bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Success Probability Analysis of C-V2X Communications on Irregular Manhattan Grids
Authors: Pan Bin , Wu Hao
Published: August 2020

To overcome the shortcomings of Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communications have been proposed recently, which has a variety of advantages over traditional DSRC, including longer communication range, broader coverage, greater reliability, and smooth evolution path towards 5G. In this paper, we consider an LTE-based C-V2X communications network in irregular Manhattan grids. We model the macrobase stations (MBSs) as a 2D Poisson point process (PPP) and model the roads as a Manhattan Poisson line process (MPLP), with the roadside units (RSUs) modeled as a 1D PPP on each road. As an enhancement architecture to DSRC, C-V2X communications include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, and vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication. Since the spectrum for PC5 interface in 5.9 GHz is quite limited, cellular networks could share some channels to V2I links to improve spectral efficiency. Thus, according to Maximum Power-based Scheme, we adopt the stochastic geometry approach to compute the signal-to-interference ratio- (SIR-) based success probability of a typical vehicle that connects to an RSU or an MBS and the area spectral efficiency of the whole network over shared V2I and V2N downlink channels. In addition, we study the asymptotic characteristics of success probability and provide some design insights according to the impact of several key parameters on success probability.
Fractional Langevin Equations with Nonseparated Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Hilal Khalid , Ibnelazyz Lahcen , Guida Karim , Melliani Said
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we discuss the existence of solutions for nonlinear fractional Langevin equations with nonseparated type integral boundary conditions. The Banach fixed point theorem and Krasnoselskii fixed point theorem are applied to establish the results. Some examples are provided for the illustration of the main work.
Statistical Analysis of Dispelling Rumors on Sina Weibo
Authors: Wu Yue , Deng Min , Wen Xin , Wang Min , Xiong Xi
Published: August 2020

Analyzing the process and results of dispelling rumors is a prerequisite for designing an effective anti-rumor strategy. Current research on this subject focuses on the simulation experiments, short of empirical study. By using the False Information Publicity Results of Sina Weibo as the data source of empirical research, this article compares the typical features of rumor and anti-rumor accounts. Furthermore, taking COVID-19 as the target topic, distributions of the reported time, frequency, platform penalty levels, and diffusion parameters of rumors related to COVID-19 are given, and some interesting results are obtained.
Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Hedyotis diffusa plus Scutellaria barbata Exerts Anti‐Breast Cancer Effect via miR‐200c‐PDE7B/PD‐L1‐AKT/MAPK Axis
Authors: Yang Yue , Fang Ting , Cao Yi-Lan , Lv Ya-Xin , Chang Qing-Qi , Zhang Dan-Dan
Published: August 2020

Background. Hedyotis diffusa (HD) Willd. and Scutellaria barbata (SB) D. Don in different ratios have been frequently used to treat various cancers in clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions. However, the optimal ratio, active fraction, and molecular mechanisms associated with the anti‐breast cancer role of this herbal couplet have not been elaborated. Methods. To screen out the optimal ratio of this herbal couplet, we compare aqueous extracts of HD, SB, or HD plus SB in different weight ratios (HS11, HS12, HS21) for their anticancer effects on murine breast cancer 4T1 cells in vitro and in vivo. EA11, the ethyl acetate fraction from HS11 (the aqueous extract of the couplet at an equal weight ratio), is further assessed for its antiproliferative effect as well as the antitumorigenic impact with the aid of immunocompetent mice. Colony formation, flow cytometry, western blot, ELISA, and qRT‐PCR are used to elucidate mechanisms underlying EA11‐led effects. Results. HS11 presents the most potential suppression of 4T1 cell proliferation and tumor growth among these aqueous extracts. The comparison results show that EA11 is more effective than HS11 in vitro and in vivo. EA11 inhibits colony formation and induces apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner. EA11 reduces the protein expressions of PDE7B, PD‐L1, β‐catenin, and cyclin D1 while elevating the concentration of cellular cAMP and miR‐200c expression in 4T1 cells. Additionally, EA11 exerts its anticancer effect partially via the inactivation of MAPK and AKT signaling pathways. Conclusions. This study implicates that EA11 prevents breast tumor development by interfering with the miR‐200c‐PDE7B/PD‐L1‐AKT/MAPK axis. EA11 may represent a potential therapeutic candidate for breast cancer.
How Menstruation Is Perceived by Adolescent School Girls in Gedeo Zone of Ethiopia?
Authors: Belayneh Zelalem , Mareg Moges , Mekuriaw Birhanie
Published: August 2020

