bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brahmagupta quadrilaterals with equal perimeters and equal areas
Authors: Choudhry Ajai
Published: August 2019

A cyclic quadrilateral is called a Brahmagupta quadrilateral if the lengths of its four sides and two diagonals, and the area are all given by integers. In this paper, we consider the hitherto unsolved problem of finding two Brahmagupta quadrilaterals with equal perimeters and equal areas. We obtain two parametric solutions of the problem — the first solution generates examples in which each quadrilateral has two equal sides while the second solution gives quadrilaterals all of whose sides are unequal. We also show how more parametric solutions of the problem may be obtained.
Polymer-in-salt solid electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yi Chengjun , Liu Wenyi , Li Linpo , Dong Haoyang , Liu Jinping
Published: August 2019

Solid-state polymer lithium-ion batteries with better safety and higher energy density are one of the most promising batteries, which are expected to power future electric vehicles and smart grids. However, the low ionic conductivity at room temperature of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) decelerates the entry of such batteries into the market. Creating polymer-in-salt solid electrolytes (PISSEs) where the lithium salt contents exceed 50[Formula: see text]wt.% is a viable technology to enhance ionic conductivity at room temperature of SPEs, which is also suitable for scalable production. In this review, we first clarify the structure and ionic conductivity mechanism of PISSEs by analyzing the interactions between lithium salt and polymer matrix. Then, the recent advances on polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based PISSEs and polycarbonate derivative-based PISSEs will be reviewed. Finally, we propose possible directions and opportunities to accelerate the commercializing of PISSEs for solid polymer Li-ion batteries.
Ginsenoside Rg3 Prolongs Survival of the Orthotopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Model by Inducing Apoptosis and Inhibiting Angiogenesis
Authors: Hu Shen , Zhu Yan , Xia Xiangyang , Xu Xiaobo , Chen Fen , Miao Xudong , Chen Xinmei
Published: August 2019

Aim. Microvessel density is a marker of tumor angiogenesis activity for development and metastasis. Our preliminary study showed that ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the cross-link for apoptosis induction and antiangiogenesis effect of Rg3 on orthotopic HCC in vivo. Methods. The murine HCC cells Hep1-6 were implanted in the liver of mouse. With oral feeding of Rg3 (10 mg/kg once a day for 30 days), the quantitative analysis of apoptosis was performed by using pathology and a transmission electron microscope and microvessel density was quantitatively measured by immunohistochemical staining of the CD105 antibody. The mice treated with Rg3 (n=10) were compared with the control (n=10) using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Animal weight and tumor weight were measured to determine the toxicity of Rg3 and antitumor effect on an orthotopic HCC tumor model. Results. With oral feeding of Rg3 daily in the first 30 days on tumor implantation, Rg3 significantly decreased the orthotopic tumor growth and increased the survival of animals (P<0.05). Rg3-treated mice showed a longer survival than the control (P<0.05). Rg3 treatment induced apoptosis and inhibited angiogenesis. They contributed to the tumor shrinkage. Rg3 initialized the tumor apoptotic progress, which then weakened the tumor volume and its capability to produce the vascularized network for further growth of the tumor and remote metastasis. Conclusion. Rg3 inhibited the activation of microtumor vessel formation in vivo besides its apoptosis induction. Rg3 may be used as an adjuvant agent in the clinical HCC treatment regimen.
Group Signatures with Message-Dependent Opening: Formal Definitions and Constructions
Authors: Emura Keita , Hanaoka Goichiro , Kawai Yutaka , Matsuda Takahiro , Ohara Kazuma , Omote Kazumasa , Sakai Yusuke
Published: August 2019

This paper introduces a new capability for group signatures called message-dependent opening. It is intended to weaken the high trust placed on the opener; i.e., no anonymity against the opener is provided by an ordinary group signature scheme. In a group signature scheme with message-dependent opening (GS-MDO), in addition to the opener, we set up an admitter that is not able to extract any user’s identity but admits the opener to open signatures by specifying messages where signatures on the specified messages will be opened by the opener. The opener cannot extract the signer’s identity from any signature whose corresponding message is not specified by the admitter. This paper presents formal definitions of GS-MDO and proposes a generic construction of it from identity-based encryption and adaptive non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs. Moreover, we propose two specific constructions, one in the standard model and one in the random oracle model. Our scheme in the standard model is an instantiation of our generic construction but the message-dependent opening property is bounded. In contrast, our scheme in the random oracle model is not a direct instantiation of our generic construction but is optimized to increase efficiency and achieves the unbounded message-dependent opening property. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that GS-MDO implies identity-based encryption, thus implying that identity-based encryption is essential for designing GS-MDO schemes.
Effect of Incisal Porcelain Veneering Thickness on the Fracture Resistance of CAD/CAM Zirconia All-Ceramic Anterior Crowns
Authors: Badran Noha , Abdel Kader Sanaa , Alabbassy Fayza
Published: August 2019

