bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deeply Learned Classifiers for Age and Gender Predictions of Unfiltered Faces
Authors: Agbo-Ajala Olatunbosun , Viriri Serestina
Published: April 2020

Age and gender predictions of unfiltered faces classify unconstrained real-world facial images into predefined age and gender. Significant improvements have been made in this research area due to its usefulness in intelligent real-world applications. However, the traditional methods on the unfiltered benchmarks show their incompetency to handle large degrees of variations in those unconstrained images. More recently, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) based methods have been extensively used for the classification task due to their excellent performance in facial analysis. In this work, we propose a novel end-to-end CNN approach, to achieve robust age group and gender classification of unfiltered real-world faces. The two-level CNN architecture includes feature extraction and classification itself. The feature extraction extracts feature corresponding to age and gender, while the classification classifies the face images to the correct age group and gender. Particularly, we address the large variations in the unfiltered real-world faces with a robust image preprocessing algorithm that prepares and processes those faces before being fed into the CNN model. Technically, our network is pretrained on an IMDb-WIKI with noisy labels and then fine-tuned on MORPH-II and finally on the training set of the OIU-Adience (original) dataset. The experimental results, when analyzed for classification accuracy on the same OIU-Adience benchmark, show that our model obtains the state-of-the-art performance in both age group and gender classification. It improves over the best-reported results by 16.6% (exact accuracy) and 3.2% (one-off accuracy) for age group classification and also there is an improvement of 3.0% (exact accuracy) for gender classification.
Construction of ceRNA Coexpression Network and Screening of Molecular Targets in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hui Zhao , Zhanwei Wang , Xi Yang , Jin Liu , Jing Zhuang , Shuwen Han
Published: April 2020

Objective. To screen some RNAs that correlated with colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods. Differentially expressed miRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs between cancer tissues and normal tissues in CRC were identified using data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were performed to do the functional enrichment analysis. And a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed which correlated with CRC. RNAs in this network were subjected to analyze the relationship with the patient prognosis.Results. A total of 688, 241, and 103 differentially expressed genes (diff-mRNA), diff-lncRNA, and diff-miRNA were obtained between cancer tissues and normal tissues. A total of 315 edges were obtained in the ceRNA network. lncRNA RP11-108K3.2 and mRNA ONECUT2 correlated with prognosis.Conclusion. The identified RNAs and constructed ceRNA network could provide great sources for the researches of therapy of the CRC. And the lncRNA RP11-108K3.2 and mRNA ONECUT2 may serve as a novel prognostic predictor of CRC.
Banxia Xiexin Decoction Ameliorates t-BHP-Induced Apoptosis in Pancreatic Beta Cells by Activating the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Du Li-juan , Pang Bing , Tan Yu-meng , Yang Ya-nan , Zhang Mei-zhen , Pang Qing , Sun Min , Ni Qing
Published: April 2020

Background. Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXXD) reportedly regulates glycolipid metabolism and inhibits pancreatic β-cell apoptosis. This study is aimed at investigating the protective effect of BXXD on tert-butyl hydroperoxide- (t-BHP-) induced apoptosis in MIN6 cells and the underlying mechanisms. Methods. MIN6 cells were preincubated with BXXD or liraglutide (Li) with or without PI3K inhibitor LY294002 (LY) for 12 h, following which t-BHP was added to induce MIN6 cell apoptosis. The protective effects of BXXD on MIN6 cells were evaluated by detecting cell viability and proliferation and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). The antiapoptotic effects were evaluated by Hoechst 33342 staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay (TUNEL). Malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase content and superoxide dismutase activity were measured using commercial kits. The expression of PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 signaling pathway-related signal molecules, and that of apoptotic indicators Bax, P27, and Caspase-3, was quantified using western blotting. Results. Preincubation with BXXD significantly improved t-BHP-induced proliferation inhibition and apoptosis and enhanced GSIS. t-BHP induced the generation of reactive oxygen species and inhibited the activities of antioxidant enzymes, which could be neutralized by pretreatment with BXXD. BXXD promoted the phosphorylation of AKT and FOXO1 in t-BHP-induced MIN6 cells. Moreover, BXXD attenuated the expression of related apoptotic indicators Bax, P27, and Caspase-3. LY abolished these effects of BXXD. Conclusion. BXXD protected MIN6 cells against t-BHP-induced apoptosis and improved insulin secretory function through modulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and the downstream FOXO1, thus suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Hermite-Hadamard- and Jensen-Type Inequalities for Interval h1,h2 Nonconvex Function
Authors: Bai Hongxin , Saleem Muhammad Shoaib , Nazeer Waqas , Zahoor Muhammad Sajid , Zhao Taiyin
Published: April 2020

In the present study, we will introduce the definition of interval h1,h2 nonconvex function. We will investigate some properties of interval h1,h2 nonconvex function. Moreover, we will develop Hermite-Hadamard- and Jensen-type inequalities for interval h1,h2 nonconvex function.
Antibacterial Finishing of Cotton Fabric Using Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) Plant Leaf Extract
Authors: Ketema Asnake , Worku Amare
Published: April 2020

