bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Extensive Study on Cross-Dataset Bias and Evaluation Metrics Interpretation for Machine Learning Applied to Gastrointestinal Tract Abnormality Classification
Authors: Thambawita Vajira , Jha Debesh , Hammer Hugo Lewi , Johansen Håvard D. , Johansen Dag , Halvorsen Pål , Riegler Michael A.
Published: June 2020

Precise and efficient automated identification of gastrointestinal (GI) tract diseases can help doctors treat more patients and improve the rate of disease detection and identification. Currently, automatic analysis of diseases in the GI tract is a hot topic in both computer science and medical-related journals. Nevertheless, the evaluation of such an automatic analysis is often incomplete or simply wrong. Algorithms are often only tested on small and biased datasets, and cross-dataset evaluations are rarely performed. A clear understanding of evaluation metrics and machine learning models with cross datasets is crucial to bring research in the field to a new quality level. Toward this goal, we present comprehensive evaluations of five distinct machine learning models using global features and deep neural networks that can classify 16 different key types of GI tract conditions, including pathological findings, anatomical landmarks, polyp removal conditions, and normal findings from images captured by common GI tract examination instruments. In our evaluation, we introduce performance hexagons using six performance metrics, such as recall, precision, specificity, accuracy, F1-score, and the Matthews correlation coefficient to demonstrate how to determine the real capabilities of models rather than evaluating them shallowly. Furthermore, we perform cross-dataset evaluations using different datasets for training and testing. With these cross-dataset evaluations, we demonstrate the challenge of actually building a generalizable model that could be used across different hospitals. Our experiments clearly show that more sophisticated performance metrics and evaluation methods need to be applied to get reliable models rather than depending on evaluations of the splits of the same dataset—that is, the performance metrics should always be interpreted together rather than relying on a single metric.
Inside Importance Factors of Graph-Based Keyword Extraction on Chinese Short Text
Authors: Chen Junjie , Hou Hongxu , Gao Jing
Published: June 2020

Keywords are considered to be important words in the text and can provide a concise representation of the text. With the surge of unlabeled short text on the Internet, automatic keyword extraction task has proven useful in other information processing applications. Graph-based approaches are prevalent unsupervised models for this task. However, most of these methods emphasize the importance of the relation between words without considering other importance factors. Furthermore, when measuring the importance of a word in a text, the damping factor is set to 0.85 following PageRank. To the best of our knowledge, there is no existing work investigating the impact of the damping factor on the keyword extraction task. In addition, there are few publicly available labeled Chinese short text datasets for this task. In this article, we investigate the importance parts of words in a given document and propose an improved graph-based method for keyword extraction from short documents. Moreover, we analyze the impact of importance factors on performance. We also provide annotated long and short Chinese datasets for this task. The model is performed on Chinese and English datasets, and results show that our model obtains improvements in performance over the previous unsupervised models on short documents. Comparative experiments show that the damping factor is related to the text length, which is neglected in traditional methods.
Products of Euclidean Metrics, Applied to Proximity Problems among Curves
Authors: Emiris Ioannis Z. , Psarros Ioannis
Published: June 2020

Approximate Nearest Neighbor (ANN) search is a fundamental computational problem that has benefited from significant progress in the past couple of decades. However, most work has been devoted to pointsets, whereas complex shapes have not been sufficiently addressed. Here, we focus on distance functions between discretized curves in Euclidean space: They appear in a wide range of applications, from road segments and molecular backbones to time-series in general dimension. For ℓ

p

-products of Euclidean metrics, for any constant
p
, we propose simple and efficient data structures for ANN based on randomized projections: These data structures are of independent interest. Furthermore, they serve to solve proximity questions under a notion of distance between discretized curves, which generalizes both discrete Fréchet and Dynamic Time Warping distance functions. These are two very popular and practical approaches to comparing such curves. We offer, for both approaches, the first data structures and query algorithms for ANN with arbitrarily good approximation factor, at the expense of increasing space usage and preprocessing time over existing methods. Query time complexity is comparable or significantly improved by our methods; our algorithm is especially efficient when the length of the curves is bounded. Finally, we focus on discrete Fréchet distance when the ambient space is high dimensional and derive complexity bounds in terms of doubling dimension as well as an improved approximate near neighbor search.
HLAs, TCRs, and KIRs, a Triumvirate of Human Cell-Mediated Immunity
Authors: Djaoud Zakia , Parham Peter
Published: June 2020

In all human cells, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I glycoproteins assemble with a peptide and take it to the cell surface for surveillance by lymphocytes. These include natural killer (NK) cells and γδ T cells of innate immunity and αβ T cells of adaptive immunity. In healthy cells, the presented peptides derive from human proteins, to which lymphocytes are tolerant. In pathogen-infected cells, HLA class I expression is perturbed. Reduced HLA class I expression is detected by KIR and CD94:NKG2A receptors of NK cells. Almost any change in peptide presentation can be detected by αβ CD8+T cells. In responding to extracellular pathogens, HLA class II glycoproteins, expressed by specialized antigen-presenting cells, present peptides to αβ CD4+T cells. In comparison to the families of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, MHC class II and αβ T cell receptors, the antigenic specificity of the γδ T cell receptors is incompletely understood.
Zona Pellucida Proteins, Fibrils, and Matrix
Authors: Litscher Eveline S. , Wassarman Paul M.
Published: June 2020

