bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liraglutide suppresses production of extracellular matrix proteins and ameliorates renal injury of diabetic nephropathy by enhancing Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Huang Linjing , Lin Tingting , Shi Meizhen , Chen Xiuqing , Wu Peiwen
Published: July 2020

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in production of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by mesangial cells (MCs). Recent studies by us and others have demonstrated that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have protective effects against diabetic nephropathy. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in MCs contributes to GLP-1RA-induced inhibition of ECM accumulation and mitigation of glomerular injury in diabetic nephropathy. In cultured human mesangial cells, liraglutide (a GLP-1RA) treatment significantly reduced high glucose (HG)-stimulated production of fibronectin, collagen type IV, and α-smooth muscle actin, and the liraglutide effects were significantly attenuated by XAV-939, a selective inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Furthermore, HG treatment significantly decreased protein abundance of Wnt4, Wnt5a, phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3β, and β-catenin. These HG effects on Wnt/β-catenin signaling proteins were significantly blunted by liraglutide treatment. For in vivo experiments, we administered liraglutide (200 μg·kg−1·12 h−1) by subcutaneous injection to streptozocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats for 8 wk. Administration of liraglutide significantly improved elevated blood urine nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinary albumin excretion rate and alleviated renal hypertrophy, mesangial expansion, and glomerular fibrosis in type 1 diabetic rats, whereas blood glucose level and body weight did not have significant changes. Consistent with the in vitro experiments, liraglutide treatment significantly reduced the diabetes-induced increases in glomerular fibronectin, collagen type IV, and α-smooth muscle actin and decreases in glomerular Wnt/β-catenin signaling proteins. These results suggest that liraglutide alleviated glomerular ECM accumulation and renal injury in diabetic nephropathy by enhancing Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Huayu Wan Prevents Lewis Lung Cancer Metastasis in Mice via the Platelet Pathway
Authors: Ma Yunfei , Li Guangda , Sun Xu , Cao Kexin , Wang Xiaomin , Yang Guowang , Yu Mingwei
Published: July 2020

Objective. To study the mechanism of Huayu Wan on the metastasis of Lewis lung cancer in mice via the platelet pathway. Method. Construction of the lung metastasis model by injection of Lewis cells through the tail vein. The next day, 72 mice were randomly divided into the Huayu Wan group (HYW), the aspirin group, the control group, and the normal group . Treatment was given for 5 days per week for a total of 16 days. The size and distribution of lung metastases were observed. Thromboelastography was used to detect platelet function, flow cytometry was used to analyze platelet activation, and ELISA was used to detect platelet tumor metastasis‐related factor expression. Result. Lung weight in the control group was significantly higher than that in the HYW group (P < 0.05). The distribution of lung metastases in the control group was obviously more than that in the HYW group. The thromboelastogram showed that the R value of the control group was significantly lower than the normal group, while the R values of the HYW and aspirin groups were higher than the control group (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry analysis showed that the expression of CD62P in platelet‐rich plasma in the control group was significantly higher than that in the normal group, while the expression of CD62P in the HYW and aspirin groups was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, ELISA showed that the expression of VEGF, bFGF, and CD62P in serum of the HYW group was significantly decreased than the control group (P < 0.05), and the expression of VEGF and bFGF in serum of the aspirin group was significantly decreased than the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The mechanism of Huayu Wan inhibiting the metastasis of lung cancer in mice may be related to the improvement of blood hypercoagulability, the inhibition of platelet activation, and the expression of VEGF, bFGF, and CD62P.
Influence of the Static Pre-Stress in Micro-Viscothermoelastic Resonators Based on Dual-Phase-Lagging Heat Conduction
Authors: Alghamdi Najat A. , Youssef Hamdy M.
Published: July 2020

Thermal and mechanical relaxation times play vital roles in the values of the quality factor of micro/nanoresonators. They can control the energy dissipation across the coupling of mechanical and thermal behavior. In this paper, we introduce an analytical model that considers a pre-stress in a micro-viscothermoelastic resonator to modify the thermal and mechanical relaxation times and thus higher the quality factor. The impacts of length scale and static pre-stress on the quality factor have been discussed. The model expects that significant improvement in terms of quality factors is possible by tuning the pre-stress and the thermal and mechanical relaxation times parameters, and the isothermal value of frequency have significant effects on the thermal quality factor of the resonators.
Scrodentoids H and I, a Pair of Natural Epimerides from Scrophularia dentata, Inhibit Inflammation through JNK‐STAT3 Axis in THP‐1 Cells
Authors: Mao Gaohui , Sun Liqin , Xu Jinwen , Li Yiming , Dunzhu Ciren , Zhang Liuqiang , Qian Fei
Published: July 2020