Natural organic fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool are readily attacked by microorganisms. Microbial growth on a textile fabric causes loss of strength and elongation, discoloration, and changes in appearance. The antibacterial finishing agents extracted from nettle plant leaf have been used to impart finish to the cotton fabric by using the Pad-Dry-Cure application method. The antibacterial activity of the finish was assessed quantitatively using the AATCC 100:2004 test method, and the antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria was measured. There was a 100 to 99.75 percent reduction in the count of test bacteria. Physical properties of treated and untreated cotton fabrics such as absorbency, fabric stiffness, air permeability, and strength were analyzed. To evaluate the laundering effect of stinging nettle leaf finished fabric, samples were subjected to laundry with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 washing cycles using standard AATCC test method 61, and bacterial count of treated samples was tested. The results showed gradual decrease in antibacterial property, with a 100 to 44% reduction in the bacterial count for Staphylococcus aureus and a 100 to 30% reduction in the bacterial count for Escherichia coli. The results of this investigation suggested that nettle leaf, a low-cost abundant plant in Ethiopia, can be used for antibacterial activity in woven cotton fabric.
Improved Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Diclofenac Sodium by Topical Nanoemulgel: Formulation Development—In VitroandIn VivoStudies
Authors: Md Shadab , Alhakamy Nabil A. , Aldawsari Hibah M. , Kotta Sabna , Ahmad Javed , Akhter Sohail , Shoaib Alam Md , Khan Mohammad A. , Awan Zuhier , Sivakumar Ponnurengam Malliappan
Published: April 2020

The present study aimed to develop diclofenac sodium nanoemulgel for managing pain and inflammation using the low-energy emulsification technique. Nanoemulsion of diclofenac was formulated using clove oil with adequate amount of surfactants and cosurfactants, and it was converted to hydrogel form using Carbopol 980 as the gelling agent. The droplet size of the oil globules in the nanoemulsion was found to be 64.07 ± 2.65 nm with a low polydispersity index (0.238 ± 0.02) along with high negative zeta potential (−39.06 mV). The developed nanoemulgel exhibited non-Newtonian and pseudoplastic behavior. Thein vitrorelease profile of the developed nanoemulgel was higher as compared to marketed and conventional gel. The carrageenan-induced paw edema test was performed in rats to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of developed nanoemulgel. The developed nanoemulgel showed significantly higher (p<0.01) effect in reducing pain and inflammation symptoms as compared to marketed as well as conventional gel of diclofenac. The overall findings of the study suggest that the developed nanoemulgel formulation of diclofenac can be used as a potential approach for the management of pain and inflammation.
On the Study of Multiwavelet Deconvolution Density Estimators
Authors: Zhou Xiaohui
Published: April 2020

In this paper, multiwavelet deconvolution density estimators are presented by a linear multiwavelet expansion and a nonlinear multiwavelet expansion, respectively. Moreover, the unbiased estimation is shown, and asymptotic normality is discussed for the multiwavelet deconvolution density estimators. Finally, a numerical example is given for our discussion.
En Balance: The Contribution of Physical Activity to the Efficacy of Spanish Diabetes Education of Hispanic Americans with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Nicholas Dequina A. , Salto Lorena M. , Lavelle Kristen , Wilson Joy , Beeson W. Lawrence , Firek Anthony , Langridge William H. R. , Cordero-MacIntyre Zaida , De Leon Marino
Published: April 2020

Purpose. En Balance, a culturally sensitive diabetes education program, improves glycemic control in Hispanics with type 2 diabetes. The program emphasized diet, physical activity, and other factors important for glycemic control. However, the individual contributions of these education factors are unclear. The purpose of this study is to assess the contribution of physical activity to the success of En Balance in improving the health of Mexican Americans with type 2 diabetes. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted with plasma samples collected pre- and post-3-month study. Samples from 58 (18 males and 40 females) Hispanic subjects with type 2 diabetes were analyzed for the concentration of kynurenines, known to decrease in response to exercise. After three months, health outcomes for the active group (decreased kynurenines) and the rest of the cohort were evaluated by paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results. Half of the subjects had increased kynurenine levels at the end of the educational program. We found that the subjects in the active group with decreased kynurenine concentrations displayed statistically greater improvements in fasting blood glucose, A1C, cholesterol, and triglycerides despite weight loss being higher in the group with increased kynurenine concentrations. Conclusions. En Balance participants with decreased kynurenine levels had significantly improved glycemic control. These data suggest that physical activity significantly contributes to the success of the En Balance education program. This analysis indicates that diabetes public health educators should emphasize the benefit of physical activity on glycemic control even in the absence of major weight loss.
Application of Polynomial Chaos Expansion to Optimize Injection-Production Parameters under Uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Liang , Li ZhiPing , Li Hong , Adenutsi Caspar Daniel , Lai FengPeng , Wang KongJie , Yang Sen
Published: April 2020

