Exchange Volatility Index (FXVIX) as a measure of FX volatility. In particular, the three major FXVIX indices (EUVIX, BPVIX, and JYVIX) from 2010 to 2019 are considered, and we predict future prices using the proposed hybrid model. Our hybrid model utilizes an LSTM model as an encoder and decoder inside an autoencoder network. Additionally, we investigate FXVIX indices through subperiod analysis to examine how the proposed model’s forecasting performance is influenced by data distributions and outliers. Based on the empirical results, we can conclude that the proposed hybrid method, which we call the autoencoder‐LSTM model, outperforms the traditional LSTM method. Additionally, the ability to learn the magnitude of data spread and singularities determines the accuracy of predictions made using deep learning models. In summary, this study established that FX volatility can be accurately predicted using a combination of deep learning models. Our findings have important implications for practitioners. Because forecasting volatility is an essential task for financial decision‐making, this study will enable traders and policymakers to hedge or invest efficiently and make policy decisions based on volatility forecasting.
Numerical Characterizations of Topological Reductions of Covering Information Systems in Evidence Theory
Authors: Zhang Yan-Lan , Li Chang-Qing
Published: March 2021

The reductions of covering information systems in terms of covering approximation operators are one of the most important applications of covering rough set theory. Based on the connections between the theory of topology and the covering rough set theory, two kinds of topological reductions of covering information systems are discussed in this paper, which are characterized by the belief and plausibility functions from the evidence theory. The topological spaces by two pairs of covering approximation operators in covering information systems are pseudo-discrete, which deduce partitions. Then, using plausibility function values of the sets in the partitions, the definitions of significance and relative significance of coverings are presented. Hence, topological reduction algorithms based on the evidence theory are proposed in covering information systems, and an example is adopted to illustrate the validity of the algorithms.
Extraction Methods and Implementation Technologies of Fuel Injection Pump Cam Profile Characteristics
Authors: Liu Yangpeng , Chen Peng , Ding Jianjun , Sun Lin , Li Tao , Li Changsheng , Guo Jingyang , Song Mingming , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: March 2021

Because the traditional camshaft measurement methods cannot be applied to the injection pump cam, in order to improve the measurement automation of injection camshaft, an accurate extraction method of the characteristic parameters of the injection cam profile is proposed in this paper. In this method, the phase error optimization is realized by the angle precise rotation matching of the actual lift data. The optimization is realized by the Lagrangian polynomial interpolation algorithm based on the moving window. The goals of precise measurement of the peach point phase of single high point cam and accurate acquisition of the back dead point phase of high point arc segment cam are realized. Compared with the precision of high-precision measuring equipment, the method can extract the lift and phase angle error of the cam accurately and stably.
Relationship between Myopia Progression and School Entrance Age: A 2.5-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Liu Linjie , Jiang Dandan , Li Chunchun , Lin Yaoyao , Zhou Wenzhe , Xiao Haishao , Chen Yanyan
Published: March 2021

Objective. To investigate the association between myopia progression and school entrance age among Chinese schoolchildren and to suggest a more appropriate school age. Methods. 1,463 children aged six to nine years from Wenzhou, China, were examined and followed up for two and a half consecutive years. Their noncycloplegic refraction was measured twice each year by using an automatic refractometer; axial length (AL) and corneal radius of curvature (CRC) were tested annually by using the IOLMaster for 2.5 years. The questionnaires were completed by the children to collect detailed information regarding risk factors. Here, myopia is defined as a spherical equivalent less than −1.0D. Results. The changes in spherical equivalent (SE) of 7-year-old children in grade 1 and grade 2 were −0.45D and -0.56D, while changes in AL were 0.59 mm and 0.62 mm, respectively. The SE changes of 8-year-old children in grade 2 and grade 3 were −0.54D and −0.75D; meanwhile, the AL changes were 0.57 mm and 0.61 mm, respectively. Significant statistical differences were observed in ocular biological structure parameters, except for corneal radius of curvature (CRC) or anterior chamber depth (ACD), among children with the same age in different grades during this study. The prevalence of myopia was also significantly higher in higher grades for children with same age. Conclusions. Myopia is related to children’s school entrance age. Children who start school in an earlier age are more likely to suffer from myopia, and the progression of myopia can be considerably faster. Therefore, it is recommended to enter school after the age of 7.
Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) Ethanolic Extract on the Liver and Kidney Function of Rats
Authors: Seriana Irma , Akmal Muslim , Darusman Darusman , Wahyuni Sri , Khairan Khairan , Sugito Sugito
Published: March 2021

