bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Pyrolysis Kinetics and Thermal Stability of Li (Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 Cathode Material at Different State of Charge
Authors: Wei Zesen , Cao Huiqi , Liang Chen , Wang Zhaoyu , Feng Lei , Wang Qingsong , Sun Jinhua
Published: January 2021

The combination of thermogravimetric analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and mass spectrometry (TG-IR-MS) are used to explore the kinetic characteristics and thermal stabilities of Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 (NCM111) cathode under different states of charge (SOC). The sequence and amount of gas products generated during the thermal decomposition of cathode material are identified through thermogravimetric analysis combined with the FTIR spectrum and mass spectrometry. It is found that the amount of oxygen generation is proportional to SOC. In addition, Fraser-Suzuki function is used as a deconvolution method to separate the overlapped reaction process. The kinetic analysis of the major reaction stage is carried out. Results show the higher the SOC, the lower the activation energy. X-ray diffraction tests reveals that the structural stability of the cathode is weaken by the increase of SOC. The micro-calorimeter tests indicate that the thermal stability of coexist system decreases with the increase of SOC. This research can provide valuable information for the research on the thermal runaway mechanism of lithium-ion batteries and battery safety design.
Exploration of Nafion for the Electric-Double-Layer Gating of Metal-Oxide Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Mou Peng-Lin , Huang Wan-Qing , Yan Feng-Jie , Wan Xi , Shao Feng
Published: January 2021

Nafion is the most classic and also the mostly used proton exchange membrane material for polymer electrolyte fuel cells. It has excellent proton transport property and chemical-physical stability. Yet to the best knowledge of the authors, Nafion as the gate dielectric had not been reported for the low voltage electric-double-layer transistors that gated by ion-based dielectrics. It is the aim of this work to explore the behavior of Nafion as the gate dielectric in metal-oxide electric-double-layer transistors. The effects of pretreatment with H2O2 and H2SO4 on the film properties were characterized and the correlations with EDLT’s static and transient characteristics were analyzed. The pretreatment process is proved to be effective in enhancing the performance of as prepared transistors. The H2O2 + 3.5 M H2SO4 treated devices showed gate voltage below 1.5 V, field-effect mobility up to 16.9 cm2 V−1s−1, on/off radio at the level of 104, small hysteresis and transient response time of within 10 ms. These results solidify our understanding in proton gated electric-double-layer transistors which is helpful in guiding the future developments.
Characterization of βARKct engineered cellular extracellular vesicles and model specific cardioprotection
Authors: Kwon Jin-Sook , Schumacher Sarah M. , Gao Erhe , Chuprun J. Kurt , Ibetti Jessica , Roy Rajika , Khan Mohsin , Kishore Raj , Koch Walter J.
Published: January 2021

βARKct, the peptide inhibitor of GRK2, improves survival and metabolic functions of cardiac-derived progenitor cells. As any benefit of stem cells in the ischemic and injured heart suggests paracrine mechanisms via secreted EVs, we investigated whether CDC-βARKct engineered EVs would show any benefit over control CDC-EVs. Compared with control EVs, βARKct-containing EVs displayed some unique beneficial properties that may be due to altered pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines within the vesicles.
Association between Postoperative Opioid Requirements and the Duration of Smoking Cessation in Male Smokers after Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy with Gastroduodenostomy
Authors: Kim Chan-Sik , Sim Ji Hoon , Kim Yujin , Choi Seong-Soo , Kim Doo-Hwan , Leem Jeong-Gil
Published: January 2021

Smoking is clinically associated with high postoperative pain scores and increased perioperative analgesic requirements. However, the association between the duration of smoking cessation and postoperative opioid requirements remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between the duration of smoking cessation and postoperative opioid requirements. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 144 male patients who received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with gastroduodenostomy. All patients were divided into three groups: G0, nonsmoker; G1, smoker who quit smoking within 1 month preoperatively; G2, smoker who quit smoking over 1 month preoperatively. Analgesic use, pain intensity, and IV PCA side effects were assessed up to postoperative day 2. As the duration of smoking cessation increased, the amount of postoperative opioid consumption decreased (β = −0.08; 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.11 to −0.04;

P
<
0.001

). The total postoperative opioid requirements in G1 were significantly higher than those in G0 and G2 (G0, 75.5 ± 15.9 mg; G1, 94.6 ± 20.5 mg; and G2, 79.9 ± 19.4 mg

P
<
0.001

). A multivariate regression analysis revealed that G1 was independently associated with increased postoperative opioid requirements (β = 12.80; 95% CI, 5.81–19.80;

P
<
0.001

). Consequently, male patients who had ceased smoking within 1 month of undergoing a laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with gastroduodenostomy had higher postoperative opioid use than patients who had ceased smoking for more than 1 month and nonsmokers.
A Network Pharmacology Approach to Estimate Potential Targets of the Active Ingredients of Epimedium for Alleviating Mild Cognitive Impairment and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gao Xianwei , Li Shengnan , Cong Chao , Wang Yuejiao , Xu Lianwei
Published: January 2021