Statement of Problem. In some clinical situations, the vertical length of either a prepared tooth or an implant abutment is short, while the occlusal clearance to be restored by a porcelain crown is large. Incisal thickness of the veneering porcelain should be considered to prevent mechanical failure of the crown. Purpose. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of two different incisal veneering porcelain thickness on the fracture resistance of the anterior all-ceramic CAD/CAM zirconia crown system as compared with the conventionally used metal ceramic crown system. Method. CAD/CAM zirconia all-ceramic and metal ceramic crowns were fabricated on the prepared dies with standardized dimensions and designs using standardized methods according to the manufacturer’s instructions. All crowns were then adhesively luted with resin-based cement (Multilink cement system), subjected to thermal cycling and cyclic loading, and were loaded until fracture using the universal testing machine to indicate the fracture resistance for each crown material in each veneering thickness. Results. Statistical analysis was carried out, and the results showed that the fracture resistance of the nickel-chromium metal ceramic group was significantly higher than that of the CAD/CAM zirconia all-ceramic group. Also, the fracture resistance of crowns with 1.5 mm incisal veneering thickness was significantly higher than those with 3 mm incisal veneering thickness in both groups. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the fracture mode of the two groups where 50% of the total specimens demonstrated Mode II (veneer chipping), while 35% demonstrated Mode I (visible crack) and only 15% demonstrated Mode III (bulk fracture). Conclusion. High failure load values were demonstrated by the specimens in this study, which suggest sufficient strength of both incisal veneering thickness in both crown systems to withstand clinical applications; however, the fracture patterns still underline the requirement of a core design that support a consistent thickness of the veneering ceramic, and it is recommended to conduct long-term prospective clinical studies to confirm findings reported in the present study.
Topical Ectoine: A Promising Molecule in the Upper Airways Inflammation—A Systematic Review
Authors: Casale Manuele , Moffa Antonio , Carbone Samanta , Fraccaroli Francesca , Costantino Andrea , Sabatino Lorenzo , Lopez Michele Antonio , Baptista Peter , Cassano Michele , Rinaldi Vittorio
Published: August 2019

To date, topical therapies guarantee a better delivery of high concentrations of pharmacologic agents to the mucosa of the upper airways (UA). Recently, topical administration of ectoine has just been recognized as adjuvant treatment in the Allergic Rhinitis (AR) and Rhinosinusitis (ARS). The aim of this work is to review the published literature regarding all the potential therapeutic effects of ectoine in the acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of UA. Pertinent studies published without temporal limitation were selected searching on MEDLINE the following terms: “ectoine” and “nasal spray,” “oral spray,” “upper respiratory tract infections,” “rhinosinusitis,” “rhinitis,” “rhinoconjunctivitis,” “pharyngitis,” and “laryngitis.” At the end of our selection process, six relevant publications were included: two studies about the effect of ectoine on AR, one study about ARS, one study about rhinitis sicca anterior, and two studies about acute pharyngitis and/or laryngitis. Due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, topical administration of ectoine could play a potential additional role in treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of UA, in particular in the management of sinonasal conditions improving symptoms and endoscopic findings. However, these results should be viewed cautiously as they are based on a limited number of studies; some of them were probably underpowered because of their small patient samples.
Relationship between Serum Vitamin D and Calcium Levels and Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Al-Ghafari Ayat B. , Balamash Khadijah S. , Al Doghaither Huda A.
Published: August 2019

Background. Many epidemiological studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with various types of human cancers. The biological action of vitamin D and its metabolites is mediated by the transcription factor vitamin D receptor (VDR). The VDR gene is highly expressed in the colon and is involved in many biological functions. The aim of the current study was to assess the relationship between serum vitamin D metabolite and calcium levels with VDR polymorphisms in normal and colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods. Fifty Saudi CRC patients and fifty controls were enrolled in the study. The levels of total vitamin D, 25(OH)D3, and calcium were measured in serum. Results. The homozygous genotype (aa) of the ApaI VDR polymorphism (rs7975232) was found to correlate with total serum vitamin D levels of CRC patients, while the heterozygous (Tt) TaqI VDR polymorphism (rs731236) was associated with serum calcium levels. In contrast, the BsmI and FokI VDR polymorphisms (rs1544410 and rs2228570, resp.) did not affect the serum levels of total vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and calcium. Conclusion. Appropriate vitamin D levels were shown to be important in preventing the onset of CRC.
On the Weak Characteristic Function Method for a Degenerate Parabolic Equation
Authors: Zhan Huashui
Published: August 2019

For a nonlinear degenerate parabolic equation, how to impose a suitable boundary value condition to ensure the well-posedness of weak solutions is a very important problem. It is well known that the classical Fichera-Oleinik theory has perfectly solved the problem for the linear case, and the optimal boundary value condition matching up with a linear degenerate parabolic equation can be depicted out by Fechira function. In this paper, a new method, which is called the weak characteristic function method, is introduced. By this new method, the partial boundary condition matching up with a nonlinear degenerate parabolic equation can be depicted out by an inequality from the diffusion function, the convection function, and the geometry of the boundary ∂Ω itself. Though, by choosing different weak characteristic function, one may obtain the differential partial boundary value conditions, an optimal partial boundary value condition can be prophetic. Moreover, the new method works well in any kind of the degenerate parabolic equations.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of CDK4/6 Inhibition on Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Kietzman William B. , Graham Garrett T. , Ory Virginie , Sharif Ghada M. , Kushner Max H. , Gallanis Gregory T. , Kallakury Bhaskar , Wellstein Anton , Riegel Anna T.
Published: August 2019

