bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Lyapunov Optimization for Two-Tier Hierarchical-Based MAC in Cloud Robotics
Authors: Hu Yansu , Gao Ang , Wang Changqing , Cao Wen , Yan Maode
Published: August 2020

Cloud robotics can largely enhance the robot intelligence by offloading tasks to the cloud dynamically. However, the robots differ in their own hardware configuration such as battery and processing capacity, while the transmission frames are also a mixture of different quality of service (QoS) requirements. As the competition for limited channel resource is inevitable, how to optimize the system performance by effective resource allocation is a key problem. The paper proposes a two-tier hierarchical-based MAC (Two-Tier MAC) which means the classification exists not only in frames but also in robots. The Lyapunov optimization technique is used to maximize the time-averaged quality satisfaction. The experiments show the superior performance of the Two-Tier MAC compared with other MAC protocols especially in overloaded networks. Meanwhile, the system also presents a longer lifetime because the Two-Tier MAC takes energy balance into consideration.
Dynamic Security Exchange Scheduling Model for Business Workflow Based on Queuing Theory in Cloud Computing
Authors: Xu Rongbin , Wu Jianguo , Cheng Yongliang , Liu Zhiqiang , Lin Yuanmo , Xie Ying
Published: August 2020

With the rapid development of e-business, large volume of business processes need to be handled in a constrained time. There is always a security issue related to on-time completion in many applications in the economic fields. So, how to effectively manage and organize business processes became very important. By using cloud computing, instance-intensive processes can be handled more effectively by applying just-right virtual machines. Hence, the management of cloud resources became an important issue that many researchers focus on to fully utilize the advantage of cloud. In this paper, we mainly discuss the queuing theory and put forward our novel dynamic process scheduling model based on queuing theory, which is named M/G/k/l-P for business processes. This model can solve the issue of allocating appropriate number of cloud resources based on the number of tasks and execution stages to ensure whether the numbers of cloud resources are sufficient and adequate or not, which can improve the security issue for business process. The service discipline in our model can provide a dynamic process by setting different priorities to improve the experience of users. Evaluations prove that the queuing model of M/G/k/l-P can work very well for business workflow scheduling.
Novel Model for Manoeuvrability of Ships Advancing in Landslide‐Generated Tsunamis
Authors: Yuan Peiyin , Wang Pingyi , Zhao Yu
Published: August 2020

The rock and soil on the shore of the bank are unsteady and slide in a poor environment, affecting the water body in the river channel and forming landslide‐generated tsunamis. This directly impacts the navigation of vessels in the river. In this study, the river course and sailing ships in the Wanzhou section of the Three Gorges Reservoir area were taken as the research objects. Through a physical model test with a large scale ratio, the variation of the water level at the monitoring points in the channel was determined, and the variation law of the water level in the whole channel was derived and converted into a prototype through the scale ratio. A model of the ship’s manoeuvring motion was established, and the ship’s manoeuvring motion characteristics in still water were verified. The correlations between the maximum roll angle and the navigation position, sailing speed, and rudder angle were investigated in detail. A safety risk response theory of navigation in the area of landslide‐generated tsunamis was proposed, and a scientific basis was provided for the safe navigation of ships in the Three Gorges Reservoir area.
Field Efficacy of Nicotiana tabacum L. var Virginia Extract against Coffee Borer Beetle (Hypothenemus hampei) Attacking Coffee Berries in Plantation Area
Authors: Perdana Harahap Andre Fahriz , Fauzantoro Ahmad , Haryuni Haryuni , Koernia Dewi Tyas Sumarah , Suprapti Endang , Arya Ramadhan Muhammad Yusuf , Yoo Young Je , Gozan Misri
Published: August 2020

The extract of Nicotiana tabacum L. var Virginia origin of Ponorogo (EHRE-Nt) was applied under field conditions against the coffee borer beetle Hypothenemus hampei (CBB). Three extract formulations containing 150, 300, and 450 ml of EHRE-Nt in 100 liters of water were prepared and sprayed on 0.5 hectares each. A nontreatment was applied as a control on 0.5 hectares of plantation. The intensity of the CBB attacks was observed for six weeks on a Robusta coffee plantation in the Kalibening area, South Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. An extract formulation containing 450 ml of EHRE-Nt resulted in the lowest intensity of CBB attacks from weeks one to six (1.6% to 2.2%). The attacks of the control field were 11.3% to 13.5%. The highest efficacy level of 85.4% was obtained with the 450 ml EHRE-Nt formulation. These results demonstrate that EHRE-Nt has potential as a bioinsecticide for coffee berries from CBB attacks.
Assessment for Thermal Conductivity of Frozen Soil Based on Nonlinear Regression and Support Vector Regression Methods
Authors: Cui Fu-Qing , Zhang Wei , Liu Zhi-Yun , Wang Wei , Chen Jian-bing , Jin Long , Peng Hui
Published: August 2020