Background. The present study made use of a network pharmacological approach to evaluate the mechanisms and potential targets of the active ingredients of Epimedium for alleviating mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods. The active ingredients of Epimedium were acquired from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database, and potential targets were predicted using the TCMSP target module, SwissTargetPrediction, and PharmMapper database. Target proteins correlating with MCI and AD were downloaded from the GeneCards, DisGeNet, and OMIM databases. The common targets of Epimedium, MCI, and AD were identified using the Jvenn online tool, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the String database and Cytoscape. Finally, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of the common targets was performed using DAVID, and molecular docking between active ingredients and target genes was modeled using AutoDock Vina. Results. A total of 20 active ingredients were analyzed, and 337 compound-related targets were identified for Epimedium. Out of 236 proteins associated with MCI and AD, 54 overlapped with the targets of Epimedium. The top 30 interacting proteins in this set were ranked by topological analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that the common targets participated in diverse biological processes and pathways, including cell proliferation and apoptosis, inflammatory response, signal transduction, and protein phosphorylation through cancer pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, sphingolipid signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. Molecular docking analysis suggested that the 20 active ingredients could bind to the top 5 protein targets. Conclusions. The present study provides theoretical evidence for in-depth analysis of the mechanisms and molecular targets by which Epimedium protects against MCI, AD, and other neurodegenerative diseases and lays the foundation for pragmatic clinical applications and potential new drug development.
Immunoglobulin G in Platelet‐Derived Wound Healing Factors
Authors: Seria Elisa , Samut Tagliaferro Sarah , Cutajar Doreen , Galdies Ruth , Felice Alex
Published: January 2021

We intended to reformulate an existing platelet‐derived wound healing formula to target each phase of the healing wound with the appropriate phase‐specific molecules. A decreased perfusion of the skin, often associated with conditions such as thalassemia, sickle cell disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic vascular disease, is the most common etiology of cutaneous ulcers and chronic wounds. We had previously shown that a PDWHF topically applied to a chronic nonhealing ulcer of a β‐thalassemia homozygote stimulated and accelerated closure of the wound. The PDWHF was prepared from a pooled platelet concentrate of a matching blood group, consisting of a combination of platelet α‐granule‐derived factors. Processing of the apheresis‐pooled platelets yielded various amounts of proteins (3.36 g/mL ± 0.25 (SD) (N = 10)) by the better lysis buffer method. Immunoglobulin G was found to be the most abundant α‐granule‐secreted protein. Equally broad quantities of the IgG (10.76 ± 12.66% (SD) (N = 10)) and IgG/albumin ratios (0.6 ± 0.4 (SD) (N = 10)) were quantified. We have developed a method using a reformulated lysis buffer followed by size exclusion chromatography and affinity chromatography to extract, identify, quantify, and purify IgG from activated platelets. IgG purification was confirmed by Western blot and flow cytometry. It was thought unlikely that the platelet IgG could be accounted for by adsorption of plasma protein, though the variable quantities could account for diversity in wound healing rates. The IgG could protect the wound even from subclinical infections and functionally advance healing. It may be useful in the management of skin ulcers in the early phase of wound healing.
Seismic Signature of Transition Zone (Wolf Ramp) in Shale Deposits with Application of Frequency Analysis
Authors: Kwietniak Anna , Maćkowski Tomasz , Cichostępski Kamil
Published: January 2021

The concept of a transition zone, known as Wolf ramp, was incorporated into the seismic interpretation of a 3D seismic survey situated within the Baltic Basin (Northern Poland). Within the survey area, there exists one formation, the Pasłęk Formation, (Lower Silurian—Llandovery), that exhibits a linear change of velocity. This characteristic—linear change of velocity—causes a reflection coefficient (i.e., seismic amplitude) produced at such a boundary to be frequency dependent. The Pasłęk Formation was considered to be a potential shale gas reservoir and it was necessary to determine its structural position and thickness. The formation is challenging for robust seismic interpretation on the migrated seismic section—it does not manifest a stable reflection coefficient, and the amplitude contrast associated with the borders of the formation is low. There is no impedance contrast that would produce a reflection of high amplitude at the top or base of the formation which excludes determination of the formation thickness, hence the estimation of reservoir volume. Within a 3D dataset, there exists only one well with complete logs that were used for the analysis. The Pasłęk Formation is a flat-lying layer that continues itself far beyond the 3D survey. It is present in wells in the vicinity of the study area. These wells lay within other 3D or 2D datasets, but the quality of the seismic is poor, and similar seismic analysis is not possible. Nevertheless, these wells were incorporated in the research to reason about the possible link between the existence of transition zone and mineral content. The method used for recognition of transition zone is spectral decomposition and spectral analyses. The integrated studies enabled us to find a link between the Wolf ramp and mudstone-claystone interval of the Silurian age and give a new example of a transition zone which is present in shale plays. The transition zone concept might be applied for shale plays identification and analysis.
Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) to Enhance Trust Management in Intrusion Detection Systems Using Decision Tree Model
Authors: Mahbooba Basim , Timilsina Mohan , Sahal Radhya , Serrano Martin
Published: January 2021

