bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral assessment of auditory processing deficits in schizophrenia: Literature review and suggestions for future research
Authors: Moschopoulos Nikolaos P. , Nimatoudis Ioannis , Kaprinis Stergios , Iliadou Vasiliki
Published: December 2018

During the last decades, a considerable number of studies about auditory processing deficits in schizophrenia have been published, some of them using the term of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). Due to heterogeneous methodology and inconsistent results concrete conclusions may not be straightforward. We focused on studies that used at least one behavioral test for the assessment of auditory processing in schizophrenia, in order to identify new evidence on auditory processing deficits in schizophrenia, and to consider fields for future research. 28 studies met inclusion criteria and are presented in this review. The articles were divided into three groups, those that implemented a test battery approach, those that used only Dichotic Listening (DL), those that used DL along with imaging or electrophysiology techniques. Most of the studies that implemented a test battery showed significant performance differences between patients and controls. This indicates APD presence. Due to the limited number of studies implementing a test battery, this is not conclusive. The majority of all studies that used a DL task showed that patients' performance or laterality was significantly lower than that of controls. Age, duration of illness, total and specific positive symptoms seem to affect significantly DL performance and auditory laterality. The results support the existence of various schizophrenia subgroups that differ in their auditory processing performance, and also have structural and functional specificities. Further research in the field is needed, especially studies that implement a test battery, and studies that examine possible correlations between clinical variables and auditory processing deficits.
A smoothed Q‐learning algorithm for estimating optimal dynamic treatment regimes
Authors: Fan Yanqin , He Ming , Su Liangjun , Zhou Xiao‐Hua
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we propose a smoothed Q‐learning algorithm for estimating optimal dynamic treatment regimes. In contrast to the Q‐learning algorithm in which nonregular inference is involved, we show that, under assumptions adopted in this paper, the proposed smoothed Q‐learning estimator is asymptotically normally distributed even when the Q‐learning estimator is not and its asymptotic variance can be consistently estimated. As a result, inference based on the smoothed Q‐learning estimator is standard. We derive the optimal smoothing parameter and propose a data‐driven method for estimating it. The finite sample properties of the smoothed Q‐learning estimator are studied and compared with several existing estimators including the Q‐learning estimator via an extensive simulation study. We illustrate the new method by analyzing data from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness–Alzheimer's Disease (CATIE‐AD) study.
Regression analysis of longitudinal data with outcome‐dependent sampling and informative censoring
Authors: Shen Weining , Liu Suyu , Chen Yong , Ning Jing
Published: December 2018

We consider a regression analysis of longitudinal data in the presence of outcome‐dependent observation times and informative censoring. Existing approaches commonly require a correct specification of the joint distribution of longitudinal measurements, the observation time process, and informative censoring time under the joint modeling framework and can be computationally cumbersome due to the complex form of the likelihood function. In view of these issues, we propose a semiparametric joint regression model and construct a composite likelihood function based on a conditional order statistics argument. As a major feature of our proposed methods, the aforementioned joint distribution is not required to be specified, and the random effect in the proposed joint model is treated as a nuisance parameter. Consequently, the derived composite likelihood bypasses the need to integrate over the random effect and offers the advantage of easy computation. We show that the resulting estimators are consistent and asymptotically normal. We use simulation studies to evaluate the finite‐sample performance of the proposed method and apply it to a study of weight loss data that motivated our investigation.
Evolution of green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae): a molecular supermatrix approach
Authors: Garzón‐Orduña Ivonne J. , Winterton Shaun L. , Jiang Yunlan , Breitkreuz Laura C.V. , Duelli Peter , Engel Michael S. , Penny Norman D. , Tauber Catherine A. , Mochizuki Atsushi , Liu Xingyue
Published: December 2018

We present a time‐calibrated phylogeny of the charismatic green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). Previous phylogenetic studies on the family using DNA sequences have suffered from sparse taxon sampling and/or limited amounts of data. Here we combine all available previously published DNA sequence data and add to it new DNA sequences generated for this study. We analysed these data in a supermatrix using Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods and provide a phylogenetic hypothesis for the family that recovers strong support for the monophyly of all subfamilies and resolves relationships among a large proportion of chrysopine genera. Chrysopinae tribes Leucochrysini and Belonopterygini were recovered as monophyletic sister clades, while the species‐rich tribe Chrysopini was rendered paraphyletic by Ankylopterygini. Relationships among the subfamilies were resolved, although with relatively low statistical support, and the topology varied based on the method of analysis. Greatest support was found for Apochrysinae as sister to Nothochrysinae and Chrysopinae, which is in contrast to traditional concepts that place Nothochrysinae as sister to the rest of the family. Divergence estimates suggest that the stem groups to the various subfamilies diverged during the Triassic‐Jurassic, and that stem groups of the chrysopine tribes diverged during the Cretaceous.
Visual Search Without Selective Attention: A Cognitive Architecture Account
Authors: Kieras David E.
Published: December 2018

