bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation and Modal Characteristic of Tangential Threshing Cylinder Undergoing Threshing Dynamics
Authors: Tang Zhong , Wang Meilin , Zhang Haotian , Zhou Yuepeng , Li Yu
Published: May 2020

During the rice-threshing process, straws always attached to a threshing cylinder and induced vibration and modal variation. In this paper, the constraint and threshing modals of the threshing cylinder were tested under idling and load conditions, and the causes of vibration and modal variation were explained. Based on the constraint and modal of the threshing cylinder, the vibration amplitudes and frequencies undergoing rice threshing were tested and analyzed. Results showed that mass of straws decreased gradually with the separation of rice grains and straws. And there was a nonuniform change in the circumferential resistance of the threshing cylinder. The fluctuating torque, speed, and frequencies during threshing process would cause vibration of the threshing cylinder. During rice-threshing process, the other natural frequencies were greater than the excitation frequency. With the accumulation of a large amount of straws, the threshing modal frequencies of the tangential threshing cylinder increased. The threshing bars caused vibration of the tangential threshing cylinder in the left and right direction mainly at two frequencies. At idling state of no-load, the vibration frequency 42.97 Hz of the tangential threshing cylinder in X direction was close to the constraint modal frequency 41.58 Hz. The eccentric load caused the excitation frequency to increase during the rice-threshing process. The vibration frequency was also closely related to the threshing modal. The tangential threshing cylinder with low vibration characteristics could be designed by using the eccentric vibration characteristics during the threshing process.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Cardiovascular Disease: A Particular Association
Authors: Tini Giacomo , Scagliola Riccardo , Monacelli Fiammetta , La Malfa Giovanni , Porto Italo , Brunelli Claudio , Rosa Gian Marco
Published: May 2020

Background and aim. During ageing, the prevalence of dementia, and especially of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), increases. The aim of this review is to investigate the relationship between AD and CVD and its risk factors, with a view to explain the underlying mechanisms of this association.Methods. This review is based on the material obtained via MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and Clinical Trials databases, from January 1980 until May 2019. The search term used was “Alzheimer’s disease,” combined with “cardiovascular disease,” “hypertension,” “dyslipidaemia,” “diabetes mellitus,” “atrial fibrillation,” “coronary artery disease,” “heart valve disease,” and “heart failure.” Out of the 1,328 papers initially retrieved, 431 duplicates and 216 records in languages other than English were removed. Among the 681 remaining studies, 98 were included in our research material on the basis of the following inclusion criteria: (a) the community-based studies; (b) using standardized diagnostic criteria; (c) reporting raw prevalence data; (d) with separate reported data for sex and age classes.Results. While AD and CVD alone may be considered deleterious to health, the study of their combination constitutes a clinical challenge. Further research will help to clarify the real impact of vascular factors on these diseases. It may be hypothesized that there are various mechanisms underlying the association between AD and CVD, the main ones being hypoperfusion and emboli, atherosclerosis, and the fact that, in both the heart and brain of AD patients, amyloid deposits may be present, thus causing damage to these organs.Conclusions. AD and CVD are frequently associated. Further studies are needed in order to understand the effect of CVD and its risk factors on AD in order to better comprehend the effects of subclinical and clinical CVD on the brain. Finally, we need to clarify the impact of the underlying hypothesized mechanisms of this association and to investigate gender issues.
How Much Do We Know about the Biopsychosocial Predictors of Glycaemic Control? Age and Clinical Factors Predict Glycaemic Control, but Psychological Factors Do Not
Authors: Abdullah Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Bin , Sidi Hatta , Ravindran Arun , Gosse Paula Junggar , Kaunismaa Emily Samantha , Mainland Roslyn Laurie , Mustafa Norlaila , Hatta Nurul Hazwani , Arnawati Puteri , Zulkifli Amelia Yasmin , Woon Luke Sy-Cherng
Published: May 2020

Objective. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases in Malaysia. It is associated with significant complications and a high cost of treatment, especially when glycaemic control is poor. Despite its negative impact on health, data is still lacking on the possible biopsychosocial predictors of poor glycaemic control among the diabetic population. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of poor glycaemic control as well as its association with biopsychosocial factors such as personality traits, psychiatric factors, and quality of life (QOL) among Malaysian patients with diabetes.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) using outpatient population diabetic patients. Demographic data on social and clinical characteristics were collected from participants. Several questionnaires were administered, including the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) to measure depressive symptoms, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to assess anxiety symptoms, the Big Five Inventory (BFI) to evaluate personality traits, and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) to assess QOL. Multivariate binary logistic regression was performed to determine the predictors of poor glycaemic control.Results. 300 patients with diabetes mellitus were recruited, with the majority (90%) having type 2 diabetes. In this population, the prevalence of poor glycaemic control (HbA1C≥7.0%) was 69%, with a median HbA1Cof 7.6% (IQR=2.7). Longer duration of diabetes mellitus and a greater number of days of missed medications predicted poor glycaemic control, while older age and overall self-perception of QOL protected against poor glycaemic control. No psychological factors were associated with poor glycaemic control.Conclusion. This study emphasizes the importance of considering the various factors that contribute to poor glycaemic control, such as duration of diabetes, medication adherence, age, and QOL. These findings should be used by clinicians, particularly when planning a multidisciplinary approach to the management of diabetes.
Associations between Interleukin Gene Polymorphisms and Risks of Developing Extremity Posttraumatic Osteomyelitis in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Jiang Nan , Li Su-yi , Ma Yun-fei , Hu Yan-jun , Lin Qing-rong , Yu Bin
Published: May 2020