Despite the growing popularity of machine learning models in the cyber‐security applications (e.g., an intrusion detection system (IDS)), most of these models are perceived as a black‐box. The eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) has become increasingly important to interpret the machine learning models to enhance trust management by allowing human experts to understand the underlying data evidence and causal reasoning. According to IDS, the critical role of trust management is to understand the impact of the malicious data to detect any intrusion in the system. The previous studies focused more on the accuracy of the various classification algorithms for trust in IDS. They do not often provide insights into their behavior and reasoning provided by the sophisticated algorithm. Therefore, in this paper, we have addressed XAI concept to enhance trust management by exploring the decision tree model in the area of IDS. We use simple decision tree algorithms that can be easily read and even resemble a human approach to decision‐making by splitting the choice into many small subchoices for IDS. We experimented with this approach by extracting rules in a widely used KDD benchmark dataset. We also compared the accuracy of the decision tree approach with the other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.
[Retracted] Propranolol Participates in the Treatment of Infantile Hemangioma by Inhibiting HUVECs Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and Tube Formation
Authors: Yuan Weili , Wang Xukai
Published: January 2021

Objective. Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign tumors in infancy. The purpose of this study was to study the effects of propranolol on the function of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), in order to preliminarily elucidate the mechanism of propranolol in the treatment of IHs. Methods. HUVECs were treated with different concentrations of propranolol (30 μM, 60 μM, 90 μM, and 120 μM) with or without VEGF. Their proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion, and tube formation ability were tested by using CCK‐8, wound healing assay, transwell, cell adhesion assay, and tube formation assay. The expressions of HUVECs angiogenesis signaling molecules pERK/ERK, pAKT/AKT, p‐mTOR/mTOR, and pFAK/FAK were detected by Western blot. Results. Compared with the control group, propranolol could significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion, and tube formation of HUVECs. Further studies showed that it could not only inhibit the migration, invasion, and tube formation ability of HUVECs after VEGF induction but also inhibit the phosphorylated protein expressions of angiogenesis‐related signaling molecules like AKT, mTOR, ERK, and FAK in HUVECs, with a concentration‐dependent inhibitory effect. Conclusion. Propranolol can inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion, and tube formation of hemangioma endothelial cells; block VEGF‐mediated angiogenesis signaling pathway; suppress the expressions of downstream angiogenesis‐related signaling molecules; and ultimately achieve the effect of treatment of IHs.
Debris Flow Risk Assessment Method Based on Combination Weight of Probability Analysis
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Shi Xin , Li Shao Hong , Qiang Yue , Zheng Zhou , Zhao Dong Sheng
Published: January 2021

Risk assessment of debris flow is conducted by multicriteria decisions. Based on the shortcomings of the existing methods in determining the weight of assessment factors, this paper proposes a new approach to conduct a risk assessment of debris flow. This new approach regards the weight of factors as a uniform random variable, whose bounds could be determined by the equal weight method, maximal deviation method, and entropy method. The results of this new approach are obtained by Monte Carlo simulation. According to the risk of 72 debris flows collected in Beichuan, Sichuan, China, this new approach proves convergent. It is suggested that the minimum sample amount of Monte Carlo simulation should be 63095. The result also demonstrates that sorted results with different weights of factors vary a lot, so it is not convincing to sort samples with a specific weight.
Modeling and Simulation of Departure Passenger’s Behavior Based on an Improved Social Force Approach: A Case Study on an Airport Terminal in China
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Li Jialin , Kong Dexuan , Xing Xiaoqing , Luo Qian , Mao Jian
Published: January 2021

The unprecedented growth of passenger throughput in large airport terminals highlights the importance of analyzing passengers’ movement to achieve airport terminal’s elaborate management. Based on the theory of original social force model, video data from a departure hall of a large airport terminal in China were analyzed to summarize passengers’ path planning characteristics. Then, a double‐level model was established to describe passengers’ path planning behaviors. At the decision level of the proposed model, the avoiding force model including common avoiding force and additional horizontal avoiding force was established on the basis of setting time and space limitations for taking avoiding action and was used to describe passengers’ path planning in close‐range space. At the tactical level of the proposed model, the route and node choice models were established to describe passengers’ path planning in long‐range space. In the route choice model, a distribution of intermediate destination areas was proposed, with detouring distance, pedestrian density, speed difference, and pedestrian distribution considered in choosing an intermediate destination area. In the node choice model, the walking distance, the quantity of people waiting, and luggage were considered in choosing a check‐in counter or security check channel. The main parameters of the proposed model were confirmed according to video data. Simulation results show that the proposed model can simulate departure passengers’ path planning behaviors at an acceptable accuracy level.
A Polynomial Algorithm for Weighted Toughness of Interval Graphs
Authors: Shi Ming , Wei Zongtian
Published: January 2021

