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This study aims to identify a secure and efficient trading approach for investors in highly volatile cryptocurrency markets. While pairs trading is a promising strategy, the available literature on this topic in cryptocurrency markets is limited and primarily based on traditional methods. This study compares six statistical approaches for selecting trading pairs: Cointegration, Correlation, Distance, Fluctuation Behaviour, Hurst Exponent, and Stochastic Differential Residual. We utilise intraday data from 30 cryptocurrencies on the Binance exchange during a three-month period from 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2022. The trading results are measured by 11 criteria covering return, risk, and trade aspects. The findings show that Distance performs well at all three frequencies of 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 60 minutes, with a total return of 208.12%, 236.31%, and 210.36%, respectively. At the 60-minute frequency, this method exhibits low risk and performs impressively even when all other techniques generate negative returns, as well as displays the lowest number of expired counts and the highest success ratio among the methods. At 1-minute and 5-minute frequencies, Cointegration and Hurst Exponent produce results comparable to those of Distance. The Student t-test conducted confirms these conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In practical decision-making problems, the different reliability levels of decision-makers in their evaluation information are usually ignored by most existing decision-making methods. Then, a neutrosophic Z-number (NZN) is a powerful model for simultaneously describing the restraint and associated reliability of evaluation information in view of truth, indeterminacy, and falsity Z-numbers. This paper first proposed a logarithmic similarity measure (LSM) of NZN sets, which is more flexible and can change its measure result by adjusting the exponential parameters of the restraint and reliability. Then, a multi-attribute decision-making approach is developed based on the presented LSM of NZN sets, and its applicability and flexibility are further illustrated by a case study of undergraduate teaching quality assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbiological diagnosis of infection for hematological malignancy patients receiving chemotherapy or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) patients relies primarily on standard microbial culture, especially blood culture, which has many shortcomings, such as having low positive rates, being time-consuming and having a limited pathogenic spectrum. In this prospective observational self-controlled test accuracy study, blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected from chemotherapy or allo-HSCT patients with clinical symptoms of infections who were hospitalized at Peking University First Hospital. Possible pathogens were detected by the method based on recombinant mannan-binding lectin (MBL) magnetic bead enrichment (M1 method) and simultaneously by a standard method. The analytical sensitivity of M1 method was close to that of standard culture method. Besides, the turn-around time of M1-method was significantly shorter than that of standard culture method. Moreover, the M1 method also added diagnostic value through the detection of some clinically relevant microbes missed by the standard method. M1 method could significantly increase the detection efficiency of pathogens (including bacteria and fungi) in immunocompromised patients. Key points: • The detection results of M1-method had a high coincidence rate with that of standard method • M1 method detected many pathogens which had not been found by standard clinic method [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study published in the journal Clinical & Experimental Dermatology explores the use of the anti-IL-17 drug secukinumab in the treatment of epidermolytic ichthyosis (EI), a rare inherited skin disease. The study focuses on a 1-month-old Taiwanese boy with EI who was treated with secukinumab for one year. While the treatment resulted in some improvement in the boy's symptoms, the overall benefits were limited. Transcriptomic analysis of the boy's blood samples before and after treatment revealed changes in gene expression related to inflammation, suggesting potential alternative targets for therapy. The study highlights the need for further research to develop more effective treatments for EI. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Idiopathic membranous nephropathy is widely recognized as an autoimmune kidney disease that is accompanied by the discovery of several autoantibodies, and the antibody subclass in the circulation of patients with iMN is mainly IgG. However, the direct pathogenic effect of the containing anti-PLA2R IgG antibody on podocytes is not clear. Method: A protein G affinity chromatography column was used to purify serum IgG antibodies. Containing anti-PLA2R IgG antibodies from iMN patients and IgG from healthy controls were also obtained. Based on the established in vitro podocyte culture system, purified IgG antibodies from the two groups were used to stimulate podocytes, and the expression of essential podocyte proteins (podocin), the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the cell supernatant, cytoskeletal disorders, and podocyte apoptosis were analyzed. Results: Compared with that in the normal IgG group, the expression of podocin and podocin mRNA was reduced (p = 0.016 and p = 0.005, respectively), the fluorescence intensity of podocin on the surface of podocytes was reduced, the cytoskeleton of podocytes was disordered and reorganized, and the ratio of podocyte apoptosis was increased in the iMN group (p = 0.008). Conclusion: The containing anti-PLA2R IgG antibody might have a direct damaging effect on podocytes in idiopathic membranous nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relay cropping of Poaceae and Fabaceae promotes high yield and land-use efficiency by allowing a double harvest. However, it is difficult to increase yield synergistically because of the reduced photosynthetic abilities of legume leaves under the shade of graminoids. Leaf photosynthetic capacity in relay cropping systems is associated with ecological niche differentiation and photosynthetic compensation after restoration of normal light. We conducted a field experiment in southwest China in 2020-2021 to evaluate the effects of three cropping patterns: maize-soybean relay cropping (IMS), monoculture maize (MM), and monoculture soybean (SS), and N application levels: no N application (NN:0 kg N ha-1 ), reduced N (RN: 180 kg N ha-1 ), and conventional N (CN: 240 kg N ha-1 ). Compared to monocropping, relay cropping increased the stay-green traits of maize and soybean by 13% and 89%, respectively. Relay cropping prolonged the leaf stay-green duration in the maize and soybean lag phase by almost 4 and 8 days, respectively. Relay cropping maize (IM) increased the leaf area index (LAI) by 79.4% to 88.5% under NN and 55.5% to 148% under RN. Relay cropping soybean (IS) increased the LAI from 115% to 437% at days 40 to 50 after anthesis. IM increased yield by 65.6%. IS increased yield by 9.7%. HI and system yield were at their highest values under RN. In the relay cropping system, reduced