bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertain Portfolio Selection with Borrowing Constraint and Background Risk
Authors: Lv Linjing , Zhang Bo , Peng Jin , Ralescu Dan A.
Published: January 2020

Due to the complexity of financial markets, there exist situations where security returns and background factor returns are available mainly based on experts’ subjective beliefs, such as in the case of lack of historical data. To deal with such indeterminate quantities, uncertain variables are introduced. Based on uncertainty theory, this paper discusses the distribution function of the optimal portfolio return. Two types of new uncertain programming models, namely, the chance-mean model and the measure-mean model, are proposed to make an optimal portfolio selection decision in an uncertain environment. It is proved that there exists an equivalent relation between the chance-mean model and a deterministic linear programming model, which leads to an approach to obtain the optimal solutions of the proposed models. Finally, some numerical examples are illustrated to show the modelling ideas and the effectiveness of the models.
Does Over-the-Counter Purchase of Antihistamines by Residents of Dhaka City, Bangladesh Align with the Prescribing Choices of the Physicians Practicing in That City?
Authors: Chadni Somaia H. , Banna Md. H. A. , Mollick Nafisa N. , Rupam Md. R. I. , Sultana Sharmin , Zaman Shadid U.
Published: January 2020

Most current guidelines recommend prescribing second-generation antihistamines (SGAs) over first-generation antihistamines because SGAs are less likely to cause sedation and impairment of heavy work performance. However, common residents who use these antihistamines as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are less likely to know that. So, this study was designed to compare the over-the-counter use of antihistamines by common residents with the prescribing preferences of physicians residing at Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Between June and August of 2017, a total of 100 Physicians from some of the top medical institutions of the city and 350 randomly selected common residents were directly interviewed with two separate semistructured questionnaires specifically designed for each population. Data was statistically analyzed using Fischer’s exact test, Spearman’s rank correlation test and Kendall’s tau rank correlation test. The data shows that physicians prefer second-generation antihistamines with fexofenadine (48.09% of the total responses), desloratadine (16.03%), and rupatadine (13.74%) taking the top spots. Cetirizine (29.46% of total responses), desloratadine (14.73%), and chlorpheniramine (14.52%) were the most used OTC antihistamines by the common residents. Statistical analysis with Fischer’s exact test revealed that the difference in preference of first-generation antihistamines between physicians and common residents were extremely significant (p<0.0001). Furthermore, cetirizine (which is known to have some degree of sedating activity) and chlorpheniramine are more preferred among common residents than among physicians (extremely significant difference, p<0.0001 in both cases). The study concludes that physicians of Dhaka City are complying with practice guidelines, but sedating antihistamines still retain some popularity among the common residents. Hence, a more engaging community pharmacy is needed to minimize adverse effects that can arise from OTC use of sedating antihistamines.
Combining Innovative Bioink and Low Cell Density for the Production of 3D-Bioprinted Cartilage Substitutes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Henrionnet Christel , Pourchet Léa , Neybecker Paul , Messaoudi Océane , Gillet Pierre , Loeuille Damien , Mainard Didier , Marquette Christophe , Pinzano Astrid
Published: January 2020

3D bioprinting offers interesting opportunities for 3D tissue printing by providing living cells with appropriate scaffolds with a dedicated structure. Biological advances in bioinks are currently promising for cell encapsulation, particularly that of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We present herein the development of cartilage implants by 3D bioprinting that deliver MSCs encapsulated in an original bioink at low concentration. 3D-bioprinted constructs (10×10×4 mm) were printed using alginate/gelatin/fibrinogen bioink mixed with human bone marrow MSCs. The influence of the bioprinting process and chondrogenic differentiation on MSC metabolism, gene profiles, and extracellular matrix (ECM) production at two different MSC concentrations (1 million or 2 million cells/mL) was assessed on day 28 (D28) by using MTT tests, real-time RT-PCR, and histology and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Then, the effect of the environment (growth factors such as TGF-β1/3 and/or BMP2 and oxygen tension) on chondrogenicity was evaluated at a 1 M cell/mL concentration on D28 and D56 by measuring mitochondrial activity, chondrogenic gene expression, and the quality of cartilaginous matrix synthesis. We confirmed the safety of bioextrusion and gelation at concentrations of 1 million and 2 million MSC/mL in terms of cellular metabolism. The chondrogenic effect of TGF-β1 was verified within the substitute on D28 by measuring chondrogenic gene expression and ECM synthesis (glycosaminoglycans and type II collagen) on D28. The 1 M concentration represented the best compromise. We then evaluated the influence of various environmental factors on the substitutes on D28 (differentiation) and D56 (synthesis). Chondrogenic gene expression was maximal on D28 under the influence of TGF-β1 or TGF-β3 either alone or in combination with BMP-2. Hypoxia suppressed the expression of hypertrophic and osteogenic genes. ECM synthesis was maximal on D56 for both glycosaminoglycans and type II collagen, particularly in the presence of a combination of TGF-β1 and BMP-2. Continuous hypoxia did not influence matrix synthesis but significantly reduced the appearance of microcalcifications within the extracellular matrix. The described strategy is very promising for 3D bioprinting by the bioextrusion of an original bioink containing a low concentration of MSCs followed by the culture of the substitutes in hypoxic conditions under the combined influence of TGF-β1 and BMP-2.
Automatic Classification of Hypertension Types Based on Personal Features by Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Nour Majid , Polat Kemal
Published: January 2020

