bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective optimal dismantling strategy for interdependent networks based on residual theory
Authors: Song Wenjing , Liu Sanyang , Bai Yiguang
Published: September 2019

Because of interdependence between different network layers, interdependent networks are more fragile than single-layer networks, and large-scale iterative paralysis occurs easily. How to seek nodes whose removal can effectively dismantle networks has attracted great research attention. In this paper, a novel optimal dismantling strategy Maximum Entropy Centrality (EC) and overlapping betweenness (OB) based on residual theory (ECOB) is proposed. In the ECOB, the residual theory is used to detect the highest influence nodes according to the quality of the residual networks. In addition, to make sorting more accurate, EC and OB parameters are both considered in the node selection mechanism. Simulation shows that the ECOB strategy performs much better than existing methods both in artificial interdependent networks and real-world interdependent networks. This is thanks to the introduced ECOB node selection algorithm with proper parameter criterions.
Study about influence of doors’ opening degree on crowd evacuation based on simulation
Authors: Ding Yuanchun , Weng Falu , Yang Lizhong
Published: September 2019

Based on simulation, the influence of the doors’ opening degree (DOD) on crowd evacuation is investigated in this paper. First of all, an evacuation model, which has one exit with two doors, is established by utilizing the software Pathfinder. Then, based on the obtained model, some evacuation scenarios are considered. The simulation results indicate, when the DOD is within 115∘–135∘, the time saving rate is more than 13%, and the maximum time saving rate is achieved when the DOD is 125∘. Furthermore, there is a linear relationship between the mean square error and the number of the evacuees. For a small number of evacuees, the total evacuation time is mainly influenced by the distributions of the evacuees, however, as the number of the evacuees increases, it is mainly influenced by the number of the evacuees. Moreover, when the DOD is 125∘, the mean flow rate per unit width (MFRPUW) decreases along with the increasing of exit’s width, however, it increases along with the increasing of exit’s width while the DOD is 180∘. Compared with the 180∘DOD, the 125∘DOD can always achieve a higher MFRPUW, and the narrower the exit is, the higher MFRPUW the 125∘DOD achieves.
Non-planar core-modified dibenzi expanded isophlorin
Authors: Gaur Rakesh , Ambhore Madan D. , Anand Venkataramanarao G.
Published: September 2019

The role of aromatic subunits is crucial to the structural and electronic properties of isophlorin and its expanded derivatives. Herein we describe the effect of benzene ring substitution in a 32[Formula: see text] expanded isophlorin core, which is at the crossroads of hexaphyrin and octaphyrin. Synthesis, structural characterization and electronic properties of a non-planar 32[Formula: see text] core-modified expanded isophlorin resembles that of a hexaphyrin like macrocycle. Dibenzi hexaphyrin is known to retain a planar structure; however, the dibenzi expanded isophlorin reported here loses its planarity and is found to adopt a unique V-shaped structure. The non-antiaromatic nature observed from spectroscopic analysis is ably supported by computational studies. Electronic absorption studies and mass spectrometry support a two-electron ring oxidation as expected of antiaromatic macrocycles.
Challenges and Future Directions in Ocean Wave Modeling — A Review
Authors: Bhaskaran Prasad K.
Published: September 2019

An increasing number of instances in extreme weather events over the global oceans have deepened the concerns on the impact of climate change. The frequency of extreme weather events is also seen to increase attributes to climate change across the globe. In the Indian context, there has been about 285 reported flooding events over the period from 1950 to 2017 that affected nearly 850 million people with many causalities. As the global oceans become stormier, the effects are seen in rising sea level and infrastructural facilities. Major flooding events are caused by tropical cyclone-induced storm surge and associated breaking waves. These extreme weather events coupled with sea level rise have serious repercussions on the coastal vulnerability. Also recently, there is an upsurge in the intensity and tropical cyclone size that forms over the North Indian Ocean region that brought attention among the scientific community. The worst possible scenario of extreme water level can occur when the time of storm surge occurrence coincides with the astronomical high water. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview on the research developments and efforts made in ocean wave modeling in particular for the Indian seas. As per the Fifth Assessment Report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the role and influence of ocean surface gravity wave in the climate system are considered to be very important. At present, numerical models are widely used and that can be used to hindcast and forecast the wave characteristics over both regional and global ocean basin scales. A detailed overview on the observational techniques is listed along with the historical perspective and recent developments in wind-wave modeling for the Indian seas. Recent developments in computing technology and advanced numerical techniques have made it possible to solve the complex problems in coastal science and engineering using state-of-the-art numerical models providing realistic estimates, cost effective and having immense potential in operational weather centers. This review also deals with some of the important issues and future directions in wind-wave modeling studies such as improvements required in momentum transfer, bottom dissipation, and rain–wave interaction effects that require detailed understanding and concentrated efforts.
Will Change in Government Affect China–Pakistan Economic Corridor? The BRI, CPEC and the Khan Government: An Analysis
Authors: Hussain Ejaz
Published: September 2019