N application extended green leaf duration, increased photosynthesis inside the canopy at multiple levels, ultimately increases soybean yield synergistically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have shown that the non‐DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra (SN) not only modulate motivational behaviors but also regulate defensive behaviors. While zona incerta (ZI) is a threat‐responsive substrate and receives innervations from the ventral midbrain, the function of the ventral midbrain‐to‐ZI connection remains poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that the ZI receives heterogenous innervations from the ventral midbrain. By utilizing a retrograde AAV preferentially labeling non‐DA neurons in the ventral midbrain, we found that ZI‐projecting non‐DA cells in the ventral midbrain are activated by restraint stress. We focused on the SN and found that SN‐to‐ZI GABAergic input is engaged by a predatory odor. Sustained pan‐neuronal SN‐to‐ZI activation results in aversion and enhances defensive behaviors, likely through a disinhibition mechanism to recruit downstream brain regions that regulate defensive behaviors. Collectively, our results reveal a novel role of nigroincertal projection in mediating negative valence and regulating defensive behaviors.The non‐DA neurons in the ventral midbrain and zona incerta (ZI) are, respectively, reported to regulate defensive behaviors. By utilizing a retrograde AAV preferentially, transsynaptically labeling non‐DA neurons in the ventral midbrain, this study reveals that the substantia nigra (SN)‐to‐ZI GABAergic input is engaged by restraint stress or a predatory odor. Sustained photoactivation of SN‐to‐ZI input results in avoidance and enhances escaping or hiding behaviors from the potential threat, likely through a disinhibition mechanism to recruit LHb or PAG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral health could influence cognitive function by stimulating brain activity and blood flow. The quantified oral status from oral inflammation, frailty and masticatory performance were rarely applied to the cognitive function screening. We aimed to adopt non-invasive digital biomarkers to quantify oral health and employ machine learning algorithms to detect cognitive decline in the community. Methods: We conducted a prospective case-control study to recruit 196 participants between 50 and 80 years old from Puzi Hospital (Chiayi County, Taiwan) between December 01, 2021, and December 31, 2022, including 163 with normal cognitive function and 33 with cognitive decline. Demographics, daily interactions, electronically stored medical records, masticatory ability, plaque index, oral diadochokinesis (ODK), periodontal status, and digital oral health indicators were collected. Cognitive function was classified, and confirmed mild cognitive impairment diagnoses were used for sensitivity analysis. Results: The cognitive decline group significantly differed in ODK rate (P = 0.003) and acidity from SILL-Ha (P = 0.04). Younger age, increased social interactions, fewer cariogenic bacteria, high leukocytes, and high buffering capacity led to lower risk of cognitive decline. Patients with slow ODK, high plaque index, variance of hue (VOH) from bicolor chewing gum, and acidity had increased risk of cognitive decline. The prediction model area under the curve was 0.86 and was 0.99 for the sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: A digital oral health biomarker approach is feasible for tracing cognitive function. When maintaining oral hygiene and oral health, cognitive status can be assessed simultaneously and early monitoring of cognitive status can prevent disease burden in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let the sequences Gn and gn be defined by ... In this paper, we first derive analytical representations for these two sequences Gn and gn in terms of the gamma function. By using the obtained analytical representations, we then deduce asymptotic expansions for Gn and gn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the survival significance of surgery and age on the prognosis of patients with primary trachea malignancies. Methods: The entire cohort of 637 patients with primary malignant trachea tumors was used to perform the main analyses. The data of those patients were from a public database. Overall survival (OS) curves were drawn by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the Log-rank test. The univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses calculated the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for overall mortality. The propensity-score matching analysis was used to reduce the selection bias. Results: Age, surgery, histological type, N classification, M classification, marital status, and tumor grading were identified as independent prognostic factors after eliminating confounding factors. The results of the Kaplan-Meier method revealed that patients with age < 65 had a survival advantage over those with age ≥ 65 (HR = 1.908, 95% CI 1.549–2.348, P < 0.001). The 5-year OS rates were 28% and 8% in the group with age < 65 and age ≥ 65, respectively (P < 0.001). Cases with surgery had better survival over patients without surgery (HR = 0.372, 95% CI 0.265–0.522, P < 0.001). Compared with patients who did not undergo operations, patients with surgery had a higher median survival time (20 vs. 174 months). For patients with surgery, young age was considered a survival-promoting factor (HR 2.484; 95% CI 1.238–4.983, P = 0.010). Conclusion: We suggested that age and surgery were the independent prognostic factors in patients with primary malignant trachea tumors. Besides, age serves as an essential indicator for evaluating the prognosis of postoperative patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is one of the major types of EB, a rare hereditary group of trauma-induced blistering skin disorders. DEB is caused by inherited pathogenic variants in the COL7A1 gene, which encodes type VII collagen, the major component of anchoring fibrils which maintain adhesion between the outer epidermis and underlying dermis. DEB can be subclassified into dominant (DDEB) and recessive (RDEB) forms. Generally, DDEB has a milder phenotype, while RDEB patients often have more extensive blistering, chronic inflammation, skin fibrosis, and a propensity for squamous cell carcinoma development, collectively impacting on daily activities and life expectancy. At present, best practice treatments are mostly supportive, and thus there is a considerable burden of disease with unmet therapeutic need. Over the last 20 years, considerable translational research efforts have focused on either trying to cure DEB by direct correction of the COL7A1 gene pathology, or by modifying secondary inflammation to lessen phenotypic severity and improve patient symptoms such as poor wound healing, itch, and pain. In this review, we provide an overview and update on various therapeutic innovations for DEB, including gene therapy, cell-based therapy, protein therapy, and disease-modifying and symptomatic control agents. We outline the progress and challenges for each treatment modality and identify likely prospects for future clinical impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction between Pavlovian and instrumental control systems is key for adaptive motivated behavior, but also