CDK4/6 inhibitors are used in the treatment of advanced estrogen receptor (ER)(+) breast cancer. Their efficacy in ER(−) and early-stage breast cancer is currently under investigation. Here, we show that palbociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, can inhibit both progression of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and growth of invasive disease in both an ER(−) basal breast cancer model (MCFDCIS) and an ER(+) luminal model (MCF7 intraductal injection). In MCFDCIS cells, palbociclib repressed cell-cycle gene expression, inhibited proliferation, induced senescence, and normalized tumorspheres formed in Matrigel while the formation of acini by normal mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A) was not affected. Palbociclib treatment of mice with MCFDCIS tumors inhibited their malignant progression and reduced proliferation of invasive lesions. Transcriptomic analysis of the tumor and stromal cell compartments showed that cell cycle and senescence genes, and MUC16, an ovarian cancer biomarker gene, were repressed during treatment. Knockdown of MUC16 in MCFDCIS cells inhibited proliferation of invasive lesions but not progression of DCIS. After cessation of palbociclib treatment genes associated with differentiation, for example, P63, inflammation, IFNγ response, and antigen processing and presentation remained suppressed in the tumor and surrounding stroma. We conclude that palbociclib can prevent progression of DCIS and is antiproliferative in ER(−) invasive disease mediated in part via MUC16. Lasting effects of CDK4/6 inhibition after drug withdrawal on differentiation and the immune response could impact the approach to treatment of early-stage ER(−) breast cancer.
Risk of De Novo Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Use of Direct Acting Antiviral Medications for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Antwi Samuel O. , Van Houten Holly K. , Sangaralingham Lindsey R. , Patel Tushar
Published: August 2019

Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) are now the mainstay of treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, there is some controversy over whether use of DAAs for HCV, as compared with IFN-based regimens, leads to an increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. We investigated the association between use of DAAs and subsequent development of HCC in longitudinal data from patients with HCV from diverse backgrounds (various ages, ethnicities, and geographic regions) across the United States. The design was a retrospective study performed using medical and pharmacy claims from OptumLabs. HCV treatment exposure was categorized as DAA-only, DAA + IFN, any-DAA, or IFN-only. To account for confounding by indication, inverse probability of treatment weighting was performed. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We identified 5,781 patients with HCV with no history of HCC at baseline. Compared with IFN-only regimen, no significant increase in HCC risk was found for use of DAA-only (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 0.73–3.23), DAA + IFN (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.51–2.06), or any-DAA (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.65–1.65). When stratified by sustained virological response (SVR), we noted a higher HCC risk for DAA-only among patients who achieved SVR post-treatment (HR, 7.53; 95% CI, 1.48–38.34), but the CIs were wide, which might be due to the small sample size of the subgroups. Among those who did not achieve SVR, no association was found for use of DAA-only (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.19–1.91). These findings do not provide compelling evidence for the conception that use of DAAs for HCV is associated with increased risk of HCC development.
CD8+PD-1–ILT2+ T Cells Are an Intratumoral Cytotoxic Population Selectively Inhibited by the Immune-Checkpoint HLA-G
Authors: Dumont Clement , Jacquier Alix , Verine Jerome , Noel Floriane , Goujon Annabelle , Wu Ching-Lien , Hung Tzu-Min , Desgrandchamps François , Culine Stephane , Carosella Edgardo D. , Rouas-Freiss Nathalie , LeMaoult Joel
Published: August 2019