The comprehensive understanding of the variation law of soil thermal conductivity is the prerequisite of design and construction of engineering applications in permafrost regions. Compared with the unfrozen soil, the specimen preparation and experimental procedures of frozen soil thermal conductivity testing are more complex and challengeable. In this work, considering for essentially multiphase and porous structural characteristic information reflection of unfrozen soil thermal conductivity, prediction models of frozen soil thermal conductivity using nonlinear regression and Support Vector Regression (SVR) methods have been developed. Thermal conductivity of multiple types of soil samples which are sampled from the Qinghai‐Tibet Engineering Corridor (QTEC) are tested by the transient plane source (TPS) method. Correlations of thermal conductivity between unfrozen and frozen soil has been analyzed and recognized. Based on the measurement data of unfrozen soil thermal conductivity, the prediction models of frozen soil thermal conductivity for 7 typical soils in the QTEC are proposed. To further facilitate engineering applications, the prediction models of two soil categories (coarse and fine‐grained soil) have also been proposed. The results demonstrate that, compared with nonideal prediction accuracy of using water content and dry density as the fitting parameter, the ternary fitting model has a higher thermal conductivity prediction accuracy for 7 types of frozen soils (more than 98% of the soil specimens’ relative error are within 20%). The SVR model can further improve the frozen soil thermal conductivity prediction accuracy and more than 98% of the soil specimens’ relative error are within 15%. For coarse and fine‐grained soil categories, the above two models still have reliable prediction accuracy and determine coefficient (R2) ranges from 0.8 to 0.91, which validates the applicability for small sample soils. This study provides feasible prediction models for frozen soil thermal conductivity and guidelines of the thermal design and freeze‐thaw damage prevention for engineering structures in cold regions.
Baking Effect on Resistant Starch Digestion from Composite Bread Produced with Partial Wheat Flour Substitution
Authors: Alcântara Rafael Grassi de , Fukumasu Heidge , Raspantini Paulo Cesar Fabricio , Raspantini Leonila Ester Reinert , Steel Caroline Joy , Oliveira Ludmilla de Carvalho , Carvalho Rosemary Aparecida de , Vanin Fernanda Maria
Published: August 2020

The consumption of composite flour, such as green banana and corn flour, is related to maintain stable blood glucose levels, due to high resistant starch levels. However, most of these studies have conducted analyses of unprocessed food such as flour. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of baking on resistant starch concentration and digestion from bread produced with partial wheat flour substitution. Response surface methodology was used to evaluate bread physical-chemical characteristics, and then, sensorial and nutritional qualities of the bread were evaluated. The feasibility of incorporating 40% of corn flour was demonstrated, while incorporation of 20% produced bread with similar characteristics to the control; for green banana flour, these levels were 20 and 10%, respectively. Resistant starch levels of composite breads were also enhanced by in vitro analyses. On the other hand, in vivo blood glucose levels evidenced that the ingestion of breads produced with partial wheat flour substitution by green banana or corn flour promoted a more important peak in blood glucose levels in comparison with control bread, which was never previously presented in the literature. Bread ingestion rapidly increased the blood glucose levels of rats; once during the baking process, starch granules become gelatinized and therefore easily digestible. Furthermore, this study also highlighted the lack and need for future investigation of wheat flour-substituted baked goods, in order to better understand mechanical properties formation and also product digestibility.
The Influence of Jam Density and Merging Cyclists on the Queue Discharge Rate
Authors: Wierbos M. J. , Knoop V. L. , Goñi-Ros B. , Hoogendoorn S. P.
Published: August 2020

An increasing number of people use the bicycle for urban trips resulting in local congestion at intersections, especially during peak hours. Understanding the queue dynamics is key to find the correct measures that can reduce the delays for cyclists without affecting other traffic modes. To this end, the discharge process of bicycle queues is studied, focusing on the impact of jam density on the queue discharge rate and how this process is affected by cyclists that merge into the queue during the discharge phase. The impact of merging cyclists is captured by a newly introduced bicycle equivalent (BE) value. This direction-specific BE value is used to convert a merging cyclist into a cyclist that is waiting in the original queue. Results show that the queue discharge rate increases with increasing density of the queue. Furthermore, cyclists that merge by overtaking contribute to the queue discharge rate, while cyclists who merge from a perpendicular direction hinder the discharge process, thereby decreasing the bicycle flow at the intersection. The insights can be used to develop measures which minimise delay at intersections and to design efficient infrastructure for bicyclists.
Is International Travel an Emerging Issue on Transmission of Beijing Lineage Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Authors: Madamarandawala Pavithra S. , Satyanarayana Srinath , Timire Collins , Yaqoob Aashifa , Madegedara Dushantha , Magana-Arachchi Dhammika N.
Published: August 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis belonging to Beijing sublineage (BL) is associated with high tuberculosis (TB) transmission, multidrug resistance, and adverse treatment outcomes. Sri Lanka experiences an increase in the number of travellers/workers to and from high TB-burden countries, and there is risk of getting BL strains imported into the country. In this context, a cohort study was conducted to assess the prevalence of BL strains among pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients in the Kandy district of Sri Lanka (a popular tourist destination) and its association with patients’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. The study population included sputum smear-positive PTB patients diagnosed from February 2018–July 2019. Fresh sputum samples were collected for culturing and conducted polymerase chain reaction using BL-specific primers. Among the 101 patients recruited, presence of BL strains could be ascertained in 94 patients of which 24 (26%; 95% CI: 18%–35%) had BL strains. Prevalence of BL strains was higher among those with high sputum smear grades (2+ and 3+) (P<0.05) and those who had travelled abroad (P<0.05). The prevalence was also higher among young people (aged <35 years). Treatment success rates were similar in patients with (83%) and without BL strains (83% vs. 81%; P value = 0.8375). The prevalence of BL strains in Kandy, Sri Lanka, was high compared to previously reported figures in Sri Lanka, and the percentage drives closer to the countries in South East Asia. International travel raises itself as an emerging issue in BL transmission urging the need of policies and practices in immigration/emigration strategies. The study findings have the potential to alter the TB epidemiology in the country and might represent the situation in other underexplored countries as well. Therefore, it is important to monitor the trends and factors related to the prevalence of Beijing strains globally and make decisions as a whole.
Could Xuebijing Injection Reduce the Mortality of Severe Pneumonia Patients? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhu Jia , Guo Jie , Wang Qian
Published: August 2020

