bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thigh-worn accelerometry for measuring movement and posture across the 24-hour cycle: a scoping review and expert statement
Authors: Stevens Matthew L , Gupta Nidhi , Inan Eroglu Elif , Crowley Patrick Joseph , Eroglu Barbaros , Bauman Adrian , Granat Malcolm , Straker Leon , Palm Peter , Stenholm Sari , Aadahl Mette , Mork Paul , Chastin Sebastien , Rangul Vegar , Hamer Mark , Koster Annemarie , Holtermann Andreas , Stamatakis Emmanuel
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The Prospective Physical Activity Sitting and Sleep consortium (ProPASS) is an international collaboration platform committed to harmonise thigh-worn accelerometry data. The aim of this paper is to (1) outline observational thigh-worn accelerometry studies and (2) summarise key strategic directions arising from the inaugural ProPASS meeting.

Methods

(1) We performed a systematic scoping review for observational studies of thigh-worn triaxial accelerometers in free-living adults (n≥100, 24 hours monitoring protocols). (2)Attendees of the inaugural ProPASS meeting were sent a survey focused on areas related to developing ProPASS: important terminology (Q1); accelerometry constructs (Q2); advantages and distinct contribution of the consortium (Q3); data pooling and harmonisation (Q4); data access and sharing (Q5 and Q6).

Results

(1) Eighty eligible articles were identified (22 primary studies; n~17 685). The accelerometers used most often were the ActivPAL3 and ActiGraph GT3X. The most commonly collected health outcomes were cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal. (2) None of the survey questions elicited the predefined 60% agreement. Survey responses recommended that ProPASS: use the term physical behaviour or movement behaviour rather than ‘physical activity’ for the data we are collecting (Q1); make only minor changes to ProPASS’s accelerometry construct (Q2); prioritise developing standardised protocols/tools (Q4); facilitate flexible methods of data sharing and access (Q5 and Q6).

Conclusions

Thigh-worn accelerometry is an emerging method of capturing movement and posture across the 24 hours cycle. In 2020, the literature is limited to 22 primary studies from high-income western countries. This work identified ProPASS’s strategic directions—indicating areas where ProPASS can most benefit the field of research: use of clear terminology, refinement of the measured construct, standardised protocols/tools and flexible data sharing.
Relativistic Friedrichs–Lee model and quark-pair creation model
Authors: Zhou Zhi-Yong , Xiao Zhiguang
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we present how the Friedrichs–Lee model could be extended to the relativistic scenario and be combined with the relativistic quark pair creation model in a consistent way. This scheme could be applied to study the “unquenched” effect of the meson spectra. As an example, if the lowest $$J^{PC}=0^{++}$$

J

PC

=

0

+
+

$$(u\bar{u}+d\bar{d})/\sqrt{2}$$

(
u

u

¯

+
d

d

¯

)

/

2

bound state in the potential model is coupled to the $$\pi \pi $$

π
π

continuum, two resonance poles could be found from the scattering amplitude for the continuum states. One of them could correspond to the $$f_0(500)/\sigma $$

f
0

(
500
)

/
σ

and the other probably $$f_0(1370)$$

f
0

(
1370
)

. This scheme might shed more light on why extra states could appear in the hadron spectrum other than the prediction of the quark potential model.
Design of Efficient Reverse Converters for Residue Number System
Authors: Taghizadeghankalantari Mahtab , TaghipourEivazi Shiva
Published: December 2020

The main factors that affect the performance of residue number system (RNS) are speed and hardware complexity of the residue-to-binary converter. In this paper, two efficient reverse converters are proposed for the moduli sets [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] based on two-level approach. In the first level, a reverse converter is implemented based on new Chinese remainder theorem-I for the moduli set [Formula: see text]. The fourth modulus is joined in the second level for each converter and only simple binary adders are used in this level. The architecture of novel circuits mainly consists of simple adders thus leading to implementing efficient converters. To have a fair comparison, both unit gate model and simulation are used. The proposed converters and the recently represented converters have been implemented on Xilinx ISE 13.1 field-programmable gate array (FPGA) simulator to derive area and delay that are measured for the various ranges up to 256 bits. The experimental results show that the proposed converters have lower area–time complexity comparing to the state-of-the-art converter for similar moduli sets.
Evaluating Stack Splint Use for Mallet Finger
Authors: Ayhan Egemen , Kuzucu Yakup , Aslaner Emrah Efe , Tuna Zeynep
Published: December 2020

Background: Stack splint is commonly used for mallet finger treatment but patients had a tendency to frequently remove it because of skin complications. We hypothesized that a comprehensively instructed splinting regime would increase patients’ compliance and lead to favorable outcomes with fewer skin complications. The aims of this study were to assess the patients’ compliance and to evaluate outcomes with that particular splinting regime.

Methods: Forty-six consecutive patients were enrolled in this prospective study. They were instructed to wear the Stack splint for 24 hours a day every day in the first six weeks and remove it once a day for 10 minutes to vent. They were told to support distal interphalangeal joint volarly both while wearing the splint and when it was removed. Free movement of proximal interphalangeal joint within the splint was checked after each application. Following whole-day regime for 6 weeks, night splinting continued for 2 more weeks. Range of motion, skin complications, patients’ compliance and satisfaction were assessed at last follow-up.

