bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anxiolytic and antioxidant effects ofEuterpe oleraceaMart. (açaí) seed extract in adult rat offspring submitted to periodic maternal separation
Authors: de Bem Graziele Freitas , Okinga Anicet , Ognibene Dayane Teixeira , da Costa Cristiane Aguiar , Santos Izabelle Barcellos , Soares Ricardo Andrade , Silva Dafne Lopes Beserra , da Rocha Ana Paula Machado , Isnardo Fernandes Jemima , Fraga Mabel Carneiro , Filgueiras Cláudio Carneiro , Manhães Alex Christian , Soares de Moura Roberto , Resende Angela Castro
Published: June 2020

Many studies suggest a protective role of phenolic compounds in mood disorders. We aimed to assess the effect of Euterpe oleracea (açaí) seed extract (ASE) on anxiety induced by periodic maternal separation (PMS) in adult male rats. Animals were divided into 6 groups: control, ASE, fluoxetine (FLU), PMS, PMS+ASE, and PMS+FLU. For PMS, pups were separated daily from the dam for 3 h between postnatal day (PN) 2 and PN21. ASE (200 mg·kg−1·day−1) and FLU (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) were administered by gavage for 34 days after stress induction, starting at PN76. At PN106 and PN108, the rats were submitted to open field (OF) and forced swim tests, respectively. At PN110, the rats were sacrificed by decapitation. ASE increased time spent in the center area in the OF test, glucocorticoid receptors in the hypothalamus, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TRKB) levels in the hippocampus, and nitrite levels and antioxidant activity in the brain stem (PMS+ASE group compared with PMS group). ASE also reduced plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone levels, adrenal norepinephrine levels, and oxidative damage in the brain stem in adult male offspring submitted to PMS. In conclusion, ASE treatment has an anti-anxiety effect in rats submitted to PMS by reducing hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis reactivity and increasing the nitric oxide (NO)–brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)–TRKB pathway and antioxidant defense in the central nervous system.

Novelty ASE has anti-anxiety and antioxidant effects in early-life stress. ASE reduces hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis reactivity. The anxiolytic effect of ASE may involve activation of the NO–BDNF–TRKB pathway in the central nervous system.
Beyond oak regeneration: modelling mesophytic sapling density drivers along topographic, edaphic, and stand-structural gradients in mature oak-dominated forests of Appalachian Ohio
Authors: Radcliffe Don C. , Matthews Stephen N. , Hix David M.
Published: June 2020

Shade-tolerant mesophytic tree species tend to dominate the understories of present-day oak–hickory and mixed-hardwood forests in the eastern United States. We quantified the sapling density associations with abiotic and biotic variables for three important mesophytic species: red maple (Acer rubrum L.), sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), and American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) in southeastern Ohio. In this study, we sampled 165 permanent plots in oak-dominated, topographically diverse, mature (>90 years old), second-growth forests following a time span of 21–25 years (1993–1995 and 2016–2018) between samples on the Athens and Marietta units of the Wayne National Forest. Our models showed that sugar maple was strongly associated with high pH soils and red maple was strongly associated with low pH soils. Additionally, red maple was associated with upper slope positions and older stands, while American beech was associated with lower slopes, northeasterly aspects, and northeast-facing upper slopes. Basal area of competing species, solum depth, and management unit were not significantly related to sapling density for our focal species. American beech sapling density doubled between the two sampling periods, while densities of both maple species declined by half. Our results will help scientists and managers by providing insight into potential future composition of currently oak-dominated forests in areas without active management intervention.
Form factors and decay of B̄s0 → J/ψϕ from QCD sum rule
Authors: Peng Ying-Quan , Yang Mao-Zhi
Published: June 2020

We calculate [Formula: see text] translation form factors [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] based on QCD sum rule and study the nonleptonic two-body decay of [Formula: see text] with the form factors obtained. We calculate the time-integrated branching ratio of [Formula: see text] decay. The results for both the total branching ratio and the cases for the final vectors in longitudinal and transverse polarizations are consistent with experimental data.
Covariant reduction of classical Hamiltonian Field Theories: From D’Alembert to Klein–Gordon and Schrödinger
Authors: Ciaglia F. M. , Di Cosmo F. , Ibort A. , Marmo G. , Schiavone L.
Published: June 2020

A novel reduction procedure for covariant classical field theories, reflecting the generalized symplectic reduction theory of Hamiltonian systems, is presented. The departure point of this reduction procedure consists in the choice of a submanifold of the manifold of solutions of the equations describing a field theory. Then, the covariance of the geometrical objects involved, will allow to define equations of motion on a reduced space. The computation of the canonical geometrical structure is performed neatly by using the geometrical framework provided by the multisymplectic description of covariant field theories. The procedure is illustrated by reducing the D’Alembert theory on a five-dimensional Minkowski space-time to a massive Klein–Gordon theory in four dimensions and, more interestingly, to the Schrödinger equation in 3 + 1 dimensions.
Fractal FRW model within domain wall
Authors: Pawar D. D. , Raut D. K. , Patil W. D.
Published: June 2020

In this paper an attempt has been made to study the flat fractal Friedmann–Robertson–Walker model filled with domain walls. We have obtained the fractal equation of deceleration parameter and tension of the domain wall. It is observed that, while domain walls exist at early times, they disappear at late time. Finally, some physical parameters of the model are discussed using graphs.
Lattice AdS geometry and continuum limit
Authors: Ma Chen-Te
Published: June 2020