Background and Aim. Xuebijing injection (XBJ) is a Chinese traditional medicine preparation, mainly made from Carthamus tinctorius flowers (Honghua in Chinese), Paeonia lactiflora roots (Chishao), Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizomes (Chuanxiong), Salvia miltiorrhiza roots (Danshen), and Angelica sinensis roots (Danggui). It can reduce inflammation and regulate blood coagulation and immune function. XBJ has been used in severe pneumonia patients in China. Whether it can reduce the mortality of patients is still controversial. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of XBJ in the treatment of severe pneumonia. Methods. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP were searched, from inception to February 2020, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about XBJ combined with western medicine treatment in treating severe pneumonia. Literature screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment were carried out by two researchers back‐to‐back. RevMan 5.3 software was used for statistical analysis. Results. A total of 21 articles involving 2072 patients were included. The meta‐analysis showed that treatment combined with XBJ has better efficiency compared with western medicine treatment alone. It could also decrease 28‐day mortality; shorten the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay time and mechanical ventilation time; and reduce the levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cell (WBC), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and D‐dimer in the serum of patients. The incidence of adverse reactions did not increase significantly. Conclusion. XBJ combined with western medicine treatment has significant clinical efficacy and no obvious adverse reactions. A dose of 100 ml bid is recommended to reduce 28‐day mortality. The conclusion needs to be further verified with larger‐sample size and higher‐quality RCTs.
Retailer’s Optimal Procurement Strategy under Supply Disruption and Stochastic Demand: Backup Sourcing or Simultaneous Sourcing
Authors: Lin Feng , Shi Jinzhao , Wu Peng , Zhuo Xingxuan
Published: August 2020

Practically, supply disruption may lead production process to entirely halt (completely disrupted) or the output to differ in the order size (partially disrupted), which makes it more difficult for the retailer to satisfy stochastic market demand. Under the circumstance, the retailer is likely to procure products from two suppliers to effectively alleviate the demand-supply mismatches. Thus, under supply disruption and stochastic demand, this paper develops both backup sourcing and simultaneous sourcing (SS) strategies to analyze the retailer’s performance, where backup sourcing includes wholesale price priority (WPP) and supply reliability priority (SRP). Specifically, (1) under WPP, when the selling price is relatively lower (higher), the retailer is suggested to activate the reliable backup supplier after the realization of supply disruption (demand uncertainty). (2) Under SRP, two scenarios including minor disruption and major disruption can be identified, where the retailer’s order quantity from the reliable (unreliable) supplier under minor disruption scenario is more (less) than that under major. (3) Finally, this paper systematically compares the retailer’s preferences among WPP, SRP, and SS via theoretical results and numerical examples. That is, when the unreliable supplier is more likely to work normally or shortage cost (selling price) is relatively lower, the retailer prefers SPR regarding the unreliable supplier as backup sourcing due to its lower wholesale price and acceptable supply disruption. Otherwise, the retailer is inclined to WPP regarding the reliable supplier as backup sourcing for ensuring all market demand to be satisfied. In addition, unless the emergency prices of two suppliers are extremely higher, backup sourcing strategies could perform better than simultaneous sourcing strategy.
Nonlinear Resonant Responses, Mode Interactions, and Multitime Periodic and Chaotic Oscillations of a Cantilevered Pipe Conveying Pulsating Fluid under External Harmonic Force
Authors: Zhang Y. F. , Liu T. , Zhang W.
Published: August 2020