China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was formally launched in 2015. From the very outset, skeptics raised doubts about its sustainability and meaningfulness for particularly Pakistani society, economy and the state. Nevertheless, the Sharif government in strategic interaction with its Chinese counterpart ably thwarted such controversies and ensured execution of the CPEC projects in different parts of Pakistan. Though within Pakistan, political opposition and certain nationalist political and social forces voiced their related concerns, for instance, to the “route” alignment, the federal and Punjab government led by the Sharifs held ground and accorded priority to sustain the Corridor by engaging local and provincial stakeholders. However, this was not the case with the Khan government whose commerce advisor doubted the negotiated terms and conditions of the CPEC and, therefore, called for its revision to provide a fair deal to the Pakistani side. Why did the Khan government adopt such a policy? How does such a discourse affect China–Pakistan relation in general and CPEC and the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) in particular? What made the Khan government correct its path ultimately? In other words, does change in government impact CPEC negatively? This paper attempts to address these questions empirically.
Catering to Your Concerns
Authors: Wu Tingmin , Tang Lihong , Zhang Rongjunchen , Wen Sheng , Paris Cecile , Nepal Surya , Grobler Marthie , Xiang Yang
Published: September 2019

Android users are increasingly concerned with the privacy of their data and security of their devices. To improve the security awareness of users, recent automatic techniques produce security-centric descriptions by performing program analysis. However, the generated text does not always address users’ concerns as they are generally too technical to be understood by ordinary users. Moreover, different users have varied linguistic preferences that do not match the text. Motivated by this challenge, we develop an innovative scheme to help users avoid malware and privacy-breaching apps by generating security descriptions that explain the privacy and security related aspects of an Android app in clear and understandable terms. We implement a prototype system, PERSCRIPTION, to generate personalised security-centric descriptions that automatically learn users’ security concerns and linguistic preferences to produce user-oriented descriptions. We evaluate our scheme through experiments and user studies. The results clearly demonstrate the improvement on readability and users’ security awareness of PERSCRIPTION’s descriptions compared to existing description generators.
Socially Aware Path Planning for a Flying Robot in Close Proximity of Humans
Authors: Yoon Hyung-Jin , Widdowson Christopher , Marinho Thiago , Wang Ranxiao Frances , Hovakimyan Naira
Published: September 2019

In this article, we present a preliminary motion planning framework for a cyber-physical system consisting of a human and a flying robot in vicinity. The motion planning of the flying robot takes into account the human’s safety perception. We aim to determine a parametric model for the human’s safety perception based on test data. We use virtual reality as a safe testing environment to collect safety perception data reflected on galvanic skin response (GSR) from the test subjects experiencing a flying robot in their vicinity. The GSR signal contains both meaningful information driven by the interaction with the robot and also disturbances from unknown factors. To address the issue, we use two parametric models to approximate the GSR data: (1) a function of the robot’s position and velocity and (2) a random distribution. Intuitively, we need to choose the more likely model given the data. When GSR is statistically independent of the flying robot, then the random distribution should be selected instead of the function of the robot’s position and velocity. We implement the intuitive idea under the framework of hidden Markov model (HMM) estimation. As a result, the proposed HMM-based model improves the likelihood compared to the Gaussian noise model, which does not make a distinction between relevant and irrelevant samples due to unknown factors. We also present a numerical optimal path planning method that considers the safety perception model while ensuring spatial separation from the obstacle despite the time discretization. Optimal paths generated using the proposed model result in a reasonably safe distance from the human. In contrast, the trajectories generated by the standard regression model with the Gaussian noise assumption, without consideration of unknown factors, have undesirable shapes.
Improved LDA Dimension Reduction Based Behavior Learning with Commodity WiFi for Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Xiao Fu , Chen Jing , Li Zhetao , Huang Haiping , Sun Lijuan
Published: September 2019

In recent years, rapid development of sensing and computing has led to very large datasets. There is an urgent demand for innovative data analysis and processing techniques that are secure, privacy-protected and sustainable. In this article, taking human activities and interactions with Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) into consideration, we propose a human behavior learning system based on Channel State Information (CSI) utilizing a series of algorithms for data analysis and processing. Aiming to recognize a set of gestures, our system is designed based on the observation that different gestures have different effects on signals and specific gesture signals have a unique energy spectrum. Specifically, an improved Linear Discriminant Analysis Algorithm (I-LDA) is devised to reduce the dimension of human behavior signals. Additionally, behaviors are learned by Logistic Regression Algorithm (LRA). Bandwidth ratios in an energy spectrum are selected as features to eliminate the impact of speed differences on results. The system is based on commercial off-the-shelf WiFi devices and we conduct a large number of experiments in a typical indoor environment to evaluate its performance. Experimental results show that our system is robust with average recognition accuracy of up to 96%.
The foraging Gene and Its Behavioral Effects: Pleiotropy and Plasticity
Authors: Anreiter Ina , Sokolowski Marla B.
Published: September 2019