Only some cancer patients respond to the immune-checkpoint inhibitors being used in the clinic, and other therapeutic targets are sought. Here, we investigated the HLA-G/ILT2 checkpoint in clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients and focused on tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes (TIL) expressing the HLA-G receptor ILT2. Using transcriptomics and flow cytometry, we characterized both peripheral blood and tumor-infiltrating CD8+ILT2+ T cells from cancer patients as late-differentiated CD27–CD28–CD57+ cytotoxic effectors. We observed a clear dichotomy between CD8+ILT2+ and CD8+PD-1+ TIL subsets. These subsets, which were sometimes present at comparable frequencies in TIL populations, barely overlapped phenotypically and were distinguished by expression of exclusive sets of surface molecules that included checkpoint molecules and activating and inhibitory receptors. CD8+ILT2+ TILs displayed a more mature phenotype and higher expression of cytotoxic molecules. In ex vivo functional experiments with both peripheral blood T cells and TILs, CD8+ILT2+ T cells displayed significantly higher cytotoxicity and IFNγ production than their ILT2– (peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMC) and PD-1+ (TILs) counterparts. HLA-G expression by target cells specifically inhibited CD8+ILT2+ T-cell cytotoxicity, but not that of their CD8+ILT2– (PBMC) or CD8+PD-1+ (TIL) counterparts, an effect counteracted by blocking the HLA-G/ILT2 interaction. CD8+ILT2+ TILs may therefore constitute an untapped reservoir of fully differentiated cytotoxic T cells within the tumor microenvironment, independent of the PD1+ TILs targeted by immune therapies, and specifically inhibited by HLA-G. These results emphasize the potential of therapeutically targeting the HLA-G/ILT2 checkpoint in HLA-G+ tumors, either concomitantly with anti–PD-1/PD-L1 or in cases of nonresponsiveness to anti–PD-1/PD-L1.
Cyclophosphamide Enhances Cancer Antibody Immunotherapy in the Resistant Bone Marrow Niche by Modulating Macrophage FcγR Expression
Authors: Roghanian Ali , Hu Guangan , Fraser Christopher , Singh Maneesh , Foxall Russell B. , Meyer Matthew J. , Lees Emma , Huet Heather , Glennie Martin J. , Beers Stephen A. , Lim Sean H. , Ashton-Key Margaret , Thirdborough Stephen M. , Cragg Mark S. , Chen Jianzhu
Published: August 2019

Therapy-resistant microenvironments represent a major barrier toward effective elimination of disseminated cancer. Many hematologic and solid tumors are resistant to therapeutic antibodies in the bone marrow (BM), but not in the periphery (e.g., spleen). We previously showed that cyclophosphamide (CTX) sensitizes the BM niche to antibody therapeutics. Here, we show that (i) BM resistance was induced not only by the tumor but also by the intrinsic BM microenvironment; (ii) CTX treatment overcame both intrinsic and extrinsic resistance mechanisms by augmenting macrophage activation and phagocytosis, including significant upregulation of activating Fcγ receptors (FcγRIII and FcγRIV) and downregulation of the inhibitory receptor, FcγRIIB; and (iii) CTX synergized with cetuximab (anti-EGFR) and trastuzumab (anti-Her2) in eliminating metastatic breast cancer in the BM of humanized mice. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms by which CTX synergizes with antibody therapeutics in resistant niche-specific organs and its applicability in treating BM-resident tumors.
TAM Family Receptor Kinase Inhibition Reverses MDSC-Mediated Suppression and Augments Anti–PD-1 Therapy in Melanoma
Authors: Holtzhausen Alisha , Harris William , Ubil Eric , Hunter Debra M. , Zhao Jichen , Zhang Yuewei , Zhang Dehui , Liu Qingyang , Wang Xiaodong , Graham Douglas K. , Frye Stephen V. , Earp H. Shelton
Published: August 2019

Myeloid cell receptor tyrosine kinases TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK and their ligands, GAS6 and PROTEIN S, physiologically suppress innate immune responses, including in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we showed that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) dramatically upregulated TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK and their ligands [monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSC)>20-fold, polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSC)>15-fold] in tumor-bearing mice. MDSCs from tumor-bearing Mertk−/−, Axl−/−, and Tyro3−/− mice exhibited diminished suppressive enzymatic capabilities, displayed deficits in T-cell suppression, and migrated poorly to tumor-draining lymph nodes. In coimplantation experiments using TYRO3−/−, AXL−/−, and MERTK−/− MDSCs, we showed the absence of these RTKs reversed the protumorigenic properties of MDSCs in vivo. Consistent with these findings, in vivo pharmacologic TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK inhibition diminished MDSC suppressive capability, slowed tumor growth, increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration, and augmented anti–PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. Mechanistically, MERTK regulated MDSC suppression and differentiation in part through regulation of STAT3 serine phosphorylation and nuclear localization. Analysis of metastatic melanoma patients demonstrated an enrichment of circulating MERTK+ and TYRO3+ M-MDSCs, PMN-MDSCs, and early-stage MDSCs (e-MDSC) relative to these MDSC populations in healthy controls. These studies demonstrated that TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK control MDSC functionality and serve as promising pharmacologic targets for regulating MDSC-mediated immune suppression in cancer patients.
Mutation Hot Spot Region in the HOGA1 Gene Associated with Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 3 in the Chinese Population
Authors: Wang Wenying , Liu Yi , Kang Lulu , He Ruxuan , Song Jinqing , Li Yanhan , Li Jun , Yang Yanling
Published: August 2019