This case-control study aimed to investigate potential associations between interleukin (IL) gene polymorphisms and the risks of developing extremity posttraumatic osteomyelitis (PTOM) in Chinese Han population. Altogether, 189 PTOM patients and 200 healthy controls were genotyped of IL-1α (rs17561, rs1800587), IL-1β (rs16944, rs1143627, rs1143634, rs2853550), IL-1RN (rs4251961, rs419598, rs315951), IL-4 (rs2243248, rs2243250), IL-6 (rs1800795, rs1800796, rs1800797), IL-8 (rs4073, rs2227306, rs2227307), IL-10 (rs3024491, rs3024496, rs1800871, rs1800872, rs1800896), IL-17A (rs2275913), and IL-17F (rs763780) using the SNaPshot genotyping method. Statistical differences were observed regarding the genotype distributions of rs16944 (P=0.049) and rs4251961 (P=0.007) between the patients and healthy controls. In addition, significant associations were found between rs16944 and the risk of PTOM development by dominant (OR=1.854, P=0.017), homozygous (OR=1.831, P=0.041), and heterozygous (OR=1.869, P=0.022) models, and of rs1143627 by dominant (OR=1.735, P=0.032) and homozygous (OR=1.839, P=0.040) models. Moreover, significant links were also identified between rs4251961 and the susceptibility to PTOM by dominant (OR=0.446, P=0.005) and heterozygous (OR=0.409, P=0.003) models, and of rs1800796 by dominant (OR=4.184, P=0.029), homozygous (OR=4.378, P=0.026), and heterozygous (OR=3.834, P=0.046) models. The present outcomes demonstrated that rs16944, rs1143627, and rs1800796 associate with increased risks, while rs4251961 links to a decreased risk of PTOM development in Chinese Han population.
Printability Optimization of Gelatin-Alginate Bioinks by Cellulose Nanofiber Modification for Potential Meniscus Bioprinting
Authors: Luo Wenbin , Song Zhengyi , Wang Zhonghan , Wang Zhenguo , Li Zuhao , Wang Chenyu , Liu He , Liu Qingping , Wang Jincheng
Published: May 2020

Meniscal injury is more likely to cause a permanent alteration of the biomechanical and biological environment of the knee joint, mainly due to the morphological mismatch and substantial loss of meniscal tissues. Herein, to overcome this challenge, we developed an improved bioink with enhanced printability, while maintaining the biocompatibility of major cellular component of the meniscus, namely fibrochondrocytes. Firstly, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) was mixed with gelatin-alginate thermal-responsive bioinks to improve the printability. Afterward, individual-specific meniscal prototypes based on the 3D reconstruction of MRI data were bioprinted using our bioink. The rheological and printability properties of the bioinks were characterized to select proper bioink content and bioprinting parameters. And then, a series of biological characterizations of the bioprinted samples, such as cell viability, metabolic activity, and extracellular matrix accumulation, were carried out in vitro. The results indicated that superior rheological performance and printability of CNF-modified bioink were achieved, ensuring high-precision bioprinting of specific-designed meniscal prototype when compared with the non-CNF-containing counterparts. Meanwhile, biological tests indicated that fibrochondrocytes encapsulated within the CNF-modified bioink maintained long-term cellular viability as well as acceptable extracellular matrix accumulation. This study demonstrates that the CNF-modified bioink is in favor of the printing fidelity of specific meniscus by improved rheological properties, minimizing the mismatch between artificial meniscal implants and native knee joint tissues, thereby permitting the evolution of clinical therapeutic methods of meniscal reconstruction.
Effectiveness of a Global Multidisciplinary Supportive and Educational Intervention in Thermal Resort on Anthropometric and Biological Parameters, and the Disease-Free Survival after Breast Cancer Treatment Completion (PACThe)
Authors: Vasson Marie-Paule , Kwiatkowski Fabrice , Rossary Adrien , Jouvency Sylvie , Mouret-Reynier Marie-Ange , Duclos Martine , Van Praagh-Doreau Isabelle , Travade Armelle , Bignon Yves-Jean
Published: May 2020

