bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using geographic information systems to make transparent and weighted decisions on pit development: incorporation of interactive economic, environmental, and social factors
Authors: Risk C. , Zamaria S.A. , Chen J. , Ke J.J. , Morgan G. , Taylor J. , Larsen K. , Cowling S.A.
Published: January 2020

A geographic information systems platform with an analytical hierarchy process was employed to rank the importance of different economic, environmental, and social factors involved in choosing the location of an open-pit operation within a small county in the province of Ontario, Canada. Weighted environmental (hydraulic conductivity, soil types, slope, and elevation) and social (distance from population zones) overlays were combined and then compared against a map of potential sources of sand and gravel deposits (economic factor) to locate the most ideal location for a pit. This resulted in the delineation of four ideal locations for the operation in the north of the county. Here, permeability values are low and there are no major population centres. The decision-making tool developed here has the ability to adapt to changing social and (or) environmental criteria and could greatly improve transparency in natural resource management decisions. The largest limitation to this decision-making tool is that it treats all water sources as equal. As research continues to identify different ecosystem services (i.e., acid neutralization, low contamination source waters, and high biological diversity) for different types of waterways, a ranking scheme could be added along the lines of high versus low conservation priorities for nonrenewable freshwater lake and river resources.
Identification and characterization of the glycoside hydrolase family 18 genes from the entomopathogenic fungusIsaria cicadaegenome
Authors: Peng Yao , Wang Lifang , Gao Yan , Ye Liang , Xu Huihui , Li Shuangjiao , Jiang Junqi , Li Guiting , Dang Xiangli
Published: January 2020

Fungal chitinases play essential roles in chitin degradation, cell wall remodeling, chitin recycling, nutrition acquisition, autolysis, and virulence. In this study, 18 genes of the glycoside hydrolase 18 (GH18) family were identified in the Isaria cicadae genome. Seventeen of the genes belonged to chitinases and one was an endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (ENGase). According to phylogenetic analysis, the 17 chitinases were designated as subgroups A (7 chitinases), B (7), and C (3). The exon–intron organizations of these genes were analyzed. The conserved regions DxxDxDxE and S/AxGG and the domains CBM1, CBM18, and CBM50 were detected in I. cicadae chitinases and ENGase. The results of analysis of expression patterns showed that genes ICchiA1, ICchiA6, ICchiB1, and ICchiB4 had high transcript levels in the different growth conditions or developmental stages. Subgroup A chitinase genes had higher transcript levels than the genes of all other chitinases. Subgroup B chitinase genes (except ICchiB7) presented higher transcript levels in chitin medium compared with other conditions. ICchiC2 and ICchiC3 were mainly transcribed in autolysis medium and in blastospores, respectively. Moreover, ICchiB1 presented higher transcript levels than genes of other chitinases. This work provides an overview of the GH18 chitinases and ENGase in I. cicadae and provides a context for the chitinolytic potential, functions, and biological controls of these enzymes of entomopathogenic fungi.
An improved laboratory method shows that freezing intensity increases N2O emissions
Authors: Libby Mark D. , VanderZaag Andrew C. , Gregorich Edward G. , Wagner-Riddle Claudia
Published: January 2020

A novel laboratory method was developed to control soil freeze–thaw cycles and study the effects of freezing intensity on soil conditions and N2O emissions. The method created unidirectional freeze–thaw (top-down), similar to field conditions. Soil was placed in boxes that were insulated on the sides, heated from the bottom, and left open on the top. Snow was placed on the soil surface, and the boxes were placed in separate climate-controlled chambers to freeze (−9 °C) and thaw (5 °C). The method was used in an experiment to evaluate the links between freezing degree days (FDD), soil water content, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) transformations, and N2O emissions. Results showed that N2O emissions were greatest from soils that experienced more freezing, with the 185 FDD treatment emitting significantly more N2O than the 50 FDD treatment (17.7 vs. 7.7 mg N2O-N m−2d−1). Peaks in soil water content during thaw preceded peaks in N2O flux, but increasing water content by simulating rain (in addition to snow melt) did not increase N2O emissions compared with snow melt alone. Extractable soil C and N increased in the top 5 cm when soils froze; however, greater emissions were not linked to greater C and N concentrations at individual points in time. Higher N2O emissions at 134 and 185 FDD were associated with greater C exposure (i.e., extractable soil C concentration integrated over time) than the 50 FDD treatment.
Characterizing effects of mechanical compaction on macropores of reclaimed soil using computed tomography scanning
Authors: Min Xiangyu , Jiao He , Li Xinju
Published: January 2020