The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular matrix that surrounds all mammalian oocytes, eggs, and early embryos and plays vital roles during oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. The ZP is composed of three or four glycosylated proteins, ZP1–4, that are synthesized, processed, secreted, and assembled into long, cross-linked fibrils by growing oocytes. ZP proteins have an immunoglobulin-like three-dimensional structure and a ZP domain that consists of two subdomains, ZP-N and ZP-C, with ZP-N of ZP2 and ZP3 required for fibril assembly. A ZP2–ZP3 dimer is located periodically along ZP fibrils that are cross-linked by ZP1, a protein with a proline-rich N terminus. Fibrils in the inner and outer regions of the ZP are oriented perpendicular and parallel to the oolemma, respectively, giving the ZP a multilayered appearance. Upon fertilization of eggs, modification of ZP2 and ZP3 results in changes in the ZP's physical and biological properties that have important consequences. Certain structural features of ZP proteins suggest that they may be amyloid-like proteins.
The Research on Strain-Softening Characteristics and Local Fracture Law of Deep Granite Roadway
Authors: Sun Chuang , Ao Yunhe , Wang Laigui
Published: June 2020

The complex mechanical properties of deep surrounding rocks during excavation and unloading have always been a concern in engineering communities. Based on deep roadway engineering, the mechanical properties of granite strain-softening were investigated by laboratory tests. An exponential relationship between granite peak softening modulus and confining pressure was obtained using a nonlinear fitting method. A strain-softening model was developed based on plasticity theory for granite which took into account the nonlinear dilatancy angle and confining pressure. A mathematical model was developed using FLAC3D as platform. By developing a numerical model for a deep roadway, the local fracture characteristics of deep surrounding rocks under strain-softening conditions were evaluated. It has been found that the postpeak failure of granite had a tendency for brittle-ductile transformation. Under high confining pressure conditions, granite exhibited brittle failure characteristics during the postpeak period, and the postpeak softening modulus was decreased with the increase of confining pressure. From FLAC3D numerical calculations, it was found that the numerical models of different mesh densities had basically the same characteristic curves of surrounding rocks, which showed that the local cracking phenomenon had little effect on calculation results when the convergence constraint method was applied for the calculation of the stability of supporting structures and surrounding rocks. It was seen from the numerical simulation analyses of surrounding rock local fracture properties in deep roadways that plastic shear strain appeared in the local areas of roadway vault and arch foot, which basically coincided with the damage location and depth of surrounding roadway rocks.
Factors Associated with Acculturative Stress among International Medical Students
Authors: Iorga Magdalena , Soponaru Camelia , Muraru Iulia-Diana , Socolov Sofia , Petrariu Florin-Dumitru
Published: June 2020

There is an array of reasons why acculturation can be stressful, and acculturative stress can be triggered by a plethora of factors. The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with acculturative stress among international students enrolled in a public medical university from Romania. 265 students were included in the research. Sociodemographic, academic, and family data, comfortability with living in study city, satisfaction with administrative staff, colleagues, and professors and Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students were gathered. Data have been processed using SPSS Statistics v23.0.0 for MAC.OSX. Female students are more prone to experience homesickness and stress due to change compared to male students. International students with Romanian origins had lower scores on perceived hate and stress due to change/culture shock compared to those with no Romanian origins. Students with relatives or friends enrolled in the same university had significantly lower levels of acculturative stress, perceived discrimination, perceived hate/rejection, and general/nonspecific concerns. Age and year of study are associated with homesickness and stress due to change/culture shock. The existence of factors associated with acculturative stress demand institutional, social, and psychological support for international students.
Gypenoside Inhibits Endothelial Cell Apoptosis in Atherosclerosis by Modulating Mitochondria through PI3K/Akt/Bad Pathway
Authors: Song Nan , Jia Lianqun , Cao Huimin , Ma Yixin , Chen Ning , Chen Si , Lv Xiaoming , Yang Guanlin
Published: June 2020

Atherosclerosis remains the most common cause of deaths worldwide. Endothelial cell apoptosis is an important process in the progress of atherosclerosis, as it can cause the endothelium to lose their capability in regulating the lipid homeostasis, inflammation, and immunity. Endothelial cell injury can disrupt the integrity and barrier function of an endothelium and facilitate lipid deposition, leading to atherogenesis. Chinese medicine techniques for preventing and treating atherosclerosis are gaining attention, especially natural products. In this study, we demonstrated that gypenoside could decrease the levels of serum lipid, alleviate the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, and lessen aortic intima thickening. Gypenoside potentially activates the PI3K/Akt/Bad signal pathway to modulate the apoptosis‐related protein expression in the aorta. Moreover, gypenoside downregulated mitochondrial fission and fusion proteins, mitochondrial energy‐related proteins in the mouse aorta. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a new function of gypenoside in endothelial apoptosis and suggested a therapeutic potential of gypenoside in atherosclerosis associated with apoptosis by modulating mitochondrial function through the PI3K/Akt/Bad pathway.
Chronic Active Epstein‐Barr Virus‐Associated Enteritis: CT Findings and Clinical Manifestation
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wang Xia , Tian Xiaoyan , Cai Yongping , Wu Xingwang
Published: June 2020