Introduction. Perception regarding menstruation is insufficiently acknowledged. Lack of adequate perception towards menstruation may make girls vulnerable to mental, emotional, and physical problems. This might also be a reason for the failure of menstrual hygiene practice which in turn can have multiple social and health consequences. Objective. To assess the perception and correlation regarding menstruation among adolescent high school girls in Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among a randomly selected 791 adolescent high school girls at the Gedeo zone through the multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were entered to EPi Info version 3.5 and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. Frequency tables were used to describe study variables. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance. Result. From a total of 806 adolescent girls that were invited to participate in the study, 791 (98.1%) participated. The mean (±SD) age of respondents was 16.3 (±4.7) years. Living alone in dormitories {OR = 1.75 CI = (1.07, 2.85)}, lower maternal educational status {OR = 4.03, CI = (2.41, 6.74)}, and age of menarche before 12 years {OR = 2.07, CI = (1.02, 4.24)} were factors statistically associated with unfavorable perception regarding menstruation. Conclusion. Most high school girls had an unfavorable perception regarding menstruation. Living alone, lower maternal educational status, and age of menarche before 12 years were factors with statistically significant association with unfavorable perception regarding menstruation. This demonstrates a need to design and implement advocacy programs.
Cryptococcosis in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: A Rare Presentation Warranting Recognition
Authors: Firacative Carolina , Carvajal Silvia Katherine , Escandón Patricia , Lizarazo Jairo
Published: August 2020

Cryptococcosis, a life-threatening mycosis caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans, appears to be distinctly rare in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. When it occurs, this fungal infection is a major limitation for a successful transplant. This review comprehensively analyses 24 cases, reported in the literature, of patients with haematological malignancies including leukemias, multiple myeloma, and lymphomas, as indication for HSCT, who presented with cryptococcosis after transplantation. Of the 24 cases, 11 each occurred in patients receiving allogeneic and autologous stem cell transplants, from bone marrow, peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood. HSCT recipients were slightly more often male, and the age of the patients ranged from 12 to 74 years. Antifungal prophylaxis was reported in most cases. Clinical manifestations of cryptococcal disease included more frequently central nervous system involvement followed by fungaemia, disseminated infection, pulmonary cryptococcosis, cerebellitis, and diarrhea. Diagnosis differed depending on the clinical presentation but habitually included cryptococcal antigen assay, India ink, and culture. Notably, not only C. neoformans but also C. albidus, C. terreus, C. laurentii, and C. adeliensis were identified as the causal species, the last two including strains resistant to fluconazole. Amphotericin B, alone or in combination, was the most common antifungal drug used for the treatment of cryptococcosis in HSCT recipients. Due to the small number of cases, it was not possible to establish if mortality rate, which was the same as survival rate, depends on the effect of the immunosuppressive regimen, the site of cryptococcal infection, and/or the antifungal therapy used to control the mycosis. Although uncommon, the recognition of cryptococcal disease in stem cell transplant is essential for a timely and adequate treatment, improved prognosis, reduced morbidity and mortality, and successful transplantation.
Genomic and Pathogenic Characteristics of Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Chicken in Live Bird Markets and Backyard Flocks in Kenya
Authors: Ogali Irene N. , Okumu Paul O. , Mungube Erick O. , Lichoti Jacqueline K. , Ogada Stephen , Moraa Grace K. , Agwanda Bernard R. , Ommeh Sheila C.
Published: August 2020

Newcastle disease (ND) causes significant economic losses in the poultry industry in developing countries. In Kenya, despite rampant annual ND outbreaks, implementation of control strategies is hampered by a lack of adequate knowledge on the circulating and outbreak causing-NDV strains. This study reports the first complete genome sequences of NDV from backyard chicken in Kenya. The results showed that all three isolates are virulent, as assessed by the mean death time (MDT) and intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) in specific antibody negative (SAN) embryonated eggs and 10-day-old chickens, respectively. Also, the polybasic amino acid sequence at the fusion-protein cleavage site had the motif 112RRQKRFV118. Histopathological findings in four-week-old SPF chicken challenged with the NDV isolates KE001, KE0811, and KE0698 showed multiple organ involvement at five days after infection with severe effects seen in lymphoid tissues and blood vessels. Analysis of genome sequences obtained from the three isolates showed that they were 15192 base pair (bp) in length and had genomic features consistent with other NDV strains, the functional sites within the coding sequence being highly conserved in the sequence of the three isolates. Amino acid residues and substitutions in the structural proteins of the three isolates were similar to the newly isolated Tanzanian NDV strain (Mbeya/MT15). A similarity matrix showed a high similarity of the isolates to NDV strains of class II genotype V (89–90%) and subgenotype Vd (95–97%). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the three isolates are closely related to NDV genotype V strains but form a distinct cluster together with NDV strains from the East African countries of Uganda and Tanzania to form the newly characterized subgenotype Vd. Our study provides the first description of the genomic and pathological characteristics of NDV of subgenotype Vd and lays a baseline in understanding the evolutionary dynamics of NDV and, in particular, Genotype V. This information will be useful in the development of specific markers for detection of viruses of genotype V and generation of genotype matched vaccines.
Brain and Cardiac Concomitant Localization of the Hydatid Cyst
Authors: El Ouarradi Amal , Oualim Sara , Bensahi Ilham , Elkouhen Meriem , Abouloiafa Imane , Sabry Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Hydatid cyst is a parasitic infestation that is usually observed in the liver and lungs. The localization in the brain and the heart is exceptional. Here, we report a 11-year-old boy who was diagnosed to have two large hydatid cysts of the heart and brain. We discuss this unusual presentation of hydatid cyst and its management.
Immune and Inflammation in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Wang Haiming , Liu Zifan , Shao Junjie , Lin Lejian , Jiang Min , Wang Lin , Lu Xuechun , Zhang Haomin , Chen Yundai , Zhang Ran
Published: August 2020

