bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Room-temperature magnetoresistance of nanocrystalline Ni metal with various grain sizes
Authors: Isnaini V. A. , Kolonits T. , Czigány Zs. , Gubicza J. , Zsurzsa S. , Varga L. K. , Tóth-Kádár E. , Pogány L. , Péter L. , Bakonyi I.
Published: January 2020

The room-temperature magnetoresistance (MR) characteristics of nanocrystalline (nc) Ni metal with various grain sizes (between 30 and 100 nm) are investigated in this work for the first time. The nc-Ni foils were produced by electrodeposition and the results are compared with data measured on coarse-grained (bulk) pure Ni metal samples prepared by cold-rolling and annealing. The MR(H) curves measured in magnetic fields up to H = 9 kOe are analyzed in detail to determine the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) ratio. The magnitude of the AMR ratio was found to be around 2.5% for bulk Ni and in the range from about 2 to 2.5% for the nc-Ni samples, the latter data not exhibiting a systematic dependence on the grain size. On the other hand, the field-induced resistivity anisotropy splitting ∆ρAMR in the magnetically saturated state of the nc-Ni series was found to be proportional to the zero-field resistivity of the same samples with different grain sizes. The slope of this proportionality relation provided an AMR ratio of 2.4% for all nc-Ni samples, matching well the value for the bulk Ni samples. Thus, the AMR ratio for polycrystalline Ni metal seems to be fairly independent of the microstructural features. This also means that the AMR ratio is an inherent characteristic of the Ni metal matrix and it remains the same even if the matrix resistivity changes (e.g., by introducing grain boundaries) without noticeably modifying the electronic density of states at least in the vicinity of the Fermi level.
Determinants of User Acceptance of Electronic-HRM through the Extension of UTAUT Model via the Structural Equation Modelling Approach
Authors: Al-Ajlouni Mohammed Iqbal , Nawafleh Sahem , Alsari Hiba , Almarshad Mohammad Nassar , Tbaishat Rami
Published: January 2020

Despite the assured benefits of strategic primacy for HR administrators, performance effectiveness and cost reduction provided by Electronic-Human Resource Management (e-HRM), user acceptance of these systems is a critical factor for the initiative’s success. Accordingly, current research addresses factors that permit or hamper e-HRM adoption in private universities of Jordan. Conceptual theoretical model which extends the proposed UTAUT model was used, self-administered questionnaire was developed and data from 243 administrative employees who operate in four selected private universities in Jordan were collected through non-probabilistic self-selection sampling. Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modelling was employed to analyse relationships, performance expectancy and habits achieved (53%) of the varying behavioural intentions (BIs). Contrary to expectations, effort expectancy and social influence were not significant in achieving the variance, as facilitating conditions and BIs (43%) achieved the variance in e-HRM use. Accordingly, practical and theoretical implications were provided, with suggestions and directions for future studies.
Chapter 24 Carboniferous–Neogene tectonic evolution of the Fennoscandian transition zone, southern Sweden
Authors: Erlström Mikael
Published: January 2020

The Fennoscandian transition zone, including the Sorgenfrei–Tornquist Zone, constitutes the weakened and faulted bedrock between a craton, including the ancient continent Baltica to the north, and the boundary between Baltica and Avalonia along the Trans-European Fault Zone to the south. Early Permian subsidence in this transition zone resulted in the development of various basins and the initiation of a more or less continuous Permian–Paleogene depositional cycle. In southwestern Sweden, magmatic activity associated with transtensional deformation along the Sorgenfrei–Tornquist Zone prevailed during the Late Carboniferous–Permian. However, the transition zone is dominated by a Mesozoic sedimentary rock succession displaying both hiatuses and great lateral variability in composition and thickness, which can be related to several tectonic events including the progressive break-up of Pangaea. Much of the deposition took place in continental, coastal and shallow-marine settings. Early–Middle Jurassic block faulting and basanitic or melanephelinitic volcanism, as well as Late Cretaceous tectonic inversion along the Sorgenfrei–Tornquist Zone, related to a changeover to a predominantly compressive tectonic regime coeval with the Alpine orogeny, significantly influenced the depositional setting. Subsequent Paleogene–Neogene regional uplift of the southwestern margin of Baltica resulted in significant erosion of the bedrock.
Chapter 18 Tonian–Cryogenian rifting and Cambrian–Early Devonian platformal to foreland basin development outside the Caledonide orogen
Authors: Wickström Linda M. , Stephens Michael B.
Published: January 2020