Aim. To improve the identification and computed tomography (CT) diagnostic accuracy of chronic active Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐associated enteritis (CAEAE) by evaluating its CT findings and clinical manifestation. Methods. The data of three patients with pathologically and clinically confirmed CAEAE who underwent CT enterography (CTE) were retrospectively reviewed from January 2018 to October 2019. The following data were evaluated: imaging characteristics (length of involvement, pattern of mural thickening, pattern of attenuation, perienteric abnormalities), clinical symptoms, endoscopic records, laboratory examinations, and pathologic findings. Results. Based on CT findings, two patients demonstrated segmental bowel wall thickening (involvement length >6 cm), asymmetric thickening, layered attenuation, fat stranding, and adenopathy, whereas the remaining one had no positive finding. The endoscopic results of all patients showed numerous irregular ulcers in the colon, and one patient had a focal esophageal ulcer. The major clinical symptoms were abdominal pain (n = 3), retrosternal pain (n = 1), fever (n = 3), diarrhea (n = 2), hematochezia (n = 1), and adenopathy (n = 3). The main laboratory examination indicators were increased serum EBV DNA load (n = 1) and increased inflammatory markers (n = 3). With regard to the main pathologic findings, all patients showed positive EBV‐encoded RNA (EBER) situ hybridization in the colonic biopsy specimen, with one patient being positive in the esophagus. Conclusion. CAEAE is rare and is usually misdiagnosed as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The imaging features of CAEAE overlap with those of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The presence of segmental and asymmetric bowel wall thickening, layered attenuation, and fat stranding in the CTE image may be helpful in differentiating CAEAE from IBD.
Blunt Thoracic Trauma-Induced Mitral Papillary Muscle Avulsion with Pericardial Rupture and Cardiac Herniation: Difficult and Delayed Diagnoses
Authors: McCauley Ross , Shariff Faisal , Steinberg Michael , Bemenderfer Thomas B. , Davis Patrick , Thompson Mark , Lesh Christopher , Walsh Mark , Evans Edward
Published: June 2020

Blunt thoracic trauma (BTT) and the resultant isolated mitral papillary muscle avulsion, pericardial rupture, and cardiac herniation injuries are each rarely diagnosed clinical entities. We describe the first case of combined pericardial tear with cardiac herniation and ruptured mitral papillary muscles following BTT. Preoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) diagnosed the delayed mitral papillary muscle rupture while all previous diagnostic modalities failed to delineate the pericardial rupture and cardiac herniation. Particular emphasis is placed on the clinical and radiologic aspects of the case that would heighten clinical suspicion in the emergency setting where blunt cardiac injury sequelae are suspected and frequently missed.
Prioritization of the Skills to Be Mastered for the Daily Jobs of Japanese Dental Hygienists
Authors: Nomura Yoshiaki , Kakuta Erika , Okada Ayako , Yamamoto Yuko , Tomonari Hiroshi , Hosoya Noriyasu , Hanada Nobuhiro , Yoshida Naomi , Takei Noriko
Published: June 2020

Dental hygienists require proficiency in a wide variety of job skills. Dental hygienists should master their job skills step by step, and the prioritization of these steps is important. In this study, we investigated the frequency at which Japanese dental hygienists performed daily jobs and attempted to classify the jobs according to the proficiency levels. The aim of this study was to surmise the order in which skills should be mastered in terms of priority and to investigate the relationship between daily jobs and the motivation for completing jobs. The Japan Dental Hygienists’ Association conducts a survey on the employment status of dental hygienists in Japan every five years. The questionnaire is distributed to all members of the Japan Dental Hygienists’ Association. In this study, the responses of 3,807 dental hygienists who worked at dental clinics were analyzed. We analyzed 77 kinds of daily jobs and the items regarding the motivation to work. For the analysis, item response theory (IRT), structural equation modeling (SEM), and logistic regression analysis were applied. According to the item response curve, the jobs were classified into 11 clusters. The jobs classified into Cluster 1 were the jobs that most of the average-proficiency Japanese dental hygienists performed. Scaling and root planing were the representative jobs in Cluster 1. Performing the jobs classified into Cluster 5 clearly discriminated whether the dental hygienists were performing multiple jobs. Jobs concerning care for elderly or disabled patients were classified into Cluster 5. Jobs concerning gerodontology, implants, management of staff, and consultations were significantly associated with the motivation to perform jobs. Polishing and adjustment of orthodontic apparatuses was negatively associated with the motivation to perform jobs. Understanding the features of each daily job of dental hygienists is important for planning dental hygienists’ lifelong educational programs and evaluating their skill levels and proficiency levels. The results presented in this study may help to reveal the characteristics of dental hygienists’ daily jobs.
Stability Analysis of a Fractional-Order Model for Abstinence Behavior of Registration on the Electoral Lists
Authors: Balatif O. , Boujallal L. , Labzai A. , Rachik M.
Published: June 2020