The concept of toughness, introduced by Chv

a
´

tal, has been widely used as an important invulnerability parameter. This parameter is generalized to weighted graphs, and the concept of weighted toughness is proposed. A polynomial algorithm for computing the weighted toughness of interval graphs is given.
A Table Overflow LDoS Attack Defending Mechanism in Software-Defined Networks
Authors: Xie Shengxu , Xing Changyou , Zhang Guomin , Zhao Jinlong
Published: January 2021

In order to achieve requirements such as fast search of flow entries and mask matching, OpenFlow hardware switches usually use TCAM to store flow entries. Limited by the capacity of TCAM, the current commercial OpenFlow switches can only support hundreds of thousands of flow entries, which makes SDN network using OpenFlow hardware switches vulnerable to the threat of flow table overflow attack. Among them, low-rate DoS (LDoS) attack against table overflow poses a serious threat to SDN networks due to its high attack efficiency and concealed flow, and it is also difficult to detect. In this regard, this paper analyzed two types of LDoS attack flow against table overflow and proposed an attack detection and defense mechanism named SAIA (Small-flow Analysis and Inport-flow Analysis) through the design of table overflow prediction and flow entries deletion strategy. Experiments conducted through the SDN network environment showed that SAIA can effectively detect and suppress LDoS attack flows in the flow table in large-scale network conditions and verified that the deployment of SAIA is lightweight. At the same time, SAIA implemented the flow entry deletion strategy based on LRU when the flow table overflows in a nonattack situation, which further enhances the stability of the network.
Experimental Study on Electric Resistivity Characteristics of Compacted Loess under Different Loads and Drying‐Wetting Cycles
Authors: Zhou Yu , Li Guoyu , Ma Wei , Chen Dun , Wang Fei , Mao Yuncheng , Du Qingsong , Zhang Jun , Tang Liyun
Published: January 2021

Densely compacted loess foundations of many man‐made infrastructures are often exposed to various loads and extreme weathering processes (e.g., drying‐wetting cycles), which significantly deteriorate their mechanical properties. Traditional methods applied to characterize soil engineering properties are primarily based on visual inspections, point sensors, or destructive approaches, the results of which often have relatively high costs and cannot provide large‐area coverage. The electrical resistivity method is a reasonable alternative that provides a nondestructive, sensitive, and continuous evaluation of the soil physical properties. Thus, the relationships between electrical resistivity and soil strength should be understood, particularly for scenarios in which soils undergo significant loads and cycles of drying and wetting. In this study, a suite of laboratory tests simulating loads (consolidation tests, unconfined compression tests, and uniaxial cyclic unloading‐reloading tests) and seasonal field conditions (drying‐wetting cycle tests) were conducted to quantitatively assess their deterioration effects on the geophysical and geotechnical properties of compacted loess. The experimental results indicated that electric resistivity decreases with the increase in stress and then approaches a stable value after the stress becomes 200 kPa. During the uniaxial compression process, the electric resistivity corresponds to both the stress and strain of loess in real‐time. The electrical resistivity of loess reflects plastic damage under uniaxial unloading‐reloading tests, but it is deficient in representing the dissipated energy of loess. The electrical resistivity of loess samples increases as the number of drying‐wetting cycles increases but decreases with increasing cycle numbers after stabilization under consolidation load. The electrical resistivity can effectively characterize the mechanical and deformation characteristics of loess samples under loads and drying‐wetting cycles, exhibiting a certain potential for long‐term monitoring of soil engineering properties.
Optimization of 25% Sulfosalicylic Acid Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio for Screening of Low-Grade Proteinuria
Authors: Jinadasa Ambulugala Gamage Rajika Greshamali , Srimantha Lanka Acharige Shalka Madushan , Siriwardhana Indika Deepani , Gunawardana Kalani Buddika , Attanayake Anoja Priyadarshani
Published: January 2021

Proteinuria is an important prognostic marker in the diagnosis and management of kidney diseases. Sulfosalicylic acid method (SSA) is a simple, low cost, qualitative test, widely used to assess proteinuria. The aim of this study was to optimize SSA test as a quantitative screening tool to assess proteinuria at lower excretory levels which would facilitate the screening and early diagnosis of renal impairment using protein-to-creatinine ratio (PCR). The study was conducted in two phases. In phase I, optimum SSA percentage to detect low-grade proteinuria was selected by comparing the performance of 3%, 6%, and 25% SSA methods in manual spectrophotometric analysis. In phase II, clinical applicability of the optimized method was evaluated using retained urine samples of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) assessed for urine protein by the pyrogallol red (PGR) method in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Optimized 25% SSA protein-to-creatinine ratio (PCR) was compared with PGR PCR and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). Sensitivity, specificity, degree of agreement, correlation, and diagnostic accuracy were evaluated. Turbidimetric analysis using 25% SSA was linear in the range 3–50 mg/dL giving the highest analytical sensitivity. The test yielded a sensitivity of 86.5% and specificity of 96.5% and a degree of agreement of 5 mg/dL with the PGR method. Optimal cut-off for 25% SSA PCR in receiver operating characteristic analysis was 166 mg/g. Spearman’s correlation coefficient for 25% SSA PCR versus ACR was r = 0.823,