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a major cause of acute death worldwide. Both innate and adaptive immunity regulate atherosclerosis progression, plaque stability, and thrombus formation. Immune and inflammation dysfunction have been indicated in the pathogenesis of ACS. The imbalance in the proatherogenic and antiatherogenic immune networks promotes the transition of plaques from a stable to unstable state and results in the occurrence of acute coronary events. The residual inflammatory risk (RIR) has received increasing attention in recent years, and lowering RIR has been expected to improve the outcomes of ACS patients. The CANTOS, COLCOT, and LoDoCo trials verified the benefits of reducing cardiovascular events using anti-inflammation therapies; however, most of the other studies focusing on lowering RIR produced negative or contradicting results. Therefore, restoring the balance in autoimmune regulation is essential because proatherogenic and antiatherogenic immunomodulatory effects are equally important in the complex human immune network. In this review, we summarized the recent evidence of the roles of proatherogenic and antiatherogenic immune networks in the pathogenesis of ACS and discussed how immune and inflammation contribute to atherosclerosis progression, plaque instability, and adverse cardiovascular events. We also provide a “from bench to bedside” perspective of a novel and promising personalized strategy in RIR intervention and therapeutic approaches for the treatment of ACS.
Parcel Locker Location Based on a Bilevel Programming Model
Authors: Yang Gege , Huang Yin , Fu Ying , Huang Biao , Sheng Sishi , Mao Lisha , Huang Shumin , Xu Yan , Le Jia , Ouyang Yun , Yin Qian
Published: August 2020

In order to improve delivery network efficiency and to solve consumer satisfaction problems, parcel locker location optimisation scheme is proposed based on the delivery demand under the e-commerce environment. In this paper, a bilevel programming (BLP) model is established to identify the optimal location for parcel lockers by considering benefits of consumers and logistics planning departments. The upper-level model is to determine the optimal location by minimising the planners’ cost, and the lower one gives an equilibrium demand distribution by minimising the consumers’ pick-up cost. On the special form of constraints, a bilevel genetic algorithm is proposed based on GIS data and a genetic algorithm. Finally, a numerical example is employed to demonstrate the application of the method, which indicates that the model can solve the problem of parcel locker location.
Simulation of Chloride Diffusion in Concrete Based on a New Mesoscopic Numerical Method
Authors: Yao Ling , Ren Lixia , Gong Guoli , Zhang Jianqiang
Published: August 2020

Chloride diffusion‐induced corrosion is a major factor that affects the durability of concrete structures. Thus, the study of chloride diffusion in concrete is important. In this study, a mesoscopic structure model is proposed and used to investigate chloride diffusion in concrete. The concrete is assumed to be a heterogeneous material composed of two phases of aggregate and mortar matrix. The aggregates are randomly distributed convex polygons. The chloride diffusion is assumed to occur only in the mortar matrix phase. The modified chloride diffusion coefficient in the mesoscale model is proposed. The effect of a single aggregate in chloride diffusion in concrete is analyzed. The present numerical model is validated on the basis of the experimental data. The influence of aggregate in the presented model, including aggregate random distribution form, aggregate content, and the validity of polygonal aggregate based on circle, is explored further. The simulation results indicate that the polygonal aggregate random distribution has a negligible influence on chloride diffusion in concrete, the polygonal aggregate content has a certain effect, and the presented mesoscale numerical model is an effect method for predicting the chloride diffusion in concrete.
Mechanical Strain-Mediated Tenogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Is Regulated through Epithelial Sodium Channels
Authors: Nam Hui Yin , Murali Malliga Raman , Ahmad Raja Elina , Pingguan-Murphy Belinda , Raghavendran Hanumantha Rao Balaji , Kamarul Tunku
Published: August 2020

It has been suggested that mechanical strain may elicit cell differentiation in adult somatic cells through activation of epithelial sodium channels (ENaC). However, such phenomenon has not been previously demonstrated in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The present study was thus conducted to investigate the role of ENaC in human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hMSCs) tenogenic differentiation during uniaxial tensile loading. Passaged-2 hMSCs were seeded onto silicone chambers coated with collagen I and subjected to stretching at 1 Hz frequency and 8% strain for 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Analyses at these time points included cell morphology and alignment observation, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence staining (collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, and N-cadherin), and gene expression (ENaC subunits, and tenogenic markers). Unstrained cells at similar time points served as the control group. To demonstrate the involvement of ENaC in the differentiation process, an ENaC blocker (benzamil) was used and the results were compared to the noninhibited hMSCs. ENaC subunits’ (α,β,γ, andδ) expression was observed in hMSCs, although onlyαsubunit was significantly increased during stretching. An increase in tenogenic genes’ (collagen1,collagen3,decorin,tenascin-c,scleraxis, andtenomodulin) and proteins’ (collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, and N-cadherin) expression suggests that hMSCs underwent tenogenic differentiation when subjected to uniaxial loading. Inhibition of ENaC function resulted in decreased expression of these markers, thereby suggesting that ENaC plays a vital role in tenogenic differentiation of hMSCs during mechanical loading.
Effect of Longitudinal Gradient on 3D Face Stability of Circular Tunnel in Undrained Clay
Authors: Wang Zhengxing , Wang Yuke , Wang Shumao , Li Bin , Wang Hu
Published: August 2020