Results: There were 26 patients with a mean age of 39.8 and mean follow-up period of 6.7 months. No skin complications or proximal interphalangeal joint stiffness were reported. However, nine patients declared that they wore the splint ≤ 4 weeks, the compliance rate to our regime was 65.4% (17/26). In the 17 fully compliant patients, mean distal interphalangeal joint extension lag was 12.4 and nine of them (52.9%) were satisfied with the outcome.

Conclusions: Our both hypotheses failed; comprehensive instructions for the splinting regime did not improve patients’ compliance satisfactorily, nor did it lead to favorable outcomes. Although Stack splint has practical points, we no longer use it.
Postsurgery echocardiography can predict the amount of ischemia-reperfusion injury and the resultant scar size
Authors: Yang Yijun , Schena Giana J. , Wang Tao , Houser Steven R.
Published: December 2020

We believe our work is noteworthy due to its creation of standards for early evaluation of the level of myocardial injury in mouse models of ischemia-reperfusion. This improvement to study design could reduce the sample sizes used in evaluating therapeutics and lead to increased confidence in conclusions drawn regarding the therapeutic efficacy of treatments tested in these translational mouse models.
A Novel Image Encryption Scheme Based on PWLCM and Standard Map
Authors: Chen Yucheng , Tang Chunming , Yi Zongxiang
Published: December 2020

In the past decades, considerable attention has been paid to the chaos-based image encryption schemes owing to their characteristics such as extreme sensitivity to initial conditions and parameters, pseudo-randomness, and unpredictability. However, some schemes have been proven to be insecure due to using a single chaotic system. To increase the security, this work proposes a novel image encryption scheme based on the piecewise linear chaotic map (PWLCM) and the standard map. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first chaos-based image encryption scheme combining the PWLCM with the standard map, which adopts permutation-diffusion structure. Unlike the traditional scrambling way, a hierarchical diffusion strategy, which not only changes the pixel position but also modifies the value, is employed in the permutation phase. The operation model of row-by-row and column-by-column is further used to enhance the efficiency in the diffusion process. Consequently, a good trade-off efficiency and security can be achieved. Furthermore, the numerical simulations and performance analyses illustrate that the proposed encryption scheme can be used in practical application scenarios requiring lightweight security.
Anatomical Covariance Analysis: Detection of Disrupted Correlation Network Related to Clinical Trait Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dacosta-Aguayo Rosalia , Wylie Glenn , DeLuca John , Genova Helen
Published: December 2020

Background. Fatigue is one of the most distressing symptoms among persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The experience of fatigue is inherently interoceptive, yet no study to date has explicitly investigated the insular cortex (IC) as a primary goal in the experience of fatigue in PwMS. In addition, it is unknown how brain regions such as IC play a role in state or trait fatigue. Objective. Assess the involvement of the IC in trait fatigue and state fatigue in PwMS with and without clinical fatigue. Methods. Trait and state fatigue, cognitive status, and structural MRI were assessed in 27 PwMS. PwMS were stratified into nonclinical fatigue (nF-MS,

FSS
≤
4.0

) (

n
=
10

) and clinical fatigue (F-MS,

FSS
≥
5.0

) (

n
=
10

). Voxel-based morphometry analysis (VBM) for the whole sample (

n
=
20

) and for the two groups was performed. Anatomical covariance analysis (ACA) analysis was conducted by selecting different volumes included in the corticostriatal network (CoStN) and analyzing interhemispheric correlations between those volumes to explore the state of the CoStN in both groups. Results. In the VBM analysis, when considering the whole sample of PwMS, higher levels of trait fatigue were negatively associated with grey matter (GM) volume in the left dorsal anterior insula (dAI) (

rho
=
−
0.647

;

p
=
0.002

;

R

2

=
0.369

). When comparing nF-MS versus F-MS, significant differences were found in the left dAI, where the F-MS group showed less GM volume in the left dAI. In the ACA analysis, the F-MS group showed fewer significant interhemispheric correlations in comparison with the Low-FSS group. Conclusions. The present results provide support to the interoceptive component of self-reported fatigue and suggest that changes in the relationship between the different anatomical regions involved in the CoStN are present even in nonclinical trait fatigue. Those changes might be responsible for the experience of trait fatigue in PwMS. Future studies with larger samples and multimodal MRI acquisitions should be considered to fully understand the changes in the CoStN and the specific role of the IC in trait fatigue.
Therapeutic and Preventive Effects of Olea europaea Extract on Indomethacin‐Induced Small Intestinal Injury Model in Rats
Authors: Mahdavi Fatemeh Sadat , Mardi Parham , Mahdavi Seyed Saeed , Kamalinejad Mohammad , Hashemi Seyed Ali , Khodaii Zohreh , Mehrabani-Natanzi Mahboobeh
Published: December 2020