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is an important disease seen among the public, and early detection of hypertension is significant for early treatment. Hypertension is depicted as systolic blood pressure higher than 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure higher than 90 mmHg. In this paper, in order to detect the hypertension types based on the personal information and features, four machine learning (ML) methods including C4.5 decision tree classifier (DTC), random forest, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and linear support vector machine (LSVM) have been used and then compared with each other. In the literature, we have first carried out the classification of hypertension types using classification algorithms based on personal data. To further explain the variability of the classifier type, four different classifier algorithms were selected for solving this problem. In the hypertension dataset, there are eight features including sex, age, height (cm), weight (kg), systolic blood pressure (mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (mmHg), heart rate (bpm), and BMI (kg/m2) to explain the hypertension status and then there are four classes comprising the normal (healthy), prehypertension, stage-1 hypertension, and stage-2 hypertension. In the classification of the hypertension dataset, the obtained classification accuracies are 99.5%, 99.5%, 96.3%, and 92.7% using the C4.5 decision tree classifier, random forest, LDA, and LSVM. The obtained results have shown that ML methods could be confidently used in the automatic determination of the hypertension types.
Chinese Herbal Formulas Miao‐Yi‐Ai‐Tang Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Lung Cancer Cells through Targeting β‐Catenin/AXIN and Presents Synergistic Effect with Cisplatin Suppressing Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Wei , Tan Tao , Liu Wei , Luo Xian , Zhang Jun , Yang Yi , Li Ruogu , Ge Zhengxing
Published: January 2020

Objective. Lung cancer is one of the major causes of cancer deaths worldwide, and the five‐year survival still remains low despite the improvement of screening, prevention, and treatment methods. Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used for tumor prevention and treatment. Miao‐Yi‐Ai‐Tang (Miao) is a novel herbal formulation and shows a potential anticancer effect. Materials and Methods. Human Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell was used for study in vitro. After treatments by Miao and Cisplatin (DDP), the invasion, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis of cells were detected by transwell, wound healing, CCK‐8, and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of β‐catenin, AXIN, and c‐myc was detected by qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry staining. Western blotting was applied for measuring the protein expression of β‐catenin. Subcutaneously transplanted tumor model of lung cancer NCI‐H446 was established to investigate the influence of Miao on tumor growth. Results. We found that Miao could inhibit invasion, migration, and proliferation and promote apoptosis of human lung cancer cells. Meanwhile, Miao and DDP presented synergy regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer cells. The percentage of lung cancer cells in S and G2 stages was increased markedly by Miao. Besides, the expression of c‐myc, AXIN, and β‐catenin was markedly inhibited by Miao. Tumor growth in vivo was markedly inhibited by Miao. Conclusions. Chinese herbal formulas Miao could suppress lung cancer through targeting the β‐catenin/AXIN signaling pathway. Therefore, our findings may provide a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.
Effects of Herbal Mouthwashes on Plaque and Inflammation Control for Patients with Gingivitis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Cai He , Chen Junyu , Panagodage Perera Nirmala K. , Liang Xing
Published: January 2020

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall effects of herbal mouthwashes as supplements to daily oral hygiene on plaque and inflammation control compared with placebos and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes in the treatment of gingivitis. Methods. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and grey literature databases were searched. Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing herbal mouthwashes with placebos or CHX in the daily oral hygiene of patient with gingivitis were included to compare the effect of different mouthwashes on plaque and inflammation control. Results. A total of 13 studies satisfied the eligibility criteria, and 11 studies were included in meta‐analyses. Significant differences were observed in favour of herbal mouthwashes compared with placebos in both plaque‐ and inflammation‐related indices (Quigley‐Hein Plaque Index, QHPI: WMD = −0.61, 95% CI (−0.80, −0.42), P < 0.001; Gingival Index, GI: −0.28 (−0.51, −0.06), P = 0.01; Modified Gingival Index, MGI: −0.59 (−1.08, −0.11), P = 0.02; Gingival Bleeding Index, GBI: −0.06 (−0.09, −0.04), P < 0.001). No significant difference was found between herbal and CHX mouthwashes. Conclusions. Herbal mouthwashes have potential benefits in plaque and inflammation control as supplements to the daily oral hygiene of patients with gingivitis. Although no difference was observed between herbal and CHX mouthwashes in the selected studies, further high‐quality RCTs are needed for more firm support before advising patients with gingivitis about whether they can use herbal mouthwashes to substitute for CHX mouthwashes or not (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019122841).
Neochamaejasmin A Induces Mitochondrial-Mediated Apoptosis in Human Hepatoma Cells via ROS-Dependent Activation of the ERK1/2/JNK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ding Yangfang , Xie Qi , Liu Wenjing , Pan Zhaohai , Fan Xinmei , Chen Xiaoyu , Li Mingkai , Zhao Wei , Li Defang , Zheng Qiusheng
Published: January 2020