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is one of the tropical plants found in Indonesia that has been used to prevent and treat various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the ethanol extract of neem leaves on the concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, and creatinine in male rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (T0, T1, T2, and T3) with 6 rats in each group. T0 is the control group, and T1, T2, and T3 are the treatment groups that were administered 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight of neem leaf ethanolic extracts for 48 days, respectively. On day 49, blood samples were collected to measure the concentration of AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea followed by an evaluation of liver and kidney histology. The results showed that the ethanolic extract of neem leaves did not affect the concentration of AST, ALT, and creatinine, The ethanol leaves reduced extract on the urea concentration, no abnormal changes were observed in the liver and kidney organs. In the future, it is required to carry out a comprehensive safety evaluation of the neem leaf ethanol extract for herbal medicines.
Multipurpose Drivers for MEMS Devices Based on a Single ASIC Implemented in a Low‐Cost HV CMOS Process without a Triple Well
Authors: Miresan Paul , Neag Marius , Topa Marina , Kovacs Istvan , Varzaru Laurentiu
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a novel topology for multipurpose drivers for MEMS sensors and actuators, suitable for integration in low‐cost high‐voltage (HV) CMOS processes, without a triple well. The driver output voltage, VMEMS, can be programmed over a wide, symmetrical range of positive and negative values, with the maximum output voltage being limited only by the maximum drain‐source voltage that the HV transistors can handle. The driver is also able to short its output to the ground line and to leave it floating. It comprises generators for large positive and negative voltages followed by an LDO for each polarity that ensures that VMEMS has a well‐controlled level and a very low ripple. The LDOs also help implement the grounded‐ and floating‐output operating modes. Most of the required circuitry is integrated within a HV CMOS ASIC: the drivers for the large voltage generators, the error amplifiers of the LDOs, the DAC used to program the VMEMS level, and their support circuits. Thus, only the power stages of the large voltage generators, the pass transistors of the LDOs and two resistors for the LDO feedback network are discrete. A suitable configuration was devised for the latter that allows for the external resistor network to be shared by the two LDOs and prevents negative voltages from developing at the ASIC pins. Two circuit implementations of the proposed topology, designed in a low‐cost 0.18 μm HV CMOS process, are presented in some detail. Simulation results demonstrate that they realize the required operating modes and provide VMEMS voltages programmable with steps of 100 mV or 200 mV, between ‐20 V and +20 V or between −45 V and +45 V, respectively. The output voltage ripple is relatively small, just 3.4 mVpkpk for the first implementation and 17 mVpkpk for the second. Therefore, both circuits are suitable for biasing and controlling a wide range of MEMS devices, including MEMS mirrors used in applications such as endoscopic optical coherence tomography.
The Production of Zeolite Y Catalyst From Palm Kernel Shell for Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit
Authors: Mamudu Angela , Emetere Moses , Ishola Felix , Lawal Dorcas
Published: March 2021

Exorbitant costs of fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) catalysts coupled with their ever-increasing demand have led researchers to develop alternative materials from indigenous sources. In this study, the zeolite Y component of the FCCU catalyst was synthesized from palm kernel shells. Leaching was carried out with the aid of citric acid to remove impurities. The synthesis process was done using alkaline hydrothermal treatment while varying reagent concentration and reaction time. The resultant products were characterized using XRF, XRD, FTIR, BET, and SEM analysis. The XRD and XRF showed a high silicate content level, while an 85% reduction in iron oxide impurities was observed after leaching. The process carried out at a duration of 9 hours, a temperature of 80°C with a NaOH molarity strength of 2 mol/L, had the highest SiO2 and Si/Al ratio value. A spongy, porous zeolite crystal was formed with the presence of hydroxyls in its sodalite cage. All samples had a combination of types II & I adsorption isotherms, Si/Al ratio of 2–5, and specific surface area within 80–260 m2/g, which indicates the presence of intermediate mesostructured Zeolite Y catalyst. Synthesized zeolite Y showed a more significant gap in its structural formation as the addition of NaOH decreased the grain size by 14.3%. FTIR highlighted the significant functional groups present in the novel compound, which, when compared to previous works, proves its suitability.
Identification of Urban Functional Area by Using Multisource Geographic Data: A Case Study of Zhengzhou, China
Authors: Li Jingzhong , Xie Xiao , Zhao Bingyu , Xiao Xiao , Qiao Jingxin , Ren Wanxia
Published: March 2021

