PGA: An Efficient Adaptive Traffic Signal Timing Optimization Scheme Using Actor-Critic Reinforcement Learning Algorithm

( Si Shen ),( Guojiang Shen ),( Yang Shen ),( Duanyang Liu ),( Xi Yang ),( Xiangjie Kong ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2020 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.14 No.11

Advanced traffic signal timing method plays very important role in reducing road congestion and air pollution. Reinforcement learning is considered as superior approach to build traffic light timing scheme by many recent studies. It fulfills real adaptive control by the means of taking real-time traffic information as state, and adjusting traffic light scheme as action. However, existing works behave inefficient in complex intersections and they are lack of feasibility because most of them adopt traffic light scheme whose phase sequence is flexible. To address these issues, a novel adaptive traffic signal timing scheme is proposed. It's based on actor-critic reinforcement learning algorithm, and advanced techniques proximal policy optimization and generalized advantage estimation are integrated. In particular, a new kind of reward function and a simplified form of state representation are carefully defined, and they facilitate to improve the learning efficiency and reduce the computational complexity, respectively. Meanwhile, a fixed phase sequence signal scheme is derived, and constraint on the variations of successive phase durations is introduced, which enhances its feasibility and robustness in field applications. The proposed scheme is verified through field-data-based experiments in both medium and high traffic density scenarios. Simulation results exhibit remarkable improvement in traffic performance as well as the learning efficiency comparing with the existing reinforcement learning-based methods such as 3DQN and DDQN.

Spatiotemporal expression patterns of thymosin and its immune regulation after bacterial stimulation in American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)

Yang Zhen,Xie Jiqin,Yang Yu,Sun Xiaohong,Jing Jie,Shen Yongmei,Yue Bisong,Zhang Xiuyue 한국곤충학회 2021 Entomological Research Vol.51 No.12

Thymosin is a physiologically active polypeptide hormone which has many functions involved in promoting wound healing, promoting hair growth, and accelerating tissue and organ regeneration. American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) has three subtypes thymosin (THY1, THY2, THY3) which are different splices from the same thymosin gene. Real-time PCR was used to detect and analyze the expression differences of THY1 and THY2 in different stages, sexes, tissues and after stimulation by bacteria. Thymosins were expressed in adult, eclosion, and ootheca, and their expression levels were significantly up-regulated during the eclosion period, showing the thymosin might be involved in the eclosion process. The expression levels of thymosins in females were higher than males, and the differences in eclosion stages were more significant (P < 0.01), indicating that they were closely related to development and female reproduction. The expressions of THY1 and THY2 in hemolymph were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that in other tissues. The up-regulated expression of thymosin in two immune-related tissues (Hemolymph and adipose) after Escherichia coli stimulation further confirmed its involvement in the immune response. Our research would provide a basis for screening of novel pesticides target genes.

A New Furostanol Saponin from Asparagus cochinchinensis

Yang Shen,Hai-Sheng Chen,Cong-Li Xu,Wei-Dong Xuan,Hui-Liang Li,Run-Hui Liu,Xi-Ke Xu 대한약학회 2011 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.34 No.10

A new furostanol saponin, (25S)-26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-5β-furost-20(22)-en-3β, 15β,26-triol-3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-4)]-β-D-glucopyranoside, namely, aspacochioside D (1) were isolated from Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr, along with three known saponins, aspacochioside C (2), (25S)-5β-spirostan-3β-yl-O-[O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-4)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), and pseudoprotoneodioscin (4). The structure of 1 was elucidated on the basis of chemical reactions and spectral analysis (IR, GC, ESI-MS, ^1H-NMR, ^13C-NMR, DEPT, HMBC, HMQC and NOESY). The antiproliferative effects of 1-4 were evaluated in a cytotoxicity assay against the human tumor cell line, A549. Compound 2 (Aspacochioside C) exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against A-549, with an IC_50 value of 3.87 μg/mL.