plays an important role in various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, addiction, and anxiety. Here, we employed the flouorodopa positron emission tomography ([18F]-DOPA PET) in healthy participants (N = 100) to assess whether dopamine synthesis capacity (Ki), specifically in the ventral striatum, accounts for individual variation in Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT). Surprisingly, this was not the case. Rather, the relationship of ventral striatal Ki with PIT depended on working memory (WM) capacity. Ventral striatal dopamine boosted the effects of Pavlovian cues on instrumental responding to a greater degree in participants with higher WM capacity. Caution is warranted to interpret this post hoc four-way interaction given the modest sample size. Nonetheless, these results chime with prior findings demonstrating that dopaminergic drugs boost Pavlovian biases to a greater degree in participants with greaterWMcapacity and highlight the importance of interactions between striatal dopamine and WM capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being a promising biodegradable material, polylactic acid (PLA) still has several limitations mainly concerning its poor thermal resistance and brittleness. In addition, the high temperature during processing can lead to the deformation of PLA and thus reduce its performance of PLA. To overcome the above problems, L-Lactide functionalized cellulose nanocrystals enhanced PLA (PLA/CNC-g-PLA) were successfully prepared by electrospinning technology and the morphology, hydrophilic, thermal, and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite membranes with different ratios of CNC-g-PLA (1--10%) were characterized. The results demonstrated that the introduction of L-Lactide improved the interfacial compatibility between PLA and CNC. In addition, the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composite fiber membranes were enhanced by improving the molecular chain orientation through electrospinning. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the composite fiber film increased by 2.4 and 8.2 times, and T0 and Tmax increased by 17 and 38 ° C, respectively, when the addition of CNC-g-PLA was 5%. This promising nanocomposite with good properties is expected to be used in tissue engineering and food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The celebrated Wallis sequence Wn, which is defined by ..., is known to have the limit π/2 as n → ∞. Without using the Bernoulli numbers Bn, the authors present several asymptotic expansions and a recurrence relation for determining the coefficients of each asymptotic expansion related to the Wallis sequence Wn and the newly-introduced constants D and E, which are analogous to the Glaisher-Kinkelin constant A and the Choi-Srivastava constants B and C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first aim of this paper is to show how the Huygens' and Wilker's inequalities are related. In this sense, we establish and prove a class of inequalities depending on a parameter n, where Huygens' and Wilker's inequalities are obtained when n = 1 and n = 2, respectively. By exploiting the above idea, we introduce other classes of inequalities depending on a parameter, extending an inequality of Wilker type and also the classical Cusa inequality. Finally, some open problems are posed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Although the morphological assessment of melanoma is generally straightforward, diagnosis can be especially difficult when the significant morphological and immunohistochemical results overlap with those of benign and malignant melanocytic tumours and histological mimics. This study assessed the potential diagnostic utility of measuring PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemically in naevi, melanomas and clear cell sarcomas (CCSs) in Chinese patients. Methods: We examined the immunohistochemical expression of PRAME in 317 melanocytic naevi, 178 primary melanomas, 72 metastatic melanomas and 19 CCSs and compared the sensitivity and specificity of PRAME immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the differential diagnosis of melanocytic tumours and histological mimics. Results: Of the 317 melanocytic naevi, 98.1%were completely negative for PRAME; six cases showed focal PRAME immunoreactivity in a minor population of lesional melanocytes. Diffuse nuclear immunoreactivity for PRAME was found in 89.9% of primary melanomas and 93.1% of metastatic melanomas. Regarding melanoma subtypes, PRAME was expressed in 100% of superficial spreading melanomas, 100% of melanomas arise in congenital naevus, 91.4% of nodular melanomas, 87.8% of acral lentigo melanomas, 80.0% of lentigo malignant melanomas, 60.0% of Spitz melanomas, 96.2% of mucosal melanomas and 80.0% of uveal melanomas. None of the two desmoplastic melanomas expressed PRAME. Of the 19 CCS cases, 89.5% were negative for PRAME and 10.5% showed focal weak PRAME immunoreactivity in a minor population of tumour cells. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that PRAME may be a useful marker to support a suspected diagnosis of melanoma. In addition, lack of PRAME expression is a valuable hint to CCS in a suspected case, and then molecular confirmation of the presence of EWSR1 rearrangement is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a heterogeneous group of hereditary skin diseases characterized by skin fragility. Primary data on Taiwanese population remain scarce. Methods: We gathered clinical information from EB patients at National Cheng Kung University Hospital from January, 2012, to June, 2021. Diagnostic tests including transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence studies, and whole-exome sequencing (WES) were performed. The pathogenicity of novel splice-site mutations was determined through reverse transcriptase-PCR of skin mRNA followed by Sanger and/or RNA sequencing. Results: Seventy-seven EB patients from 45 families were included: 19 EB simplex, six junctional EB, and 52 dystrophic EB. Pathogenic variants were identified in 37 of 38 families (97.4%), in which WES was used as a first-line tool for mutational analysis; RNA sequencing determined pathogenic variants in the remaining one family. A total of 60 mutations in EB-related genes were identified, including 22 novel mutations. The mutations involved KRT5, KRT14, PLEC, COL17A1, LAMB3, LAMA3, ITGB4, and COL7A1. Over one-quarter of DEB patients had EB pruriginosa. Conclusions: The distinct clinical presentation and molecular pathology of EB in Taiwan expand our understanding of this disorder. WES was an effective first-line diagnostic tool for identifying EB-associated variants. RNA sequencing complemented WES when multiple potentially pathogenic splice-site mutations were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indumentum of nutlets is shown to be of phylogenetic importance in previous molecular phylogenetic studies of Paraphlomis, a genus of Lamiaceae with approximately 30 species distributed mainly in southern China and Southeast Asia. Nearly half the species of Paraphlomis are known from limestone areas. In this study, we described and illustrated a new species, P. hsiwenii, from the karst mountain forests in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that P. hsiwenii is recovered in a clade consisting of species with hairy nutlets. The