The nonlinear resonant responses, mode interactions, and multitime periodic and chaotic oscillations of the cantilevered pipe conveying pulsating fluid are studied under the harmonic external force in this research. According to the nonlinear dynamic model of the cantilevered beam derived using Hamilton’s principle under the uniformly distributed external harmonic excitation, we combine Galerkin technique and the method of multiple scales together to obtain the average equation of the cantilevered pipe conveying pulsating fluid under 1 : 3 internal resonance and principal parametric resonance. Based on the average equation in the polar form, several amplitude-frequency response curves are obtained corresponding to the certain parameters. It is found that there exist the hardening-spring type behaviors and jumping phenomena in the cantilevered pipe conveying pulsating fluid. The nonlinear oscillations of the cantilevered pipe conveying pulsating fluid can be excited more easily with the increase of the flow velocity, external excitation, and coupling degree of two order modes. Numerical simulations are performed to study the chaos of the cantilevered pipe conveying pulsating fluid with the external harmonic excitation. The simulation results exhibit the existence of the period, multiperiod, and chaotic responses with the variations of the fluid velocity or excitation. It is found that, in the cantilevered pipe conveying pulsating fluid, there are the multitime nonlinear vibrations around the left-mode and the right-mode positions, respectively. We also observe that there exist alternately the periodic and chaotic vibrations of the cantilevered pipe conveying pulsating fluid in the certain range.
Abstract B19: Neurofibromin 2 regulates metabolism in the heart
Authors: Zhang Yu , Mizushima Wataru , Oka Shinichi , Zhai Peiyong , Del Re Dominic
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Neurofibromin 2 (NF2) is a tumor suppressor that can engage the Hippo signaling pathway and modulate cell proliferation and survival. We previously demonstrated that NF2 mediates cardiomyocyte apoptosis and injury caused by acute myocardial infarction (MI) through inhibition of the Hippo target YAP. However, the function of NF2 in the heart remains largely uncharacterized. Our current study sought to determine whether NF2 contributes to cardiac remodeling, dysfunction, and heart failure due to chronic stress.

Methods and Results: We used a transverse aortic constriction (TAC) model in WT C57BL/6J mice to generate chronic pressure overload (PO) stress, which elicits cardiac hypertrophy, remodeling, and eventually heart failure. We found that NF2 is transiently upregulated in mouse myocardium in response to PO stress. To investigate if increased NF2 contributes to pathology, we used cardiomyocyte-specific NF2 knockout (cKO) mice. At baseline, adult NF2 cKO mice had normal cardiac morphology and function. However, following TAC, NF2 cKO hearts unexpectedly showed worsened cardiac function, assessed by echocardiography and hemodynamic analysis, compared to littermate controls. Interestingly, no differences in the extent of TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy or cardiomyocyte apoptosis were observed between NF2 cKO and control mice. To investigate the mechanism underlying the NF2 cKO phenotype, we performed RNAseq. Our analysis indicated downregulation of several metabolic pathways including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in unstressed NF2 cKO hearts, which was confirmed by qPCR. We also determined that ATP content in NF2 cKO hearts was significantly reduced at baseline compared to control mice. Estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) are important regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic function. RNAseq revealed the downregulation of ERRβ and ERRγ in NF2 cKO hearts, which was confirmed by qPCR. Experiments in neonatal cardiomyocytes confirmed that regulation of ERRβ and ERRγ expression by NF2 is cell autonomous. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that modulation of NF2 regulates ERR function in cardiomyocytes. We also found that YAP activation is enhanced in NF2 cKO hearts and cardiomyocytes deficient for NF2. Co-IP analysis indicated that YAP associates with components of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex in cardiomyocytes, which may mediate targeted gene suppression.

Conclusion: Myocardial NF2 expression is upregulated and may be compensatory during PO stress through preservation of metabolic gene expression and energy content in the heart.

Citation Format: Yu Zhang, Wataru Mizushima, Shinichi Oka, Peiyong Zhai, Dominic Del Re. Neurofibromin 2 regulates metabolism in the heart [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Hippo Pathway: Signaling, Cancer, and Beyond; 2019 May 8-11; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(8_Suppl):Abstract nr B19.
Abstract IA28: Integrin-mediated mechano-transduction controls HER2 oncogenic signaling and activation of YAP in breast cancer
Authors: Wang Shimin , Kim Young-Mi , Garippa Ralph , Norton Larry , Giancotti Filippo G.
Published: September 2020

Integrin-mediated adhesion and signaling via focal adhesion kinase is required for mammary tumorigenesis in the PyMT mouse model. Moreover, PTK2 encoding FAK is amplified in a substantial fraction of human breast cancers. We have investigated the mechanism through which integrin signaling controls mammary tumorigenesis and found that integrin-mediated mechano-transduction controls invasive growth in stiff 3D matrices through activation of YAP/TAZ. Mechanistic studies revealed that integrin signaling induces—via activation of FAK and Src family kinases (SFKs) —tyrosine phosphorylation and inactivation of LATS. The ensuing activation of YAP/TAZ is necessary for invasive growth of HER2+ breast cancer cells. Engagement of HER2/HER3 with neuregulin impinges on SFKs to amplify activation of YAP/TAZ in HER2+ breast cancer cells, suggesting that integrin-mediated mechano-transduction functions as a rheostat to regulate HER2 oncogenic signaling. Finally, administration of dasatinib significantly increases the efficacy of HER2 inhibition in the MMTV-Neu mouse model of HER2+ breast cancer. These findings reveal a major mechanism through which the Hippo pathway is disabled in breast cancer and suggest that targeting HER2 and SFKs simultaneously may be a rational strategy in selected cases of breast cancer.