A Patient with Beta-Propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration (BPAN): Treatment with Iron Chelation Therapy

Shen-Yang LIM,Ai Huey Tan,Azlina Ahmad Annuar,Susanne A. Schneider,Ping Chong Bee,Jia Lun Lim,Norlisah Ramli,Mohamad Imran Idris 대한파킨슨병및이상운동질환학회 2018 Journal Of Movement Disorders Vol.11 No.2

We present a case of beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration, a form of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. The patient harbored a novel mutation in the WDR45 gene. A detailed video and description of her clinical condition are provided. Her movement disorder phenomenology was characterized primarily by limb stereotypies and gait dyspraxia. The patient’s disability was advanced by the time iron-chelating therapy with deferiprone was initiated, and no clinical response in terms of cognitive function, behavior, speech, or movements were observed after one year of treatment.

Magnetic Properties of CoFe Films with in-plane Uniaxial Anisotropy Prepared by Electrodeposition

Yang Xu,Zhou Dong,Qiao Liang,Yang Yong,Li Fa-Shen 한국자기학회 2008 한국자기학회 학술연구발표회 논문개요집 Vol.- No.-

Purposeless Groaning in Parkinson's Disease

Shen-Yang LIM,Ai Huey Tan,Jia Lun Lim,Azlina Ahmad Annuar 대한파킨슨병및이상운동질환학회 2018 Journal Of Movement Disorders Vol.11 No.2

Purposeless groaning has been reported in advanced progressive supranuclear palsy. We present a case of purposeless groaning occurring as a primary complaint in a patient with advanced Parkinson's disease. Purposeless groaning is thought to be a manifestation of disinhibition and perseveration, due to frontal-subcortical dysfunction. Proper recognition of this phenomenon will help clinicians to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment. (e.g., prescription of opioid medications).

Effect of applied electric potential and micro length scale parameters on the electroelastic analysis of three-layered shear deformable micro-shell

Yang Yang,Keyong Shen,Gholamreza Ghasemian Talkhunche,Mohammad Arefi 국제구조공학회 2021 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.28 No.3

This paper uses higher-order shear deformation theory and modified couple stress theory (MCST) to the electroelastic results of FG micro-shell integrated with piezoelectric thin sheets subjected to electrical and mechanical loads rested on Pasternak's foundation. Third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT) is used for the description of the displacement field. Effect of micro-size is applied using MCST with the introduction of one micro-length scale parameter. Governing equations are derived based on the principle of virtual work. Micro-shell is composed of a FG micro core and two piezoelectric hollow shells. The numerical results are obtained for the simply-supported boundary conditions. Longitudinal and radial displacements are presented in terms of important parameters such as applied electric potentials, micro length scale parameter, dimensionless geometric parameters and two parameters of Pasternak's foundation.

miR-182-5p Inhibits NKAPL Expression and Promotes the Proliferation of Osteosarcoma

Shen Yang,Kaixi Chen,Kun Cao,Shenglin Xu,Chengxiao Ma,Yongping Cai,Yong Hu,Yejin Zhou 한국생물공학회 2021 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.26 No.5

Purpose Osteosarcoma, a malignant bone tumor, has the lowest survival rate among all pediatric cancers. NF-κB-activating protein-like (NKAPL) is highly homologous with NKAP. The expression of NKAPL is downregulated in primary liver cancer and breast cancer, and plays a role of tumor suppressor gene. However, the role of NKAPL in osteosarcoma has not been reported. Materials and Methods We explored the effect of NKAPL on the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells by immunohistochemical, RT-PCR, Western blot, and double luciferase reporter gene analysis. Results The low expression of NKAPL mRNA was correlated with distant metastasis (P = 0.017), tumor size (P = 0.023), and clinical stage (P < 0.001). The NKAPL expression level in MG63 and U2OS cells was lower than that in Nhost cells. Downregulation of NKAPL expression in Nhost cells could promote cell proliferation and upregulation of NKAPL expression in MG63 and U2OS cells could inhibit cell proliferation. miR-182-5p expression was negatively correlated with NKAPL mRNA expression (R2 = 0.1169, P = 0.0099). After upregulating NKAPL expression, the Notch1, hes1, hey2, and cyclin D1 expression levels were significantly decreased, with G0/G1 phase arrest and G2/M phase reduction. Conclusions miR-182-5p targeted NKAPL and inhibit NKAPL expression in osteosarcoma. miR-182- 5p could regulate cell cycle and promote tumor proliferation through upregulating Notch signaling pathway.

