bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Measurement Framework for Explicit and Implicit Urban Traffic Sensing
Authors: Qin Zhou , Fang Zhihan , Liu Yunhuai , Tan Chang , Zhang Desheng
Published: August 2021

Urban traffic sensing has been investigated extensively by different real-time sensing approaches due to important applications such as navigation and emergency services. Basically, the existing traffic sensing approaches can be classified into two categories by sensing natures, i.e., explicit and implicit sensing. In this article, we design a measurement framework called EXIMIUS for a large-scale data-driven study to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of two sensing approaches by using two particular systems for traffic sensing as concrete examples. In our investigation, we utilize TB-level data from two systems: (i) GPS data from five thousand vehicles, (ii) signaling data from three million cellphone users, from the Chinese city Hefei. Our study adopts a widely used concept called crowdedness level to rigorously explore the impacts of contexts on traffic conditions including population density, region functions, road categories, rush hours, holidays, weather, and so on, based on various context data. We quantify the strengths and weaknesses of these two sensing approaches in different scenarios and then we explore the possibility of unifying two sensing approaches for better performance by using a truth discovery-based data fusion scheme. Our results provide a few valuable insights for urban sensing based on explicit and implicit data from transportation and telecommunication domains.
Calcium Signaling Mechanisms Across Kingdoms
Authors: Luan Sheng , Wang Chao
Published: August 2021

Calcium (Ca2+) is a unique mineral that serves as both a nutrient and a signal in all eukaryotes. To maintain Ca2+homeostasis for both nutrition and signaling purposes, the tool kit for Ca2+transport has expanded across kingdoms of eukaryotes to encode specific Ca2+signals referred to as Ca2+signatures. In parallel, a large array of Ca2+-binding proteins has evolved as specific sensors to decode Ca2+signatures. By comparing these coding and decoding mechanisms in fungi, animals, and plants, both unified and divergent themes have emerged, and the underlying complexity will challenge researchers for years to come. Considering the scale and breadth of the subject, instead of a literature survey, in this review we focus on a conceptual framework that aims to introduce readers to the principles and mechanisms of Ca2+signaling. We finish with several examples of Ca2+-signaling pathways, including polarized cell growth, immunity and symbiosis, and systemic signaling, to piece together specific coding and decoding mechanisms in plants versus animals.
Real-Time Visualization of the Cleaning of Ceria Particles from Silicon Dioxide Films Using PVA Brush Scrubbing
Authors: Ranaweera C. K. , Khajornrungruang P. , Hamada S. , Gowda A. , Vegi H. , Seo J. , Babu S. V.
Published: August 2021

Brush scrubbing is commonly employed for cleaning contaminated polished wafers, especially after chemical mechanical polishing. Here we report the results from real-time video imaging of the brush cleaning of ∼90 nm ceria particles from thin oxide films on transparent glass substrates using evanescent wave microscopy to identify the interactions among the particles, brush, film and cleaning liquid. Two cleaning liquids, DI water (pH ∼ 6) and 0.1 M NH4OH solution at pH ∼ 11, were used. It was found that purely hydrodynamic forces are unable to remove the ceria particles from the oxide film surface and direct contact between brush asperities and film is crucial for particle detachment to occur. However, such a direct contact also causes significant particle loading of the brush as well as redeposition of some of the already dislodged particles. Preventing such redeposition is crucial for efficient surface cleaning. The dislodged particles that are transferred into the fluid flow on the film continued to move without redepositing. Since the 0.1 M NH4OH solution at high alkaline pH created an environment for charge repulsion among the ceria particles, PVA brush and oxide film, particle removal from the film is more rapid and somewhat more efficient compared to DI water.
Long Noncoding RNA LINC01554 as a Novel Biomarker for Diagnosis and Prognosis Prediction of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Luo Ting , Jiang Yan , Yang Jing
Published: August 2021

Objective. This study was aimed at exploring the diagnostic and prognostic value of long noncoding RNA LINC01554 (LINC01554) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. Patients and Methods. The expressions of LINC01554 in 161 EOC patients were analyzed using RT-PCR. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to estimate the effectiveness of LINC01554 for prediction. The chi-square test was performed to explore the association between LINC01554 expressions and clinical characteristics in EOC patients. Kaplan-Meier assays were conducted for the examination of the influence of LINC01554 expression on the overall survival of EOC patients. Multivariate analyses were carried out to further determine prognostic values of LINC01554 expression in EOC patients. Results. LINC01554 expressions were strongly downregulated in EOC specimens compared with matched nontumor specimens (

p
<
0.01

). Importantly, LINC01554 provided a high diagnostic performance for the detection of EOC specimens (

AUC
=
0.7827

;

p
<
0.001

). Low expression of LINC01554 was distinctly associated with the FIGO stage (

p
=
0.034

) and distant metastasis (

p
=
0.007

). The assays of survival data (five years) revealed that the 5-year overall survival of the low LINC01554 expression group was distinctly shorter than that of the high LINC01554 expression group (

p
=
0.0017

). Finally, in the multivariate Cox model, LINC01554 expression (

RR
=
2.863

, 95% CI: 1.185-4.421,

p
=
0.014

) was demonstrated to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of EOC patients. Conclusions. Our findings suggested that LINC01554 is an important EOC-related lncRNA, providing a potential diagnostic, prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for EOC patients.
[Retracted] Melatonin Attenuates Cardiac Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury through Modulation of IP3R‐Mediated Mitochondria‐ER Contact
Authors: Li Wenya , Liu Botao , Wang Lin , Liu Jilie , Yang Xiuhui , Zheng Jia
Published: August 2021