Background. Scrophularia dentata is an important medicinal plant and used for the treatment of exanthema and fever in Traditional Tibetan Medicine. Scrodentoids H and I (SHI), a pair of epimerides of C19‐norditerpenoids isolated from Scrophularia dentata, could transfer to each other in room temperature and were firstly reported in our previous work. Here, we first reported the anti‐inflammatory effects of SHI on LPS‐induced inflammation. Purpose. To evaluate the anti‐inflammatory property of SHI, we investigated the effects of SHI on LPS‐activated THP‐1 cells. Methods. THP‐1 human macrophages were pretreated with SHI and stimulated with LPS. Proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐6 were measured by RT‐PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The mechanism of action involving phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, P38, and STAT3 was measured by western Blot. The NF‐κB promoter activity was evaluated by Dual‐Luciferase Reporter Assay System in TNF‐α stimulated 293T cells. Results. SHI dose‐dependently reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐6. The ability of SHI to reduce production of cytokines is associated with phosphorylation depress of JNK and STAT3 rather than p38, ERK, and NF‐κB promoter. Conclusions. Our experimental results indicated that anti‐inflammatory effects of SHI exhibit attenuation of LPS‐induced inflammation and inhibit activation through JNK/STAT3 pathway in macrophages. These results suggest that SHI might have a potential in treating inflammatory disease.
Decisions and Coordination in a Capacity Sharing Supply Chain considering Production Cost Misreporting
Authors: Zhao Daozhi , Han Hongshuai
Published: July 2020

In the manufacturing capacity sharing platform, considering the manufacturing capacity provider’s cost misreporting behavior and the collusion behavior of the platform operator, this paper built a supply chain consisting of a platform operator, a capacity provider with surplus capacity, and a manufacturer with insufficient capacity. This paper studied the influence of the cost misreporting behavior on the supply chain members’ decisions and profits. By use of the game theory, in the scenarios including the supplier misreporting to other supply chain members and the supplier colluding with the platform, the paper analyzed the optimal pricing decision, misreporting coefficient decision, and platform’s service fee decision and further compared the profits of the supply chain and its members. The results show that the capacity provider tends to overstate the production cost for gaining more profits, which exerts negative effects on profits of other members and the supply chain. Compared with the case of misreporting to both the manufacturer with insufficient capacity and the platform, the case of colluding with platform is more favorable to the profits of the manufacturer, the platform, and the supply chain, while the supplier prefers to choose the former situation. When the sales revenue-sharing proportion, cost-sharing proportion, and service fee satisfy certain conditions, the sales revenue-sharing and cost-sharing contract can avoid the capacity provider’s cost misreporting behavior and coordinate the supply chain.
Real-Time Hovering Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Acosta Lúa Cuauhtémoc , Vaca García Claudia Carolina , Di Gennaro Stefano , Castillo-Toledo B. , Sánchez Morales María Eugenia
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the design of a controller for the altitude and rotational dynamics is presented. In particular, the control problem is to maintain a desired altitude in a fixed position. The unmanned aerial vehicle dynamics are described by nonlinear equations, derived using the Newton–Euler approach. The control problem is solved imposing the stability of the error dynamics with respect to desired position and angular references. The performance and effectiveness of the proposed control are tested, first, via numerical simulations, using the Pixhawk Pilot Support Package simulator provided by Mathworks. Then, the controller is tested via a real-time implementation, using a quadrotor Aircraft F-450.
Study on Analogy Calculation Method for Seismic Vulnerability of Earth-Wood Structure Houses
Authors: Liu Rushan , Tian Deyuan
Published: July 2020

Earth-wood structure houses often cause large casualties and economic losses in historical earthquakes. Therefore, it is estimated that the seismic vulnerability of civil structures in areas that have not experienced earthquakes is of great significance for earthquake prevention and disaster reduction. In this paper, an analogy calculation method was proposed for calculating the seismic vulnerability of earth-wood structure houses in unknown regions from the seismic vulnerability of earth-wood structure houses in known regions. Firstly, the main factors affecting the seismic capacity of earth-wood structure houses were determined, and the weights of influence of influencing factors on the overall seismic capacities of buildings under different seismic intensities were determined by using the fuzzy analytical hierarchy approach; secondly, the relative seismic capacities of the main influencing factors are analogically scored by considering the differences in influencing factors in different regions. Finally, based on the vulnerability matrix of earth-wood structure houses in existing regions and comprehensive evaluation of relative seismic capacities of earth-wood structures, the vulnerability matrix of unknown earth-wood structures was calculated by analogy. The results of trial calculation showed that this method has higher reliability and effectiveness. At the end of the article, the vulnerability analysis of earth-wood structure houses in Shigatse, Tibet, was carried out using this method, and the vulnerability curve was initially given.
Linear Regression Estimation Methods for Inferring Standard Values of Snow Load in Small Sample Situations
Authors: Wang Xudong , Yao Jitao
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper is to establish a new method for inferring standard values of snow load in small sample situations. Due to the incomplete meteorological data in some areas, it is often necessary to infer the standard values of snow load in the conditions of small samples in engineering, but the point estimation methods of classical statistics adopted till now do not take into account the influences of statistical uncertainty, and the inference results are always aggressive. In order to overcome the above shortcomings, according to the basic principle of optimal linear unbiased estimation and invariant estimation of the minimum type I distribution parameters and the tantile, using the least square method, the linear regression estimation methods for inferring standard values of snow load in small sample situations are proposed, which can take into account two cases such as parameter-free and known coefficient of variation, and the predicted formulas of snow load standard values are given, respectively. Through numerical integration and Monte Carlo numerical simulation, the numerical table of correlation coefficients is established, which is more convenient for the direct application of inferential formulas. According to the results of theoretical analysis and examples, when using the indirect point estimation methods to infer the standard values of snow load in the conditions of small samples, the inference results are always small. The linear regression estimation method is suitable for inferring standard values of snow load in the conditions of small samples, which can give more reasonable results. When using the linear regression estimation to infer standard values of snow load in practical application, even if the coefficient of variation is unknown, it can set the upper limit value of the coefficient of variation according to the experience; meanwhile, according to the parameter-free and known coefficient of variation, the estimation is carried out, respectively, and the smaller value of the two is taken as the final estimate. The method can be extended to the statistical inference of variable load standard values such as wind load and floor load.
Predictive Modelling and Surface Analysis for Optimization of Production of Biofuel as A Renewable Energy Resource: Proposition of Artificial Neural Network Search
Authors: Murthy Sri Krishna , Goyal Ankit , Rajasekar N. , Pareek Kapil , Nguyen Thoi Trung , Garg A.
Published: July 2020