Different parts of a Tonian–Early Devonian sedimentary succession, covering Proterozoic crystalline basement, occur along the erosional front to the Caledonide orogen, as outliers and coastal strips on land, and as more continuous strata in offshore areas. Rift-related Tonian–Cryogenian siliciclastic sedimentation preceded the break-up of the supercontinent Rodinia, the birth of Baltica and surrounding oceanic realms during the Ediacaran, and a marine transgression across Baltica during the Cambrian. An Ediacaran alkaline and carbonatite intrusive complex in central Sweden formed in connection with the extensional activity. Subsequently, during the Cambrian–Early Devonian, Baltica drifted northwards in the southern hemisphere to the equator, and six different lithofacies associations containing both siliciclastic and carbonate sedimentation were deposited in platformal shelf and Caledonian foreland basin settings. Bentonites in Ordovician and early Silurian successions were coupled to closure of the surrounding oceanic realms. Tectonic processes during the Caledonian orogeny around the margins to Baltica, the distance to different crustal components in this continent and climatic changes steered variations in lithofacies. Resultant fluctuations in sea-level gave rise to hiatuses and palaeo-karsts. Uranium and other metals in kerogen-rich black shales (Cambrian–Early Ordovician), hydrocarbons, stratabound Pb–Zn sulphide deposits in Cambrian (–Ediacaran?) sandstone, and limestone constitute the main resources.
Chapter 10 Magmatism (1.6–1.4 Ga) and Mesoproterozoic sedimentation related to intracratonic rifting coeval with distal accretionary orogenesis
Authors: Ripa Magnus , Stephens Michael B.
Published: January 2020

Separate pulses of magmatic activity involving the emplacement of plutons with predominantly granitic or bimodal granitic and gabbroic composition, as well as dolerite dykes, occurred in a cratonic setting in eastern Sweden at
c.
1.59–1.58 Ga,
c.
1.53–1.50 Ga and
c.
1.47–1.44 Ga; anorthosite, monzodiorite and syenitoid rocks are locally present. Most of the granites have been compared with rapakivi granites in Finland and elsewhere. Isotopic data (Hf in zircons and ɛ
Nd
values) from the plutons in north-central Sweden show contamination by an Archean source. Siliciclastic rocks dominated by aeolian or deltaic sandstones overlie
c.
1.58 Ga or
c.
1.50 Ga plutons, are intercalated with 1.46 Ga basaltic lavas and were deposited prior to the emplacement of 1.27–1.25 Ga dolerites. The magmatic rocks are subalkaline (tholeiitic) to alkaline and the mafic components have been compared with continental flood basalts, suggesting an intracratonic, rift-related tectonic setting for the magmatism and sand deposition. These rocks constitute the westerly part of a late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic magmatic province in northern Europe, located along roughly north–south- and WSW–ENE-trending linear belts. This tectonic development was coeval with accretionary orogenic activity further to the west and SW.
Chapter 22 Upper and uppermost thrust sheets in the Caledonide orogen, Sweden: outboard oceanic and exotic continental terranes
Authors: Stephens Michael B.
Published: January 2020

Three separate stacks of thrust sheets (Köli Nappe Complex) constitute the Upper Allochthon in the Caledonide orogen, Sweden. This thrust complex is dominated by late Cambrian–Ordovician successions deposited in subduction-related, marginal oceanic basins. Magmatic activity at
c.
488 Ma (Lower Köli) and
c.
492–476 Ma (Middle Köli) is linked to rifted volcanic arcs and Zn–Cu–Fe–(Pb–Au–Ag) sulphide mineralization; serpentinite bodies with talc deposits are also conspicuous. Renewed magmatic activity, both plutonic (Upper and Middle Köli) and mafic volcanic (Middle and Lower Köli), occurred at
c.
440–434 Ma during crustal extension. Late Ordovician shallow-marine sedimentation, deepening upwards into an early Silurian succession also prevailed (Lower Köli). Silurian (
c.
430 Ma and later) folding, eastwards-vergent thrusting and greenschist or lower amphibolite facies metamorphism preceded upright, orogen-parallel and orogen-transverse open folding. Juxtaposition of an arc-related terrane to an ancient continental margin, comprising slices of gneiss and marble, in the Middle Köli occurred prior to
c.
437 Ma and the eastwards-vergent thrusting; remnants of an Ordovician amphibolite facies tectonothermal event are also preserved in the Upper Köli. The tectonic roof to the Köli complex contains amphibolite facies mica schist, gneiss and marble, derived from the Laurentian continental margin, and a major gabbroic pluton (Rödingsfjället Nappe Complex, Uppermost Allochthon).
Splendid Innovation: The Extinct South American Native Ungulates
Authors: Croft Darin A. , Gelfo Javier N. , López Guillermo M.
Published: January 2020

A remarkable diversity of plant-eating mammals known as South American native ungulates (SANUs) flourished in South America for most of the Cenozoic. Although some of these species likely filled ecological niches similar to those of modern hoofed mammals, others differed substantially from extant artiodactyls and perissodactyls in their skull and limb anatomy and probably also in their ecology. Notoungulates and litopterns were the longest-lived and most diverse SANU clades and survived into the Quaternary; astrapotheres went extinct in the late Miocene, whereas other SANU groups were restricted to the Paleogene. Neogene notoungulates were quite specialized in craniodental structure, but many were rather unspecialized postcranially; in contrast, litopterns evolved limb specializations early in their history while maintaining more conservative dentitions. In this article, we review the current understanding of SANU evolutionary relationships and paleoecology, provide an updated compilation of genus temporal ranges, and discuss possible directions for future research. ▪  South American native ungulates (SANUs) were a diverse, long-lived, and independent radiation of mammals into varied terrestrial plant-eater niches. ▪  We review origins, evolution, and paleoecology of the major SANU clades: Notoungulata, Litopterna, Astrapotheria, Xenungulata, and Pyrotheria. ▪  At their peak, during the Eocene and Oligocene, more than 40 genera of native ungulates inhabited South America at any one time. ▪  SANUs ranged from <1 kg to several tons and evolved many combinations of diet and locomotor adaptations not seen in living ungulates.
Balancing Disturbance and Conservation in Agroecosystems to Improve Biological Control
Authors: Tooker John F. , O'Neal Matthew E. , Rodriguez-Saona Cesar
Published: January 2020