A growing knowledge highlights the strong benefit of regular physical activity in the management of breast cancer patients, but few studies have considered biological parameters in their outcomes. In the prospective randomised trial after breast cancer treatment completion “PACThe,” we determined the effects of physical activity and nutritional intervention on the biological and anthropometric status of patients after one year of follow-up, and clarified the link between biomarkers at allocation and disease-free survival. 113 patients from the population of the “PACThe” study (n = 251) were analysed for biological parameters. Patients were randomized after chemotherapy in two arms: the intervention “SPA” receiving a 2-week session of physical training, dietary education, and physiotherapy (n = 57), and the control “CTR” (n = 56). Diet questionnaire, anthropometric measures, and blood parameters were determined at allocation and one year later. Survival and recurrence were checked over 7 years. Data were considered as a function of BMI, i.e., ≤25 for normal, 25–30 for overweight, and >30 for obese patients. At allocation, the large standard deviation for nutrient-intake values reflected an unbalanced diet for some patients in the three groups. At one-year follow-up, we noticed an increase in glucose (p<10−6), insulin (p<10−7), and adiponectin (p<0.022) plasma levels for both intervention arms, which were more accentuated for the >30 groups. Using the Cox model, we demonstrated that the highest testosterone plasma values were linked to an increase of the recurrence risk (HR [CI–95%] = 5.06 [1.66–15.41]; p=0.004). One-year after a global multidisciplinary supportive and educational intervention, we found few anthropometric and biological changes, mainly related to the patient’s initial BMI. We highlighted the importance of plasma testosterone in the evaluation of patient’s recurrence risk. Future studies would help better understand the mechanisms by which such multidisciplinary interventions could interact with breast cancer recurrence and define the most effective modalities.
Continuous Integral Terminal Sliding Mode Control for Double-Layer Peltier System Based on Finite-Time Observer
Authors: Chen Congyan , Song Wenbin , Ding Shichen
Published: May 2020

This paper addresses the finite-time tracking problem for the double-layer Peltier system. Peltier is a semiconductor thermoelectrical transform device. It is widely used in the thermal tactile reappearance area. To expand temperature differences, Peltier is usually used in the form of double layers. There are some uncertain factors such as state coupling, external disturbance, and parameter perturbation in double-layer Peltier. Therefore, it is of great theoretical and practical significance to design a controller with superior performance. To this end, a compound continuous integral terminal sliding mode control strategy is proposed here. Firstly, finite-time disturbance observers are designed for feedforward compensation and evaluating the external disturbances. Secondly, the strong robustness of the sliding mode control enhances the disturbance rejection of the system. The continuous integral sliding mode makes the input continuous and weakens the chattering. Also, the terminal sliding mode improves the convergence speed of the system on the sliding surface significantly. The performance of the proposed method is analyzed through Lyapunov stability analysis, simulations, and experiments. Compared to nonsmooth finite-time control, the continuous integral terminal sliding mode control achieves rapid temperature stability and better disturbance rejection under the same condition of finite-time convergence.
Multiparticle Localization at Low Energy for Multidimensional Continuous Anderson Models
Authors: Ekanga Trésor
Published: May 2020

We study the multiparticle Anderson model in the continuum and show that under some mild assumptions on the random external potential and the inter-particle interaction, for any finite number of particles, the multiparticle lower spectral edges are almost surely constant in absence of ergodicity. We stress that this result is not quite obvious and has to be handled carefully. In addition, we prove the spectral exponential and the strong dynamical localization of the continuous multiparticle Anderson model at low energy. The proof based on the multiparticle multiscale analysis bounds needs the values of the external random potential to be independent and identically distributed, whose common probability distribution is at least Log-Hölder continuous.
Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Myopia: An OCT-Based Study in Young Chinese Patients
Authors: Xiong Fen , Tu Jun , Mao Tian , Yu Li , Lin Nana , Liao Hongfei
Published: May 2020

Myopia is a common cause of visual impairment worldwide. Choroidal thickness (ChT) reflects the characteristic changes in myopic children and may be used as an important index of myopia. The purpose of this study was to investigate ChT and its distribution across the posterior pole in young myopic Chinese patients using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) and to explore the factors associated with it. A total of 402 myopic Chinese patients aged 6–16 years who underwent complete ophthalmic examinations, including those for axial length, cycloplegic refraction, and intraocular pressure, were examined with EDI-OCT. The mean subfoveal ChT was 303.08 ± 76.87 μm and displayed large variations at different positions (p<0.05). The thickest sector was located 3 mm temporally from the fovea. Multivariate regression analysis showed a significant negative correlation of the subfoveal ChT values with axial length (AL), whereas the ChT was moderately influenced by the patient’s sex. AL accounted for 7.9% of the ChT variance, whereas sex explained 9.6% of the ChT variance. In the population aged 11 years and older, AL accounted for 13.1% of the ChT variance. However, in those younger than 11 years, age was the only significant explanatory factor accounting for 5.2% of the ChT variance. In conclusion, we found a significant decrease in ChT with age in myopic children younger than 11 years. The negative association between age and ChT in children aged 11 years and older may be offset by the choroidal thickening mediated by pubertal growth spurts. The positive correlation between ChT and spherical equivalent in myopic adolescents aged 11 years and older suggests that the protective effect of lens thinning against rapid axial elongation disappears with age. Axial elongation becomes the dominant determinant of ChT in this age group.
Interactive Algorithms in Complex Image Processing Systems Based on Big Data
Authors: Xu Yuanjin , Liu Xiaojun
Published: May 2020