The botanical constituents of Stellera chamaejasme Linn. exhibit various pharmacological and medicinal activities. Neochamaejasmin A (NCA), one main active constituent of S. chamaejasme, inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis in several types of tumor cells. However, the antitumor effect of NCA on hepatocellular carcinoma cells is still unclear. In this study, NCA (36.9, 73.7, and 147.5 μM) significantly inhibited hepatoblastoma-derived HepG2 cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry showed that apoptotic morphological changes were observed and the apoptotic rate was significantly increased in NCA-treated HepG2 cells, respectively. Additionally, the levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cytoplasmic cytochrome c were increased, while the level of Bcl-2 was decreased in NCA-treated HepG2 cells when compared with the control group. Moreover, we found that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was significantly higher and the mitochondrial membrane potential was remarkably lower in NCA-treated HepG2 cells than in the control group. Further studies demonstrated that the levels of p-JNK and p-ERK1/2 were significantly upregulated in NCA-treated HepG2 cells, and pretreatment with JNK and ERK1/2 inhibitors, SP600125 and PD0325901, respectively, suppressed NCA-induced cell apoptosis of HepG2 cells. In addition, NCA also significantly inhibited human hepatoma BEL-7402 cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis through the ROS-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. These results implied that NCA induced mitochondrial-mediated cell apoptosis via ROS-dependent activation of the ERK1/2/JNK signaling pathway in HepG2 cells.
Robust Method for Semantic Segmentation of Whole-Slide Blood Cell Microscopic Images
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad , Umar Arif Iqbal , Khan Muazzam A. , Shirazi Syed Hamad , Khan Zakir , Yousaf Waqas
Published: January 2020

Previous works on segmentation of SEM (scanning electron microscope) blood cell image ignore the semantic segmentation approach of whole-slide blood cell segmentation. In the proposed work, we address the problem of whole-slide blood cell segmentation using the semantic segmentation approach. We design a novel convolutional encoder-decoder framework along with VGG-16 as the pixel-level feature extraction model. The proposed framework comprises 3 main steps: First, all the original images along with manually generated ground truth masks of each blood cell type are passed through the preprocessing stage. In the preprocessing stage, pixel-level labeling, RGB to grayscale conversion of masked image and pixel fusing, and unity mask generation are performed. After that, VGG16 is loaded into the system, which acts as a pretrained pixel-level feature extraction model. In the third step, the training process is initiated on the proposed model. We have evaluated our network performance on three evaluation metrics. We obtained outstanding results with respect to classwise, as well as global and mean accuracies. Our system achieved classwise accuracies of 97.45%, 93.34%, and 85.11% for RBCs, WBCs, and platelets, respectively, while global and mean accuracies remain 97.18% and 91.96%, respectively.
TRIM32 Promotes the Growth of Gastric Cancer Cells through Enhancing AKT Activity and Glucose Transportation
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Fang Yuejun , Liu Tao
Published: January 2020

Tripartite motif protein 32 (TRIM32), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is a member of the TRIM protein family. However, the underlying function of TRIM32 in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the function of TRIM32 in GC cells. TRIM32 was induced silencing and overexpression using RNA interference (RNAi) and lentiviral‐mediate vector in GC cells, respectively. Moreover, the PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 was used to examine the relationship between TRIM32 and AKT. Quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot were used to determine the mRNA and protein contents. The glucose analog 2‐NBDG was used as a fluorescent probe for determining the activity of glucose transport. An annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate apoptosis detection kit was used to stain NCI‐N87, MKN74, and MKN45 cells. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay was used to examine cell proliferation. Our results indicated that TRIM32 was associated with poor overall survival of patients with GC. Moreover, TRIM32 was a proproliferation and antiapoptosis factor and involved in the AKT pathway in GC cells. Furthermore, TRIM32 possibly mediated the metabolism of glycolysis through targeting GLUT1 and HKII in GC cells. Importantly, TRIM32 silencing deeply suppressed the tumorigenicity of GC cells in vivo. Our findings not only enhanced the understanding of the function of TRIM32 but also indicated its potential value as a target in GC treatment.
Exosome-Mediated Transfer of ACE2 (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2) from Endothelial Progenitor Cells Promotes Survival and Function of Endothelial Cell
Authors: Wang Jinju , Chen Shuzhen , Bihl Ji
Published: January 2020