p
<
0.0001

, and for 25% SSA PCR versus PGR PCR was r = 0.913,

p
<
0.0001

. The 25% SSA PCR has a sensitivity of 92% against ACR, the current prognostic marker for proteinuria in patients with CKD. The 25% SSA test is a simple method, and it performs satisfactorily as a screening test with a cut-off for PCR optimized at 166 mg/g. The test merits further evaluation due to its low cost.
Real‐Time Warning Model of Highway Engineering Construction Safety Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Song Haoran , Yu Hao , Xiao Dianliang , Li Yuexiang
Published: January 2021

Real‐time and effective early warning of highway engineering construction sites is the key to ensuring the safety of highway engineering construction. At present, highway engineering construction safety early warning is limited by the experience of relevant personnel at the site and the dynamic changes of the project site environment. Therefore, the creation of a more active, smarter, and more effective real‐time early warning model for construction safety is a strong complement to current research and has important theoretical and practical implications. The Internet of Things is the third wave of the information industry after computers, the Internet, and mobile communication networks. It is of great significance to promote the development of science and technology, economic growth, and social progress. Aiming at the shortcomings of the inadequate safety management methods for highway engineering construction in China, the inefficient efficiency of safety production supervision and management, and the emphasis on single and sporty supervision methods, a real‐time early warning model for highway engineering construction safety based on the Internet of Things technology was constructed. By quantifying, scoring, and statistics of the safety situation during the construction process, the model achieves the goals of real‐time monitoring, early warning, and handling hidden safety hazards. It overcomes problems such as untimely and unscientific safety issues in the past and effectively improves China’s highway engineering construction. The experimental comparison between the real‐time early warning model and the traditional early warning model in this paper shows that the accuracy of the early warning model proposed in this paper is improved by nearly 5%, and the false alarm rate is reduced by nearly 4%.
Analysis of Five-Year Trend of Malaria at Bichena Primary Hospital, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Minwuyelet Awoke , Aschale Yibeltal
Published: January 2021

Background. Malaria is a life-threating infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium. The WHO African region bears the largest burden of malaria morbidity and mortality every year. Prevention and control activity of malaria in Ethiopia is implemented as guided by a national strategic plan to decrease malaria burden. This study is aimed at assessing the five-year trend of malaria at Bichena Primary Hospital. Method. A retrospective study was conducted at Bichena Primary Hospital to assess the five-year (2015-2019) trend of malaria by reviewing blood film reports from a laboratory logbook. Result. In a five-year period, 9182 blood films were requested for malaria diagnosis of whom 53.8% were males and 41% were in the age group 15-29. The overall prevalence of malaria was 9.28% (

n
=
852

), P. falciparum being the dominant malaria species. The highest peaks of total malaria cases were observed in 2016 and in December, and the lowest peaks were observed in 2018 and March (mean annual case 170.4; mean monthly case 14.2), and there was a statistically significant year and monthly variation of malaria cases (

P
<
0.001

). Malaria was reported in both sexes and all age groups; of which, males and the age group 15-29 years old consist the highest number of malaria cases (

P
<
0.001

). Conclusion. Malaria remains an important public health problem in the study area, and a significant fluctuation was noticed in a five-year period, P. falciparum being slightly the dominant malaria species. Successive efforts are still required to reduce malaria burden to a level that has no longer public health effect.
Queue Intensity Adaptive Signal Control for Isolated Intersection Based on Vehicle Trajectory Data
Authors: Yin Juyuan , Chen Peng , Tang Keshuang , Sun Jian
Published: January 2021

With recent development of mobile Internet technology and connected vehicle technology, vehicle trajectory data are readily available and exhibit great potential to be used as an alternative data source for urban traffic signal control. In this study, a Queue Intensity Adaptive (QIA) algorithm is proposed, using vehicle trajectory data as the only input to perform adaptive signal control. First, a Kalman filter-based method is employed to estimate real-time queue state with vehicle trajectories. Then, based on queue intensity that quantifies queuing pressure, five control situations are defined, and different min-max optimization models are designed correspondingly. Last, a situation-aware signal control optimization procedure is developed to adapt intersection’s queue intensity. QIA algorithm optimizes phase sequence and green time simultaneously. One case study was conducted at a field intersection in Shenzhen, China. The results show that provided with 7.4% penetrated vehicle trajectories, QIA algorithm effectively prevented queue spillback by constraining temporal percentage of queue spillback under 2.4%. The performance of QIA was also compared with the algorithm in Synchro and Max Pressure (MP) method. It was found that compared with Synchro, the extreme queue intensity, temporal percentage of queue spillback, delay, and stops were decreased by 54.7%, 97%, 22.3%, and 45.1%, respectively, and compared with MP the above four indices were decreased by 16%, 61.5%, −1.8%, and 49.4%, respectively.
Calibration for Parameter Estimation of Signals with Complex Noise via Nonstationarity Measure
Authors: Zhou Zhiming , Zhou Zhengyun , Wu Liang
Published: January 2021