In the era of big data, images and videos are one of the main means of information dissemination. In recent years, research on the problem of image and video reorganization and integration has become a hot topic in digital image processing technology. Using a computer for image processing, complicated programming is unavoidable. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the interactive algorithms for image processing. In this paper, the content of image processing experiment is screened and integrated, and an image processing experiment system based on Matlab GUI platform is established for different levels of image processing knowledge modules. In order to verify the effectiveness and practicability of the optimization algorithm proposed in this paper, experimental simulations were performed on complex natural images and complex human eye images. The speed of the USB camera is generally between 15 frames/second and 25 frames/second, and in a 240 × 320 picture, the interactive algorithm in this article only needs about 59 ms, which is enough to complete the automatic interaction in the video in real time, which is convenient for subsequent image extraction. The experimental results show that the interactive algorithm in the complex image processing system in this paper optimizes the image extraction rate and improves the antinoise performance of the segmentation and the segmentation effect of the deep depression region.
Microcluster-Based Incremental Ensemble Learning for Noisy, Nonstationary Data Streams
Authors: Liu Sanmin , Xue Shan , Liu Fanzhen , Cheng Jieren , Li Xiulai , Kong Chao , Wu Jia
Published: May 2020

Data stream classification becomes a promising prediction work with relevance to many practical environments. However, under the environment of concept drift and noise, the research of data stream classification faces lots of challenges. Hence, a new incremental ensemble model is presented for classifying nonstationary data streams with noise. Our approach integrates three strategies: incremental learning to monitor and adapt to concept drift; ensemble learning to improve model stability; and a microclustering procedure that distinguishes drift from noise and predicts the labels of incoming instances via majority vote. Experiments with two synthetic datasets designed to test for both gradual and abrupt drift show that our method provides more accurate classification in nonstationary data streams with noise than the two popular baselines.
Distribution and Prognostic Significance of Estrogen Receptorα(ERα), Estrogen Receptorβ(ERβ), and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER-2) in Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Mishra Anjali , Kumari Niraj , Jha Chandan Kumar , Bichoo Raouef Ahamed , Mishra Shravan Kumar , Krishnani Narendra , Mishra Saroj Kanta
Published: May 2020

Purpose. The primary aim of this study was to determine the incidence of estrogen receptorα(ERα), estrogen receptorβ(ERβ), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) expression in various subtypes of thyroid carcinoma (TC) of follicular origin and the secondary aim was to correlate the expression with various clinicopathologic prognostic factors.Methods. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed on archival paraffin-embedded tissue sections (1991–2016). ERα, ERβ,and HER-2 expressions were correlated with clinicopathologic prognostic factors, disease recurrence, and overall survival (OS).Results. A total of 264 TC patients were included in the study. Incidences of ERα, ERβ,and HER-2 were 8.1 vs 16.3 vs 13.9%p=0.15, 26.6 vs 11.5 vs 36.1%p=0.002, and 12.9 vs 2.9 vs 0%p=0.003in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC), respectively. Overall ERαhad significant correlation with distant metastases (0.038) and in case of PDTC with multicentricityp=0.037. ERβhad significant correlation with lymph node metastasesp=0.023in FTC. HER-2 correlated with tumor sizep=0.027only on univariate analysis. OS did not correlate with expression of any receptor.Conclusion. ERα, ERβ,and HER-2 have differential expression and prognostic implications in different TC subtypes.
Effects of Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) Seed Flour in Moderately Malnourished Children: Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Pereira de Jesus Costa Ana Cristina , Kelly dos Santos Silva Mércia , Batista de Oliveira Samae , Silva Luana Leite , Silva Alessandra Cruz , Barroso Raidanes Barros , Macedo Costa José de Ribamar , Lima Hunaldo Virlane Kelly , Neto Marcelino Santos , Pascoal Lívia Maia , Nascimento Sá Ewerton Martins Márcia Caroline , Santos Floriacy Stabnow , Hunaldo dos Santos Leonardo , Pereira Santos Gledson Weslley , Alves de Oliveira Serra Maria Aparecida , Siqueira de Araújo Gordon Ariadne , Moura de Araújo Thiago , Araújo Márcio Flávio Moura de
Published: May 2020

The monitoring and combined use of dietary supplements to restore adequate growth are paramount and highly recommended in child malnutrition, an important public health problem. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of cashew nut seed flour in children with moderate malnutrition, treated at primary healthcare services. This is a randomized clinical trial conducted from April to October 2017 in the city of Imperatriz, Brazil. The sample comprised 30 children born at term, aged between 2 and 5 years, and newly diagnosed with malnutrition (60 days or less), randomized into experimental and control groups. The intervention consisted of daily intake of cashew nut seed flour. There was intragroup statistically significant difference in the glucose levels of children who were assigned to the control group (p=0.02) and in the glycated hemoglobin in the experimental group (p<0.01). Intergroup analysis of glycated hemoglobin levels showed statistically significant differences in favor of the experimental group (p=0.01). HDL and LDL had, respectively, increased and decreased in the experimental group. The use of cashew nut seed flour in a 24-week period had positive effects on glycated hemoglobin, HDL, and LDL parameters in moderately malnourished children.
An Analysis of the Anti‐Neuropathic Effects of Qi She Pill Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Song Yong-jia , Bao Jia-min , Zhou Long-yun , Li Gan , Sng Kim Sia , Wang Yong-jun , Shi Qi , Cui Xue-jun
Published: May 2020

