bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some generalizations of linear finite difference inequalities of Pachpatte type
Authors: Kendre S. D. , Kale N. R.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we establish some linear finite difference inequalities and obtain an explicit bound on the unknown function. These inequalities can be used as handy tools to study the qualitative as well as the quantitative properties of solutions of some finite difference equations and its variants.
The second-minimum Wiener index of cacti with given cycles
Authors: Deng Hanyuan , Keerthi Vasan G. C. , Balachandran S.
Published: February 2020

The Wiener index [Formula: see text] of a connected graph [Formula: see text] is the sum of distances between all pairs of vertices of [Formula: see text]. A connected graph [Formula: see text] is said to be a cactus if each of its blocks is either a cycle or an edge. Let [Formula: see text] be the set of all [Formula: see text]-vertex cacti containing exactly [Formula: see text] cycles. Liu and Lu (2007) determined the unique graph in [Formula: see text] with the minimum Wiener index. Gutman, Li and Wei (2017) determined the unique graph in [Formula: see text] with maximum Wiener index. In this paper, we present the second-minimum Wiener index of graphs in [Formula: see text] and identify the corresponding extremal graphs, which solve partially the problem proposed by Gutman et al. [Cacti with [Formula: see text]-vertices and [Formula: see text] cycles having extremal Wiener index, Discrete Appl. Math. 232 (2017) 189–200] in 2017.
q-Differences theorems for meromorphic maps of several complex variables intersecting hypersurfaces
Authors: Thoan Pham Duc , Nam Nguyen Hai , Vangty Noulorvang
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we show some [Formula: see text]-difference analogues of the second main theorems for algebraically nondegenerate meromorphic mappings over the field [Formula: see text] of zero-order meromorphic functions in [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text] intersecting hypersurfaces, located in subgeneral position in [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] may be different. As an application, we give some unicity theorems for meromorphic mappings of [Formula: see text] into [Formula: see text] under the growth condition “order [Formula: see text]”, which are analogous to Picard’s theorems.
Flurorinated isomeric polymer semiconductors for air-stable unencapsulated transistors
Authors: Zhu Bili , Tang Yu , Zhou Dagang , Deng Ping , Cai Yang , Zhan Hongbing , Lei Yanlian
Published: February 2020

Two flurorinated isomeric polymeric semiconductors (P1 and P2) containing benzo[[Formula: see text]][1,2,5]thiadiazole units have been newly designed and synthesized. Basic physicochemical properties, surface morphology and crystallinity features have been investigated. Both polymers show typical [Formula: see text]-type charge transport characteristics. P1 displays better average hole mobility of ‘[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm2[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] with high on/off ratio of [Formula: see text] and low threshold voltage of [Formula: see text]. Both polymers exhibit good hole transport stability in ambient condition based on the result of continuously monitoring unencapsulated device performances for 110 days. The results demonstrate the isomeric effect on optoelectronic properties of new flurorinated polymers, which are promising semiconductors for air-stable unencapsulated organic field-effect transistor application.
Synthesis and characterization of a Cu2S-modified ZnO-based photocatalyst for enhanced visible light absorption
Authors: Liu Xiangjia , Li Jin , Wu Benze , Wang Yanan , Liu Weimeng
Published: February 2020

A ZnO/CdS/Cu2S composite photocatalyst with high photocatalytic activity was successfully synthesized by a three-step process. The results of XRD, XPS, SEM, and UV–Vis analysis show that ZnO nanosheets were successfully compounded with CdS nanoparticles, and the surface of CdS was successfully modified by Cu2S under ultraviolet light. Photocatalytic measurements were carried out and the results show that the photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO/CdS/Cu2S reached 95%. Compared with ZnO ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]), the kinetic constant of ZnO/CdS/Cu2S was up to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text], which shows its excellent photocatalytic activity. A photocatalytic mechanism was proposed to illustrate the high activity separation efficiency.
How Good Is a Strategy in a Game with Nature?
Authors: Carayol Arnaud , Serre Olivier
Published: February 2020

We consider games with two antagonistic players—Éloïse (modelling a program) and Abélard (modelling a Byzantine environment)—and a third, unpredictable and uncontrollable player, which we call Nature. Motivated by the fact that the usual probabilistic semantics very quickly leads to undecidability when considering either infinite game graphs or imperfect-information, we propose two alternative semantics that lead to decidability where the probabilistic one fails: one based on counting and one based on topology.
Climate Extremes and Compound Hazards in a Warming World
Authors: AghaKouchak Amir , Chiang Felicia , Huning Laurie S. , Love Charlotte A. , Mallakpour Iman , Mazdiyasni Omid , Moftakhari Hamed , Papalexiou Simon Michael , Ragno Elisa , Sadegh Mojtaba
Published: February 2020