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an emerging cardiovascular protective target that mediates the metabolism of angiotensin (Ang) II into Ang (1–7). Our group has demonstrated that ACE2 overexpression enhances the function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Here, we investigated whether ACE2-primed EPCs (ACE2-EPCs) can protect cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) against injury and dysfunction in an in vitro model, with focusing on their exosomal and cytokine paracrine effects on endothelial mitochondria. Human EPCs were transfected with lentivirus containing null or human ACE2 cDNA (denoted as Null-EPCs and ACE2-EPCs, respectively). Their conditioned culture media, w/wo depletion of exosomes (ACE2-EPC-CMEX-, Null-EPC-CMEX-, ACE2-EPC-CM, and Null-EPC-CM), were used for coculture experiments. EC injury and dysfunction model was induced by Ang II before coculture. Apoptosis, angiogenic ability, mitochondrion functions (ROS production, membrane potential, fragmentation), and gene expressions (ACE2, Nox2, and Nox4) of ECs were analyzed. The supernatant was collected for measuring the levels of ACE2, Ang II/Ang-(1–7), and growth factors (VEGF and IGF). Our results showed that (1) ACE2-EPC-CM had higher levels of ACE2, Ang (1–7), VEGF, and IGF than that of Null-EPC-CM. (2) Ang II-injured ECs displayed an increase of apoptotic rate and reduction in tube formation and migration abilities, which were associated with ACE2 downregulation, Ang II/Ang (1–7) imbalance, Nox2/Nox4 upregulation, ROS overproduction, an increase of mitochondrion fragmentation, and a decrease of membrane potential. (3) ACE2-EPC-CM had better protective effects than Null-EPC-CM on Ang II-injured ECs, which were associated with the improvements on ACE2 expression, Ang II/Ang (1–7) balance, and mitochondrial functions. (4) ACE2-EPC-CMEX- and Null-EPC-CMEX- showed reduced effects as compared to ACE2-EPCs-CM and Null-EPCs-CM. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that ACE2 overexpression can enhance the protective effects of EPCs on ECs injury, majorly through the exosomal effects on mitochondrial function.
Epicardial Unipolar Lead Loss of Ventricular Capture during Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chu Daniel J. , Lam Wilson W.
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Abnormal pacemaker behavior can occur during radiofrequency ablation. The behaviors are varied and include loss of capture. The mechanisms in this context have not been well described in the literature. We describe a case of epicardial unipolar lead loss of ventricular capture during pulmonary vein isolation. Case History. A 48-year-old man with an epicardial dual chamber pacemaker and persistent atrial fibrillation presented for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of his abnormal rhythm. During RFA, intermittent loss of ventricular capture was witnessed. Review of the device settings prior to and after the procedure showed an increase in ventricular threshold after the procedure. Loss of capture was shown to be dependent on location and RF energy delivered. It was independent of QTc and independent of local cellular changes that would increase threshold. Conclusion. We hypothesize the mechanism of loss of ventricular capture in this patient with an epicardial pacemaker with unipolar leads is related to intermittent shunt of voltage from the pulse generator to the grounding pad rather than the unipolar lead.
Different Formulations of Levothyroxine for Treating Hypothyroidism: A Real-Life Study
Authors: Trimboli Pierpaolo , Scappaticcio Lorenzo , De Bellis Annamaria , Maiorino Maria Ida , Knappe Luisa , Esposito Katherine , Bellastella Giuseppe , Giovanella Luca
Published: January 2020

Objective. Hypothyroid patients are treated by sodium levothyroxine (LT4). Tablet is the mostly used LT4 formulation, and the fasting regimen is required for the absorption of active principle. Also, gastrointestinal diseases and drugs may impair the LT4 bioavailability when tablet is used. Nonsolid LT4 formulations (i.e., liquid solution (LS) and soft gel (SG) capsule) were manufactured to overcome the limitations of LT4 tablet. This study was conceived to evaluate the performance of nonsolid LT4 formulations in a real-life scenario. Methods. Two institutions participated in the study that was conducted in two phases (i.e., enrollment and re-evaluation). Adults with autoimmune or postsurgical hypothyroidism and on LT4 from a few months were selected. A nonparametric statistical analysis for paired or unpaired data was performed. Results. 121 consecutive cases were included. At the enrollment phase, a 52% of patients took the therapy at least 30 min before breakfast with no difference between tablet and SG/LS users. TSH was 1.65 mIU/L (0.86–2.70) in patients on LT4 tablet and 1.70 mIU/L (1.10–2.17) in those on SG/LS (p=0.66). At the re-evaluation phase, among the patients using correct LT4 assumption, the TSH value was stable in the tablet group (p=0.22) and significantly reduced in SG/LS group (p=0.004); among the patients using incorrect LT4 assumption, TSH was significantly increased in those on tablet (p=0.0029) and stable in those on SG/LS (p=0.36). Conclusion. The performance of nonsolid LT4 formulations is not influenced by correct or incorrect use of therapy. On the contrary, LT4 tablet does not guarantee euthyroidism when it is ingested without waiting for at least 30 minutes before breakfast. These new data, obtained in a real-life scenario, suggest that LT4 SG/LS should be regarded as first-line therapy for treating adults with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism.
In-Depth Analysis of Railway and Company Evolution of Yangtze River Delta with Deep Learning
Authors: Gui Renzhou , Chen Tongjie , Nie Han
Published: January 2020

The coordinated development of smart cities has become the goal of world urban development, and the railway network plays an important role in this progress. This paper proposes a solution that integrates data acquisition, storage, GIS visualization, deep learning, and statistical correlation analysis to deeply analyze the distribution data of companies collected in the past 40 years in the Yangtze River Delta. Through deep learning, we predict the spatial distribution of the company after the opening of the train stations. Through statistical and correlation analysis of the company’s registered capital and quantity, the urban development relationship under the influence of the opening of the railway is explored. Going forward, the use and application of such analysis can be tested for use and application in the context of other smart cities for specific aspects or scale.
Dysregulation in the Unfolded Protein Response in the FGR Rat Pancreas
Authors: Liu Xiaomei , Guo Yanyan , Wang Jun , Zhu Liangliang , Gao Linlin
Published: January 2020

