bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobile Robots with Uncertain Visibility Sensors: Possibility Results and Lower Bounds
Authors: Heriban Adam , Tixeuil Sébastien
Published: February 2021

We consider mobile robotic entities that have to cooperate to solve assigned tasks. In the literature, two models have been used to model their visibility sensors: the full visibility model, where all robots can see all other robots, and the limited visibility model, where there exists a limit [Formula: see text] such that all robots closer than [Formula: see text] are seen and all robots further than [Formula: see text] are not seen. We introduce the uncertain visibility model, which generalizes both models by considering that a subset of the robots further than [Formula: see text] cannot be seen. An empty subset corresponds to the full visibility model, and a subset containing every such robot corresponds to the limited visibility model.

Then, we explore the impact of this new visibility model on the feasibility of benchmarking tasks in mobile robots computing: gathering, uniform circle formation, luminous rendezvous, and leader election. For each task, we determine the weakest visibility adversary that prevents task solvability, and the strongest adversary that allows task solvability. Our work sheds new light on the impact of visibility sensors in the context of mobile robot computing, and paves the way for more realistic algorithms that can cope with uncertain visibility sensors.
Ligustrazine Suppresses Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB-Induced Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Inflammation by Regulating the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Huang Huiping , Kong Lingjin , Luan Shaohua , Qi Chuanzong , Wu Fanrong
Published: February 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious pulmonary vascular disease. Excessive proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) plays an important role in the course of this disease. Ligustrazine is an alkaloid monomer extracted from the rhizome of the herb Ligusticum chuanxiong. It is often used to treat cardiovascular diseases, but its effect on PAH has rarely been reported. This study aims to explore the protective effect and mechanism of ligustrazine on PAH. In the in vivo experiment, monocrotaline (MCT) was used to induce PAH in rats, and then ligustrazine (40, 80, 160 mg/kg/day) or sildenafil (25 mg/kg/day) was administered. Four weeks later, hemodynamic changes, right ventricular hypertrophy index, lung morphological characteristics, inflammatory factors, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and AKT expression were evaluated. In addition, primary rat PASMCs were extracted by the tissue adhesion method, a proliferation model was established with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), and the cells were treated with ligustrazine to investigate its effects on cell proliferation, inflammation, and cell cycle distribution. The results indicate that ligustrazine can markedly alleviate right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and inflammation caused by MCT, and that it decreased PI3K and AKT phosphorylation expression. Moreover, ligustrazine can inhibit the proliferation and inflammation of PASMCs and arrest the progression of G0/G1 to S phase through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, we conclude that ligustrazine may inhibit the proliferation and inflammation of PASMCs by regulating the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby attenuating MCT-induced PAH in rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that ligustrazine may be a promising therapeutic for PAH.
An extended car-following model accounting for two preceding vehicles with mixed maximum velocity
Authors: Cheng Rongjun , Li Shihao , Ge Hongxia
Published: February 2021

In reality, the types of vehicles running on the road and the driving experience of different drivers are probably different. Thus, the maximum velocity of each vehicle is usually different. Moreover, common driving experience indicates that drivers not only pay attention to the motion status of individual preceding vehicle in their view. With that in mind, an extended car-following model accounting for two preceding vehicles with mixed maximum velocity is constructed in this study. For analyzing the traffic flow’s evolution more accurately, theoretical and numerical analyses are conducted. In theoretical analysis, the model’s stability condition is inferred by using the control theory, and the mKdV equation is also derived to depict the propagation of traffic density wave by means of nonlinear analysis. Numerical experiments are performed to verify the correctness of theoretical analysis and to make a detailed analysis concerning the influences of factors considered on traffic flow. Theoretical and experimental results indicate that increasing the higher maximum velocity and the appearing probability of a car having higher maximum velocity is not conducive to traffic flow stability, and compared to only considering individual preceding vehicle’s motion status, it is obvious that the traffic flow with mixed maximum velocity is more stable when two preceding vehicles’ motion status is considered.
Heegaard distance of the link complements in S3
Authors: Jin Xifeng
Published: February 2021

We show that, for any integers, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], there exists a link in [Formula: see text] such that its complement has a genus [Formula: see text] Heegaard splitting with distance [Formula: see text].
Numerical Simulations Using Eulerian Schemes for the Vlasov–Poisson Model
Authors: Lorenzon Denis , Elaskar Sergio A. , Cimino Andrés M.
Published: February 2021

The Vlasov equation describes the temporal evolution of the distribution function of particles in a collisionless plasma and, if magnetic fields are negligible, the mean electric field is prescribed by Poisson equation. Eulerian numerical methods discretize and directly solve the Vlasov equation on a mesh in phase space and can provide high accuracy with low numerical noise. In this paper, we present a comprehensive analysis and comparison between the most used Eulerian methods for the two-dimensional Vlasov–Poisson system, including finite-differences, finite-volumes and semi-Lagrangian ones. The schemes are evaluated and compared through classical problems and conclusions are drawn regarding their accuracy and performance.
Chapter 4.1b Antarctic Peninsula: petrology
Authors: Hole Malcolm J.
Published: February 2021