The Drosophila melanogaster foraging ( for) gene is a well-established example of a gene with major effects on behavior and natural variation. This gene is best known for underlying the behavioral strategies of rover and sitter foraging larvae, having been mapped and named for this phenotype. Nevertheless, in the last three decades an extensive array of studies describing for’s role as a modifier of behavior in a wide range of phenotypes, in both Drosophila and other organisms, has emerged. Furthermore, recent work reveals new insights into the genetic and molecular underpinnings of how for affects these phenotypes. In this article, we discuss the history of the for gene and its role in natural variation in behavior, plasticity, and behavioral pleiotropy, with special attention to recent findings on the molecular structure and transcriptional regulation of this gene.
Hypoxia preconditioning promotes endurance exercise capacity of mice by activating skeletal muscle Nrf2
Authors: Wang Linjia , Yang Simin , Yan Lu , Wei Hao , Wang Jianxiong , Yu Siwang , Kong Ah-Ng Tony , Zhang Ying
Published: September 2019

Elite endurance athletes are used to train under hypoxic/high-altitude conditions, which can elicit certain stress responses in skeletal muscle and helps to improve their physical performance. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates cellular redox homeostasis and metabolism in skeletal muscle, playing important roles in adaptation to various stresses. In this study, Nrf2 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were preconditioned to 48 h of hypoxia exposure (11.2% oxygen), and the effects of hypoxia preconditioning (HP) on exercise capacity and exercise-induced changes of antioxidant status, energetic metabolism, and mitochondrial adaptation in skeletal muscle were evaluated. Nrf2 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were exposed to normoxia or hypoxia for 48 h before taking incremental treadmill exercise to exhaustion under hypoxia. The skeletal muscles were collected immediately after the incremental treadmill exercise to evaluate the impacts of HP and Nrf2 on the exercise-induced changes. The results indicate the absence of Nrf2 did not affect exercise capacity, although the mRNA expression of certain muscular genes involved in antioxidant, glycogen and fatty acid catabolism was decreased in Nrf2 KO mice. However, 48-h HP enhanced exercise capacity in WT mice but not in Nrf2 KO mice, and the exercise capacity of WT mice was significantly higher than that of Nrf2 KO mice. These findings suggest HP promotes exercise capacity of mice with the participation of the Nrf2 signal in skeletal muscle.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Hypoxia preconditioning (HP) activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signal, which was involved in HP-elicited adaptation responses to hypoxia, oxidative, and metabolic stresses in skeletal muscle. On the other hand, Nrf2 deficiency abolished the enhanced exercise capacity after the 48-h HP. Our results indicate that Nrf2 plays an essential role in the exercise capacity-enhancing effect of HP, possibly by modulating muscular antioxidative responses, the mRNA expression of muscular genes involved in glycogen and fatty acid metabolism, as well as mitochondrial biogenesis, and through the cross talk with AMPK and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α signaling.
Nomogram-Based New Recurrence Predicting System in Early-Stage Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Ding Yongfeng , Mao Zhuochao , Ruan Jiaying , Su Xingyun , Li Linrong , Fahey Thomas J. , Wang Weibin , Teng Lisong
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives. The clinicopathological risk factors to predict recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients remain controversial. Methods. PTC patients treated with thyroidectomy between January 1997 and December 2011 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University (Zhejiang cohort) were included. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify independent recurrence predictors. Then, the nomogram model for predicting probability of recurrence was built. Results. According to Zhejiang cohort (N = 1,697), we found that the 10-year event-free survival (EFS) rates of PTC patients with early-stage (TNM stages I, II, and III) were not well discriminated (91.6%, 89.0%, and 90.7%; P=0.768). The multivariate Cox model identified age, bilaterality, tumor size, and nodal status as independent risk factors for tumor recurrence in PTC patients with TNM stages I–III. We then developed a nomogram with the C-index 0.70 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.76), which was significantly higher (P<0.0001) than the AJCC staging system (0.52). In the validation group, the C-index remained at a similar level. Conclusions. In this study, we build up a new recurrence predicting system and establish a nomogram for early-stage PTC patients. This prognostic model may better predict individualized outcomes and conduct personalized treatments.
Structure-Guided Approach to Identify Potential Inhibitors of Large Envelope Protein to Prevent Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Mehmankhah Mahboubeh , Bhat Ruchika , Anvar Mohammad Sabery , Ali Shahnawaz , Alam Aftab , Farooqui Anam , Amir Fatima , Anwer Ayesha , Khan Saniya , Azmi Iqbal , Ali Rafat , Ishrat Romana , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz , Minuchehr Zarrin , Kazim Syed Naqui
Published: September 2019