The present study undertakes the research problem on the optimization of production of biodiesel as a renewable energy resource from the transesterification of soybean oil and ethanol. Predictive modelling and surface analysis techniques were applied based on the artificial neural network search algorithm to correlate the yield of ethyl ester and glycerol and the input parameters. The formulated models accurately predicted the yield of the products with a high coefficient of determination. When the reaction time is low, the ester yield decreases with an increase in temperature and the maximum yield of obtained biodiesel at a very low value of time of reaction and temperature. Plots based on parametric and sensitivity analysis reveals that the yield of ethyl ester can be maximized and that of glycerol minimized at an integrated condition with lower ethanol/oil molar ratio, higher temperature value, higher catalyst concentration value, and longer time of reaction. The global sensitivity analysis reveals that the catalyst concentration and temperature of the reaction influence the yield of ethyl ester the most. In addition, an optimal ethyl ester yield of 95% can be achieved at specific input conditions. Moreover, according to the results of global sensitivity analysis, the catalyst concentration is found to be most significant for both the glycerol and ethyl ester yield.
Dynamic Path Planning for Bevel-Tip Flexible Needle Insertion into Soft Tissue Based on a Real-Time Finite Element Model
Authors: Li Murong , Gao Dedong , Lei Yong , Xu Tian
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a novel dynamic path planning methodology for needle steering into the soft tissue. A real-time finite element model is used to simulate the procedure of a flexible needle into the homogeneous soft tissue, which provides the dynamic deformation information for the path planning. The relationship between needle base and tip is formulated as the transformations of homogeneous matrix with quasi-static assumptions. Based on the reachability of the flexible needle, the real-time motions of obstacles and target are considered through the dynamic needle-tissue interactions. A testbed including a XY linear stage, one rotator, and a CCD camera is constructed, and the experiments are designed to validate the proposed method. The 23G PTC needle was inserted into the PVA phantom with markers, and the CCD camera was utilized to record the needle trajectories and motions of target and obstacles. The targeting errors between the experimental and planned paths are less than 1.20 mm, and the distance from the obstacle to needle is not smaller than 1.16 mm. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is effective for online planning the paths in the needle-tissue interactive environment.
The Permitted Dimension of Guide Sign in Freeway Tunnel Restricted by the Geometric Space of the Tunnel Vault
Authors: Hu Jiangbi , He Lucheng , Wang Ronghua , Yuan Chike , Gao Xiaojuan
Published: July 2020

Traffic guide signs should be settled in a freeway tunnel when there is a short distance between the interchange exit ramp and the tunnel exit in order to provide enough reaction time for drivers. However, there is not enough space for guide sign in a tunnel adopting the same design method as the guide sign along the general segment of the freeway. The maximum dimension of a guide sign in tunnel should be studied firstly. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of the inner outline design of the tunnel and its relationship with the guide sign dimension, the study was classified into different combination conditions: left superelevation and right superelevation under two-, three-, or four-lane freeway tunnels, respectively. The essential elements, the horizontal and vertical clearances, the radius of the tunnel vault circles, the angle of the superelevation, and the allowance vertical dimension for future sign installation were all taken into account to establish the dimension model of the guide sign in the tunnel. The maximum dimensions of the guide signs were proposed under different combination conditions. The results indicated that there is only one set of the width and the height to obtain the maximum area of the guide sign in the freeway tunnel. The height of the guide sign reduces with the increase of its widths, and the area of the guide sign increases and then reduces with the increase of its width under the same grade of superelevation. The changing trend and extent of the dimension of the guide sign under left superelevation condition were different from those under right superelevation.
Research of Deicing and Melting Snow on Airport Asphalt Pavement by Carbon Fiber Heating Wire
Authors: Su Xin , Lai Yong , Liu Yan , Ma Daoxun , Wang Peng
Published: July 2020