Scattered occurrences of Miocene–Recent volcanic rocks of the alkaline intraplate association represent one of the last expressions of magmatism along the Antarctic Peninsula. The volcanic rocks were erupted after the cessation of subduction which stopped following a series of northward-younging ridge crest–trench collisions. Volcanism has been linked to the development of a growing slab window beneath the extinct convergent margin. Geochemically, lavas range from olivine tholeiite through to basanite and tephrite. Previous studies have emphasized the slab-window tectonic setting as key to allowing melting of peridotite in the asthenospheric void caused by the passage of the slab beneath the locus of volcanism. This hypothesis is revisited in the light of more recent petrological research, and an origin from melting of subducted slab-hosted pyroxenite is considered here to be a more viable alternative for their petrogenesis. Because of the simple geometry of ridge subduction, and the well-established chronology of ridge crest–trench collisions, the Antarctic Peninsula remains a key region for understanding the transition from active to passive margin resulting from cessation of subduction. However, there are still some key issues relating to their tectonomagmatic association, and, principally, the poor geochronological control on the volcanic rocks requires urgent attention.
On Nonconvex Optimization for Machine Learning
Authors: Jin Chi , Netrapalli Praneeth , Ge Rong , Kakade Sham M. , Jordan Michael I.
Published: February 2021

Gradient descent (GD) and stochastic gradient descent (SGD) are the workhorses of large-scale machine learning. While classical theory focused on analyzing the performance of these methods in
convex
optimization problems, the most notable successes in machine learning have involved
nonconvex
optimization, and a gap has arisen between theory and practice. Indeed, traditional analyses of GD and SGD show that both algorithms converge to stationary points efficiently. But these analyses do not take into account the possibility of converging to saddle points. More recent theory has shown that GD and SGD can avoid saddle points, but the dependence on dimension in these analyses is polynomial. For modern machine learning, where the dimension can be in the millions, such dependence would be catastrophic. We analyze perturbed versions of GD and SGD and show that they are truly efficient—their dimension dependence is only polylogarithmic. Indeed, these algorithms converge to second-order stationary points in essentially the same time as they take to converge to classical first-order stationary points.
Pathology in Relationships
Authors: South Susan C.
Published: February 2021

Committed, long-term romantic relationships are ubiquitous among modern society. They are one of the most important contexts for the development, maintenance, and treatment of psychopathology. In this review, I first place psychopathology within the most commonly cited theoretical model of marital satisfaction and stability and then discuss how relationship satisfaction is conceptualized and assessed in this literature. In the second half of the review, I describe the theories regarding how romantic relationships may be connected to psychopathology. Relationship distress is easily incorporated into a diathesis–stress model as an important trigger for psychopathology. Next, I review cross-sectional research, longitudinal research, and treatment efficacy research linking relationship quality and psychopathology. I provide evidence for the robustness of these effects and areas where research must expand. I finish with a summary section that synthesizes what is known about the mechanisms linking relationship distress and psychopathology.
Static Voltage Stability Assessment of the Kenyan Power Network
Authors: Mogaka Ombuki , Orenge Roy , Ndirangu Julius
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the Kenyan Power Network has witnessed large growths in load demand. Although the increased load demand has somewhat been matched with an increase in transmission and generation capacity, the rate of expansion has not been matched with the rate of increase in load demand due to economic, environmental, and geographical constraints. This has led to the system being prone to instability since it is being operated under stressed conditions. In the recent past, several studies have been carried out on voltage stability analysis and improvement using various conventional methods. However, conventional methods have various limitations in their utilization for voltage stability analysis. One solution to overcome these limitations is to employ a combination of one or more methods so as to get more information and greater degree of accuracy in voltage stability studies. In this paper, a methodology is proposed involving the combination of QV modal analysis, sensitivity analysis (VQ) and power-voltage curves in assessing the static voltage stability analysis taking a case study of the Kenyan Power Network. V-Q sensitivity analysis and QV modal analysis have been used to identify the load regions most susceptible to voltage instability and the corresponding weak buses in the network for various V-Q responses. Reactive power loss sensitivities for branches in the network have been used to determine the critical (weak) lines in the network. Loading margins (LM) and voltage stability margins (VSM) have then been used to determine the proximity to voltage collapse of the voltage weak buses identified by QV modal analysis. The effect of tripping one the critical lines on the voltage weak buses is also investigated. The current high voltage power network under the average peak loading conditions during the year 2019 is considered for the study. The paper also reviews existing voltage stability analysis methods and their limitations.
Properties of a Generalized Class of Weights Satisfying Reverse Hölder’s Inequality
Authors: Saker S. H. , Rabie S. S. , Agarwal R. P.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we will prove some fundamental properties of the discrete power mean operator

M

p

u

n

=

1
/
n

∑

k
=
1

n

 

u

p

k

1
/
p

,
for
 
n
∈
I
⊆

ℤ

+

,

of order

p

, where

u

is a nonnegative discrete weight defined on

I
⊆

ℤ

+

the set of the nonnegative integers. We also establish some lower and upper bounds of the composition of different operators with different powers. Next, we will study the structure of the generalized discrete class

B

p

q

B

of weights that satisfy the reverse Hölder inequality

 

M

q

u
≤
B

M

p

u
,

for positive real numbers

p

,

q

, and

B

such that

0
<
p
<
q

and

B
>
1

. For applications, we will prove some self-improving properties of weights from

B

p

q

B

and derive the self improving properties of the discrete Gehring weights as a special case. The paper ends by a conjecture with an illustrative sharp example.
Analysis of Slope Stability and Disaster Law under Heavy Rainfall
Authors: Guo Pengfei , Yuan Yadi , Peng Yanyan , Zhang Haijiag , Zhao Yongxu
Published: February 2021