In this work, we propose a fractional-order model that describes the dynamics of citizens who have the right to register on the electoral lists and the negative influence of abstainers on the potential electors. By using Routh–Hurwitz criteria and constructing Lyapunov functions, the local and the global stability of abstaining-free equilibrium and abstaining equilibrium are obtained. Finally, some numerical simulations are performed to verify the theoretical analysis, and they are given for different parameter setting of the order of derivative α.
Investigation on the Mechanism of Qubi Formula in Treating Psoriasis Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Zhou Lin , Zhang Lingyun , Tao Disheng
Published: June 2020

Objective. To elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms of Qubi Formula (QBF), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula which has been demonstrated as an effective therapy for psoriasis in China. Methods. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, BATMAN‐TCM database, and literature search were used to excavate the pharmacologically active ingredients of QBF and to predict the potential targets. Psoriasis‐related targets were obtained from Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), DrugBank database (DBD), MalaCards database, and DisGeNET database. Then, we established the network concerning the interactions of potential targets of QBF with well‐known psoriasis‐related targets by using protein‐protein interaction (PPI) data in String database. Afterwards, topological parameters (including DNMC, Degree, Closeness, and Betweenness) were calculated to excavate the core targets of Qubi Formula in treating psoriasis (main targets in the PPI network). Cytoscape was used to construct the ingredients‐targets core network for Qubi Formula in treating psoriasis, and ClueGO was used to perform GO‐BP and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on these core targets. Results. The ingredient‐target‐disease core network of QBF in treating psoriasis was screened to contain 175 active ingredients, which corresponded to 27 core targets. Additionally, enrichment analysis suggested that targets of QBF in treating psoriasis were mainly clustered into multiple biological processes (associated with nuclear translocation of proteins, cellular response to multiple stimuli (immunoinflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and nutrient substance), lymphocyte activation, regulation of cyclase activity, cell‐cell adhesion, and cell death) and related pathways (VEGF, JAK‐STAT, TLRs, NF‐κB, and lymphocyte differentiation‐related pathways), indicating the underlying mechanisms of QBF on psoriasis. Conclusion. In this work, we have successfully illuminated that Qubi Formula could relieve a wide variety of pathological factors (such as inflammatory infiltration and abnormal angiogenesis) of psoriasis in a “multicompound, multitarget, and multipathway” manner by using network pharmacology. Moreover, our present outcomes might shed light on the further clinical application of QBF on psoriasis treatment.
On the Exact Solutions of Two (3+1)-Dimensional Nonlinear Differential Equations
Authors: Meng Fanning , Gu Yongyi
Published: June 2020

In this article, exact solutions of two (3+1)-dimensional nonlinear differential equations are derived by using the complex method. We change the (3+1)-dimensional B-type Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (BKP) equation and generalized shallow water (gSW) equation into the complex differential equations by applying traveling wave transform and show that meromorphic solutions of these complex differential equations belong to class W, and then, we get exact solutions of these two (3+1)-dimensional equations.
Association between Adiponectin Gene Polymorphism and Environmental Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among the Chinese Population in Hohhot
Authors: Cui Meng , Gao Yumin , Zhao Yanping , Pang Hui , Chen Le , Wang Zhidi , Zhao Lingyan , Li Minhui
Published: June 2020

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between adiponectin gene polymorphisms rs10937273, rs1501299, rs182052, rs2241767, and rs266729 and environmental risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Hohhot. The study explored different models of gene‐environment interactions, aimed at providing approaches for the prevention and control of T2DM in combination with the characteristics of the local population. Methods. A case‐control study was conducted including 406 Chinese participants, comprising 203 cases and 203 controls from various hospitals. Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene polymorphisms rs10937273, rs1501299, rs182052, rs2241767, and rs266729 were detected using an improved multiple ligation detection reaction technique. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) and logistic regression were conducted to analyze the associations between adiponectin gene polymorphisms and T2DM, as well as the interactions between adiponectin gene polymorphisms and environmental factors. Results. ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms rs10937273, rs1501299, rs182052, rs2241767, and rs266729 were associated with type 2 diabetes. Based on the haplotype of the five adiponectin gene single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci, we found that G‐G‐A‐A‐C was a susceptible haplotype of T2DM (P < 0.05). Interaction analyses demonstrated associations between rs1501299 and central obesity (consistency = 80%, P = 0.011) and between rs266729 and rs182052 and central obesity (consistency = 70%, P = 0.011). Conclusions. Our findings indicate that there is an interaction between the ADIPOQ gene and central obesity, which provides new insights into the prevention and treatment of T2DM.
Design of a Magnetic Interaction-Based Vibration Absorber for Continuous Beam
Authors: Jiao Guyue
Published: June 2020