The signals in numerous complex systems of engineering can be regarded as nonlinear parameter trend with noise which is identically distributed random signals or deterministic stationary chaotic signals. The commonly used methods for parameter estimation of nonlinear trend in signals are mainly based on least squares. It can cause inaccurate estimation results when the noise is complex (such as non‐Gaussian noise, strong noise, and chaotic noise). This paper proposes a calibration method for this issue in the case of single parameter via nonstationarity measure from the perspective of the stationarity of residual sequence. Some numerical studies are conducted for validation. Results of numerical studies show that the proposed calibration method performs well for various models with different noise strengths and types (including random noise and chaotic noise) and can significantly improve the accuracy of initial estimates obtained by least squares method. This is the first time that the nonstationarity measure is applied to the parameter calibration. All these results will be a guide for future studies of other parameter calibrations.
Effects of Various Preextraction Treatments of Crinum asiaticum Leaf on Its Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Chemical Properties
Authors: Kongkwamcharoen Chonthicha , Itharat Arunporn , Pipatrattanaseree Weerachai , Ooraikul Buncha
Published: January 2021

Crinum asiaticum Linn. has been used in Thai traditional medicine to relieve inflammatory symptoms and treat osteoarthritis. There have been reports on its potent anti-inflammatory property but nothing on the effects of different pretreatments on its chemical properties and anti-inflammatory activity. Pretreatment of herbal raw materials is an important step which affects the overall quality of Thai traditional medicine. The objectives of this study were to investigate different treatments of C. asiaticum leaves prior to ethanolic extraction and to compare the extracts for their anti-inflammatory activity and chemical properties. The treatments included hot air drying in an oven, microwave drying, traditional grilling on a charcoal stove before drying in an oven, and temperature shock in hot and cold water before hot air drying. The anti-inflammatory activity and chemical properties of the extracts were analyzed using the established methods. Results showed that 95% ethanolic extract of hot air oven-dried leaves had the highest anti-inflammatory activity and total phenolic and lycorine contents. We recommend hot air drying as a preextraction treatment for C. asiaticum leaves for its simplicity, best retention of the herbal quality, and suitability for scaling up to an industrial process.
The Friction Angle of the Leiyang Marble Surface after Exposure to High Temperature
Authors: Peng Meng Hong , Huang Man
Published: January 2021

There is a lack of information about the temperature‐dependent nature of the rock surface, which is one of the essential parameters to predict the surface friction. In the present study, we experimentally study the effect of temperature on the basic friction angle of the marble surface through the direct shear test under the low normal loading condition and tilting test (Stimpson/disk tilt test). The basic friction angle gradually decreases with the increase in temperature from 20°C to 600°C for the two kinds of the tilting test. The results indicate that the Stimpson test on samples with the length‐to‐diameter ratio of 2 can be more reliable to estimate the basic friction angle of the rock surface after exposure to high temperatures. The results illustrate that the sliding angle depends on the surface condition. With the increase in the repetitive measurements, the sliding angle decreases as the marble surface is cleaned, and the parameter increases as the marble surface is not cleaned.
Impact of Automated Truck Platooning on the Performance of Freeway Mixed Traffic Flow
Authors: Lee Seolyoung , Oh Cheol , Lee Gunwoo
Published: January 2021

Vehicle platooning service through wireless communication and automated driving technology has become a reality. Vehicle platooning means that several vehicles travel like a train on the road with a minimum safety distance, which leads to the enhancement of safety, mobility, and energy savings. This study proposed a framework for exploring traffic mobility and safety performance due to the market penetration rate (MPR) of truck platoons based on microscopic traffic simulations. A platoon formation algorithm was developed and run on the VISSIM platform to simulate automated truck maneuvering. As a result of the mobility analysis, it was found that the difference in network mobility performance was not significant up to MPR 80%. Regarding the mobility performance of the truck-designated lane, it was found that the average speed was lower than in other lanes. In the truck-designated lane of the on-ramp section, the average speed was identified to be approximately 33% lower. From the viewpoint of network safety, increasing the MPR of the truck platoon has a positive effect on longitudinal safety but has a negative effect on lateral safety. The safety analysis of the truck-designated lane indicated that the speed difference by lane of MPR 100% is 2.5 times higher than that of MPR 0%. This study is meaningful in that it explores traffic flow performance on mobility and safety in the process of platoon formation. The outcomes of this study are expected to be utilized as fundamentals to support the novel traffic operation strategy in platooning environments.
Dynamic Mechanical Characteristics of Fractured Rock Reinforced by Different Grouts
Authors: Kao Siming , Zhao Guangming , Meng Xiangrui , Li Yingming , Liu Zenghui , Zhang Ruofei , Zhou Jun , Huang Shunjie
Published: January 2021