In the paper, the method of deicing and melting snow by the carbon fiber heating wire (CFHW) embedded in the airport asphalt pavement is proposed to improve the security of airport operation. The field experiment of deicing and melting snow on the airport asphalt pavement is conducted. Deicing and melting snow, asphalt pavement temperature, ice‐free area ratio, and snow‐free area ratio are analyzed. Electrical power with 350 W/m2 is input to the airport asphalt pavement for deicing and melting snow by the CFHW. In the experiment, 3 mm ice can be melted, and the average infrared ray temperature (IRT) of the airport asphalt pavement surface can achieve an increment of 13.0°C in 2.5 hours when the air temperature is from −7.5°C to −2.2°C. Snow with 3.2 mm precipitation can be melted in 2 hours when the air temperature is from −4.8°C to −3.5°C, and the asphalt pavement temperature can achieve an increment of 5.9°C at the depth of 0.5 cm. The results show that the method of deicing and melting snow on the airport asphalt pavement by the CFHW is practicable in the cold zone.
Microstructure and Conductivity of the Al‐Cu Joint Processed by Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Wei Yanni , Li Hui , Xiao Peng , Zou Juntao
Published: July 2020

In this paper, 1060 aluminum and T2 pure copper were joined by friction stir welding. The influence of the rotation speed and inclination on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joint were investigated. The microstructure and composition of the welded interface region were analyzed. The joints’ strength was tested, and the conductivity of the joints was estimated. Joints having good surface formation and defect‐free cross section were successfully obtained. The cross‐sectional morphologies of the Al‐Cu friction stir welding joints can be divided into three zones: the shoulder impact zone, the weld nugget zone, and the interface zone. The interface zone consisted of a metallurgical reaction layer and a visible mixed structure. The reaction layers were identified as Al2Cu, Al4Cu9 phases. The tensile strength of the joints reaches maximum values of 102 MPa at a rotation speed of 950 rpm and inclination of 0°, which was approximately equal to those of 1060Al base metal. The resistivity of the Al‐Cu joint was approximately equal to the theoretical resistivity. The interfacial resistance is directly affected by the joint defects, compound types, and thickness of the intermetallic compound layer.
More Low Differential Uniformity Permutations over F22k with k Odd
Authors: Leng Yue , Chen Jinyang , Xie Tao
Published: July 2020

Permutations with low differential uniformity, high algebraic degree, and high nonlinearity over F22k can be used as the substitution boxes for many block ciphers. In this paper, several classes of low differential uniformity permutations are constructed based on the method of choosing two permutations over F22k to get the desired permutations. The resulted low differential uniformity permutations have high algebraic degrees and nonlinearities simultaneously, which provide more choices for the substitution boxes. Moreover, some numerical examples are provided to show the efficacy of the theoretical results.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Radical Surgery versus Radiotherapy (with or without Chemotherapy) in Patients with Stage IB2, IIA, or IIB Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ye Qingjian , Yang Yuebo , Tang Xinran , Li Jing , Li Xiaomao , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2020

Background. This study was to compare the efficacy and safety between neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery (NACT+RS) and radiotherapy only (RT) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for treatment of patients with stage IB2, IIA, or IIB cervical cancer. Method. The electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched to screen relevant studies from their inception to October 2018. Clinical data including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and adverse events were extracted. Egger’s test was used to evaluate the publication bias, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to estimate the robustness of results. Results. Finally, three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two case-control studies consisting of 1,275 patients with stage IB2, IIA, or IIB cervical cancer were included in the current study. Overall, pooled results showed no significant differences in OS ((hazard ratio HR=0.603, 95%CI=0.350−1.038) and DFS (HR=0.678, 95%CI=0.242−1.904) for patients treated with NACT+RS compared with RT only or CCRT, but the subgroup analysis showed that the OS and DFS were significantly longer in the NACT+RS groups than the RT or CCRT group (OS: HR=0.431, 95%CI=0.238−0.781, p=0.006; DFS: HR=0.300, 95%CI=0.187−0.482, p<0.001) for the population with median follow-up time of more than 60 months. For adverse events, the incidence of thrombocytopenia in the NACT+RS group was significantly higher than that in the RT only or CCRT group (relative risk RR=3.240, 95% CI 1.575-6.662), while the incidence of diarrhea was significantly lower than that in the RT only or CCRT group (RR=0.452, 95% CI =0.230-0.890). Conclusion. These findings suggest that the short-term therapeutic effects of the two treatments may be possibly equal for patients with stage IB2-IIB cervical cancer, but the long-term effects for improving OS and DFS may be better using NACT+RS compared with the RT only or CCRT.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Urban Surface Temperature and Its Relationship with Landscape Metrics and Vegetation Cover in Rapid Urbanization Region
Authors: Zhao Hongbo , Tan Juntao , Ren Zhibin , Wang Zheye
Published: July 2020