The longitudinal gradient existed in shield‐driven tunnel crossing river or channel has a longitudinal gradient, which is often ignored in most stability analyses of the tunnel face. Considering the influence of the longitudinal gradient into A(a) continuous velocity field, the present paper, conducting a limit analysis of the tunnel face in undrained clay, adopted to yield the upper‐bound solutions of the limit pressure supporting on a three‐dimensional tunnel face. The least upper bounds of the collapse and blow‐out pressures can be obtained by conducting an optimization procedure. These upper‐bound solutions are given in the design charts, which provide a simple way to assess the range of the limit pressure in practice. The influence of the longitudinal gradient becomes more significant with the increase of γD/su and C/D. The blow‐out pressure for tunneling in a downward movement could be overestimated and the collapse pressure for tunneling in an upward movement could be conversely underestimated, with ignoring the influence of the longitudinal gradient.
An SDP Method for Copositivity of Partially Symmetric Tensors
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Chen Haibin , Che Haitao
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we consider the problem of detecting the copositivity of partially symmetric rectangular tensors. We first propose a semidefinite relaxation algorithm for detecting the copositivity of partially symmetric rectangular tensors. Then, the convergence of the proposed algorithm is given, and it shows that we can always catch the copositivity of given partially symmetric tensors. Several preliminary numerical results confirm our theoretical findings.
Predefined-Time Modified Function Projective Synchronization for Multiscroll Chaotic Systems via Sliding Mode Control Technology
Authors: Li Qiaoping , Yue Chao
Published: August 2020

In the context of chaotic secure communication and based on the sliding mode control technology, this article investigates the predefined-time modified function projective synchronization for the Colpitts oscillator multiscroll hyperchaotic systems. Firstly, a four-dimensional multiscroll hyperchaotic system is introduced and the predefined-time synchronization is defined. Subsequently, applying a novel predefined-time stability criterion, an integral terminal sliding mode surface is constructed for the synchronization error system to ensure that the sliding motion is stable within a predefined time; meanwhile, an approaching controller is designed to enable the error system to reach and remain on the sliding mode surface within another predefined time, so as to ensure the realization of the predefined-time synchronization. Finally, the simulation experiments are presented to verify the effectiveness of derived theoretical results.
Development of a Ten-lncRNA Signature Prognostic Model for Breast Cancer Survival: A Study with the TCGA Database
Authors: Zhou Wenqing , Pang Yongkui , Yao Yunmin , Qiao Huiying
Published: August 2020

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plays a critical role in the development of tumors. The aim of our study was construction of a lncRNA signature model to predict breast cancer (BRCA) patient survival. We downloaded RNA-seq data and relevant clinical information from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed lncRNA were computed using the “edgeR” package and subjected to the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Corresponding protein-coding genes were used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway analysis. Finally, 521 differentially expression lncRNA were obtained. We constructed a ten-lncRNA signature model (LINC01208, RP5-1011O1.3, LINC01234, LINC00989, RP11-696F12.1, RP11-909N17.2, CTC-297N7.9, CTA-384D8.34, CTC-276P9.4, and MAPT-IT1) to predict BRCA patient survival using the multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model. The C-index was 0.712, and AUC scores of training, test, and entire sets were 0.746, 0.717, and 0.732, respectively. Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that age, tumor status, N status, M status, and risk score were significantly related to overall survival in patients with BRCA. Further, the multivariate analysis showed that risk score and M status had outstanding independent prognostic values, both with p<0.001. The Gene Ontology (GO) function and KEEG pathway analysis was primarily enriched in immune response, receptor binding, external surface of plasma membrane, signal transduction, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Finally, we constructed a ten-lncRNA signature model that can serve as an independent prognostic model to predict BRCA patient survival.
Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma of the Larynx
Authors: Rizvi Omar , Nielsen Tyson , Bearelly Shethal
Published: August 2020