The rational allocation of functional areas is the foundation for addressing the sustainable development of cities. Efficient and accurate identification methods of urban functional areas are of great significance to the adjustment and testing of urban planning and industrial layout optimization. Firstly, by employing multisource geographic data, an identification method of urban functional areas was developed. A quantitative measurement approach of the urban functional area was then established considering the comprehensive effects of human‐land, space‐time, and thematic information to present the covering area of ground objects, public awareness, and empirical research. Finally, the Zhengzhou city, which locates in Henan province of central China, was used to test the method. The results show that the developed method is efficient, accurate, and universal and can identify urban functional areas quickly and accurately. We found that the overall distribution of Zhengzhou’s functional areas presents a spatial pattern of single and multimixed coordinated development. The city’s commercial functional areas and commercial‐based mixed functional areas are located in the city’s central area. The green square’s function area occupies relatively low and is mainly distributed in the city’s fringe.
Amisulprida una nueva profilaxis contra las náuseas y vómitos postoperatorios: una revisión de la literatura
Authors: Gonzalez Almonacid Cecilia Ignacia , Sabat Sarras Karime , Garchitorena Maria Jesus
Published: March 2021

Introducción: las náuseas y vómitos postoperatorios (PONV) son una complicación postoperatoria común de la anestesia, por lo que la búsqueda de nuevas profilaxis efectivas ha aumentado durante los últimos años, en este contexto se perfila como una opción efectiva el amisulprida, antipsicótico que actúa bloqueando los receptores dopaminérgicos D2 y D3, en dosis bajas. Métodos: se realizó una búsqueda en bases de datos establecidas como: Pubmed, Embase, Google Scholar, Medline y la Cochrane central registed of controlled trials. Con las siguientes definiciones clave: “NV” or “postoperative nausea and vomiting” or “postoperative nausea” or “postoperative vomiting” and “Amisulpride” or “APD421”, con el fin de cumplir el objetivo general de verificar la efectividad de amisulprida como medicamento profiláctico en manejo de PONV. Resultados: se evaluaron 3 estudios multicéntricos randomizados controlados, con alto grado de confiabilidad y buena calidad metodológica. Se evidencia que el amisulprida es un medicamento profiláctico efectivo contra PONV y con buen perfil de seguridad. Discusión/Conclusión: el amisulprida es un medicamento profiláctico eficaz para prevención de PONV, en dosis óptima de 5 mg, administrado durante el intraoperatorio de cirugías electivas en que se utilice anestesia general en pacientes de moderado a alto riesgo de PONV según escala de Apfel.
Clinical Trials in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: Immunotherapy
Authors: Orloff Marlana
Published: March 2021

Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare subtype of melanoma that generally has a poor prognosis once it has metastasized. Clinical trials evaluating immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in UM have demonstrated response rates lower than those seen in cutaneous melanoma. Despite lower efficacy demonstrated in initial ICI studies, there are a number of ongoing clinical trials investigating novel immunotherapy approaches in UM. Summary: This review aims to summarize important ongoing clinical trials investigating immunotherapeutic approaches in UM and previous trials that have evaluated a number of immunologic interventions. A thorough clinical trial investigation was conducted through clinicaltrials.gov using the disease search terms “uveal melanoma” and “ocular melanoma,” excluding non-immunotherapy-related trials. Here, we report on ICI, vaccine, adoptive T cells, and combination immunotherapy trials in UM. Key Messages: There is an increasing effort in the search for new, effective therapies for this difficult-to-treat disease, with immunotherapeutic approaches being of particular interest. Increasing knowledge of UM biology and development of new biomarkers will direct future drug development and trial design.
Neuroendocrine Breast Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Abdel Hadi Maha , Telmesani Nosiaba , Al Muhanna Afnan , Ahmed Ayesha , Kussaibi Haitham , Iftikhar Muhammad , Athar Nizami Mohammad , Nabhan Arwa A.
Published: March 2021

Primary breast carcinoma with neuroendocrine features is an uncommon presentation of mammary cancers. The authors present a case of a rapidly growing breast mass that raised many differential diagnoses. The diagnosis in this case was challenging. Extensive clinical assessment, radiological imaging, nuclear scans, pathological evaluations, and series of multidisciplinary meetings were utilized to reach the diagnosis of neuroendocrine breast carcinoma.