Although the interplay between mitochondria and ER has been identified as a crucial regulator of cellular homeostasis, the pathogenic impact of alterations in mitochondria‐ER contact sites (MERCS) during myocardial postischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury remains incompletely understood. Therefore, in our study, we explored the beneficial role played by melatonin in protecting cardiomyocytes against reperfusion injury via stabilizing mitochondria‐ER interaction. In vitro exposure of H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) augmented mitochondrial ROS synthesis, suppressed both mitochondrial potential and ATP generation, and increased the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening rate. Furthermore, H/R exposure upregulated the protein content of CHOP and caspase‐12, two markers of ER stress, and enhanced the transcription of main MERCS tethering proteins, namely, Fis1, BAP31, Mfn2, and IP3R. Interestingly, all the above changes could be attenuated or reversed by melatonin treatment. Suggesting that melatonin‐induced cardioprotection works through normalization of mitochondria‐ER interaction, overexpression of IP3R abolished the protective actions offered by melatonin on mitochondria‐ER fitness. These results expand our knowledge on the cardioprotective actions of melatonin during myocardial postischemic reperfusion damage and suggest that novel, more effective treatments for acute myocardial reperfusion injury might be achieved through modulation of mitochondria‐ER interaction in cardiac cells.
Curcumin Inhibits Replication of Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 by Affecting Viral Inclusion Body Formation
Authors: Zhang Chaoliang , Zhang Kehan , Zang Guangchao , Chen Tingting , Lu Nan , Wang Siyuan , Zhang Guangyuan
Published: August 2021

Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (HPIV3) is one of the main pathogens that cause acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. However, there are currently no effective antiviral drugs and vaccines. Herein, we found that a natural compound, curcumin, inhibits HPIV3 infection and has antiviral effects on entry and replication of the virus life cycle. Immunofluorescence and western blotting experiments revealed that curcumin disrupts F‐actin and inhibits viral inclusion body (IB) formation, thus inhibiting virus replication. Curcumin can also downregulate cellular PI4KB and interrupt its colocalization in viral IBs. This study verified the antiviral ability of curcumin on HPIV3 infection and preliminarily elucidated its influence on viral replication, providing a theoretical basis for antiviral drug development of HPIV3 and other parainfluenza viruses.
[Retracted] Business English Translation Model Based on BP Neural Network Optimized by Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Chen Yanning
Published: August 2021

In recent years, most of the communication places are using business English manual simultaneous interpretation or electronic equipment translation. In the context of diverse cultures, the way English is used and its grammar vary from country to country. In the face of this situation, how to optimize business English translation technology and improve the accuracy of business communication content is one of the research contents of scholars all over the world. This paper first introduces the purpose of business English translation and the gap between business English translation and general English translation. Secondly, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize the structure of the BP neural network, and the combination of the two improves the ability of translation search. This paper compares the influence of the traditional BP algorithm and the BP algorithm optimized by genetic algorithm on the construction of a business English translation model. The results show that BP neural network optimized by the genetic algorithm can improve the speed of business English text translation, reduce the impact of semantic errors on the accuracy of the translation model, and improve the efficiency of translation.
PTPRT Could Be a Treatment Predictive and Prognostic Biomarker for Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Lun , Xu Feng , Xie Pingfang , Yuan Liqin , Zhou Meirong
Published: August 2021

The role of PTPRT in breast cancer was not comprehensively explored and well analyzed. Our study comprehensively searched available databases to analyze the clinical role of PTPRT in breast cancer. We found PTPRT was an antioncogene and could be used to distinguish different stages, age groups, molecular types, and grades for breast cancer. PTPRT might be primary resistance biomarkers for taxane, anthracycline, and ixabepilone but not be acquired resistance biomarkers. Higher PTPRT expression levels were associated with longer overall survival and recurrence‐free survival. PTPRT was negatively associated with Ki67 and CDK4/6 but positively associated with BCL‐2. PTPRT might be associated with cell cycle and microtubule, and tumor infiltration in B cell and macrophage cell. PTPRT could predict chemotherapy effectiveness and prognosis for breast cancer patients. PTPRT might inhibit tumor growth via disrupting the microtubule dynamics and cell cycle in breast cancer.
Isolation and Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Cow Milk and Milk Products
Authors: Taye Yeshambel , Degu Tadesse , Fesseha Haben , Mathewos Mesfin
Published: August 2021