Background. Olea europaea (known as olive fruit) has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities and many potential health benefits including gastric inflammation reduction has been shown previously. This study aimed to investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of O. europaea extract on the early histological changes in indomethacin‐induced small intestinal injury model with the plasma D‐lactate concentration being measured as a tool for determination of intestinal permeability. Methods. In this experimental study, two separate protective and therapeutic protocols were designed. In both experiments, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and either pretreated with 0, 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day of O. europaea extract or received the treatment after administration of indomethacin. Their small intestines were examined to compare the histological changes. The intestinal injury severity was evaluated according to the presence of eosinophils, plasma cell infiltration, edema, congestion, and hyperplasia of the crypt using a histological scoring system. Also, measured were the presence of neutrophils, decreased villus length‐to‐crypt depth ratio, and destructed villus architecture. The plasma concentration of D‐lactate was measured as well. Results. The therapeutic use of O. europaea decreased the eosinophil, edema, congestion, and crypt hyperplasia scores compared to the control group. Although no significant difference was seen between groups of the preventive experiment in plasma cell infiltration score, villus length‐to‐crypt depth ratio, neutrophil infiltration, and percentage of destructed villus architecture, treatment with O. europaea caused a reduction in edema, eosinophil, congestion, and crypt hyperplasia score. In both experiments, no significant difference was seen between groups for villus length‐to‐crypt depth ratio, neutrophil infiltration, and percentage of destructed villus architecture. Plasma D‐lactate concentration was decreased in all O. europaea‐treated groups compared to the control group in the therapeutic and preventive experiments (p < 0.01, one‐way ANOVA followed by the Dunnett test). Conclusion. O. europaea extract can be used to decrease some side effects of indomethacin on intestinal tissue and enhances the gastrointestinal function. O. europaea extract could be considered as a potential herbal supplement in the treatment of intestinal morphological injuries.
Analysis of Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Coupling of Coal and Gas with Absorption/Desorption Thermal Effect
Authors: Hao Jianfeng , Liang Bing , Sun Weiji
Published: December 2020

Coal adsorption/desorption gas can cause temperature changes. Moreover, the pressure difference between the high gas pressure area and the low gas pressure area in the coal may affect the coal adsorption/desorption gas thermal effect. To study the effect of adsorption/desorption thermal effect on the evolution law of coal and gas outburst precursor information under different pressure differences, the adsorption/desorption thermal effect experiments were carried out. And the thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling model was established, which reflects the interaction between coal and gas. Under the action of ground stress, pore pressure, adsorption expansion stress, and thermal expansion stress, the model includes the dynamic evolution of coal porosity and permeability, gas adsorption-desorption-diffusion-seepage, and energy accumulation and dissipation. Using the coupling model, the mechanism of adsorption/desorption thermal effect on the evolution of outburst precursor information and the mutual coupling relation between coal and gas is analyzed. The experimental results show that the relation between pressure difference and coal sample temperature variation is linear, and the pressure difference has a quadratic parabolic relation with the temperature accumulation of coal sample. As the pressure difference increases, the temperature variation of the coal sample gradually increases, but the temperature accumulation gradually decreases. Numerical simulation results show that as the pressure difference increases, the changes in coal temperature and gas pressure gradually decrease, and the thermal expansion strain caused by the adsorption/desorption thermal effect decreases, and the permeability increases. Comparing the calculation results with or without the adsorption/desorption thermal effect, the volumetric strain, temperature, and permeability of the coal have significant changes when the adsorption/desorption thermal effect is considered, and the gas drainage volume increases as the pressure difference increases. The effect of thermal expansion strain caused by adsorption/desorption thermal effect on gas seepage is greater than the effect of temperature change on gas seepage.
Fintech Penetration, Financial Literacy, and Financial Decision-Making: Empirical Analysis Based on Tar
Authors: Li Yi , Li Zhengwang , Su Fan , Wang Qiteng , Wang Qian
Published: December 2020

The level of financial literacy of rural residents will affect their financial decisions and the financial well-being behind the decisions. This paper uses mediating effect and moderating effect to test the influence path of rural residents’ subjective and objective financial literacy on their financial decision-making with survey data from Henan and Anhui provinces in China. The results show that subjective and objective financial literacy have positive effects on financial market participation. Subjective and objective financial literacy have negative direct effects on insurance market participation. Subjective financial literacy plays an incomplete mediating effect in the impact of objective financial literacy on financial market and insurance market participation. Objective financial literacy is adjusted by subjective financial literacy on financial market participation and insurance market participation. At the same time, we introduce financial technology penetration as a threshold variable in the model and find that the financial literacy has stronger impact on financial decision-making if the financial technology penetration is above the threshold.
Impact Resistance Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams Deteriorated due to Repeated Freezing and Thawing
Authors: Kurihashi Yusuke , Nonomura Yoshinori , Konno Hisashi
Published: December 2020

Many existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures constructed more than 50 years ago now require maintenance. This is especially true in cold, snowy regions where significant frost damage deterioration of RC structures becomes a severe problem. In this study, falling-weight impact tests were performed to investigate the impact resistance behavior of RC beams degraded by frost damage. An RC beam was subjected to approximately 900 freeze-thaw cycles to emulate the frost damage before the execution of the impact test. The surface of the beam was remarkably scaled, and its coarse aggregate was exposed. The degree of deterioration was evaluated by the distribution of ultrasonic propagation velocity. The following conclusions were drawn. (1) The ultrasonic propagation velocity of RC beams was significantly reduced following 872 freeze-thaw cycles. At the upper edge of the RC beam, the ultrasonic wave propagation velocity decreased from 4,000 m/s to 1,500 m/s in some parts. This corresponds to a relative dynamic elastic modulus of approximately 14%. (2) The residual deflection of RC beams with frost damage increased at most by 20% compared with beams without frost damage. The increase in residual deflection was primarily related to the peeling of concrete at the collision site and the opening of multiple bending cracks. (3) According to the existing residual deflection calculation formula, an increase of 20% in the residual deflection corresponds to a decrease of about 17% in the bending capacity of the RC beam. When the relationship between the degree of frost damage deterioration and the impact resistance of RC structures is defined, existing structures subjected to accidental impact force from rockfalls are safer and can be maintained more efficiently.
CD133 Antigen as a Potential Marker of Melanoma Stem Cells: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Kloskowski Tomasz , Jarząbkowska Joanna , Jundziłł Arkadiusz , Balcerczyk Daria , Buhl Monika , Szeliski Kamil , Bodnar Magdalena , Marszałek Andrzej , Drewa Gerard , Drewa Tomasz , Pokrywczyńska Marta
Published: December 2020