The optimization of oil field development scheme considering the uncertainty of reservoir model is a challenging and difficult problem in reservoir engineering design. The most common method used in this regard is to generate multiple models based on statistical analysis of uncertain reservoir parameters and requires a large number of simulations to efficiently handle all uncertainties, thus requiring a huge amount of computational power. In order to reduce the computational burden, a method which combines reservoir simulation, an economic model, polynomial chaos expansion with response surface methodology, and Levy flight particle swarm optimization (LFPSO) algorithm is proposed to determine the optimal injection-production parameters with reservoir uncertainties at a reasonable computational cost. This approach is applied to a five-spot well pattern optimization design for obtaining the optimal parameters, including oil-water well distance, injection rate, and bottom hole pressure, while considering the uncertainties of porosity, permeability, and relative permeability. The results of the case study indicated that the integrated approach is practical and efficient for performing reservoir optimization with uncertain reservoir parameters.
Sodium-Dependent Glucose Transporter 1 (SGLT1) Stabled by HER2 Promotes Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by Activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in HER2+ Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Jinlu , Ji Hongfei , Niu Xingjian , Yin Lei , Wang Yiran , Gu Yucui , Li Dongbo , Zhang Han , Lu Minghui , Zhang Fengxia , Zhang Qingyuan
Published: April 2020

Aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of tumor cells. SGLT1 plays a vital role in glucose metabolism. However, whether SGLT1 could promote cell growth and proliferation in breast cancer remains unclear. Here, we investigated the expression of SGLT1 in breast cancer and examined its role in malignant behavior and prognosis. Further, we examined the SGLT1 expression in breast cancer tissues and its relationship with clinicopathologic characteristics. We clarified that SGLT1 was overexpressed in HER2+ breast cancer cell lines and was affected by HER2 status. We further found that SGLT1 affected breast cancer cell proliferation and patient survival by mediating cell survival pathway activation. SGLT1 was overexpressed in HER2+ breast cancers and associated with lymph node metastasis and HER2+ status. Inhibition of HER2 decreased SGLT1 expression, and the extracellular acidification rate was also reduced in the UACC812 and SKBR3 cell lines. These changes could be reversed by proteasome inhibitor treatment. Knockdown of SGLT1 blocked PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation. Further, we demonstrated that high SGLT1 was significantly correlated with shorter survival in all breast cancer patients and specifically in HER2+ breast cancer patients. Therefore, we conclude that SGLT1 is overexpressed in HER2+ breast cancer, thereby promoting cell proliferation and shortening survival by activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. This study submits that SGLT1 is promising not only as a novel biomarker of HER2+ breast cancer subtype but also as a potential drug target.
A 3D Creep Model considering Disturbance Damage and Creep Damage and Its Application in Tunnel Engineering
Authors: Wang Geng-Feng , Sun Fan , Xiong Xiao-Hui , He Lei , Zhang Ke-Hong
Published: April 2020

Based on the Kachanov damage theory and elastic wave theory, considering the long-term creep damage from time dimension and instantaneous disturbance damage from space dimension, we presented a 3D damage creep model and converted it to difference expressions in order to write into the finite difference software FLAC3D. Then, according to the results of creep tests, we conducted parameter inversion of our damage creep model with the help of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method. Finally, the damage creep model was applied in a railway tunnel project in Yunnan to simulate the tunnel deformation. Compared with the Burgers model and the model considering only creep damage, our model which considers both creep damage and disturbance damage yielded more reasonable results.
Could Serum TSH Levels Predict Malignancy in Euthyroid Patients Affected by Thyroid Nodules with Indeterminate Cytology?
Authors: Cappelli Carlo , Pirola Ilenia , Gandossi Elena , Rotondi Mario , Lombardi Davide , Casella Claudio , Marini Fiorella , Saullo Maura , Agosti Barbara , Di Lodovico Elena , Chiovato Luca , Ferlin Alberto , Castellano Maurizio
Published: April 2020

Background. Serum TSH levels in the upper-normal range were reported to be associated with increased risk of thyroid malignancy. However, measurement of TSH levels is currently not recommended for assessing the risk of malignancy in patients with newly diagnosed thyroid nodules. Objective. To evaluate a possible relationship between the serum levels of TSH and the histological outcome of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology. Materials and Methods. We collected the clinical data of all patients who had performed ultrasound-guided FNA of thyroid nodules with cytological diagnosis of indeterminate lesions (TIR3A and TIR3B) and serum TSH levels within the normal range. All patients had been submitted to thyroid surgery (hemi or thyroidectomy, as appropriate), and histological diagnosis had been performed. Results. A histological diagnosis of thyroid malignancy was rendered in 74/378 (19.6%) nodules. Patients with histologically proven thyroid malignancy were characterized by higher serum levels of TSH as compared to patients with histologically proven benign nodules (3.03 ± 1.16 vs. 2.37 ± 1.19 mIU/L, p<0.001). To further analyze the role of serum TSH in predicting thyroid cancer, patients were stratified in 4 groups according to quartiles of TSH concentrations. The prevalence of malignancy was 12.2% for the first quartile and 50.0% for the last quartile. ROC curve analysis identified that a serum TSH level of ≥2.7 mIU/L predicted thyroid malignancy with a sensitivity of 61% and a specificity of 65%. Conclusions. TSH levels in the upper-normal range are associated with an increased risk of thyroid malignancy in patients affected by thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology at FNA. The measurement of serum TSH levels represents an easily performed additional tool for decision-making in patients with indeterminate cytological findings.
An Evolutionary Game Model to Study Manufacturers and Logistics Companies’ Behavior Strategies for Information Transparency in Cold Chains
Authors: Xing Xiao-Hu , Hu Zhi-Hua , Wang Shu-Wen , Luo Wen-Ping
Published: April 2020