new species is morphologically most similar to P. pagantha from the same clade, but they differ in the morphology of lamina bases, length of pedicels and calyces, as well as the morphology of upper corolla lips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis in different body regions displays varying therapeutic responses to biologics, whereas currently relevant studies remain scarce. We retrospectively reviewed the treatment responses of patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis, who completed the two‐year reimbursed ustekinumab or secukinumab treatment in two medical centers in Southern Taiwan. Demographic profiles and body regional PASI scores (head/neck, trunk, upper and lower limbs) along the treatment course were recorded. The proportions of patients attaining PASI 75, 90, 100 and the extent of body regional PASI score improvements were compared in biologic naïve or experienced patients. A total of 57 and 67 patients receiving ustekinumab and secukinumab injections, respectively, were included. Overall, patients receiving secukinumab showed higher degrees of PASI score improvements along the two‐year treatment course. The lower limbs had the highest, and the upper extremities and head/neck had the lowest post‐treatment PASI scores regardless of prior biologic use in the groups of ustekinumab and secukinumab. The upper limbs showed the highest, while the lower limbs had the lowest complete remission rate (regional specific PASI 100) in response to ustekinumab (upper limbs 48.7%, lower limbs 25.6%) and secukinumab (upper limbs 77.1%, lower limbs 42.8%) in biologic naïve groups. Our study demonstrated that lower limbs were the most treatment‐refractory area in response to ustekinumab and secukinumab injections, while the upper limbs and head/neck region had a better response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface quality of a material significantly affects the accurate measurement of the ultrasonic attenuation coefficient. In this research, a roughness correction method for experimental calculation of the attenuation coefficient using contact transducers is proposed. Firstly, the losses due to the scattering from a rough interface are analysed. According to the mechanism of ultrasonic waves reflected from a thin layer between two solid media, the frequency-dependent reflection coefficient of the coupling interface involving a roughness parameter is derived based on the phase-screen approximation theory. Then, a compensation model is established to correct the error caused by the surface roughness. 304 stainless steel and 45 steel specimens with different levels of surface roughness are prepared and ultrasonic measurements are implemented using both the through-transmission and pulse-echo methods. The experimental results show that the proposed correction method can effectively eliminate the losses caused by surface roughness and improve the measurement accuracy of the attenuation coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many capacitated flow network papers treat reliability as a time-invariant property. However, network components degrade over time suggesting that methods to quantify the time-varying reliability of a network are appropriate. This paper proposes a method to compute the reliability of a multistate capacitated flow network in terms of multistate components characterized by a life distribution. The approach enables the calculation of the probability that demand can be satisfied over period of time despite component degradation. Examples are provided to clarify the steps required and to illustrate the assessments enabled. Based on the classical reliability theory, the Weibull reliability function is employed to characterize the degradation of network components. However, the approach is general and other distributions are also possible. The results indicate that the approach can assist a network supervisor determine reasonable demand rate and time constraint to satisfy demand as well as reason about alternative reliability improvement strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present some asymptotic expansions and inequalities for Γ(x+1)1/xΓ(x+2)1/(x+1) and Γ(x + 1)1/x. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is to modify the stern duct of Japan bulk carrier (JBC) to reduce the ship total resistance for Froude number 0.142. The research method is to use the CFD (computational fluid dynamics) tool OpenFOAM to predict the total resistance and viscous flow field around the ship hull considering the free surface. First, the V&V (verification and validation) analysis was conducted to ensure our CFD method is reliable, and to estimate its error and uncertainty range for the original JBC with and without the original stern duct. Second, the angle of attack (AoA) of the foil section of the stern duct was adjusted, thus forming a series of different ducts axisymmetric along the propeller shaft axis. The CFD simulations were performed for each duct appended behind the ship hull. By comparing the total resistance with and without the duct, the ship hull resistance reduction effect caused by the duct would be obtained. Finally, the duct with 7 ° AoA achieved the best resistance reduction of 2.49%. The original duct (with 20 ° AoA) could only provide a 0.6~0.7% reduction. The nominal wake was also analyzed with the ducts, in order to understand the detailed flow phenomena which had an essential influence on propeller inflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antrodia camphorata is an endemic mushroom in Taiwan. This study was designed to screen anti-inflammatory compounds from the methanolic extract of the mycelium of A. camphorata on nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) known to be present in viral infection. A combination of bioactivity-guided isolation with an NMR-based identification led to the isolation of 4-acetylantroquinonol B (1), along with seven compounds. The structure of new compounds (4 and 5) was elucidated by spectroscopic experiments, including MS, IR, and NMR analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity of all isolated compounds was assessed at non-cytotoxic concentrations. 4-Acetylantroquinonol B (1) was the most potent compound against poly I:C-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells with an IC50 value of 0.57 ± 0.06 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoporosis is an important public health issue in aging societies because of its associated morbidity, mortality, and decreased quality of life. The study aims to identify the association of low bone mineral density, including osteoporosis and osteopenia, with environmental and personal factors. Methods: The data of participants aged ≥ 20 years with multiple visits were obtained from a health check-up database in Taiwan from 2008 to 2016. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify the selected factors associated with low bone mineral density for multiple visit data. Results: A total of 194,910 participants with 359,943 visits were included in this study. The prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) in the study population was 10.6% (n = 20.615). Older women, ever and current smokers (odds ratio (OR) = 1.04 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01, 1.08]), or participants who were underweight (OR = 1.72 [1.64, 1.81]), consumed a vegetarian diet (OR = 1.32 [1.25, 1.39]), or had higher triglyceride levels (OR = 1.04 [1.01, 1.06]) were significantly associated with a higher risk of low BMD. Participants who had higher educational years (OR = 0.43 [0.41, 0.46]), higher physical activity (OR = 0.93 [0.89, 0.97]), appropriate sleep duration and better quality (OR = 0.98 [0.97, 0.99]), dairy intake (≥ 1 slice of yogurt or cheese/week, OR = 0.97 [0.95, 0.99]), higher uric acid (OR = 0.93 [0.91, 0.95]), higher walkability (OR = 0.997 [0.995,0.999]), and higher solar radiation exposure (OR = 0.997 [0.97,0.99]) were significantly associated with a lower risk of low BMD. Conclusion: Interventions in different directions, such as having better health behaviors, increasing sun exposure, and residing in a highly walkable environment, are beneficial for reducing the risk of low BMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoporosis is an important public health issue in aging societies because of its associated morbidity, mortality, and decreased quality of life. The study aims to identify the association of low bone mineral density, including osteoporosis and osteopenia, with environmental and personal factors.Methods: The data of participants aged ≥ 20 years with multiple visits were obtained from a health check-up database in Taiwan from 2008 to 2016. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify the selected factors associated with low bone mineral density for multiple visit data.Results: A total of 194,910 participants with 359,943 visits were included in this study. The prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) in the study population was 10.6% (n = 20.615). Older women, ever and current smokers (odds ratio (OR) = 1.04 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01, 1.08]), or participants who were underweight (OR = 1.72 [1.64, 1.81]), consumed a vegetarian diet (OR = 1.32 [1.25, 1.39]), or had higher triglyceride levels (OR = 1.04 [1.01, 1.06]) were significantly associated with a higher risk of low BMD. Participants who had higher educational years (OR = 0.43 [0.41, 0.46]), higher physical activity (OR = 0.93 [0.89, 0.97]), appropriate sleep duration and better quality (OR = 0.98 [0.97, 0.99]), dairy intake (≥ 1 slice of yogurt or cheese/week, OR = 0.97 [0.95, 0.99]), higher uric acid (OR = 0.93 [0.91, 0.95]), higher walkability (OR = 0.997 [0.995,0.999]), and higher solar radiation exposure (OR = 0.997 [0.97,0.99]) were significantly associated with a lower risk of low BMD.Conclusion: Interventions in different directions, such as having better health behaviors, increasing sun exposure, and residing in a highly walkable environment, are beneficial for reducing the risk of low BMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to design the hull-mounted sonar dome of a ship. The goal is to reduce the ship total resistance and improve the flow field around the sonar dome for the ship design speed. OpenFOAM 6 was applied to analyze the viscous flow around the ship bow and then optimize the sonar dome geometry. The length, width and depth of the original geometry were maintained. Only the local geometry was fine-tuned considering the back slope and front tip by using Rhinoceros 6. The verification and validation was performed for the original hull form against towing tank resistance data. The grid independence was checked for the optimal design in different design stages. To ensure less influence on the interior equipment installation and to be able to re-use the non-steel dome part, the best resistance reduction is almost 2%. With a larger allowance of shape deformation, the maximal reduction could reach slightly higher than 3%. The flow field is improved for smaller flow separation and vortex, and less fluid nose in sonar detection is expected. The main reason of the resistance reduction is the decrease of the pressure component. In conclusion, a sonar dome design procedure is proposed, and an optimal geometry is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel immobilization strategy based on AuNPs/PB-ZIF-8@SWCNT was first developed. • The combination of ZIF-8@SWCNT and AuNPs/PB enhanced the sensor performance. • A low detection limit of 10−16 M was achieved at the olfactory biosensor. • The sensor exhibited a long storage stability of 15 days. Hexanal is considered as an important volatile compound indicator for the assessment of freshness and maturity of foods. Therefore, sensitive and stable monitoring of hexanal is highly desired. Herein, an efficient receptor immobilization strategy based on ZIF-8@ Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and nanosomes-AuNPs/Prussian blue (PB) was proposed for the development of olfactory biosensors. ZIF-8@SWCNT as dual support materials provided a high density of active sites for nanosomes loading. Moreover, the co-electrodeposition of nanosomes-AuNPs and PB on the sensor interface effectively amplified the electrochemical signal and maintained the activity of the receptor. The combination of ZIF-8@SWCNT with AuNPs/PB imparts excellent sensing performance of the biosensor with a wide detection range of 10−16–10−9 M, a low detection limit of 10−16 M for hexanal, and a long storage stability of 15 days. These results indicate that our biosensor can be a powerful tool for versatile applications in food and other related industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rush order insertion to satisfy immediate customer demand with early delivery. • Stochastic hybrid flow shop network to construct a manufacturing system. • System reliability to evaluate the probability of meeting demand within time. • A practical case of suction cover manufacturing system is studied. Rush order (RO) insertion is a common problem in industrial plants and represents immediate customer demand characterized by early delivery requirements. Consequently, capacity prioritizes handling RO over processing general orders (GO). In a manufacturing system, the number of machines in a workstation can be influenced by factors, such as failure and maintenance, resulting in the stochastic capacity of each workstation. Considering the stochastic nature of the capacity state in a manufacturing system, this study models it as a stochastic hybrid flow shop (SHFS) network. Algorithms are proposed to generate the lowest capacity vectors (LCVs) that satisfy both the GO and RO. In particular, the proposed algorithms can be applied to an arbitrary capacity probability distribution of a workstation. To assess the system performance of the SHFS network, we employed network reliability as a performance metric to evaluate the possibility of meeting the demand within the specified time constraints in terms of LCVs. We consider GO and RO, each with different time constraints for completion. Numerical examples show that the network reliability indicates the capability of an SHFS to handle both GO and RO. Therefore, decision-makers can ensure that the capacity of the SHFS is sufficient to meet customer demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer-to-peer lending (P2P lending) has proliferated in recent years thanks to Fintech and big data advancements. However, P2P lending platforms are not tightly governed by relevant laws yet, as their development speed has far exceeded that of regulations. Therefore, P2P lending operations are still subject to risks. This