Background. Qi She Pill (QSP) is a traditional prescription for the treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) that is widely used in China. However, no network pharmacology studies of QSP in the treatment of NP have been conducted to date. Objective. To verify the potential pharmacological effects of QSP on NP, its components were analyzed via target docking and network analysis, and network pharmacology methods were used to study the interactions of its components. Materials and Methods. Information on pharmaceutically active compounds in QSP and gene information related to NP were obtained from public databases, and a compound‐target network and protein‐protein interaction network were constructed to study the mechanism of action of QSP in the treatment of NP. The mechanism of action of QSP in the treatment of NP was analyzed via Gene Ontology (GO) biological process annotation and Kyoto Gene and Genomics Encyclopedia (KEGG) pathway enrichment, and the drug‐like component‐target‐pathway network was constructed. Results. The compound‐target network contained 60 compounds and 444 corresponding targets. The key active compounds included quercetin and beta‐sitosterol. Key targets included PTGS2 and PTGS1. The protein‐protein interaction network of the active ingredients of QSP in the treatment of NP featured 48 proteins, including DRD2, CHRM, β2‐adrenergic receptor, HTR2A, and calcitonin gene‐related peptide. In total, 53 GO entries, including 35 biological process items, 7 molecular function items, and 11 cell related items, were identified. In addition, eight relevant (KEGG) pathways were identified, including calcium, neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction, and cAMP signaling pathways. Conclusion. Network pharmacology can help clarify the role and mechanism of QSP in the treatment of NP and provide a foundation for further research.
Integral Roles of Specific Proteoglycans in Hair Growth and Hair Loss: Mechanisms behind the Bioactivity of Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy with Nourkrin® with Marilex® in Pattern Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium
Authors: Wadstein Jan , Thom Erling , Gadzhigoroeva Aida
Published: May 2020

Follicular proteoglycans are key players with structural, functional, and regulatory roles in the growth and cycling behaviour of the hair follicles. The expression pattern of specific proteoglycans is strongly correlated with follicular phase transitions, which further affirms their functional involvement. Research shows that bioactive proteoglycans, e.g., versican and decorin, can actively trigger follicular phase shift by their anagen-inducing, anagen-maintaining, and immunoregulatory properties. This emerging insight has led to the recognition of “dysregulated proteoglycan metabolism” as a plausible causal or mediating pathology in hair growth disorders in both men and women. In support of this, declined expression of proteoglycans has been reported in cases of anagen shortening and follicular miniaturisation. To facilitate scientific communication, we propose designating this pathology “follicular hypoglycania (FHG),” which results from an impaired ability of follicular cells to replenish and maintain a minimum relative concentration of key proteoglycans during anagen. Lasting FHG may advance to structural decay, called proteoglycan follicular atrophy (PFA). This process is suggested to be an integral pathogenetic factor in pattern hair loss (PHL) and telogen effluvium (TE). To address FHG and PFA, a proteoglycan replacement therapy (PRT) program using oral administration of a marine-derived extract (Nourkrin® with Marilex®, produced by Pharma Medico Aps, Aarhus, Denmark) containing specific proteoglycans has been developed. In clinical studies, this treatment significantly reduced hair fall, promoted hair growth, and improved quality of life in patients with male- and female-pattern hair loss. Accordingly, PRT (using Nourkrin® with Marilex®) can be recommended as an add-on treatment or monotherapy in patients with PHL and TE.
Comprehensive Assessment of the Effect of Urban Built-Up Land Expansion and Climate Change on Net Primary Productivity
Authors: Zhang Pengyan , Li Yanyan , Jing Wenlong , Yang Dan , Zhang Yu , Liu Ying , Geng Wenliang , Rong Tianqi , Shao Jingwen , Yang Jiaxin , Qin Mingzhou
Published: May 2020

Urbanization is causing profound changes in ecosystem functions at local and regional scales. The net primary productivity (NPP) is an important indicator of global change, rapid urbanization and climate change will have a significant impact on NPP, and urban expansion and climate change in different regions have different impacts on NPP, especially in densely populated areas. However, to date, efforts to quantify urban expansion and climate change have been limited, and the impact of long-term continuous changes in NPP has not been well understood. Based on land use data, night light data, NPP data, climate data, and a series of social and economic data, we performed a comprehensive analysis of land use change in terms of type and intensity and explored the pattern of urban expansion and its relationship with NPP and climate change for the period of 2000–2015, taking Zhengzhou, China, as an example. The results show that the major form of land use change was cropland to built-up land during the 2000–2015 period, with a total area of 367.51 km2 converted. The NPP exhibited a generally increasing trend in the study area except for built-up land and water area. The average correlation coefficients between temperature and NPP and precipitation and NPP were 0.267 and 0.020, respectively, indicating that an increase in temperature and precipitation can promote NPP despite significant spatial differences. During the examined period, most expansion areas exhibited an increasing NPP trend, indicating that the influence of urban expansion on NPP is mainly characterized by an evident influence of the expansion area. The study can provide a reference for Zhengzhou and even the world's practical research to improve land use efficiency, increase agricultural productivity and natural carbon sinks, and maintain low-carbon development.
Saliency Detection via the Improved Hierarchical Principal Component Analysis Method
Authors: Chen Yuantao , Tao Jiajun , Zhang Qian , Yang Kai , Chen Xi , Xiong Jie , Xia Runlong , Xie Jingbo
Published: May 2020