Climate extremes threaten human health, economic stability, and the well-being of natural and built environments (e.g., 2003 European heat wave). As the world continues to warm, climate hazards are expected to increase in frequency and intensity. The impacts of extreme events will also be more severe due to the increased exposure (growing population and development) and vulnerability (aging infrastructure) of human settlements. Climate models attribute part of the projected increases in the intensity and frequency of natural disasters to anthropogenic emissions and changes in land use and land cover. Here, we review the impacts, historical and projected changes,and theoretical research gaps of key extreme events (heat waves, droughts, wildfires, precipitation, and flooding). We also highlight the need to improve our understanding of the dependence between individual and interrelated climate extremes because anthropogenic-induced warming increases the risk of not only individual climate extremes but also compound (co-occurring) and cascading hazards. ▪  Climate hazards are expected to increase in frequency and intensity in a warming world. ▪  Anthropogenic-induced warming increases the risk of compound and cascading hazards. ▪  We need to improve our understanding of causes and drivers of compound and cascading hazards.
Synaptic Plasticity Forms and Functions
Authors: Magee Jeffrey C. , Grienberger Christine
Published: February 2020

Synaptic plasticity, the activity-dependent change in neuronal connection strength, has long been considered an important component of learning and memory. Computational and engineering work corroborate the power of learning through the directed adjustment of connection weights. Here we review the fundamental elements of four broadly categorized forms of synaptic plasticity and discuss their functional capabilities and limitations. Although standard, correlation-based, Hebbian synaptic plasticity has been the primary focus of neuroscientists for decades, it is inherently limited. Three-factor plasticity rules supplement Hebbian forms with neuromodulation and eligibility traces, while true supervised types go even further by adding objectives and instructive signals. Finally, a recently discovered hippocampal form of synaptic plasticity combines the above elements, while leaving behind the primary Hebbian requirement. We suggest that the effort to determine the neural basis of adaptive behavior could benefit from renewed experimental and theoretical investigation of more powerful directed types of synaptic plasticity.
High-Field Dynamic Nuclear Polarization
Authors: Corzilius Björn
Published: February 2020

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) is one of the most prominent methods of sensitivity enhancement in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Even though solid-state DNP under magic-angle spinning (MAS) has left the proof-of-concept phase and has become an important tool for structural investigations of biomolecules as well as materials, it is still far from mainstream applicability because of the potentially overwhelming combination of unique instrumentation, complex sample preparation, and a multitude of different mechanisms and methods available. In this review, I introduce the diverse field and history of DNP, combining aspects of NMR and electron paramagnetic resonance. I then explain the general concepts and detailed mechanisms relevant at high magnetic field, including solution-state methods based on Overhauser DNP but with a greater focus on the more established MAS DNP methods. Finally, I review practical considerations and fields of application and discuss future developments.
Photoemission from Free Particles and Droplets
Authors: Ban Loren , Yoder Bruce L. , Signorell Ruth
Published: February 2020

Intriguing properties of photoemission from free, unsupported particles and droplets were predicted nearly 50 years ago, though experiments were a technical challenge. The last few decades have seen a surge of research in the field, due to advances in aerosol technology (generation, characterization, and transfer into vacuum), the development of photoelectron imaging spectrometers, and advances in vacuum ultraviolet and ultrafast light sources. Particles and droplets offer several advantages for photoemission studies. For example, photoemission spectra are dependent on the particle's size, shape, and composition, providing a wealth of information that allows for the retrieval of genuine electronic properties of condensed phase. In this review, with a focus on submicrometer-sized, dielectric particles and droplets, we explain the utility of photoemission from such systems, summarize several applications from the literature, and present some thoughts on future research directions.
Ceria Entrapped Palladium Novel Composites for Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Ralbag Noam , Davydova Elena S. , Mann-Lahav Meirav , Cong Peixi , He Jin , Beale Andrew M. , Grader Gideon S. , Avnir David , Dekel Dario R.
Published: February 2020

A new heterogeneous catalyst for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), metallic palladium within which nanoparticles of ceria are entrapped, CeO2@Pd, is described. Its preparation is based on a new materials methodology of molecular doping of metals. The metallic matrix, which encages the nanoparticles, is prepared in foam architecture, to ensure easy molecular diffusion. Characterization of the structural properties of the CeO2@Pd composite using SEM, STEM, TEM, XRD, EXAFS and nitrogen adsorption reveals its morphological architecture, which leads to improved catalytic activity. In-situ electrochemical and H2temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) spectra provide direct experimental evidence of the weakening of Pd‒H bond in the CeO2@Pd composites, relative to pure (undoped) Pd catalysts. Gas diffusion electrodes based on the entrapped CeO2@Pd catalysts demonstrated one order of magnitude higher activity than pure Pd analog in the HOR reaction in an alkaline medium.
Characterizing Performance of Electrocatalyst Nanoparticles Infiltrated into Ni-YSZ Cermet Anodes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Mo Boshan , Rix Jillian , Pal Uday , Basu Soumendra , Gopalan Srikanth
Published: February 2020