Classical absorber for vibration suppression of a continuous structure is constructed as a spring-mass oscillator, which only provides coupling force to suppress the vibration of primary structure. In this study, absorber beam is introduced and coupled on the continuous primary beam with magnetic interaction. Thus, the magnetic interaction and coupling bending moment affect the responses of primary beam. Based on the model of the system and Galerkin truncation, the natural frequencies for different magnetic parameters are obtained, which demonstrates that the fundamental frequency can be reduced to zero and the vibration of primary beam can be suppressed in a wide frequency band. Considering the vibration suppression on frequency band, we propose two criteria to evaluate the vibration suppression effect: one is the width of band for vibration suppression and the other is the width for vibration absorption. The two criteria not only show the vibration reduction effect but also correspond to different vibration suppression mechanism. Due to the advantages of zero fundamental frequency induced by the proposed magnetic interaction coupling and wide vibration suppression frequency band, utilizing absorber beam in vibration suppression of continuous structure has potential applications for flexible aim in the fields of manufacturing and aerospace.
Ecological Upgrade of Normal‐Strength Mortars by Using High Volume of GGBS
Authors: Chen Peiyuan , He Shicheng , Wang Pengju , Xu Ying , Hu Xiuping , Chen Qian
Published: June 2020

Normal‐strength concrete is widely used in construction sites considering the cost, technology, and structural safety. The ecological upgrade of such materials is more meaningful for the sustainable development in a greener way. To this end, the feasibility of ecological upgrade of normal‐strength mortars (NSM) by using high volume of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) (70%–90%) was evaluated in this paper. Comprehensive experiments were conducted to investigate the influences of experimental variables such as content of cement, curing temperature, and mass ratio of water to binder (w/b) on the fresh properties, compressive strength, hydration products, microstructure, and pore structure of NSM. Ecoefficiency evaluation was conducted based on the energy requirement for the whole production of cement and GGBS. Experimental results showed that ecological upgrade of NSM was viable and feasible. When substituting 70% to 90% cement by GGBS, the energy requirement of 1 t binder can be accordingly saved by 67% to 86%, and the performance energy can be reduced from 25.4 (kWh/t)/MPa to 6 to 8 (kWh/t)/MPa. With proper contents of GGBS (70% or 75%), the 28 d compressive strengths were acceptable with reductions less than 10%. Evaluated curing temperatures and decreased w/b were viable methods to promote the early‐age compressive strength of NSM incorporating high volume of GGBS. For instance, raising the curing temperature to 40°C can help achieve higher early‐age compressive strength than that of the control group. In addition, the pore sizes within ZII (<100 nm) of GGBS‐incorporated NSM were refined by over 20 nm.
Compression Performance of Newly Designed Replaceable Tubular Steel Piers
Authors: Li Haifeng , Zhao Xuehang , Sun Wei , Xiong Zhe
Published: June 2020

To rapidly restore the seismic behaviour of a portal steel bridge column after an earthquake, the installation of replaceable tubular steel piers at the root of a portal steel bridge column is proposed herein. In this study, various tubular steel piers with different structural measures were designed; an axial compression test and a numerical simulation of the newly designed tubular steel piers were performed. The effects of parameters such as the structure of stiffening rib, the strength of LYP steel plate, the size of low‐yield‐point (LYP) steel plate, and the size of outer constrained steel plate were discussed. The results indicate that local buckling of steel tubular plates is likely to occur at the upper or lower end of those specimens, which belong to type II‐A specimens with stiffened LYP steel tubular plates or type III‐A specimens with T‐shaped LYP steel plates, respectively. This led to the LYP steel plate cannot fully display its function. For type III‐B and III‐C specimens with embedded LYP steel plates and constrained steel plates on both sides, when the outer steel tubular plates buckle, the internally constrained LYP steel plates provide support for the outer steel tubular plates. The plastic deformation of the specimens is sufficient, and the deformation performance is good. For type IV‐A specimens with LYP steel tubular plates and constrained steel plates on both sides, the mechanical behaviour of the new tubular steel piers is significantly improved, and increasing the height of the constrained LYP steel tubular plate can improve the compressive behaviour of the new tubular steel pier. Considering the effect of the steel plate thickness on bearing capacity and deformation performance, the thickness tw of the outer constrained steel plate should be equal to the thickness t of the common steel tubular plate, and the thickness tf of the LYP steel tubular plate should satisfy t ≤ tf ≤ 2t. Finally, a design formula is proposed to calculate the axial bearing capacity of newly designed tubular steel piers with constrained LYP steel plates.
Myxedema Psychosis: Neuropsychiatric Manifestations and Rhabdomyolysis Unmasking Hypothyroidism
Authors: Sardar Sundus , Habib Mhd-Baraa , Sukik Aseel , Tanous Bashar , Mohamed Sara , Tahtouh Raad , Hamad Abdelrahman , Mohamed Mouhand F. H.
Published: June 2020