To study the effects of mechanical compaction on soil macropore structure in the process of reclamation, this study investigated reclaimed soil mechanically compacted in coal mining area with high groundwater level. The computed tomography scanning technology was employed to get soil slice images, and ArcGIS® was used to analyze the porosity, number, size, morphology, and distribution of macropores in reclaimed soil, at different compaction times (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) and depths (0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm). Our results proved that the mechanical compaction could decrease the macroporosity, number, and equivalent diameter (ED) of the macropores in reclaimed soil, while the morphology became rounded. The distribution of macropore ED was steeper and more asymmetrical than macropore circularity. However, mechanical compaction could make them flat and symmetrical. The macroporosity, number, ED, and circularity of macropores in packing layer (40–60 cm) were smaller than backfilling top layer (0–20 cm) and sublayer (20–40 cm). Thus, we suggest that subsoiling in packing layer is responsible for the improved macropore characteristics. Moreover, these macropores will possess better permeability if the compaction times are controlled.
Synthesis of Five-fold-twinned silver microwhiskers by physical vapor deposition
Authors: Liu Tianlong , Wang Shiliang , Hou Lizhen , Huang Han
Published: January 2020

Pentagonal noble metal crystals, with a five-fold-twinned (FFT) structure that exhibits prominent noncrystallographic symmetry, have been the focus of research in the past several decades due to their promising applications in various fields such as chemical and biological sensors, electronics and optoelectronics. A great deal of previous experimental studies and theoretical analyses suggested that such an FFT structure could only exist in the nanoscale crystals, because of the lateral restriction in growth, or in microscale crystals with re-entrant grooves that can effectively release the internal strain. In this study, we synthesized the microscale single-crystalline and multi-twinned Ag crystals with various morphologies, using physical vapor deposition (PVD). FFT Ag microwhiskers with diameters up to 10 [Formula: see text]m were produced, but without re-entrant grooves on their side surfaces. Our findings suggest that FFT whiskers can be formed without the use of any surface-capping agents or without necessitating restriction in lateral growth. This further suggests that the current understanding of the surface passivation or the strain-restriction formation of five-fold-twined micro- and nanowhiskers needs improvement.
Synthesis of Monitoring Rules with STL
Authors: Aydin Sertac Kagan , Gol Ebru Aydin
Published: January 2020

Online monitoring is essential to enhance the reliability for various systems including cyber-physical systems and Web services. During online monitoring, the system traces are checked against monitoring rules in real time to detect deviations from normal behaviors. In general, the rules are defined as boundary conditions by the experts of the monitored system. This work studies the problem of synthesizing online monitoring rules in the form of temporal logic formulas in an automated way. The monitoring rules are described as past-time signal temporal logic (ptSTL) formulas and an algorithm to synthesize such formulas from a given set of labeled system traces is proposed. The algorithm searches the formula space using genetic algorithms and produces the best formula representing a monitoring rule. In addition, online STL monitoring algorithm is improved to efficiently compute a quantitative valuation for piecewise-constant signals from ptSTL formulas, thus, to reduce the overhead of the real-time computation. The effectiveness of the results is shown on two illustrative examples inspired from online monitoring of Web services.
Solvable model of a quantum particle in a detector
Authors: Gaspard David , Sparenberg Jean-Marc
Published: January 2020

The interaction of a quantum particle with a gaseous detector is studied in the quantum-mechanical state space of the particle-detector system by means of a simple stationary scattering 3D model. The particle is assumed to interact with [Formula: see text] two-level point-like scatterers depicting the atoms of the detector. Due to the contact interaction, the particle scatters off the atoms in isotropic spherical waves. Remarkably, the Lippmann–Schwinger equation of this multiple scattering problem can be exactly solved in a nonperturbative way. The aim is to analyze the influence of the initial microstate of the detector on the observed outcome, and to understand the mechanism of track formation in gaseous detectors. It is shown that the differential cross-section of excitation must be large enough in the forward direction to get the formation of tracks. In addition, the relatively small influence of atomic positions is highlighted. These results are explained through a perturbative calculation.
Detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology and Lu–Hf isotopic analysis of the Neoproterozoic Penglai Group and their comparisons with coeval sedimentary strata of the southeastern North China Craton: provenance, tectonic affinity and implications
Authors: Liu Jianhui , Ding Zhengjiang , Wang Xiangjian , Chen Hui , Liu Fulai
Published: January 2020

The results of U–Pb dating and Hf isotopic analyses of detrital zircons from the Penglai Group in the Jiaobei terrane of the North China Craton (NCC) gave age populations of 1300–1000, 1500–1300, 1700–1500, 1800–1700 and >1800 Ma. The age spectra, variations in U and Th contents, Th/U ratios and Hf isotopic compositions of the detrital zircons of the Penglai Group are identical to those of the Tonian strata of the southeastern NCC. The Penglai Group rocks also have a similar litho- and biostratigraphy and tectonic setting to these Tonian strata, suggesting that the Penglai Group has a tectonic affinity with the NCC and was deposited during the Tonian. The detrital zircon age populations of the Penglai Group are consistent with the multiple magmatic and thermal metamorphic events in the NCC, especially the 1300–1000 Ma intermediate–acid and/or acid igneous rocks of the Korean Peninsula, and we therefore propose that the Penglai Group is mainly sourced from the NCC. The detrital zircon populations of 1300–1000, 1500–1300, 1700–1500 and 1800–1700 Ma show both positive and negative ε
Hf(t)
values, which, combined with late Paleoproterozoic–Neoproterozoic basic magmatism represented by large volumes of diabase sills in the NCC, suggests that the NCC experienced strong crust–mantle interactions that might have triggered continuous, multi-stage rifting in the NCC during the late Paleoproterozoic (1.8 Ga)–Neoproterozoic.