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have long been consumed by people in several fermented foods such as dairy products. A study was conducted on lactating dairy cows to isolate and characterize LAB from dairy products found in and around Bahir-Dar city, North Western Ethiopia. Milk and milk products were randomly collected from dairy farms, milk vending shops, individual households, and supermarkets for bacteriological investigations. A total of sixteen samples were taken from different sources and cultured on different selective media: de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) agar for Lactobacillus spp.; M17 agar for Lactococcus spp.; Rogasa SL agar for Streptococci spp.; and MRS supplemented with cysteine (0.5%) for Bifidobacteria spp. Different laboratory techniques were implemented for LAB isolation and identification. A total of 41 bacterial isolates were grouped under five different genera of LAB and Bifidobacteria spp. were identified based on the growth morphology on the selective media, growth at a different temperature, gas production from glucose, carbohydrate fermentation, and other biochemical tests. LAB genera such as Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium spp. were isolated and identified from raw milk, cheese, and yogurt. Based on the current study, the majority of the LAB (24.38%) was isolated from cheese and yogurt. Among these, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus (21.94%), Streptococcus (19.51%), Leuconostoc (14.64%), Bifidobacteria (12.19%), and Pediococcus (7.31%) spp. were also identified from these products. Furthermore, based on the bacterial load count and different identification methodologies, our study revealed that Lactobacillus spp. were the dominant LAB isolated from milk and milk products. As a result, since there are few studies on the isolation and identification of lactic acid bacteria from dairy products in Ethiopia, more research studies are needed to complete the identification and characterization to species level and their possible role as probiotics.
College Students’ Self-Acceptance: A Paint Therapy Group Counseling Intervention
Authors: Qiu-Qiang Zheng , Wen-Jun Liang , Wan-Yi Fan , Qi-Zhe Zhang
Published: August 2021

This research highlights the effect of paint therapy group counseling on college students’ achievement in the field of education. For this purpose, we have used a quasiexperimental design with pretest/posttest of control group and experimental group. The sample used in our experiment consists of 18 students at a university in Guangdong Province. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups, i.e., experimental group and control group, and completed pretest and posttest measures of self-acceptance and self-evaluation over 2 months. The difference between the two groups before and after the intervention was determined using an independent-samples t-test. We have also used a paired-sample t-test to compare the effects of the intervention on the experimental achievement scores of the groups. The results showed that the self-acceptance score in the experimental group’s posttest was 40.78 ± 6.91 (t = 3.66,p<0.01), while the scores of self-acceptance factor and self-evaluation factor were 20.67 ± 4.12 (t = 3.19,p<0.05) and 20.11 ± 3.59 (t = 3.71,p<0.01), respectively. Besides, the two months, posttest follow-up showed that the self-acceptance score was 43.67 ± 4.64 (t = 1.0,p<0.05), and the scores of self-acceptance factor and self-evaluation factor were 22.11 ± 2.85 (t = 4.06,p<0.01) and 21.56 ± 2.65 (t = 2.86,p<0.05), respectively.
Stability Theory for Nullity and Deficiency of Linear Relations
Authors: Kito Silas Luliro , Wanjala Gerald
Published: August 2021

Let

A

and

B

be two closed linear relations acting between two Banach spaces

X

and

Y

, and let

λ

be a complex number. We study the stability of the nullity and deficiency of

A

when it is perturbed by

λ

B

. In particular, we show the existence of a constant

ρ
>
0

for which both the nullity and deficiency of

A

remain stable under perturbation by

λ
B

for all

λ

inside the disk

λ

<
ρ

.
Brusatol‐Enriched Brucea javanica Oil Ameliorated Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Colitis in Mice: Involvement of NF‐κB and RhoA/ROCK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zheng Xinghan , Mai Liting , Wang Tongtong , Xu Ying , Su Zireng , Chen Jiannan , Zeng Huifang , Xie Youliang
Published: August 2021

Brucea javanica oil (BJO) is beneficial for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), and that quassinoids in particular brusatol are bioactive components. However, it is still uncertain whether or not other components in BJO, such as oleic acid and fatty acids, have an anti‐UC effect. The present study is aimed at comparing the anti‐UC effects between brusatol‐enriched BJO (BE‐BJO) and brusatol‐free BJO (BF‐BJO) and at exploring the effects and mechanisms of BE‐BJO on colon inflammation and intestinal epithelial barrier function. Balb/C mice received 3% (wt/vol) DSS for one week to establish the UC model. Different doses of BE‐BJO, BF‐BJO, or BJO were treated. The result illustrated that BE‐BJO alleviated DSS‐induced loss of body weight, an increase of disease activity index (DAI), and a shortening of colon, whereas BF‐BJO did not have these protective effects. BE‐BJO treatment improved the morphology of colon tissue, inhibited the production and release of TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐6, and IL‐1β in the colon tissue, and reversed the decreased expressions of ZO‐1, occludin, claudin‐1, and E‐cadherin induced by DSS but augmented claudin‐2 expression. Mechanistically, BE‐BJO repressed phosphorylation of NF‐κB subunit p65, suppressed RhoA activation, downregulated ROCK, and prevented phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) in DSS‐treated mice, indicating that the protective effect of BE‐BJO is attributed to suppression of NF‐κB and RhoA/ROCK signaling pathways. These findings confirm that brusatol is an active component from BJO in the treatment of UC.
Effects of Porosity on the Static Compression of Foam Buffer Materials of Plant Fiber and Their Numerical Model
Authors: Huang Chongqian , Zhang Xueke , Liu Zhengqi
Published: August 2021