Disturbances associated with agricultural intensification reduce our ability to achieve sustainable crop production. These disturbances stem from crop-management tactics and can leave crop fields more vulnerable to insect outbreaks, in part because natural-enemy communities often tend to be more susceptible to disturbance than herbivorous pests. Recent research has explored practices that conserve natural-enemy communities and reduce pest outbreaks, revealing that different components of agroecosystems can influence natural-enemy populations. In this review, we consider a range of disturbances that influence pest control provided by natural enemies and how conservation practices can mitigate or counteract disturbance. We use four case studies to illustrate how conservation and disturbance mitigation increase the potential for biological control and provide co-benefits for the broader agroecosystem. To facilitate the adoption of conservation practices that improve top-down control across significant areas of the landscape, these practices will need to provide multifunctional benefits, but should be implemented with natural enemies explicitly in mind.
Partnerships, Processes, and Outcomes: A Health Equity–Focused Scoping Meta-Review of Community-Engaged Scholarship
Authors: Ortiz Kasim , Nash Jacob , Shea Logan , Oetzel John , Garoutte Justin , Sanchez-Youngman Shannon , Wallerstein Nina
Published: January 2020

In recent decades, there has been remarkable growth in scholarship examining the usefulness of community-engaged research (CEnR) and community-based participatory research (CBPR) for eliminating health inequities.This article seeks to synthesize the extant literature of systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and other related reviews regarding the context, processes, and research designs and interventions underlying CEnR that optimize its effectiveness. Through a scoping review, we have utilized an empirically derived framework of CBPR to map this literature and identify key findings and priorities for future research. Our study found 100 reviews of CEnR that largely support the CBPR conceptual framework.
Microstructural Observations of “Single Crystal” Positive Electrode Materials Before and After Long Term Cycling by Cross-section Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Liu Yulong , Harlow Jessie , Dahn Jeff
Published: January 2020

Single crystal LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 (SC532), LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (SC622) and LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (SC811) electrodes were retrieved from heavily cycled commercial-grade pouch cells at 4.3 V for cross-section scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images indicated the single crystals showed very little microcracking, thought by many researchers to be one of the main reasons for cell degradation when polycrystalline materials are used. SEM images of electrodes from heavily cycled cells were compared to those from fresh cells which showed little visual difference. Parallel microcracks within very few single crystal particles were observed for both fresh and heavily cycled materials and are thought to be caused during the electrode calendaring process. It is believed by the authors that single crystal materials are highly promising positive electrode materials for high energy density and long cycle life lithium-ion cells.
Sulfone Based-Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Cycling Performances and Passivation Layer Quality of Graphite and LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 Electrodes
Authors: Flamme Benjamin , Światowska Jolanta , Haddad Mansour , Phansavath Phannarath , Ratovelomanana-Vidal Virginie , Chagnes Alexandre
Published: January 2020

The solvent 3-methoxytetrahydrothiophene 1, 1-dioxide (MESL) was synthesized and its cycling performances of grapshite and LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC) electrodes were investigated in view of the high anodic stability of MESL in the presence of lithium bis-trifluoromethanesulfonimidate (LiTFSI). Galvanostatic charge-discharge of graphite electrode was possible in MESL + LiTFSI (1 M) only in the presence of 5% (vol.) fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) at 40 °C. On the other hand, a good cycling ability of NMC electrode with this electrolyte was observed at room temperature even at a cut-off voltage of 4.5 V vs Li+/Li. However, it was necessary to reduce the cut-off voltage from 4.5 V to 4.3 V vs Li+/Li in order to keep a good cycling ability <<< when the temperature was increased from 25 °C to 40 °C due to an exaltation of oxidation reactions onto the cathode surface. X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analyses were performed to investigate the electrode/electrolyte interphase and formation of passive layer on the electrode surfaces in order to explain the differences of cycling ability of NMC and graphite electrodes at room temperature and 40 °C.
Analysis of Generalized Peukert’s Equations for Capacity Calculation of Lithium-Ion Cells
Authors: Galushkin N. E. , Yazvinskaya N. N. , Galushkin D. N.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the possibility of using generalized Peukert’s equationsC =Cm/(1 + (i/i0)n),C = 0.522Cmtanh((i/i0)n/0.522)/(i/i0)n, andC = Cmerfc((i/ik − 1)/(1/n))/erfc(−n) for the calculation of lithium-ion cells’ released capacity at different discharge currents is analyzed. It is proven that these equations correspond well to the experimental data over the entire change range of the discharge currents. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the parameterndepends on neither cell capacity nor its format or manufacturer; however, it grows with an increase of the ratioi0/Сm(orik/Сm), which depends on an electrode’s effective thickness and the electrochemical system of the lithium-ion cells. Additionally, it is possible to consider the dependence of a lithium-ion cell’s released capacity on a discharge current value as the statistical phase transition subjected to the normal distribution law. The proposed statistical mechanism explains the changes of the parametersnandi0(ik) based on the type of battery studied.
Review—Non-Enzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide Electrochemical Sensors Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Shamkhalichenar Hamed , Choi Jin-Woo
Published: January 2020

The determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a crucial role in many industrial applications as well as clinical diagnoses. Electrochemical sensing techniques can provide a rapid, accurate, and simple approach to determine the level of hydrogen peroxide accurately. Recently, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has been employed extensively to develop amperometric sensors for sensitive and selective detection of H2O2 because of its good catalytic activity, mass scalability, and cost-effectiveness. During the past decade, various reduction methods have been used to produce rGO for electrochemical sensing applications. Besides, these electrodes have been modified with functional materials to improve the response of the sensors. Depending on the used materials, characteristics and sensitivity of the sensors varied a lot. Also, the production method of rGO affects the performance of the electrochemical sensor and needs to be taken into account to correlate the results from the sensor with the physical and chemical properties of the sensing material. This article provides an insightful overview of the utilization of rGO in the developments of enzyme-free H2O2 electrochemical sensors. This review includes the recent advances in the area from both rGO production method and electrocatalyst performance. Also, the challenges and prospects were discussed in this review.
Review—Enzymatic Strips for Detection of Serum Total Cholesterol with Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) Devices: Current Status and Future Prospect
Authors: Wang Xinpeng , Hu Liang
Published: January 2020

Redundant cholesterol in human blood can cause severe health problems such as heart disease, coronary artery disease, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, cerebral thrombosis, etc Simple and fast cholesterol determination in blood is essential and benefit for early diagnosis. However, the abnormal level of cholesterol requires long-term and sensitive monitoring, which can be time-consuming and laborious for the patients to go to the hospital for the medical examination. To address this issue, the enzymatic strip detection may provide an optimal approach. Combing with the advantages of point-of-care testing (POCT), enzymatic strip detection of serum total cholesterol is continuously being widely used. This review summarizes the research on enzymatic strip detection of serum total cholesterol for POCT by colorimetric and electrochemical method, which may guide further research. It comprises the advantages of POCT, necessity of cholesterol testing, current status using colorimetric and electrochemical method, challenges and future prospect. Considering the current social demand and production issues, the colorimetric method is more likely to achieve mass production. Above all, the enzymatic strip detection of serum total cholesterol for POCT presents promising prospects for the fast cholesterol monitoring and will be further developed after those issues being addressed.
Trajectory Planning Method for Mixed Vehicles Considering Traffic Stability and Fuel Consumption at the Signalized Intersection
Authors: Fang Shan , Yang Lan , Wang Tianqi , Jing Shoucai
Published: January 2020

Traffic lights force vehicles to stop frequently at signalized intersections, which leads to excessive fuel consumption, higher emissions, and travel delays. To address these issues, this study develops a trajectory planning method for mixed vehicles at signalized intersections. First, we use the intelligent driver car-following model to analyze the string stability of traffic flow upstream of the intersection. Second, we propose a mixed-vehicle trajectory planning method based on a trigonometric model that considers prefixed traffic signals. The proposed method employs the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) model controller to simulate the trajectory when connected vehicles (equipped with internet access) follow the optimal advisory speed. Essentially, only connected vehicle trajectories need to be controlled because normal vehicles simply follow the connected vehicles according to the Intelligent Driver Model (IDM). The IDM model aims to minimize traffic oscillation and ensure that all vehicles pass the signalized intersection without stopping. The results of a MATLAB simulation indicate that the proposed method can reduce fuel consumption and NOx, HC, CO2, and CO concentrations by 17%, 22.8%, 17.8%, 17%, and 16.9% respectively when the connected vehicle market penetration is 50 percent.
Toll-Like Receptor-Mediated Cardiac Injury during Experimental Sepsis
Authors: Lackner Ina , Weber Birte , Chakraborty Shinjini , Braumüller Sonja , Huber-Lang Markus , Gebhard Florian , Kalbitz Miriam
Published: January 2020

Sepsis is associated with global cardiac dysfunction and with high mortality rate. The development of septic cardiomyopathy is due to complex interactions of damage-associated molecular patters, cytokines, and complement activation products. The aim of this study was to define the effects of sepsis on cardiac structure, gap junction, and tight junction (TJ) proteins. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture in male C57BL/6 mice. After a period of 24 h, the expression of cardiac structure, gap junction, and TJ proteins was determined. Murine HL-1 cells were stimulated with LPS, and mRNA expression of cardiac structure and gap junction proteins, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and troponin I release was analyzed. Furthermore, pyrogenic receptor subtype 7 (P2X7) expression and troponin I release of human cardiomyocytes (iPS) were determined after LPS exposure.In vivo, protein expression of connexin43 andα-actinin was decreased after the onset of polymicrobial sepsis, whereas in HL-1 cells, mRNA expression ofconnexin43,α-actinin, anddesminwas increased in the presence of LPS. Expression of TJ proteins was not affectedin vivoduring sepsis. Although the presence of LPS and nigericin resulted in a significant troponin I release from HL-1 cells. Sepsis affected cardiac structure and gap junction proteins in mice, potentially contributing to compromised cardiac function.
Exploring the Mechanism of Skeletal Muscle in a Tacrolimus-Induced Posttransplantation Diabetes Mellitus Model on Gene Expression Profiles
Authors: Zheng Chenlei , Wang Cheng , Zhang Tan , Li Ding , Ni Xiao-feng , Lin Jian-Hu , Sun Linxiao , Chen Bicheng
Published: January 2020