Background. Hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine disorder, often presenting with a spectrum of symptoms reflecting a hypothyroid state. It is also generally linked to causing mood swings, psychomotor slowing, and fatigue; however, in rare instances, it may lead to or induce acute psychosis, a condition referred to as myxedema psychosis (MP). We report a case of myxedema psychosis and present a literature review discussing its presentation, diagnosis, management, and prognosis. Case Presentation. A 36-year-old lady presented with one-week history of persecutory and paranoid delusions, along with visual and auditory hallucinations. She had no prior history of psychiatric illnesses. She underwent total thyroidectomy three years before the current presentation due to papillary thyroid cancer. She was not on regular follow-up, nor any specific therapy. On examination, she was agitated and violent. There were no signs of myxedema, and the physical exam was unremarkable. The initial workup showed a mild elevation in serum creatinine. Additional investigations revealed a high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) of 56.6 mIU/L, low free T4<0.5 pmol/L, elevated creatine kinase of 3601 U/L, and urine dipstick positive for blood, suggestive of myoglobinuria. MRI of the head was unremarkable. We diagnosed her as a case of myxedema psychosis and mild rhabdomyolysis. She was started on oral thyroxine 100 mcg/day, fluoxetine 20 mg daily, and as-needed haloperidol. She was closely followed and later transferred to the Psychiatry Hospital for further management. Within one week, her symptoms improved completely, and she was discharged off antipsychotics with additional scheduled follow-ups to monitor TFTs and observe for any recurrence. Discussion and Conclusion. Myxedema psychosis is a rare presentation of hypothyroidism—a common endocrine disorder. Scarce data are describing this entity; hence, there is currently a lack of awareness amongst clinicians regarding proper identification and management. Moreover, the atypical nature of presentations occasionally adds to a diagnostic dilemma. Thus, any patient with new-onset psychosis should be screened for hypothyroidism, and awareness of this entity must be emphasized amongst clinicians and guideline makers.
Bayesian Shrinkage Estimator of Burr XII Distribution
Authors: Hassan N. J. , Hadad J. Mahdi , Nasar A. Hawad
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we derive the generalized Bayesian shrinkage estimator of parameter of Burr XII distribution under three loss functions: squared error, LINEX, and weighted balance loss functions. Therefore, we obtain three generalized Bayesian shrinkage estimators (GBSEs). In this approach, we find the posterior risk function (PRF) of the generalized Bayesian shrinkage estimator (GBSE) with respect to each loss function. The constant formula of GBSE is computed by minimizing the PRF. In special cases, we derive two new GBSEs under the weighted loss function. Finally, we give our conclusion.
[Retracted] circITGA7 Functions as an Oncogene by Sponging miR‐198 and Upregulating FGFR1 Expression in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Li Siqi , Yang Junmei , Liu Xiaoting , Guo Rui , Zhang Ruidong
Published: June 2020

Background. Emerging evidence has indicated that circular RNAs (circRNAs), recognized as functional noncoding transcripts in eukaryotic cells, may be involved in regulating many physiological or pathological processes. However, the regulation and function of circular RNA circITGA7 in thyroid cancer (TC) remains unknown. Methods. In this study, we found that circITGA7 is upregulated in TC cell lines. We then performed functional analyses in the cell lines to support clinical findings. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that circITGA7 can directly bind to miR‐198 and reduce the inhibition effect of miR‐198 on target FGFR1 expression. Results. We reported an upregulation of circITGA7 in patients with TC. Silencing of circITGA7 inhibits metastasis and proliferation of TC cell lines in vitro. In addition, in the TC cell lines, the knockdown of circITGA7 or overexpression of miR‐198 significantly suppressed FGFR1 levels. Mechanistically, we found that circITGA7 acts as miR‐198 competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to regulate FGFR1 expression. Conclusions. In summary, circRNA circITGA7 may play a regulatory role in TC and may be a potential marker for TC diagnosis or progression.
Comparison of Two Percutaneous Atrial Septal Defect Occluders for Device Healing and Nickel Release in a Chronic Porcine Model
Authors: Jalal Zakaria , Boudjemline Younes , Iriart Xavier , Seguela Pierre-Emmanuel , Delmond Samantha , Loyer Virgine , Gonthier David , Bernus Olivier , Durand Marlène , Bordenave Laurence , Thambo Jean-Benoit
Published: June 2020

Aims. To investigate the healing process and nickel release of the Hyperion occluder (Comed BV, Netherlands), as compared to the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) (St. Jude Medical Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA) in a chronic swine model. Background. Some long-term complications occurring after percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) closure may be partially associated with an inappropriate healing of the device and increased nickel release. There is no direct comparative study of different occluders for healing and nickel release. Methods. After percutaneous ASD creation, 12 pigs were implanted with 15 mm Hyperion (n = 6) and 15 mm ASO (n = 6) devices. After 1 month (n = 3 for each device) and 3 months (n = 3 for each device) of follow-up, device explantation was performed and healing was assessed using histopathological workup. Systemic and tissular nickel release was performed. Results. Implantation was successful in 100% without complications. Device coverage was observed as early as 1 month after implantation and was almost complete after 3 months. A granulation tissue with a predominantly mononuclear inflammatory reaction was observed in contact with nitinol wires while an inflammatory reaction was seen in contact with textile fibers. We found no statistically significant difference between the 2 devices whether for histological grading scores or systemic nickel release, regardless to follow-up duration. Conclusions. In this preclinical study, we demonstrated that Amplatzer septal occluder and Hyperion occluder were not significantly different for device healing and nickel release processes.
A Morphology Filter-Assisted Extreme-Point Symmetric Mode Decomposition (MF-ESMD) Denoising Method for Bridge Dynamic Deflection Based on Ground-Based Microwave Interferometry
Authors: Liu Xianglei , Jiang Mengzhuo , Liu Ziqi , Wang Hui
Published: June 2020