In order to investigate the dynamic mechanical properties of the fractured rocks reinforced with different slurries, the prefractured and grouted sandy mudstone specimens were tested on a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB), and their dynamic failure processes were shot via a high‐speed camera. The test results showed that under dynamic loading, grouting reinforcement can relieve the rock failure at the fracture part. With the increase of the impact speed, the dynamic specific strength of the modified epoxy resin grouting increases from 0.85 to 1.01, and its specific strain rate increases from 1.09 to 1.04; the dynamic specific strength and specific strain rate of cement slurry grouting increase from 1.78 to 0.95 and from 0.60 to 0.98, respectively. As a whole, the specimen reaches or approaches the dynamic parameters of the intact rock specimen after grouting repair, the stability of the rock reinforced by modified epoxy resin grouting is superior to that of the rock reinforced by cement slurry grouting, and the latter can acquire high dynamic strength under low‐speed impact. The improved damage‐type Zhuwangtang (ZWT) model can be used to describe the dynamic mechanical behaviors of the fractured rocks reinforced by grouting very well.
The Potential Importance of MicroRNAs as Novel Indicators How to Manage Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis More Effectively
Authors: Orczyk Krzysztof , Smolewska Elzbieta
Published: January 2021

Small, noncoding sequences of ribonucleic acid called microRNAs (miRNAs, miR) are functioning as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. As they draw increasing attention of rheumatologists, there is a growing body of evidence concerning specific molecules that may affect the long-term care of patients with inflammatory arthritides. Findings involving children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are still limited though. The aim of the study was to browse the available data on microRNAs which may be utilized as potential biomarkers helpful in diagnosing and monitoring JIA patients. The review contains a brief summary on the most studied sequences: miR-16, miR-125a-5p, miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-223. It is complemented with other miRNAs possibly relevant for JIA (miR-145, miR-23b, miR-27a, and miR-204) and discussion on challenges for using miRNAs in pediatric rheumatology (particularly, issues regarding specificity of biomarkers and measurements involving synovial fluid).
Race and Patient-reported Symptoms in Adherence to Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy: A Report from the Women's Hormonal Initiation and Persistence Study
Authors: Sheppard Vanessa B. , Sutton Arnethea L. , Hurtado-de-Mendoza Alejandra , He Jun , Dahman Bassam , Edmonds Megan C. , Hackney Mary Helen , Tadesse Mahlet G.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) improves outcomes in women with hormone receptor–positive (HR+) breast cancer. Suboptimal AET adherence is common, but data are lacking about symptoms and adherence in racial/ethnic minorities. We evaluated adherence by race and the relationship between symptoms and adherence.

Methods:

The Women's Hormonal Initiation and Persistence study included women diagnosed with nonrecurrent HR+ breast cancer who initiated AET. AET adherence was captured using validated items. Data regarding patient (e.g., race), medication-related (e.g., symptoms), cancer care delivery (e.g., communication), and clinicopathologic factors (e.g., chemotherapy) were collected via surveys and medical charts. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associated with adherence.

Results:

Of the 570 participants, 92% were privately insured and nearly one of three were Black. Thirty-six percent reported nonadherent behaviors. In multivariable analysis, women less likely to report adherent behaviors were Black (vs. White; OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.27–0.67; P < 0.001) and with greater symptom burden (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96–1.00; P < 0.05). Participants more likely to be adherent were overweight (vs. normal weight) (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.04–2.43; P < 0.05), sat ≤ 6 hours a day (vs. ≥6 hours; OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.25–2.70; P < 0.01), and were taking aromatase inhibitors (vs. tamoxifen; OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.28–2.87; P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Racial differences in AET adherence were observed. Longitudinal assessments of symptom burden are needed to better understand this dynamic process and factors that may explain differences in survivor subgroups.

Impact:

Future interventions should prioritize Black survivors and women with greater symptom burden.
A Randomized Comparison of Different Vaginal Self-sampling Devices and Urine for Human Papillomavirus Testing—Predictors 5.1
Authors: Cadman Louise , Reuter Caroline , Jitlal Mark , Kleeman Michelle , Austin Janet , Hollingworth Tony , Parberry Anna L. , Ashdown-Barr Lesley , Patel Deepali , Nedjai Belinda , Lorincz Attila T. , Cuzick Jack
Published: January 2021

Background:

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-based screening is rapidly replacing cytology as the cervical screening modality of choice. In addition to being more sensitive than cytology, it can be done on self-collected vaginal or urine samples. This study will compare the high-risk HPV positivity rates and sensitivity of self-collected vaginal samples using four different collection devices and a urine sample.

Methods:

A total of 620 women referred for colposcopy were invited to provide an initial stream urine sample collected with the Colli-Pee device and take two vaginal self-samples, using either a dry flocked swab (DF) and a wet dacron swab (WD), or a HerSwab (HS) and Qvintip (QT) device. HPV testing was performed by the BD Onclarity HPV Assay.