The infiltration of nanoparticle electrocatalysts into solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrodes has been proven to produce a high density of electrochemically active sites, and reduce charge transfer polarization losses for SOFC electrodes. This is crucial for intermediate temperature operation, as these losses increase greatly at lower temperatures. Nickel-yttria stabilized zirconia (Ni-YSZ) cermets are low-cost, and exhibit excellent stability, but their main disadvantage stems from nickel coarsening and performance loss over their operational lifetimes. Infiltration of electrocatalyst nanoparticles has been shown to mitigate nickel coarsening and the consequent anode degradation. In this study, the effects of these infiltrants are observed in a standard Ni-YSZ electrode. In addition to nickel, mixed ionic and electronic conducting (MIEC) phases were infiltrated into Ni-YSZ scaffolds and their performances were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Cross-sectional microscopy of fractured cells was used to compare electrode microstructure and particle statistics. A model is proposed for how the nanoparticle electrocatalysts improve the anode performance.
Polymerized Ionic Liquid Block Copolymer Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries
Authors: Mendes Tiago C. , Goujon Nicolas , Malic Nino , Postma Almar , Chiefari John , Zhu Haijin , Howlett Patrick C. , Forsyth Maria
Published: February 2020

In this work, we present a polymerized ionic liquid block copolymer (PBCP) film where relevant properties such as ionic conductivity and electrochemical parameters are tailored by using a ternary system comprised of poly(styrene-b-1-((2-acryloyloxy)ethyl)−3-butylimidazolium bis(tri-fluoromethanesulfonyl)imide), LiFSI salt and ethylene carbonate (EC) as a cosolvent. It was found that EC efficiently decreases the glass transition temperature of the ionic block, resulting in an improved ionic conductivity and efficient platting/stripping of lithium. By using an optimal ratio of EC/LiFSI at relatively high LiFSI amount, Li∣Li symmetrical cells at 50 °C show an overpotential as low as 70 mV at 0.1 mA.cm−2 along with a high lithium transport number of 0.56 (tLi+
). All-solid-state full cells based on lithium iron phosphate cathode paired with a lithium metal anode reveal a rather stable cycling at both 50 °C and 70 °C. A negligible capacity fading is observed up to 30 cycles where a specific capacity as high as 161 mAh.g−1 is achieved with a coulombic efficiency of 99.9%. Thus, this work demonstrates an important pathway for tailoring the properties of solid state polymer electrolytes for emerging and specially designed block copolymer architectures comprising domains that give both excellent ionic conduction along with desirable mechanical properties.
A detailed microstructural and corrosion analysis of an additively manufactured magnesium alloy produced by selective laser melting
Authors: Esmaily Mohsen , Zeng Zhuoran , Mortazavi Nooshin , Gullino Alessio , Choudhary Sanjay , Derra Thomas , Benn Felix , Delia Francesco , Muether Max , Thomas Sebastian , Huang Aijun , Allanore Antoine , Kopp Alexander , Birbilis Nick
Published: February 2020

Magnesium (Mg) alloys have promising potentials for lightweight and biomedical applications. Although there has been a recent interest in producing Mg alloys (including AZ, ZK and WE series) using additive manufacturing (AM), the process-structure-corrosion properties relationships in AM Mg alloys are yet to be understood. Herein, the production of Mg alloy WE43 was achieved by selective laser melting (SLM). The alloy was investigated after SLM, hot isostatic pressing (HIP) as well as an additional solutionising heat treatment. Specimens were carefully characterised, whilst assessed and contrast relative to the conventionally cast alloy counterpart. Characterisation included detailed microstructural analysis employing analytical transmission electron microscopy, X-ray mapping, and electron backscatter diffraction, which revealed the SLM prepared specimens possess a unique microstructure comprising fine grains growing with a strong [0001] texture along the building direction. The SLM prepared specimens also revealed a low fraction of process-induced and metallurgical defects, reaching < 0.1% after optimising the SLM parameters and HIP treatment. The SLM prepared WE43 was found to be cathodically more active relative to the cast WE43 because of a fine distribution of zirconium-, yttrium- and oxygen-rich particles as well as the alterations in the chemical composition of the solid-solution matrix originating from the high cooling rates of SLM. It was revealed that the oxide particles were mainly sourced by powder and thus it is hypothesised that the corrosion of SLM prepared Mg alloys could be greatly improved once the influence of powder characteristics is further understood and controlled.
Menstrual cycle phase does not affect whole body peak fat oxidation rate during a graded exercise test
Authors: Frandsen Jacob , Pistoljevic Nina , Quesada Julia Prats , Amaro-Gahete Francisco José , Ritz Christian , Larsen Steen , Dela Flemming , Helge Jørn W.
Published: February 2020