Background. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas are a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma stemming from marginal zone B-cells. In this case report, we present two patients with an extremely rare localization of MALT lymphoma to the larynx. Methods. Case 1 is of a 78-year-old male presenting with a six-month history of progressive hoarseness with a past medical history significant for marginal zone lymphoma of the right orbit. Diagnosis was confirmed with a biopsy for extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of MALT type. An FDG-PET scan was done but did not show any sign of FDG avid malignancy, including at the primary site. Case 2 is a 60-year-old female presenting with one year of worsening throat discomfort, intermittent cough, and dyspnea with exertion. Pathology confirmed a diagnosis of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of MALT type. Results. Case 1 was treated with low-dose radiation at 4 Gy delivered over two fractions of 2 Gy each. Upon completion of radiation treatment, he reported a resolution of his hoarseness and normalization of his voice. A four-month follow-up in May 2018 with flexible nasolaryngoscopy revealed a normal exam with fully mobile vocal folds bilaterally and no evidence of left false vocal fold submucosal mass. At seven months following treatment, the patient died unexpectedly of unknown causes. Case 2 was treated with radiation at 30 Gy in 15 fractions over the course of one month. Following completion of radiation therapy, she had improvement of her sore throat, nausea, dysphagia, dysgeusia, and dry mouth. At 21-month follow-up, she had no evidence of disease. Conclusion. This case report demonstrates that MALT lymphoma can present with much more benign and subtle symptoms. This highlights the importance of clinicians to keep broad differentials and consider MALT lymphomas in the setting of laryngeal masses.
The Care Pathway Delays of Cervical Cancer Patient in Morocco
Authors: Mimouni Hind , Hassouni Khalid , El Marnissi Boujemaa , Haddou Rahou Bouchra , Alaoui Leila , Ismaili Rachid , Hilali Abderraouf , Loukili Leila , Bekkali Rachid , Nejmeddine Ahmed
Published: August 2020

Introduction. The aim of this study is to document time intervals in cervical cancer care pathways, from symptom onset to disease detection and start of treatment, and evaluate how clinical, sociodemographic, and treatment factors influence delays throughout a patient’s clinical pathway. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted at the FEZ Oncology Hospital of the Hassan II University Hospital Center in Morocco. Results. 190 medical records of cervical cancer patients were collected. The dominant age group was 35–44, the median patient delay (PD) was 6 days, the median healthcare provider’s delay (HCP) was 21 days, the median referral delay (RD) was 17 days, the median diagnostic delay (DD) was 9.5 days, the median total diagnostic delay (TDD) was 16 days, the median treatment delay (TD) was 67 days, and the median health system interval (HSI) was 92 days. Multivariate analysis revealed that age was associated with the patient delay, the healthcare provider’s delay, the diagnosis delay, and the health system interval. The diagnosis year (the year in which the patient was diagnosed (either before 2012 or during 2012 as well as the other study years (from 2013 to 2017))), all investigations done prior to admission to the oncology hospital, and the age of first sexual activity were significantly associated with healthcare provider’s delay. Conclusion. The integration of a model and standard care pathway into the Moroccan health system is essential in order to unify cervical cancer care in the country.
Rolling Bearing Diagnosis Based on Adaptive Probabilistic PCA and the Enhanced Morphological Filter
Authors: Luo Yuanqing , Chen Changzheng , Zhao Siyu , Kong Xiangxi , Wang Zhong
Published: August 2020

Early fault diagnosis of rolling element bearing is still a difficult problem. Firstly, in order to effectively extract the fault impulse signal of the bearing, a new enhanced morphological difference operator (EMDO) is constructed by combining two optimal feature extraction-type operators. Next, in the process of processing the test signal, in order to reduce the interference problem caused by strong background noise, the probabilistic principal component analysis (PPCA) method is introduced. In the traditional PPCA method, two important system parameters (decomposition principal component k and original variable n) are usually set artificially; this will greatly reduce the noise reduction performance of PPCA. To solve this problem, a parameter adaptive PPCA method based on grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) is proposed. Finally, combining the advantages of the above algorithms, a comprehensive rolling bearing fault diagnosis method named APPCA-EMDF is proposed in this paper. Experimental comparison results show that the proposed method can effectively diagnose the vibration signals of rolling element bearing.
Simultaneous Determination of Five Components of Chaihu-Shugan-San in Beagle Plasma by HPLC-MS/MS and Its Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study after a Single Dose of Chaihu-Shugan-San
Authors: Zhu Yong-liang , Wang Hui-jun , Xue Hao , Zhang Yi , Cheng Qian-shi , Chen Ling-yun , Qiu Xiang-jun
Published: August 2020

Chaihu-shugan-san (CHSGS) has been widely used in China to treat depression and gastrointestinal diseases for thousands of years, but little is known about its pharmacokinetic properties. The purpose of our study is to develop a reliable and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method to detect five components in beagle plasma and study their pharmacokinetic after oral administration of CHSGS in beagles. An Agilent C18 column (2.1 × 150 mm, 3.5 μm) was used to separate the analytes, and the column temperature was maintained at 40°C. A gradient elution procedure was used with solvent A (acetonitrile) and solvent B (0.1% formic acid, aqueous) as mobile phases. The elution procedure was 60% B—10% B (0–3 min) and 10% B—60% B (3.1–4 min). The flow rate was 0.3 mL/min, and the total measurement time was 4 min. Within the determined range, the standard calibration curves of the five analytes had a satisfactory linear relationship (r2 ≥ 0.9923). The recovery rate (n = 6) of the five analytes was between 85.42% and 90.85%, and the matrix effects (n = 6) were between 94.52% and 103.91%. These results show that the validated method could be successfully applied to study the pharmacokinetic in beagles after a single dose of CHSGS.
Truthful Mechanism Design for Multiregion Mobile Crowdsensing
Authors: Qiao Yu , Wu Jun , Cheng Hao , Huang Zilan , He Qiangqiang , Wang Chongjun
Published: August 2020