In recent years, researchers have investigated plant fiber foam buffer package materials for their environmental advantages, which include their ability to completely biodegrade and their rich raw materials. The porosity of buffer materials is an important factor that affects a plant’s static compression property. In this study, foam buffer package materials of plant fiber were developed using bleached bagasse pulp as the main raw material. A digital microscope was used to observe the porosity structures of the foam buffer materials, and the porosity was calculated via binary image processing using Matlab software. The effects of porosity on the static compression properties of cushion materials were discussed, and a numerical model was established. The results indicated that the threshold value chosen affected the calculation of the porosities of buffer materials, which in turn have significant effects on their specific static compression properties. The variation trend of the stress‐strain curve fits the hyperbolic tangent function, according to which a numerical model was established. The results of this experiment were in accordance with the theoretical values, which will support the theoretical design of foam buffer package materials of plant fiber.
Study on the Predictive Algorithm of Plant Restoration under Heavy Metals
Authors: Yu Jia , Yang Rui
Published: August 2021

Heavy metal pollution of soil is becoming a more serious issue globally. Heavy metal contamination of the soil environment is inevitable as a result of the rapid and extensive growth of industry and agriculture, resulting in unfavorable environmental circumstances for both the flora and fauna. Traditional approaches for collecting field sampling with laboratory testing of soil heavy metals are restricted not only by their time and cost but also by their inability to gather sufficient information about the spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metals in soil over a vast area. The continuous development of the urban industrial processes leads to the degree of heavy metal pollution in urban gardens. For soil monitoring and cleanup, having quick and accurate access to heavy metal concentration data is very crucial and critical. In order to improve the restoration ability of garden heavy metal pollution, a new algorithm to predict plant restoration ability under the garden heavy metal pollution environment is put forward in this study. Firstly, we analyzed the composition of garden heavy metal pollution and the harm of garden heavy metal pollution. Secondly, we identified the restoration technology of garden heavy metal pollution to plants, determine the level of garden heavy metal pollution with the help of the land accumulation index method, and reflect the average pollution water level of garden heavy metal elements with the help of Numero comprehensive pollution heatstroke. On this basis, the plant repairability prediction model was constructed with the help of wavelet function, to predict the plant repairability under garden heavy metal pollution environment and to complete the prediction of plant repairability under garden heavy metal pollution environment. The experimental results show that the proposed method was better than the traditional approaches in terms of prediction accuracy and is also less time-consuming.
Identification of Nephrogenic Therapeutic Biomarkers of Wilms Tumor Using Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Hanxiang , Tang Chaozhi , Yang Yi
Published: August 2021

Wilms tumor is the most common renal malignancy in children, with a survival rate of more than 90%; however, treatment outcomes for certain patient subgroups, such as those with bilateral and recurrent diseases, remain significantly below this survival rate. Therefore, it remains essential to identify new biomarkers and develop effective therapeutic strategies. Based on the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments and Gene Expression Omnibus RNA microarray datasets, we have identified eight differentially expressed genes in Wilms tumors as renal-specific in 33 randomly selected adult tumors. The risk model, constructed using survival forest and multivariate Cox regression, can effectively predict the prognosis; the risk score is an independent prognostic factor in Wilms tumor. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that most of the signature genes were involved in regulating human development-related pathways. At the same time, patients in the high-risk group exhibited more sensitive immunological and chemotherapeutic properties than those in the low-risk group. These results provide new insights into personalized and precise Wilms tumor treatment strategies.
Model Testing of Encased Stone Column Composite Foundations under Traffic Loads
Authors: Yuan Yongquan , Zhao Minghua , Xiao Yao , Yang Chaowei
Published: August 2021

In soft soil foundations, geogrid encased stone column composite foundation technology has been widely applied and developed in recent years due to its efficient treatment. In this study, eight groups of laboratory model tests were performed in a large‐scale testing tank to investigate the bearing mechanism and stress characteristics of the composite foundation of geogrid encased stone columns under traffic loads with different cyclic load ratios. The stress at the bottom of the stone column and settlement of the composite foundation were measured and analysed. The test results show that cyclic shearing will cause the rearrangement of the soil particles at the column‐soil interface, which will cause changes in the face pressure and effective stress state of the column‐soil boundary. The cyclic load has a substantial influence on the accumulation settlement of the composite foundation and the development of the lateral stress state of the column. Based on the test results, the development law of the cumulative settlement is summarized, and the change mechanism of the column stress state is analysed and discussed.
Pyridinedicarboxylate-Tb(III) Complex-Based Luminescent Probes for ATP Monitoring
Authors: Nguyen Thi Dien , Nguyen Thi Nhung , Vu Anh-Tuan , Tran Thuong Quang , Nguyen Ngoc Tue , Luong Xuan Dien , Ta Thi Thao , Nguyen Xuan Truong
Published: August 2021

The pyridinedicarboxylate-Tb(III) complexes, TbPDC and Tb(PDC)3, as luminescent probes for ATP monitoring have been conveniently prepared and characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, ESI-MS, UV-Vis, excitation, and emission spectroscopy. Interestingly, these two Tb(III) complexes were quenched by ATP by a similar mechanism via π-π stacking interaction between the chelating ligand and adenine moiety. The ability of luminescent probes applied for the determination of ATP in aqueous solution has been investigated. The dynamic ranges for the quantification of ATP are within 10−90 μM and 10−100 μM with detection limits of 7.62 and 11.20 μM for TbPDC and Tb(PDC)3, respectively. The results demonstrated that these luminescent probes would be a potential candidate assay for ATP monitoring in hygiene assessment.
A Refined Phase Unwrapping Method for High Noisy Dense Fringe Interferogram Based on Adaptive Cubature Kalman Filter
Authors: Liu Wanli , Shao Jian , Liu Zhenguo , Gao Yang
Published: August 2021