Female sex hormones fluctuate in a predictable manner throughout the menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic women. In studies conducted in both animal and humans, estrogen and progesterone have been found to exert individual metabolic effects during both rest and exercise, suggesting that estrogen may cause an increase in fat oxidation during exercise. However, not all studies find these metabolic changes with the natural physiological variation in the sex hormones. To date, no studies have investigated whether whole body peak fat oxidation rate (PFO) and maximal fat oxidation intensity (FATmax) are affected at different time points [mid-follicular (MF), late-follicular (LF), and mid-luteal (ML)] in the menstrual cycle, where plasma estrogen and progesterone are either at their minimum or maximum. We hypothesized that an increased plasma estrogen concentration together with low progesterone concentration in LF would result in a modest but significant increase in PFO. We found no differences in body weight, body composition, or peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak) between any of the menstrual phases in the 19 healthy, young eumenorrheic women included in this study. PFO [MF: 0.379 (0.324–0.433) g/min; LF: 0.375 (0.329–0.421) g/min; ML: 0.382 (0.337–0.442) g/min; mean ± (95% CI)] and resting plasma free fatty acid concentrations [MF: 392 (293–492) µmol/l; LF: 477 (324–631) µmol/l; ML: 396 (285–508) µmol/L] were also similar across the menstrual cycle phases. Contrary to our hypothesis, we conclude that the naturally occurring fluctuations in the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone do not affect the whole body PFO and FATmax in young eumenorrheic women measured during a graded exercise test.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Menstrual cycle phase does not affect the peak fat oxidation rate during a graded exercise test. Natural physiological fluctuations in estrogen do not increase peak fat oxidation rate. FATmax is not influenced by menstrual cycle phase in healthy, young eumenorrheic women.
Cubic Spline Interpolation-Based Robot Path Planning Using a Chaotic Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Lian Jianfang , Yu Wentao , Xiao Kui , Liu Weirong
Published: February 2020

This paper proposed a cubic spline interpolation-based path planning method to maintain the smoothness of moving the robot’s path. Several path nodes were selected as control points for cubic spline interpolation. A full path was formed by interpolating on the path of the starting point, control points, and target point. In this paper, a novel chaotic adaptive particle swarm optimization (CAPSO) algorithm has been proposed to optimize the control points in cubic spline interpolation. In order to improve the global search ability of the algorithm, the position updating equation of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) is modified by the beetle foraging strategy. Then, the trigonometric function is adopted for the adaptive adjustment of the control parameters for CAPSO to weigh global and local search capabilities. At the beginning of the algorithm, particles can explore better regions in the global scope with a larger speed step to improve the searchability of the algorithm. At the later stage of the search, particles do fine search around the extremum points to accelerate the convergence speed of the algorithm. The chaotic map is also used to replace the random parameter of the PSO to improve the diversity of particle swarm and maintain the original random characteristics. Since all chaotic maps are different, the performance of six benchmark functions was tested to choose the most suitable one. The CAPSO algorithm was tested for different number of control points and various obstacles. The simulation results verified the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm compared with other algorithms. And experiments proved the feasibility of the proposed model in different dynamic environments.
Effect of One‐Year Growth Hormone Therapy on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Boys with Obesity
Authors: Wu Jing , Zhao Fei , Zhang Yuan , Xue Jiang , Kuang Jiangying , Jin Zhi , Zhang Taie , Jiang Chunjie , Wang Dingding , Liang Shuang
Published: February 2020

It has been recognized that people with obesity are more likely to have low growth hormone secretion. Recent studies have also confirmed that the abnormalities of the growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor 1 axis were associated with cardiovascular complications in people with obesity. However, little is known about whether recombinant human growth hormone therapy could improve cardiovascular and metabolic risks in obese children. This study aims to evaluate the effect of one‐year growth hormone therapy on obesity‐related comorbidities and to assess the safety in Chinese boys with obesity. Eighteen boys with obesity were treated with recombinant human growth hormone for one year. Anthropometric measurements, endocrine testing, and cardiovascular risk markers were performed in all obese boys in baseline, and follow‐up visits were performed at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and one year, respectively. After one year of recombinant human growth hormone treatment, the body mass index standard deviation scores decreased (P < 0.001) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 levels increased (P < 0.001). GH treatment also reduced low density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001), total cholesterol (P < 0.001), triglycerides (P = 0.042), and alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.027) when compared with the baseline. One‐year of recombinant human growth hormone treatment could improve cardiometabolic risk markers, without adverse effects on glucose homeostasis in boys with obesity.
In Vitro and In Vivo Anti‐AChE and Antioxidative Effects of Schisandra chinensis Extract: A Potential Candidate for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Song Xinmeng , Wang Tiejie , Guo Linxiu , Jin Yibao , Wang Jue , Yin Guo , Jiang Kun , Wang Lijun , Huang Hongrong , Zeng Long
Published: February 2020