In the age of the development of artificial intelligence, we face the challenge on how to obtain high-quality data set for learning systems effectively and efficiently. Crowdsensing is a new powerful tool which will divide tasks between the data contributors to achieve an outcome cumulatively. However, it arouses several new challenges, such as incentivization. Incentive mechanisms are significant to the crowdsensing applications, since a good incentive mechanism will attract more workers to participate. However, existing mechanisms failed to consider situations where the crowdsourcer has to hire capacitated workers or workers from multiregions. We design two objectives for the proposed multiregion scenario, namely, weighted mean and maximin. The proposed mechanisms maximize the utility of services provided by a selected data contributor under both constraints approximately. Also, extensive simulations are conducted to verify the effectiveness of our proposed methods.
COVID-19 Presentation in Association with Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Aksoy Elif , Oztutgan Turgut
Published: August 2020

Currently, there are scarce data on how COVID-19 affects people with myasthenia gravis. Theoretically, there is a higher risk of experiencing severe manifestations of COVID-19 due to the common use of immunosuppressive drugs and potential respiratory failure in relation to respiratory muscle weakness. This is one of the early cases of COVID-19 reported in association with myasthenia gravis. Here, we highlight the prognosis, discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms, and prompt the consideration of convalescent plasma therapy in myasthenia gravis patients with concomitant COVID-19.
Influence of Heat Treatments on the Content of Bioactive Substances and Antioxidant Properties of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Tubers
Authors: Musilova Janette , Lidikova Judita , Vollmannova Alena , Frankova Hana , Urminska Dana , Bojnanska Tatiana , Toth Tomas
Published: August 2020

Heat treatment can affect the bioactive compounds in sweet potato (SP). In this work, we monitored the influence of heat treatment (boiling, steaming, microwaving, and baking) on the total polyphenols content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total anthocyanins content (TANTC), and phenolics acids (chlorogenic (CGA), neochlorogenic (neo-CGA), and trans-ferulic (tFA)) in two SP varieties grown in Slovakia and Croatia. TPC, TAC, and TANT were determined spectrophotometrically and phenolic acids by HPLC. TPC ranged from 576 (Beauregard, Croatia; Be/HR) to 3828 (414-purple, Slovakia; Pu/SK) mg/kg DW in the raw SP tubers. After heat treatment, TPC increased, most in steamed SP (8438 mg GAE/kg DW; Pu/SK), while only in boiled SP (Be/HR), TPC decreased (353 mg GAE/kg DW). TAC varied from 0.848 (Be/HR) to 8.67 (Pu/HR) (μmol TE/g DW) in raw SP. The TAC increased by heat treatment (max. 14.2 μmol TE/g DW; cooking Be/SK), except for Pu/HR. The TANT ranged from 151 (raw Pu/SK) to 1276 (microwaved Pu/SK) mg CyE/kg FW. Heat treatment had a negative effect on phenolic acid content; the largest reduction was after boiling: CGA by 29% (Pu/SK), neo-CGA by 69% (Pu/HR), and tFA by 29% (Be/HR). The influence of heat treatment on the monitored quantities is not definite.
Generation of Inducible CRISPRi and CRISPRa Human Stromal/Stem Cell Lines for Controlled Target Gene Transcription during Lineage Differentiation
Authors: Chen Li , Shi Kaikai , Qiu Weimin , Aagaard Lars , Kassem Moustapha
Published: August 2020

Background. Human bone marrow stromal/stem cells (hMSCs, also known as the skeletal stem cells or mesenchymal stem cells) are being employed to study lineage fate determination to osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. However, mechanistic studies employing hMSC have been hampered by the difficulty of deriving genetically modified cell lines due to the low and unstable transfection efficiency. Methods. We infected hMSC with a CRISPR/Cas9 lentivirus system, with specific inducible dCas9-coupled transcription activator or repressor: dCas9-KRAB or dCas9-VP64, respectively, and established two hMSC lines (hMSC-CRISPRi and hMSC-CRISPRa) that can inhibit or activate gene expression, respectively. The two cell lines showed similar cell morphology, cell growth kinetics, and similar lineage differentiation potentials as the parental hMSC line. The expression of KRAB-dCas9 or VP64-dCas9 was controlled by the presence or absence of doxycycline (Dox) in the cell culturing medium. To demonstrate the functionality of the dCas9-effector hMSC system, we tested controlled expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) gene through transfection with the same single ALP sgRNA. Results. In the presence of Dox, the expression of ALP showed 60-90% inhibition in hMSC-CRISPRi while ALP showed more than 20-fold increased expression in hMSC-CRISPRa. As expected, the ALP was functionally active and the cells showed evidence for inhibition or enhancement of in vitro osteoblast differentiation, respectively. Conclusion. hMSC-CRISPRi and hMSC-CRISPRa are useful resources to study genes and genetic pathways regulating lineage-specific differentiation of hMSC.
Thyrotoxicosis Associated with Ustekinumab Treatment for Psoriasis
Authors: Olabi Bayanne , Ayob Shanti
Published: August 2020

