bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal performance analysis of net-zero energy building using evolutionary algorithms
Authors: Tavares Gisele Goulart , Ferraz Marcus Vinícius , Loureiro Eric Vargas , Nobre Vitor de Castro , Goliatt Leonardo , Capriles Priscila 
Published: May 2020

The zero-energy building, also known as Net-Zero Energy Building (NZEB), is based on the concept of an energy-efficient building that balances its total energy using solutions that aim to mitigate CO2 emissions and reduce energy use in the constructions. Energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings increased between 20% and 40% in developed countries and exceeded the industry and transportation sectors. Due to climate change, by 2050 buildings can consume 20% more energy, with energy performance being the critical element in achieving climate goals and improving energy security. The objective of this paper is to maximize the thermal comfort in an NZEB through the evolutionary algorithm PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization), a technique inspired by the collective intelligence of the animals. For this, different constructive parameters were inserted in a geometric model to identify combinations that offer greater comfort. For the optimization problem of this work, the design parameters were: block type, concrete thickness used in the solid slab, mortar type, window size, door size, and cover type. From the geometric model, an IDF file was generated for the parameterization and subsequent energy simulation of the scenarios created by the PSO in the EnergyPlus software. The exchange of materials and parameter values of the model reached lower hours of discomfort per year in comparison to results obtained in the literature.
WEIGHTED CROSS VALIDATION IN THE SELECTION OF ROBUST REGRESSION MODEL WITH CHANGE-POINT FOR TELEVISION RATING FORECAST
Authors: Huaira Contreras Carlos Alberto , Hasenclever Borges Carlos Cristiano , Borelli Zeller Camila , Romanelli Amanda 
Published: May 2020

The paper proposes a weighted cross-validation (WCV) algorithm to select a linear regression model with change-point under a scale mixtures of normal (SMN) distribution that yields the best prediction results. SMN distributions are used to construct robust regression models to the influence of outliers on the parameter estimation process. Thus, we relaxed the usual assumption of normality of the regression models and considered that the random errors follow a SMN distribution, specifically the Student-t distribution. In addition, we consider the fact that the parameters of the regression model can change from a specific and unknown point, called change-point. In this context, the estimations of the model parameters, which include the change-point, are obtained via the EM-type algorithm (Expectation-Maximization). The WCV method is used in the selection of the model that presents greater robustness and that offers a smaller prediction error, considering that the weighting values come from step E of the EM-type algorithm. Finally, numerical examples considering simulated and real data (data from television audiences) are presented to illustrate the proposed methodology.
SEPARATION OF OVERLAPPING OBJECT SEGMENTATION USING LEVEL SET WITH AUTOMATIC INITALIZATION ON DENTAL PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPH
Authors: Adam Safri , Arifin Agus Zainal 
Published: May 2020

To extract features on dental objects, it is necessary to segment the teeth. Segmentation is separating between the teeth (objects) with another part than teeth (background). The process of segmenting individual teeth has done a lot of the recently research and obtained good results. However, when faced with overlapping teeth, this is quite challenging. Overlapping tooth segmentation using the latest algorithm produces an object that should be segmented into two objects, instantly becoming one object. This is due to the overlapping between two teeth. To separate overlapping teeth, it is necessary to extract the overlapping object first. Level set method is widely used to segment overlap objects, but it has a limitation that needs to define the initial level set method manually by the user. In this study, an automatic initialization strategy is proposed for the level set method to segment overlapping teeth using hierarchical cluster analysis on dental panoramic radiographs images. The proposed strategy was able to initialize overlapping objects properly with accuracy of 73%. Evaluation to measure quality of segmentation result are using misscassification error (ME) and relative foreground area error (RAE). ME and RAE were calculated based on the average results of individual tooth segmentation and obtain 16.41% and 52.14%, respectively. This proposed strategy are expected to be able to help separate the overlapping teeth for human age estimation through dental images in forensic odontology.
Dynamics of the photosystem II photochemical activity in the developing <em>Brassica nigra</em> L. seeds
Authors: Smolikova Galina , Lebedev Vitaliy , Lopatov Vasiliy , Timoshchuk Valentina , Medvedev Sergei 
Published: May 2020