Supplementary material: LA-ICP-MS U-Th-Pb analyses data and Lu-Hf isotopes analytical data are available at:
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4816317
Unearthing the buried Palu–Koro Fault and the pattern of damage caused by the 2018 Sulawesi Earthquake using HVSR inversion
Authors: Cipta Athanasius , Rudyanto Ariska , Afif Haunan , Robiana Rahayu , Solikhin Akhmad , Omang Amalfi , Supartoyo  , Hidayati Sri
Published: January 2020

A systematic pattern of destruction was observed caused by the Mw 7.5 Central Sulawesi Earthquake. In brief, the quake ruptured 180 km of Palu–Koro Fault and led to massive destruction of residential buildings in Palu city, Donggala and Sigi Regencies. In Palu city, the damage was concentrated only in Balaroa and Petobo neighbourhoods where at least 930 and 1255 houses, respectively, collapsed. Microtremor time series recorded prior to the earthquake were used to analyse the subsurface structure of Balaroa and surroundings. Surprisingly, inversion of horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio curves was able to locate the subsurface fault crossing the Balaroa and its dipping direction. Furthermore, the velocity profile deduced from this inversion points out the importance of local geology in the massive destruction in Balaroa. The existence of a subsurface pond led to an extremely water-saturated sandy soil underneath Balaroa. A combination of high level of water saturation and high peak ground acceleration (0.5–0.7 g) was strongly suspected to be the cause of the mega-liquefaction. The high degree of ground motion (>1.54 g) of spectral acceleration 0.2 s resulted in severe damage in elevated areas in Donggala, while in the Palu Basin, ground motion as high as 1.30

g

of spectral acceleration 0.5 s led to the destruction of four-storey or higher buildings.
Review—Track-Etched Nanoporous Polymer Membranes as Sensors: A Review
Authors: Kaya Dila , Keçeci Kaan
Published: January 2020

The need to fabricate a nanoporous sensor that can be utilized for the resistive-pulse sensing of particles without labeling them has generated extensive research and led to various methods for nanopore fabrication on several materials. Since the first development of track-etching method and its use on polymer membranes, there has been an ongoing interest in their applications. In this review, we look at the background on tracking technology, chemical etching of these tracks for the fabrication of nanopores with varying geometries and we discuss their applications as electrochemical sensors for biomolecules (i.e. DNA and protein), nanoparticles and others. The main emphasis is on resistive-pulse sensing using single nanopores fabricated by track-etching on polymer membranes. We also discuss sensing based on the specific current – potential (I–V) behavior of asymmetric nanopores as the sensing element.
Editors’ Choice—Review—Recent Advances in Mixed Potential Sensors
Authors: Ramaiyan Kannan Pasupathikovil , Mukundan Rangachary
Published: January 2020

Gas sensors are widely used in environmental monitoring and provide controls especially when working with toxic gases. YSZ based λ-sensors have been utilized in the automobile industry for exhaust gas monitoring for more than 40 years. However, recent regulations on emissions reduction has forced further development of toxic gases monitoring in various applications. Mixed potential sensors with YSZ electrolyte are receiving increased attention due to their higher sensitivity and durability under harsh conditions. This review focuses on recent (past 5 years) developments made on electrode and electrolyte structure along with new sensing electrode materials towards detecting gases such as NOx, NH3, H2, CO and hydrocarbons (HCs). The theory of mixed potential sensors is discussed along with recent developments in detection of multi-gas mixtures using the output from an array of sensors in a mathematical model. Future directions for mixed potential sensor research, and methodologies to improving sensing characteristics are also outlined.
Review—Electrochemical and SERS Sensors for Cultural Heritage Diagnostics and Conservation: Recent Advances and Prospects
Authors: Zalaffi Maria Sole , Karimian Najmeh , Ugo Paolo
Published: January 2020

This review presents the last advances concerning the application to cultural heritage of analytical sensors based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and electrochemical transduction. Analytical diagnostics on a work of art is indeed fundamental for dating, restoration and conservation purposes and analytical sensors can provide reliable information at a competitive cost, being usable by non-specialized personal in raw samples and therefore suitable for on-site analysis. After a brief overview on the problem and specificities related to the analysis of works of art, principles and application of SERS for sensing pigments and dyes in paintings is reviewed. Concerning electrochemical sensors, the use of the so-called voltammetry of microparticles is introduced and discussed. For the analysis of macromolecules of biological origin such as protein binders in ancient paintings, the development of immunosensors which exploit SERS or electrochemical detection is presented together with the discussion of the role that advanced nanomaterials plays in improving the functioning of such devices. Finally, prospects and limits derived from the application of the above sensing devices for diagnostics and monitoring of cultural heritage are discussed.
Photoluminescent or Blackened Silicon Surfaces Synthesized with Copper-assisted Chemical Etching: For Energy Applications
Authors: Kuo Ken-Hua , Ku Wei-Hao , Lee Benjamin T.-H.
Published: January 2020

The metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) of silicon-based substrates can fabricate nanostructures for various energy applications. The drawback of using copper as a replacement for noble metals in MACE (i.e. Cu-ACE) is the self-dissolution of Cu during processing. However, the implementation of two-step processing, including electroless metal deposition and oxidant (H2O2)–assisted hydrofluoric etching, solves the issue. Here, we determined that when p

++
-type silicon was applied in the Cu-ACE process, a photoluminescent silicon layer appeared on the etched surface. This result was surprising because photoluminescent silicon is fairly difficult to achieve with regular MACE processing and p
++-type silicon is also unsuitable for MACE processing, even when used as an ‘etch-stop’ substrate. On the other hand, when using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation with Cu-ACE, a blackened silicon surface, rather than photoluminescent silicon, developed. Here, we demonstrate a technique for either producing a photoluminescent silicon surface or blackening the silicon surface by single Cu-ACE processing. Cu-ACE processing can be developed into a cost-efficient production technology for silicon-based energy applications, such as silicon photonics and silicon solar cells.
Overexpression of miR-297b-5p protects against stearic acid-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis by targeting LATS2
Authors: Guo Rui , Yu Yue , Zhang Yunjin , Li Yinling , Chu Xia , Lu Huimin , Sun Changhao
Published: January 2020

Chronic exposure to high concentrations of stearic acid (C18:0) can result in β -cell dysfunction, leading to development of type 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the destructive effects of stearic acid on β-cells remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of miR-297b-5p on stearic acid-induced β-cell apoptosis. Differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) was assessed in a β-TC6 cell line exposed to stearic acid, palmitic acid, or a normal culture medium by high-throughput sequencing. The apoptosis rate was measured by flow cytometry after miR-297b-5p mimic/inhibitor transfection, and large-tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2) was identified as a target of miR-297b-5p using a luciferase activity assay. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were fed with normal and high-stearic-acid diet, respectively. Mouse islets were used for similar identification of miR-297b-5p and Lats2 in β-TC6 cell. We selected two differentially expressed miRNAs in stearic acid compared with those in the palmitic acid and control groups. miR-297b-5p expression was significantly lower in β-TC6 cells and mouse islets in stearic acid than in control group. Upregulation of miR-297b-5p alleviated the stearic acid-induced cell apoptosis and reduction in insulin secretion by inhibiting Lats2 expression in vitro. Meanwhile, silencing Lats2 significantly reversed the stearic acid-stimulated β-cell dysfunction in both β-TC6 cells and islets. Our findings indicate a suppressive role for miR-297b-5p in stearic acid-induced β-cell apoptosis, which may reveal a potential target for the treatment of β-cell dysfunction in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.
Effects of alcohol consumption on copeptin levels and sodium-water homeostasis
Authors: Sailer Clara Odilia , Refardt Julie , Bissig Sarah , Bologna Katja , Imber Cornelia , Christ-Crain Mirjam
Published: January 2020

Alcohol consumption influences sodium-water homeostasis. However, the effect of alcohol on vasopressin levels is controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate physiological changes of alcohol consumption on the stable vasopressin surrogate marker copeptin. In addition, we aimed at investigating the effect of additional sodium and/or water consumption on plasma sodium, osmolality, and copeptin levels. Ten healthy men underwent four interventions in random order: 1) beer consumption only, 2) beer consumption with additional water, 3) beer consumption with additional stock, or 4) water consumption only. Fluid consumption was equal between interventions and calculated to reach a blood alcohol concentration of 0.8‰ in the beer interventions. Blood and urinary samples were taken at six time points over the observation period of 720 min. The primary end point was the mean difference in copeptin levels 90 min after the start of fluid consumption, which showed no in-between group differences ( P = 0.4). However, a higher total urinary volume excretion in all alcohol compared with water interventions was observed ( P = 0.01). Furthermore, plasma copeptin, sodium, and urinary osmolality levels increased significantly at the end of the observation period in all alcohol compared with water-only interventions ( P = 0.02). In conclusion, initial copeptin suppression does not differ between alcohol or water interventions but seems to be prolonged in the alcohol interventions. This leads to increased volume loss followed by a counterregulation with increased copeptin levels and water retention after 720 min in alcohol compared with interventions. Additional sodium and/or water consumption with alcohol did not change the observed alcohol-induced effects.
Swimming Exercise Protects against Insulin Resistance via Regulating Oxidative Stress through Nox4 and AKT Signaling in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice
Authors: Qi Jie , Luo Xue , Ma Zhichao , Zhang Bo , Li Shuyan , Duan Xuyang , Yang Bo , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2020

Nonpharmaceutical therapies such as exercise training and diet intervention are widely used for the treatment of insulin resistance (IR). Although the skeletal muscle is the major peripheral tissue of glucose metabolism under insulin stimulation, the mechanism underlying muscle IR is poorly understood. Using a high-fat diet-induced IR mouse model, we here show that NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) upregulation mediates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that causes metabolic syndrome featuring IR. The Nox4 expression level was markedly elevated in IR mice, and Nox4 overexpression was sufficient to trigger IR. Conversely, downregulation of Nox4 expression through exercise training prevented diet-induced IR by reducing the production of ROS and enhancing the AKT signaling pathway. Thus, this study indicates that exercise might improve IR through a reduction of Nox4-induced ROS in the skeletal muscle and enhancement of AKT signal transduction.
Integrated Design of Autonomous Orbit Determination and Orbit Control for GEO Satellite Based on Neural Network
Authors: Gao Youtao , You Zhicheng , Xu Bo
Published: January 2020