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are suspected to be responsible for the cancer recurrence and in the consequence for cancer therapy failure. CD133 is a potential marker for detection of melanoma CSCs. Experiments were performed on the B16-F10 mouse melanoma cell line. CD133+ cells were isolated using an immunomagnetic cell sorting technique. After isolation proliferative and clonogenic potential of CD133+, CD133- and CD133+/- were evaluated. The potential of CD133+ and CD133- cells for tumor induction was conducted on C57BL/6J mouse model. Three different cell quantities (100, 1000, 10000) were tested. Tumor morphology, number of mitoses, and tumor necrosis area were analyzed. Average 0.12% CD133+ cells were isolated. Compared to CD133- and unsorted CD133+/- cells, CD133+ cells were characterized by the higher proliferative and clonogenic potential. These properties were not confirmed in vivo, as both CD133+ and CD133- cells induced tumor growth in mouse model. No statistical differences in mitosis number and tumor necrosis area were observed. Simultaneous detection of CD133 antigen with other markers is necessary for accurate identification of these melanoma cancer stem cells.
Triaxial Compressive Failure Characteristics and Constitutive Model Study of Jurassic‐Cretaceous Weakly Cemented Sandstone
Authors: Cai Jinlong , Zou Wei
Published: December 2020

A conventional triaxial compression test of Jurassic‐Cretaceous typical weakly consolidated sandstone from a mining area in Ordos, China, was conducted using an MTS816 tester. Results showed that, before the peak, the rock had a distinct yield stage. When the specimen reached its peak strength, the strength decreased rapidly and showed an obvious brittle failure. When the confining pressure was increased to 15 MPa, the decrease of strength was slow and the rock tended toward ductile failure. With the increase of confining pressure, the cyclic strain initially increased slightly, whereas the volumetric strain increased greatly and the rock sample was in a compression state. When the load reached a critical value, the curve was reversely bent, resulting in volume expansion, whereas the peak strength, residual strength, and elastic modulus increased with confining pressure, and Poisson’s ratio decreased with the confining pressure. In the model based on macroscopic failure rock, the expression of the relationship between fracture angle and confining pressure provided a solid theoretical basis for the direction and failure mode of the macroscopic crack. Based on the rock strength theory and Weibull random distribution assumption of rock element strength, the damage variable correction coefficient was introduced when the residual strength was considered. Then, the mathematical expression of the 3D damage statistical constitutive model was established. Finally, the theoretical curve of the established constitutive model was compared with the triaxial test curve, which showed a high degree of coincidence.
[Retracted] Expression of MiR‐608 in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer and Molecular Mechanism of Apoptosis and Migration of A549 Cells
Authors: Huang Chu , Yue Weiming , Li Lin , Li Shuhai , Gao Cun , Si Libo , Qi Lei , Cheng Chuanle , Lu Ming , Tian Hui
Published: December 2020

Objective. This Work is aimed at exploring the effect of microRNA (MiR)‐608 on the function of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells and related mechanisms. Methods. Blood samples of 106 NSCLC patients (experimental group) as well as 124 normal people (control group) were selected for relevant investigation. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as well as DNA sequencing was used to determine the genotyping of the MiR‐608 rs4919510 polymorphism. MiR‐608 expression in cells was detected by real‐time PCR technology. Western blotting was used to detect changes in protein levels. NSCLC tissues as well as adjacent tissues were explored in 33 patients undergoing surgery. Results. MiR‐608 rs4919510 does not influence the incidence of NSCLC patients. In addition, MiR‐608 expression was downregulated in the tumor tissue of NSCLC patients, while the transcription factor activating enhancer‐binding protein 4 (TFAP4) expression was upregulated. MiR‐608 promotes DOX‐ (Doxorubicin‐) induced apoptosis by negatively regulating TFAP4 expression in NSCLC tissue. TFAP4 can significantly inhibit the migration of A549 cells. Conclusion. The findings in this investigation can contribute to the effective treatment of NSCLC patients. Also, the investigation can provide some theoretical support for the application of new targets for NSCLC treatment.
Analytical Solution of a Circular Opening considering Nonuniform Pressure and Its Engineering Application
Authors: Wu Peng , Chen Yanlong , Chen Liang , Mao Xianbiao , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2020