A key phenomenon in visual search experiments is the linear relation of reaction time (RT) to the number of objects to be searched (set size). The dominant theory of visual search claims that this is a result of covert selective attention operating sequentially to “bind” visual features into objects, and this mechanism operates differently depending on the nature of the search task and the visual features involved, causing the slope of the RT as a function of set size to range from zero to large values. However, a cognitive architectural model presented here shows these effects on RT in three different search task conditions can be easily obtained from basic visual mechanisms, eye movements, and simple task strategies. No selective attention mechanism is needed. In addition, there are little‐explored effects of visual crowding, which is typically confounded with set size in visual search experiments. Including a simple mechanism for crowding in the model also allows it to account for significant effects on error rate (ER). The resulting model shows the interaction between visual mechanisms and task strategy, and thus it represents a more comprehensive and fruitful approach to visual search than the dominant theory.
Effect of untreated urban effluents on the accumulation of toxic metals in river sediments under tropical conditions: Funa River, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Kayembe John M. , Bokwokwo Merveille I. , Sivalingam Periyasamy , Ngelinkoto Patience , Otamonga Jean‐Paul , Mulaji Crispin K. , Mubedi Josué I. , Poté John
Published: December 2018

The objective of the present study was to assess the status of surface sediments from Funa River. Sediment samples were characterized for physicochemical parameters, including grain size, organic matter and toxic metals. The result revealed high metal concentrations in river sediments, reaching values of 154.19, 186.00, 1105.34, 3.69, 548.02 and 5.45 mg/kg for Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and Hg, respectively. A strong correlation was observed between analysed metals and organic matter suggesting that these contaminants could have originated from common sources with a similar transport pathway. Based on the Sediment Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life, Funa River is considered as highly polluted with toxic metals indicating the potential environmental and human health risk. The results of this research represent a useful tool to assess the sediment quality of urban river receiving system which can be applied to similar environment.
Automatic acoustic estimation of sperm whale size distributions achieved through machine recognition of on-axis clicks
Authors: Beslin Wilfried A. M. , Whitehead Hal , Gero Shane
Published: December 2018

The waveforms of individual sperm whale clicks often appear as multiple pulses, which are the product of a single pulse reverberating throughout the spermaceti organ. Since there is a relationship between spermaceti organ size and total body size, it is possible to estimate a whale's length by measuring the inter-pulse intervals (IPIs) within its clicks. However, if a click is recorded off-axis, the IPI corresponding to spermaceti organ length is usually obscured. This paper presents an algorithm for automatically estimating the “true” IPIs of sperm whales in a recording by measuring them from on-axis clicks only. The routine works by classifying detected clicks with a support vector machine, assessing the stability of their IPIs, and then clustering the stable IPIs using Gaussian mixture models. Results show that the routine is very accurate in obtaining reliable IPIs, but has a high false negative rate. Nonetheless, since sperm whales click very frequently, it is possible to obtain useful IPI distributions with only a few minutes of recording. This algorithm makes it possible to estimate the body lengths of multiple sperm whales automatically with only one hydrophone. An implementation is available for download at http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/CABLE/cable.htm.
Confinement horizon and QCD entropy
Authors: Castorina Paolo , Iorio Alfredo
Published: December 2018

Within the picture of quark confinement as due to a color event horizon, and of hadronization as an instance of the Unruh radiation for the strong force, we show here that QCD entropy, evaluated by lattice simulations in the region [Formula: see text], is in reasonable agreement with a melting color event horizon.
Contrastive analysis of two energy gradients in the ultra-strong magnetic fields
Authors: Weng Zi-Hua
Published: December 2018

The paper aims to apply the complex-octonions to explore the variable gravitational mass and energy gradient of several particles in the external ultra-strong magnetic fields. J. C. Maxwell was the first to introduce the algebra of quaternions to study the physical properties of electromagnetic fields. Some scholars follow up this method in the field theories. Nowadays, they employ the complex-octonions to analyze simultaneously the physical quantities of electromagnetic and gravitational fields, including the field potential, field strength, field source, linear momentum, angular momentum, torque, and force. When the octonion force is equal to zero, it is able to deduce eight independent equilibrium equations, especially the force equilibrium equation, precessional equilibrium equation, mass continuity equation, and current continuity equation. In the force equilibrium equation, the gravitational mass is variable. The gravitational mass is the sum of the inertial mass and a few tiny terms. These tiny terms will be varied with not only the fluctuation of field strength and of potential energy, but also the spatial dimension of velocity. The study reveals that it is comparatively untoward to attempt to measure directly the variation of these tiny terms of gravitational mass in the ultra-strong magnetic field. However it is not such difficult to measure the energy gradient relevant to the variation of these tiny terms of gravitational mass. In the complex-octonion space, the gravitational mass is a sort of variable physical quantity, rather than an intrinsic property of any physical object. And this inference is accordant with the academic thought of “the mass is not an intrinsic property any more” in the unified electroweak theory.
Uncountable groups in which normality is a transitive relation
Authors: De Falco M. , De Giovanni F. , Musella C. , Sysak Y. P.
Published: December 2018