Cubature Kalman filter phase unwrapping (CKFPU) is an effective algorithm in unwrapping the interferograms. The local phase slope estimation is a key factor that affects the unwrapped accuracy. However, the estimation accuracy of local phase slop is relatively low in high noisy and dense stripes areas, which usually leads to the unsatisfactory unwrapped results. In order to effectively solve this issue, the rewrapped map of the unwrapped phase (obtained by CKFPU algorithm), which is a filtered interferogram with clearer fringes and more detailed information, is proposed in this paper to improve the phase slope estimation. In order to solve the problem of imprecise error variance for the new phase slope estimation, an adaptive factor is introduced into the CKFPU algorithm to increase the stability and reliability of the phase unwrapping algorithm. The proposed method is compared with the standard CKFPU algorithm using both simulated and real data. The experimental results validate the feasibility and superiority of the proposed method for processing those high noise dense fringe interferograms.
PPARα Gene Is Involved in Body Composition Variation in Response to an Aerobic Training Program in Overweight/Obese
Authors: Cardoso Glêbia A. , Ribeiro Mateus D. , Sousa Bruno R. V. , de Oliveira Yohanna , Sena Klécia F. , Batista Joane R. E. , Almeida Antônio E. M. , Filho João M. , Silva Raquel S. B. , Persuhn Darlene C. , Silva Alexandre S.
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of the polymorphism in Intron 7 G/C (rs 4253778) of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) gene with the magnitude of changes in the body composition of an overweight and obese population that underwent an aerobic training program. Fifty-eight previously inactive men and women, body mass index (BMI)

31.5
±
2.8
 
kg
/

m

2

, 46.5% (

n
=
27

) genotyped as CC genotype and 53.5% (

n
=
31

) as CA+AA, underwent a 12-week aerobic training (walking/running). Aerobic capacity (ergospirometry), body composition (DXA), and nutritional assessment were made before and 48 h after the experimental protocol. Two-way ANOVA, chi-square test, and logistic regression were used (

p
<
0.05

). Twenty-seven volunteers (46.5%) were identified as CC genotype and 31 (53.5%) as CA+AA genotype. Time-group interaction showed that there was no difference in these between two allele groups. However, differences in distribution of respondents or nonresponders according to allele A were identified for fat mass (

p
≤
0.003

), percentage fat mass (

p
≤
0.002

), the waist (

p
≤
0.009

), abdomen (

p
≤
0.000

), and hip (

p
≤
0.001

), this difference being independent for the fat mass. Meanwhile, sex, age, and nutritional management have also been found to be influential factors. It is concluded that the PPARα gene is involved in varying body composition in response to an aerobic training program.
Analysis of Ground Movement during Large‐Scale Pipe Roof Installation and Artificial Ground Freezing of Gongbei Tunnel
Authors: Zhou Xiao-qi , Pan Jian-li , Liu Yang , Yu Cai-cheng
Published: August 2021

This paper analyzes the vertical ground movement during large‐scale pipe roof installation and artificial ground freezing of Gongbei tunnel of the Hong Kong‐Zhuhai‐Macau bridge project. The transverse ground settlement during pipe roof installation is analyzed. The ground loss volume ratio and settlement trough width coefficient during pipe jacking are estimated based on the field measurement of ground settlement. The interaction of pipes during multiple jacking is investigated. The effect of frost heave control by pregrouting, limiting frozen soil thickness, and combination of the two methods is evaluated. The analysis shows that the ground settlement during pipe roof installation by jacking 37 pieces of 1620 mm steel pipes is relatively small with a maximum value of 2.2 cm. The reinforcement to ground provided by the fore‐jacked pipes reduces the ground loss volume ratio and, consequently, the ground settlement during the follow‐up pipe jacking. The artificial ground freezing generates a relatively large ground heave with a maximum value of 7.8 cm. Pregrouting plays a critical role in the frost heave control by reducing the heave by about 33%. Limiting the frozen soil thickness by heating pipes serves as an effective supplement to frost heave control by reducing the heave by about 9%. The combination of the two measures reduces the ground heave by about 42%. Findings from this paper provide valuable reference to the tunnel construction using pipe roof and artificial ground freezing as presupport.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Toxicological Profile and Oxidative Stress of Relevant Diet‐Related Advanced Glycation End Products and Related 1,2‐Dicarbonyls
Authors: Cepas Vanesa , Manig Friederike , Mayo Juan C. , Hellwig Michael , Collotta Debora , Sanmartino Valentina , Carrocera-Pumarino Rebeca , Collino Massimo , Henle Thomas , Sainz Rosa M.
Published: August 2021