Bridge dynamic deflection is an important indicator of structure safety detection. Ground-based microwave interferometry is widely used in bridge dynamic deflection monitoring because it has the advantages of noncontact measurement and high precision. However, due to the influences of various factors, there are many noises in the obtained dynamic deflection of bridges obtained by ground-based microwave interferometry. To reduce the impacts of noise for bridge dynamic deflection obtained with ground-based microwave interferometry, this paper proposes a morphology filter-assisted extreme-point symmetric mode decomposition (MF-ESMD) for the signal denoising of bridge dynamic deflection obtained by ground-based microwave interferometry. First, the original bridge dynamic deflection obtained with ground-based microwave interferometry was decomposed to obtain a series of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) with the ESMD method. Second, the noise-dominant IMFs were removed according to Spearman’s rho algorithm, and the other decomposed IMFs were reconstructed as a new signal. Finally, the residual noises in the reconstructed signal were further eliminated using the morphological filter method. The results of both the simulated and on-site experiments showed that the proposed MF-ESMD method had a powerful signal denoising ability.
Numerical Design of Sound-Insulating Material with Combined Cavities of Mixed Sizes
Authors: Wang Xu-wen , Li Shao-wei , Cheng Wei , Li Jing-rui , Fang Zhi , Wang Bing
Published: June 2020

In view of the low-frequency acoustic insulation performance and poor pressure resistance of a single cavity at present, finite element software COMSOL is used to establish an analysis model to calculate the sound transmission loss (TL) and compression performance of the sound-insulating material with combined cone cavities. The effectiveness of the numerical method is validated by comparing with the experimental results, and influence of the structural parameters of the cone cavity, the perforation, and the mixed cavity shape on the sound transmission loss is investigated.
5-DOF Dynamic Modeling of Rolling Bearing with Local Defect considering Comprehensive Stiffness under Isothermal Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication
Authors: Yan Pengfei , Yan Changfeng , Wang Kai , Wang Fengtao , Wu Lixiao
Published: June 2020

The sliding of the rolling element in the load zone would cause the bearing’s wear and failure at high speed under elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) condition. Aiming at this phenomenon, considering lubrication oil film, time-varying displacement, radial clearance, and comprehensive stiffness, a five degree-of-freedom (DOF) dynamic model of rolling bearing with local defect is proposed based on isothermal EHL and which is validated by experimental data. The variation of oil film stiffness, comprehensive stiffness, and vibration characteristics of rolling bearing is studied under different speeds and loads. The results show that the lubricating oils with different viscosities have a certain influence on the bearing oil film thickness and comprehensive stiffness. As the load increases, the oil film stiffness and comprehensive stiffness would increase, and the oil film thickness would decrease. And as the tangential speed increases, the oil film stiffness would increase, and the oil film thickness and comprehensive stiffness would decrease. The vibration amplitude of the rolling bearing is enhanced with the increase of the rotation speed and the radial load. This model is helpful for the optimization, the correct use of lubricants, and life prediction of rolling bearing.
Frequency of Screening and Prevalence of Neurosyphilis in Stroke Population
Authors: Targa Martins Rodrigo , Castilhos Raphael Machado , Silva da Silva Pablo , Costa Leticia Scaranto
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims: Syphilis and stroke are high prevalent diseases in south Brazil and estimates of concomitance and possible role of syphilis in acute stroke are lacking. Our aims are to estimate the prevalence of syphilis and neurosyphilis (NS) in a cohort of tertiary stroke center. Methods: We reviewed all hospital records of stroke/transitory ischemic attack (TIA) using International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, at discharge, frequency of syphilis screen, serology positivity, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and prevalence of NS in this stroke population applying CDC criteria. Results: Between 2015 and 2016, there were 1,436 discharges for cerebrovascular events and in 78% (1,119) of these cases, some syphilis screening was performed. We have found a frequency of positive serology for syphilis of 13% (143/1,119), and higher stroke severity was the main determinant for non-screening. Applying standard NS criteria, 4.7% (53/1,119) cases with CSF analysis had NS diagnosis: 8 based on CSF-Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) positive and 45 based on abnormal CSF white cells or protein, but CSF VDRL negative. NS VDRL positive cases were younger, had higher serum VDRL title, had more frequent HIV infection, and received NS treatment more often. Demographic and clinical characteristics were not different between NS VDRL negative and non-NS cases. Conclusion: Positive syphilis serology is frequent in patients with acute stroke/TIA in our region. Acute post-stroke CSF abnormalities make the diagnosis of NS difficult in the context of CSF VDRL negative.
Mepolizumab in Severe Eosinophilic Asthma: A 2-Year Follow-Up in Specialized Asthma Clinics in Greece: An Interim Analysis
Authors: Kallieri Maria , Zervas Eleftherios , Katsoulis Konstantinos , Fouka Eva , Porpodis Konstantinos , Samitas Konstantinos , Papaioannou Andriana I. , Kipourou Maria , Gaki Eleni , Vittorakis Stylianos , Markatos Miltiadis , Dimakou Katerina , Ampelioti Sevasti , Koukidou Sofia , Makris Michael , Ntakoula Maria , Mitrova Marija Hadji , Glynos Konstantinos , Antoniou Katerina M. , Gaga Mina , Tzanakis Nikolaos , Markopoulou Katerina , Papakosta Despoina , Bakakos Petros , Loukides Stelios
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Mepolizumab is a monoclonal antibody against IL-5 for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. The aim of the current study was to present a predesigned interim analysis of the data of patients who have completed 1 year of therapy with mepolizumab. Methods: This study is a prospective multicenter, noninterventional 2-year observational study and aims to describe the clinical benefit and safety profile of mepolizumab in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. Results: Compared to the year preceding the initiation of treatment, the annual rate of exacerbations decreased significantly, from 4.3 ± 2.3 to 1.3 ± 1.8; p < 0.0001. Forty-two patients received maintenance dose of oral corticosteroids (OCS) at baseline. From these patients at the end of 1 year of therapy with mepolizumab, 17 patients (40%) had achieved OCS discontinuation. A reduction in the median dose of OCS was also achieved. After 1 year of treatment with mepolizumab, the asthma control test score significantly increased from 16.3 ± 3.7 to 21.2 ± 3.8 (p < 0.0001). This marked clinical improvement was paralleled by a significant reduction of blood eosinophil count. All patients showed a considerable improvement of airflow limitation. In respect to adverse events of treatment with mepolizumab, 19 patients (27%) were recorded to have at least one such occurrence during their 1-year treatment. Conclusions: We have shown that in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, 1 year of treatment with mepolizumab was safe, resulted in significant reduction of the annual exacerbation rate, reduction (or even discontinuation) of the needed dose of OCS, and improvements of asthma control and lung function.
Sex-Specific Modulation of Blood Pressure and the Renin-Angiotensin System by ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) 2
Authors: Ji Hong , de Souza Aline M.A. , Bajaj Bilkish , Zheng Wei , Wu Xie , Speth Robert C. , Sandberg Kathryn
Published: June 2020