Based on this, the slope stability and disaster law under the condition of heavy rainfall are studied. With the slope of Shangge Village as the background, the slope stability under the condition of heavy rainfall is deeply studied through theoretical analysis, laboratory physical model experiment, and numerical simulation. Results showed that due to the heavy rainfall within 2 h, the deformation of the slope is not obvious in the rain 2 h~7 h period, first of all in the position of slope toe of slope stress raiser; As the rainfall continued, the infiltration of rainwater led to weakening of the rock mass strength, and the cracks in the slope fracture zone further expanded and extended to the top of the slope. After 7 hours of rainfall, the slope formed a sliding surface. The physical model experiment and the numerical simulation results are in good agreement, which can provide the basis for slope reinforcement under heavy rainfall conditions and have important scientific significance and social value for the reasonable site selection of housing construction, transportation network, and disaster prevention and mitigation in coastal areas.
To Improve the Real-Time Performance of Airborne Data Link Communication System
Authors: Yao Gang
Published: February 2021

Ground-to-air data link communication has the advantages of fast transmission rate, strong anti-interference ability, and large data communication volume and has been widely used in the field of civil aviation. This article mainly studies the measures to improve the real-time performance of the airborne data link communication system. The design of the hardware platform of the jamming environment simulator needs to comprehensively consider the implementation complexity of the jamming environment model and the real-time simulation method adopted by the UAV data link system. This paper uses the multicore and multithread in the Linux operating system to simulate the functions of the original data link communication system and uses the TFT screen to display the data communication process in the multicore and multithread design scheme. When evaluating and scoring the evaluation indicators, it must be carried out in accordance with certain standards. However, most of the indicators cannot be directly assessed quantitatively only through certain specific values. This article mainly uses the AHP method to analyze the weight of indicators. In the simulation, user information is generated by a random code generator and then distributed to each branch through serial-to-parallel conversion (S/P), and the spreading process is completed by long-code spreading on each branch, respectively, by BPSK. It is modulated on different carriers to form a transmission signal; the signal passes through a Gaussian white noise channel, and a certain frequency offset noise is added at the same time to reach the receiving end; the receiving end uses correlated demodulation, and after despreading, the error rate is counted. The data shows that under different distances, the frame loss rate of the data link is different. The frame loss rate in the 500 m range is about 1%, and the frame loss rate in the 2 km range is about 2.3%. The results show that the real-time performance of the data link communication system in this paper has been greatly improved.
Comprehensive Study on the Acrylamide Content of High Thermally Processed Foods
Authors: Perera Dilini N. , Hewavitharana Geeth G. , Navaratne S. B.
Published: February 2021

Acrylamide (AA) formation in starch‐based processed foods at elevated temperatures is a serious health issue as it is a toxic and carcinogenic substance. However, the formation of more AA entangles with modern‐day fast food industries, and a considerable amount of this ingredient is being consumed by fast food eaters inadvertently throughout the world. This article reviews the factors responsible for AA formation pathways, investigation techniques of AA, toxicity, and health‐related issues followed by mitigation methods that have been studied in the past few decades comprehensively. Predominantly, AA and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) are produced via the Maillard reaction and can be highlighted as the major heat‐induced toxins formulated in bread and bakery products. Epidemiological studies have shown that there is a strong relationship between AA accumulation in the body and the increased risk of cancers. The scientific community is still in a dearth of technology in producing AA‐free starch‐protein‐fat‐based thermally processed food products. Therefore, this paper may facilitate the food scientists to their endeavor in developing mitigation techniques pertaining to the formation of AA and HMF in baked foods in the future.
Multifocal Electroretinogram Can Detect the Abnormal Retinal Change in Early Stage of type2 DM Patients without Apparent Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Huang Jiang , Li Yi , Chen Yao , You Yuhong , Niu Tongtong , Zou Weijie , Luo Weifeng
Published: February 2021

Purpose. To study retinal function defects in type 2 diabetic patients without clinically apparent retinopathy using a multifocal electroretinogram (mf-ERG). Methods. Seventy-six eyes of thirty-eight type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM) patients without clinically apparent retinopathy and sixty-four normal eyes of thirty-two healthy control (HC) participants were examined using mf-ERG. Results. Patients with type 2 DM without apparent diabetic retinopathy demonstrated an obvious implicit time delay of P1 in ring 1, ring 3, and ring 5 compared with healthy controls (

t
=
5.184

,

p
≤
0.001

;

t
=
8.077

,

p
≤
0.001

;

t
=
2.000

,

p
=
0.047

, respectively). The implicit time (IT) in ring 4 of N1wave was significantly delayed in the DM group (

t
=
2.327

,

p
=
0.021

). Compared with the HC group, the implicit time of the P1 and N1 waves in the temporal retina zone was significantly prolonged (

t
=
3.66

,

p
≤
0.001

;

t
=
2.187

,

p
=
0.03

, respectively). And the amplitude of P1 in the temporal retina decreased in the DM group, which had a significantly statistical difference with the healthy controls (