Accumulating evidence suggests that fetal growth restriction (FGR) leads to the development of diabetes mellitus in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of protein malnutrition in utero on the pancreatic unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway in FGR offspring. An FGR model was developed by feeding a low-protein diet to pregnant rats throughout gestation. Eighty-four UPR pathway components in the pancreas were investigated by quantitative PCR arrays and confirmed by qPCR and western blotting. Activating transcription factor (Atf4 and Atf6), herpud1, protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (Perk), X-box binding protein 1 (Xbp1), and the phosphorylation of eIF2α were upregulated, while cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 3-like protein was markedly downregulated in FGR fetuses compared with controls. Investigation in adult offspring revealed temporal changes, for most UPR factors restored to normal, except that dysregulation of Atf6 and Creb3l3 maintained until adulthood. Moreover, autophagy was suppressed in FGR fetal pancreas and may be associated with decreased activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (Ampk). Apoptosis regulators Bax and cleaved-caspase 3 and 9 were upregulated in FGR fetal pancreas. Given that islet size and number were decreased in FGR fetus, we speculated that the aberrant intrauterine milieu impaired UPR signaling in fetal pancreas development. Whether these alterations early in life contribute to the predisposition of FGR fetuses to adult metabolic disorders invites further exploration.
Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Perimenopausal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Zhang Jiayuan , Jin Yuxia , Wang Yunxia , Zhang Qi
Published: January 2020

Objective. To determine the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for perimenopausal depression. Methods. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, VIP Citation Databases, Wan Fang, and online trial registries such as ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for perimenopausal depression. Literature screening, data extraction, and determination of the risk of bias were performed by two researchers independently. The extracted data were pooled and meta‐analyzed using RevMan5.3 software. Results. In total, 16 RCTs covering 1311 patients were enrolled. Overall, the results showed that acupuncture was more effective in the treatment of perimenopausal depression than antidepressants (OR = 2.68, 95% CI (1.84, 3.90), P < 0.00001). Furthermore, HAMD scores in the manual acupuncture group and electroacupuncture group were lower than those of antidepressants (manual acupuncture vs. antidepressants (MD = −2.35, 95% CI (−2.93, −1.77), P < 0.00001) and electroacupuncture vs. antidepressants (MD = −1.2, 95% CI (−1.92, −0.48), P = 0.001)). Data analysis revealed that the treatment effect of acupuncture was more stable than that of antidepressants (MD = −2.4, 95% CI (−3.37, −1.43), P < 0.00001). Moreover, acupuncture was safer than antidepressants based on the incidence of adverse events (OR = 0.23, 95% CI (0.1, 0.52), P = 0.0004). But acupuncture has no effect on estrogen levels (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusions. Acupuncture for perimenopausal depression is safe and effective. Moreover, it has more stable long‐term effects than antidepressants and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We recommend acupuncture as a clinical treatment of perimenopausal depression.
Vehicle Movement Analyses Considering Altitude Based on Modified Digital Elevation Model and Spherical Bilinear Interpolation Model: Evidence from GPS-Equipped Taxi Data in Sanya, Zhengzhou, and Liaoyang
Authors: Gui Jiawei , Wu Qunqi
Published: January 2020

Aggravating energy shortages and increasing labor costs have become global problems and have garnered special importance in recent years in the transportation sector, especially in taxi markets. Automatic vehicles have a bright future, however, there is an equal amount of skepticism and concern about safety for all the optimism. To unlock the potential of automatic vehicles in intelligent transportation systems, a lot more data and testing are required to promote safety level as far as possible and achieve the organizational aim of reducing accidents to zero tolerance. And it is vital to provide accurate models for vehicle movement analyses. In this study, Modified Digital Elevation (MDE) model and Spherical Bilinear Interpolation (SBI) model were proposed for vehicle movement analyses considering altitude. And the experimental data of 9,990 GPS-enabled taxis in Sanya, Zhengzhou, and Liaoyang were adopted to support comparisons. Measurement results showed that MDE model had over 99% less disparity with direct solution than original model and SBI model could further improve the effects. It indicated that the application of MDE model and SBI model could improve both accuracy and efficiency of vehicle movement analyses and it had a bright future in the field of automatic vehicles. Future directions could be improving models and expanding data.
An Empirical Spatial Accessibility Analysis of Qingdao City Based on Multisource Data
Authors: Gao Ge , Wang Zhen , Liu Xinmin , Li Tongfei
Published: January 2020

Accessibility could reflect people’s travel convenience, cities’ livability and sustainability, and reduce the negative impacts on the environment and safety. It is therefore a key concept in city sustainable development policies across the world. Based on the multi-source data, this paper tries to have an empirical analysis on the urban accessibility of Qingdao city from the angles of spatial linkage strength, job-hosting ratio and distributions of large-scale hospitals and schools. The multisource data includes navigation data, location based service (LBS) data, Point of Interest (POI) data and the census data. The inter-city linkage strength and internal-external linkage strength are used to evaluate the spatial linkages of the urban agglomeration. Results show that the spatial connectivity and public facilities have a very strong positive correlation with the inter-city accessibility. Meanwhile, providing transport infrastructure and services could greatly strengthen the accessibility between two areas. Job-housing ratio is used to analyze the distribution of residents and jobs. Results show that the job-housing ratio declines gradually from the central urban areas to the surrounding areas. Distributions of large-scale hospitals and schools are used to estimate the service capacity of public facilities. Results show that public service facilities are mainly concentrated in the developed areas. On the contrary, the other areas developed slowly due to lack of supporting service facilities.
Solidification and Stabilization of Spent TBP/OK Organic Liquids in a Phosphate Acid-Based Geopolymer
Authors: Dong Teng , Xie Shuibo , Wang Jingsong , Zhao Guodong , Song Qingchun
Published: January 2020