Results:

A total of 600 vaginal sample pairs were suitable for analysis, and 505 were accompanied by a urine sample. Similar positivity rates and sensitivities for CIN2+ and CIN3+ were seen for DF, WD, and urine, but lower values were seen for QT and HS. No clear user preferences were seen between devices, but women found urine easiest to collect, and were more confident they had taken the sample correctly. The lowest confidence in collection was reported for HS.

Conclusions:

Urine, a DF swab, and WD swab all performed well and were well received by the women, whereas the Qvintip and HerSwab devices were less satisfactory.

Impact:

This is the first study to compare five self-sampling methods in the same women taken at the same time. It supports wider use of urine or vaginal self-sampling for cervical screening.
Dual Antiangiogenesis Agents Bevacizumab Plus Trebananib, without Chemotherapy, in First-line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Results of a Phase II Study
Authors: Mooi Jennifer , Chionh Fiona , Savas Peter , Da Gama Duarte Jessica , Chong Geoffrey , Brown Stephen , Wong Rachel , Price Timothy J. , Wann Alysson , Skrinos Effie , Mariadason John M. , Tebbutt Niall C.
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To assess the efficacy and safety of dual antiangiogenesis agents, bevacizumab plus trebananib, without chemotherapy, in first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Patients and Methods:

This open-label phase II study enrolled patients with unresectable mCRC with no prior systemic treatment. All patients received bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg 3-weekly and trebananib 15 mg/kg weekly. The primary endpoint was disease control [stable disease, partial response (PR), or complete response (CR)] at 6 months (DC6m). Secondary endpoints included toxicity, overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Exploratory biomarkers in plasma angiogenesis–related proteins, tumor gene expression, and plasma antibodies to tumor antigens were examined.

Results:

Forty-five patients were enrolled from four Australian sites. DC6m was 63% [95% confidence interval (CI), 47–77]. ORR was 17% (95% CI, 7–32), comprising of seven PRs. Median duration of response was 20 months (range, 10–48 months). Median PFS was 8.4 months and median OS 31.4 months. Grade 1–2 peripheral edema and joint-related symptoms were common. Overall incidence of grade 3–4 adverse events (AE) of any type was 33% (n = 15). Expected AEs of bevacizumab treatment did not appear to be increased by the addition of trebananib.

Conclusions:

In a first-line mCRC population, the dual antiangiogenic combination, bevacizumab plus trebananib, without chemotherapy, was efficacious with durable responses. The toxicity profile of the combination was manageable and did not exceed that expected with bevacizumab +/− chemotherapy. Exploratory biomarker results raise the hypothesis that the antiangiogenic combination may enable the antitumor immune response in immunotolerant colorectal cancer.
Blocking TIM-3 in Treatment-refractory Advanced Solid Tumors: A Phase Ia/b Study of LY3321367 with or without an Anti-PD-L1 Antibody
Authors: Harding James J. , Moreno Victor , Bang Yung-Jue , Hong Min Hee , Patnaik Amita , Trigo José , Szpurka Anna M. , Yamamoto Noboru , Doi Toshihiko , Fu Siqing , Calderon Boris , Velez de Mendizabal Nieves , Calvo Emiliano , Yu Danni , Gandhi Leena , Liu Zhuqing Tina , Galvao Violeta Regnier , Leow Ching Ching , de Miguel Maria J.
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain–containing molecule-3 (TIM-3) blunts anticancer immunity and mediates resistance to programmed death 1 (PD-1) and PD ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. We assessed a novel, first-in-class, TIM-3 mAb, LY3321367, alone or in combination with the anti-PD-L1 antibody, LY300054 in patients with advanced solid tumor.

Patients and Methods:

This open-label, multicenter, phase Ia/b study aimed to define the safety/tolerability and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of LY3321367 with or without LY300054. Secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, and efficacy. Biomarkers were assessed in exploratory analysis.

Results:

No dose-limiting toxicities were observed in the monotherapy (N = 30) or combination (N = 28) dose escalation. LY3321367 treatment-related adverse events (≥2 patients) included pruritus, rash, fatigue, anorexia, and infusion-related reactions. Dose-proportional increase in LY3321367 concentrations was not affected by either LY300054 or antidrug antibodies (observed in 50%–70% of patients). Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling indicated 100% target engagement at doses ≥600 mg. LY3321367 RP2D was 1,200 mg biweekly for four doses followed by 600 mg every 2 weeks thereafter. In the non–small cell lung cancer monotherapy expansion cohort, outcomes varied by prior anti-PD-1 therapy response status: anti-PD-1/L1 refractory patients [N = 23, objective response rate (ORR) 0%, disease control rate (DCR) 35%, progression-free survival (PFS) 1.9 months] versus anti-PD-1/L1 responders (N = 14, ORR 7%, DCR 50%, PFS 7.3 months). In combination expansion cohorts (N = 91), ORR and DCR were 4% and 42%; CD8 infiltration in paired biopsies increased in approximately half these patients.

Conclusions:

LY3321367 exhibited acceptable safety profile with favorable pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics but only modest antitumor activity. The therapeutic relevance of TIM-3 blockade requires further investigation.