In order to improve the autonomy of a maneuvered GEO satellite which is a member of a navigation satellite system, an integrated design method of autonomous orbit determination and autonomous control was proposed. A neural network state observer was designed to estimate the state of the GEO satellite, with only the intersatellite ranging information as observations. The controller is determined autonomously by another neural network based on the estimated state and the preset correction trajectory. A gradient descent learning method with a forgetting factor was used to derive the weight updating strategy which can satisfy the system’s stability and real-time performance. A Lyapunov method was used to prove the stability of both the observer and the controller. The neural network observer can reduce the influence of control on autonomous orbit determination. The neural network controller can improve the robustness of the maneuvered GEO satellite. The simulation results show the effectiveness of this method.
Role of Erythromycin-Regulated Histone Deacetylase-2 in Benign Tracheal Stenosis
Authors: Huang Zhenjie , Wei Peng , Gan Luoman , Zeng Tonghua , Qin Caicheng , Liu Guangnan
Published: January 2020

Objective. This study aims to explore the role of erythromycin-regulated histone deacetylase-2 in benign tracheal stenosis. Methods. The rabbit model of tracheal stenosis was established. The rabbits were randomly divided into 8 groups. Histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC2) expression was detected by immunofluorescence. The expression of type I collagen and type III collagen was detected by immunohistochemical method. The expression of TGF-β1, VEGF and IL-8 in serum and alveolar lavage fluid was detected by ELISA. The expression of HDAC2, TGF-β1, VEGF and IL-8 in bronchi of each group was detected by Western blotting method. Results. In Erythromycin (ERY) group, ERY + Budesonide group, ERY + Vorinostat group and ERY + Budesonide + Vorinostat group, the degree of bronchial stenosis was alleviated, and the mucosal epithelium was still slightly proliferated. The effect of ERY combined with other drugs was more obvious. The HDAC2 protein expression increased significantly in ERY group, ERY + Budesonide group and ERY + Budesonide + Vorinostat group and decreased significantly in Vorinostat group, the expression of collagen I and III decreased significantly in ERY group, ERY + Budesonide group and ERY + Budesonide + Vorinostat group (P<0.05). The TGF-β1, IL-8 and VEGF levels decreased significantly in ERY group, ERY + Budesonide group, ERY + Vorinostat group and ERY + Budesonide + Vorinostat group (P<0.05). Conclusions. Erythromycin inhibited inflammation and excessive proliferation of granulation tissue after tracheobronchial mucosal injury by up-regulating the expression of HDAC2, it promoted wound healing and alleviated tracheobronchial stenosis. When combined with budesonide, penicillin and other glucocorticoids and antibiotics, it had a good synergistic effect. However, vorinostat could attenuate erythromycin’s effect by down-regulating the expression of HDAC2. It may have good clinical application prospects in the treatment of tracheal stenosis.
Commutators of Singular Integral Operators and Lipschitz Functions on Amalgam Spaces
Authors: Ma Jiao , Liu Zongguang
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we obtain the boundedness of commutators generated by singular integral operators and Lipschitz functions on amalgam spaces and weighted amalgam spaces.
Freezing More than Gait: A Case Report of Freezing of Urination (FOU) in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Xu Mengyuan , Chen Tao , Yang Caifei , Meng Xu , Peng Qingyun , Lei Xiaoguang
Published: January 2020

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a disabling phenomenon that is described by patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Not only gait may be involved in the freezing phenomenon, but also some nonmotor symptoms, such as freezing of urination (FOU) in this case. The characters of urinary dysfunctions in this case resemble “off” freezing: (1) abrupt difficulty in starting or continuing in urination; (2) the urinary dysfunctions fluctuated with medication state; and (3) the urinary dysfunctions could be alleviated dramatically by an external cueing. Urinary dysfunctions in this patient (and maybe more PD patients) are associated not only with the classical “nonmotor symptoms” but also the freezing phenomenon. FOU could be a part of the spectrum of freezing symptoms. The subtypes of the freezing phenomenon will shed light on the PD pathophysiology and clinical treatment.
Pesticide Poisoning and the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Indonesian Farmers
Authors: Joko Tri , Dewanti Nikie A. Y , Dangiran Hanan L.
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to investigate the poisoning symptoms occurring in pesticide-exposed farmers. This study was conducted in a red onion farming center area in Wanasari Subdistrict, Brebes, Indonesia, from May to June 2018. This study was designed as the descriptive study. The significance value of p<0.005 showed that the variable was correlated with the health problems, including excessive fatigue (p value = 0.041), excessive saliva (p value = 0.006), hard breathing (p value = 0.021), frequent urination (p value = 0.047), blurred vision (p value = 0.059), dizziness (p value = 0.032), and finger pain (p value = 0.007). The significance value (p<0.005) of 0.000 showed that the use of personal protective equipment was correlated with the health problems. Based on the odds ratio value of 1.137, 95% confidence interval = 0.042–0.444 meant that the personal protective equipment was a risk factor of health problems. The results showed that 89.2% of the farmers who used the personal protective equipment were categorized in the healthy group.
Avβ3 Single-Stranded DNA Aptamer Attenuates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration via Ras-PI3K/MAPK Pathway
Authors: Wu Hong-Bing , Wang Zhi-Wei , Shi Feng , Ren Zong-Li , Li Luo-Cheng , Hu Xiao-Ping , Hu Rui , Li Bo-Wen
Published: January 2020