paper proposes prediction models to mitigate the risks of default and asymmetric information on P2P lending platforms. Specifically, we designed sophisticated procedures to pre-process mass data extracted from Lending Club in 2018 Q3–2019 Q2. After that, three statistical models, namely, Logistic Regression, Bayesian Classifier, and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and five AI models, namely, Decision Tree, Random Forest, LightGBM, Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), were utilized for data analysis. The loan statuses of Lending Club's customers were rationally classified. To evaluate the models, we adopted the confusion matrix series of metrics, AUC-ROC curve, Kolmogorov–Smirnov chart (KS), and Student's t-test. Empirical studies show that LightGBM produces the best performance and is 2.91% more accurate than the other models, resulting in a revenue improvement of nearly USD 24 million for Lending Club. Student's t-test proves that the differences between models are statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinesin family member 14 (KIF14) is not only involved in numerous essential biological activities, such as cytokinesis and myelination, but also regulates several malignant behaviors and progression of cancer. However, its role in gastrointestinal cancer is rarely reported. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association of KIF14 expression with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) times in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. A total of 101 patients with gastrointestinal cancer (36 patients with gastric cancer and 65 patients with colorectal cancer) were retrospectively reviewed, and their cancer samples were collected to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of KIF14 using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, respectively. KIF14 protein expression was increased in cancer tissues compared with adjacent tissues (all P<0.001). The protein expression levels of KIF14 were positively associated with T stage (P<0.001), distant metastases (P=0.007) and TNM stage (P<0.001), while KIF14 mRNA expression was positively associated with T stage (P<0.001), lymph node metastasis (P=0.004), distant metastases (P=0.001) and TNM stage (P<0.001). High protein and mRNA expression levels of KIF14 were associated with worse DFS (P<0.001) and OS (P=0.016) times. In addition, high KIF14 protein expression independently predicted unfavorable DFS times (P=0.007). Subgroup analysis revealed that in patients with gastric cancer, KIF14 expression was associated with DFS and OS times, while in patients with colorectal cancer, KIF14 expression was only associated with DFS time, but not with OS time. In conclusion, KIF14 expression was not only associated with advanced pathological differentiation and TNM stage but was also associated with poor survival time in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. These results indicate the potential of KIF14 as a biomarker for gastrointestinal cancer prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A network with multi-state (stochastic) elements (arcs or nodes) is commonly called a stochastic flow network. It is important to measure the system reliability of a stochastic flow network from the perspective of operations management. In the real world, the system reliability of a stochastic flow network can vary over time. Hence, a critical issue emerges—characterizing the time attribute in a stochastic flow network. To solve this issue, this study bridges (classical) reliability theory and the reliability of a stochastic flow network. This study utilizes Weibull distribution as a possible reliability function to quantify the time attribute in a stochastic flow network. For more general cases, the proposed model and algorithm can apply any reliability function and is not limited to Weibull distribution. First, the reliability of every single component is modeled by Weibull distribution to consider the time attribute, where such components comprise a multi-state element. Once the time constraint is given, the capacity probability distribution of elements can be derived. Second, an algorithm to generate minimal component vectors for given demand is provided. Finally, the system reliability can be calculated in terms of the derived capacity probability distribution and the generated minimal component vectors. In addition, a big data architecture is proposed for the model to collect and estimate the parameters of the reliability function. For future research in which very large volumes of data may be collected, the proposed model and architecture can be applied to time-dependent monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the function fp(t) = √ 2pχ²(√ 2pt + p; p), where χ²(x; n) defined by χ²(x; p) = 2-p/2 Γ(p/2) e-x/2xp/2-1, is the density function of a χ²-distribution with n degrees of freedom. The asymptotic expansion of fp(t) for p → ∞, where p is not necessarily an integer, is obtained by an application of the standard asymptotics of ln Γ(x). Two different methods of obtaining the coefficients in the asymptotic expansion are presented, which involve the use of the Bell polynomials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most species of Paraphlomis are distributed in the south of the Yangtze River in China. In this study, a new species, P. nana, from northeast Chongqing in the north of the Yangtze River is described and illustrated. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses based on two nuclear ribosomal DNA regions (ITS and ETS) and three plastid DNA markers (rpl32-trnL, rps16, and trnL-trnF) were carried out to explore the phylogenetic position of the new species within Paraphlomis. Though the nuclear and plastid trees reveal incongruent placements of P. nana in Paraphlomis, which may be caused by chloroplast capture, a close relationship between the new species and P. albiflora is supported by molecular phylogenetic, morphological, and geographic evidence. However, the two species can be clearly distinguished from each other by the plant height and lamina and calyx morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An excellent individual plant was found from the seedling trees of Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus), and was grafted onto Hanjiang cherry in 2008, and the new growth was observed to be an excellent line. The clone was established in 2009 and tentatively named as Baliwang. In regional experiment, Baliwang showed the characteristics of large fruit size, bright red fruit color, sweet flavor and long natural fresh-keeping period. It has good commercial properties, high quality, strong resistance to stress and high and stable yield, with great promotion value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carex malipoensis, a new species from southeast Yunnan, China, is here described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to C. trichophylla in sect. Euprepes, but differs from it by its longer inflorescences and peduncles, pendulous spikes, hispidulous female glumes, densely hispidulous utricles, and longer nutlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multistate flow network (MSFN) is an applicable model for constructing and evaluating practical systems, including an information system in resilient supply chain network. When assessing the