Objective. Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a known complication of transplantation that affects the prognosis. Tacrolimus (Tac or FK506) is a widely used immunosuppressant that has been reported to be a risk factor for PTDM and to further induce complications in heart and skeletal muscles, but the mechanism is still largely unknown. In our preliminary experiments, we found that after Tac treatment, blood glucose increased, and the weight of skeletal muscle declined. Here, we hypothesize that tacrolimus can induce PTDM and influence the atrophy of skeletal muscle.Methods. We designed preliminary experiments to establish a tacrolimus-induced PTDM model. Gene expression profiles in quadriceps muscle from this rat model were characterized by oligonucleotide microarrays. Then, differences in gene expression profiles in muscle from PTDM rats that received tacrolimus and control subjects were analyzed by using GeneSpring GX 11.0 software (Agilent). Functional annotation and enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) helped us identify clues for the side effects of tacrolimus.Results. Our experiments found that the quadriceps in tacrolimus-induced PTDM group were smaller than those in the control group. The study identified 275 DEGs that may be responsible for insulin resistance and the progression of PTDM, including 86 upregulated genes and 199 downregulated genes. GO and KEGG functional analysis of the DEGs showed a significant correlation between PTDM and muscle development. PPI network analysis screened eight hub genes and found that they were related to troponin and tropomyosin.Conclusions. This study explored the molecular mechanism of muscle atrophy in a tacrolimus-induced PTDM model by bioinformatics analyses. We identified 275 DEGs and identified significant biomarkers for predicting the development and progression of tacrolimus-induced PTDM.
Endoscopic Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Insertion without Fluoroscopic Guidance Is Feasible and Safe for Acute Colonic Obstruction Caused by Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Feng Yadong , Yu Qian , Li Ming , Xu Wei , Zhu Ye , Liu Yang , Shi Ruihua
Published: January 2020

Aims. Endoscopic self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) insertion for acute colonic obstruction caused by colorectal cancer (CRC) is always performed under fluoroscopic guidance. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of an endoscopic stenting procedure without fluoroscopic guidance. Methods. A total of 36 patients with an acute colonic obstruction caused by CRC underwent endoscopic SEMS insertion using a colonoscope without fluoroscopic guidance, followed by analyses of the technical and clinical success and short-term complications. Results. Total technical success rate and clinical success rate were 91.7% and 86.1%, respectively. The mean procedure time was 21.2±10.3 minutes. There was no stent dislodgement. One case of hematochezia and two cases of tenesmus occurred in patients with left-sided complete obstructions. No other short-term complications occurred. Procedure time, technical success, and clinical success rate were 16.3±9.4 minutes, 93.1%, and 89.6% for left-sided obstructions, respectively, and were 26.8±10.7 minutes, 85.7%, and 71.4% for right-sided obstructions, respectively. For complete obstructions, procedure time, technical success, and clinical success rate were 22.5±8.9 minutes, 90%, and 83.3%, respectively. In the incomplete cases, procedure time, technical success, and clinical success were 13.5±6.7 minutes, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Technical success, clinical success, and short-term complications were not differed between lesion locations and degrees. Conclusions. This simple technique is feasible and safe for palliation of acute colonic obstruction caused by CRC.
Anomaly Detection in EEG Signals: A Case Study on Similarity Measure
Authors: Chen Guangyuan , Lu Guoliang , Xie Zhaohong , Shang Wei
Published: January 2020

Motivation. Anomaly EEG detection is a long-standing problem in analysis of EEG signals. The basic premise of this problem is consideration of the similarity between two nonstationary EEG recordings. A well-established scheme is based on sequence matching, typically including three steps: feature extraction, similarity measure, and decision-making. Current approaches mainly focus on EEG feature extraction and decision-making, and few of them involve the similarity measure/quantification. Generally, to design an appropriate similarity metric, that is compatible with the considered problem/data, is also an important issue in the design of such detection systems. It is however impossible to directly apply those existing metrics to anomaly EEG detection without any consideration of domain specificity. Methodology. The main objective of this work is to investigate the impacts of different similarity metrics on anomaly EEG detection. A few metrics that are potentially available for the EEG analysis have been collected from other areas by a careful review of related works. The so-called power spectrum is extracted as features of EEG signals, and a null hypothesis testing is employed to make the final decision. Two indicators have been used to evaluate the detection performance. One is to reflect the level of measured similarity between two compared EEG signals, and the other is to quantify the detection accuracy. Results. Experiments were conducted on two data sets, respectively. The results demonstrate the positive impacts of different similarity metrics on anomaly EEG detection. The Hellinger distance (HD) and Bhattacharyya distance (BD) metrics show excellent performances: an accuracy of 0.9167 for our data set and an accuracy of 0.9667 for the Bern-Barcelona EEG data set. Both of HD and BD metrics are constructed based on the Bhattacharyya coefficient, implying the priority of the Bhattacharyya coefficient when dealing with the highly noisy EEG signals. In future work, we will exploit an integrated metric that combines HD and BD for the similarity measure of EEG signals.
Application of Soft Computing Techniques for the Analysis of Tractive Properties of a Low-Power Agricultural Tractor under Various Soil Conditions
Authors: Pentoś Katarzyna , Pieczarka Krzysztof , Lejman Krzysztof
Published: January 2020