t
=
−
6.963

,

p
≤
0.001

). However, there were no differences in either the amplitude of the response or the implicit time of the nasal retina zone between DM and HC. The AUC of multiparameters of mf-ERG was higher in the diagnosis of DR patients. Conclusions. Patients with type 2 DM without clinically apparent retinopathy had a delayed implicit time of P1 wave in temporal regions of the postpole of the retina compared with HC subjects. It demonstrates that mf-ERG can detect the abnormal retinal change in the early stage of type2 DM patients without apparent diabetic retinopathy. Multiparameters of mf-ERG can improve the diagnostic efficacy of DR, and it may be a potential clinical biomarker for early diagnosis of DR.
Postsurgical Diagnosis of an Unusual Case of Primary Hepatic Lymphoma Presenting as Liver Abscess with an Uncommon Complication: A Hepatogastric Fistula
Authors: Yaka Mbarek , Chehab Farid , Allaoui Mohmed , Ait Ali Abdelmonaim , Zentar Aziz
Published: February 2021

Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) is a very rare malignancy and constitutes 0.016% of all cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and 0.4% of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We describe a rare case of primary hepatic lymphoma presenting as liver abscess which was complicated with the development of a hepatogastric fistula. A 58-year-old man presented with clinical signs of sepsis, high-grade fever, right upper abdominal pain, and weight loss which had progressed in the past 8 months. Noncontrast abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a heterogeneously hypodense lesion in the left lobe of the liver with multiple air foci within, which are seen to extend into the body of the stomach. The patient was initially misdiagnosed as a case of rupture of liver abscess into the stomach. Postoperative liver biopsy examination confirmed a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Systemic staging revealed no evidence of nodal or bone marrow involvement, so PHL was diagnosed. Chemotherapy was initiated, but discontinued due to the patient’s general condition. Finally, the patient succumbed to neutropenic fever following chemotherapy. Here, we present the exceptional case of a primary hepatic lymphoma with an unusual complication, a hepatogastric fistula, and try through the existing literature to show the difficulties involved in diagnosis and treatment.
Intravitreal Therapy for Diabetic Macular Edema: An Update
Authors: Furino Claudio , Boscia Francesco , Reibaldi Michele , Alessio Giovanni
Published: February 2021

Diabetic macular edema (DME) represents a prevalent and disabling eye condition. Despite that DME represents a sight-threatening condition, it is also among the most accessible to treatment. Many different treatment options including photocoagulation, intravitreal medical treatment (either vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors or corticosteroids therapies), and surgical removal are currently available. Although laser has been considered as the gold standard for many years, over the past several years vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGFs) have become first-line therapy. However, many patients do not adequately respond to them. With the development of sustained-release corticosteroid devices, steroids have gained a presence in the management of the DME. We review and update the role of anti-VEGF and intravitreal sustained-release corticosteroid management of DME. According to the currently available scientific evidence, the choice of one anti-VEGF over another critically depends on the baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). While aflibercept may be the drug of choice in low baseline BCVA, the three anti-VEGFs (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept) provided similar functional outcomes when the baseline BCVA was higher. DEX implants are a valuable option for treating DME, although they are usually seen as a second choice, particularly in those eyes that have an insufficient response to anti-VEGF. The new evidence suggested that, in eyes that did not adequately respond to anti-VEGF, switching to a DEX implant at the time to 3 monthly anti-VEGF injections provided better functional outcomes.
Proximate Analysis, Antioxidant Activity, and Antibacterial Activity of Fish Sausages Fortified with Bee Bread Extract
Authors: Mohammad Salma Malihah , Badrul Hisham Amirun Afiq , Mustapa Nur Atifa , Chan Kim Wei , Zawawi Norhasnida
Published: February 2021

Bee bread is rich in phenolic compounds and recently has gained attention as a food additive, which provides an alternative use to synthetic preservatives. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the proximate composition and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of fish sausages fortified with Heterotrigona itama bee bread ethanolic (BBE) extract at 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75% concentrations. Incorporation of BBE in fish sausages significantly increased the carbohydrate level and lowered the moisture content. The highest phenolic and flavonoid content were observed in fish sausages with 0.75% BBE with 23.46 ± 1.60 mg GAE/g sample and 8.05 ± 0.24 mg rutin/g sample, respectively. The antioxidant activity revealed the highest DPPH scavenging activity for 0.75% BBE fish sausage compared to synthetic additive BHT. After 28 days of frozen storage, lipid oxidation activity of fish sausages with 0.75% BBE had lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value than the negative control, but similar (

p
>
0.05

) to BHT. The phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities were significantly reduced (

p
<
0.05

) after 28 days of storage. Based on the antibacterial activity, BBE was able to inhibit tested foodborne pathogens, and the addition of BBE in fish sausage showed total plate count below 6 log10 CFU/g within 6 days of frozen storage. This research demonstrated the BBE efficiency as a natural antioxidant with antibacterial properties in fish sausages.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking, MEP and SAR Analysis, ADME-Tox Predictions, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Novel Mono- and Tetra-Alkylated Pyrazole and Triazole Ligands
Authors: Kaddouri Y. , Bouchal B. , Abrigach F. , El Kodadi M. , Bellaoui M. , Touzani R.
Published: February 2021