Aiming at the problems of intensive background noise, low accuracy, and high computational complexity of the current significant object detection methods, the visual saliency detection algorithm based on Hierarchical Principal Component Analysis (HPCA) has been proposed in the paper. Firstly, the original RGB image has been converted to a grayscale image, and the original grayscale image has been divided into eight layers by the bit surface stratification technique. Each image layer contains significant object information matching the layer image features. Secondly, taking the color structure of the original image as the reference image, the grayscale image is reassigned by the grayscale color conversion method, so that the layered image not only reflects the original structural features but also effectively preserves the color feature of the original image. Thirdly, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) has been performed on the layered image to obtain the structural difference characteristics and color difference characteristics of each layer of the image in the principal component direction. Fourthly, two features are integrated to get the saliency map with high robustness and to further refine our results; the known priors have been incorporated on image organization, which can place the subject of the photograph near the center of the image. Finally, the entropy calculation has been used to determine the optimal image from the layered saliency map; the optimal map has the least background information and most prominently saliency objects than others. The object detection results of the proposed model are closer to the ground truth and take advantages of performance parameters including precision rate (PRE), recall rate (REC), and F-measure (FME). The HPCA model’s conclusion can obviously reduce the interference of redundant information and effectively separate the saliency object from the background. At the same time, it had more improved detection accuracy than others.
Competition of Duopoly MVNOs for IoT Applications through Wireless Network Virtualization
Authors: Zhang Wanli , Li Xianwei , Zhao Liang , Yang Xiaoying
Published: May 2020

Network performance is of great importance for processing Internet of Things (IoT) applications in the fifth-generation (5G) communication system. With the increasing number of the devices, how network services should be provided with better performances is becoming a pressing issue. The static resource allocation of wireless networks is becoming a bottleneck for the emerging IoT applications. As a potential solution, network virtualization is considered a promising approach to enhancing the network performance and solving the bottleneck issue. In this paper, the problem of wireless network virtualization is investigated where one wireless infrastructure provider (WIP), mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), and IoT devices coexist. In the system model under consideration, with the help of a software-defined network (SDN) controller, the WIP can divide and reconfigure its radio frequency bands to radio frequency slices. Then, two MVNOs, MVNO1 and MVNO2, can lease these frequency slices from the WIP and then provide IoT network services to IoT users under competition. We apply a two-stage Stackelberg game to investigate and analyze the relationship between the two MVNOs and IoT users, where MVNO1 and MVNO2 firstly try to maximize their profits by setting the optimal network service prices. Then, IoT users make decisions on which network service they should select according to the performances and prices of network services. Two competition cases between MVNO1 and MVNO2 are considered, namely, Stackelberg game (SG) where MVNO1 is the leader whose price of network service is set firstly and MVNO2 is the follower whose network service price is set later and noncooperative strategic game (NSG) under which the service prices of MVNO1 and MVNO2 are simultaneously set. Each IoT user decides whether and which MVNO to select on the basis of the network service prices and qualities. The numerical results are provided to show the effectiveness of our game model and the proposed solution method.
Synthetic Lethality with Trifluridine/Tipiracil and Checkpoint Kinase 1 Inhibitor for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ohashi Shinya , Kikuchi Osamu , Nakai Yukie , Ida Tomomi , Saito Tomoki , Kondo Yuki , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Mitani Yosuke , Nguyen Vu Trang H. , Fukuyama Keita , Tsukihara Hiroshi , Suzuki Norihiko , Muto Manabu
Published: May 2020

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a disease characterized by a high mutation rate of the TP53 gene, which plays pivotal roles in the DNA damage response (DDR) and is regulated by checkpoint kinase (CHK) 2. CHK1 is another key DDR-related protein, and its selective inhibition is suggested to be particularly sensitive to TP53-mutated cancers, because a loss of both pathways (CHK1 and/or CHK2–p53) is lethal due to the serious impairment of DDR. Such a therapeutic strategy is termed synthetic lethality. Here, we propose a novel therapeutic strategy based on synthetic lethality combining trifluridine/tipiracil and prexasertib (CHK1 inhibitor) as a treatment for ESCC. Trifluridine is a key component of the antitumor drug combination with trifluridine/tipiracil (an inhibitor of trifluridine degradation), also known as TAS-102. In this study, we demonstrate that trifluridine increases CHK1 phosphorylation in ESCC cells combined with a reduction of the S-phase ratio as well as the induction of ssDNA damage. Because CHK1 phosphorylation is considered to be induced as DDR for trifluridine-mediated DNA damage, we examined the effects of CHK1 inhibition on trifluridine treatment. Consequently, CHK1 inhibition by short hairpin RNA or treatment with the CHK1 inhibitor, prexasertib, markedly enhanced trifluridine-mediated DNA damage, represented by an increase of γH2AX expression. Moreover, the combination of trifluridine/tipiracil and CHK1 inhibition significantly suppressed tumor growth of ESCC-derived xenograft tumors. Furthermore, the combination of trifluridine and prexasertib enhanced radiosensitivity both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the combination of trifluridine/tipiracil and a CHK1 inhibitor exhibits effective antitumor effects, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for ESCC.
A Novel Peptidylarginine Deiminase 4 (PAD4) Inhibitor BMS-P5 Blocks Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Delays Progression of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Li Marina , Lin Cindy , Deng Hui , Strnad Joann , Bernabei Luca , Vogl Dan T. , Burke James J. , Nefedova Yulia
Published: May 2020