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of liver diseases, which can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. The role of HBV envelope proteins is crucial in viral morphogenesis, infection, and propagation. Thus, blocking the pleiotropic functions of these proteins especially the PreS1 and PreS2 domains of the large surface protein (LHBs) is a promising strategy for designing efficient antivirals against HBV infection. Unfortunately, the structure of the LHBs protein has not been elucidated yet, and it seems that any structure-based drug discovery is critically dependent on this. To find effective inhibitors of LHBs, we have modeled and validated its three-dimensional structure and subsequently performed a virtual high-throughput screening against the ZINC database using RASPD and ParDOCK tools. We have identified four compounds, ZINC11882026, ZINC19741044, ZINC00653293, and ZINC15000762, showing appreciable binding affinity with the LHBs protein. The drug likeness was further validated using ADME screening and toxicity analysis. Interestingly, three of the four compounds showed the formation of hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues lying in the capsid binding region of the PreS1 domain of LHBs, suggesting the possibility of inhibiting the viral assembly and maturation process. The identification of potential lead molecules will help to discover more potent inhibitors with significant antiviral activities.
A New Adaptive System for Suppression of Transient Wind Disturbance in Large Antennas
Authors: Liang Wei , Huang Jin , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2019

Under transient wind disturbance, vibration deformation of the large antenna surface profile causes deterioration of pointing performance. This paper presents a new adaptive system to suppress unknown transient wind disturbance. First, to monitor the vibration, based on the acceleration measurement and a low-order flexible model considering equivalent identification of forces, the real-time estimation of the vibration state is obtained in an unbiased minimum-variance way. Next, a novel four-cable-actuator mechanism with a circular slide track is proposed for suppressing the vibration, in which the locations of the cable drivers on the slide track are determined according to the attitude of the antenna, and the expected tension distribution of the cables is found by the vibration state and the optimal gain of the linear quadratic regulator (LQR). In the end, the simulation implementation of a 7.3 m antenna under the transient wind disturbance is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Modified Targeting Strategy for Station-Keeping of Libration Point Orbits in the Real Earth-Moon System
Authors: Jin Yang , Xu Bo
Published: September 2019

In this paper, a modified targeting strategy is developed for missions on libration point orbits (LPOs) in the real Earth-Moon system. In order to simulate a station-keeping procedure in a dynamic model as realistic as possible, LPOs generated in the circular restricted three-body problem (CRTBP) are discretized and reconverged in a geocentric inertial system for later simulations. After that, based on the dynamic property of the state transition matrix, a modified strategy of selecting target points for station-keeping is presented to reduce maneuver costs. By considering both the solar gravity and radiation pressure in a nominal LPO design, station-keeping simulations about fuel consumption for real LPOs around both collinear and triangular libration points are performed in a high-fidelity ephemeris model. Results show the effectivity of the modified strategy with total maneuver costs reduced by greater than 10% for maintaining triangular LPOs.
The Airways’ Mechanical Stress in Lung Disease: Implications for COPD Pathophysiology and Treatment Evaluation
Authors: Santus Pierachille , Pecchiari Matteo , Tursi Francesco , Valenti Vincenzo , Saad Marina , Radovanovic Dejan
Published: September 2019

The airway epithelium stretches and relaxes during the normal respiratory cycle, and hyperventilation exaggerates this effect, resulting in changes in lung physiology. In fact, stretching of the airways influences lung function and the secretion of airway mediators, which in turn may cause a potentially injurious inflammatory response. This aim of the present narrative review was to illustrate the current evidence on the importance of mechanical stress in the pathophysiology of lung diseases with a particular focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to discuss how this may influence pharmacological treatment strategies. Overall, treatment selection should be tailored to counterpart the effects of mechanical stress, which influences inflammation both in asthma and COPD. The most suitable treatment approach between a long-acting β2-agonists/long-acting antimuscarinic-agonist (LABA/LAMA) alone or with the addition of inhaled corticosteroids should be determined based on the underlying mechanism of inflammation. Noteworthy, the anti-inflammatory effects of the glycopyrronium/indacaterol combination on hyperinflation and mucociliary clearance may decrease the rate of COPD exacerbations, and it may synergistically improve bronchodilation with a double action on both the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and the acetylcholine pathways.
Gamma Ray and Radon Anomalies in Northern Taiwan as a Possible Preearthquake Indicator around the Plate Boundary
Authors: Fu Ching-Chou , Lee Lou-Chuang , Yang Tsanyao Frank , Lin Cheng-Horng , Chen Cheng-Hong , Walia Vivek , Liu Tsung-Kwei , Ouzounov Dimitar , Giuliani Gioacchino , Lai Tzu-Hua , Wang Peng-Kang
Published: September 2019

Taiwan is tectonically situated in an oblique collision zone between the Philippine Sea Plate (PSP) and the Eurasian Plate (EP). Continuous observations of gamma rays at the Yangmingshan (YMSG) station and soil radon at the Tapingti (TPT) station were recorded in the volcanic area and around a major fault zone, respectively, in Taiwan for seismic studies. A number of anomalous high gamma ray counts and radon concentrations at certain times were found. It is noted that significant increases of soil radon concentrations were observed and followed by the increase in gamma rays a few days to a few weeks before earthquakes that occurred in northeastern Taiwan. Earthquakes such as these are usually related to the subduction of the PSP beneath the EP to the north along the subduction zone in northern Taiwan (e.g., ML=6.4, April 20, 2015). It is suggested that the preseismic activity may be associated with slow geodynamic processes at the subduction interface, leading to the PSP movement triggering radon enhancements at the TPT station. Furthermore, the further movement of the PSP might be blocked by the EP, with the accumulated elastic stress resulting in the increase of gamma rays due to the increase in porosity and fractures below the YMSG station. The continuous monitoring of the multiple parameters can improve the understanding of the relationship between the observed radon and gamma ray variations and the regional crustal stress/strain in north and northeastern Taiwan.
Predictors of Major Bleeding and Mortality in Dengue Infection: A Retrospective Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Centre in South India
Authors: John Kevin John , Gunasekaran Karthik , Prasad John Davis , Mathew Divya , Das Sohini , Sultan N. , Abraham Asha Mary , Iyyadurai Ramya
Published: September 2019