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and antioxidants are two common strategies for the treatment in the early stage of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). In this study, extracts from nine traditional Chinese medical (TCM) herbs were tested for anti‐AChE activity by Ellman’s microplate assay and cytotoxicity by CCK‐8. Based on its excellent AChE inhibition effect and its lowest cytotoxicity, Schisandra chinensis (SC) extract was selected to do the mechanism research. SC extract protected pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells against H2O2‐induced toxicity by improving the cell survival rate in a dose‐dependent manner. And it also showed significant free radical (DPPH) scavenging activities, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2′‐Azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging. To confirm these results, the scopolamine‐induced mice models were utilized in this study. Compared with the positive drug (piracetam), SC could also exhibit similar effects to alleviate the mice’s cognitive deficits. Moreover, in the mice brain samples, the AChE activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of SC‐treatment group both showed a reverse as compared to model group. Taken together, these results all suggested that SC extract may be a potential therapeutic candidate for AD.
A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial Testing the Efficacy and Safety of Pterygopalatine Fossa Puncture Using One Acupuncture Needle for Moderate‐to‐Severe Persistent Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Zhang Lu , Jiang Lei , Cheng Kai , Fu Jian-Hua , Jian-Wu Shen , Wang Ke-Jian , Song Yu-juan , Meng Xian-zhong , Xu Zhi-Xian , Chen Li-He , Guo Meng-Meng , Zhang Li-juan , Zhang Li-li , Shi Da-Zhuo
Published: February 2020

Objective. To compare the efficacy and safety of pterygopalatine fossa puncture using one acupuncture needle inserted through the temporal fossa (intervention) and Chinese verum acupuncture (VA) in patients with moderate‐to‐severe persistent allergic rhinitis. Methods. The patients were randomized to an intervention group receiving pterygopalatine fossa puncture with one acupuncture needle for 4 weeks (once or twice weekly, 4–8 sessions in total, with a second course performed if required) or to a control group receiving individualized VA for 4 weeks (twice weekly, eight sessions in total). Patients were followed up 4 weeks later. Results. Ninety‐six participants were assigned to intervention (n = 48) or VA (n = 48) groups. After treatment, differences in the total nasal symptom score (2004 Chinese version), total nonnasal symptom score, Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score, and symptomatic days were not significant between the groups (P > 0.05 in all cases). Compared with the VA, the time to onset of effect in the intervention group was shorter and the duration of effectiveness was longer. The mean clinical waiting time was significantly shorter in the intervention group than in the control group (6.640 ± 3.035 min and 31.19 ± 10.216 min, respectively). The total number of sessions in the VA group was 384; 7 episodes of subcutaneous bleeding occurred but did not require treatment. The total number of sessions in the intervention group was 185. Two cases of subcutaneous bleeding (one of local hematoma during the intervention and the other one of bruising in the palpebra inferior on the day after intervention) resolved upon withdrawal from the study. Conclusions. Pterygopalatine fossa puncture using one acupuncture needle resulted in a shorter time to onset of effect, a longer duration of effectiveness, and less clinical waiting time when compared with VA. Though the significant differences for TNSS and TNNSS were shown within intervention and VA groups, there were no differences between the two groups. Although the rate of subcutaneous bleeding was low, these adverse events may influence patient compliance. This trial is registered with ISRCTN21980724.
The Burden of Noncommunicable Diseases in Ethiopia, 2000–2016: Analysis of Evidence from Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 and Global Health Estimates 2016
Authors: Girum Tadele , Mesfin Dereje , Bedewi Jemal , Shewangizaw Misgun
Published: February 2020

Background. The continuing rise in the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is a key global health agendum due to the fact that NCDs cause more deaths than all other causes combined together. Although measuring the burden of NCD is very important to improve the existing health care systems and to monitor the progress of the program, a comprehensive estimate is lacking in Ethiopia. Hence, we aimed to systematically analyze the existing evidence to bring a solution. Methods. The research used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2016) and Global Health Estimates 2016 that originally collected the information through vital registration, verbal autopsy, surveys, reports, and modeling. Results. In 2016, NCD caused an estimated 274998.8 (95% CI: 211290.2–362882.1) deaths among all ages and both genders with a crude death rate of 268.5/100000 and age-standardized death rate (ASDR) of 554.7/100000 population. It contributed to 39.3% of the total death, 53% of ASDR, and 34% of DALYs. The number of deaths and DALYs from NCD has increased by 38% and 31.5%, respectively, whereas CDR and ASDR from NCD have declined by 10.3% and 12.5%, respectively. Cardiovascular diseases, malignant neoplasms, digestive diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, and neurological conditions were the leading level 2 causes of ASDR due to NCD, while ischemic heart disease, stroke, other circulatory diseases, cirrhosis of the liver, and COPD were the top 5 causes of ASDR from NCD at level 3 causes. Conclusion and Recommendation. The burden of NCD was remarkably increased between 2000 and 2016. It carries the highest burden of ASDR. Cardiovascular diseases and malignant neoplasms were the two most common causes of mortality and DALYs. Therefore, the existing disease prevention strategies should be strengthened by incorporating strategies addressing noncommunicable diseases.
HMGB1 is a Potential Mediator of Astrocytic TLR4 Signaling Activation following Acute and Chronic Focal Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Famakin Bolanle M. , Tsymbalyuk Orest , Tsymbalyuk Natalia , Ivanova Svetlana , Woo Seung Kyoon , Kwon Min Seong , Gerzanich Volodymyr , Simard J. Marc
Published: February 2020