Dynamics of the PS II activity in the pod walls, seed coat and embryo cotyledons at early and middle maturation stages of Brassica nigra L. has been studied using the Junior-PAM fluorometer (Heinz Walz Gmbh, Germany). The maximum quantum yield Fv/Fm, effective quantum yield Y(II) and coefficient of photochemical fluorescence quenching qP have been evaluated. We demonstrated maturation-dependent fluctuation of the PS II activity in the different part of seeds: Fv/Fm, Y(II) and qP decreased in the pod walls and seed coat, but increased in the cotyledons of embryo. During transition from early to middle stage of maturation, the maximal electron transport rate of PS II in the cotyledons increased and reached the maximum at higher level of photosynthetic active radiation. Improving the efficiency of PS II in the developing cotyledons of the embryo can be attributed to adaptation of the chloroplasts to a higher light probably due to the increase of light transmission through the seed coat and pericarp at later stages of seed maturation. Refs 29. Figs. 3.
Landfill gas condensate treatment options to eliminate odor issues and to use water for dust control
Authors: Tasser Christian , Jackson Dave , Kairouz Khalil , Bokor Peter 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
A large landfill-gas-to-power facility retained the authors to provide process evaluation and development support for a conceptual design of a landfill gas condensate (LFGC) treatment system to eliminate odor issues and reduce organic loads to the sewer or use the water for dust control. Based on the operational observations and water quality data, the source of the LFGC is moisture from gas generated by the decay of waste in the landfill that is transmitted to the power generation facilities by way of the landfill gas (LFG) collection system. As part of this project, the authors reviewed the data, and this presentation includes recommendations for long-term treatment solutions so that a permanent system can be designed, bid, procured, and installed. The purpose of the abstract is to present the findings of this analysis of LFGC treatment system alternatives to identify practical, commercially available solutions with the primary goal to reduce odor issues related to LFGC both on-site and in the sewer system, and to reduce water usage at the site for dust control. The method to evaluate the various treatment options was based on treatment efficiency, and capital and life-cycle costs. The conclusion was to continue with pilot testing of the most suitable options, which was anaerobic treatment followed by polishing with a moving bed bioreactor (MBBR) to reuse the product water in cooling towers or for dust control.
Radix Paeoniae Rubra Ameliorates Lupus Nephritis in Lupus-Like Symptoms of Mrl Mice by Reducing Intercellular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1, Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1, and Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression
Authors: Wang Weijie , Cao Lingyong , Wang Xinchang , Fan Yongsheng 
Published: May 2020

Objective:Vasculitis is the basic pathological change of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR), a traditional Chinese herb with the function of reducing blood stasis, has anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. This study explored the effects of RPR on the kidneys of lupus-like symptoms of mrl (MRL/lpr) mice from the perspective of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1).Methods:Eighteen MRL/lpr lupus model mice were randomly divided into three groups, the model control group, prednisone-treated group, and RPR-treated group, and 6 C57BL/ 6 mice were classified as a control group. After the mice had been treated for 12 weeks, the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and PECAM-1in the kidney was determined by immunohistochemistry and Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).Results:After 12 weeks, there were significant differences in body weight in the model, prednisone and RPR groups compared with the normal group (P <0.05). Pathological observation: Compared with the model group, the proliferation of inflammatory cells infiltrated glomeruli and interstitial cells in prednisone and RPR groups were reduced, and renal pathological damage was reduced. Compared with the model group, urine protein level of prednisone and RPR groups were reduced with no significance (P> 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were significantly reduced in the prednisone group and RPR group compared with the model group (P <0.05 or P <0.01). Meanwhile, the immunohistochemistry expressions of ICAM-1 and VCAM- 1 expressed in the kidney were significantly reduced in the prednisone group and RPR group (P <0.01 or P<0.05). However, The mRNA expression level and the immunohistochemistry expressions of PECAM-1 expressed in the kidney were reduced in each treatment group (prednisone group and RPR group), but these differences were not significant (P>0.05).Conclusions:ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and PECAM-1 expression in the model group was found to be significantly increased. In addition, RPR could reduce the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and PECAM-1 in MRL/lpr lupus mice as effectively as prednisone, which may result in the dosage reduction of prednisone, thus decreasing the toxicity and improving the efficacy of prednisone - based treatment of SLE.
Novel Therapeutic Approaches and Targets for Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus
Authors: Borghi Alessandro , Corazza Monica 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a huge
impact on a person’s quality of life. A correct therapy is required for relieving symptoms, reversing
signs and preventing further anatomical changes.

Objective:
The main objective of the present paper is to provide suggestions for the best treatment approach,
based on the available evidence. Treatment strategies are divided on the basis of the treatment
phase, distinguishing options for initial, acute or attack treatment and those for long-term, maintenance
treatment.

Methods:
An electronic search was performed using the National Library of Medicine PubMed database.
All the studies evaluating treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus published in the English literature
were analyzed, including controlled studies, case series, guidelines and reviews.