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy, which grows in the bone marrow (BM). The major population of cells in the BM is represented by neutrophils and they can form neutrophil extracellular traps (NET). Here, we investigated whether multiple myeloma cells induce NET formation and whether targeting this process would delay multiple myeloma progression. We demonstrated that murine and human multiple myeloma cells stimulate citrullination of histone H3 and NET formation by neutrophils and that this process is abrogated by pharmacological targeting of peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) with a novel-specific small molecule inhibitor BMS-P5. Administration of BMS-P5 to multiple myeloma-bearing mice delays appearance of symptoms and disease progression. Taken together, our data demonstrate that targeting PAD4 may be beneficial for treatment of multiple myeloma.
Telmisartan Protects Auditory Hair Cells from Gentamicin-Induced Toxicity in vitro
Authors: Cortada Maurizio , Wei Eric , Jain Neha , Levano Soledad , Bodmer Daniel
Published: May 2020

Background: Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that has pleiotropic effects and protective properties in different cell types. Moreover, telmisartan has also shown partial agonism on the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ). Auditory hair cells (HCs) express PPAR-γ, and the protective role of PPAR-γ agonists on HCs has been shown. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of telmisartan on gentamicin-induced ototoxicity in vitro. Methods: Cochlear explants were exposed to gentamicin with or without telmisartan, and/or GW9662, an irreversible PPAR-γ antagonist. Results: Telmisartan protected auditory HCs against gentamicin-induced ototoxicity. GW9662 completely blocked this protective effect, suggesting that it was mediated by PPAR-γ signaling. Exposure to GW9662 or telmisartan alone was not toxic to auditory HCs. Conclusions: We found that telmisartan, via PPAR-γ signaling, protects auditory HCs from gentamicin-induced ototoxicity. Therefore, telmisartan could potentially be used in the future to prevent or treat sensorineural hearing loss.
Efficacy and Safety of Ramucirumab in Asian and Non-Asian Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein: Pooled Individual Data Analysis of Two Randomized Studies
Authors: Yen Chia-Jui , Kudo Masatoshi , Lim Ho-Yeong , Hsu Chih-Hung , Vogel Arndt , Brandi Giovanni , Cheng Rebecca , Nitu Ioana Simona , Abada Paolo , Hsu Yanzhi , Zhu Andrew X. , Kang Yoon-Koo
Published: May 2020

Objective: REACH-2 and REACH were randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter phase 3 trials which showed survival benefits of ramucirumab treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ramucirumab in Asian and non-Asian patients with AFP ≥400 ng/mL from REACH-2 and REACH. Methods: We pooled Asian and non-Asian patients from the REACH-2 and REACH trials and performed an individual patient data meta-analysis. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated with a stratified Cox regression model. Results: In the pooled REACH-2 and REACH patient population, 291 Asian patients were randomly assigned to receive ramucirumab (n = 168) or placebo (n = 123), and 251 non-Asian patients received ramucirumab (n = 148) or placebo (n = 103). The median OS was significantly longer in the ramucirumab arm in comparison to the placebo arm for Asian patients (8.08 vs. 4.76 months, stratified HR 0.73 [95% CI 0.56–0.95], p = 0.0189) and non-Asian patients (7.98 vs. 5.22 months, stratified HR 0.65 [95% CI 0.49–0.86], p = 0.0028). The overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were significantly higher in the ramucirumab arm compared to the placebo arm for Asian patients (ORR: 4.2 vs. 0.8%; DCR: 53.6 vs. 33.3%) and non-Asian patients (ORR: 6.8 vs. 1.0%; DCR: 59.5 vs. 41.7%). The most common grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events reported in the ramucirumab arm were hypertension (7.7%), decreased appetite (1.2%), and ascites (1.2%) for Asian patients and hypertension (16.9%), ascites (8.8%), asthenia (4.7%), and fatigue (5.4%) for non-Asian patients. Discussion and Conclusion: This pooled analysis of the REACH-2/REACH trials demonstrates significant benefits, with a manageable safety profile, of ramucirumab treatment in Asian and non-Asian patients with advanced HCC and baseline AFP ≥400 ng/mL.
Conjunctival Melanoma with Ipsilateral, Non-Contiguous Eyelid Involvement: A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Roelofs Kelsey A. , Mitsopoulos Grigorios , Cohen Victoria M.L.
Published: May 2020

While the majority of cases of conjunctival melanoma (CM) involve the bulbar conjunctiva, concurrent pigmentation of the ipsilateral eyelid can be seen in up to 15% of cases. Although extension of conjunctival melanoma into the eyelid (AJCC cT3b) occurs in 1% of cases, non-contiguous lesions are very rare with only 5 clearly documented reports in the English literature. Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed, including separate primary melanomas, patchy involvement from primary acquired melanosis (which may be sine pigmento) and exfoliation of malignant tumour cells into the tear film. Herein we present a case of eyelid melanoma arising in a patient previously treated for CM at a non-contiguous site and provide a comprehensive review of the relevant literature.
Variability of Thyroid Measurements from Ultrasound and Laboratory in a Repeated Measurements Study
Authors: Ittermann Till , Richter Adrian , Junge Martin , Nauck Matthias , Petersmann Astrid , Jürgens Clemens , Below Harald , Schmidt Carsten Oliver , Völzke Henry
Published: May 2020