Biologic treatments have revolutionised the management of psoriasis in recent years; however, data on their safety profile in large populations and long-term effects are being gathered on an ongoing basis. Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-12/23 used in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Here, we report the case of a 32-year-old Caucasian gentleman who developed thyrotoxicosis following the commencement of ustekinumab treatment. Following control of thyroid status by the Endocrinology team, this recurred after recommencement of ustekinumab on two further occasions over a 5-year period. This is the second known reported association of this nature. Awareness of these possible adverse effects is imperative in managing patients and informing decision-making, and further long-term studies will help elucidate the precise safety profiles of biologic treatments.
The Performance Assessment of a Semisubmersible Platform Subjected to Wind and Waves by a CFD/6-DOF Approach
Authors: Zhu Hongbo , Zhou Dai , Han Zhaolong , Ma Jin , Bao Yan , Fu Shixiao
Published: August 2020

The semisubmersible platform is one of the most important equipment for the exploitation of deep-sea oil and gas. And its survival and operational capacities depend on the towing and motion performances. The present work investigates the properties of different platform component designs based on their towing and motion performances under wind and waves by using an integrated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. The joint application of RANS and a VOF/6-DOF solver compiled in a new Fluent UDF Library is adopted for the main calculation. Numerical simulations and results demonstrate that the VOF/6-DOF solver is accurate and stable, which could achieve the same functions as the previous OpenFOAM scheme. In order to acquire a better towing performance, different shapes are suggested for the pontoon end shape, the column cross section, and the brace longitudinal section, respectively. As to the motion response, among all the three design selections, the column cross section has the greatest influence on the whole platform. The simulation results reveal that circle section increases the roll and pitch response and reduces the heave response, to which the square section is adverse.
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the Presence of Septic Shock
Authors: Ishmael Leah , Zalocha Joseph
Published: August 2020

Elevated cardiac enzymes are often seen in the setting of sepsis. The mechanism involves hypoperfusion and possible compromise to myocardial tissue. Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in the setting of septic shock are less common and can vary widely. Rarely, ST-segment elevations can occur. This case describes a 54-year-old female who presented with septic shock secondary to pyelonephritis and Escherichia coli bacteremia. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit on norepinephrine and required mechanical ventilation. A significant rise in troponin I (peak 19.8 ng/mL) was seen and ECG showed ST-segment elevations in leads I and aVL with reciprocal ST depressions in leads II, III, and aVF. The patient was taken urgently for left cardiac catheterization, which showed no evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. When distinguishing between septic shock and cardiogenic shock, insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter may help with diagnosis and treatment of cardiogenic shock. Catheter hemodynamic monitoring can also confirm the diagnosis. In our patient’s case, hemodynamic monitoring was initiated and was not consistent with cardiogenic shock. ST-segment elevations in the high lateral leads and elevated cardiac markers were likely due to severe transmural ischemia secondary to increased oxygen demand. The patient was continued on intravenous antibiotics for treatment of her septic shock. She was extubated and weaned off of norepinephrine within 48 hours. Repeat ECG performed after resolution of the infection showed normal sinus rhythm with no ST-segment changes. Cardiac dysfunction in the setting of septic shock is well described in medical literature; however, the mechanisms of dysfunction are not explicitly understood. Transient hypoperfusion, coronary vasospasm, and localized endothelial damage are possible components. It is important to think of varying etiologies, other than acute coronary syndrome when approaching patients in septic shock with acute ST-segment changes and elevated cardiac markers.
Similar Materials and Engineering Application of Cemented Sand and Gravel Dam Model
Authors: Chai Qihui , Li Zongkun , Wang Juan , Ding Zelin , Jiao Meiju
Published: August 2020

This paper takes the cemented sand and gravel dam (CSGD) in Shoukoubao reservoir as the prototype to introduce in detail the similarity principle of model test and describe the selection steps of materials for CSG model. It has developed similar materials for CSGD model by mixing coarse sand, barite powder, gypsum powder, cement, and iron powder so as to provide reference for CSGD model test in the future. The dam model test has studied the stress distribution and displacement deformation of the dam during construction and normal operation, in order to provide experimental support for the study of failure mechanism of the CSGD and facilitate the design and construction of dams of this kind. The stress level of the body and the foundation of the model dam varied from 1/9 to 1/17 of the designed compressive strength of dam material. The results showed that CSGD is a safe new type of dams.
Slow-Cycling Cancer Stem Cells Regulate Progression and Chemoresistance in Colon Cancer
Authors: Shiokawa Daisuke , Sakai Hiroaki , Ohata Hirokazu , Miyazaki Toshiaki , Kanda Yusuke , Sekine Shigeki , Narushima Daichi , Hosokawa Masahito , Kato Mamoru , Suzuki Yutaka , Takeyama Haruko , Kambara Hideki , Nakagama Hitoshi , Okamoto Koji
Published: August 2020