Considering the fuel consumption and soil compaction, optimization of the performance of tractors is crucial for modern agricultural practices. The tractive performance is influenced by many factors, making it difficult to be modeled. In this work, the traction force and tractive efficiency of a low-power tractor, as affected by soil coefficient, vertical load, horizontal deformation, soil compaction, and soil moisture, were studied. The optimal work of a tractor is a compromise between the maximum traction force and the maximum tractive efficiency. Optimizing these factors is complex and requires accurate models. To this end, the performances of soft computing approaches, including neural networks, genetic algorithms, and adaptive network fuzzy inference system, were evaluated. The optimal performance was realized by neural networks trained by backpropagation as well as backpropagation combined with a genetic algorithm, with a coefficient of determination of 0.955 for the traction force and 0.954 for the tractive efficiency. Based on models with the best accuracy, a sensitivity analysis was performed. The results showed that the traction performance is mainly influenced by the soil type; nevertheless, the vertical load and soil moisture also exhibited a relatively strong influence.
Speed Distribution Prediction of Freight Vehicles on Mountainous Freeway Using Deep Learning Methods
Authors: Chen Yuren , Chen Yu , Yu Bo
Published: January 2020

Driving speed is one of the most critical indicators in safety evaluation and network monitoring in freight transportation. Speed prediction model serves as the most efficient method to obtain the data of driving speed. Current speed prediction models mostly focus on operating speed, which is hard to reveal the overall condition of driving speed on the road section. Meanwhile, the models were mostly developed based on the regression method, which is inconsistent with natural driving process. Recurrent neural network (RNN) is a distinctive type of deep learning method to capture the temporary dependency in behavioral research. The aim of this paper is to apply the deep learning method to predict the general condition of driving speed in consideration of the road geometry and the temporal evolutions. 3D mobile mapping was applied to obtain road geometry information with high precision, and driving simulation experiment was then conducted with the help of the road geometry data. Driving speed was characterized by the bimodal Gauss mixture model. RNN and its variants including long short-term memory (LSTM) and RNN and gated recurrent units (GRUs) were utilized to predict speed distribution in a spatial-temporal dimension with KL divergence being the loss function. The result proved the applicability of the model in speed distribution prediction of freight vehicles, while LSTM holds the best performance with the length of input sequence being 400 m. The result can be related to the threshold of drivers’ information processing on mountainous freeway. Multiple linear regression models were constructed to be a contrast with the LSTM model, and the results showed that LSTM was superior to regression models in terms of the model accuracy and interpretability of the driving process and the formation of vehicle speed. This study may help to understand speed change behavior of freight vehicles on mountainous freeways, while providing the feasible method for safety evaluation or network efficiency analysis.
BACH1 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis by Repressing Epithelial Genes and Enhancing Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Sato Masaki , Matsumoto Mitsuyo , Saiki Yuriko , Alam Mahabub , Nishizawa Hironari , Rokugo Masahiro , Brydun Andrey , Yamada Shinji , Kaneko Mika K. , Funayama Ryo , Ito Mamoru , Kato Yukinari , Nakayama Keiko , Unno Michiaki , Igarashi Kazuhiko
Published: January 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the cancers with the poorest prognoses due to its highly malignant features. BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) has been implicated in RAS-driven tumor formation. We focused on the role of BACH1 in PDAC, more than 90% of which have KRAS mutation. Knockdown of BACH1 in PDAC cell lines reduced cell migration and invasion, in part, by increasing E-cadherin expression, whereas its overexpression showed opposite effects. BACH1 directly repressed the expression of FOXA1 that is known to activate the expression of CDH1 encoding E-cadherin and to inhibit epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. BACH1 also directly repressed the expression of genes important for epithelial cell adhesion including CLDN3 and CLDN4. In a mouse orthotopic implantation model, BACH1 was required for the high metastatic ability of AsPC-1 cells. IHC analysis of clinical specimens with a newly developed anti-BACH1 mAb revealed that high expression of BACH1 is a poor prognostic factor. These results suggest that the gene regulatory network of BACH1 and downstream genes including CDH1 contribute to the malignant features of PDAC by regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

Significance:

Greater understanding of the gene regulatory network involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of pancreatic cancer cells will provide novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers.
Efficacy of Affibody-Based Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Vascular B7-H3 for Breast Cancer Detection
Authors: Bam Rakesh , Lown Patrick S. , Stern Lawrence A. , Sharma Karina , Wilson Katheryne E. , Bean Gregory R. , Lutz Amelie M. , Paulmurugan Ramasamy , Hackel Benjamin J. , Dahl Jeremy , Abou-Elkacem Lotfi
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

Human B7-H3 (hB7-H3) is a promising molecular imaging target differentially expressed on the neovasculature of breast cancer and has been validated for preclinical ultrasound (US) imaging with anti–B7-H3-antibody-functionalized microbubbles (MB). However, smaller ligands such as affibodies (ABY) are more suitable for the design of clinical-grade targeted MB.