Extrafascial hysterectomy after concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced cervical adenocarcinoma

Jie Yang,Keng Shen,Jinhui Wang,Jiaxin Yang,Dongyan Cao 대한부인종양학회 2016 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.27 No.4

Objective: To evaluate whether adjuvant simple hysterectomy after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) improves progression-free survival (PFS) compared with current standard care in locally advanced cervical adenocarcinoma (LACAC). Methods: We reviewed a cohort of 55 patients with LACAC (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] stage IB2, IIA2, IIB, III without distant metastasis) diagnosed and treated with radical CCRT at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2004 and October 2014. We compared 34 patients who underwent adjuvant extrafascial hysterectomy with 21 patients with standard care after CCRT. The primary outcome was PFS. Overall survivals (OS) between the two groups were also compared. Surgery feasibility, operative complications, and pathologic features after radiation therapy were also analyzed. Results: PFS was significantly improved in surgery group (log-rank p=0.0097; hazard ratio [HR], 0.3431; 95% CI, 0.152 to 0.772), as were OS (log-rank p=0.0419; HR, 0.3667; 95% CI, 0.139 to 0.964). Analysis of stage IIB demonstrates a similar result. There were no severe complications related to postradiation surgery in this series. The mean blood loss was less in laparoscopic group than those in the open group (87 mL vs. 208 mL, p=0.036, Mann-Whitney U-test). Approximately 47% patients (16/34) had pathologic residue tumor on hysterectomy specimens. About 94% patients (32/34) got complete remission after adjuvant surgery. Conclusion: Adjuvant hysterectomy after CCRT improves survival outcome for patients with LACAC compared with current standard care. Extrafascial hysterectomy is sufficient in tumor reduction and laparoscopic procedure may be more promising with lower blood loss and expedite recovery.

PSCArs2294008 T polymorphism increases the risk of bladder cancer in Bai, Dai, and Han ethnicity in China and a potential mechanism

Junfeng Yang,Wei Li,Zhuorui Zhang,Jie Shen,Ningnan Zhang,Min Yang,Maolin Yang,Yanhong Yu 한국유전학회 2018 Genes & Genomics Vol.40 No.5

The aim of this study is to make a comparative evaluation on association of PSCArs2294008 C/T polymorphism with the risk of bladder cancer in Bai, Dai, and Han people in China. A potential mechanism of the T allele risk was also investigated. T allele increased the occurring risk of bladder cancer in Han (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.17–1.69), Dai, (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.12–1.70), and Bai (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.08–1.57) people. T genotype was also observed to associate with invasive bladder cancer in all the three populations (Bai, OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.87; Dai, OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05–2.23; Han, OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10–2.09). PSCA m-RNA levels in T genotype bladder cancer tissues were significantly lower than those in C genotype. An enhancement of PSCA m-RNA level by over-expressing C or T genotype in bladder cancer cells both decreased the cell proliferation and migration, but not affected cell cycle. The increased cell apoptasis due to the over-expression of the two variants was observed. Those change of cell proliferation, migration, and apoptasis was more remarkable in over-expressed C genotype cells than those in over-expressed T genotype. T genotype was genetically high risk to the occurrence of bladder cancer. The decreased PSCA m-RNA levels were involved in the progress of bladder cancer. T allele takes more responsibility for PSCA m-RNA down-regulation to promote cell proliferation and migration and hinder cell apoptasis, thus leading to a higher risk.