Cold goods manufacturers and logistics service providers are two essential groups of players in the goods safety issue in cold chains under the administration or inspection of governments and various stakeholders, including customers and final consumers. In this research, we applied the evolutionary game theory to examine the behavioral strategies of manufacturers and logistics service providers, while we formulated the governments and various other stakeholders’ impacts by contracted subsidy and penalty. First, we developed an evolutionary game theory model of the interaction between manufacturers and logistics service providers. Then, we examined the evolutionary stable strategy (ESS) of the manufacturers and logistics service providers under various constraints. Finally, we used simulation to demonstrate the impact of combinations of various parameters on the ESS and evolutionary paths. The results showed that the behavior strategies of the manufacturers and logistics service providers are interleaved and affected by the parameters in the developed model. We analyzed the ESSs and evolutionary paths by considering profits of the cold goods, the cold chain logistics costs, mainly the additional profits and costs of sharing information, and the subsidy and penalty regulated by contracts and governments. By tuning the parameters for numerical studies, we can find that the subsidy and penalty are essential for the cold chain manufactures and logistics service providers to adopt the information-sharing strategy, while the cost of the strategy and the profit of them constrains the positivity. Although, besides instant costs and profits, the information-sharing strategy can add values to cold chains in the long run, the administrators must consider the two populations of players and advocate them to adopt the information-sharing strategy consistently by using optimal policies.
Gaps in Study Design for Immune Parameter Research for Latent Tuberculosis Infection: A Systematic Review
Authors: Herrera Mariana , Vera Cristian , Keynan Yoav , Rueda Zulma Vanessa
Published: April 2020

Background. Immune parameters (IP) have been extensively studied to distinguish between latent tuberculosis (LTBI) and active tuberculosis (TB). Objective. To determine the IP associated with LTBI, compared to active TB and individuals not infected by M. tuberculosis published in literature. Methods. We conducted a systematic search using Google Scholar and PubMed databases, combining the MeSH terms latent tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, cytokines, and biological markers, with the free terms, biomarkers and cytokines. Spanish, English, and Portuguese articles comparing the concentration of IP associated with LTBI, either in plasma/serum or in vitro, in adults and nonimmunocompromised versus individuals with TB or without M. tuberculosis infection between 2006 July and 2018 July were included. Two blinded reviewers carried out the searches, read the abstracts, and selected the articles for analysis. Participants’ information, diagnostic criteria, IP, detection methods, and biases were collected. Results. We analyzed 36 articles (of 637 abstracts) with 93 different biomarkers in different samples. We found 24 parameters that were increased only in active TB (TGF-α, CSF3, CSF2, CCL1 [I-309], IL-7, TGF-β1, CCL3 [MIP-1α], sIL-2R, TNF-β, CCL7 [MCP-3], IFN-α, fractalkine, I-TAG, CCL8 [MCP-2], CCL21 [6Ckine], PDGF, IL-22, VEGF-A, LXA4, PGE2, PGF2α, sCD163, sCD14, and 15-Epi-LXA4), five were elevated in LTBI (IL-5, IL-17F, IL-1, CCL20 [MIP-3α], and ICAM-1), and two substances were increased among uninfected individuals (IL-23 and basic FGF). We found high heterogeneity between studies including failure to account for the time/illness of the individuals studied; varied samples and protocols; different clinical classification of TB; different laboratory methods for IP detection, which in turn leads to variable units of measurement and assay sensitivities; and selection bias regarding TST and booster effect. None of the studies adjusted the analysis for the effect of ethnicity. Conclusions. It is mandatory to harmonize the study of immune parameters for LTBI diagnosis. This systematic review is registered with PROSPERO CRD42017073289.
Effect of Phacoemulsification on Anterior Chamber Angle in Eyes with Medically Uncontrolled Filtered Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Authors: Zuo Chengguo , Long Bing , Guo Xinxing , Chen Liming , Liu Xing
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOLs) implantation in eyes with medically uncontrolled primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) previously treated with trabeculectomy and to quantify the anatomical changes in the anterior chamber angle by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Methods. Forty-four eyes of 37 consecutive patients with medically uncontrolled PACG coexisting cataracts with a surgical history of trabeculectomy were included in this study. Each patient underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Indentation gonioscopy and UBM were performed preoperatively and then again 3 months after surgery. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications and anatomical changes in the anterior chamber angle. Results. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA significantly improved from 0.52 ± 0.30 preoperatively to 0.26 ± 0.23 postoperatively (p<0.001). The mean IOP significantly decreased from 24.33 ± 9.65 mmHg preoperatively to 18.04 ± 7.86 mmHg postoperatively (p<0.05). 001). The median number of antiglaucoma medications decreased from 2 preoperatively to 1 postoperatively (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the extent of peripheral anterior synechia after the surgery (p>0.05). Some parameters, including anterior central chamber depth, angle opening distance at 500 μm, trabecular-iris angle, and scleral ciliary process angle, were significantly higher after than before surgery (p<0.001). However, the crystalline lens rise was significantly smaller following the surgery (p<0.001). Conclusions. Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation reduced the IOP and improved vision in eyes with medically uncontrolled filtered PACG. The mechanism underlying the outcomes observed following surgery might be related to the anterior chamber deepening, widened drainage angle, and improved aqueous fluid flow to the trabecular meshwork.
Measuring the Energy and Carbon Emission Efficiency of Regional Transportation Systems in China: Chance-Constrained DEA Models
Authors: Ren Jianwei , Gao Bin , Zhang Jiewei , Chen Chunhua
Published: April 2020