Limited, and underutilized, therapeutic options for acute stroke require new approaches to treatment. One such potential approach involves better understanding of innate immune response to brain injury such as acute focal cerebral ischemia. This includes understanding the temporal profile, and specificity, of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in brain cell types, such as astrocytes, following focal cerebral ischemia. This study evaluated TLR4 signaling, and downstream mediators, in astrocytes, during acute and chronic phases post transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We also determined whether high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), an endogenous TLR4 ligand, was sufficient to induce TLR4 signaling activation in astrocytes in vivo and in vitro. We injected HMGB1 into normal cortex, in vivo, and stimulated cultured astrocytes with HMGB1, in vitro, and determined TLR4, and downstream mediator, expression by immunohistochemistry. We found that expression of TLR4, and downstream mediators, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), occurs in penumbral astrocytes in acute and chronic phases after focal cerebral ischemia, but was undetectable in cortical astrocytes in the contralateral hemisphere. In addition, cortical injection of recombinant HMGB1 led to a trend towards an almost 2-fold increase in TLR4 expression in astrocytes surrounding the injection site. Consistent with these results, in vitro stimulation of the DI TNC1 astrocyte cell line, with recombinant HMGB1, led to increased TLR4 and iNOS message levels. These findings suggest that HMGB1, an endogenous TLR4 ligand, is an important physiological ligand for TLR4 signaling activation, in penumbral astrocytes, following acute and chronic ischemia and HMGB1 amplifies TLR4 signaling in astrocytes.
Influence of Lane Policies on Freeway Traffic Mixed with Manual and Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Hua Xuedong , Yu Weijie , Wang Wei , Xie Wenjie
Published: February 2020

Connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) have become the highlights of traffic. Researchers in this field have proposed various traffic management measures to enhance the capacity and efficiency of traffic with CAVs, especially mixed traffic of CAVs and manual vehicles (MVs). Exclusive lane setting is included. However, exclusive lane policy-related researches for mixed traffic of CAVs and MVs were very limited, and the influence of number and location of exclusive lanes on the mixed traffic was unclear. To fill this gap, this paper aims to study the influence of different exclusive lane policies on mixed traffic and provide recommended lane policies under various traffic volumes and CAV penetration rates. Freeways with two lanes and three lanes in a single direction were taken into consideration, and sixteen lane policies were proposed. Then different lane policies were simulated with a new proposed cellular automata (CA) model, and properties including flux, average speed, and CAVs degradation were analyzed to evaluate the traffic efficiency of each lane policy. The results show that CAV exclusive lanes can improve the capacity, while MV exclusive lanes seem helpless for capacity improvement. Seven lane policies, including GC, GM, and CM for two-lane freeways and GCG, CGC, and CCM for three-lane freeways, outperform the others in terms of average speed. In addition, exclusive lanes can reduce the probability that CAVs degenerate to AVs. Our findings may help to optimize freeways’ lane policies and improve the efficiency of heterogeneous traffic mixed with CAVs and MVs.
Selenium Yeast Alleviates Ochratoxin A-Induced Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress via Modulation of the PI3K/AKT and Nrf2/Keap1 Signaling Pathways in the Kidneys of Chickens
Authors: Li Kang , Cao Zhongjun , Guo Yang , Tong Cui , Yang Shuhua , Long Miao , Li Peng , He Jianbin
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of yeast selenium (Se-Y) on ochratoxin- (OTA-) induced nephrotoxicity of chickens. A total of 80 one-day-old healthy chickens were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: control, OTA (50 μg/kg OTA), Se-Y (0.4 mg/kg Se-Y), and OTA+Se-Y (50 μg/kg OTA+0.4 mg/kg Se-Y). In the OTA chickens, differences in body weight, kidney coefficient, biochemical histological analysis, antioxidant capability, and the expression levels of the PI3K/AKT and Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway-related genes were observed. The levels of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (T-GSH) significantly decreased, but the malondialdehyde (MDA) level of the kidneys significantly increased in the OTA treatment group. More importantly, treatment with Se-Y improved the antioxidant enzyme activities within the kidneys of chickens exposed to OTA. In addition, administration of OTA resulted in apoptosis and was associated with decreased expression of AKT, PI3K, and Bcl-2, which in turn enhanced expression of Caspase3, Bax, and P53. However, Se-Y improved the antioxidant defense system through activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Gene expression of Nrf2 and its target genes (HO-1, GSH-px, GLRX2, MnSOD, and CAT) was downregulated following OTA exposure. Conversely, Se-Y treatment resulted in a significant upregulation of the same genes. Besides, significant downregulations of protein expression of HO-1, CAT, MnSOD, Nrf2, and Bcl-2 and a significant upregulation of Caspase3 and Bax levels were observed after contaminated with OTA. Notably, OTA-induced apoptosis and oxidative damage in the kidney of chickens were reverted back to normal level in the OTA+Se-Y group. Taken together, the data suggest that Se-Y alleviates OTA-induced nephrotoxicity in chickens, possibly through the activation of the PI3K/AKT and Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathways.
Effectiveness of Cotreatment with Kuntai Capsule and Climen for Premature Ovarian Failure: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ma Qianwen , Tan Yong , Mo Genlin
Published: February 2020