Based on the Mohr–Coulomb criterion, a new analytical solution of a circular opening under nonuniform pressure was presented, which considered rock dilatancy effect and elastic‐brittle‐plastic failure characteristics. In the plastic zone, the attenuation of Young’s modulus was considered using a radius‐dependent model (RDM), and solution of the radius and radial displacement of plastic zone was obtained. The results show that many factors have important impact on the response of the surrounding rock, including lateral pressure coefficient, dilation coefficient, buried depth, and Young’s modulus attenuation. Under nonuniform pressure condition, the distribution of plastic zone and deformation around the opening show obvious nonuniform characteristic: with the increasing of lateral pressure coefficient, the range of plastic zone and deformation decrease gradually at side, while they increase at roof and floor, and the location of the maximum value of support and surrounding rock response curve transfers from side to roof. Based on the analytical results and engineering practice, an optimization method of support design was proposed for the circular opening under nonuniform pressure.
Effects of Saline Solutions on the Desiccation Cracking and Shrinkage Behavior of Gaomiaozi Bentonite
Authors: Tan Long , Zheng Penglin , Liu Qingbing
Published: December 2020

Bentonite, when used as buffer/backfill material in the deep disposal of high‐level radioactive waste (HLW), could undergo desiccation shrinkage or even cracking due to the heat released from HLW, impairing the efficiency of the barrier system. Furthermore, in‐service buffer materials are inevitably in contact with the groundwater, which sometimes contain high salt concentrations. The groundwater salinity may modify the properties of bentonite and hence affect the process of desiccation and its performance. To investigate this effect, in this study, a series of temperature‐controlled desiccation tests was conducted on compacted specimens of Gaomiaozi (GMZ) bentonite preliminarily saturated with two different saline solutions (NaCl and CaCl2) at the concentration varying from 0.5 to 2.0 mol/L. The experimental results indicated that, as the concentration of saline solution increases, the initial saturated water content of bentonite decreases, whereas the residual water content at the completion of the desiccation test increases. The water evaporation rate is reduced for the specimens saturated with a high‐concentration saline solution, and CaCl2 has a more significant influence on water evaporation than NaCl. The evolution of cracks on the sample surface during the desiccation process can be divided into four stages: crack growth, maintenance, closure, and stabilization; an increase in the salt concentration effectively inhibits crack development. It was shown that the infiltration of saline solutions alters the microstructure of bentonite by changing the arrangement of clay particles from a dispersed pattern to more aggregate state, which results in a decrease in shrinkage strain and shrinkage anisotropy.
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in the Normalization of Brain Activation in Patients with Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review of Neurophysiological and Neuroimaging Studies
Authors: Chan Melody M. Y. , Han Yvonne M. Y.
Published: December 2020

Background. People with neuropsychiatric disorders have been found to have abnormal brain activity, which is associated with the persistent functional impairment found in these patients. Recently, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to normalize this pathological brain activity, although the results are inconsistent. Objective. We explored whether tDCS alters and normalizes brain activity among patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, we examined whether these changes in brain activity are clinically relevant, as evidenced by brain-behavior correlations. Methods. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials that studied the effects of tDCS on brain activity by comparing experimental and sham control groups using either electrophysiological or neuroimaging methods were included. Results. With convergent evidence from 16 neurophysiological/neuroimaging studies, active tDCS was shown to be able to induce changes in brain activation patterns in people with neuropsychiatric disorders. Importantly, anodal tDCS appeared to normalize aberrant brain activation in patients with schizophrenia and substance abuse, and the effect was selectively correlated with reaction times, task-specific accuracy performance, and some symptom severity measures. Limitations and Conclusions. Due to the inherent heterogeneity in brain activity measurements for tDCS studies among people with neuropsychiatric disorders, no meta-analysis was conducted. We recommend that future studies investigate the effect of repeated cathodal tDCS on brain activity. We suggest to clinicians that the prescription of 1-2 mA anodal stimulation for patients with schizophrenia may be a promising treatment to alleviate positive symptoms. This systematic review is registered with registration number CRD42020183608.
Molecular Dynamics Study on SiO2 Interfaces of Nonfiring Solids
Authors: Sato Tomohiro , Kubota Atsuto , Saitoh Ken-ichi , Fuji Masayoshi , Takai Chika , Sena Hadi , Takuma Masanori , Takahashi Yoshimasa
Published: December 2020

As a sustainable ecosystem, the general firing process for ceramics emits large amounts of CO2 gas; thus in ceramics production, the focus is the nonfiring process; however, the solidification and strengthen mechanism of this nonfiring system, which essentially reacts between surface-activated ceramic particles and a solvent, has not been elucidated to date. The nonfiring process had three steps, i.e., particle surface activate process by grinding process, maintaining the active state until starting nonfiring solidification begins, and nonfiring solidification process. Thus, in this study, the reaction of silica and water was simulated by adapting molecular dynamics based on LAMMPS with ReaxFF potentials. Reproducing the activated silica surface state, three ended models called O model, Si model, and OH model were prepared which indicated ended molecules of each surface. These models and a water molecule as a solvent were bonded in the atomic scale, and the energetic state and mechanical properties were evaluated. A reacted or structured O-H-O bond was reproduced in the nonfiring process in the O-ended model. The bond was a hydrogen bond. A Si-O-Si bond was produced when a Si atom was ended on the interface. The bonded interface was able to tensile. However, the tensile strength was weaker than that of the solid silica model. The nonbonded OH model did not have tensile strength.
Chloride Diffusion and Induced Reinforcement Corrosion in Concrete with Fly Ash and Ground‐Granulated Blast‐Furnace Slag Exposed to Marine Submerged Zone
Authors: Zhao Rui , Jin Zuquan , Feng Guangyan , Li Jianqiang
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the influence of mineral admixtures fly ash (FA) and ground‐granulated blast‐furnace slag (GGBS), the byproducts of industry, on chloride ions migration and corrosion resistance performance. A novel preparation method of wire beam electrode (WEB) was also introduced to explore the excellent corrosion‐resistant capacity of concrete with mineral admixtures. By comparing concrete specimens with and without FA and GGBS, the test result of wire beam electrode, rapid chloride migration (RCM), and electrochemical tests highlight the positive impact of fly ash and GGBS against chloride ions migration, respectively. Concrete with fly ash and GGBS supplies an advanced protection effect of ordinary Portland cement; meanwhile, CO2 emission amount can be significantly reduced. Moreover, homemade wire beam electrode was proved to be a novel and reliable test method against corrosion, which has agreement with the test result of an electrochemical device.
Nucleus Pulposus Cell Conditioned Medium Promotes Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation into Nucleus Pulposus-Like Cells under Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Sinkemani Arjun , Wang Feng , Xie Zhiyang , Chen Lu , Zhang Cong , Wu Xiaotao
Published: December 2020