Background: Primary hyperoxaluria type 3 (PH3) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that affects glyoxylate metabolism. PH3 is caused by defects in 4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate aldolase, which is encoded by the HOGA1 gene. However, only 3 cases of PH3 have been described in Asians until today. This study aimed to determine the clinical and mutation spectra of patients from mainland China with PH3. Methods: We applied targeted next-generation sequencing to four non-consanguineous, unrelated Chinese families with PH3 to identify the genes hosting disease-causing mutations. This approach was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results: Five patients (2 boys and 3 girls) from four unrelated Chinese families were admitted because of kidney stones. Five HOGA1 gene sequence mutations were detected, including two novel mutations, c.811C>T (p.R271C) and c.812G>A (p.R271H). These compound heterozygous mutations were detected in a female PH3 patient (patient 4). Other patients included 2 boys who had heterozygous c.834_834+1GG>TT and c.834G>A (p.A278A) mutations (patients 1 and 2), a girl with homozygous c.834G>A (p.A278A) mutation (patient 3), and a girl with heterozygous c.834_834+1GG>TT and c.346C>T (p.Q116X) mutations (patient 5). The mutations in the c.834_834+1 region, including c.834G>A, c.834+1G>T, and c.834_834+1GG>TT, account for 5/8 of alleles in our study and 3/4 of alleles reported among Chinese patients. All patients in this study received hyperhydration and urine alkalinization treatment. Conclusion: Five PH3 cases were reported. Potential mutation hot spot region (c.834_834+1) in the Chinese population and two novel mutations were found.
A Novel Pathological ARSB Mutation (c.870G>A; p.Trp290stop) in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI Patients
Authors: Hançer Veysel S. , Büyükdoğan Murat , Babameto-Laku Anila
Published: August 2019

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type VI, also known as Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome, is a lysosomal storage disorder, characterized by the deficiency of the arylsulfatase B enzyme. The clinical phenotype and severity of the illness varies according to the residual enzyme activity. Typical features are a short stature, shortened trunk, protuberant abdomen, flexed-knee stance, arched back, corneal clouding, joint stiffness and contractures as well as a waddling gait. Patients typically have Hurler-like dysmorphic facial features: microcephaly, prominent forehead and eyes, a broad nose, low nasal bridge, thick lips, and hyperplastic gums with widely spaced teeth. Complications of the illness include obstructive airway, cardiac valvular problems, splenomegaly, hernias, and pneumonia. Unlike other MPS diseases, MPS VI is characterized by normal intellectual development. Since the disease is due to deficient glycosaminoglycan (mucopolysaccharide) metabolism, elevated urinary glycosaminoglycan levels are a main indicator of MPS. Diagnosis is confirmed by enzyme assays, specifically low arylsulfatase B activity in conjunction with the normal activity of other lysosomal enzymes. Enzyme replacement therapy and hematopoietic stem cell therapy are showing positive results in the management of the condition. The more severely affected patients, with a rapidly advancing form of the disease, have a short life span and succumb, most commonly to heart failure, by early adulthood. The frequency of ARSB variants in patients with MPS VI are as follows: 59.5% missense, 13.5% small deletions, 12% nonsense, 5% splice site or intronic variants, 3% small duplications, 3% large deletions, and 1% stop-loss. We report an Albanian family with siblings diagnosed with MPS Vl after clinical examination, biochemical tests, and molecular analysis. Hereby, a novel c.870G>A nonsense homozygous mutation was found responsible for the loss of the enzyme activity.
Baseline Plasma Zinc and Risk of First Stroke in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Zhang Jingping , Cao Jingjing , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Huan , Zhang Hao , Huo Yong , Li Jiaang , Liu Xiangyi , Wang Xiaobin , Qin Xianhui , Xu Xiping
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose—

We aimed to examine the relation of baseline plasma zinc with the risk of first stroke and investigate any possible effect modifiers in hypertensive patients.

Methods—

The study population was drawn from the CSPPT (China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial), using a nested case-control design, including 599 first stroke cases and 599 matched controls.

Results—

Compared with participants with baseline plasma zinc <106.9 μg/dL (median), a significantly lower risk of first hemorrhagic stroke was found in those with plasma zinc ≥106.9 μg/dL (multivariate-adjusted odds ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.21–0.94). Furthermore, the inverse plasma zinc-first hemorrhagic stroke association was significantly stronger in participants with body mass index ≥25.0 kg/m
2
or plasma copper <100.1 μg/dL at baseline (
P
interaction
<0.05 for both variables). However, there was no significant association between plasma zinc and first ischemic stroke (<103.3 versus ≥103.3 μg/dL [median]; multivariate-adjusted odds ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.83–1.61).

Conclusions—

In this sample of hypertensive patients, we found a significant, inverse association between plasma zinc and first hemorrhagic stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00794885.
Art and the Structuralist Perspective
Authors: Michelson Annette
Published: August 2019

Introducing Structuralism and theories of Claude Lévi-Strauss to American audiences in a 1970 lecture at the Guggenheim Museum, Annette Michelson stresses the importance of the linguistic mode for structuralist analysis and examines the nature and limits of its consequences for art and aesthetics. Structuralist anthropology, the author argues, is fundamentally rationalist in approach, proposing an intelligibility of the universe through the organization of differences into overarching schema; it is the relationship between signs, rather than the nature of the individual signs themselves, that determines meaning. Michelson concludes that while such a method may seem applicable to contemporary art, the radically rational stance of Structuralism inhibits our understanding of it. Rather than serving a semantic function, one that could be elucidated through structural analysis, art informs us of the nature of consciousness itself.
The Kinetic Icon in the Work of Mourning
Authors: Michelson Annette
Published: August 2019