We conducted a retrospective observational study to describe the clinical profile and outcomes of patients admitted with a diagnosis of dengue fever in a tertiary hospital in South India. A total of 159 patients admitted from April 2014 to October 2018 were included in the study. Vomiting (70.4%), myalgia (60.4%), headache (42.1%), abdominal pain (38.4%), bleeding (38%), and rash (37.1%) were the most common symptoms at presentation. The mean duration of hospital stay was 4.9 days (SD ± 2.4), and the median cost was INR 19,708 ($285) (IQR INR 12,968–32,056 ($188–$305)). Major bleeding was associated with elevated SGOT and SGPT, severe dengue, and secondary dengue. Mortality was associated with elderly age; elevated total leukocyte count, serum bilirubin, serum creatinine, SGOT, and SGPT; and high SOFA score. In view of these observations, we recommend stratifying patients according to the WHO classification of dengue and avoiding the use of thrombocytopenia as a single marker of the severity of the illness.
Antimalarial Activity of Tinospora baenzigeri against Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice
Authors: Ounjaijean Sakaewan , Kotepui Manas , Somsak Voravuth
Published: September 2019

Plant species of the genus Tinospora (Menispermaceae) possess several pharmacological properties, and T. crispa has been reported to have antimalarial activity. T. baenzigeri (Chingcha Chalee) is a rich source of terpenes and quinoline alkaloids; however, it still has not yet been investigated the antimalarial activity of this plant extract. Hence, this study was aimed to evaluate the antimalarial activity of T. baenzigeri stem extract against Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. The aqueous crude extract of T. baenzigeri stem was prepared using a microwave-assisted method and tested for acute toxicity in mice. For evaluating the antimalarial activity in vivo, the standard 4-day test was carried out using groups of ICR mice infected with P. berghei ANKA administered orally by gavage with the extract (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) for 4 consecutive days. Parasitemia, body weight, packed cell volume, and mean survival time were then measured. It was found that the aqueous crude extract of T. baenzigeri stem did not exhibit any sign of toxicity up to the dose of 2,000 mg/kg. The extract significantly (P<0.01) inhibited parasitemia in a dose-dependent manner, with 22.02%, 50.81%, and 74.95% inhibition. Moreover, the marked prevention of body weight loss and packed cell volume reduction was observed at doses of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg of extract-treated mice. Additionally, the extract prolonged the mean survival time of P. berghei-infected mice, compared to the untreated group. In conclusion, the aqueous crude extract of T. baenzigeri stem has demonstrated potent antimalarial activity against P. berghei-infected mice with prolonged mean survival time and prevention of body weight loss and packed cell volume reduction.
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evidence of Edema in Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Diaz Andrés , Diaztagle Juan José , Olaya Alejandro , Mora Guillermo , López-Lima Ignacio , Ayala Carolina , Infante Gina P. P. , Galizio Néstor , Manrique Frida T. , Forero Julian F. , Medina Hector M. , Brugada Josep
Published: September 2019

The persistence of inflammatory processes in the myocardium in varying degrees of chronic Chagas heart disease has been poorly investigated. We hypothesized that edema could occur in patients with chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy and corresponds to the persistence of inflammatory processes in the myocardium. Eighty-two Chagas disease (CD) seropositive patients (64.6% females; age = 58.9 ± 9.9) without ischemic heart disease or conditions that cause myocardial fibrosis and dilation were considered. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of edema were obtained and represented using a 17-segment model. Patients were divided into three clinical groups according to the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) as G1 (EF > 60%; n=37), G2 (35% > EF < 60%; n=33), and G3 (EF < 35%; n=12). Comparisons were performed by the Fisher or ANOVA tests. Bonferroni post hoc, Spearman correlation, and multiple correspondence analyses were also performed. Edema was observed in 8 (9.8%) patients; 2 (5.4%) of G1, 4 (12.1%) of G2, and 2 (16.7%) of G3. It was observed at the basal inferolateral segment in 7 (87.5%) cases. LGE was observed in 48 (58.5%) patients; 16 (43.2%) of G1, 21 (63.6%) of G2, and 11 (91.7%) of G3 (p<0.05). It was observed in the basal inferior/inferolateral/anterolateral segments in 35 (72.9%) patients and in the apical anterior/inferior/lateral and apex segments in 21 (43.7%), with midwall (85.4%; n=41), subendocardial (56.3%; n=27), subepicardial (54.2%; n=26), transmural (31.2%; n=15), and RV (1.2%; n=1) distribution. Subendocardial lesions were observed only in patients with LVEF < 35%. There was no involvement of the mid-inferolateral/anterolateral segments with an LVEF > 35% (p<0.05). Deteriorations of the LV and RV systolic functions were positively correlated (rs=0.69; p<0.05) without evidence of LGE in the RV. Edema can be found in patients with chagasic cardiomyopathy in the chronic stage. In later stages of cardiac dilation with low LVEF, the LGE pattern involves subendocardium and mid locations. Deteriorations of RV and LV are positively correlated without evidence of fibrosis in the RV.
Sustainable Optimization for China’s Hydropower Project Investment Portfolio Using Multiobjective Decision Analysis
Authors: Gan Lu , Jiang Pengyan , Chen Xiuyun , Hu Lin
Published: September 2019