Under the trend of rapid urbanization, the urban heat island (UHI) effect has become a hot issue for scholars to study. In order to better alleviate UHI effect, it is important to understand the effect of landuse/landcover (LULC) and landscape patterns on the urban thermal environment from perspective of landscape ecology. This research aims to quantitatively investigate the effect of LULC landscape patterns on UHI effects more accurately based on a landscape metrics analysis. In addition, we also explore the complex relationship between land surface temperature (LST) and vegetation cover. Taking Zhengzhou City of China as a case study, an integrated method which includes the geographic information system (GIS), remote-sensing (RS) technology, and landscape metrics was employed to facilitate the analysis. Landsat data (2000–2014) were applied to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of LST and LULC. The results indicated that the mean LST value increased by 2.32°C between 2000 and 2014. The rise of LST was consistent with the trend of rapid urbanization in Zhengzhou City, which resulted in sharp increases in impervious surfaces (IS) and substantial losses of vegetation cover. Furthermore, the investigation of LST and vegetation cover demonstrated that fractional vegetation cover (FVC) had a stronger negative effect on LST than normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI). In addition, LST was obviously correlated with LULC landscape patterns, and both landscape composition and spatial configuration affected UHI effects to varying degrees. This study not only illustrates a feasible way to investigate the relationship between LULC and urban thermal environment but also suggests some important measures to improve urban planning to reduce UHI effects for sustainable development.
A Differential Game of Ecological Compensation Criterion for Transboundary Pollution Abatement under Learning by Doing
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Xu Rongwei , Yi Yongxi
Published: July 2020

This paper studies a stochastic differential game of transboundary pollution abatement between two kinds of ecological compensation and the abatement policy, in which the learning by doing is taken into account. Emission and pollution abatement between upstream and downstream region in the same basin is a Stackelberg game, and the downstream regions provide economic compensation for pollution abatement in the upstream region. We discuss the feedback Nash equilibrium strategies of proportional compensation and investment compensation, and it is found that an appropriate ecological compensation ratio can improve the investment level of pollution abatement in the two regions by accumulating experience in the process of learning by doing. In the long term, the investment compensation mechanism is an effective transboundary pollution abatement measure that can continuously reduce the water pollution stock in the upstream and downstream.
Effects of Anodization‐Assisted Electrodeposition Conditions on the Fabrication of CuO‐Cu2O Coatings on Nanoporous Stainless Steel
Authors: Wang Hefeng , Zhang Jiaojiao , Jin Xiaomin
Published: July 2020

Surface functionalization can be utilized as a useful tool to improve the antibacterial performances of medical devices. Furthermore, some antibacterial agents are coated or impregnated on the surface of 316LSS to prevent contamination of bacteria. Here, CuO‐Cu2O coatings were prepared on 316L nanoporous stainless steel (NPSS) by anodization‐assisted electrodeposition for applications in antibacterial materials. The present study investigated influences of HClO4 concentration, reaction temperature, and load voltage on the morphology, structure, and composition of the coatings. SEM images showed that appropriate nanopores with an average size of about 93 nm were formed on the stainless steel surface and then were successfully filled with CuO‐Cu2O. The nanopore size increased with increasing application of electrolyte concentration. Both the diameter and depth of the nanopores increased with increasing voltage. The EDX result indicated that Cu and O were embedded in as‐prepared CuO‐Cu2O/NPSS. XRD analysis showed that the CuO‐Cu2O/NPSS surface comprised CuO and Cu2O.
The Burden of Neurocysticercosis at a Single New York Hospital
Authors: Spallone Amy , Woroch Luboslav , Sweeney Keith , Seidman Roberta , Marcos Luis A.
Published: July 2020

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a disease caused by the larval pork tapeworm Taenia solium, has emerged as an important infection in the United States. In this study, we describe the spectrum of NCC infection in eastern Long Island, where there is a growing population of immigrants from endemic countries. A retrospective study was designed to identify patients diagnosed with NCC using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes in the electronic medical records at Stony Brook University Hospital between 2005 and 2016. We identified 52 patients (56% male, median age: 35 years) diagnosed with NCC in the only tertiary medical center in Suffolk County. Twenty-five cases were reported in the last three years of the study. Forty-eight (94%) patients self-identified as Hispanic or Latino in the electronic medical record. Twenty-two (44%) and 28 (56%) patients had parenchymal and extraparenchymal lesions, respectively. Nineteen (41.3%) patients presented with seizures to the emergency department. Six patients (11.7%) had hydrocephalus, and five of them required frequent hospitalizations and neurosurgical interventions, including permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunts or temporary external ventricular drains. No deaths were reported. The minimum accumulated estimated cost of NCC hospitalizations during the study period for all patients was approximately 1.4 million United States dollars (USD). In conclusion, NCC predominantly affects young, Hispanic immigrants in Eastern Long Island, particularly in zip codes correlating to predominantly Hispanic communities. The number of cases diagnosed increased at an alarming rate during the study period. Our study suggests a growing need for screening high-risk patients and connecting patients to care in hopes of providing early intervention and treatment to avoid potentially detrimental neurological sequelae.
Zishen Huoxue Recipe Protecting Mitochondrial Function of Hypoxic/Reoxygenated Myocardial Cells through mTORC1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Ruxiu , Chang Xing , Li Jie , Shunyu Yao
Published: July 2020