A method for solidifying spent tributyl phosphate and kerosene (TBP/OK) organic liquids in a phosphate acid-based geopolymer (PAG) was investigated. The TBP/OK emulsion containing tween 80 (T80), TBP/OK organic liquids, and H3PO4 was prepared. The TBP/OK emulsion was mixed with metakaolin to obtain solidified TBP/OK forms (SPT). The compressive strength of the SPT was up to 59.19 MPa when the content of TBP/OK was 18%. The loss of compressive strength of SPT was less than 10% after immersion and less than 25% after freeze-thaw treatment. The final setting time was 40.0 h, and the shrinkage of SPT was nearly 3%. The leaching test indicated that the release of TBP/OK from hardened SPT was limited. Characterization of SPT suggested that solidification of TBP/OK using PAG occurred by physical encapsulation.
Resource Management Framework Based on the Stackelberg Game in Vehicular Edge Computing
Authors: Li Guang-Shun , Zhang Ying , Wang Mao-Li , Wu Jun-Hua , Lin Qing-Yan , Sheng Xiao-Fei
Published: January 2020

With the emergence and development of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), quick response time and ultralow delay are required. Cloud computing services are unfavorable for reducing delay and response time. Mobile edge computing (MEC) is a promising solution to address this problem. In this paper, we combined MEC and IoV to propose a specific vehicle edge resource management framework, which consists of fog nodes (FNs), data service agents (DSAs), and cars. A dynamic service area partitioning algorithm is designed to balance the load of DSA and improve the quality of service. A resource allocation framework based on the Stackelberg game model is proposed to analyze the pricing problem of FNs and the data resource strategy of DSA with a distributed iteration algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed framework can ensure the allocation efficiency of FN resources among the cars. The framework achieves the optimal strategy of the participants and subgame perfect Nash equilibrium.
Evaluating the Performance of a Static Patching Strategy against Computer Viruses
Authors: Huang Da-Wen , Yang Lu-Xing , Yang Xiaofan , Zhong Xiang , Tang Yuan Yan
Published: January 2020

To cope with evolving computer viruses, antivirus programs must be periodically updated. Due to the limited network bandwidth, new virus patches are typically injected into a small subset of network nodes and then forwarded to the remaining nodes. A static patching strategy consists of a fixed patch injection rate and a fixed patch forwarding rate. This paper focuses on evaluating the performance of a static patching strategy. First, we introduce a novel autonomous node-level virus-patch propagation model to characterize the effect of a static patching strategy. Second, we show that the model is globally attracting, implying that regardless of the initial expected state of the network, the expected fraction of the infected nodes converges to the same value. Therefore, we use the asymptotic expected fraction of the infected nodes as the measure of performance of a static patching strategy. On this basis, we evaluate the performances of a few static patching strategies. Finally, we examine the influences of a few parameters on the performance of a static patching strategy. Our findings provide a significant guidance for restraining malware propagation.
Effects of Skip-Logic on the Validity of Dimensional Clinical Scores: A Simulation Study
Authors: Rosen Adon F.G. , Moore Tyler M. , Calkins Monica E. , Gur Ruben C. , Gur Raquel E.
Published: January 2020

Structured assessment of clinical phenotypes is a burdensome procedure, largely due to the time required. One method to alleviate this is “skip-logic,” which allows for portions of an interview to be skipped if initial (“screen”) items are not endorsed. The bias that skip-logic introduces to resultant continuous scores is unknown and can be explored using Item Response Theory. Interview response data were simulated while varying 5 characteristics of the measures: number of screen items, difficulty (clinical severity) of the screens, difficulty of non-screen items, shape of the trait distribution, and range of discrimination parameters. The number of simulations and examinees were held constant at 2,000 and 10,000, respectively. A criterion variable correlating 0.80 with the measured trait was also simulated, and the outcome of interest was the difference between the correlations of the criterion variable and the two estimated scores (with and without skip-logic). Effects of the simulation conditions on this outcome were explored using ANOVA. All main effects and interactions were significant. The largest 2-way interaction was between number of screen items and average item discrimination, such that the number of screen items had a large effect on bias only when discrimination parameters were low. This, among other interactions explored here, suggests that skip-logic can bias results using continuous scores; however, the effects of this bias are usually inconsequential. Skip-logic in clinical assessments can introduce bias in continuous sum scores, but this bias can usually be ignored.
Ganglion Impar Neurolysis in the Management of Pelvic and Perineal Cancer-Related Pain
Authors: Ferreira Filipa , Pedro Ana
Published: January 2020