performance of an MSFN, system reliability is a critical indicator in determining the probability that a given demand will be transmitted by the MSFN. This study develops a minimal cut (MC)-based simulation approach for estimating the system reliability of an MSFN. This simulation approach does not require the upper boundary points for the demand, which are essential in many existing simulation approaches. Additionally, the concept of a cut size limit is integrated into the simulation to reduce the number of MCs, with the computational time exhibiting a linear dependence on the number of MCs. The novel MC-reduction simulation approach proposed in this study estimates system reliability more efficiently than traditional approaches. The effectiveness of the MC-reduction simulation approach is validated on a series of examples, including a time-series analysis of a real-life computer system. Therefore, the proposed approach is advantaged to evaluate the performance of information system in a large supply chain network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The system reliability of a multistate flow network (MSFN) holds significant importance as a critical indicator for assessing the probability of successfully transmitting a given demand. It is recognized that evaluating the system reliability of an MSFN presents a challenge due to its NP-hard property. Hence, the paper introduces a novel simulation approach based on minimal cuts (MCs) to estimate the system reliability of an MSFN. The MC-based simulation approach not only enhances computational efficiency during the simulation but also introduces two heuristic rules to remove the MCs that are likely to satisfy the demand. The first rule revolves around the concept of cut size, aiming to reduce the number of the MCs. Subsequently, a saturation threshold is implemented to preserve saturated MCs. By incorporating these two rules, the need to consider all MCs is circumvented, leading to notable gains in computational efficiency during the simulation. Furthermore, the proposed simulation approach effectively deals with non-integer demands directly for the system reliability estimation. Illustrative examples demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed MC-reduction simulation approach. Overall, the reduction in the number of MCs directly translates into a reduction in the time required, underlining the practical benefits of this innovative approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 1.4 million S4-index profiles sounded by FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC (F3/C) radio occultation during 2007 - 2014 are used to construct a global scintillation occurrence model for the ground-based GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) users. The local maximums of each F3/C S4-index profile at every 10 km altitude window are integrated to simulate the worst-case L-band S4-index (S4conv) on the ground. The S4conv mega-data bind into 3° × 3° in latitude × longitude allows us computing the occurrence probability of the globe for a given S4-index threshold. The occurrence probability of S4 of the developed model agree well with those of ground-based GNSS receivers of the SCINDA (SCIntillation Network Decision Aid) network. Global patterns in the occurrence probability of the model are similar to that of in-situ plasma measurements probed by ROCSAT and FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 satellites in various solar activities. These agreements and similarities indicate that the constructed empirical model can be employed to calculate and predict L-band S4-index and its occurrence probability in the ionosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a heterogeneous group of rare inherited blistering skin disorders characterized by skin fragility following minor trauma, usually present since birth. EB can be categorized into four classical subtypes, EB simplex, junctional EB, dystrophic EB and Kindler EB, distinguished on clinical features, plane of blister formation in the skin, and molecular pathology. Treatment for EB is mostly supportive, focusing on wound care and patient symptoms such as itch or pain. However, therapeutic advances have also been made in targeting the primary genetic abnormalities as well as the secondary inflammatory footprint of EB. Pre-clinical or clinical testing of gene therapies (gene replacement, gene editing, RNA-based therapy, natural gene therapy), cell-based therapies (fibroblasts, bone marrow transplantation, mesenchymal stromal cells, induced pluripotential stem cells), recombinant protein therapies, and small molecule and drug repurposing approaches, have generated new hope for better patient care. In this article, we review advances in translational research that are impacting on the quality of life for people living with different forms of EB and which offer hope for improved clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation models play crucial roles in efficient product development cycles, therefore many studies aim to improve the confidence of a model during the validation stage. In this research, we proposed a dynamic model validation to provide accurate parameter settings for minimal output errors between simulation models and real model experiments. The optimal operations for setting parameters are developed to maximize the effects by specific model parameters while minimizing interactions. To manage the excessive costs associated with simulations of complex systems, we propose a procedure with three main features: the optimal excitation based on global sensitivity analysis (GSA) is done via metamodel techniques, for estimating parameters with the polynomial chaos-based Kalman filter, and validating the updated model based on hypothesis testing. An illustrative mathematical model was used to demonstrate the detail processes in our proposed method. We also apply our method on a vehicle dynamic case with a composite maneuver for exciting unknown model parameters such as inertial and coefficients of the tire model; the unknown model parameters were successfully estimated within a 95% credible interval. The contributions of this research are also underscored through multiple cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reliability evaluation method is proposed for production systems by applying the capacitated-flow production network (CFPN) model. In particular, this article considers in-line stockers to monitor and to avoid blockage and starvation in the CFPN. First, the minimal capacity that all cells (group of machines) should provide to meet demand is generated. Second, status of stocker is monitored via the proposed “stocker volume check table” to calculate the volume usage of a stocker, and the stocker nonutilization is then obtained. Finally, the system reliability is derived in terms of the minimal capacity vector and stocker nonutilization. An important contribution of this article is to avoid complicated dependency calculation when multiple stockers are considered. A practical case of printed circuit board production is further studied to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2020. Various physical distancing interventions were introduced to flatten the epidemic curve and reduce the disease burden. We evaluated the impacts of policy stringency and residents' compliance on time-varying reproduction number in 17 countries. Methods: Data were from WHO reports of local transmission (February 28 to April 8, 2020) in Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the UK, US and Vietnam. Earlier local transmission data where available from press releases were added for Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan starting January 28, 2020. COVID-19 policy responses were from the Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker with 17 indicators. Changes in people's behaviors were from Google's COVID-19 community mobility reports and Apple Maps' mobility trends reports. We estimated the daily time-varying reproduction number (Rt) by country. 