Objectives. To observe the effect of avβ3 single-stranded (ss) DNA on proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and its potential mechanism.Background. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is currently the preferred method for the treatment of coronary heart disease. However, vascular restenosis still occurs after PTCA treatment, severely affecting the clinical efficacy of PTCA. Integrin avβ3, which is widely expressed on various cell surfaces, plays an important role in the proliferation and migration of VSMCs.Methods. In this experiment, we used systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) to screen out avβ3 ssDNA, which has high affinity and specificity to the avβ3 protein. MTT, Transwell, and cell scratch assays were carried out to examine the effect of avβ3 ssDNA on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Flow cytometry was performed to detect apoptosis and cell cycle progression. The effect of avβ3 ssDNA on the Ras-phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (PI3K/MAPK) signaling pathway was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot.Results. In the present study, we found that avβ3 ssDNA significantly decreased the expression of osteopontin, focal adhesion kinase, Ras, p-PI3K, and p-MAPK at both mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05). Avβ3 ssDNA also inhibited VSMC proliferation and migration while promoting apoptosis (P<0.05), as demonstrated by the upregulation of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and active caspase 3 (P<0.05).Conclusions. The findings suggest that avβ3 ssDNA inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs by suppressing the activation of Ras-PI3K/MAPK signaling.
Validation and Calibration of an Agent-Based Model: A Surrogate Approach
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Zhe , Zhang Yongchao
Published: January 2020

Agent-based modelling has been proved to be extremely useful for learning about real world societies through the analysis of simulations. Recent agent-based models usually contain a large number of parameters that capture the interactions among microheterogeneous subjects and the multistructure of the complex system. However, this can result in the “curse of dimensionality” phenomenon and decrease the robustness of the model’s output. Hence, it is still a great challenge to efficiently calibrate agent-based models to actual data. In this paper, we present a surrogate analysis method for calibration by combining supervised machine-learning and intelligent iterative sampling. Without any prior assumptions regarding the distribution of the parameter space, the proposed method can learn a surrogate model as the approximation of the original system with a relatively small number of training points, which will serve the needs of further sensitivity analysis and parameter calibration research. We take the heterogeneous asset pricing model as an example to evaluate the model’s performance using actual Chinese stock market data. The results demonstrate the good capabilities of the surrogate model at modelling the observed reality, as well as the remarkable reduction of the computational time for validating the agent-based model.
Sustained Intraocular Pressure Rise after the Treat and Extend Regimen at 3 Years: Aflibercept versus Ranibizumab
Authors: Bilgic Alper , Kodjikian Laurent , Chhablani Jay , Sudhalkar Anand , Trivedi Megha , Vasavada Viraj , Vasavada Vaishali , Vasavada Shail , Srivastava Samaresh , Bhojwani Deepak , Sudhalkar Aditya
Published: January 2020

Purpose. To determine the risk factors associated with sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) rise in patients enrolled in the treat and extend (T&E) protocol receiving aflibercept/ranibizumab therapy for 3 years.Design. Retrospective, observational chart review.Setting. Multicentric.Patients. 789 patients (1021 eyes; 602 males) enrolled in T&E using aflibercept/ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema (DME), wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or macular edema in retinal vein occlusion (RVO).Intervention. The history, examination (clinical and special investigations), and treatment records were thoroughly scrutinized. Sustained IOP rise was defined as a rise in IOP above baseline by ≥6 mmHg and/or >24 mmHg on 2 or more consecutive visits. The Wilk–Shapiro test was used for confirming normality of data. The Mantel–Haenszel test and generalized estimating equations were used to analyse multicentric data as well as to analyse data from both eyes of the same patients in the event that both eyes were under therapy. The relative risk, chi-square test (with and without Yates’ correction), and univariate and multivariate analysis were used wherever appropriate. Statistical significance was set atP<0.05. The primary outcome measure was the determination of risk factors for sustained IOP rise with ranibizumab/aflibercept therapy. Secondary outcome measures included determining the incidence of IOP rise (short term and sustained), visual field, and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) changes.Results. The mean follow-up was 42.4 months. Male gender, South Asian ethnicity, older age, presence of AMD and vein occlusion, use of ranibizumab, higher number of injections, narrow angles, switch to bevacizumab/ranibizumab, and preexisting glaucoma were associated with sustained IOP rise. No significant visual field and RNFL changes were seen. The overall incidence was 8.91%. No patient required filtering surgery. No patient with IOP rise returned to baseline.Conclusion. IOP rise is an important consideration as the chronicity of the condition can eventually lead to glaucomatous changes in eyes with already compromised vision. Follow-ups and use of appropriate therapy can be determined correspondingly.
Ex Vivo Study of Laban's Role in Decreasing Hemolysis Crisis in G6PD-Deficient Patients
Authors: Zam Wissam , Belal Loay
Published: January 2020