In China, the transportation sector contributes about 18% of the total carbon emissions. This research contributes to measuring the energy and carbon emission efficiency (ECEE) of regional transportation systems (RTS) in China considering uncertain carbon emissions. A radial chance-constrained data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is developed to estimate the overall efficiency, and a nonradial chance-constrained DEA model is presented to evaluate the pure energy efficiency (PEE) and the pure carbon emission efficiency (PCEE). We prove that the proposed chance-constrained DEA models can effectively address the uncertain carbon emissions when measuring efficiency. We find that most of China’s RTS have low ECEE and the inefficiencies are mainly due to the lower gasoline utilization efficiency and the lower kerosene utilization efficiency. In addition, east China performs better than central China, and central China performs better than west China. In China, the unbalanced regional development of the ECEE in transportation corresponds with the unbalanced regional economic development. We provide some valuable suggestions based on the evaluation of the potential cuts in each kind of energy and the potential decreases in carbon emissions.
Bond Stress between Steel‐Reinforced Bars and Fly Ash‐Based Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Cui Yifei , Zhang Peng , Bao Jiuwen
Published: April 2020

Geopolymer concrete has been regarded as one of the most important green construction materials, which has been restrained in engineering applications partially due to a lack of bond studies. The structural performance of the reinforced concrete components primarily relies on the sufficient bond between the concrete and the reinforcing bars. Before being utilized in any concrete structure, GPC must demonstrate that it possesses understandable bond behaviour with commercial steel reinforcements. This work presents an experimental investigation on the bond stress of steel bars in reinforced geopolymer concrete (GPC) structures. Standard beam‐end pull‐out tests were conducted on GPC specimens reinforced with 16 mm plain and ribbed bars that were equipped with electrical resistance strain gauges. The longitudinal variation in the bond stress in the GPC beams during the pull‐out tests was calculated and plotted, as well as the stress in steel bars. The cracks on the bond area of the GPC were compared with those of the corresponding ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPC), as well as the steel stress and bond stress. The results showed that the relative slip between plain bar and geopolymer concrete varies from 30–450 microns from the loaded end to the free end when the bond stress decreased by 83%. The relative slip between ribbed bar and geopolymer concrete varies from 280–3,000 microns from the loaded end to the free end when the bond stress decreased by 57%. Generally, GPC is different from OPC in terms of bond stress distribution.
Case Report with Review of the Literature: Uveal Melanoma in a Patient with Carney Complex – Another Rare Component of the Syndrome?
Authors: Salomão Diva R. , Ida Cristiane M. , Greipp Patricia T. , Carney J. Aidan
Published: April 2020

A 74-year-old woman with Carney complex (CNC) and complaints of poor vision was found, on ophthalmic examination, to have a pigmented tumor involving the peripheral choroid and ciliary body in her right eye. The eye was enucleated and showed a ciliochoroidal melanoma with marked pleomorphism. The tumor did not recur or metastasize after almost 10 years of follow-up, and the patient died of unrelated causes. Molecular studies revealed a complex genome with multiple whole-chromosome losses including monosomy of chromosomes 1, 2 (including loss of CNC2at 2p16), 14, 17 (including loss of a copy of PRAKA1 at 17q24.2), 18, 19, 21, 22, and X. No monosomy 3 was observed. This is only the second case of uveal melanoma in a patient with CNC, raising the possibility that this might represent a rare component of this syndrome.
Short-Term Change in Measures of Glycemia in Obese Youth Meeting Criteria for Prediabetes: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: El Mikati Hala K. , McKinney Brett M. , Yazel-Smith Lisa , Alders Sarah E. , Hannon Tamara S.
Published: April 2020