0-, 7- and 14-day lagged effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions and changes in human mobility on Rt were estimated by linear mixed-effects models. Results: Rt initially surged rapidly, then declined gradually depending on policy stringency. The highest mean policy stringency scores were for Italy (69.97) and South Korea (61.00). Variations in stringency scores were higher in Europe, the US and Australia than in Asia. The human mobility reduction was greater in countries with strict policies (median stringency score > = 50). In terms of immediate (0-day lag) effects, Rt reductions were found for workplace-closure, limited-gathering, and stay-at-home policies. At a 7-day lag, Rt reductions were found for workplace closure, restrictions on gatherings, stay-at-home requirements, international travel controls, contact tracing and reducing walking around. At a 14-day lag, Rt reductions were found for restrictions on gatherings, less visiting and staying in parks, and reduced walking around. Conclusion: The findings show physical distancing policies and residents' compliance can slow transmission, with the lag-to-effect time varying by policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replication Factor c4 (RFC4) has been found to play important roles in many carcinomas and is correlated with poor prognosis. The present study was performed to investigate the specific role of RFC4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying molecular mechanism. Public datasets including TCGA and GTEx were applied to explore the expression of RFC4 in HCC and its association with HCC prognosis. The results of bioinformatics analysis showed that RFC4 was overexpressed in HCC tissues compared with noncancerous tissues and significantly correlated with poor prognosis for HCC. Through immunohistochemistry, the association between RFC4 expression and clinicalpathological features of HCC patients was evaluated. Western blots were applied to investigate relative protein expression. Then in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to explore the function of RFC4 in HCC tumor cells. The present results suggest that high level expression of RFC4 is associated with tumor size. In addition, RFC4 knockdown suppressed the cell proliferation and sphere formation of hepatoma cells in vitro. Moreover, silencing of RFC4 significantly decreased the growth of tumors in a xenograft tumor model. In conclusion, our study indicates that RFC4 is a potential prognostic predictor associated with poor outcomes for HCC patients. Furthermore, knocking down RFC4 could significantly inhibit tumor progression both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the present study can shed new light on the understanding of molecular mechanisms of HCC and may provide molecular targets and diagnostic biomarkers for the treatment of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In summary, our study demonstrates that gentamicin-induced readthrough of a nonsense mutation restored laminin-332 expression in conjunctival cells and improved the ocular surface symptoms of a JEB patient. Gentamicin induces LAMB3 nonsense mutation readthrough and restores functional laminin 332 in junctional epidermolysis bullosa. [Extracted from the article]

In this paper, we present several potentially useful properties of the Barnes G-function. The properties considered here include, for example, its integral representation, complete monotonicity, and continued-fraction approximation. We also derive continued-fraction approximations of the Glaisher-Kinkelin constant and the Choi-Srivastava constants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report fine tunable red-green upconversion luminescence of glass ceramic containing 5%Er3+: NaYF4 nanocrystals excited simultaneously by two near infrared femtosecond lasers. When the glass ceramic was irradiated by 800nm femtosecond laser, weak red emission centered at 670 nm was detected. Bright red light was observed when the fs laser wavelength was tuned to 1490 nm. However, when excited by the two fs lasers simultaneously, the sample emitted bright green light centered at 550 nm, while the red light kept the same intensity. The dependences of the red and the green light intensities on the two pump lasers are much different, which enables us to manipulate the color emission by adjusting the two pump laser intensities, respectively. We present a theoretical model of Er3+ ions interacting with two fs laser fields, and explain well the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we extend the regression credibility model to account for a type of dependence structures over individual risks and portfolio risks induced by common effects. By using orthogonal projection approach, the corresponding credibility estimators are derived, which extend those for the existing models to slightly more general versions. Finally, a numerical example is presented to show the effectiveness of the regression credibility estimator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Apoptosis of pulmonary alveolar septal cells is a pathogenesis characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (ESM-1) plays an important role in apoptosis of cells. Here, we aimed to determine whether ESM-1 can involve in cell apoptosis in emphysematous mice and stable COPD patients. The sample size of patients was small, so two separate models were studied. Materials and Methods: At day 0, 11, and 22, murine were injected IP with 0.3 ml of PBS/Cigarette smoke extract, and euthanized at day 28. Lung tissues from 20 stable COPD patients and 12 Controls were evaluated. Serum was obtained from 25 stable COPD patients and 12 healthy Controls. Pulmonary function, pathology, pulmonary apoptosis index (AI), expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and ESM-1 in lung tissue, and concentration of ESM-1 in serum were tested. Results: Protein expression of ESM-1, VEGF and HGF were decreased significantly in emphysematous mice (P<0.05), while AI was increased (P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that association between AI and ESM-1 was negative (P<0.01), VEGF and ESM-1 was positive (P<0.01), and HGF and ESM-1 was positive (P<0.01). In stable COPD patients, we proved that ESM-1, VEGF and HGF were decreased significantly, while AI was increased (P<0.05). Correlation between AI and ESM-1 was negative (P<0.01), VEGF and ESM-1 was positive (P<0.01), and HGF and ESM-1 was positive (P<0.01). Conclusion: ESM-1 expression decreased and AI increased in emphysematous mice and stable COPD patients. Findings suggested that ESM-1 may be involved in anti-apoptotic therapy of COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]