Newly synthesized compounds of N-alkylated heterocyclic compounds were prepared by condensation of amine with alcohol which undergoes a reaction of SN2. These newly synthesized derivatives were characterized by spectral analysis. The objective is to prepare new potent nontoxic antimicrobial agents which are easy to synthesize and could be scaled up in pharmaceutical industries. Thirteen new heterocyclic compounds containing a pyrazole moiety were synthesized with good yields (29.79 to 99.6%) and were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and CG-MS techniques. The compounds were divided into two series—monoalkylated compounds (1–11) and tetra-alkylated compounds (12 and 13)—and then evaluated for their in vitro antifungal and antibacterial activities against several fungal and bacterial strains. None of the monoalkylated compounds had antibacterial or antifungal activity. However, the two tetra-alkylated pyrazole ligands displayed strong antibacterial potential. Moreover, compound 12 was more potent against all tested bacterial strains than compound 13. Interestingly, compounds 12 and 13 acted as weak antifungal agents against Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ADME-Tox studies suggested that compounds 12 and 13 exhibit better toxicity profiles than the commercial antibiotic streptomycin. MEP studies suggested that compounds 12 and 13 have the same charge locations but differ in their values which are due to the condensed geometry of compound 13 that make it more polarizable than compound 12. Of particular interest, these different MEPs were evident in ligand protein docking, suggesting that compound 12 has better affinity with MGL enzyme than compound 13. All these findings suggested that these novel compounds represent promising antibacterial lead compounds.
An Efficient Anonymous Communication Scheme to Protect the Privacy of the Source Node Location in the Internet of Things
Authors: Li Fengyin , Ren Pei , Yang Guoyu , Sun Yuhong , Wang Yilei , Wang Yanli , Li Siyuan , Zhou Huiyu
Published: February 2021

Advances in machine learning (ML) in recent years have enabled a dizzying array of applications such as data analytics, autonomous systems, and security diagnostics. As an important part of the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been widely used in military, transportation, medical, and household fields. However, in the applications of wireless sensor networks, the adversary can infer the location of a source node and an event by backtracking attacks and traffic analysis. The location privacy leakage of a source node has become one of the most urgent problems to be solved in wireless sensor networks. To solve the problem of source location privacy leakage, in this paper, we first propose a proxy source node selection mechanism by constructing the candidate region. Secondly, based on the residual energy of the node, we propose a shortest routing algorithm to achieve better forwarding efficiency. Finally, by combining the proposed proxy source node selection mechanism with the proposed shortest routing algorithm based on the residual energy, we further propose a new, anonymous communication scheme. Meanwhile, the performance analysis indicates that the anonymous communication scheme can effectively protect the location privacy of the source nodes and reduce the network overhead.
Simulation-Based Optimization for the Operation of Toll Plaza at Car Park Exit with Mixed Types of Tollbooths and Waiting-Time-Dependent Service
Authors: Yu Shanchuan , Du Yuchuan , Wang Jindong , Li Yishun , Zhu Yong
Published: February 2021

This study presents an approach of simulation-based optimization to the operation of the toll plaza at the car park exit. We first propose a simulation model, as the representation of the queueing system for the toll plaza with mixed-type customers and servers where the service time is dependent on the waiting time of customer. Then, a simulation-based integer programming model is developed to design more traffic-efficient yet cost-effective operation schemes. It is decomposed by a rolling horizon approach into subproblems which are all solved via the Kriging metamodel algorithm. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the model and offer insight on how to achieve traffic efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The Hydroalcoholic Extract of Uncaria tomentosa (Cat’s Claw) Inhibits the Infection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) In Vitro
Authors: Yepes-Perez Andres F. , Herrera-Calderón Oscar , Oliveros Cristian A. , Flórez-Álvarez Lizdany , Zapata-Cardona María I. , Yepes Lina , Aguilar-Jimenez Wbeimar , Rugeles María T. , Zapata Wildeman
Published: February 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a serious problem for public health since it was identified in the province of Wuhan (China) and spread around the world producing high mortality rates and economic losses. Nowadays, the WHO recognizes traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine for treating COVID-19 symptoms. Therefore, we investigated the antiviral potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Uncaria tomentosa stem bark from Peru against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. The antiviral activity of U. tomentosa against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro was assessed in Vero E6 cells using cytopathic effect (CPE) and plaque reduction assay. After 48 h of treatment, U. tomentosa showed an inhibition of 92.7% of SARS-CoV-2 at 25.0 μg/mL (

p
<
0.0001

) by plaque reduction assay on Vero E6 cells. In addition, U. tomentosa induced a reduction of 98.6% (

p
=
0.02

) and 92.7% (

p
=
0.03

) in the CPE caused by SARS-CoV-2 on Vero E6 cells at 25 μg/mL and 12.5 μg/mL, respectively. The EC50 calculated for the U. tomentosa extract by plaque reduction assay was 6.6 μg/mL (4.89–8.85 μg/mL) for a selectivity index of 4.1. The EC50 calculated for the U. tomentosa extract by TCID50 assay was 2.57 μg/mL (1.05–3.75 μg/mL) for a selectivity index of 10.54. These results showed that U. tomentosa, known as cat's claw, has an antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2, which was observed as a reduction in the viral titer and CPE after 48 h of treatment on Vero E6 cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that U. tomentosa stem bark could be promising in the development of new therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2.
Preoperative ICG Test to Predict Posthepatectomy Liver Failure and Postoperative Outcomes in Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Min , Wang Jie , Song Jieqiong , Shen Feng , Song Lujun , Ni Xiaoling , Suo Tao , Liu Han , Zhong Ming , Liu Houbao
Published: February 2021