A group is called a [Formula: see text]-group if all its subnormal subgroups are normal. It is proved here that if [Formula: see text] is an uncountable soluble periodic group of regular cardinality [Formula: see text] in which all subnormal subgroups of cardinality [Formula: see text] are normal, then [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-group, provided that it satisfies a suitable residual condition. An example shows that this latter restriction cannot be avoided.
Salamander lemma for non-abelian group-like structures
Authors: Goswami Amartya
Published: December 2018

It is well known that the classical diagram lemmas of homological algebra for abelian groups can be generalized to non-abelian group-like structures, such as groups, rings, algebras, loops, etc. In this paper, we establish such a generalization of the “salamander lemma” due to G. M. Bergman, in a self-dual axiomatic context (developed originally by Z. Janelidze), which applies to all usual non-abelian group-like structures and also covers axiomatic contexts such as semi-abelian categories in the sense of G. Janelidze, L. Márki and W. Tholen and exact categories in the sense of M. Grandis.
Improving 3D NAND Flash Memory Lifetime by Tolerating Early Retention Loss and Process Variation
Authors: Luo Yixin , Ghose Saugata , Cai Yu , Haratsch Erich F. , Mutlu Onur
Published: December 2018

Compared to planar (i.e., two-dimensional) NAND flash memory, 3D NAND flash memory uses a new flash cell design, and vertically stacks dozens of silicon layers in a single chip. This allows 3D NAND flash memory to increase storage density using a much less aggressive manufacturing process technology than planar NAND flash memory. The circuit-level and structural changes in 3D NAND flash memory significantly alter how different error sources affect the reliability of the memory. In this paper, through experimental characterization of real, state-of-the-art 3D NAND flash memory chips, we find that 3D NAND flash memory exhibits three new error sources that were not previously observed in planar NAND flash memory: (1) layer-to-layer process variation, a new phenomenon specific to the 3D nature of the device, where the average error rate of each 3D-stacked layer in a chip is significantly different; (2) early retention loss, a new phenomenon where the number of errors due to charge leakage increases quickly within several hours after programming; and (3) retention interference, a new phenomenon where the rate at which charge leaks from a flash cell is dependent on the data value stored in the neighboring cell. Based on our experimental results, we develop new analytical models of layer-to-layer process variation and retention loss in 3D NAND flash memory. Motivated by our new findings and models, we develop four new techniques to mitigate process variation and early retention loss in 3D NAND flash memory. Our first technique, Layer Variation Aware Reading (LaVAR), reduces the effect of layer-to-layer process variation by fine-tuning the read reference voltage separately for each layer. Our second technique, Layer-Interleaved Redundant Array of Independent Disks (LI-RAID), uses information about layer-to-layer process variation to intelligently group pages under the RAID error recovery technique in a manner that reduces the likelihood that the recovery of a group fails significantly earlier than the recovery of other groups. Our third technique, Retention Model Aware Reading (ReMAR), reduces retention errors in 3D NAND flash memory by tracking the retention time of the data using our new retention model and adapting the read reference voltage to data age. Our fourth technique, Retention Interference Aware Neighbor-Cell Assisted Correction (ReNAC), adapts the read reference voltage to the amount of retention interference a page has experienced, in order to re-read the data after a read operation fails. These four techniques are complementary, and can be combined together to significantly improve flash memory reliability. Compared to a state-of-the-art baseline, our techniques, when combined, improve flash memory lifetime by 1.85×. Alternatively, if a NAND flash vendor wants to keep the lifetime of the 3D NAND flash memory device constant, our techniques reduce the storage overhead required to hold error correction information by 78.9%.
Exact WCRT Analysis for Message-Processing Tasks on Gateway-Integrated In-Vehicle CAN Clusters
Authors: Xie Guoqi , Zeng Gang , Kurachi Ryo , Takada Hiroaki , Li Renfa , Li Keqin
Published: December 2018

A typical automotive integrated architecture is a controller area network (CAN) cluster integrated by a central gateway. This study proposes a novel and exact worst-case response time (WCRT) analysis method for message-processing tasks in the gateway. We first propose a round search method to obtain lower bound on response time (LBRT) and upper bound on response time (UBRT), respectively. We then obtain the exact WCRT belonging to the scope of the LBRT and UBRT with an effective non-exhaustive exploration. Experimental results on a real CAN message set reveal that the proposed exact analysis method can reduce 99.99999% combinations on large-scale CAN clusters.
Model Agnostic Time Series Analysis via Matrix Estimation
Authors: Agarwal Anish , Amjad Muhammad Jehangir , Shah Devavrat , Shen Dennis
Published: December 2018