Citation Format: Shimin Wang, Young-Mi Kim, Ralph Garippa, Larry Norton, Filippo G. Giancotti. Integrin-mediated mechano-transduction controls HER2 oncogenic signaling and activation of YAP in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Hippo Pathway: Signaling, Cancer, and Beyond; 2019 May 8-11; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(8_Suppl):Abstract nr IA28.
Abstract PR12: Paracrine orchestration of intestinal tumorigenesis at the mesenchymal-epithelial interface
Authors: Roulis Manolis , Kaklamanos Emilios , Kollias George , Flavell Richard
Published: September 2020

Intestinal tumor initiation is a probabilistic process that depends on the competition between mutant and normal epithelial stem cells in crypts. Intestinal stem cells are closely associated with a diverse but poorly characterized network of mesenchymal cell types. It remains unknown whether the physiologic mesenchymal microenvironment of mutant stem cells affects tumor initiation. Here we show that the mesenchymal niche controls tumor initiation in trans. By characterizing the heterogeneity of the intestinal mesenchyme by single cell RNA-seq, we identified a population of rare pericryptal Ptgs2-expressing fibroblasts (RPPFs) that constitutively process arachidonic acid into highly labile prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Specific ablation of Ptgs2 in fibroblasts was sufficient to prevent tumor initiation in two different models of sporadic, autochthonous tumorigenesis. At the mechanistic level, by performing single-cell RNA-seq analyses of a mesenchymal niche organotypic model, we found that fibroblast-derived PGE2 reprograms intestinal stem cells into Tuft cell precursors. These are characterized by the activation of a strong tumor initiation program driven by the Hippo pathway effector Yap, a molecule indispensable for intestinal tumorigenesis. Organoid experiments established a novel molecular mechanism whereby PGE2 activates Yap dephosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and transcriptional activity by signaling specifically via receptor Ptger4. In vivo, epithelial-specific ablation of Ptger4 misdirected the regenerative reprogramming of stem cells, abrogated Yap target gene activation, and prevented sporadic tumor initiation in mutant mice, thereby demonstrating the robust paracrine control of tumor-initiating stem cells by PGE2/Ptger4. Patient-derived organoid analyses established that PGE2/ PTGER4 also regulate stem cell function in humans. Our study demonstrates for the first time that colorectal cancer initiation is orchestrated by the mesenchymal niche. Moreover, it reveals a mechanism whereby RPPFs exert paracrine control over tumor-initiating stem cells via the druggable PGE2/Ptger4/Yap signaling axis.

Citation Format: Manolis Roulis, Emilios Kaklamanos, George Kollias, Richard Flavell. Paracrine orchestration of intestinal tumorigenesis at the mesenchymal-epithelial interface [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Hippo Pathway: Signaling, Cancer, and Beyond; 2019 May 8-11; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(8_Suppl):Abstract nr PR12.
Educacão em museus: pesquisas e prática
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Educação, McManus Paulette Marion
Published: September 2020

A obra parte do desenrolar da disciplina “Educação em Museus: pesquisas e prática” do Programa de Pós-Graduação da Faculdade de Educação da Universidade de São Paulo, cujo principal objetivo foi discutir a produção da pesquisa em educação e comunicação em museus, especialmente dos voltados às ciências. A relação entre educação formal, não formal e informal e a história e evolução da educação nos museus foram tratados em uma perspectiva abrangente, englobando as diferentes tipologias de museus, com ênfase nos museus de ciências naturais. Essa publicação coincide com o aniversário de dez anos do Grupo de Estudo e Pesquisa em Educação Não Formal e Divulgação em Ciência - GEENF, da Faculdade de Educação da USP.
Impact of Medicare’s Bundled Payments Initiative on Patient Selection, Payments, and Outcomes for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: McNeely Christian , Orav E. John , Zheng Jie , Joynt Maddox Karen E.
Published: September 2020

Background:

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation launched the Bundled Payments for Care Initiative (BPCI) in 2013. Its effect on payments and outcomes for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is unknown.

Methods and Results:

We used Medicare inpatient files to identify index admissions for PCI and CABG from 2013 through 2016 at BPCI hospitals and matched control hospitals and difference in differences models to compare the 2 groups. Our primary outcome was the change in standardized Medicare-allowed payments per 90-day episode. Secondary outcomes included changes in patient selection, discharge to postacute care, length of stay, emergency department use, readmissions, and mortality. Forty-two hospitals joined BPCI for PCI and 46 for CABG. There were no differential changes in patient selection between BPCI and control hospitals. Baseline Medicare payments per episode for PCI were $20 164 at BPCI hospitals and $19 955 at control hospitals. For PCI, payments increased at both BPCI and control hospitals during the intervention period, such that there was no significant difference in differences (BPCI hospitals +$673,
P
=0.048; control hospitals +$551,
P
=0.022; difference in differences $122,
P
=0.768). For CABG, payments at both BPCI and control hospitals decreased during the intervention period (BPCI baseline, $36 925, change −$2918,
P
<0.001; control baseline, $36 877, change −$2618,
P
<0.001; difference in differences, $300;
P
=0.730). For both PCI and CABG, BPCI participation was not associated with changes in mortality, readmissions, or length of stay. Among BPCI hospitals, emergency department use differentially increased for patients undergoing PCI and decreased for patients undergoing CABG.