Experimental Design:

Binding of ABYB7-H3 was confirmed with soluble and cell-surface B7-H3 by flow cytometry. MB were functionalized with ABYB7-H3 or anti–B7-H3-antibody (AbB7-H3). Control and targeted MB were tested for binding to hB7-H3–expressing cells (MS1hB7-H3) under shear stress conditions. US imaging was performed with MBABY-B7-H3 in an orthotopic mouse model of human MDA-MB-231 coimplanted with MS1hB7-H3 or control MS1WT cells and a transgenic mouse model of breast cancer development.

Results:

ABYB7-H3 specifically binds to MS1hB7-H3 and murine-B7-H3–expressing monocytes. MBABY-B7-H3 (8.5 ± 1.4 MB/cell) and MBAb-B7-H3 (9.8 ± 1.3 MB/cell) showed significantly higher (P < 0.0001) binding to the MS1hB7-H3 cells compared with control MBNon-targeted (0.5 ± 0.1 MB/cell) under shear stress conditions. In vivo, MBABY-B7-H3 produced significantly higher (P < 0.04) imaging signal in orthotopic tumors coengrafted with MS1hB7-H3 (8.4 ± 3.3 a.u.) compared with tumors with MS1WT cells (1.4 ± 1.0 a.u.). In the transgenic mouse tumors, MBABY-B7-H3 (9.6 ± 2.0 a.u.) produced higher (P < 0.0002) imaging signal compared with MBNon-targeted (1.3 ± 0.3 a.u.), whereas MBABY-B7-H3 signal in normal mammary glands and tumors with B7-H3 blocking significantly reduced (P < 0.02) imaging signal.

Conclusions:

MBABY-B7-H3 enhances B7-H3 molecular signal in breast tumors, improving cancer detection, while offering the advantages of a small size ligand and easier production for clinical imaging.
Radiological Evaluation of Newly Diagnosed Non-Brainstem Pediatric High-Grade Glioma in the HERBY Phase II Trial
Authors: Rodriguez Gutierrez Daniel , Jones Chris , Varlet Pascale , Mackay Alan , Warren Daniel , Warmuth-Metz Monika , Aliaga Esther Sánchez , Calmon Raphael , Hargrave Darren R. , Cañete Adela , Massimino Maura , Azizi Amedeo A. , Le Deley Marie-Cécile , Saran Frank , Rousseau Raphael F. , Zahlmann Gudrun , Garcia Josep , Vassal Gilles , Grill Jacques , Morgan Paul S. , Jaspan Tim
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

The HERBY trial evaluated the benefit of the addition of the antiangiogenic agent Bevacizumab (BEV) to radiotherapy/temozolomide (RT/TMZ) in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed non-brainstem high-grade glioma (HGG). The work presented here aims to correlate imaging characteristics and outcome measures with pathologic and molecular data.

Experimental Design:

Radiological, pathologic, and molecular data were correlated with trial clinical information to retrospectively re-evaluate event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results:

One-hundred thirteen patients were randomized to the RT/TMZ arm (n = 54) or the RT/TMZ+BEV (BEV arm; n = 59). The tumor arose in the cerebral hemispheres in 68 patients (Cerebral group) and a midline location in 45 cases (Midline group). Pathologic diagnosis was available in all cases and molecular data in 86 of 113. H3 K27M histone mutations were present in 23 of 32 Midline cases and H3 G34R/V mutations in 7 of 54 Cerebral cases. Total/near-total resection occurred in 44 of 68 (65%) Cerebral cases but in only 5 of 45 (11%) Midline cases (P < 0.05). Leptomeningeal metastases (27 cases, 13 with subependymal spread) at relapse were more frequent in Midline (17/45) than in Cerebral tumors (10/68, P < 0.05). Mean OS (14.1 months) and EFS (9.0 months) in Midline tumors were significantly lower than mean OS (20.7 months) and EFS (14.9 months) in Cerebral tumors (P < 0.05). Pseudoprogression occurred in 8 of 111 (6.2%) cases.

Conclusions:

This study has shown that the poor outcome of midline tumors (compared with cerebral) may be related to (1) lesser surgical resection, (2) H3 K27M histone mutations, and (3) higher leptomeningeal dissemination.
Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Hemodialysis Patients and their Effect on Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Ezzat Sara , Tharwat Samar , Abdelsalam Sherihan , Eltoraby Ehab E.
Published: January 2020