Objective. To compare the treatment efficacy of Kuntai capsule with Climen only in the therapy of premature ovarian failure. Methods. Randomized controlled trials were electronically retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of science, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang, and Weipu database. In addition, some related papers were manually checked. All papers were assessed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, and the effective data were analyzed by Revman 5.3 Software. Results. 11 randomized control trials involving 1068 patients were included. Results of meta‐analysis showed that E2 (estrogen), the total therapeutic effective rate of the group of Kuntai capsule, and hormone were higher than hormone only. The LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle‐stimulating hormone), and Kupperman score of the group of Kuntai capsule and Climen were lower than Climen only. Conclusion. Available evidence shows that Kuntai capsule with Climen is more effective than Climen in the therapy of premature ovarian failure. Nowadays, the quality of the research studies is low. More large‐scaled randomized trials will need to be carried out.
Availability Equivalence Analysis for the Simulation of Repairable Bridge Network System
Authors: Alghazo Jaafar M. , Mustafa Abdelfattah , El-Faheem Adel A.
Published: February 2020

The performance of a repairable bridge network system is improved by using the availability equivalence factors. All components for the bridge system have constant failure and repair rates. The system is improved through the use of five methods: reduction, increase, hot duplication, warm duplication, and cold duplication methods. The availability of the original and improved systems is derived. Two types of availability equivalence factors of the system are obtained to compare different system designs. Numerical example to interpret how to utilize the obtained results is provided.
Strategic Planning of Rural Development Based on Foresight Methodologies
Authors: Gusmanov Rasul , Askarov Almir , Lukyanova Milyausha , Kovshov Vitaliy , Stovba Eugene
Published: February 2020

The purpose of the study is to establish scientific rational for the use of the foresight methodology in the strategic planning of rural development. The scientific novelty of the study is determined by the development of an algorithm for strategic planning of rural development based on the foresight methodology and by the formation of a set of practical recommendations for the use of foresight tools at the municipal level of management in rural areas. The paper states that modern foresight methodology is quite flexible and multifaceted. It can be widely applied at different hierarchical levels of management. In our research, we consistently analyzed foresight projects and programs used in the rural management and development forecasting. The use of a systematic approach in combination with foresight technologies allows developing strategic plans for the rural areas development from the perspective of improvement of their economic and social component. The research presents the foresight algorithm of the rural development strategic planning and its implementation mechanism at the municipal level. The main components of the foresight testing procedure of the rural areas economic development were determined on the example of such a classic agricultural region of the Russian Federation as the Republic of Bashkortostan. The results of a comprehensive foresight analysis of alternative scenarios of the rural development have been formed. We summarized that the foresight technologies should be used as a system tool for the formation and implementation of the strategy of the sustainable rural areas development. The main results of the study include summarizing the experience of foresight studies on the rural areas development; design of an algorithm of strategic planning of the rural areas development based on the foresight methodology; the formation of alternative scenarios of the rural areas development at the regional level.
The Protective Effect of Different Polar Solvent Extracts of Er Miao San on Rats with Adjuvant Arthritis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Qiying , Xuan Zihua , Liang Juan , Yang Dongping , Ding Meihuizi , Zhu Housheng , Su Bo , Dai Xing , Jia Xiaoyi
Published: February 2020

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiarthritic effects of different polar solvent extracts of Er Miao San (EMS) on model rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA) and screen the effective pats of EMS in the treatment of arthritis. Methods. Four different polar solvent extracts of EMS such as petroleum ether (PE), methylene chloride (CH2Cl2), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and n‐butanol (n‐BuOH) were extracted and separated by different solvent polar extraction. Different polar parts of the aqueous extract of EMS were orally administered for 14 days to AA rats. Progression of clinical signs such as edema of paws and polyarthritis index was measured. The ankle joint changes were observed by pathological sections. ELISA was used to measure cytokines in the serum according to the manufacturer’s instructions. UHPLC measured the effective parts of EMS. Results. Administration of EtOAc and CH2Cl2 parts remarkably inhibited the paw swelling, decreased the index of arthritis, decreased the body weight loss, and improved the changes of histopathology. Furthermore, the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6) were significantly lower, while the anti‐inflammatory cytokine (IL‐10) was remarkably higher compared with that in the model group. And the result of UHPLC analysis indicated that the effective parts of EMS contain berberine and atractylodin. Conclusions. EtOAc and CH2Cl2 are the effective parts of EMS that can improve arthritis. In particular, berberine and atractylodin may be responsible for the antiarthritic activity of EMS. This research provided pharmacological and chemical foundation for the application of EMS in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Initial Diagnosis and Detection of Very Late Local Recurrence of a Ductal Prostate Cancer due to a Ureteral Stone
Authors: Pratsinis Manolis , Düwel Charlotte , Köhle Olivia , Enzler-Tschudy Annette , Schmid Hans-Peter , Betschart Patrick
Published: February 2020