Cancer-related pain is a very prevalent problem in all stages, with 10% of patients requiring invasive techniques for adequate pain management. Ganglion impar neurolysis has been used in the treatment of pelvic-perineal pain with efficacy and rare complications, but only a few case or series reports in cancer patients have been published. We report the case of a patient presenting with an ovarian carcinoma (FIGO stage IIIC), who had several disease relapses at the colorectal transition and need for palliative colic prosthesis. She presented later with anorectal pain associated with a rectovaginal fistula, which had an important impact on the activities of her daily life. She was submitted to two ganglion impar neurolyses, which resulted in improved pain control for a total of 5 months, an important improvement in her quality of life, and reduction of opioid consumption. The authors aim to alert to the importance of pain control and to address the fourth step of the WHO analgesic ladder as an option for cancer patients, including palliative patients.
Evaluation of Hearing Thresholds by Using a Mobile Application in Children with Otitis Media with Effusion
Authors: Durgut Osman , Ekim Buse , Dikici Oğuzhan , Solmaz Fevzi , Ağırgöl Betül , Özbakan Ayla
Published: January 2020

Objective: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the most common cause of hearing loss in children. Early diagnosis is important as hearing loss affects speech and language development in children. The aim of this study was to compare conventional audiometry with the Android mobile operating system application Hearing TestTM in the evaluation of hearing thresholds in children with OME and to determine the accuracy and reliability of the mobile application. Design and Study Sample: Fifty school-age children aged between 5 and 15 years with OME in at least 1 ear were included in the study. First, hearing thresholds were obtained by conventional audiometric methods and the degree of hearing loss was determined. Then, the hearing thresholds of the patients were measured using the smartphone-based Hearing TestTM application. The data were compared using Cohen’s kappa analysis. Results: OME was detected in 88 ears. There was no statistically significant correlation between the hearing threshold results obtained with the mobile phone and conventional audiometry at 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz. Conclusion: The Android mobile phone application Hearing TestTM (version 1.1.3) is not an appropriate screening test to detect hearing loss in children with OME.
The Role of MKP-5 in Adipocyte-Macrophage Interactions during Obesity
Authors: Lu Yuanhua , Ma Jie , Zhao Jianan , Song Zhuoyao , Zhou Chao , Liu Xiu , Teng Wenjing , Wang Wei , Zhang Qi , Yan Weiqun , Jiao Ping
Published: January 2020

Objective: In obese individuals, chronic low-grade inflammation resulting from adipocyte-macrophage interactions is a major cause of adipose tissue dysfunction and metabolic disease. This study investigated the role of MAP kinase phosphatase-5 (MKP-5) in obesity-induced inflammation during macrophage and adipocyte interactions. Methods: High-fat diet-induced obese mice were used to explore the role of MKP-5 in obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation. Macrophage polarization was determined by inflammatory cytokine expression in MKP-5-overexpressed or -silenced Raw264.7 cells exposed to palmitate (PA) or M1/M2 macrophage inducers. To uncover the role of MKP-5 during macrophage-adipocyte interactions, a coculture system composed of differentiated 3T3-L1 and Raw264.7 cells was employed. MAPK inhibitors were used to investigate the involvement of MAPK signaling. Results: Increased MKP-5 expression was observed in adipose stromal vascular cells (SVCs) of obese mice. In Raw264.7 cells, MKP-5 promoted the switching of M1 macrophages to an M2 phenotype. Notably, MKP-5 reduced inflammation during the interaction of macrophages and adipocytes. MKP-5 overexpression in primary SVCs attenuated the expression of inflammatory mediators and increased the number of obesity-induced adipose tissue macrophages. MKP-5 suppressed PA-induced inflammation through the inactivation of P38, JNK, and ERK MAPKs. Conclusions: MKP-5 promotes macrophages to switch from the M1 to the M2 phenotype and is an inflammatory inhibitor involved in obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation and PA-triggered macrophage inflammation via the P38, JNK, and ERK MAPK pathways. MKP-5 may be developed into a potential therapeutic target for obesity-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance.
Simultaneous Left Ventricular Volume and Strain Changes During Chemotherapy Associate With 2‐Year Postchemotherapy Measures of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Suerken Cynthia K. , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Jordan Jennifer H. , Meléndez Giselle C. , Vasu Sujethra , Lamar Zanetta S. , Hundley W. Gregory
Published: January 2020

Background

Although changes in left ventricular end‐systolic volume (
LVESV
), left ventricular end‐diastolic volume, and global circumferential strain occur during cancer treatment, the relationship of these changes to the 2‐year post–cancer‐treatment measures of left ventricular ejection fraction (
LVEF
) are unknown.

Methods and Results

In a prospective, continuously recruited cohort of 95 patients scheduled to receive potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy for breast cancer, lymphoma, or soft tissue sarcoma, measures of left ventricular end‐diastolic volume,
LVESV
, global circumferential strain, and
LVEF
were acquired via cardiac magnetic resonance imaging before and then 3 and 24 months after initiating treatment by individuals blinded to all patient identifiers. Participants had an average age of 54±15 years; 68% were women, and 82% were of white race.
LVEF
declined from 62±7% to 58±9% over the 24 months (
P
<0.0001), with 42% of participants experiencing a >5% decline in
LVEF
at 24 months. Predictors of a 24‐month >5% decline in
LVEF
included the following factors from baseline to 3 months into treatment: (1) >3‐mL increases in
LVESV
(
P
=0.033), (2) >3‐mL increases in
LVESV
or 10‐mL declines in left ventricular end‐diastolic volume with little change in
LVESV
(
P
=0.001), or (3) ≥10% deteriorations in global circumferential strain with little change in
LVESV
(
P
=0.036).