Background: The prevalence of youth diagnosed with prediabetes is increasing, yet there is a lack of guidelines on how to manage this condition clinically. Objectives: The aim was to determine the short-term outcomes of patients referred with prediabetes and to determine predictors of worsening dysglycemia in youth. Study Design: This is a retrospective chart review of patients referred to our Youth Diabetes Prevention Clinic (YDPC) with laboratory tests indicating an increased risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). We defined glycemic categories by HbA1c with normoglycemia as HbA1c <5.7%, prediabetes I (P1) as HbA1c 5.7 to <6.0%, and prediabetes II (P2) as HbA1c 6.0 to <6.5%. We compared HbA1c at the time of referral (screening HbA1c) and at the YDPC visit (YDPC HbA1c) to assess for improvement or worsening. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess predictors of prediabetes. Results: Among 562 patients seen, 336 had both screening and YDPC HbA1c values. Race (p < 0.001) and screening glycemic category (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with dysglycemia at the YDPC visit, while sex (p = 0.50), BMI z-score change (p = 0.27), and days from referral (p = 0.83) were not. As compared to those who reverted to normoglycemia, patients with prediabetes at YDPC were 7 times more likely to have a higher screening HbA1c (both P1 and P2). The majority of patients referred with prediabetes had lower HbA1c at the YDPC (75.4–82.6%). Conclusion: Patients with screening HbA1c <6% might benefit from a 4-month follow-up at primary care while recommending lifestyle changes. Patients of minority race and screening HbA1c ≥6% are more likely to have a persistent elevation of HbA1c.
The rs2236609 Polymorphism Is Related to Increased Risk Susceptibility of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Alzoughool Foad , Atoum Manar , Abu-Awad Aymen , Ghanma Issa , Halalsheh Raed
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Genetic variations in the slow component of the delayed rectifier potassium channels (IKs) are reported to contribute to an increased susceptibility to arrhythmias. This study aims to investigate the frequency and the possible association of the rs2236609 polymorphism in the KCNE1 gene and the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: This was a case-control study that recruited 100 patients suffering from AF (mean age 49.4 ± 15.1 years), and a control group of 95 healthy participants older than 55 years (mean age 59.8 ± 4.1 years) with no history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or diabetes. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole peripheral blood, and the desired fragment was amplified using polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction digestion with the NspI restriction enzyme. Results: The results showed a significant difference between the single-nucle­otide polymorphism variations in AF patients and controls (p < 0.022). The risk of AF in the GG genotype was significantly decreased (odds ratio [OR] 0.42; 95% confidence interval [Cl] 0.23–0.79). The risk of AF in the GA (OR 2.12; 95% Cl 1.11–4.06) and AA (OR 2.28, 95% Cl 0.57–9.1) genotypes was significantly increased. The odds of developing AF according to A allele counting was significantly increased (OR 2.1; 95% Cl 1.2608–3.638; p = 0.0048). Conclusion: Our results showed a significant increase in AF risk in people carrying the A allele, while the G allele might be considered as a protective allele.
Hospitalization and Critical Illness in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Triozzi Jefferson Lorenzo , Niu Jingbo , Walther Carl P. , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. , Navaneethan Sankar D.
Published: April 2020

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are hospitalized with a critical illness are at increased risk for adverse outcomes. We studied the predictors of hospitalization with critical illness among patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD stages 3 and 4 in a safety-net healthcare setting. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients ≥18 years of age with CKD stages 3 and 4 using a CKD registry from a safety-net healthcare system. Hospitalizations with critical illness were identified among patients requiring nonelective admission or transfer to the intermediate or intensive care unit during a 3-year period after the diagnosis of CKD. Poisson regression was used to determine associations between baseline characteristics and hospitalization requiring intermediate or intensive care among all CKD patients and in those with different stages of CKD. Outcomes of these hospitalizations were also tabulated. Results: Among 8,302 patients with CKD stages 3 and 4, 1,298 were hospitalized and 495 required intermediate or intensive care during a 3-year follow-up period. In the adjusted analysis, advanced CKD, Hispanics (incident rate ratio [IRR]: 1.88), non-Hispanic Blacks (IRR: 1.48), presence of congestive heart failure (IRR: 2.09), cardiovascular disease (IRR: 1.57), chronic pulmonary disease (IRR: 1.60), liver disease, malignancy, and anemia were associated with higher risk of hospitalization requiring intermediate or intensive care. The association of age, gender, race/ethnicity, congestive heart failure, anemia, and body mass index with hospitalization requiring intermediate or intensive care differed significantly by CKD stage (p value for interaction term <0.05). Congestive heart failure and severity of anemia were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization requiring intermediate or intensive care among patients with mild CKD, and the magnitude of association attenuated among patients with advanced CKD. Conclusions: The burden of hospitalization with critical illness among patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD stages 3 and 4 remains high and was associated with demographic factors and comorbid medical conditions, especially among those with congestive heart failure and cardiovascular disease. Targeted, effective interventions to reduce the burden of hospitalization and critical illness in CKD patients within safety-net healthcare systems are needed.
Alcohol-Induced Immune Dysregulation in the Colon Is Diurnally Variable
Authors: Grumish Eve Lauren , Armstrong Andrew R. , Voigt Robin M. , Forsyth Christopher B. , Bishehsari Faraz
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Alcohol increases the risk of colon cancer. Colonic inflammation mediates the effects of alcohol on colon carcinogenesis. Circadian rhythm disruption enhances the alcohol’s effect on colonic inflammation and cancer. Objective: Here, we investigate the diurnal variation of lymphocyte infiltration in the colonic mucosa in response to alcohol. Methods: Sixty C57BL6/J mice were fed a chow diet, and gavaged with alcohol at a specific time once per day for 3 consecutive days. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used to quantify total, effector, and regulatory T cells in the colon. Student’s t test, one-way ANOVA, and two-way ANOVA were used to determine significance. Results: Following the alcohol binge, the composition of immune T cell subsets in the mouse colon was time-dependent. Alcohol did not alter the total number of CD3+ T cells. However, upon alcohol treatment, T-bet+ T helper 1 (Th1) cells appeared to dominate the T cell population following a reduction in Foxp3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) numbers. Depletion of Tregs was time-dependent, and their numbers were dramatically reduced when alcohol was administered during the rest phase. A reduction in Tregs significantly increased the Th1/Treg ratio, resulting in a more proinflammatory milieu. Conclusions: Alcohol enhanced the proinflammatory profile in the colon mucosa, as demonstrated by a higher T-bet+/Foxp3+ ratio, especially during the rest phase.These findings may partly account for the interaction of circadian rhythm disruption with alcohol in colon inflammation and cancer.
Alcohol Use and Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk
Authors: Scherübl Hans
Published: April 2020