The development of renewable energy becomes increasingly important because of exhaustion of fossil energy. Hydropower is one of the most important ways to generate electricity from renewable energy because of its relatively stable output among them. However, hydropower project development with some inherent characteristics is highly susceptible to social and natural environments, which complicates the investment process. For this purpose, this paper proposes a feasible comprehensive optimization model of portfolio investment from the perspective of sustainable development, describing the tradeoff relationship between economic, social, and ecological factors. As a hybrid uncertain NP‐hard optimization problem, there are three critical challenges: (1) achieving comprehensive balance between economy, society, and ecology; (2) identifying available multiple conflicting objectives and reasonable constraints; (3) analysing the hybrid uncertain environment. Therefore, a practical problem‐oriented multiobjective decision analysis model is established. Then, a multiobjective adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm is designed to solve the model. Finally, a case study is carried out to verify the practicality of the model and the effectiveness of the improved algorithm. The result demonstrates that the model can be applied as a useful decision‐making tool for decision‐makers in sustainable hydropower project development.
Thermal and Flammability Properties of Kenaf/Recycled Carbon Filled with Cardanol Hybrid Composites
Authors: Dashtizadeh Zahra , Abdan K. , Jawaid M. , Dashtizadeh Masoud
Published: September 2019

In this paper, hybrid composites were fabricated by using kenaf and recycled carbon with a cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) derivative known as cardanol as the matrix by a compression molding technique. In this work, we look for the effect of recycled carbon weight loading (15%, 25%, and 35%) on the thermal properties of kenaf/cardanol composites while maintaining the total fiber loading of 50 wt%. TGA, DSC, DMA, and flammability UL 90 HB properties of the specimens were studied. The results indicate that cardanol improved the thermal stability of kenaf and hybridization with recycled carbon also further improved the thermal stability of the specimens. The flammability UL 90 HB test determines the flame retardancy property of all specimens.
Race/Ethnicity and Accuracy of Self-Reported Female First-Degree Family History of Breast and Other Cancers in the Northern California Breast Cancer Family Registry
Authors: John Esther M. , Canchola Alison J. , Sangaramoorthy Meera , Koo Jocelyn , Whittemore Alice S. , West Dee W.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Few studies have evaluated accuracy of self-reported family history of breast and other cancers in racial/ethnic minorities.

Methods:

We assessed the accuracy of cancer family history reports by women with breast cancer (probands) from the Northern California Breast Cancer Family Registry compared with 2 reference standards: personal cancer history reports by female first-degree relatives and California Cancer Registry records.

Results:

Probands reported breast cancer in first-degree relatives with high accuracy, but accuracy was lower for other cancers. Sensitivity (percentage correctly identifying relatives with cancer) was 93% [95% confidence interval (CI), 89.5–95.4] when compared with the relatives' self-report of breast cancer as the reference standard and varied little by proband race/ethnicity and other demographic factors, except for marginally lower sensitivity for Hispanic white probands (87.3%; 95% CI, 78.0–93.1; P = 0.07) than non-Hispanic white probands (95.1%; 95% CI, 88.9–98.0). Accuracy was also high when compared with cancer registry records as the reference standard, with a sensitivity of 95.5% (95% CI, 93.4–96.9) for breast cancer, but lower sensitivity for Hispanic white probands (91.2%; 95% CI, 84.4–95.2; P = 0.05) and probands with low English language proficiency (80%; 95% CI, 52.8–93.5; P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Non-Hispanic white, African American, and Asian American probands reported first-degree breast cancer family history with high accuracy, although sensitivity was lower for Hispanic white probands and those with low English language proficiency.

Impact:

Self-reported family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives is highly accurate and can be used as a reliable standard when other validation methods are not available.
Vaccination of Young Women Decreases Human Papillomavirus Transmission in Heterosexual Couples: Findings from the HITCH Cohort Study
Authors: Wissing Michel D. , Burchell Ann N. , El-Zein Mariam , Tellier Pierre-Paul , Coutlée François , Franco Eduardo L.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Vaccination against human papillomaviruses (HPV) prevents HPV infections and, consequently, cervical lesions. However, the effect of vaccination on HPV transmission within couples is unknown.