Low back pain (LBP) is a major physical and socioeconomic challenge worldwide. Nucleus pulposus (NP) is directly associated with LBP due to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. IVD degeneration is mainly caused by structural and matrix-related changes within the IVD occurring during aging and degeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into multiple mesenchymal lineages under specific stimulatory conditions. This study is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) conditioned medium for promoting the expression of MSCs and at confirming the expression of healthy NP phenotypic markers recently recommended by the Spine Research Interest Group. Expression was investigated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. qPCR and western blotting demonstrated significant upregulation of NP marker expression in MSCs cultured under hypoxic conditions and treated with the 50% or 100% NPC conditioned medium, compared with those cultured under normoxic conditions. Upregulation was highest in the presence of the 100% NPC conditioned medium compared with the control group (aggrecan,

p
<
0.01

; brachyury,

p
<
0.05

; collagen II,

p
<
0.001

; KRT8,

p
<
0.01

; KRT19,

p
<
0.001

; and Shh,

p
<
0.01

). The expression levels of genes in MSCs treated with the 50% NPC conditioned medium also showed upregulation compared with the control group (collagen II,

p
<
0.05

; KRT8,

p
<
0.05

; and KRT19,

p
<
0.01

). These findings suggested that the NPC conditioned medium stimulated MSC differentiation into an NP-like phenotype with distinct characteristics. The results could inform strategies for IVD regeneration.
CrkI and CrkII Function as Key Signaling Integrators for Migration and Invasion of Cancer Cells
Authors: Rodrigues Sonia P. , Fathers Kelly E. , Chan Gabriel , Zuo Dongmei , Halwani Fawaz , Meterissian Sarkis , Park Morag
Published: December 2020

Crk adaptor proteins play an important role during cellular signaling by mediating the formation of protein complexes. Increased levels of Crk proteins are observed in several human cancers and overexpression of Crk in epithelial cell cultures promotes enhanced cell dispersal and invasion, implicating Crk as a regulator of invasive responses. To determine the requirement of Crk for invasive signals, we targeted the CRKI/II gene by RNA interference. Consistent knockdown of CrkI/II was observed with two small interfering RNA targeting sequences in all human cancer cell lines tested. CrkI/II knockdown resulted in a significant decrease in migration and invasion of multiple malignant breast and other human cancer cell lines (MDA-231, MDA-435s, H1299, KB, and HeLa). Moreover, CrkI/II knockdown decreased cell spreading on extracellular matrix and led to a decrease in actin stress fibers and the formation of mature focal adhesions. Using immunohistochemistry, we show elevated CrkI/II protein levels in patients with breast adenocarcinoma. Together, these studies identify Crk adaptor proteins as critical integrators of upstream signals for cell invasion and migration in human cancer cell lines and support a role for Crk in metastatic spread.
Profiling Human Androgen Receptor Mutations Reveals Treatment Effects in a Mouse Model of Prostate Cancer
Authors: O'Mahony Orla A. , Steinkamp Mara P. , Albertelli Megan A. , Brogley Michele , Rehman Haniya , Robins Diane M.
Published: December 2020

Gain-of-function mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) are found in prostate cancer and are implicated in the failure of hormone therapy. Most studies have emphasized the ligand-binding domain (LBD) where mutations can create promiscuous receptors, but mutations in the NH2-terminal transactivation domain have also been found. To assess AR alteration as a mechanism of treatment resistance, a mouse model (h/mAR-TRAMP) was used in which the murine AR coding region is replaced by human sequence and prostate cancer initiated by a transgenic oncogene. Mice received either no treatment, androgen depletion by castration, or treatment with antiandrogens, and 20 AR transcripts were sequenced per end-stage tumor. All tumors expressed several mutant alleles, although most mutations were low frequency. Some mutations that occurred multiple times within the population were differentially located dependent on treatment. Mutations in castrated or antiandrogen-treated mice were widely dispersed but with a prominent cluster in the LBD (amino acids 736-771), whereas changes in intact mice centered near the NH2-terminal polymorphic glutamine tract. Functional characterization of selected LBD mutant alleles showed diverse effects on AR activity, with about half of the mutations reducing transactivation in vitro. One receptor, AR-R753Q, behaved in a cell- and promoter-dependent manner, although as a germ-line mutation it causes androgen insensitivity syndrome. This suggests that alleles that are loss of function during development may still activate a subset of AR targets to become gain of function in tumorigenesis. Mutant ARs may thus use multiple mechanisms to evade cancer treatment. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(11):1691–701)
УЛЬТРАСТРУКТУРНИЙ СТАН СІТКІВКИ ТА ЗОРОВОГО НЕРВА В ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТІ НЕІНФЕКЦІЙНОГО ПЕРЕДНЬОГО ТА СЕРЕДНЬОГО УВЕЇТУ НА КРОЛЯХ БЕЗ ЛІКУВАННЯ ТА ПРИ ВИКОРИСТАННІ НЕЙРОПРОТЕКТОРА
Authors: Zborovska O. V. , Molchanyuk N. I. , Dorokhova O. E. , Horyanova I. S.
Published: December 2020