We propose an algorithm to impute and forecast a time series by transforming the observed time series into a matrix, utilizing matrix estimation to recover missing values and de-noise observed entries, and performing linear regression to make predictions. At the core of our analysis is a representation result, which states that for a large class of models, the transformed time series matrix is (approximately) low-rank. In effect, this generalizes the widely used Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) in the time series literature, and allows us to establish a rigorous link between time series analysis and matrix estimation. The key to establishing this link is constructing a Page matrix with non-overlapping entries rather than a Hankel matrix as is commonly done in the literature (e.g., SSA). This particular matrix structure allows us to provide finite sample analysis for imputation and prediction, and prove the asymptotic consistency of our method. Another salient feature of our algorithm is that it is model agnostic with respect to both the underlying time dynamics and the noise distribution in the observations. The noise agnostic property of our approach allows us to recover the latent states when only given access to noisy and partial observations a la a Hidden Markov Model; e.g., recovering the time-varying parameter of a Poisson process without knowing that the underlying process is Poisson. Furthermore, since our forecasting algorithm requires regression with noisy features, our approach suggests a matrix estimation based method-coupled with a novel, non-standard matrix estimation error metric-to solve the error-in-variable regression problem, which could be of interest in its own right. Through synthetic and real-world datasets, we demonstrate that our algorithm outperforms standard software packages (including R libraries) in the presence of missing data as well as high levels of noise.
Maximize business impact with JTBD
Authors: Kalbach Jim
Published: December 2018

This forum is dedicated to maximizing the success of HCI practitioners within the frenetic world of product and service design. It focuses on UX strategy approaches, leadership, management techniques, and above all the challenge of bringing HCI to peer-level status with longstanding business disciplines such as marketing and engineering.
--- Daniel Rosenberg, Editor
Beyond the visible
Authors: Abdelrahman Yomna , Schmidt Albrecht
Published: December 2018

Envisioning, designing, and implementing the user interface require a comprehensive understanding of interaction technologies. In this forum we scout trends and discuss new technologies with the potential to influence interaction design.
--- Albrecht Schmidt, Editor
The Current Role of Osteoclast Inhibitors in Patients with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kozyrakis Diomidis , Paridis Dionyssios , Perikleous Stefanos , Malizos Konstantinos , Zarkadas Anastasios , Tsagkalis Antonios
Published: December 2018

Purpose. Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies worldwide. Hormonal deprivation therapy is a well-established treatment for locally advanced or metastatic diseases but exposes patients to the risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Furthermore, the tropism of the PCa cells to osseous metastases increases the incidence of skeletal-related events (SREs). Methods. A nonsystematic review of the international literature was performed in respect to the use of osteoclast inhibitors zoledronic acid (ZA) and denosumab (DEN) in PCa patients. Results. DEN and ZA have proved their efficacy in preventing osteoporosis and bone mass loss in patients treated with hormonal therapy with no proven superiority of one agent over the other. However, the effectiveness in reducing fragility fractures has been proved only for DEN so far. In metastatic-free castrate-sensitive high-risk PCa patients, ZA has not shown any efficacy in preventing osseous metastasis, and evidence is lacking in favor or against the use of DEN. The use of osteoclasts inhibitors had no evident positive effect in overall and disease-specific survival in this group of patients. In advanced castrate-refractory malignancy, DEN has shown clinical superiority over ZA in preventing new SRE but not in overall survival. Conclusion. Superiority of DEN over ZA has been proved only in advanced castrate refractory disease in terms of preventing new SRE. In the rest of the cases, the selection of either agent should be based on the clinical condition of each patient and the cost of the treatment.
Nondestructive Identification of Salmon Adulteration with Water Based on Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Zhang Tao , Wang Biyao , Yan Pengtao , Wang Kunlun , Zhang Xu , Wang Huihui , Lv Yan
Published: December 2018

For the identification of salmon adulteration with water injection, a nondestructive identification method based on hyperspectral images was proposed. The hyperspectral images of salmon fillets in visible and near-infrared ranges (390–1050 nm) were obtained with a system. The original hyperspectral data were processed through the principal-component analysis (PCA). According to the image quality and PCA parameters, a second principal-component (PC2) image was selected as the feature image, and the wavelengths corresponding to the local extremum values of feature image weighting coefficients were extracted as feature wavelengths, which were 454.9, 512.3, and 569.1 nm. On this basis, the color combined with spectra at feature wavelengths, texture combined with spectra at feature wavelengths, and color-texture combined with spectra at feature wavelengths were independently set as the input, for the modeling of salmon adulteration identification based on the self-organizing feature map (SOM) network. The distances between neighboring neurons and feature weights of the models were analyzed to realize the visualization of identification results. The results showed that the SOM-based model, with texture-color combined with fusion features of spectra at feature wavelengths as the input, was evaluated to possess the best performance and identification accuracy is as high as 96.7%.
Assessment of Uterocervical Angle Width as a Predictive Factor of Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Daskalakis George , Theodora Marianna , Antsaklis Panagiotis , Sindos Michael , Grigoriadis Themistoklis , Antsaklis Aris , Papantoniou Nikolaos , Loutradis Dimitrios , Pergialiotis Vasilios
Published: December 2018