Objective. This study focuses on the role of Zishen Huoxue Decoction (ZSHX) in reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and reducing the proportion of apoptosis through the mTORC1 signaling pathway. Methods. In our experiment, we first constructed an in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model of H9C2 cells. Then, the cells were divided into control group, model group (hypoxia/reoxygenation, H/R), ZSHX, ZSHX + Rapa, low‐dose ZSHX (100 μg/ml), and middle‐dose ZSHX. High‐dose ZSHX (400 μg/ml) group was treated with Zishen Huoxue Decoction (ZSHX). Western Blot was used to detect the expression of cell‐related protein and RT‐PCR was used to detect the expression of the cell‐related gene in each group. Flow cytometry was used to assay for ROS content and the apoptotic ratio of H9C2 cells, Seahorse Live Cell Energy Meter was used to detect the Mitochondrial Respiratory Function in H9C2 Cells, and confocal laser scanning was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential of H9C2 cells. Results. Western Blot assay showed that the relative expression of mTOR and Raptor in the H/R group was significantly lower than that in the control group (n = 3, P < 0.05). The expression of mTOR and Raptor was upregulated and the relative expression of 4E‐BP1 was downregulated in the middle‐ and high‐dose ZSHX groups (n = 3, P < 0.05). In addition, the ROS content of H9C2 cells was detected by flow cytometry, showing the ROS synthesis in H/R group (78.31 + 6.14) higher than that in the control group (34.53 + 6.10) (n = 3, P < 0.01). The ROS value was increased significantly after rapamycin inhibited mTOR (66.18 (+4.03 vs. 52.31 (+6.01), n = 3, P < 0.05). The basal mitochondrial respiration and ATP production in H/R group were significantly lower than those in the control group (38.17 + 17.76); the mitochondrial leakage in H/R model group was significantly higher than that in the control group (H/R: 40.93 + 5.18 vs. Ctrl: 27.17 + 8.92, n = 4, P < 0.05). The apoptotic rate of cardiomyocytes in the H/R model group (70.91 + 4.57) was significantly higher than that in the control group (14.52 + 2.37, n = 3, P < 0.01), and Zishen Huoxue Decoction could decrease the apoptotic rate of hypoxic‐reoxygenated cardiomyocytes (ZSHX: 18.24 + 4.17 vs. H/R: 78.91 + 3.48, n = 3, P < 0.01). Conclusion. ZSHX Decoction has the effects of activating mTORC1, inhibiting the overexpression of 4E‐BP1, inhibiting fatty acid oxidation, protecting the respiratory function of mitochondria, reducing ROS and apoptosis, and thus protecting myocardial cells from injury.
Assessing the Health of Akamkpa Forest Reserves in Southeastern Part of Nigeria Using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Ebinne Elijah S. , Apeh Ojima I. , Ndukwu Raphael I. , Abah Edebo J.
Published: July 2020

Assessment of forest health is very vital because forests form the largest terrestrial ecosystems on earth. The greenness of vegetation is one of the essential factors used in evaluating the health of forest reserves. This study is aimed at assessing the health of fifteen forest reserves in Southeastern part of Nigeria using meteorological data and MOD13A1-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). Related portions of the monthly MOD13A1 data, derived for the years 2010, 2014, and 2018, were downloaded, and the monthly mean values of the vegetation indices (NDVI and EVI) were estimated for each of the forest reserves using the Spatial Analysis Module in ArcGIS software. The computed monthly mean values of NDVI range from 0.094 to 0.790 while that of EVI ranges from 0.11 to 0.624 and the rainfall data range from 0 to 780.2 mm/month within the period of study. Analyses of the correlation coefficients between monthly rainfall data and NDVI, monthly rainfall data and EVI, and that of NDVI and EVI range from −0.827 to 0.584; −0.715 to 0.914, and 0.598 to 0.980. The obtained results indicate that some of the forest reserves are moderately healthy while some areas are under great stress. We can conclude that satellite remote sensing is a veritable tool in the assessment, management, and monitoring of forest health especially where there is little or no terrestrially acquired forest inventory data.
Effect of Low Positive End of Treatment Viral Load with Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy on Sustained Virologic Response
Authors: Pal Vabhave , Ancha Nirupama , Mann Jena , Modi Apurva A.
Published: July 2020