Results:
Current evidence identifies ultra-potent and potent corticosteroids, administered for 12 weeks,
as the first-line recommended treatment for active VLS. Topical calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus and
pimecrolimus, are effective and safe alternatives. Long-term maintenance strategies aimed at preventing
recurrences are required, after the initial treatment phase. Maintenance treatment mostly consists in
topical corticosteroids, administered i) on an “as needed” basis (“reactive” scheme), ii) on a continuative
regimen, iii) on a low-dose, intermittent regimen (“proactive” scheme). Further investigations are
needed for better defining the placement of other options within the VLS therapeutic algorithm, including
retinoids, physical and systemic treatments.

Conclusion:
The available evidence provides useful indications for the management of VLS. Both the
identification of new therapeutic targets and the optimization of the available options represent the
main objectives of future research.
Transfection of TGF-β shRNA by Using Ultrasound-targeted Microbubble Destruction to Inhibit the Early Adhesion Repair of Rats Wounded Achilles Tendon In vitro and In vivo
Authors: Huang Songya , Xiang Xi , Qiu Li , Wang Liyun , Zhu Bihui , Guo Ruiqian , Tang Xinyi 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Tendon injury is a major orthopedic disorder. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble
destruction (UTMD) provides a promising method for gene transfection, which can be used for the
treatment of injured tendons.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the optimal transforming growth factor beta
(TGF-β) short hairpin RNA (shRNA) sequence and transfection conditions using UTMD in vitro and
to identify its ability for inhibiting the early adhesion repair of rats wounded achilles tendons in vivo.

Methods:
The optimal sequence was selected analyzing under a fluorescence microscope and quantitative
real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in vitro. In vivo, 40 rats with wounded
Achilles tendons were divided into five groups: (1) control group, (2) plasmid group (3) plasmid + ultrasound
group, (4) plasmid + microbubble group, (5) plasmid + microbubble + ultrasound group, and
were euthanized at 14 days post treatment. TGF-β expression was evaluated using adhesion scores and
pathological examinations.

Results:
The optimal condition for UTMD delivery in vitro was 1W/cm2 of output intensity and a 30%
duty cycle with 60 s irradiation time (P < 0.05). The transfection efficiency of the plasmid in group 5
was higher than that in other groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the lowest adhesion index score and the
least expression of TGF-β were shown in group 5 (P < 0.05). When compared with the other groups,
group 5 had a milder inflammatory reaction.

Conclusion:
The results suggested that UTMD delivery of TGF-β shRNA offers a promising treatment
approach for a tendon injury in vivo.
Potential Prognostic Predictors and Molecular Targets for Skin Melanoma Screened by Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis
Authors: Chen Sichao , Liu Zeming , Li Man , Huang Yihui , Wang Min , Zeng Wen , Wei Wei , Zhang Chao , Gong Yan , Guo Liang 
Published: May 2020

Aims and Objectives:
Among skin cancers, malignant skin melanoma is the leading cause
of death. Identification of gene markers of malignant skin melanoma associated with survival may
provide new clues for prognosis prediction and treatment. This research aimed to screen out potential
prognostic predictors and molecular targets for malignant skin melanoma.

Introduction:
Information regarding gene expression in skin melanoma and patients’ clinical traits
was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Weighted gene co-expression network
analysis (WGCNA) was applied to build co-expression modules and investigate the association between
the modules and clinical traits. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis was performed for
clinically significant co-expression modules. Hub genes of these modules were validated via Gene
Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and the Human Protein Atlas (http://
www.proteinatlas.org).

Methods:
First, using WGCNA, 9 co-expression modules were constructed by the top 25% differentially
expressed genes (4406 genes) from 77 human melanoma samples. Two co-expression modules
(magenta and blue modules) were significantly correlated with survival months (r = -0.27, p = 0.02;
r = 0.27, p = 0.02, respectively). The results of functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the
magenta module was mainly enriched in the cell cycle process and the blue module was mainly enriched
in the immune response process. Additionally, the GEPIA and Human Protein Atlas results
suggested that the hub genes CCNB2, ARHGAP30, and SEMA4D were associated with relapse-free
survival and overall survival (all p-values < 0.05) and were differentially expressed in melanoma tumors
and normal skin.