Background. Uterocervical angle (UCA) has been recently proposed as a potential marker that could accurately predict preterm birth (PTB). The purpose of the present systematic review is to accumulate current evidence and provide directions for future research. Materials and Methods. We used the Medline (1966–2018), Scopus (2004–2018), Clinicaltrials.gov (2008–2018), EMBASE (1980-2018), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (1999-2018), and Google Scholar (2004-2018) databases in our search. Results. Eleven studies were finally included in the present systematic review that evaluated data from 3,018 women. The significant heterogeneity in terms of outcome reporting and outcome reporting measures (use of optimal cut-off values) precluded meta-analysis. However, existing data support that second trimester UCA measurement might be used as a predictive factor of PTB <34 weeks, as at least two studies in unselected singleton pregnancies and two studies in pregnancies with an ultrasonographically shortened cervix seem to support this hypothesis. The most commonly reported cut-off values were 105° and 95°. Conclusions. UCA measurement during the second trimester of pregnancy may be a useful method of determining women at risk of delivering preterm. However, more studies are needed to assess the reproducibility of these findings and reach conclusive evidence.
Rebate Decisions and Leadership Strategy in Competing Supply Chain with Heterogeneous Consumers
Authors: Wang Ziling , Mi Jackson Jinhong , Liu Bin
Published: December 2018

Rebate is a traditional type of promotion, and it can benefit manufacturers and retailers with expanded demands. However, the impact of leadership strategy in rebate competition on supply chain members and rebate decision is still somewhat unclear. Our paper focuses on a horizontal competition with respect to both rebate and leadership between two manufacturers selling substitutable products through a common retailer to consumers who are heterogeneous in their price sensitivity. Furthermore, we investigate the impacts of leadership strategy on profits and study rebate decision under different strategies. Our research indicates that Bertrand-Nash game benefits the retailer, but hurts manufacturers, while Stackelberg game benefits manufacturers but hurts the retailer, which shows no difference from previous studies. In addition, the sequential-move Stackelberg game could eliminate the classic prisoners’ dilemma in rebate decision, which is also influenced by fixed cost control.
Nonlinear Flutter Response of Heated Curved Composite Panels with Embedded Macrofiber Composite Actuators
Authors: Zhou Jian , Xu Minglong , Yang Zhichun
Published: December 2018

The nonlinear flutter response of heated curved composite panels with embedded macrofiber composite (MFC) actuators in supersonic airflow is investigated. Prescribed voltages are statically applied to the piezoelectric actuators, inducing a prestress field which results in an additional stiffness effect on the curved panel, and it will change the aeroelastic behavior of curved composite panels. The aeroelastic equations of curved composite panels with embedded MFC actuators are formulated by the finite element approach. The von Karman large deflection panel theory and the first‐order piston theory aerodynamics are adopted in the formulation. The motion equations are solved by a fourth‐order Runge–Kutta numerical scheme, and time history, phase portrait, Poincaré map, bifurcation diagram, and Lyapunov exponent are used for better understanding of the pre/postflutter responses. The results demonstrate that the nonlinear flutter response characteristics of the curved panel differs from those of the flat panels significantly, and the transverse displacement of the curved composite panels with embedded MFC actuators in the preflutter region shows a gradual static displacement; the chaotic motions occur directly after static motion because of the effect of the temperature elevation. The applied voltages can increase the critical dynamic pressure and change the bifurcation diagram of the curved composite panels with embedded MFC actuators, and the response amplitudes can be reduced evidently.
Prevalence, Awareness, and Control of Hypertension in Greater Beirut Area, Lebanon
Authors: Noubani Aya , Nasreddine Lara , Sibai Abla Mehio , Tamim Hani , Isma’eel Hussain
Published: December 2018

Background.Hypertension (HTN) has been identified as the leading risk factor for mortality and the third cause of disability worldwide. Lebanon has witnessed a threefold increase in the prevalence of HTN in the past decade. The timely exploration and detection of the factors contributing to a higher prevalence of the disease among the Lebanese population is fundamental. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence, awareness, and control rates of HTN in Greater Beirut Area in Lebanon and to identify their respective predictors.Methods. A representative sample of 501 participants aged 18-79 years residing in Greater Beirut Area was examined. Data collection form was filled up, through interviews, physical exams, and lab tests. The analysis was done for three defined outcomes: blood pressure status (normotensive, prehypertension, and hypertension), unaware HTN, and uncontrolled HTN. These were compared for the various associated predictors.Results.The sample consisted of 64.3% women and mean age 45.4 ± 15 years and the subjects were predominantly from low educational income levels. The results showed that 36.4% of the study participants were hypertensive, 25.3% were prehypertensive, and 38.2% had optimal blood pressure, while the awareness rate was 65.4% and control rate was 61%. The independent predictors of HTN were age, gender, marital status, T2D, body fat, triglyceride (positive correlates), and income level (negative correlate). Moreover, unawareness of HTN was common among older age, men, single participants, and the obese. We could not identify any factor related to uncontrolled HTN.Conclusion.The trend in the prevalence of HTN in Greater Beirut Area is found to be consistent and relatively high, yet there was an observed improvement in the awareness and control of the disease. Public health measures on a national level are urgently needed to curb the increasing prevalence of HTN, achieve primary prevention, and better control the disease.
Neuronal Signal Transduction-Involved Genes in Pig Hypothalamus Affect Feed Efficiency as Revealed by Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Hou Ye , Hu Mingyang , Zhou Huanhuan , Li Changchun , Li Xinyun , Liu Xiangdong , Zhao Yunxia , Zhao Shuhong
Published: December 2018