Background: Alcohol use is an important and potentially modifiable risk factor for gastrointestinal cancers. The more and the longer a person drinks, the higher the risk of cancer becomes. Even modest use of alcohol may increase cancer risk; 100 g of alcohol per week or less is currently considered to be the limit of low-risk use. Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk: Alcohol is causally associated with oesophageal squamous cell cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and most likely also with pancreatic cancer. Alcohol when combined with tobacco smoking or excess body weight can act synergistically to cause gastrointestinal cancer. Exposure to alcohol may have contributed to the recent incidence increases of early-onset gastrointestinal cancers in some Western countries. Conclusions: People with long-term risky alcohol use should be encouraged to join cancer screening programmes. Alcohol cessation appears to be effective in reducing the alcohol-induced, increased cancer risk.
Rescue of Function of Mutant Luteinising Hormone Receptors with Deficiencies in Cell Surface Expression, Hormone Binding, and Hormone Signalling
Authors: Newton Claire Louise , Anderson Ross Calley , Kreuchwig Annika , Krause Gerd , Katz Arieh Anthony , Millar Robert Peter
Published: April 2020

Introduction: G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) mutations are implicated in many diseases. Most inactivating mutations cause receptor misfolding and prevent trafficking to the plasma membrane. Pharmacological chaperones can “rescue” cell surface expression of such mutants, presumably by stabilising correct folding of the nascent protein. Objective: Here we examine the scope of intracellularly retained luteinising hormone receptor (LHR) mutants that can be “rescued” by the pharmacological chaperone LHR-Chap, and whether this allosteric agonist can also restore the function of mutant LHRs with deficiencies in hormone binding or hormone-induced signalling. Methods: Mutant LHRs were expressed in HEK 293-T cells. Cell surface expression/localisation, hormone binding, and hCG/LHR-Chap signalling were determined by ELISA, radioligand binding, and inositol phosphate accumulation assays, respectively. Molecular modelling predicted LHR-Chap interactions. Results: LHR-Chap increased cell surface expression of a subset of retained mutants located in transmembrane helices predicted to be stabilised by LHR-Chap binding. For 3 (T4613.47I, L5024.61P, and S6167.46Y) hCG-responsiveness was increased following treatment. LHRs with mutations in the hormone-binding site (C131ECDR and I152ECDT) or in the hinge region (E354HingeK) had good cell surface expression but poor response to hormone stimulation, yet were responsive to allosteric activation by LHR-Chap. Conclusions: LHR-Chap, in addition to rescuing cell surface expression of intracellularly retained LHR mutants, can rescue function in mutant receptors with binding and signalling deficiencies that have normal cell surface expression. This demonstration of rescue of multiple elements of LHR dysfunction arising from inactivating mutations offers exceptional potential for treating patients with diseases arising from GPCR mutations in general.
The Semantic Data Dictionary – An Approach for Describing and Annotating Data
Authors: Rashid Sabbir M. , McCusker James P. , Pinheiro Paulo , Bax Marcello P. , Santos Henrique O. , Stingone Jeanette A. , Das Amar K. , McGuinness Deborah L.
Published: April 2020

It is common practice for data providers to include text descriptions for each column when publishing data sets in the form of data dictionaries. While these documents are useful in helping an end-user properly interpret the meaning of a column in a data set, existing data dictionaries typically are not machine-readable and do not follow a common specification standard. We introduce the Semantic Data Dictionary, a specification that formalizes the assignment of a semantic representation of data, enabling standardization and harmonization across diverse data sets. In this paper, we present our Semantic Data Dictionary work in the context of our work with biomedical data; however, the approach can and has been used in a wide range of domains. The rendition of data in this form helps promote improved discovery, interoperability, reuse, traceability, and reproducibility. We present the associated research and describe how the Semantic Data Dictionary can help address existing limitations in the related literature. We discuss our approach, present an example by annotating portions of the publicly available National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data set, present modeling challenges, and describe the use of this approach in sponsored research, including our work on a large National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded exposure and health data portal and in the RPI-IBM collaborative Health Empowerment by Analytics, Learning, and Semantics project. We evaluate this work in comparison with traditional data dictionaries, mapping languages, and data integration tools.
Early Land Plants Today: Index of Liverwort and Hornwort names published 2017–2018