Conclusions:

Participation in episode-based payment for PCI and CABG was not associated with changes in patient selection, payments, length of stay, or clinical outcomes.
Association of Cardiovascular Risk Burden With Risk and Progression of Disability: Mediating Role of Cardiovascular Disease and Cognitive Decline
Authors: Cui Kaiwang , Song Ruixue , Xu Hui , Shang Ying , Qi Xiuying , Buchman Aron S. , Bennett David A. , Xu Weili
Published: September 2020

Background

Cardiovascular risk burden has been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cognitive decline, but its association with disability is unclear. We aimed to examined the association of cardiovascular risk burden assessed by the Framingham general cardiovascular risk score (FGCRS) with the risk and progression of disability and estimated the extent to which CVD and cognitive decline mediate this association.

Methods and Results

A total of 1480 older adults with no disabilities (mean age=79.32±7.38 years) from the Rush Memory and Aging Project were followed for up to 21 years. FGCRS at baseline was calculated and categorized into tertiles. Disability was assessed annually with activities of daily living. The number of CVDs was calculated by summing up the CVD events. Global cognitive function was assessed annually with a battery of 19 tests. Data were analyzed using the Cox model, linear mixed effects model, and mediation analysis. At the end of the follow‐up, 713 (48.2%) participants developed disability. Compared with the lowest tertile of the FGCRS, the multiadjusted hazards ratios of disability were 1.34 (95% CI, 1.11–1.62) for the highest tertile. In addition, the highest FGCRS was associated with a change in activities of daily living score over time (β=0.057; 95% CI, 0.021–0.093). The association between FGCRS and change in activities of daily living was 13.8% mediated by the accumulation of CVDs and 25.1% by cognitive decline, respectively.

Conclusions

Higher cardiovascular risk burden increased the risk of disability and accelerated its progression over time. CVD accumulation and cognitive decline may partially mediate the association.
εἰ δή τις … συκοφαντοίη: Impiety and the fiscus Iudaicus in Josephus, War 1.11
Authors: Wassell Blake
Published: August 2020

The article discusses the meaning of εἰ δή τις … συκοφαντοίη (“If any critic carps,” or “recklessly impugns”) in Josephus, War 1.11. The overarching problem comprises the accusation the author imagines he may face and his nuanced response to it. The way Josephus and comparable authors use συκοφαντέω is the initial issue. The larger one is if the author might be saying something about the fiscus Iudaicus and its potential maladministration. The proposal is that Josephus denounces the stereotyping of Judean identity in terms of cultic impiety, a stereotype that allowed the funnelling of maiestas accusations through the tax treasury. Josephus’ cynicism toward the Iudaea capta discourse, not least the Flavians’ looting the temple and hijacking its tax, darkens his expression of piety in War’s prologue with irony and vitriole.
Cytotoxic Effects of Fe2O3 Nanoparticle on Cervical Cancer Cell Line (Hela) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line (HepG2)
Authors: Shokrzadeh Mohammad , Eshghi Zahra , Dehpouri Abbas Ali , Ebrahimi Rouya , Barghi Nasrin Ghassemi
Published: September 2020

Nano forms of drugs are used to cure cancer not only due to selective cytotoxicity on cancer cells, but also because of the nontoxicity on normal cells. Nanoparticles of iron oxide have been widely surveyed for medical-health functions as a result of their high biocompatibility and
simple synthesis. For this purpose this study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of iron oxide nanoparticle on cervical cancer cell line (Hela) and hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) in vitro. Five concentrations of iron oxide nanoparticle (200, 400, 600, 800 and
1000 ppm) on Hela cell line and five concentrations (1, 50, 100, 500, 1000 ppm) on HepG2 cell line were prepared and tested with three replicates. The optical density of cell growth was analyzed by MTT assay. Flow cytometry used in order to evaluate apoptosis. The results showed that iron
oxide nanoparticle at a concentration of 200 ppm significantly reduced cell growth on Hela compared to the control group after 48 hours. Although it reduced cell growth on the HepG2, and this reduction was time and dose dependent, it was not statistically significant. Iron oxide nanoparticle
showed the effective cytotoxic on Hela cell line and ideally induced apoptosis to a high degree in these cells and thereby cause the death of cancer cells and had less toxicity to normal cells of body but iron oxide nanoparticle showed non-toxic effect on HepG2 cell line.
S-(–)-equol alleviates stenosis of the injured carotid artery in Sprague Dawley rats by preventing the vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch via inhibition of the MAPKp38-NFκBp65 signaling
Authors: Wu Hongchen , Nie Piming , Zhou Zhenghua , Hu Jun , Li Guangjian , Zhang Mengjie , Tian Zhiqiang , Yang Xia , Ni Bing , Chen Kangning
Published: August 2020