Feed efficiency (FE) is an important trait affecting costs in swine industry. Investigation on FE-related genes in different tissues is valuable for molecular breeding. Hypothalamus is a convergent and integrated centre for multiple nutrient-related signals. The present study identified 363 differentially expressed (DE) genes and 14 DE lincRNAs in the hypothalamus of high- and low-FE Yorkshire pigs. Furthermore, 983 significantly correlated DE gene-lincRNA pairs were identified through weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and Pearson correlation analysis. These DE genes were primarily enriched in the neuronal signal transduction process containing the upregulated genes of VIPR1, CCR1, CCR5, LEPR, INSR, ADRA1A, CCKAR, and ADORA3 and the downregulated genes of GRM1, GRM4, GRM5, and VIPR2, which were located in the cell membrane. These signal receptors were mainly connected to downstream Jak-STAT signaling that involved the increased genes (JAK2, STAT3, and POMC) and mTOR signaling pathway, including the decreased genes (CAMKK2, AMPK, and MTOR). STAT3 and AMPK genes also played a role in two major hypothalamic neurons of POMC and NPY/AGRP. A total of eight DE lincRNAs also participated in the potential network. In conclusion, neuronal signaling transduction-involved genes and lincRNAs were related to FE variation in pig hypothalamus.
Effects of Pipe Roof Support and Grouting Pre‐Reinforcement on the Track Settlement
Authors: Wu Kui , Shao Zhushan
Published: December 2018

Based on the first shallow tunnel passing below an active railway station in the loess area in China, studies on the tunnel deformation and track settlement during tunneling are performed by using FLAC3D. It is found that, without adopting other reinforcement measures, the maximum track settlement has far exceeded engineering requirements. To reduce deformations induced by the tunneling, the combined presupport technique of the pipe roof and grouting reinforcement is presented and optimal construction parameters are provided. It is concluded that the installation of the pipe roof support plays an important role in controlling tunnel crown settlement and track settlement. The optimal pipe diameter is 159 mm, and the optimal arrangement area of the pipe roof is 150°. Grouting could improve soil strength and reduce deformations. The optimal thickness of the grouting reinforcement ring is 2 m. When the optimal parameters of the combined presupport technique are adopted, calculation results show that the maximum track settlement would reach 13.8 mm, which realized the settlement control goal of a maximum value of 15 mm. At last, the combined presupport technique proposed has been well validated in the “Railway Station” of Metro Line 4.
Therapeutic Properties of Stingless Bee Honey in Comparison with European Bee Honey
Authors: Zulkhairi Amin Fatin Aina , Sabri Suriana , Mohammad Salma Malihah , Ismail Maznah , Chan Kim Wei , Ismail Norsharina , Norhaizan Mohd Esa , Zawawi Norhasnida
Published: December 2018

Both honeybees (Apis spp.) and stingless bees (Trigona spp.) produce honeys with high nutritional and therapeutics value. Until recently, the information regarding potential health benefits of stingless bee honey (SBH) in medical databases is still scarce as compared to the common European bee honey (EBH) which is well known for their properties as therapeutic agents. Although there have been very few reports on SBH, empirically these products would have similar therapeutic quality as the EBH. In addition, due to the structure of the nest, few studies reported that the antimicrobial activity of SBH is a little bit stronger than EBH. Therefore, the composition of both the types of honey as well as the traditional uses and clinical applications were compared. The results of various studies on EBH and SBH from tissue culture research to randomised control clinical trials were collated in this review. Interestingly, there are many therapeutic properties that are unique to SBH. Therefore, SBH has a great potential to be developed for modern medicinal uses.
Optimization of Cultural Conditions for Bacillus megaterium Cultured in Agaricus bisporus Industrial Wastewater
Authors: Huang Jiafu , Zhang Danfeng , Ou Yixin , Zhang Guoguang , Zheng Linhua , Lin Lizhuan , Ye Xiaomei , Zhu Xiaofeng , Pan Yutian
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to optimize the cultural conditions for Bacillus megaterium using Agaricus bisporus industrial wastewater as nature culture through response surface methodology. In our present study, we analyzed the total number of living B. megaterium in the fermentation broth using multispectral imaging flow cytometry. Plackett-Burman design was applied to evaluate the effects of six variables, namely, initial pH, industrial wastewater solubility, rotating speed, culture temperature, inoculum size, and loading volume. Loading volume, initial pH, and culture temperature were found to influence the biomass of B. megaterium significantly and were further optimized by Box-Behnken design. After verification test, the optimum fermentation conditions of B. megaterium using the A. bisporus processing wastewater as nature culture media were obtained as follows: initial pH of 7.4, culture temperature of 25°C, loading volume of 40 mL/250 mL, culture time of 24 h, industrial wastewater solubility of 1%, rotating speed of 200 rpm, and inoculum size of 8%. The predicted optimum model’s value was 8.88 × 108 Obj/mL and the average experimental value was 9.03 ± 0.02 × 108 Obj/mL, which met the national microbial fertilizers’ standard. Furthermore, the field experiment results showed that the fermentation broth of B. megaterium could significantly improve the yield of Spinacia oleracea L.
Numerical Investigations on Residual Stress in Laser Penetration Welding Process of Ultrafine‐Grained Steel
Authors: Liu Dezheng , Li Yan , Liu Haisheng , Wang Zhongren , Wang Yu
Published: December 2018