Preoperative evaluation of hepatic functional reserve in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (hCCA) has vital clinical significance for prevention of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) and mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical significance of the indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes (ICG R15) and related factors of postoperative outcomes in patients with hCCA. 147 patients who scheduled for hCCA resection underwent a preoperative ICG test between May 2015 and May 2020 and were prospectively analyzed. Single‐factor analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for PHLF and postoperative outcomes in hCCA. After univariate analysis, significant differences in ICG R15 were found between the PHLF group and the liver function recovered well (LFRW) group (P ≤ 0.05). In terms of postoperative complications, ICG R15 was also a risk factor for moderate‐to‐severe postoperative complications. Preoperative ICG R15 was significantly associated with PHLF and moderate‐to‐severe postoperative complications. ICG R15 may become an ideal clinical indicator for the evaluation of liver function reserve before hCCA and can better predict the postoperative complications.
Advanced Molecular Characterization Using Digital Spatial Profiling Technology on Immunooncology Targets in Methylated Compared with Unmethylated IDH-Wildtype Glioblastoma
Authors: Barber H. , Tofias A. , Lander B. , Daniels A. , Gong J. , Ren Y. , Ren X. , Liang Y. , White P. , Kurian K. M.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary adult brain tumour with a median overall survival (OS) of 12–15 months. Molecular characterization of multiple immunooncology targets in GBM may help target novel immunotherapeutic strategies. We used NanoString GeoMx® Digital Spatial Profiling (DSP) to assess multiple immunooncology protein targets in methylated versus unmethylated IDH-wild-type glioblastoma. Methods. NanoString GeoMx® DSP technology uses multiple primary antibodies conjugated to indexing DNA oligos with a UV photocleavable linker. Tissue regions of interest (ROIs) are selected with bound fluorescent antibodies; oligos are released via a UV-mediated linker and quantitated. We used DSP multiplex analysis of 31 immunooncology proteins and controls (CD4, CD14, CD68, CD8A, B7-H3, PD-L1, CD19, FOXP3, CD44, STAT3 (phospho Y705), CD45, Pan Cytokeratin, MS4A1/CD20, CD45RO, PD1, CD3, beta-2 microglobulin, VISTA, Bcl2, GZMB, PTEN, beta-catenin, CD56, Ki-67, STAT3, AKT, p-Akt, S6, Histone H3, IgG Rabbit control, and Mouse IgG control) from ROIs in a cohort of 10 IDH-wild-type glioblastomas (5 methylated and 5 unmethylated). An nCounter platform allowed quantitative comparisons of antibodies between ROIs in MGMT methylated and unmethylated tumours. Mean protein expression counts between methylated and unmethylated GBM were compared using technical and biological replicates. Results. The analysis showed 10/27 immunooncology target proteins were significantly increased in methylated versus unmethylated IDH-wild-type glioblastoma tumour core (false discovery rate (FDR) <0.1 by Benjamini–Hochberg procedure). Conclusions. NanoString GeoMx® DSP was used to analyse multiple immunooncology protein target expression in methylated versus unmethylated IDH-wild-type glioblastoma. In this small study, there was a statistical increase in CD4, CD14, CD68, CD8A, B7-H3, PDL-1, CD19, FOXP3, CD44, and STAT3 protein expression in methylated versus unmethylated GBM tumour core; however, this requires larger cohort validation. Advanced multiplex immunooncological biomarker analysis may be useful in identifying biomarkers for novel immunotherapeutic agents in GBMs.
Event Shape and Multiplicity Dependence of Freeze-Out Scenario and System Thermodynamics in Proton+Proton Collisions at

s

=
13

TeV
Using PYTHIA8
Authors: Tripathy Sushanta , Bisht Ashish , Sahoo Raghunath , Khuntia Arvind , Panikkassery Salvan Malavika
Published: February 2021

Recent observations of QGP-like conditions in high-multiplicity pp collisions from ALICE experiment at the LHC warrant an introspection whether to use pp collisions as a baseline measurement to characterize heavy-ion collisions for the possible formation of a Quark-Gluon Plasma. A double differential study of the particle spectra and thermodynamics of the produced system as a function of charged-particle multiplicity and transverse spherocity in pp collisions would shed light on the underlying event dynamics. Transverse spherocity, one of the event shape observables, allows to separate the events in terms of jetty and isotropic events. We analyse the identified particle transverse momentum (

p

T

) spectra as a function of charged-particle multiplicity and transverse spherocity using Tsallis nonextensive statistics and Boltzmann-Gibbs Blast-Wave (BGBW) model in pp collisions at

s

=
13
 
TeV

using PYTHIA8 event generator. The extracted parameters such as temperature (

T

), radial flow (

β

), and nonextensive parameter (

q

) are shown as a function of charged-particle multiplicity for different spherocity classes. We observe that the isotropic events approach thermal equilibrium while the jetty ones remain far from equilibrium. We argue that, while studying the QGP-like conditions in small systems, one should separate the isotropic events from the spherocity-integrated events, as the production dynamics are different.
Comparison of the Fatty Acid Metabolism Pathway in Pan-Renal Cell Carcinoma: Evidence from Bioinformatics
Authors: Wu Ping , Xu Yingkun , Li Jiayi , Li Xiaowei , Zhang Peizhi , Ruan Ningke , Zhang Cong , Sun Panpan , Wang Qifei , Wu Guangzhen
Published: February 2021