During food processing and storage, and in tissues and fluids under physiological conditions, the Maillard reaction occurs. During this reaction, reactive 1,2‐dicarbonyl compounds arise as intermediates that undergo further reactions to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Diet is the primary source of exogenous AGEs. Endogenously formed AGEs have been proposed as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of diet‐related diseases such as diabetes, insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, or chronic disease. AGEs may differently contribute to the diet‐related exacerbation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and protein modifications. Here, to understand the contribution of each compound, we tested individually, for the first time, the effect of five 1,2‐dicarbonyl compounds 3‐deoxyglucosone (3‐DG), 3‐deoxygalactosone (3‐DGal), 3,4‐dideoxyglucosone‐3‐ene (3,4‐DGE), glyoxal (GO), and methylglyoxal (MGO) and four different glycated amino acids N‐ε‐(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL), N‐ε‐(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), methylglyoxal‐derived hydroimidazolone‐1 (MG‐H1), and pyrraline (Pyrr) in a cell line of human keratinocytes (HaCaT). We found that most of the glycated amino acids, i.e., CEL, CML, and MG‐H1, did not show any cytotoxicity. At the same time, 1,2‐dicarbonyl compounds 3‐DGal, 3,4‐DGE, GO, and MGO increased the production of reactive oxygen species and induced cell death. MGO induced cell death by apoptosis, whereas 3‐DGal and 3,4‐DGE induced nuclear translocation of the proinflammatory NF‐κB transcription pathway, and the activation of the pyroptosis‐related NLRP3 inflammasome cascade. Overall, these results demonstrate the higher toxic impact of 1,2‐dicarbonyl compounds on mucosal epithelial cells when compared to glycated amino acids and the selective activation of intracellular signaling pathways involved in the crosstalk mechanisms linking oxidative stress to excessive inflammation.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study on Sealing Performance and Frictional Property of Rotary Lip Seal
Authors: Dong Huifang , Hu Jian
Published: August 2021

The hydrodynamic theoretical lubrication model of the friction pair between the rotary shaft and the lip seal under the state of full film lubrication was established in this paper. The Reynolds equation was solved by using the finite difference method, and the influence of the viscosity‐temperature characteristics of the lubricant was taken into account in the solution process. The distribution of the film thickness and the hydrodynamic pressure in the sealing area was obtained. At the same time, the bench test was carried out and the correctness of the model was verified by comparing the simulation results and test results of reverse pumping rate and friction torque under different rotational speed of the shaft. The microasperity of the lip surface is a necessary condition for achieving the sealing effect. Therefore, the influences of the contact load of the seal and the root mean square deviation of the lip surface on the sealing performance and frictional property were analyzed by using the theoretical model. The analysis results show that the sealing performance and frictional property can be changed by changing the contact load and surface roughness of the lip, but a single increase in the influence of a certain factor cannot achieve good results, and comprehensive consideration is required in product design.
Synthesis of Silver-Doxycycline Complex Nanoparticles and Their Biological Evaluation on MCF-7 Cell Line of the Breast Cancer
Authors: Mohammadkarimi Vahid , Azarpira Negar , Ghanbarinasab Zahra , Shiri Pezhman , Dehghani Fatemeh Sadat , Nakhostin-Ansari Amin , Tayyebi-Khorrami Fatemeh , Atapour Amir , Amani Ali Mohammad
Published: August 2021

In the current study, we aim to evaluate the effect of the combination of silver and doxycycline (silver-doxycycline complex) on the viability of the MCF-7 cell line of the breast in comparison with each of them. The Ag-doxycycline NPs were synthesized using silver nitrate and doxycycline solutions. The synthesized Ag-doxycycline NPs were characterized with several analyses. Ag-doxycycline NPs with a concentration of 25 μM is significantly more effective in decreasing the viability of MCF-7 cells than Ag with the same concentration (

P
<
0.05

). Doxycycline with a concentration of 6.25 μM also has a more potent effect on the viability of MCF-7 cells than Ag with the same concentration (

P
<
0.05

). Ag-doxycycline NPs with a 25 μM concentration is more effective than the concentration of 3.125 μM (

P
<
0.05

). Ag-doxycycline NPs were found to be more effective than AgNPs alone in inhibiting the growth of the MCF-7 cells. Also, the increasing utility of nanotechnology in multiple aspects of medicine can lead to using this technology in the treatment of different types of cancer in the future.
Research on Anti-Interference Nonlinear Adaptive Control Method for Autonomous Underwater Gliders
Authors: Zhang Wen-Qing , Da Liang-Long , Tian De-Yan , Sun Qin-Dong , Wang Wen-Long , Chen Wen-Jing
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the characteristics of underactuation are analyzed according to the working principle of underwater glider, a complete 6DOF model of underwater glider is established, and the error equation of 3D path tracking is given. Based on the line-of-sight navigation method in three-dimensional space, the nonlinear adaptive control strategy is designed, and the roll angle control law, pitch angle control law, and depth control law of underwater glider are given. The tracking error of underwater glider is proved to be convergent by Lyapunov stability theorem. Finally, the results of marine experiments verify that the nonlinear controller designed in this paper can overcome the influence of constant current disturbance under certain conditions and has good robustness and good tracking effect under different ocean current sizes and course angles. Of course, one control method cannot be applicable to all sea conditions. When the angle between the size and direction of the ocean current exceeds a certain value, the tracking control of the underwater glider will show obvious divergence. Therefore, the stability range against the interference of the sea current is given in this paper.
Plasma Metabolic Phenotypes of HPV-Associated versus Smoking-Associated Head and Neck Cancer and Patient Survival
Authors: Eldridge Ronald C. , Uppal Karan , Hayes D. Neil , Smith M. Ryan , Hu Xin , Qin Zhaohui S. , Beitler Jonathan J. , Miller Andrew H. , Wommack Evanthia C. , Higgins Kristin A. , Shin Dong M. , Ulrich Bryan , Qian David C. , Saba Nabil F. , Bruner Deborah W. , Jones Dean P. , Xiao Canhua
Published: August 2021

Background:

Metabolic differences between human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and smoking-associated HNSCC may partially explain differences in prognosis. The former relies on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) while the latter relies on glycolysis. These differences have not been studied in blood.