In spite of the vast nutritional and environmental benefits provided by fava bean (Vicia faba), the ingestion of vicine/convicine provokes an acute hemolytic anemia called favism in individuals with a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. The elimination of these glycosides is a goal that could be accomplished using different processing methods including bacteriological treatment. Laban as a good source of lactic acid bacteria was tested in an ex vivo assay on human blood samples in order to determine its capacity in decreasing the hemolysis crisis induced by the ingestion of fava beans. Results indicate a significant decrease in human blood cell hemolysis after the treatment of fava beans by Laban. This decrease in hemolysis was also correlated with the G6PD deficiency categorization. The highest hemolysis level (mean: 23.11 ± 0.76%) was observed in samples with G6PD activity between 10 and 30%, while the lowest hemolysis level (mean: 5.75 ± 0.64%) was observed in samples with G6PD activity more than 60%. This decrease was correlated with a high antioxidant capacity of Laban (51.61 ± 1.13% expressed by the percentage inhibition of DPPH radical). The counts of isolates from MRS and M17 culture plates were 6.75 ± 0.095 and 7.91 ± 0.061 log cfu ml–1, respectively. In conclusion, the synergy between the antioxidant properties of Laban and the possible decrease of vicine and convicine concentrations by lactobacillus found in the fermented dairy products could explain the ability of Laban to reduce the hemolysis crisis ex vivo.
Clinical Features and Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Retinoblastoma in Turkish Children Older Than 5 Years of Age
Authors: Cebeci Zafer , Tuncer Samuray , Kebudi Rejin
Published: January 2020

Purpose. The diagnosis and management of retinoblastoma can be difficult in older children. This study reports the clinical features and long-term outcomes of such patients in a Turkish patient population.Methods. Medical records of 18 patients, between January 1992 and December 2017, were reviewed retrospectively.Results. Of 298 consecutive patients with retinoblastoma, 18 (6%) were at the age of 5 years and older. The median age at diagnosis was 9 years (range, 5–18 years). Misdiagnosis was noted in 8 patients (44.4%). Treatment options included enucleation in 16 patients (88.8%), adjuvant systemic chemotherapy in 3 (16.6%), intra-arterial chemotherapy in one (5.5%), and additional orbital irradiation in one (5.5%). After a median follow-up of 97 months (range, 6–252 months), all patients survived without any recurrence.Conclusions. Our series showed that 6% of patients with retinoblastoma were 5 years of age and older. Over a 15-year period, ocular salvage rate of 11.2% and survival rate of 100% were attained.
Two Optimized General Methods for Inverse Kinematics of 6R Robots Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Xiaoqi , Cao Jianfu , Chen Lerui , Hu Heyu
Published: January 2020

For the 6R robot, there is no analytical solution for some configurations, so it is necessary to analyse inverse kinematics (IK) by the general solution method, which cannot achieve high precision and high speed as the analytical solution. With the expansion of application fields and the complexity of application scenarios, some robots with special configuration have become the research hotspot, and more high-speed and high-precision general algorithms are still being explored and studied. The present paper optimized two general solutions. Elimination is a numerical solution, which has high accuracy, but the solution process is complex and time-consuming. The present paper optimized the elimination method, derived the final matrix expression directly through complex coefficient extraction and simplifying operation, and realized one-step solution. The solving speed was reduced to 15% of the original, and the integrity of the method was supplemented. This paper proposed a new optimization method for the Gaussian damped least-squares method, in which the variable step-size coefficient is introduced and the machine learning method is used for the research. It was proved that, on the basis of guaranteeing the stability of motion, the average number of iterations can be effectively reduced and was only 4-5 times, effectively improving the solving speed.
The Universal Teichmüller Space and Function Space
Authors: Liu Yutong , Qi Yi
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a subspace TF02,1−s,s of the universal Teichmüller space, which is related to the analytic function space F02,1−s,s, is introduced and the holomorphy of the Bers map is shown. It is also proved that the pre-Bers map is holomorphic and the prelogarithmic derivative model T˜F02,1−s,s of TF02,1−s,s is a disconnected subset of the function space F02,1−s,s. Moreover, several equivalent descriptions of elements of TF02,1−s,s are obtained and the holomorphy of higher Bers maps is proved.
Screening and Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes Expressed among Left and Right Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Han Jing , Zhang Xue , Yang Yang , Feng Li , Wang Gui-Ying , Zhang Nan
Published: January 2020