Background/Aims: Hemodialysis (HD) represents one of the most commonly used modalities as a renal replacement therapy. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is much lower in HD patients than general population. Musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms are one of the most important health problems that affect patients on maintenance HD. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the association between MSK symptoms and HRQoL among HD patients. Methods: The study was carried out on 200 patients with chronic renal failure on chronic HD at different nephrology units in Egypt. They completed the Arabic version of the Kidney Disease and Quality of Life-Short Form 1.3 Questionnaire and answered the questions of MSK discomfort form based on the Nordic MSK Questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the patients was 50.6 years, 61% were males. Of the 200 HD patients, 180 patients (90%) had MSK manifestations. The most commonly affected part was knee joint (51.5%). Regarding HRQoL, patients with MSK symptoms had significantly lower scores than did patients without on the physical role (p = 0.035), pain domain (p = 0.003), general health (p = 0.017), quality of social interaction (p = 0.046), and sleep domain (p = 0.022). Conclusion: MSK manifestations have a negative impact on HRQoL in HD patients. So, early identification and treatment are highly recommended.
Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Reversible Splenial Lesion Syndrome in Adults: A Small Case Series
Authors: Xu Wen , Zhou Yan , Jiang Yan , Zhang Li , Tang Qiqiang
Published: January 2020

Background: To study clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of reversible splenial lesion syndrome (RESLES) in adult patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed using clinical, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), laboratory results, and neuroimaging data obtained from 6 adult RESLES patients. Results: All 6 patients (3 male cases, 3 female cases) were determined to be acute or subacute onset, most of them associated with infection or fever. All initial MRI data exhibited splenium of corpus callosum lesions with hypointensity on T1WI, hyperintensity on T2WI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and Flair, without significant gadolinium enhancement. Five patients were treated with glucocorticoids and showed significant improvement in 1–15 days, with the lesion having disappeared or weakened, and one case was lost of follow-up. The cell number and protein amount in CSF were determined to be at normal levels, or slightly increased in 3 patients with thyroid dysfunction. Conclusion: The etiology of adult RESLES was observed to be complex and diverse, primarily related to infection, fever, and thyroid dysfunction. DWI was found to be more sensitive in these lesions, and CSF cytology was observed to be either normal or mildly abnormal. A majority of patients were found to be sensitive to glucocorticoid, and have a good prognosis with lesions that disappeared rapidly.
A Case of Frequently Relapsing Minimal-Change Nephrotic Syndrome with Steroid-Induced Psychiatric Syndrome Treated by Low-Dose, Short-Term Steroid Therapy in Combination with Cyclosporine
Authors: Kondo Isao , Arai Yohei , Hamada Akiyoshi , Yamada Kota , Shioji Shingo , Sakamoto Emi , Katagiri Daisuke , Tada Manami , Hinoshita Fumihiko
Published: January 2020

Adults with minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) generally receive oral prednisolone (PSL) at an initial dosage of 1.0 mg/kg/day for a minimum of 4 weeks, with 80% of patients achieving clinical remission. However, relapses are frequent, necessitating repeated treatment with high-dose PSL. Long-term treatment with high-dose steroids increases the risk of steroid toxicities, such as diabetes mellitus, gastric complications, infections, osteoporosis, and steroid-induced psychiatric syndrome (SIPS), which may compromise the patient’s quality of life. Strategies are therefore needed to reduce the dosage and duration of steroid therapy for frequently relapsing MCNS (FRNS). Here, we suggest a new combination therapy of low-dose and short-term steroid with cyclosporine (CsA). We encountered an adult patient who developed recurrence of FRNS with depression arising from SIPS and was treated using low-dose, short-term PSL combined with CsA. He was successfully treated with PSL at an initial dosage of 0.3 mg/kg/day (20 mg/day) for just 2 weeks combined with CsA, allowing earlier induction of complete remission. We then promptly reduced the dose of PSL to below a physiological dosage (5 mg/day) over 3 weeks without relapse after episodes of SIPS and quickly resolved psychiatric symptoms. CsA in combination with PSL can reduce the initial dosage of PSL, shorten the time to remission, and easily maintain clinical remission. This protocol appears clinically useful and potentially applicable as a future treatment strategy for FRNS troubled by SIPS.
Nutrition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Schreiner Philipp , Martinho-Grueber Maude , Studerus Diana , Vavricka Stephan R. , Tilg Herbert , Biedermann Luc ,   on behalf of Swiss IBDnet, an official working group of the Swiss Society of Gastroenterology
Published: January 2020

Background: Westernization, above all associated changes in diet, has been postulated to be one of the most important factors contributing to the increasing incidence in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), consisting mainly of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Summary: Diet represents a crucially important and intuitively relevant topic for IBD patients. Although a substantial number of patients are prone to follow dietary advice from a variety of sources, including the lay press, there is intriguingly little scientific evidence for such an incitement. This may result in physicians being insufficiently informed about various aspects of nutrition, precluding adequate guidance of their patients with IBD. Importantly, IBD patients are at risk to develop deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and several micronutrients, which may even be more pronounced in patients with active disease and those following a restrictive diet. This review aims to summarize the latest data from clinical and epidemiological studies investigating diet and its effect on the course of the disease and to outline the most important nutrient deficiencies in IBD patients. Key Messages: A western diet with an imbalance between omega-6 (n-6)/omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in favor of n-6 PUFAs, may increase the risk of IBD, whereas a diet high in fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of IBD. Many approaches to influence the course of IBD with dietary intervention exist. However, to induce or maintain remission in IBD with a change of diet is still in its infancy, and more dietary research is needed before we can apply it in daily practice. Patients with IBD, even in remission, have to be screened regularly for malnutrition.