Methods:

We extracted metabolites using untargeted liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry from pretreatment plasma in a cohort of 55 HPV-associated and 82 smoking-associated HNSCC subjects. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed metabolites produced pathway-based signatures. Significant pathways (P < 0.05) were reduced via principal component analysis and assessed with overall survival via Cox models. We classified each subject as glycolytic or OXPHOS phenotype and assessed it with survival.

Results:

Of 2,410 analyzed metabolites, 191 were differentially expressed. Relative to smoking-associated HNSCC, bile acid biosynthesis (P < 0.0001) and octadecatrienoic acid beta-oxidation (P = 0.01), were upregulated in HPV-associated HNSCC, while galactose metabolism (P = 0.001) and vitamin B6 metabolism (P = 0.01) were downregulated; the first two suggest an OXPHOS phenotype while the latter two suggest glycolytic. First principal components of bile acid biosynthesis [HR = 0.52 per SD; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38–0.72; P < 0.001] and octadecatrienoic acid beta-oxidation (HR = 0.54 per SD; 95% CI, 0.38–0.78; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with overall survival independent of HPV and smoking. The glycolytic versus OXPHOS phenotype was also independently associated with survival (HR = 3.17; 95% CI, 1.07–9.35; P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Plasma metabolites related to glycolysis and mitochondrial OXPHOS may be biomarkers of HNSCC patient prognosis independent of HPV or smoking. Future investigations should determine whether they predict treatment efficacy.

Impact:

Blood metabolomics may be a useful marker to aid HNSCC patient prognosis.
Early Prognosis Effect of Cellular Immune Paralysis on Brain Complications of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Children with Severe Sepsis
Authors: Xing Yan , Cheng Dongliang , Shi Changsong , Shen Zhiqing
Published: August 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between criticality, brain complications, and immune mechanisms in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) children with pneumonia and severe sepsis. Methods: Patients with simple pneumonia (group I), ECMO patients with pneumonia and severe sepsis accompanied by brain complications (group II), and those without brain complication (group III) admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit were selected to be investigated. The relationship among the peripheral blood subgroups of immune cells, immune factors, adaptive immune responses, endothelial factors, and criticality and brain complications was then studied. Results: Severe paralysis of normal immunity, excess abnormal immunity, and endothelial injury were consistent with the increase in the absolute value of base excess, lactic acid (Lac) content, and average hospitalization days and brain complications involved in group II (vs. group I). The ratio of CD63+ macrophage and CD63+ neutrophil subpopulation increased (p < 0.05); the expression levels of elastase+ neutrophil denatured subgroup (p < 0.05), the ratio of CCR2highCX3CR1low/CCR2lowCX3CR1high of macrophages and neutrophils (p < 0.0001), high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), YTHDF1, interleukin-17 protein and mRNA, and RAGE gene decreased to some extent (p < 0.05); the expression levels of Th1 cells chemokine CXCL9 protein and mRNA and sTIE2 protein increased to some extent (p < 0.05); the adaptive immune response of CD8+ CTL stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was slightly enhanced (p < 0.05) in group III(vs. group II), which was consistent with the improvement of criticality, average hospitalization days, and the absence of brain complications in group III (vs. group II). Conclusion: ECMO support with brain complication was related to the upregulation of HMGB1 and YTHDF1 protein; the decreased number of CD63+ macrophages and neutrophils; the increased denatured neutrophil subgroup, especially the upregulated ratio of CCR2highCX3CR1low/CCR2lowCX3CR1high of macrophages and neutrophils; the imbalance of Th17/Th1, LPS-specific CD8+ CTL adaptive immune response paralysis; and the reduced endothelial sTIE2 protein expression level which caused clinical deterioration and prolonged average hospitalization days.
Ulcerative Lupus Vulgaris on the Wrist
Authors: Mizuta Takahiro , Kato Miyuki
Published: August 2021

We report a case of ulcerative lupus vulgaris (LV) in a unique site, which facilitated the detection of internal organ tuberculosis (TB). A 68-year-old Japanese man presented with a reddish ulcerated painless lesion on his right wrist that had initially appeared 4 weeks earlier as a nontender nodule. There was no recent history of fever, weight loss, or cough. The results of tissue culture, PCR, and contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography were consistent with the diagnosis of ulcerative LV with underlying pulmonary TB and tuberculous lymphadenitis. The patient was started on anti-TB therapy. After 1 month of therapy, epithelialization of the ulcer was noted.
Preliminary Study on Apoptotic Proteins in Platelet from Adult Patients with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Xu Daming , Xie Long , Zhang Zewen , Yu Wenjun , Qiu Jinfeng , Xu Cheng-Wei , He Chunling , Xu Xianru , Cai Xinjian , Yi Jingxing , Yin Jun
Published: August 2021