Among Dziga Vertov's films, Three Songs of Lenin is unique in its immediate and enduring approval within the Soviet Union. The film was commissioned for the tenth anniversary of Lenin's death and made extensive use of archival material documenting Lenin's political trajectory and his funeral. Annette Michelson offers a reading of the film's political function within the historical situation of the USSR in the 1930s, claiming that the register and scale of Three Songs of Lenin make the film a “kinetic icon” for the deceased leader. Michelson discusses similarities between religious icons and films, particularly the way in which death haunts both, and she examines the way in which the film's emphasis on the role of the female mourner enables it to transform document into monument.
Gridded Statistical Downscaling Based on Interpolation of Parameters and Predictor Locations for Summer Daily Precipitation in North China
Authors: Liu Yonghe , Feng Jinming , Yang Zongliang , Hu Yonghong , Li Jianlin
Published: August 2019

Few statistical downscaling applications have provided gridded products that can provide downscaled values for a no-gauge area as is done by dynamical downscaling. In this study, a gridded statistical downscaling scheme is presented to downscale summer precipitation to a dense grid that covers North China. The main innovation of this scheme is interpolating the parameters of single-station models to this dense grid and assigning optimal predictor values according to an interpolated predictand–predictor distance function. This method can produce spatial dependence (spatial autocorrelation) and transmit the spatial heterogeneity of predictor values from the large-scale predictors to the downscaled outputs. Such gridded output at no-gauge stations shows performances comparable to that at the gauged stations. The area mean precipitation of the downscaled results is comparable to other products. The main value of the downscaling scheme is that it can obtain reasonable outputs for no-gauge stations.
Tropical Cyclone Intensity Evolution Modeled as a Dependent Hidden Markov Process
Authors: Jing Renzhi , Lin Ning
Published: August 2019

A hidden Markov model is developed to simulate tropical cyclone intensity evolution dependent on the surrounding large-scale environment. The model considers three unobserved (hidden) discrete states of storm intensity change and associates each state with a probability distribution of intensity change. The storm’s transit from one state to another is described as a Markov chain. Both the intensity change and state transit components of the model are dependent on environmental variables including potential intensity, vertical wind shear, relative humidity, and ocean feedback. This Markov Environment-Dependent Hurricane Intensity Model (MeHiM) is used to simulate the evolution of storm intensity along the storm track over the ocean, and a simple decay model is added to estimate the intensity change when the storm moves over land. Data for the North Atlantic (NA) basin from 1979 to 2014 (555 storms) are used for model development and evaluation. Probability distributions of 6- and 24-h intensity change, lifetime maximum intensity, and landfall intensity based on model simulations and observations compare well. Although the MeHiM is still limited in fully describing rapid intensification, it shows a significant improvement over previous statistical models (e.g., linear, nonlinear, and finite mixture models).
Caries Detection with Near-Infrared Transillumination Using Deep Learning
Authors: Casalegno F. , Newton T. , Daher R. , Abdelaziz M. , Lodi-Rizzini A. , Schürmann F. , Krejci I. , Markram H.
Published: August 2019

Dental caries is the most prevalent chronic condition worldwide. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce the need for invasive procedures. Recently, near-infrared transillumination (TI) imaging has been shown to be effective for the detection of early stage lesions. In this work, we present a deep learning model for the automated detection and localization of dental lesions in TI images. Our method is based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained on a semantic segmentation task. We use various strategies to mitigate issues related to training data scarcity, class imbalance, and overfitting. With only 185 training samples, our model achieved an overall mean intersection-over-union (IOU) score of 72.7% on a 5-class segmentation task and specifically an IOU score of 49.5% and 49.0% for proximal and occlusal carious lesions, respectively. In addition, we constructed a simplified task, in which regions of interest were evaluated for the binary presence or absence of carious lesions. For this task, our model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 83.6% and 85.6% for occlusal and proximal lesions, respectively. Our work demonstrates that a deep learning approach for the analysis of dental images holds promise for increasing the speed and accuracy of caries detection, supporting the diagnoses of dental practitioners, and improving patient outcomes.
Measuring Rank-Based Utility in Contests: The Effect of Disclosure Schemes
Authors: Hossain Tanjim , Shi Mengze , Waiser Robert
Published: August 2019

This article studies how the incentive structures and disclosure schemes of a contest affect the contestants’ intrinsic motivations. Specifically, the authors measure the effects of these design decisions on two types of nonmonetary rank-based utility: self-generated and peer-induced. They run a set of laboratory experiments involving contests under various reward spreads and disclosure schemes. First, they find that virtually all commonly adopted disclosure schemes generate positive peer-induced rank-based utility. However, the relative performances of alternative disclosure schemes can depend on the spread of contest rewards and the number of contestants. Second, being recognized as a winner confers positive peer-induced rank-based utility; moreover, being recognized as the sole first-place winner or as one among multiple winners does not produce significantly different peer-induced utility. Third, “shaming” by disclosing the identity of contestants ranked at the bottom leads to negative peer-induced rank-based utility, but the effect is marginally insignificant. Finally, a smaller spread of contest rewards consistently results in higher levels of self-generated rank-based utility. These results underscore the importance of jointly choosing incentive structures and disclosure schemes.
Backtalk: Preparing effective principal supervisors
Authors: Thessin Rebecca A. , Louis Karen Seashore
Published: August 2019