Weld solidification crack prevention in the laser penetration welding process is essential for the strength of the welded component. The formation of solidification cracks can ultimately be attributed to welding residual stresses, and preventive measures should be taken during welding. In this study, the effects of residual stresses on the laser penetration welding quality of ultrafine‐grained steels were investigated. A heat source model was established through the analysis of the metallography of the cross section of the heat‐affected zone (HAZ) of ultrafine‐grained AN420s‐grade steel, and the chemical composition of the weld bead was obtained using an FLS980‐stm Edinburgh fluorescence spectrometer. Furthermore, the constitutive coupling relation between the temperature and material flow stress was established based on the Gibbs function, and the welding residual stress was obtained by setting trace points in a finite element analysis (FEA) model based on experimental data of the weld bead cross section under different welding conditions. The results show that weld solidification cracks will form when the residual stresses exceed the material flow stresses in the weld bead, and the residual stresses can be decreased through a reasonable increase of the welding speed. The results indicate that the proposed criterion has high accuracy and can be used to predict the formation of weld solidification cracks in the laser penetration welding process.
Sutureless Intrascleral Haptic-Hook Lens Implantation Using 25-Gauge Trocars
Authors: Hu Zhi-Xiang , Lin HaiShuang , Ye Lingying , Lin Zhong , Chen Tianyu , Lin Ke , Wu Rong-Han
Published: December 2018

Purpose. To report a new technique for sutureless intrascleral fixation of three-piece foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) using 25-gauge trocars. Methods. We performed this technique on patients with insufficient posterior capsule support. Seventeen eyes from 15 patients with aphakia, dislocated IOL, or subluxated crystalline lens undergoing posterior chamber sutureless implantation of an IOL were studied. The haptics of the IOL were externalized using two 25-gauge forceps. The haptics were bended back (hook-like) into the vitreous cavity through a scleral incision made by using a 25-gauge trocar. And, IOL tilt was determined by using a slit lamp and UBM, and complications were recorded. Results. The IOLs were fixed with exact centration and axial stability. No wound leakage was reported even without the use of sutures. The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.82 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units preoperatively, and the mean BCVA was 0.44 logMAR units at the 6-month follow-up visit. No postoperative retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, IOL tilt or dislocation, or vitreous hemorrhage was noted. Conclusion. Sutureless intrascleral haptic-hook posterior chamber IOL implantation using 25-gauge trocars provides good IOL fixation with reliable wound closure without the use of sutures. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800017436.
Theoretical Analysis of Rockfall Impacts on the Soil Cushion Layer of Protective Structures
Authors: Wang Xing , Xia Yongxu , Zhou Tianyue
Published: December 2018