We showed ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) 2 is higher in the kidney of male compared with female mice. To further investigate this sex difference, we examined the role of ACE2 in Ang-[1–8] (angiotensin [1–8])–induced hypertension and regulation of the renin-angiotensin system in the kidney of WT (wild type) and Ace2 KO (knockout) mice. Mean arterial pressure rose faster in WT male than WT female mice after Ang-[1–8] infusion. This sex difference was attenuated in ACE2 KO mice. Ang-[1–8] infusion reduced glomerular AT1R (angiotensin type 1 receptor) binding in WT female mice by 30%, and deletion of
Ace2
abolished this effect. In contrast, Ang-[1–8] infusion increased glomerular AT1R binding in WT male mice by 1.2-fold, and this effect of Ang-[1–8] persisted in Ace2 KO male mice (1.3-fold). ACE2 also had an effect on renal protein expression of the neutral endopeptidase NEP (neprilysin), the enzyme that catabolizes Ang-[1–10] (angiotensin [1–10]), the precursor of Ang-[1–8]. Ang-[1–8] infusion downregulated NEP protein expression by 20% in WT male, whereas there was a slight increase in NEP expression in WT female mice. Deletion of Ace2 resulted in lowered NEP expression after Ang-[1-8] infusion in both sexes. These findings suggest sex-specific ACE2 regulation of the renin-angiotensin system contributes to female protection from Ang-[1–8]–induced hypertension. These findings have ramifications for the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, especially in hypertension since ACE2 is the SARS-CoV-2 receptor and hypertension is a major risk factor for poor outcomes.
Quill mites of the family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Prostigmata) parasitizing coraciiform birds (Aves: Coraciiformes)
Authors: SKORACKI MACIEJ , HROMADA MARTIN , SIKORA BOZENA
Published: June 2020

Three new species of the family Syringophilidae associated with birds of the pantropically distributed order Coraciiformes are described: two new species of the subfamily Picobiinae—Rafapicobia momoti sp. nov. ex the Rufous-capped Motmot Baryphthengus ruficapillus (Vieillot) (Momotidae) from Brazil, Rafapicobia brachypteraci sp. nov. ex the Rufous-headed Ground-Roller Atelornis crossleyi Sharpe (Brachypteraciidae) from Madagascar, and one new species of the subfamily Syringophilinae—Peristerophila coraciidus sp. nov. ex the Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis (Linnaeus) (Coraciidae) from Papua New Guinea. Additionally, the Collared Kingfisher, Todiramphus chloris (Boddaert) (Alcedinidae), is recorded as a new host for Peristerophila meropis Skoracki et al., 2017. In all these host families, syringophilids are recorded for the first time. Moreover, our findings represent the first records of picobiines from coraciiform birds. Currently, the fauna of quill mites associated with coraciiforms includes six species grouped in the three genera: Rafapicobia Skoracki, 2011, Peristerophila Kethley, 1970, and Syringophilopsis Kethley, 1970. All these genera seem to be typically telluravian and have been also recorded from passeriform birds.