We report the case of a 74-year-old patient in whom a ductal prostate cancer was incidentally endoscopically diagnosed in the course of ureteral stenting due to a left distal ureteral stone. The initial PSA was 0.8 μg/l and the digital rectal examination was not suspicious. A radical prostatectomy was performed, and the ensuing follow-up was unremarkable with no signs of recurrence. Fourteen years later, the patient presented with an obstructive pyelonephritis due to a left-sided ureteral stone requiring ureteral stenting. An exophytic tumor was seen in the lining of vesicourethral anastomosis and surgically excised after the pyelonephritis subsided. The histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a ductal cancer of the prostate consistent with a late local recurrence. Serum PSA was below the limit of detection. Re-staging performed by an MRI of the pelvis, thoracoabdominal CT scan, and gallium-68 PSMA-PET did not reveal any other signs of disease. The ensuing follow-up is planned with regular flexible cystoscopy and computed thoracoabdominopelvic CT scans.
Antioxidant and Antigenotoxic Potential of Infundibulicybe geotropa Mushroom Collected from Northwestern Turkey
Authors: Sevindik Mustafa , Akgul Hasan , Selamoglu Zeliha , Braidy Nady
Published: February 2020

Infundibulicybe geotropa (Bull.) Harmaja is an edible mushroom found in Bolu province in northwestern Turkey. The chemical composition and bioactivity of these mushrooms has not been previously investigated. We examined the phenolic composition, elemental content, and antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of methanol extracts of fruiting bodies. The phenolic compounds in the fungal samples were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and element content was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were determined using the commercially available Rel assay kit. The antigenotoxic effects of the extract were determined using the MTT assay to assess cell viability and the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis assay (Comet assay). The total phenolic content (ppm) of I. geotropa was found to be catechin (361±2.31), clorogenic acid (553.54±5.06), and coumaric acid (9.93±0.25). The TAS, TOS, and OSI of the extract were 1.854±0.051 mmol/L, 30.385±0.399 μmol/L, and 1.639±0.067, respectively. The elemental levels were within “normal” range. In HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cells, the extract (100 and 200 μg/ml) showed no genotoxic potential and ameliorated hydrogen peroxide- (H2O2-) induced oxidative DNA damage. I. geotropa may be considered a good nutrient due to its phenolic constituents and antioxidant potential.
Incremental Learning for Malware Classification in Small Datasets
Authors: Li Jingmei , Xue Di , Wu Weifei , Wang Jiaxiang
Published: February 2020

Information security is an important research area. As a very special yet important case, malware classification plays an important role in information security. In the real world, the malware datasets are open-ended and dynamic, and new malware samples belonging to old classes and new classes are increasing continuously. This requires the malware classification method to enable incremental learning, which can efficiently learn the new knowledge. However, existing works mainly focus on feature engineering with machine learning as a tool. To solve the problem, we present an incremental malware classification framework, named “IMC,” which consists of opcode sequence extraction, selection, and incremental learning method. We develop an incremental learning method based on multiclass support vector machine (SVM) as the core component of IMC, named “IMCSVM,” which can incrementally improve its classification ability by learning new malware samples. In IMC, IMCSVM adds the new classification planes (if new samples belong to a new class) and updates all old classification planes for new malware samples. As a result, IMC can improve the classification quality of known malware classes by minimizing the prediction error and transfer the old model with known knowledge to classify unknown malware classes. We apply the incremental learning method into malware classification, and the experimental results demonstrate the advantages and effectiveness of IMC.
CBCT Analysis of Changes in Dental Occlusion and Temporomandibular Joints before and after MEAW Orthotherapy in Patients with Nonlow Angle of Skeletal Class III
Authors: Guo Yi , Qiao Xinrui , Yao Shiyu , Li Tiancheng , Jiang Nan , Peng Cheng
Published: February 2020

This study focus on the changes of the position and morphology of jaw and condyle after MEAW (the multiloop edgewise arch wire) treatment in adults with a nonlow angle (mean angle or high angle SN − MP > 27°) of skeletal class III (mild to moderate skeletal classs III means −5° < ANB < 0°) malocclusions measured by CBCT (cone beam computed tomography). Twenty adult patients (aged 17‐26) with a nonlow angle of skeletal class III malocclusions were selected in this study taken orthodontic treatment by MEAW. CBCT was taken before and after the treatment to analyze the changes of the jaw and condyle. After treatment, the angle of L7‐MP decreased 12.2°, L6‐MP decreased 10.5°, L1‐MP decreased 8.8° (P < 0.001 for each) and U1‐SN increased (P < 0.05). There was no significant changes between anterior and posterior APDI index and between anterior and posterior spaces of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) (P > 0.05). The linear ratio of the TMJ was the LR > 12 before treatment, while it was −12 < LR < 12 after treatment; however, there was no statistically significant difference between them (P > 0.05). There was also no significant change in anterior and posterior position and morphology of the condyle within the joint fossa after the treatment by MEAW in this study. MEAW technology in correcting the class III with nonlow angle patients mainly relies on the compensation of distally and posterior mandibular teeth, rather than the mandible and condyle moving backward to establish a neutral occlusal. This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee of the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University (No. KYJJ2013002).