В літературі відсутні відомості про нейродегенеративні процеси в сітківці і зоровому нерві при передніх і середніх увеїтах. Мета – провести порівняльне ультраструктурне дослідження зорових нервів, сітчастої і судинної оболонок ока при неінфекційному передньому і середньому увеїтах в експерименті. Матеріал і методи. Експеримент проведений на 4 кролях: 1 група – 2 кролі (без лікування), 2 група – 2 кролі (використовувався нейропротектор). Вивчали ультраструктуру хоріокапілярів (ХК), сітківки і зорових нервів (ЗН) кролів через 10 діб. Результати. В 1 групі в ЗН виявили глибокі деструктивні процеси в нервових волокнах, мієліновій оболонці, в гліальних клітинах із руйнуванням їх плазмолем, а також вогнищевий міжклітинний набряк. У судинній і сітчастій оболонках виявили гідропічну дегенерацію ендотеліальних клітин ХК і клітин сітківки, особливо ПЕС, а також міжклітинний набряк в ділянці ФК. У 2 групі в ЗН деформація мієлінових облонок, набряк в аксоплазмі трапляються в меншій мірі і в меншій кількості НВ. В аксоплазмі більшості НВ мітохондрії та інші органели мали нормальну ультраструктуру. Найбільш збереженими виявилися НВ дрібного калібру. В шарі ХК переважали ЄК з ознаками компенсаційно-відновних процесів. Поряд з цим частина ЄК ХК залишалися в стані набряку. Висновки. Передній і середній неінфекційний увеїт, який моделювали за допомогою кінської сироватки, викликає нейродегенеративні зміни в сітчастій оболонці і ЗН, а при використанні нейропротектора (протягом 10 днів) явища нейродегенерації були виражені в меншій мірі.
Визначення значень показників стрес-факторів у цієнтів Львівської обласної клінічної лікарні з дистрофічно-запальними захворюваннями тканин пародонта в крові та ротовій рідині
Authors: Shevchuk M. М. , Pupin Т. I. , Bandrivska N. N.
Published: December 2020

Резюме. З метою вивчення стресогенних факторів у крові й ротовій рідині осіб із дистрофічно-запальними захворюваннями тканин пародонта, які перебували на лікуванні в різних відділеннях Львівської обласної клінічної лікарні (ЛОКЛ), визначали активність ɑ-амілази, вмісту глюкози та кортизолу.

Мета дослідження – вивчити значення показників стрес-факторів у пацієнтів ЛОКЛ із дистрофічно-запальними захворюваннями тканин пародонта.

Матеріали і методи. Активність ɑ-амілази та концентрацію глюкози у крові та ротовій рідині людей з’ясовували ензиматичним колометричним методом. Обчислення концентрації кортизолу в крові та ротовій рідині хворих здійснювали за допомогою твердофазного імуноферментного аналізу на апаратіStatFax-303 з використанням тест набору «Стероид ИФА-кортизол» фірми «Алкор-Био». Забір крові у хворих виконувався вранці, натще, після 12-годинної перерви в їжі, з ліктьової вени, ротову рідину для досліджень збирали ранком натще, шляхом спльовування у мірні пробірки, без стимуляції. Для оцінки ступеня вірогідності отриманих результатів дослідження використовували варіаційно-статистичний метод аналізу за допомогою Microsoft Excel. Статистичне обчислення результатів клінічних і лабораторних досліджень здійснювали за загальноприйнятими методами.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Активність ɑ-амілази в середньому у хворих із ДЗЗТП була вище, порівняно з контролем: у крові – у 1,5 раза, р<0,01 та у ротовій рідині – у 2,0 рази, р<0,05. Вміст глюкози у середньому в пацієнтів із дистрофічно-запальними захворюваннями тканин пародонта (ДЗЗТП)  при різних загальносоматичних захворюваннях був вище, порівняно з відповідними даними у контрольній групі: в крові – у 1,3 раза, р<0,05 та в ротовій рідині – у 1,8 раза, р<0,01. Вміст кортизолу в середньому у хворих із ДЗЗТП був вище, порівняно з даними осіб контрольної групи: у крові – 1,5 раза та в ротовій рідині – у 1,8 раза, р<0,05.