During the Wenchuan Earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.12, collapses and rockfall hazards persisted for a long time after the initial investigations carried out by research fellow S. M. He and his team at the scene of the disaster in October 2008. It is possible that additional incidents of rockfalls in large quantities may continue in the same areas over the next ten to fifteen years. Furthermore, in the vast mountainous region of western China, the topographic relief is evident, and earthquakes occur frequently. Therefore, it is difficult to effectively defend against rockfall hazards. When designing protective structures, the key issue is the analysis of the mechanical response mechanism of the soil cushion layer of the upper cushion when subjected to the impact of rockfall. As such, a theoretical method was used to perform such an analysis. The cavity expansion and energy conservation model were adopted. Analytical solutions for the impact force and penetration depth were then derived. Furthermore, the impact force and penetration depth of rockfall were studied with the LS‐DYNA software to obtain values for the impact forces and the penetration depth. Finally, the reliability of the theoretical method was evaluated using the cavity expansion, energy conservation, numerical simulation, Hertz, Japanese, Swiss, Australian, B. S. Guan, tunnel manual, and subgrade methods based on an engineering model. The results show that the cavity expansion and the energy conservation methods yielded consistent results. Meanwhile, the cavity expansion and the energy conservation methods also yielded consistent results with the numerical simulation, Japanese (obtained by laboratory experiment), Swiss (obtained by laboratory experiment), and Australian (obtained by field experiment) methods. The relevant methods and conclusions shall therefore be applied to the design of rockfall protection structure in future investigations.
Systematic Exposition of Mesenchymal Stem Cell for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Its Associated Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kang Jingjing , Zhang Li , Luo Xiao , Ma Xiangyu , Wang Gaoying , Yang Yanhui , Yan Yongmin , Qian Hui , Zhang Xu , Xu Wenrong , Mao Fei
Published: December 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy has been applied to a wide range of diseases with excessive immune response, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), owing to its powerful immunosuppression and its ability to repair tissue lesions. Different sources of MSCs show different therapeutic properties. Engineering managements are able to enhance the immunomodulation function and the survival of MSCs involved in IBD. The therapeutic mechanism of MSCs in IBD mainly focuses on cell-to-cell contact and paracrine actions. One of the promising therapeutic options for IBD can focus on exosomes of MSCs. MSCs hold promise for the treatment of IBD-associated colorectal cancer because of their tumor-homing function and chronic inflammation inhibition. Encouraging results have been obtained from clinical trials in IBD and potential challenges caused by MSCs therapy are getting solved. This review can assist investigators better to understand the research progress for enhancing the efficacy of MSCs therapy involved in IBD and CAC.
Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MRI Detects Responses to Stroma-directed Therapy in Mouse Models of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cao Jianbo , Pickup Stephen , Clendenin Cynthia , Blouw Barbara , Choi Hoon , Kang David , Rosen Mark , O'Dwyer Peter J. , Zhou Rong
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

The dense stroma underlies the drug resistance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) and has motivated the development of stroma-directed drugs. Our objective is to test the concept that dynamic contrast–enhanced (DCE) MRI using FDA-approved contrast media, an imaging method sensitive to the tumor microenvironment, can detect early responses to stroma-directed drug.

Experimental Design:

Imaging studies were performed in three mouse models exhibiting high desmoplastic reactions: the autochthonous PDA in genetically engineered mice (KPC), an orthotopic model in syngeneic mice, and a xenograft model of human PDA in athymic mice. An investigational drug, PEGPH20 (pegvorhyaluronidase alfa), which degrades hyaluronan (HA) in the stroma of PDA, was injected alone or in combination with gemcitabine.

Results:

At 24 hours after a single injection of PEGPH20, Ktrans, a DCE-MRI–derived marker that measures how fast a unit volume of contrast media is transferred from capillaries to interstitial space, increased 56% and 50% from baseline in the orthotopic and xenograft tumors, respectively, compared with a 4% and 6% decrease in vehicle groups (both P < 0.05). Similarly, after three combined treatments, Ktrans in KPC mice increased 54%, whereas it decreased 4% in controls treated with gemcitabine alone (P < 0.05). Consistently, after a single injection of PEGPH20, tumor HA content assessed by IHC was reduced substantially in all three models while drug delivery (measured by paclitaxel accumulation in tumor) was increased by 2.6-fold.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrated a DCE-MRI marker, Ktrans, can detect early responses to stroma-directed drug and reveal the sustained effect of combination treatment (PEGPH20+ gemcitabine).
An Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transcriptional Switch Triggers Evolution of Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Carcinoma (PSC) and Identifies Dasatinib as New Therapeutic Option
Authors: Manzotti Gloria , Torricelli Federica , Benedetta Donati , Lococo Filippo , Sancisi Valentina , Rossi Giulio , Piana Simonetta , Ciarrocchi Alessia
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a rare and aggressive form of NSCLC. Rarity and poor characterization have limited the development of PSC-tailored treatment protocols, leaving patients with inadequate therapeutic options. In this study, we investigated the gene expression profile of PSCs, with the aim to characterize the molecular mechanisms responsible for their evolution and to identify new drugs for their treatment.

Experimental Design:

A training set of 17 biphasic PSCs was selected and tested for the expression of a large panel of 770 genes related to cancer progression using NanoString technology. Computational analyses were used to characterize a PSCs-gene specific signature from which pathways and drivers of PSC evolution were identified and validated using functional assays in vitro. This signature was validated in a separate set of 15 PSCs and 8 differentiated NSCLC and used to interrogate the cMAP database searching for FDA-approved small molecules able to counteract PSC phenotype.

Results:

We demonstrated that the transcriptional activation of an epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) program drives PSC phylogeny in vivo. We showed that loss of the epithelial-associated transcription factor (TF) OVOL2 characterizes the transition to sarcomatoid phenotype triggering the expression of EMT promoting TFs, including TWIST and ZEB and the expression of the membrane kinase DDR2. Finally, using a drug repurposing approach, we identified dasatinib as potential inhibitor of the PSC-gene expression signature and we confirmed in vitro that this drug efficiently restrains proliferation and reverts the sarcomatoid-associated phenotype.

Conclusions:

Our data provide new insights into PSC evolution and provide the rationale for further clinical studies with dasatinib.