Methods:

We used data from HITCH, a prospective cohort study of heterosexual couples (women ages 18–24 years) in Montreal, 2005 to 2013. Vaccination history was self-reported. Genital samples were tested for HPV DNA by PCR (linear array). Type-specific viral loads were quantified using real-time PCR. OR and HR were estimated using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression and a parametric model for interval- censored survival-time data, respectively. Differences in viral loads were evaluated using the Friedman ANOVA test.

Results:

Among 497 couples, 12, 16, and 35 women received 1, 2, or 3 vaccination doses at baseline, respectively. Median age at vaccination was 18 years. Most women (92.1%) had their first coitus before vaccination. At baseline, partner concordance of persistent HPV6/11/16/18 infections was lower in vaccinated than unvaccinated women [adjusted OR = 0.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01–0.65] but not for non α7/α9/α10-HPV types (adjusted OR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.44–2.29). Incidence of persistent α7/α9/α10 HPV types in women was inversely associated with vaccination status at baseline (adjusted HR = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03–0.47). Likewise, male partners of vaccinated women had a lower incidence of α7/α9/α10 HPV infections (adjusted OR = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.05–0.95). Vaccinated women with HPV 6/11/16/18 infections had lower viral loads (P = 0.001) relative to unvaccinated women.

Conclusions:

Vaccination of sexually active women significantly reduced transmission of α7/α9/α10 HPV types in heterosexual couples.

Impact:

These results underscore and quantify the positive effect of HPV vaccination on HPV transmission within heterosexual couples.
Serum miR-223: A Validated Biomarker for Detection of Early-Stage Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: D'Antona Paola , Cattoni Maria , Dominioni Lorenzo , Poli Albino , Moretti Francesca , Cinquetti Raffaella , Gini Elisabetta , Daffrè Elisa , Noonan Douglas M. , Imperatori Andrea , Rotolo Nicola , Campomenosi Paola
Published: September 2019

Background:

The published circulating miRNA signatures proposed for early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) detection are inconsistent and difficult to replicate. Reproducibility and validation of an miRNA simple signature of NSCLC are prerequisites for translation to clinical application.

Methods:

The serum level of miR-223 and miR-29c, emerging from published studies, respectively, as a highly sensitive and a highly specific biomarker of early-stage NSCLC, was measured with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) technique in an Italian cohort of 75 patients with stage I–II NSCLC and 111 tumor-free controls. By ROC curve analysis we evaluated the miR-223 and miR-29c performance in discerning NSCLC cases from healthy controls.

Results:

Reproducibility and robust measurability of the two miRNAs using ddPCR were documented. In a training set (40 stage I–II NSCLCs and 56 controls), miR-223 and miR-29c, respectively, showed an AUC of 0.753 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.655–0.836] and 0.632 (95% CI, 0.527–0.729) in identifying NSCLC. Combination of miR-223 with miR-29c yielded an AUC of 0.750, not improved over that of miR-223 alone. Furthermore, in an independent blind set (35 stage I–II NSCLCs and 55 controls), we validated serum miR-223 as an effective biomarker of stage I–II NSCLC (AUC = 0.808; 95% CI, 0.712–0.884), confirming the miR-223 diagnostic performance reported by others in Chinese cohorts.

Conclusions:

Using ddPCR technology, miR-223 was externally validated as a reproducible, effective serum biomarker of early-stage NSCLC in ethnically different subjects. Combination with miR-29c did not improve the miR-223 diagnostic performance.

Impact:

Serum miR-223 determination may be proposed as a tool for refining NSCLC risk stratification, independent of smoking habit and age.
A Framework for Choosing Technology Interventions to Promote Successful Longevity: Prevent, Rehabilitate, Augment, Substitute (PRAS)
Authors: Charness Neil
Published: September 2019

Successful longevity is achieved when individuals can continue to plan, pursue, and reach their goals across the life­span. However, normative age-related impairments can make goal attainment more difficult, unless there are interventions to mitigate such changes. Behavioral interventions that use technology are increasing in frequency. I outline a hierarchy of approaches to mitigating impairments. The first strategy to promote successful longevity is prevention of normative age-related decline. When impairments develop, they can be addressed by rehabilitation, augmentation, and substitution approaches.
Genetics of Hereditary Hearing Loss in the Middle East: A Systematic Review of the Carrier Frequency of the GJB2 Mutation (35delG)
Authors: Koohiyan Mahbobeh
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives: Mutations in the GJB2 gene are a major cause of hearing loss in many populations. A single mutation of this gene (c.35delG) accounts for approximately 70% of mutations in Caucasians with a carrier frequency of 2–4% in Europe. This study aims to determine the rate of c.35delG carrier frequency in the Middle East. Method: A systematic literature review of the PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases was conducted for articles published before March 2019. The primary data of eligible studies including the number of samples, carrier frequency and so on were extracted. Results: Fourteen studies that involved 5,200 random controls from 15 populations of the Middle East were included and analyzed for the carrier frequency. The overall c.35delG carrier frequency was found to be 1.38% in the studied populations which is significantly lower than that identified in European populations, and also a west-to-east Middle Eastern gradient in the carrier frequency of c.35delG is suggested. Conclusion: This study shows the importance of establishing prevalence, based on the local population, for screening and diagnostic programs of live births.
Portuguese Society of Gastroenterology Consensus on the Diagnosis and Management of Hemorrhoidal Disease
Authors: Salgueiro Paulo , Caetano Ana Célia , Oliveira Ana Maria , Rosa Bruno , Mascarenhas-Saraiva Miguel , Ministro Paula , Amaro Pedro , Godinho Rogério , Coelho Rosa , Gaio Rúben , Fernandes Samuel , Fernandes Vítor , Castro-Poças Fernando
Published: September 2019