This study analyzed and compared the potential role of fatty acid metabolism pathways in three subtypes of renal cell carcinoma. Biological pathways that were abnormally up- and downregulated were identified through gene set variation analysis in the subtypes. Abnormal downregulation of the fatty acid metabolism pathway occurred in all three renal cell carcinoma subtypes. Alteration of the fatty acid metabolism pathway was vital in the development of pan-renal cell carcinoma. Bioinformatics methods were used to obtain a panoramic view of copy number variation, single-nucleotide variation, mRNA expression, and the survival landscape of fatty acid metabolism pathway-related genes in pan-renal cell carcinoma. Most importantly, we used genes related to the fatty acid metabolism pathway to establish a prognostic-related risk model in the three subtypes of renal cell carcinoma. The data will be valuable for future clinical treatment and scientific research.
Supply Chain Investment in Carbon Emission‐Reducing Technology Based on Stochasticity and Low‐Carbon Preferences
Authors: Yu Shan , Hou Qiang
Published: February 2021

Due to excessive greenhouse gas emissions, carbon emission‐reducing measures are urgently needed. Important emission‐reduction measures mainly include carbon trading and low‐carbon cost subsidies. Comprehensive consideration of these two policies is a research hotspot in the field of low‐carbon technology investment. Based on this background, this paper considers the impact of consumer low‐carbon preferences on market demand and the impact of uncertainty in carbon emission‐reduction behaviour. We construct a stochastic differential game model with upstream and downstream enterprises based on cost‐sharing coordination under a cost subsidy. From a dynamic perspective, this paper researches the optimal equilibrium strategy and evolution characteristics of the joint emission‐reduction mechanism in a supply chain. This paper discusses the sensitivity of the parameters and uses numerical simulation to verify the impact of each parameter on the emission‐reduction decision‐making activities of stakeholders after introducing the cost subsidy. The results show that a cost subsidy policy can promote carbon emission‐reduction investment and supply chain profit. Thus, it is important to strengthen technical cooperation and exchange among enterprises.
Epidemiology of Drug‐ and Herb‐Induced Liver Injury Assessed for Causality Using the Updated RUCAM in Two Hospitals from China
Authors: Chen Yongwu , Wang Chongwei , Yang Hui , Huang Ping , Shi Jiana , Tong Yongxi , Jiang Jinying , Zhang Xin , Chen Wanyuan , Xuan Zixue
Published: February 2021

Drug‐ and herb‐induced liver injury (DILI and HILI) is an increasingly common and serious condition. Here, data for DILI and HILI patients from two large tertiary hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics, causes and severity of DILI and HILI, the correlation between expression of p62 and the severity of DILI and HILI, treatment of DILI and HILI, and the prognostic factors of DILI and HILI were studied. A total of 82 patients with DILI and HILI were recruited for the study. Most patients presented with hepatocellular injury, followed by cholestatic injury and mixed injury. Our results indicate that traditional Chinese medicine or herbal and dietary supplements were the prevalent causal agents of HILI, which was characterized by higher frequencies of hepatocellular injury. Expression of p62 in the liver correlated with the severity of DILI and HILI. Improvements in the results of the liver enzymatic tests correlated with alanine transaminase (ALT) levels upon the first diagnosis of DILI and HILI and with the hepatocellular type of DILI and HILI. In conclusion, we provide an epidemiological assessment of DILI and HILI based on causality using the updated RUCAM on patients from two hospitals in China. ALT levels at first diagnosis and the hepatocellular type of injury may be prognostic factors of DILI and HILI.
COVID-19 Disruptions to Endoscopic Surveillance in Lynch Syndrome
Authors: McKenna Danielle B. , Dudzik Christina M. , Kumar Shria , Mahmud Nadim , Katona Bryson W.
Published: February 2021

Disruptions in cancer screening due to the COVID-19 pandemic may disproportionally affect patients with inherited cancer predisposition syndromes, including Lynch syndrome. Herein, we study the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on endoscopic surveillance in Lynch syndrome through a prospective study of patients with Lynch syndrome at a tertiary referral center who were scheduled for endoscopic surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown between March 16, 2020 and June 4, 2020. Of our cohort of 302 individuals with Lynch syndrome, 34 (11%) had endoscopic procedures scheduled during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. Of the 27 patients whose endoscopic surveillance was canceled during this period, 85% rescheduled procedures within 6 months with a median delay of 72 days [interquartile range (IQR), 55–84 days], with identification of an advanced adenoma or gastrointestinal cancer in 13%. Individuals who did not have a rescheduled endoscopic procedure were significantly younger than those with a rescheduled procedure [age 35 (IQR, 26–43) vs. age 55 (IQR, 43–63), P = 0.018]. Male sex was also suggestive of increasing likelihood of not having a rescheduled procedure. Taken together, our study demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown led to delayed endoscopic surveillance in Lynch syndrome, with potentially impactful delays among young patients. These data also emphasize the importance of timely surveillance in Lynch syndrome during this current, as well as potential future, global pandemics.