Background: Variability of measurements in medical research can be due to different sources. Quantification of measurement errors facilitates probabilistic sensitivity analyses in future research to minimize potential bias in epidemiological studies. We aimed to investigate the variation of thyroid-related outcomes derived from ultrasound (US) and laboratory analyses in a repeated measurements study. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-five volunteers (13 females, 12 males) aged 22–70 years were examined once a month over 1 year. US measurements included thyroid volume, goiter, and thyroid nodules. Laboratory measurements included urinary iodine concentrations and serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroglobulin. Variations in continuous thyroid markers were assessed as coefficient of variation (CV) defined as mean of the individual CVs with bootstrapped confidence intervals and as intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Variations in dichotomous thyroid markers were assessed by Cohen’s kappa. Results: CV was highest for urinary iodine concentrations (56.9%), followed by TSH (27.2%), thyroglobulin (18.2%), thyroid volume (10.5%), fT3 (8.1%), and fT4 (6.3%). The ICC was lowest for urinary iodine concentrations (0.42), followed by fT3 (0.55), TSH (0.64), fT4 (0.72), thyroid volume (0.87), and thyroglobulin (0.90). Cohen’s kappa values for the presence of goiter or thyroid nodules were 0.64 and 0.70, respectively. Conclusion: Our study provides measures of variation for thyroid outcomes, which can be used for probabilistic sensitivity analyses of epidemiological data. The low intraindividual variation of serum thyroglobulin in comparison to urinary iodine concentrations emphasizes the potential of thyroglobulin as marker for the iodine status of populations.
Correspondence between Capnovolumetric and Conventional Lung Function Parameters in the Diagnosis of Obstructive Airway Diseases
Authors: Kellerer Christina , Schneider Antonius , Klütsch Klaus , Husemann Kim , Sorichter Stephan , Jörres Rudolf A.
Published: May 2020

Background: Capnovolumetry is of interest as a method for the diagnosis of obstructive airway diseases, requiring little cooperation from the patient. Objective: To help in the interpretation of capnovolumetric parameters, we aimed to identify their correspondence to conventional lung function indices. Methods: We studied 978 patients from a diagnostic study with complete functional data and the clinical diagnosis of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or no respiratory disease. Using path analysis, four capnovolumetric parameters (slope of expiratory phase 3, ratio of slopes of phases 3 and 2, volume of phase 2, and the ratio area/volume of phase 3) previously identified as predictors of airway obstruction in terms of spirometry and body ple­thysmography, were analyzed regarding their relationship to each other and the diagnostic categories of asthma or COPD versus control, or obstruction versus no obstruction. We then identified four lung function parameters showing relationships as much as possible isomorphic to those between capnovolumetric parameters. Results: The four capnovolumetric parameters were related to COPD and obstruction via both direct and indirect influences, but only two of them to asthma. Regarding the correspondence to lung function parameters, the slope of expiratory phase 3 corresponded best to the ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity, the ratio of slopes of phases 3 and 2 to forced expiratory volume in 1 s, the volume of phase 2 to forced expired flow at 50% of vital capacity, and the ratio area/volume of phase 3 to forced vital capacity. Conclusions: Our results indicated an intricate relationship of capnovolumetric parameters to each other and to airway obstruction, asthma, or COPD. The correspondence to conventional lung function measures seemed to reflect the entities lung hyperinflation, overall ventilatory impairment, bronchoconstriction, and ventilated lung volume, in that order. These findings might be helpful for clinicians in the interpretation of capnovolumetry.
Trockenes Auge und Diabetes mellitus: Selbsteinschätzung und Lebensqualität
Authors: Di Carlo Emiliano , Raslan Fadi
Published: May 2020

Ziel der Studie war es, den Zusammenhang zwischen den subjektiv empfundenen Beschwerden des Trockenen Auges, der Lebensqualität, dem Vorliegen einer diabetischen Retinopathie (DR) und der Krankheitsdauer bei Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 (DM1) und Typ 2 (DM2) zu ermitteln. Dazu beantworteten 152 Patienten (110 Diabetiker und 42 ohne Diabetes in der Kontrollgruppe) je zwei Fragebögen (Ocular Surface Disease Index, Dry Eye-realted Quality of Life Score). Von den Diabetes-Patienten berichteten 44% von Symptomen des Trockenen Auges, wobei der Anteil unter DM2-Patienten höher war (55% verglichen mit 27% bei DM1-Patienten, p = 0,001). In der Kontrollgruppe berichtete 29% von Symptomen des Trockenen Auges. Die Schwere der Symptome ging mit einer sigknifikanten Abnahme der Lebensqualität sowohl bei DM1 als auch bei DM2 einher (DM1: r = 0,609, p = 0,036; DM2: r = 0,417, p = 0,011). Unabhängig von einem Vorliegen einer DR trat das Trockene Auge häufiger bei DM2 als bei DM1 auf (mit DR: p = 0,011; ohne DR: p = 0,018).