In recent years, principals have been required to expand their area of responsibility beyond building management to take on more instructional leadership roles. As the role of the principal has changed, so too must the role of the principal supervisor. Rebecca Thessin and Karen Seashore Louis share three recommendations for district leaders hoping to improve principal supervision. First, they must encourage supervisors to develop strong relationships with the principals they supervise and coach. Second, they must try to avoid reorganizations that will require principals to develop new relationships with supervisors each year. Third, they must make it a priority to support supervisors’ own learning.
Levels, Patterns and Distribution of Consumption Expenditure of Farmers and Agricultural Labourers in Rural Punjab
Authors: Singh Gian , Anupama  , Kaur Gurinder , Kaur Rupinder , Kaur Sukhvir
Published: August 2019

The objective of the present paper is to analyse levels, patterns and distribution of consumption expenditure by farmers and agricultural labourers in rural Punjab. An attempt has also been made to analyse the same trends across social groups and observe how caste interacts with resource ownership and leads to unequal outcomes. The study reveals a positive relationship between farm size and consumption levels, and also shows that caste-based discrimination becomes overt at higher levels of living. The farming communities may show a level of equality in deprivation but not in achievements. We see that most poor farmers and agricultural labourers spend on basic needs, thus leaving lesser amounts to be spent on durables and services. Things worsen for socially marginalised groups. The majority of households belonging to these categories have an average propensity to consume greater amounts which forces them to borrow money to make both ends meet. Finally, this study offers some policy suggestions to save such communities from a vicious debt trap and help them improve their living standards.
Voltage control of solid oxide fuel cell power plant based on intelligent proportional integral-adaptive sliding mode control with anti-windup compensator
Authors: Abbaker AM Omer , Wang Haoping , Tian Yang
Published: August 2019

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) plant is considered a most important type in the field of fuel cells, which gives control difficulties such as fuel flow constraints, load disturbance, system nonlinearities, and parameter uncertainties. However, due to these difficulties, the voltage control of SOFC plant is extremely difficult. In this paper, a new intelligent proportional integral-adaptive sliding mode control (iPI-ASMC) with anti-windup compensator is proposed to control the output voltage of SOFC plant to keep up with the rated voltage. The referred iPI-ASMC is made of three sub-components: (i) an extended state observer (ESO)-based-intelligent proportional-integral to estimate the unknown dynamic, (ii) an adaptive sliding mode control is added to compensate the estimation error of unknown dynamic, and (iii) an anti-windup compensator based on back-calculation is used to deal with saturation problem which is caused by input constraints. Moreover, the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed iPI-ASMC strategy is demonstrated by comparing with some other approaches such as conventional proportional integral-derivative (PID) controller, intelligent proportional-integral (iPI) and fuzzy PID controller. Corresponding simulation results show that the proposed iPI-ASMC approach provides better dynamic responses and outperforms to compared methods in term of settling time, peak overshoots, integral absolute error (IAE), integral square error (ISE), and integral time absolute error (ITAE).
Regional, structural, and demographic predictors of violent victimization: A cross-national, multilevel analysis of 112 countries
Authors: Corcoran Katie E , Stark Rodney
Published: August 2019

Routine activities and lifestyles theories emphasize structural and demographic predictors that affect the opportunity to commit crime and the likelihood of being victimized. Past research tends to focus on either the individual- or country-level with few studies incorporating both. Additionally, past research primarily draws on the International Crime Victimization Survey, which results in small country samples that are biased toward developed nations. The current study uses data from a larger, more diverse sample that allow us to test whether findings from prior studies are generalizable. We are also able to theorize and test the effect of region on victimization. We find some differences between our findings and past research; we also identify that region is one of the strongest predictors of violent victimization.
Incorporation of biochemical factors for survival analysis of transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chan Wen-Hui , Huang Song-Fong , Lee Chao-Wei , Wu Tsung-Han , Pan Kuan-Tse , Lin Shi-Ming , Yu Ming-Chin , Hung Chien-Fu
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common gastrointestinal cancer that occurs worldwide, and conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) is one of the first treatment choices for advanced HCC. However, biochemical factors and comorbidity have seldom been reported in the long-term outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 444 HCC patients who underwent cTACE-based therapy in 2010 to 2012. Survival outcomes were analyzed using a Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox regression analysis.

Results

The mean age was 62.1 ± 12.5 years, and 74.3% were men. Analysis of the mean biochemical values indicated that the presence of portal vein thrombosis, α-fetoprotein (AFP) >200 ng/mL, AJCC 7th stage III, diabetes, albumin <3 g/dL, and hemoglobin were significantly and independently associated with poorer long-term outcomes.