Висновки. Збільшення активності ɑ-амілази, концентрацій глюкози та кортизолу в пацієнтів із захворюваннями тканин пародонта у крові та ротовій рідині можуть свідчити про зниження стресо­стійкості організму і бути об’єктивними маркерами стресогенного впливу на організм, зумовленого взаємообтяжуючим впливом соматичних і пародонтологічних захворювань.
Le fāʾ al-sababiyya vu par Raḍī l-Dīn al-Astarābāḏī : logique et pragmatique
Authors: Larcher Pierre
Published: December 2020

Pour le grammairien Raḍī l-Dīn al-Astarābāḏī (m. après 688/1289), le fāʾ al-sababiyya (« causal ») constitue une intersection entre deux des trois fāʾ distingués par la grammaire arabe : le fāʾ d’apodose (fāʾ al-ǧawāb ou al-ǧazāʾ), apparaissant entre protase et apodose d’un système conditionnel (in p fa-q) et systèmes assimilés, c’est-à-dire circonstancielles et relatives ayant une valeur conditionnelle, et le fāʾ coordonnant deux phrases (p fa-q). Dans les deux cas, fa- présente q comme la conséquence de p, qui en est la cause. La relation de cause à conséquence est à entendre ici au sens large de la logique naturelle et non au sens strict de l’implication logique, q pouvant ne pas être une affirmation. Mais Raḍī l-Dīn al-Astarābāḏī neutralise aussitôt le sens du fa- « causal », en observant qu’on peut convertir (ʿaks) p fa-q (p donc q) en q fa-p (q car p). Et il va plus loin dans le même sens, en reliant le fāʾ dit explétif au fāʾ causal. Ce fāʾ est ainsi appelé parce qu’il peut apparaître ou non, soit après une subordonnée circonstancielle, sans valeur conditionnelle, ou un simple complément circonstanciel, soit entre le thème et le propos d’une phrase nominale, le thème pouvant être une relative non conditionnelle ou un simple syntagme nominal. Pour Raḍī l-Dīn al-Astarābāḏī, ce fāʾ signale que ce qui le suit est aussi « inséparable » (luzūm) de ce qui le précède que l’apodose de la protase et, ce, bien que ce qui le précède n’ait pas de valeur conditionnelle. Sous un habillage logique, il reconnaît en fait que les trois fāʾ n’en font qu’un, ayant une même distribution/fonction (mawqiʿ). Celle-ci est facilement reformulable dans les termes de la « théorie de l’énonciation » du linguiste suisse Charles Bally (1865-1947) : fa- est un segmentateur, délimitant le thème (phrase, proposition ou syntagme) du propos de l’énoncé.
Review of Lepidocyrtinus Börner, 1903 (Collembola, Entomobryidae, Seirinae): the African species
Authors: CIPOLA NIKOLAS GIOIA , DE MORAIS JOSÉ WELLINGTON , BELLINI BRUNO CAVALCANTE
Published: December 2020

Herein Lepidocyrtinus Börner is reviewed based on African species and a new diagnosis to the genus is provided, including the description of intermediary stages of two species and a proposal for the interpretation of the dorsal chaetotaxy based in juveniles. In total, 17 species previously assigned as Seira Lubbock are transferred to Lepidocyrtinus, and three of them are redescribed: L. barnardi Womersley and L. dayi Yosii from South Africa, and L. voeltzkowi (Börner) from Madagascar. Neotypes are designated for these last two species. In addition, nine new species are described from Africa: one from Botswana, two from Republic of the Congo, two from South Africa, and four from Madagascar. Finally, identification keys for the current genera of Seirinae and for the African species of Lepidocyrtinus are provided. After our revision, Lepidocyrtinus has now its generic status revalidated with 36 species, 29 of them from African continent, two from Oceania and five from Brazil.
Segmentation and Registration of the Liver in Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Ren Shuai , Zhan Ling , Chen Shuchao , Dai Haitao , Ruan Guangying , Li Sai , Liu Lizhi , Lin Run , Chen Hongbo
Published: December 2020

Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCE-CT) is the main auxiliary diagnostic tool for liver diseases. Liver segmentation and registration in all stages of DCE-CT images are the key technology for big data analysis of liver disease diagnosis. The change of imaging conditions
in different stages of DCE-CT brings enormous challenges to the segmentation of liver CT images. This study proposes an automatic model for liver segmentation from abdominal CT images in different stages of DCE on the basis of U-Net. The skip connection in U-Net can improve the ability of
complex feature recognition. A total of 4863 CT slices from 16 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were selected as the training set, and 1754 CT slices from 6 patients with HCC were selected as the test set. The training and test sets included plain scan, hepatic arterial-dominant
phase, and portal venous-dominant phase CT scans. Results showed that the Dice value of the proposed method was significantly higher than those of the full convolutional network and region-growing method. Then, 3D reconstruction and registration were performed on the segmentation results of
the liver region of DCE-CT images. The proposed method obtained the best performance, which can provide technical support for the big data analysis of liver diseases.
Research on Application of Health Medical Information Science Data Sharing Standard System in Sports Rehabilitation
Authors: Sun Jun , Luo Qiulan
Published: December 2020

The development of medical information technology has rapidly promoted the development of medical information technology towards intelligence. Health medical data provides basic data resource protection for intelligent medical services and smart medical services. This article abstracts
the typical models of domestic and international health medical information management services, and provides theoretical basis and practical reference for the building of an evaluation index system for health management service capabilities. An system for health management service capabilities
under a data sharing standard system was constructed, and the status and linkage of health management services were investigated and comprehensively evaluated to provide an index system and empirical data for evaluating hospital health management service capabilities. Finally, analyze the
advantages and disadvantages of health management services under the medical consortium framework, propose countermeasures to improve the health management service system, provide decision-making references for units to improve their health management service capabilities, optimize health
management service models, and formulate health management services for relevant government departments Provisional policies to promote the implementation of health management.