Prevention Relevance:

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented disruptions in cancer screening, which may have disproportionate effects on individuals at increased cancer risk, including those with Lynch syndrome. Herein, we show that the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant disruptions in Lynch syndrome surveillance with potentially impactful delays, thus highlighting the importance of ensuring timely surveillance among this high-risk cohort.
КЛІНІКО-ПАТОГЕНЕТИЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ КРОПИВ’ЯНКИ НА ТЛІ ЛАЙМ-БОРЕЛІОЗУ
Authors: Petruk А. M.
Published: February 2021

РЕЗЮМЕ. Алергічні захворювання належать до одних з найпоширеніших патологій, вони вражають 15–35 % населення різних країн. За даними вітчизняних авторів, частота виникнення кропив’янок – від 3 до 15 %. Вважають, що практично кожна людина в своєму житті має 1–2 епізоди кропив’янки, а до 5 % людей (частіше – жінки віком понад 35 років) хворіють нею постійно чи періодично.

Мета – проаналізувати літературні дані та сформулювати висновки щодо клініко-патогенетичних особливостей кропив’янки на тлі Лайм-бореліозу.

Матеріал і методи. У дослідженні застосовано інформаційний, бібліосистематичний та аналітичний методи в міжнародних медичних інформаційних електронних базах даних.

Результати. Для всіх видів кропив’янок характерний загальний патогенетичний механізм – підвищення проникності судин мікроциркуляторного русла та гострий розвиток набряку в ділянці, що оточує ці судини. Найпоширенішим проявом хвороби Лайма є кільцеподібна еритема, однак у пацієнтів відзначаються також нетипові ураження шкіри, які включають уртикарні висипання. В літературі описані випадки перебігу Лайм-бореліозу без класичної кільцеподібної еритеми, з кількома епізодами кропив’янки в анамнезі. Дещо запізніле встановлення діагнозу в таких випадках збільшує шанси переходу в хронічну хворобу Лайма із відповідними труднощами в процесі лікування.

Висновки. Кропив’янка є складною проблемою, вирішення якої потребує міждисциплінарного підходу. Необхідне подальше вивчення особливостей патогенезу на тлі інфекційних захворювань, зокрема хвороби Лайма, що буде сприяти розширенню розуміння чинників, які формують перебіг кропив’янки, та, відповідно, розробці напрямків ефективного терапевтичного втручання.
МОРФОМЕТРИЧНА ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ГОЛОВНОГО МОЗКУ У ХВОРИХ НА ХРОНІЧНУ ІШЕМІЮ МОЗКУ
Authors: Nasalyk R. B.
Published: February 2021

РЕЗЮМЕ. Вивчення структурних змін головного мозку у пацієнтів з хронічною ішемією мозку (ХІМ), з᾽ясування їх зв᾽язку з когнітивними розладами сприяє удосконаленню діагностичних підходів та оптимізації прогнозування перебігу захворювання.

Мета – оцінити стан головного мозку за допомогою визначення морфометричних показників у хворих на ХІМ з наявністю гідроцефалії (ГЦ) та дослідити їх взаємозв᾽язок з когнітивною сферою.

Матеріал і методи. Проведено комплексне обстеження 140 пацієнтів з ХІМ та ГЦ. Враховували локалізацію ГЦ, дані Монреальського когнітивного тесту. Оцінювали дані комп᾽ютерної томографії головного мозку з подальшим визначенням морфометричних показників та індексів. Для статистичної обробки результатів користувались програмами Microsoft Excel 2011, Statistica.

Результати. За даними морфометрії, у пацієнтів з хронічною ішемією мозку виявляли як внутрішню форму ГЦ (у 50 хворих (35,71 %)), так і зовнішню (у 30 хворих (21,43 %)) та змішану ГЦ (у 60 хворих (42,86 %)). Середній бал за шкалою МОСА у хворих на ХІМ з ГЦ склав (15,65±4,11), у хворих на ХІМ без ГЦ – (20,64±2,59). Встановлено помірний зворотний кореляційний зв᾽язок (r=-0,39, р=0,010) між значенням за шкалою МоСА та розміром лівого бокового шлуночка, МоСА/ІХ (r=-0,32, р=0,016), МоСА/ІЦЧБШ (r=-0,31, р=0,043), МоСА/БФІ (r=-0,36, р=0,011), МоСА/індексом Шлатенбрандта – Нюрнберга (r=-0,44, р=0,012), МоСА/ІФР (r=-0,32, р=0,002), МоСА/3 шлуночок (r=-0,35, р=0,012); МоСА /САП (полюс лобної частки) (r=-0,30, р=0,012). У групах пацієнтів із внутрішньою та змішаною ГЦ виявлено вірогідно гірші морфометрчні характеристики. Встановлена залежність між морфометричними показниками, які свідчать про підкіркову та кіркову церебральну атрофію, та вираженням когнітивного дефіциту залежно від форми ГЦ.

Висновки. У пацієнтів з хронічною ішемією мозку змішану ГЦ було виявлено у 42 86 %, внутрішню – у 35,71 %, зовнішню – у 21,43 % обстежених. Виявлена залежність між морфометричними показниками, які свідчать про підкіркову та кіркову церебральну атрофію, та вираженням когнітивного дефіциту.