Conclusion

During receipt of potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy, increases in
LVESV
, the absence of its deterioration during decreases of left ventricular end‐diastolic volume, or the deterioration of global circumferential strain without a marked decrease in
LVESV
help identify those who will develop more permanent 2‐year declines in
LVEF
.
3. Naval Architecture. The Hellenistic Hull Design
Authors: Pomey Patrice
Published: January 2020

During the Hellenistic period and the Roman Republic, there was a dominant architectural design in Mediterranean naval architecture, which was eventually adopted by Greek and Roman shipyards as well as Punic. This system is characterised by a tripartite structure (keel, planking, framing). It allows the building of large ships with an elaborate hull shape, capable of good nautical performance, and this was clearly one of the factors behind the significant maritime expansion at the end of the first millennium BC. Of course, many other architectural approaches continued to be used in shipbuilding, which were testament to regional and local traditions.

The origin of this architectural system lies in the Greco-Roman evolution — between the second half of the sixth and the end of the fourth century BC — of sewn boats in the Greek tradition (influenced by the Phoenicians), which introduced the method of assembly by mortise and tenon. This resulted, throughout the Mediterranean, in a convergence of Greek and Phoenico-Punic architectural systems. However, during the Roman Empire, this approach — which presents a structural weakness at the level of the keel — was replaced by a new architectural type, apparently more robust, characterized by a flat bottom section, overlapping frames, and a keelson/mast step timber fitted on lateral sister-keelson.
Synthesis of Mesoporous SBA-16 and SBA-16/ZnO2 Nano-Composite Thin Film for Anti-Biofilm Application
Authors: Kumar Atul , Gahlyan Suman , Thakur Rajesh , Devi Sunita , Duhan Surender
Published: January 2020

SBA-16 is a mesoporous nanostructure with high surface area and cubic symmetry which make them an ideal carrier to carry different nanoparticles. Zinc peroxide (ZnO2) is a novel nanoparticle that inhibits the growth of microorganisms due to its antiseptic property. Thin film
of SBA-16 and SBA-16/ZnO2 was deposited on glass slide by spin coating method. Anti-biofilm property of the thin films was examined against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. Structural property was found out by wide angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), small angle X-ray scattering
(SAXS) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) was used to confirmation the presence of ZnO2 in Nano-composite and AFM utilized for surface topography of thin films. Fluorescent microscope image clearly revealed
that SBA-16/ZnO2 nanocomposite thin film significantly inhibit the biofilm formation against both E. coli (gram negative bacteria) as well as S. aureus (gram positive bacteria) in comparision to SBA-16. The antimicrobial behavior of ZnO nanoparticle is due to formation
of H2O2 as reactive oxygen species (ROS) to which the bacterial cells are permeable. H2O2 is a powerful oxidizing agents that oxidized the mycobacterial elements like DNA and proteins which results into the toxicity of the bacteria cell.
Polymer Solution Route for Synthesis of Nano-Sized, SiO2 Based Ceramic Powders
Authors: Park Tae-Min , Jung Choong-Hwan , Hwang Haejin , Lee Sang-Jin
Published: January 2020

Nano-sized SiO2 based powders were fabricated by a polymer solution technique. Nitrate metal sources and Ludox series silica sol were dissolved in D.I. water and then polyvinyl alcohol solution was added as a polymeric carrier. The metal cations were dispersed well in the
solution and a homogeneous polymeric network was formed. The organic–inorganic precursor gels were turned to a porous powder with expanded volume through an explosive oxidation reaction during calcination process. The polymer molecular weight, polymer content and heating rate affected
the particle agglomeration and size. The reaction between oxygen and unstable metal cations resulted in a vigorous exothermic reaction and simultaneously the reaction created extensive voids, which accompanied soft powders. The porous powders were crystallized at relatively lower temperature,
and easily ground to a very fine powder having nano-sized particles. The crystalline development was also dependent on the polymer type, and the weak hydrogen bonding by optimum polymer content promoted homogeneous entrapment between the –(OH) hydroxyl groups and cations, which are solvates
by water molecules.
Mechanochemical Synthesis and Rapid Consolidation of Nanostructured Nb–ZrO2 Composite
Authors: Kim Seong-Eun , Yoon Jin-Kook , Shon In-Jin
Published: January 2020

Nb2O5 and Zr powders at a molar ratio of 1:2.5 were milled using a high-energy ball mill. The mixture powders produced Nb and ZrO2 nanopowders through a solid replacement reaction (Nb2O5+ 2.5Zr 2Nb + 2.5ZrO2). The synthesized
nanopowders were consolidated via high-frequency induction heated sintering (HFIHS) within two min. The mechanical properties (hardness and fracture toughness) of nanostructured 2Nb–2.5ZrO2 composite were then evaluated. Both the hardness and fracture toughness of the 2Nb–2.5ZrO2
composite were higher than those of monolithic ZrO2.