Results and Conclusion:
The results provided the framework of co-expression gene modules of skin
melanoma and screened out CCNB2, ARHGAP30, and SEMA4D associated with survival as potential
prognostic predictors and molecular targets of treatment.
A Technical Approach of Solubility Enhancement of Poorly Soluble Drugs: Liquisolid Technique
Authors: Chaudhary Nandini , Tripathi Devika , Rai Awani K. 
Published: May 2020

Background:Solubility is one of the significant pre-formulation properties which regulate the desired concentration of drug in the systemic circulation. Most of the newly discovered chemical entities show poor solubility which consequently leads to poor bioavailability. To enhance the bioavailability of such type of drugs is a big challenge for pharmaceutical scientists. Liquisolid technology is a new and advanced technology used to transform the liquid medication into dry, free-flowing and easily compressible dosage form incorporation with the carrier and coating material.Objectives:This review represents the technical perspective of Liquisolid technologies that overcome the demerits of classic formulation strategies and amend the bioavailability of the poorly soluble drug. This technique is also approaches the stability, hygroscopicity and agglomeration issue which are mainly occurring in other techniques for solubility enhancement.Conclusion:Several technologies have been utilized to minimize the solubility problem but due to the complicated and expensive machinery fails to achieve the desired bioavailability of the poorly soluble drugs. Therefore, Liquisolid technology has been introduced as an innovative and promising technique that recovers the demerits of classic formulation strategies and also improves the bioavailability of the poorly soluble drug. This article exhibits the technical approach of the liquisolid system by improving the solubility as well as bioavailability of water-insoluble drugs.
Withdrawal Notice: Evaluation of Clinical Profile, Diagnostic Tests, And Prognosis of Crypto-coccal Meningitis in HIV Infected Patients in Western India
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Bishnoi Suresh , Meena Durga Shankar , Bohra Gopal Krishana , Midha Naresh , Chhabra Vivek , Bhambu Sunil Kumar 
Published: May 2020

The article has been withdrawn from the journal Infectious Disorders – Drug Targets by the author due to some technical
reasons.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may cause.

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Association Between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Malignant Brain Edema in Patients With Large Hemispheric Infarction
Authors: Bai Xueling , Wang Changyi , Wang Lu , Jiang Shuai , Zhang Shihong , Liu Ming , Wu Bo 
Published: May 2020

Introduction:
Malignant brain edema (MBE) is a life-threatening complication for patients
with large hemispheric infarction (LHI). Stroke-related inflammatory responses may cause
secondary brain injury and lead to brain edema. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a
well-known systemic inflammatory biomarker. The aim of this study was to evaluate if NLR is associated
with MBE in patients with LHI.

Methods:
A retrospective analysis was performed of LHI patients within 24 h from stroke onset
admitted to the Department of Neurology, West China Hospital from January 1, 2017 to
December 31, 2018. Blood samples were collected upon admission. MBE was diagnosed by any
neurological deterioration accompanied by brain edema in follow-up images. Patients were categorized
according to NLR tertiles. Univariate analyses were performed to identify potential confounding
variables and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the
correlation between NLR and MBE.

Results:
A total of 257 patients with a mean age of 68.6 ± 14.0 years were identified. Among
them, 83 (32.3%) patients developed MBE with a median time of one day (interquartile range
[IQR] 0-2 days) from hospital admission. An elevated NLR was related to an increased risk of
MBE when the lowest and highest tertiles were compared (odds ratio 2.27, 95% confidence interval
1.11-4.62, p = 0.024). The risk of MBE increased with the increase of NLR in a dosedependent
manner (p for trend = 0.029). No interaction between potential modifiers and NLR on
MBE was observed.

Conclusions:
Higher NLR was associated with an increased risk of MBE in patients with LHI.
Association of High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein with Patient Prognosis Following Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kim Seonggon , Yi Ho J. , Lee Dong H. , Sung Jae H. 
Published: May 2020

Objective:
The aim of this investigation was to examine the association of hsCRP (highsensitivity
C-reactive protein) with outcomes and prognosis of patients who underwent mechanical
thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) after acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods:
A total of 404 patients were enrolled, and outcomes included unfavorable clinical outcome
at three months (modified Rankin Scale, mRS scores 3-6), the occurrence of symptomatic
intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) of the infarct. Receiver
operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to identify the cutoff value of hsCRP
to discriminate between favorable and unfavorable outcomes. The association of hsCRP with outcomes
was evaluated using a logistic regression model.

Results:
The best cutoff value of hsCRP to distinguish between favorable and unfavorable outcomes
at three months was identified as 3.0 mg/L (area under the curve, [AUC] 0.641, 95% confidence
interval, [CI] 0.535-0.748; P = 0.014). In, multivariate analysis, patients with hsCRP ≥3
mg/L had more unfavorable outcome (odds ratio [OR] 1.72, 95% CI 1.42-2.02; P = 0.010), sICH
(OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.62-3.66; P = 0.004), and HT of infarct (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.42-2.02; P =
0.008) compared to those with hsCRP <1 mg/L.

Conclusion:
Our study demonstrates that patients with higher CRP levels had more unfavorable
outcome, and exhibited higher sICH, and HT of infarct than those with lower CRP levels. Elevated
hsCRP level, especially when higher than 3 mg/L, is an independent predictor for poor clinical
prognosis in patients with MT for LVO.