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a frequent health problem with considerable repercussions on patients’ quality of life. However, much of the clinical practice related to HD is based on knowledge without scientific evidence and supported largely by empirical experience of the physician who deals with this pathology. As in other countries, the goal of this consensus is to establish statements supported by solid scientific evidence and whose purpose will be to standardize and guide the diagnosis and management of HD both in the general population and in some particular groups of patients.
Involvement of Ecdysone Signaling in the Expression of the doublesex Gene during Embryonic Development in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Matsushima Daijiro , Kasahara Ryota , Matsuno Kumiko , Aoki Fugaku , Suzuki Masataka G.
Published: September 2019

Steroid hormones, represented by estrogen and testosterone, act as sex hormones that play an essential role in the sexual differentiation of vertebrates. However, it remains unclear whether ecdysteroids, typical steroid hormones in insects, function as sex hormones. In this study, we investigated whether ecdysteroids or ecdysone signals are involved in the sexual differentiation of the silkworm (Bombyx mori) embryo. Quantitative analysis using LC-MS/MS demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) titer between sexes during embryonic development. Consistent with this result, expression levels of 2 genes encoding ecdysteroid-phosphate phosphatase (EPPase) and ecdysone 20-hydroxylase (E20OHase), which are essential for the biosynthesis of ecdysone and 20E in eggs, did not show a significant difference between male and female embryos. Expression levels of ecdysone receptor (EcR) and E75, which is one of a small set of genes induced directly by 20E, were also similar between the 2 sexes. However, knockdown of EPPase and one isoform of EcR (EcR-A) resulted in decreased expression of Bombyx doublesex (Bmdsx), a master regulatory gene for sexual differentiation of the silkworm in both male and female embryos. In vitro analysis with cultured testes revealed that expression levels of Bmdsx were increased in a dose-dependent manner of the ecdysone analog, ponasterone A. These results suggest that ecdysone signaling may play a role in indirectly regulating the expression of some genes involved in sexual differentiation through inducing expression of Bmdsx in the silkworm.
A Case of an Acute Attack of Atrial Fibrillation following Intake of Etoricoxib for Pain Relief
Authors: Kotgire Anand , Makhlof Mahmod , Urooj Syed
Published: September 2019

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common rhythm disorders observed in clinical practice and is predominantly associated with coronary heart disease and hypertension. However, different classes of drugs may induce AF as a side effect in patients without apparent heart disease or they may precipitate the onset of AF in patients with preexisting heart disease. This case report includes etoricoxib-induced acute AF in a patient with hypertension.
Poor Perceived Health is Associated with Current use of Electronic Cigarette among Current and Former Smokers: Findings from the CONSTANCES Cohort
Authors: Lequy Emeline , Wiernik Emmanuel , Cyr Diane , Nadif Rachel , Lemogne Cédric , Gomajee Ramchandar , Goldberg Marcel , Zins Marie , Airagnes Guillaume
Published: September 2019

Background: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become increasingly popular, yet beyond social or technical features, the specific health-related reasons adults use e-cigarettes remain poorly understood. Objective: To explore the cross-sectional associations between perceived health and current e-cigarette use in a large population-based cohort. Methods: From the participants included in the French CONSTANCES cohort (a large general-purpose national population-based cohort) from 2015 to 2017, we included 18,300 ever tobacco smokers with data on their e-cigarette use. We used logistic regressions to estimate the associations between e-cigarette use and perceived health (global and respiratory), stratifying on participants’ smoking status and adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. To examine the role of objective health features (reported diagnoses and measured parameters during a health examination), we adjusted for prior history of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, spirometry, and blood pressure. Finally, we examined the effect of additionally adjusting for several health-related behaviors. Results: Participants with poor perceived health (global and respiratory) were at greater risk of e-cigarette use. These associations remained unchanged after adjustment for objective health features and health-related behaviors (e.g., in current smokers, for global perceived health, an odds ratio of 1.10 [95% CI 1.03–1.16] per increase on an 8-point scale from very good to very poor). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the more current and former smokers felt unhealthy, the more they tended to currently use e-cigarettes. People who regularly use e-cigarettes should obtain medical supervision that takes into account not only objective diagnoses and measurements but also perceived health. Counseling practices could include assessing perceived health status to reinforce motivation to quit smoking.