Phenotypic switching of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is closely related to an in-stent restenosis (ISR). This study aimed to investigate whether S-(–)-equol prevented the phenotypic switch of the VSMCs as a potential treatment of an ISR. The carotid arteries of female
Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with or without a carotid injury and ovariectomy were harvested after 4 weeks of treatment with S-(–)-equol. Stenosis of the carotid artery and two phenotype-related proteins-α smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and osteopontin (OPN)-were determined.
The proliferation and migration capacities of VSMCs were determined by the CCK-8 and transwell assays, respectively. The expressions of αSMA, OPN, MAPKp38, p-MAPKp38, NF-κBp65, and p-NF-κBp65 were
detected by a western blot. S-(–)-equol alleviated carotid stenosis and prevented the VSMC phenotypic switch in female SD rats with a carotid artery injury and a bilateral ovariectomy. S-(–)-equol inhibited the phenotypic switch of VSMCs, which was induced by PDGF-BB, and enhanced
the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. The effects of S-(–)-equol on VSMCs were confirmed to be related to the inactivation of the GPER-MAPKp38-NF-κBp65 signaling in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that S-(–)-equol affects
carotid stenosis by preventing the phenotypic switch of VSMCs via the GPER-MAPKp38-NF-κBp65 signaling pathway.
Fabrication of a superhydrophobic surface by a template-assisted chemical deposition method
Authors: Wang Jian , Chen Hong
Published: August 2020

A novel chemical deposition method was developed to fabricate an appealing micro-nanostructure on an iron sheet with the assistance of a candle soot coating that served as the surface template. The process is only three steps. First, a soot coating was deposited on a iron sheet surface
by placing the iron sheet over the flame of a burned candle. Secondly, the iron sheet was immersed in a copper dichloride ethanol solution for 0.5 hours to obtain a copper layer with a rough three-level structure consisted of microprotrusions, submicron-scale papillae and nanosheets. Thirdly,
the prepared iron sheet was modified with octadecanoic acid. It was indicated that the resulting rough copper surface on the iron sheet had great superhydrophobicity whose water contact and sliding angles reach 156.9° and 4.6°, respectively. Here, a new approach may be developed for
design and fabrication of ideal hierarchical surface structures via chemical deposition.
Graphene enwrapped molybdenum disulfide for long life rechargeable batteries
Authors: Liu Yanmei , Zhang Cunliang , Cui Jinhai , Wei Wei
Published: August 2020

MoS2 nanoclusters/graphene composite (MoS2/GNs) was prepared by one-step hydrothermal strategy in which MoS2 nanoclusters were enwrapped by graphene nanosheets. MoS2/GNs electrode delivered discharge/charge capacities of 890 and 885 mA ·
h/g at 0.2 °C (200 mA g–1) after 300 cycles, as rechargeable Li ion batteries (LIBs) anode material, corresponding to a reversible charge capacity retention of up to 73.0%. When the current was adjusted to 5 C (5000 mA g–1), the material could still deliver
discharge/charge capacities of 612 and 591 mA · h/g. The synergistic effects between MoS2 and graphene contributed to excellent electrochemical performance, which efficiently improved its electrical conductivity, and concurrently inhibited volume change of the MoS2
in the electrode.
Synthesis of an Ag3PO4/AlPO4 composites for enhanced visible light-driven photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhang Yanlin , Gong Fuzhong , Li Yanlin , Liao Sunqi
Published: August 2020

Novel non-porous Ag3PO4/AlPO4 composites with a stick shape were synthesized using the homogeneous precipitation method and characterized by XRD, FESEM, XPS, UV-vis spectroscopy and BET method. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated by degradation
of MB and MO upon irradiation with visible light. Results indicate that when the molar ratios of Ag3PO4 to AlPO4 are 6:4 or higher, remarkable increases in photocatalytic activity were observed compared with the pure Ag3PO4 powder. The
possible mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of dyes by Ag3PO4/AlPO4 composites was proposed.
Study on the clinical effect of ranitidine combined with omeprazole in the treatment of peptic ulcers
Authors: Liu Ying , Tang Yanping
Published: August 2020

The clinical safety and efficacy of a novel pharmaceutical material (ranitidine combined with omeprazole) for treating peptic ulcers was analyzed using gastroscopy. The subjects were from the Department of Gastroenterology, Nankai hospital, Tianjin, China. Gastroscopy was performed
from March 2017 to March 2018. A 100 eligible patients with gastric ulcers were selected. The patients with peptic ulcers were randomly divided into two groups with 50 patients each. For the control group, 150 mg ranitidine was administered orally, twice a day before meals, for four weeks.
For the combined group, 150 mg ranitidine was administered orally, twice a day before meals, along with 20 mg omeprazole once a day, for four weeks. The clinical efficacy of the therapy, disease recurrence, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. The antacid effect of combined
therapy was stronger and longer lasting when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). After six months of follow-up, the Helicobacter pylori (HP) clearance in the combined treatment group was more efficient than in the control group (P < 0.05). Serious
adverse reactions were not found in both the groups. Ranitidine combined with omeprazole is effective and safe in the treatment of peptic ulcers and worthy of clinical application.
[ARTICLE WITHDRAWN] Antimicrobial peptide bsn-37 inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli by targeting its cell wall and membrane
Authors: Fu Jingyu , Yang Hao , Wang Hongliang , Ke Jun , Kong Debao
Published: August 2020

THIS ARTICLE WAS WITHDRAWN BY THE PUBLISHER IN DEC 2021
Strength Evaluation Method of Container Ships Based on the Ion Corrosion
Authors: Wang Jiantao , Jiang Bochen , Guo Yunlong
Published: August 2020