Background. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are highly effective treatments against hepatitis C virus (HCV), with sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of 93–100% against all genotypes. In most patients, viral load (VL) becomes undetectable four weeks into treatment, but rarely a low positive VL may be observed at the end of treatment (EOT). This study was conducted to determine the effect of low positive EOT VLs with DAA therapies on SVR at 12 and 24 weeks. Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted from January 2014 to December 2018 on 1256 HCV patients of all genotypes (1–6) who had received DAA therapy at two large hepatology referral centers. Baseline demographic data, along with VL at week four, EOT, and SVR12/24 time points were collected for patients that had positive EOT VL. Treatment outcome for any patient with positive EOT VL was noted. Results. Eight out of 1256 patients treated with varying DAA therapies were observed to have low positive EOT VLs ranging from <15 to 235 IU/mL. One patient had a negative EOT VL, but 23 IU/mL at week four after EOT. All eight patients who had low positive EOT VLs and one patient who had a low positive VL at four weeks after EOT achieved SVR at weeks 12 and 24. One of the eight patients had cirrhosis. The majority of patients were genotype 1a. Conclusion. In the DAA treatment era, low levels of detectable HCV RNA at EOT does not predict treatment failure.
Preprocessing Method for Encrypted Traffic Based on Semisupervised Clustering
Authors: Zheng Rongfeng , Liu Jiayong , Niu Weina , Liu Liang , Li Kai , Liao Shan
Published: July 2020

The explosive growth in network traffic in recent times has resulted in increased processing pressure on network intrusion detection systems. In addition, there is a lack of reliable methods for preprocessing network traffic generated by benign applications that do not steal users’ data from their devices. To alleviate these problems, this study analyzed the differences between benign and malicious traffic produced by benign applications and malware, respectively. To fully express these differences, this study proposed a new set of statistical features for training a clustering model. Furthermore, to mine the communication channels generated by benign applications in batches, a semisupervised clustering method was adopted. Using a small number of labeled samples, our method aggregated historical network traffic into two types of clusters. The cluster that did not contain labeled malicious samples was regarded as a benign traffic cluster. The experimental results were compared using four types of clustering algorithms. The density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) clustering algorithm was selected to mine benign communication channels. We also compared our method with two other methods, and the results demonstrated that the benign channels mined through our method were more reliable. Finally, using our method, 1,811 benign transport layer security (TLS) channels were mined from 18,357 TLS communication channels. The number of flows carried by these benign channels comprised 65.37% of the entire network flows, and no malicious flow was included in our results, which proves the effectiveness of our method.
A Simplified Viscoelastic Solution of the Frost Heaving Force of Cavity Water behind Tunnel Linings
Authors: Guo Jie-Tao , Zhang Zhe-Ming , Tang Yao-Lan , Ji Jian
Published: July 2020

With the high demand for construction of tunnels in China’s severe cold regions, the problem of frost heaving has become an important factor that endangers tunnel safety. This paper attempts to investigate the effect of frost heave of cavity water that widely exists in the tunneling engineering on the tunnel stability. According to the actual deformation of the surrounding rock of the tunnel, the viscoelastic behavior is considered to the surrounding rock. On the premise of the elastic solution of stagnant water frost heave, the viscoelastic solution of frost heaving pressure is deduced by Laplace transform using the generalized Kelvin model based on the elastic‐viscoelastic correspondence principle. The frost heaving force is analyzed through a case study with variations in the size of the cavity defect as well as the constitutive model parameters. It is concluded that the frost heaving force increases with the cavity defect size; over time, the frost heaving force gradually increases, but it will eventually stabilize. It is found that when the frost heaving force reaches a certain level, the surrounding rock with low strength or the lining with insufficient strength will crack, and the frost heaving force will not continue to increase.
OCT Angiography and En Face OCT Reflectance Aid in Monitoring Subclinical Inflammation in Serpiginous Choroidopathy
Authors: Wilkins Carl S. , Andrade Romo Jorge S. , Chui Toco Y. P. , Rosen Richard B. , Llop Stephanie
Published: July 2020

Introduction. We present a case of serpiginous choroidopathy (SC) with novel OCTA and en face OCT reflectance findings which help identify subclinical disease progression. Case Presentation. En face OCT reflectance images demonstrated outer retinal tubules (ORT) at the serpiginous lesion margins of affected and unaffected retina on multimodal imaging. OCTA findings demonstrate variable dropout of choriocapillaris in “normal” retina beyond lesion borders which was not visible on standard imaging and which demonstrated a clear transition zone beyond the ORT. Discussion. This is the first report of choriocapillaris atrophy identified on OCTA not identified on traditional multimodal imaging in serpiginous choroidopathy. Damage to vasculature only visible with OCTA may help characterize the distribution of inflammation, aiding in monitoring of suppression not illustrated by traditional imaging and which may threaten the central macula. ORT in SC suggest death and reorganization of outer segments from dysfunction of the choriocapillaris and RPE, as well as serve to demarcate the area of chronic or old inflammation, supporting the hypothesis that the choriocapillaris is the primary site of inflammation in SC. Based on these findings, we recommend OCTA on all patients with serpiginous choroidopathy to monitor underlying state of inflammation and help determine immunosuppressive threshold.
Prevalence of Underweight and Its Associated Factors among Reproductive Age Group Women in Ethiopia: Analysis of the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey Data
Authors: Mengesha Kassie Ayelign , Beletew Abate Biruk , Wudu Kassaw Mesfin , Gebremeskel Aragie Teshome
Published: July 2020