Background: Adult chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a chronic and usually lifelong hemorrhagic disorder in which enhanced platelet destruction and ­weakened platelet production lead to thrombocytopenia. In this study, the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK), early growth response 1 (EGR-1), p53, Bcl-xL, Bak, Bax, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in platelets from adult patients with chronic ITP were investigated. Methods: Platelets were isolated from blood samples collected from 20 adult patients with chronic ITP and 20 healthy volunteers. p38-MAPK, EGR-1, p53, Bcl-xL, Bak, Bax, and ROS were determined by flow cytometry, and the results were analyzed by EXPO32 ADC. Results: Flow cytometry showed the expression levels of p38-MAPK (61.66 ± 19.38% vs. 27.52 ± 14.34%), EGR-1 (62.22 ± 20.48% vs. 9.05 ± 5.79%), p53 (56.82 ± 20.07% vs. 4.35 ± 2.04%), Bak (39.86 ± 11.45% vs. 20.82 ± 11.85%), Bax (36.85 ± 15.99% vs. 6.69 ± 5.01%), and ROS (19.98 ± 1.47% vs. 1.29 ± 0.10%) were all elevated (p < 0.05 compared with healthy volunteers). In addition, pro-survival Bcl-xL (5.38 ± 1.52% vs. 21.20 ± 6.04%) was decreased markedly in platelets from adult patients with chronic ITP (p < 0.05 compared with healthy volunteers). Conclusions: Our findings reveal that platelets in adults with chronic ITP display a proapoptotic gene expression phenotype, based on the enhanced expression of p38-MAPK, EGR-1, p53, Bak, Bax, and ROS, and attenuated expression of Bcl-xL, suggesting increased sensitivity toward apoptosis.
Stopping Anti-TNF in CD Remitters: Cons
Authors: Kobayashi Taku
Published: August 2021

Crohn’s disease may cause a life-long disease burden in many aspects due to its progressive nature. A large proportion of refractory patients have been benefiting from scheduled maintenance anti-TNF treatment; therefore, strategy to stop anti-TNF agents in Crohn’s disease is not widely conducted. There have been observational studies demonstrating that approximately half of the patients relapse within a year after discontinuation. Several factors have been suggested as potential predictors for relapse; however, a consensus has not been reached so far. Although most relapse can be rescued by the re-treatment with the same anti-TNF agent, a proportion of patients may result in progressive bowel damage and the need for surgery. Therefore, an attempt to stop anti-TNF is not recommended without careful discussion, even if they are in long-term remission.
The Mechanistic Effects and Clinical Applications of Various Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: He Yue , Ji Dexiang , Lu Wei , Chen Guoan
Published: August 2021

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent thrombocytopenia resulting from increased platelet destruction and a loss of autoimmune tolerance. The pathogenesis of ITP is highly complex. Although ITP may be effectively controlled with currently available medications in some patients, a subset of cases remain refractory. The application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for human hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has increasingly demonstrated that MSCs modulate innate or adaptive immunity, thus resulting in a tolerant microenvironment. Functional defects and immunomodulatory disorders have been observed after the use of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) from patients with ITP. Here, we summarize the underlying mechanisms and clinical applications of various derived MSCs for ITP treatment, focusing on the main mechanisms underlying the functional defects and immune dysfunction of BM-MSCs from patients with ITP. Functional effects associated with the activation of the p53 pathway include decreased activity of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt pathway and activation of the TNFAIP3/NF-κB/SMAD7 pathway. Immune dysfunction appears to be associated with an impaired ability of BM-MSCs to induce various types of immune cells in ITP. At present, research focusing on MSCs in ITP remains in preliminary stages. The application of autologous or exogenous MSCs in the clinical treatment of ITP has been attempted in only a small case study and must be validated in larger-scale clinical trials.
Assessment of Pelvic Floor Function and Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Cervical Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Sha , Wen Hongwu , Gao Yunong , Lv Qiubo , Cao Tingting , Wang Shiyan , Wang Jing , Li Yi , Wang Haibo , Wang Zhiqi , Sun Xiuli , Wang Jianliu
Published: August 2021

Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and pelvic floor function of cervical cancer (CC) patients after treatment. Design: This was a cross-sectional observational cohort study. Participants: The participants included in this study were CC patients who underwent radical hysterectomy (RH) from 2012 to 2018 at 18 medical centers across China. Methods: The validated versions of the Pelvic floor Distress Inventory-Short Form 20, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, and Euro Qol Five-Dimension questionnaires were used to evaluate postoperative pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and QoL. Results: A total of 689 CC patients were enrolled. The incidence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), incomplete urinary emptying, and constipation were 32.7, 27.7, and 28.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis confirmed that laparoscopic RH (LRH) and vaginal wall resection greater than 3 cm were risk factors for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). LRH and chemotherapy were risk factors for SUI. Chemoradiotherapy and LRH were risk factors for overactive bladder (OAB). A high body mass index and LRH were risk factors for more severe defecation symptoms. ARH and large amount of operative blood loss were risk factors for poor QoL. Conclusion: PFD is common in CC patients after treatment. LRH seems to increase the postoperative distress, including LUTS and defecation symptoms. Postoperative urinary incontinence and OAB are more bothersome for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We recommend evaluating pelvic floor function as a standard assessment during follow-up.