Discussion

The presence of venous thrombus and elevation of AFP levels are the most important factors in cTACE treatment. The host factors, including metabolic status and liver damage, should be evaluated in these patients.
Changes of aldosterone levels in patients with type 2 diabetes complicated by moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome before and after treatment with continuous positive airway pressure
Authors: Zhang Jie , Tian Lin , Guo Lixin
Published: August 2019

Objective

Both obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are closely related to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. We investigated whether hyperaldosteronemia is found in patients with OSAHS complicated by T2DM and whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment can significantly reduce the aldosterone level.

Methods

Patients with T2DM were classified into an OSAHS group [apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) of ≥15] and a control group (without OSAHS; AHI of <5). The OSAHS group was exposed to CPAP for 7 days (7 h/day).

Results

The plasma aldosterone, plasma renin, and urinary aldosterone levels were higher in the OSAHS than control group. The plasma aldosterone and renin levels were significantly lower after than before treatment in the OSAHS group, but they were still higher than the baseline levels in the control group. The post-treatment urinary aldosterone level was significantly higher in the OSAHS than control group. No correlation was found between the AHI and plasma renin, plasma aldosterone, and 24-hour urinary aldosterone levels. The blood glucose level in the OSAHS group did not significantly change after treatment.

Conclusions

The plasma and urine aldosterone levels are increased in patients with concurrent T2DM and OSAHS and are significantly reduced by CPAP. Trial registration: ChiCTR-ION-16009837
Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome as a cause of failed treatment of a false popliteal aneurysm
Authors: Song Xitao , Zhou Mengxin , Tang Lei , Liu Zhili , Zheng Yuehong , Chen Yuexin
Published: August 2019

Objective

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is a rare cause of popliteal artery aneurysms. We present a rare case of a false aneurysm associated with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome that was treated with endovascular repair that initially failed.

Case report

A 60-year-old man with a false popliteal artery aneurysm and limb ischemia was treated with endovascular repair that initially failed. The popliteal artery was suspected to be compressed by an abnormal bundle of muscle according to the findings of a subsequent magnetic resonance imaging examination. The popliteal artery was entrapped by an abnormal slip of the medial gastrocnemius muscle head. Parts of the popliteus muscle were also involved in compression of the popliteal artery, which was not distinguished on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with a mixed type of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (types III and IV). Bypass with the small saphenous vein was then performed. The patient was finally discharged with satisfactory relief of his ischemic symptoms.

Conclusion

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome should be considered before treating popliteal artery aneurysms, especially atypical pseudoaneurysms without significant atherosclerosis. Definitive surgical management rather than endoluminal treatment is required unless combined with open decompressive surgery to correct the musculotendinous anatomy.
Correlation of FGFR2 rs2981582 polymorphisms with susceptibility to breast cancer: a case-control study in a Chinese population
Authors: Shu Jin , Hui Xuelian , Zheng Xin , Zhao Juan , Xu Zhaochen , Chen Yingpu , Lu Chao , Li Junling
Published: August 2019

Objective

Breast cancer (BC) is a common malignancy among women worldwide. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) rs2981582 is reported to play a vital role in BC development. However, the relationship between them remains unclear.

Methods

Ninety-five patients and 140 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Plasma DNA was genotyped by the MassARRAY method. A meta-analysis was conducted to clarify the effect of FGFR2 polymorphism on BC risk.

Results

Our case-control study results revealed a significant difference in CC, TC, and TT genotypes between patients and controls. Logistic regression analysis showed that TT and TC genotype and the dominant mode were significantly correlated with BC development [odds ratio (OR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.050–2.27; OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.24–2.73; OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.25–5.31, respectively], even after adjusting for age, body weight, drinking, smoking, and estrogen receptor status. A meta-analysis of 15 studies showed significant differences among the dominant, recessive, heterozygote, and homozygote models between patients and controls.

Conclusions

Our results showed an association of FGFR2 rs2981582 polymorphism with BC in an Asian population. However, a more comprehensive study of the relationship between the polymorphism and BC is still needed.
Somatic symptoms and their association with anxiety and depression in Chinese patients with cardiac neurosis
Authors: Zheng Feng , Duan Yinglong , Li Jingle , Lai Lin , Zhong Zhuqing , Hu Manhui , Ding Siqing
Published: August 2019

Objective

We sought to investigate somatic symptoms detected by the Somatic Self-rating Scale and to evaluate whether they were associated with the psychological symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with cardiac neurosis.

Methods

A total of 180 patients with cardiac neurosis at the Third Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China, were surveyed from January 2017 to July 2018. Participants completed a general information questionnaire, the Somatic Self-rating Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7.

Results

The mean (±standard deviation) somatic symptom score in patients with cardiac neurosis was 40.83 ± 7.12. The most severe symptoms were cardiovascular symptoms, fatigue and muscle soreness. A total of 90 patients (46.4%) had anxiety and 80 (50.0%) had depression. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that somatic symptoms in patients with cardiac neurosis were associated with both anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

Somatic symptoms in patients with cardiac neurosis were associated with both anxiety and depression. Therefore, it is important to provide effective emotional interventions to promote patient rehabilitation.