Authors: SÖDERSTRÖM LARS , HAGBORG ANDERS , VON KONRAT MATT
Published: April 2020

A widely accessible list of known plant species is a fundamental requirement for global biodiversity conservation targets. An index of published names of liverworts and hornworts between 2017 and 2018 is provided as part of a community effort in working toward maintaining an updated world checklist of these groups. The list herein includes 23 higher taxon names, 143 specific names, 21 infraspecific names, one infrageneric autonym and 13 infraspecific autonyms for 2017 and 2018, including also names of fossils and invalid and illegitimate names. Sixteen older names omitted in the earlier indices are included.
An assessment of the local endemism of flowering plants in the northern Western Ghats and Konkan regions of India: checklist, habitat characteristics, distribution, and conservation

Authors: SHIGWAN BHUSHAN K. , KULKARNI ABOLI , VIJAYAN SMRITHY , CHOUDHARY RITESH KUMAR , DATAR MANDAR N.
Published: April 2020

The Western Ghats of India support a significant amount of biodiversity despite heavy habitat loss. The northern part of this biodiversity hot-spot, along with Konkan, is considerably different from its southern and central counterparts on account of lesser precipitation and extended dry season. Though this region has been floristically surveyed well, there was a long need for a synthesis on local endemism of the flowering plants. Therefore, the present work was undertaken to produce an updated list of the local endemic plant species of the region with an analysis of habitat characteristics and their survival strategies. An extensive review of literature, herbarium records, and field studies yielded a checklist of 181 taxa including four monospecific genera which were examined for their distribution across their latitudinal spread and habitat specificity. A majority of the endemics are therophytes with their predominance, especially on rock outcrops. Northern Western Ghats seems to be the center of rapid diversification of certain herbaceous endemic genera like Ceropegia, Glyphochloa, Dipcadi, Eriocaulon and a few others. Despite being declared as a biodiversity hot-spot and having a higher concentration of endemic taxa, the region is underrepresented in global IUCN threat status assessments. The implication of effective conservation measures is necessary and the data presented in the manuscript can be used as a proxy for conservation planning.
Assessing the taxonomic status of Amanita citrina var. intermedia (Basidiomycota, Agaricales)

Authors: VIZZINI ALFREDO , CINGARLINI CLAUDIO , SARTORI DANIELE , MARAIA GIAN LUIGI , SETTI LEDO , POUMARAT SERGE , KUDZMA LINAS , DOVANA FRANCESCO
Published: April 2020

Multigene molecular analysis (nrITS, nrLSU, tef1, rpb2) of Amanita species of section Validae including Italian and French specimens of A. citrina var. intermedia indicates that the taxon is not conspecific with A. mappa (= A. citrina) and deserves to be upgraded to the rank of autonomous species. An in-depth description of the taxon, a comparison with allied species, and a key to the Amanita species of section Validae series Mappae in Europe, are provided.
Ruehssia sumiderensis (Apocynaceae), a new species from Chiapas state, Mexico

Authors: LOZADA-PÉREZ LUCIO , RAMÍREZ-MARCIAL NEPTALÍ , GONZÁLEZ-MARTÍNEZ SAR ADRIÁN
Published: April 2020

It is herein presented Ruehssia sumiderensis as a new species known only in the Cañón del Sumidero National Park, in Chiapas, Mexico. It is illustrated with a line drawing, live images and SEM photographs of the gynostegium and pollinarium. Morphological and molecular evidence with plastid data (trnL intron and trnL-F intergenic spacer) confirms its position in Ruehssia, a recently proposed genus that includes American Marsdenieae species. It is similar to Marsdenia laxiflora and M. pinetorum due to the basally rounded or truncate leaves, rotate corolla without callous cushions in the sinuses. Two new combinations are also made in Ruehssia, for M. laxiflora and M. pinetorum.
Typification and taxonomic remarks in Petrosedum (Crassulaceae)

Authors: GALLO LORENZO
Published: April 2020

Within the genus Petrosedum Grulich (1984: 39), as already previously stated (Gallo 2017: 208), some names still lack of a typification, and in view of a review of this genus, it seems appropriate to fill this gap. Four names are concerned here: S. amplexicaule, S. montanum, S. pruinatum and S. tenuifolium. Herbarium acronyms follow Thiers (2020+).
Abacaecus n. gen. walterrossii n. sp., a notable hypogean carabid species from Sierra Leone, Western Africa (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Pterostichinae)
Authors: ALLEGRO GIANNI , GIACHINO PIER MAURO
Published: April 2020

Abacaecus n. gen. walterrossii n. sp., a notable blind species from Sierra Leone, is described. A. walterrossii n. sp. probably belongs to a separated phyletic lineage inside Abacetini sensu lato and is the first recorded blind African species of this tribe. It is also compared to Pterostillichus caecus Straneo, another African blind species of uncertain affinities, of which is given an integrative description enriched by illustration of a few characters.