Cancer chemoresistance is often attributed to the presence of cancer stem cell (CSC)-like cells, but whether they are homogeneously chemoresistant remains unclear. We previously showed that in colon tumors, a subpopulation of LGR5+ CSC-like cells driven by TCF1 (TCF7), a Wnt-responsive transcription factor, were responsible for tumorigenicity. Here we demonstrate that the tumorigenic subpopulation of mouse LGR5+ cells exists in a slow-cycling state and identify a unique 22-gene signature that characterizes these slow-cycling CSC. Seven of the signature genes are specifically expressed in slow-cycling LGR5+ cells from xenografted human colon tumors and are upregulated in colon cancer clinical specimens. Among these seven, four genes (APCDD1, NOTUM, PROX1, and SP5) are known to be direct Wnt target genes, and PROX1 was expressed in the invasive fronts of colon tumors. PROX1 was activated by TCF1 to induce CDKN1C and maintain a slow-cycling state in colon cancer organoids. Strikingly, PROX1 was required for recurrent growth after chemotherapeutic treatment, suggesting that inhibition of slow-cycling CSC by targeting the TCF1–PROX1–CDKN1C pathway is an effective strategy to combat refractory colon cancer in combination with conventional chemotherapy.

Significance:

These findings illustrate the importance of a slow-cycling CSC subpopulation in colon cancer development and chemoresistance, with potential implications for the identified slow-cycling CSC signatures and the TCF1–PROX1–CDKN1C pathway as therapeutic targets.
EZH2-Mediated Downregulation of the Tumor Suppressor DAB2IP Maintains Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Zong Xingyue , Wang Weini , Ozes Ali , Fang Fang , Sandusky George E. , Nephew Kenneth P.
Published: August 2020

The majority of women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer eventually develop recurrence, which rapidly evolves into chemoresistant disease. Persistence of ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSC) at the end of therapy may be responsible for emergence of resistant tumors. In this study, we demonstrate that in OCSC, the tumor suppressor disabled homolog 2–interacting protein (DAB2IP) is silenced by EZH2-mediated H3K27 trimethylation of the DAB2IP promoter. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of DAB2IP in epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines upregulated expression of stemness-related genes and induced conversion of non-CSC to CSC, while enforced expression of DAB2IP suppressed CSC properties. Transcriptomic analysis showed that overexpression of DAB2IP in ovarian cancer significantly altered stemness-associated genes and bioinformatic analysis revealed WNT signaling as a dominant pathway mediating the CSC inhibitory effect of DAB2IP. Specifically, DAB2IP inhibited WNT signaling via downregulation of WNT5B, an important stemness inducer. Reverse phase protein array further demonstrated activation of noncanonical WNT signaling via C-JUN as a downstream target of WNT5B, which was blocked by inhibiting RAC1, a prominent regulator of C-JUN activation. Coadministration of EZH2 inhibitor GSK126 and RAC1 inhibitor NSC23766 suppressed OCSC survival in vitro and inhibited tumor growth and increased platinum sensitivity in vivo. Overall, these data establish that DAB2IP suppresses the cancer stem cell phenotype via inhibition of WNT5B-induced activation of C-JUN and can be epigenetically silenced by EZH2 in OCSC. Targeting the EZH2/DAB2IP/C-JUN axis therefore presents a promising strategy to prevent ovarian cancer recurrence and has potential for clinical translation.

Significance:

These findings show that combining an epigenetic therapy with a noncanonical WNT signaling pathway inhibitor has the potential to eradicate ovarian cancer stem cells and to prevent ovarian cancer recurrence.
ARC Is a Critical Protector against Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and IBD-Associated Colorectal Tumorigenesis
Authors: Wang Qiushi , Zhang Tianshun , Chang Xiaoyu , Lim Do Young , Wang Keke , Bai Ruihua , Wang Ting , Ryu Joohyun , Chen Hanyong , Yao Ke , Ma Wei-Ya , Boardman Lisa A. , Bode Ann M. , Dong Zigang
Published: August 2020

The key functional molecules involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBD-induced colorectal tumorigenesis remain unclear. In this study, we found that the apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC) protein plays critical roles in IBD. ARC-deficient mice exhibited substantially higher susceptibility to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced IBD compared with wild-type mice. The inflammatory burden induced in ARC-deficient conditions was inversely correlated with CCL5 and CXCL5 levels in immune cells, especially CD4-positive T cells. Pathologically, ARC expression in immune cells was significantly decreased in clinical biopsy specimens from patients with IBD compared with normal subjects. In addition, ARC levels inversely correlated with CCL5 and CXCL5 levels in human biopsy specimens. ARC interacted with TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF) 6, regulating ubiquitination of TRAF6, which was associated with NF-κB signaling. Importantly, we identified a novel ubiquitination site at lysine 461, which was critical in the function of ARC in IBD. ARC played a critical role in IBD and IBD-associated colon cancer in a bone marrow transplantation model and azoxymethane/DSS-induced colitis cancer mouse models. Overall, these findings reveal that ARC is critically involved in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and protection against IBD through its ubiquitination of TRAF6 and subsequent modulation of NF-κB activation in T cells.

Significance:

This study uncovers a crucial role of ARC in the immune system and IBD, giving rise to a novel strategy for IBD and IBD-associated colon cancer therapy.