In order to solve the problem that the accuracy of strength performance of container ships is not high, the strength evaluation method of container ships is optimized based on the principle of ion corrosion. By collecting and analyzing the strength characteristic values of container
ships, the evaluation grade standard of strength performance is divided, which simplifies the performance evaluation steps of container ships and accurately evaluates the strength performance of container ships. Finally, compared with the traditional method, the strength evaluation method
of container ships under the action of ion corrosion has higher accuracy and fully meets the research requirements.
Effect of a Magnetic Field on Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B Over g-C3N4
Authors: Du Ci , Hu Tianjiao , Chu Zengyong , Wu Wenjian , Li Xiaodong
Published: August 2020

Magnetic fields have potential applications in photocatalysis. However, there is limited research on the effect of magnetic fields on heterogeneous photocatalysis, and the action mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B over g-C3N4
in an aqueous solution was investigated, and the adsorption and photocatalytic activity were analyzed in the absence and presence of a magnetic field. Furthermore, the infrared absorption frequency of the bending vibration of water was measured in real-time. The results show that the adsorption
and photocatalytic efficiencies were positively correlated with the magnetic field intensity in the range of 0∼2 T, while high-intensity magnetic fields (4∼8 T) played an inhibitory role. In addition, the infrared absorption frequencies of water exhibited a red-shift under 1 T and
2 T magnetic fields at 37 °C, while the absorption frequencies under 4 T and 8 T magnetic fields were the same as that in the absence of magnetic fields. The effects of the magnetic field on the g-C3N4 photocatalytic efficiency and water infrared absorption frequency
were similar, suggesting that the effect of the magnetic field on the water structure may be one factor affecting the g-C3N4 photocatalytic efficiency.
Study on the Characteristics of ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels in Neonatal Rat Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Chen Yuxia , Liu Huayan , Zeng Hao
Published: August 2020

KATP channels are present on the surface of cardiac internal membranes, skeletal muscle, brain, and mitochondrial membranes. KATP channels can be activated with selective drugs including diazoxide and cromakalim that may be able to limit ischemia-induced damage
or brain cell death. KATP channels have no relationship with a homogenous group, while other channels do not have the same combinations. This study was to characterize the effects of the neuro-protective KATP channel openers diazoxide and cromakalim in neonatal rats with
hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) induced by intrauterine asphyxia. Seventy-two hours-old Sprague Dawley rat pups were subjected to intrauterine asphyxia and hypoxia for 30 min, and then randomly assigned to seven groups: Vehicle, Hypoxic-ischemia (HI), Diazoxide (Dia), Cromakalim (Cro),
Diazoxide+Glibenclamide (Dia + Gli), Cromakalim+Glibenclamide (Cro + Gli), and Solvent (NaOH). Brain injury was maintained by neurologic deficit or mass injury 72 hours after HI. Moreover, gene expression of KATP channels was measured by RT-PCR 72 hours after HI. Results showed
that the hippocampus and cortex had the most serious injury after HI, next highest injury was in the cerebellum, and the least amount of injury was in the thalamus and brainstem. Diazoxide and cromakalim showed a neuroprotective effect to the five brain regions tested after intrauterine asphyxia.
The neuroprotective effect between diazoxide and cromakalim was not statistically significant and could be inhibited by glibenclamide. Diazoxide and cromakalim had the strongest neuroprotective effect in the hippocampus and cortex, which showed the most serious injury after intrauterine asphyxia.
Is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Necessary for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Patients Undergoing Mastectomy?
Authors: Miller-Ocuin Jennifer L. , Howard-McNatt Marissa , Levine Edward A. , Chiba Akiko
Published: August 2020

Background

Current treatment guidelines for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treated with mastectomy recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). In the modern era, there is a trend toward minimizing invasive staging and treatment of the axilla. In this study, we seek to determine the role of SLNB in patients undergoing mastectomy for the treatment of DCIS.

Methods

Patients undergoing mastectomy were identified from our institution’s SLNB database from 2012 to 2016. Patients were included if core needle biopsy demonstrated DCIS. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and pathologic variables were abstracted.

Results

Of 187 patients undergoing mastectomy with SLNB from 2012 to 2016 for DCIS or invasive ductal carcinoma, 39 (21%) were diagnosed with DCIS on core biopsy. Mean age was 57 years. 70% were Caucasian, 18% were African American, 8% were Asian, and the remaining 5% were unknown. One patient (3%) had positive nodes on SLNB and underwent axillary lymph node dissection. Of those with DCIS on core biopsy, 14 (36%) were upstaged to invasive disease on final surgical pathology, including the patient with positive SLNB. Of the remaining 25 (64%) patients with DCIS on final pathology, 0 (0%) had SLNB positivity.

Conclusion

Only 3% of patients with DCIS undergoing mastectomy were found to have SLN metastases. However, a significant number of patients (36%) were upstaged due to invasive cancer. Although limited by a small sample size, our results suggest that SLNB should still be recommended to patients undergoing mastectomy for DCIS on core needle biopsy due to the high rate of upstage rate to invasive disease.