Purpose. Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is the third most common malignancy globally and is further categorized as left colon adenocarcinoma (LCOAD) or right colon adenocarcinoma (RCOAD) depending on the location of the primary tumor. The therapeutic outcome and long‐term prognosis for patients with COAD are less than satisfactory, and this may be associated with tumor location. Therefore, it is important to investigate the genetic differences in COAD at different sites. Patients and Methods. Public data associated with COAD were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using R software (version 3.5.3), and functional annotation of DEGs was performed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. A protein‐protein interaction network was constructed, hub genes were identified and analyzed, and data mining using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was conducted. Results. A total of 286 DEGs were identified between LCOAD and RCOAD. Additionally, 10 hub genes associated with COAD at different locations were screened, namely, CDKN2A, IGF1R, MDM2, SMAD3, SLC2A1, GRM5, PLCB4, FGFR1, UBE2V2, and TNFRSF10B. The expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) and solute carrier family 2 member 1 (SLC2A1) was significantly associated with pathological stage (P < 0.05). COAD patients with high expression levels of CDKN2A exhibited poorer overall survival (OS) times than those with low expression levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion. CDKN2A expression was significantly different between LCOAD and RCOAD and was closely related to the prognosis of COAD. It is of great value for further understanding of the pathogenesis of LCOAD and RCOAD.
Comparison of Different IOL Types in the Flanged IOL Fixation Technique
Authors: Miura Yusaku , Harada Yosuke , Kiuchi Yoshiaki
Published: January 2020

Purpose. To compare short-term clinical outcomes between two different intraocular lens (IOL) types in the flanged IOL fixation technique. Methods. This study was a retrospective case series and included the patients who underwent flanged IOL fixation between June 2017 and July 2018 at the Hiroshima University Hospital. Two different 3-piece IOLs (NX-70 and PN6A) were used. Recipients of NX-70 and PN6A IOLs were classed into groups 1 (15 eyes) and 2 (25 eyes), respectively. Patient characteristics, surgical results, and postoperative complications were analyzed. We excluded patients with a postoperative follow-up of <1 month. Results. The mean follow-up period was 13.3 ± 11.7 weeks. The postoperative best corrected visual acuity, in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), was 0.10 ± 0.33 in group 1 and 0.26 ± 0.42 in group 2. The mean operation times for groups 1 and 2 were 11.2 ± 4.54 minutes and 7.00 ± 2.20 minutes, respectively (p=0.0024). Detachment of the IOL haptic from the optic during surgery occurred in four eyes in group 2 (16%), but did not occur in group 1. Iris capture of the optic was observed in 3 of the 13 eyes (23%) without a peripheral iridotomy in group 2. No peripheral iridotomies were performed on group-1 eyes, but iris capture did not occur in that group. Conclusions. There was a trend to fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications when using NX-70 IOLs. On the other hand, PN6A IOLs was easy to maneuver within the anterior chamber, and the operation time was shorter when using PN6A IOLs. Selection of optimal IOLs for flanged IOL fixation necessitates an understanding of their characteristics in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications.
Anticorrosion Behaviour of Calcareous Deposits Formed on Steel Heat‐Exchange Surfaces
Authors: Vasyliev Georgii , Vasylieva Svitlana
Published: January 2020

A new electrode to study both scaling and corrosion processes of mild steel in tap water was developed. Two identical steel rings are placed on the outside of a glass tube which is heated from inside with an electric spiral; the rings are connected to a corrometer to form a two‐electrode corrosion probe. The corrosion rate variations with scale thickness, scale deposition time, and solution composition are measured using the linear polarization resistance technique. The deposited scale was formed of calcite crystals of 50–100 μm as established with SEM and XRD. The scale layer of 0.2 mm formed in tap water within 90 hours reduces the steel corrosion rate from 0.8 to 0.1 mm/year and serves as a barrier layer to prevent further corrosion.
Natural History of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Implications for Clinical Practice and an Individualized Approach
Authors: Grgurevic Ivica , Podrug Kristian , Mikolasevic Ivana , Kukla Michal , Madir Anita , Tsochatzis Emmanuel A.
Published: January 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming the most prevalent liver disease worldwide, associated with epidemics of overweight and resulting metabolic syndrome (MetS). Around 20–30% of patients with NAFLD develop progressive liver fibrosis, which is the most important predictor of liver-related and overall morbidity and mortality. In contrast to classical understanding, no significant association has been demonstrated between the inflammatory component of NAFLD, i.e., nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and the adverse clinical outcomes. Older age (>50 years) and presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, in addition to some genetic variants, are most consistently reported indicators of increased risk of having liver fibrosis. However, critical driving force for the progression of fibrosis and risk factors for this have still not been fully elucidated. Apart from the genetic profile, gut dysbiosis, weight gain, worsening of insulin resistance, and worsening of liver steatosis represent candidate factors associated with unfavourable development of liver disease. Cardiovascular events, extrahepatic malignancies, and liver-related deaths are the leading causes of mortality in NAFLD. As patients with advanced fibrosis are under highest risk of adverse clinical outcomes, efforts should be made to recognize individuals under risk and rule out the presence of this stage of fibrosis, preferably by using simple noninvasive tools. This process should start at the primary care level by using validated biochemical tests, followed by direct serum tests for fibrosis or elastography in the remaining patients. Patients with advanced fibrosis should be referred to hepatologists for aggressive lifestyle modification and correction of the components of MetS, and cirrhotic patients should be screened for hepatocellular carcinoma and oesophageal varices.