Background. Underweight is defined as being below the healthy weight range. Underweight in reproductive age group women not only affects women but also increases the risk of an intergenerational cycle of malnutrition and child mortality. Various factors are linked with underweight among women. However, studies on the prevalence of underweight and its associated factors among women are limited in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of underweight and its associated factors among reproductive age group women in Ethiopia.Methods. For this study, data were drawn from the 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey (EDHS). From the total, 15,683 women participants of the 2016 EDHS; a subsample of 2,848 participants aged 15–49 years who had a complete response to all variables of interest were selected and utilized for analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software program. Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to assess the frequency distribution of underweight and is presented with different sociodemographic characteristics. Logistic regression models were applied for analysis. A two-sidedpvalue of less than 0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association between the independent variables and underweight among women.Results. The prevalence of underweight among reproductive age group women in Ethiopia was 17.6%. The majority, 78.3% of underweight women, were rural dwellers. The odds of being underweight was higher among the young aged women, among those residing in rural areas, in those with higher educational status, and in those who have one or more children. On the other hand, the odds of underweight among respondents living in Benishangul, SNNPR, and Addis Ababa were less compared to those living in Dire Dawa. Similarly, the odds of underweight among participants with a higher level of husband or partner educational status and among those who chew Khat were less compared to their counterparts.Conclusion. Underweight among reproductive age group women in Ethiopia is still a major public health problem, particularly among rural dwellers. Underweight was significantly associated with different sociodemographic variables. Hence, context-based awareness creation programs need to be designed on the prevention methods of underweight in Ethiopia, giving especial emphasis to those residing in rural areas.
Breast Cancer Risk and Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents After a Benign Breast Biopsy
Authors: Sherman Mark E. , Vierkant Robert A. , Kaggal Suneetha , Hoskin Tanya L. , Frost Marlene H. , Denison Lori , Visscher Daniel W. , Carter Jodi M. , Winham Stacey J. , Jensen Matthew R. , Radisky Derek C. , Vachon Celine M. , Degnim Amy C.
Published: July 2020

Over one million women in the United States receive biopsy diagnoses of benign breast disease (BBD) each year, which confer a 1.5–4.0-fold increase in breast cancer risk. Studies in the general population suggest that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAID) lower breast cancer risk; however, associations among women with BBD are unknown. We assessed whether NSAID use among women diagnosed with BBD is associated with lower breast cancer risk. Participants included 3,080 women (mean age = 50.3 ± 13.5 years) in the Mayo BBD surgical biopsy cohort diagnosed between January 1, 1992 and December 31, 2001 who completed breast cancer risk factor questionnaires that assessed NSAID use, and whose biopsies underwent detailed pathology review, masked to outcome. Women were followed from date of BBD biopsy to breast cancer diagnosis (main outcome) or censoring (death, prophylactic mastectomy, reduction mammoplasty, lobular carcinoma in situ or last contact). Median follow-up time was 16.4 ± 6.0 years. Incident breast cancer was diagnosed among 312 women over a median follow-up of 9.9 years. Regular non-aspirin NSAID use was associated with lower breast cancer risk [HR = 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.46–0.85; P = 0.002] with trends of lower risk (highest tertiles of use vs. nonuse) for greater number of years used [HR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.31–0.97; Ptrend = 0.003), days used per month (HR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.33–0.80; Ptrend = 0.001) and lifetime number of doses taken (HR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.31–0.89; Ptrend = 0.003). We conclude that nonaspirin NSAID use is associated with statistically significant lower breast cancer risk after a BBD biopsy, including a dose–response effect, suggesting a potential role for NSAIDs in breast cancer prevention among patients with BBD.
Tobacco Smoking Rates in a National Cohort of People with Substance Use Disorder Receiving Treatment
Authors: Hayhurst Karen P. , Jones Andrew , Cairns Donal , Jahr Stefan , Williams Elin , Eastwood Brian , Millar Tim
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim: The prevalence of tobacco smoking among individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) remains high. Respiratory disease and other harms are of prime concern to health policy-makers, given the contributory role played by tobacco smoking in the excess rates of premature mortality seen in individuals with SUD. The aim was to use SUD treatment data to investigate tobacco smoking prevalence among subgroups of adults over the course of treatment. Methods: We used the English National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS) to examine number of days tobacco had been smoked in the previous month in adults receiving SUD treatment (N = 106,472, median length of treatment 157 days). Results: At baseline (treatment start), 48.7% reported smoking tobacco; the highest rate was observed in opiate users (61%). Overall, the level of smoking at the latest assessment was 48.5%. Reductions (of between 5 and 7%) were observed among those who finished treatment but only within the final stages of treatment. A 5% increase in smoking was observed in those still in treatment within the study timeframe. Conclusions: This study identifies the potential for a greater emphasis on reducing tobacco consumption within SUD treatment, for example, by offering all smokers within SUD treatment smoking cessation support as part of their SUD treatment programme.