We construct the lattice AdS geometry. The lattice AdS2 geometry and AdS3 geometry can be extended from the lattice AdS2 induced metric, which provided the lattice Schwarzian theory at the classical limit. Then we use the lattice embedding coordinates to rewrite the lattice AdS2 geometry and AdS3 geometry with the manifest isometry. The lattice AdS2 geometry can be obtained from the lattice AdS3 geometry through the compactification without the lattice artifact. The lattice embedding coordinates can also be used in the higher-dimensional AdS geometry. Because the lattice Schwarzian theory does not suffer from the issue of the continuum limit, the lattice AdS2 geometry can be obtained from the higher-dimensional AdS geometry through the compactification, and the lattice AdS metric does not depend on the angular coordinates, we expect that the continuum limit should exist in the lattice Einstein gravity theory from this geometric lattice AdS geometry. Finally, we apply this lattice construction to construct the holographic tensor network without the issue of a continuum limit.
Prime alternating knots of minimal warping degree two
Authors: Shimizu Ayaka
Published: June 2020

The warping degree of an oriented knot diagram is the minimal number of crossing changes which are required to obtain a monotone diagram from the diagram. The minimal warping degree of a knot is the minimal value of the warping degree for all oriented minimal diagrams of the knot. In this paper, all prime alternating knots with minimal warping degree two are determined.
Towards an Entrepreneurial University: Case of Tunisia
Authors: Sidrat Sawsen , Boujelbene Younes
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we shed light on the entrepreneurial university in Tunisia through a quantitative survey of 532 heads of Tunisian universities to explore, identify and understand the factors that help a Tunisian university to become an entrepreneurial one. Our results showed that to become entrepreneurial, the university should adopt an entrepreneurial orientation, in other words, it should be innovative, autonomous, proactive, risk taker and competitive. In this context, a proposed conceptual model can be used as a tool for the universities wishing to initiate and implement an entrepreneurial orientation policy.
VIX VERSUS VXX: A JOINT ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK
Authors: GRASSELLI MARTINO , WAGALATH LAKSHITHE
Published: June 2020

We propose a framework for modeling in a consistent manner the VIX index and the VXX, an exchange-traded note written on the VIX. Our study enables to link the properties of VXX to those of the VIX in a tractable way. In particular, we quantify the systematic loss observed empirically for VXX when the VIX futures term-structure is in contango and we derive option prices, implied volatilities and skews of VXX from those of VIX in infinitesimal developments. We also perform a calibration on real data which highlights the flexibility of our model in fitting the futures and the vanilla options market of VIX and VXX. Our framework can be used to model other exchange-traded notes on the VIX as well as any market where exchange-traded notes have been introduced on a reference index, hence providing tools to better anticipate and quantify systematic behavior of an exchange-traded note with respect to the underlying index.
The hidden null structure of the compressible Euler equations and a prelude to applications
Authors: Luk Jonathan , Speck Jared
Published: June 2020

We derive a new formulation of the compressible Euler equations exhibiting remarkable structures, including surprisingly good null structures. The new formulation comprises covariant wave equations for the Cartesian components of the velocity and the logarithmic density coupled to transport equations for the Cartesian components of the specific vorticity, defined to be vorticity divided by density. The equations allow one to use the full power of the geometric vectorfield method in treating the “wave part” of the system. A crucial feature of the new formulation is that all derivative-quadratic inhomogeneous terms verify the strong null condition. The latter is a nonlinear condition signifying the complete absence of nonlinear interactions involving more than one differentiation in a direction transversal to the acoustic characteristics. Moreover, the same good structures are found in the equations verified by the Euclidean divergence and curl of the specific vorticity. This is important because one needs to combine estimates for the divergence and curl with elliptic estimates to obtain sufficient regularity for the specific vorticity, whose derivatives appear as inhomogeneous terms in the wave equations. The structures described above collectively open the door for our companion results, in which we exhibit a stable regime of initially smooth solutions that develop a shock singularity. In particular, the first Cartesian coordinate partial derivatives of the velocity and density blow up, while relative to a system of geometric coordinates adapted to the acoustic characteristics, the solution (including the vorticity) remains many times differentiable, all the way up to the shock. The good null structures, which are often associated with global solutions, are in fact key to proving that the shock singularity forms. Our secondary goal in this paper is to provide an overview of the central role that the structures play in the proof.
Development of singularities of the Skyrme model
Authors: McNulty Michael
Published: June 2020

The Skyrme model is a geometric field theory and a quasilinear modification of the Nonlinear Sigma Model (Wave Maps). In this paper, we study the development of singularities for the equivariant Skyrme Model, in the strong-field limit, where the restoration of scale invariance allows us to look for self-similar blow-up behavior. After introducing the Skyrme Model and reviewing what’s known about formation of singularities in equivariant Wave Maps, we prove the existence of smooth self-similar solutions to the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Skyrme Model in the strong-field limit, and use that to conclude that the solution to the corresponding Cauchy problem blows-up in finite time, starting from a particular class of everywhere smooth initial data.
Global well-posedness and self-similarity for semilinear wave equations in a time-weighted framework of Besov type
Authors: Ferreira Lucas C. F. , Pérez-López Jhean E.
Published: June 2020

We show global-in-time well-posedness and self-similarity for the semilinear wave equation with nonlinearity [Formula: see text] in a time-weighted framework based on the larger family of homogeneous Besov spaces [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. As a consequence, in some cases of the power [Formula: see text], we cover a initial-data class larger than in some previous results. Our approach relies on dispersive-type estimates and a suitable [Formula: see text]-product estimate in Besov spaces.
A Study on Information-Preserving Schema Transformations
Authors: Ndefo Nonyelum , Franconi Enrico
Published: June 2020

The problem of determining the relative information capacity between two knowledge bases or schemas, of the same or different models, is inherent when implementing schema transformations. When restructuring one schema into another, one expects that the schema transformation supports the complete and correct mapping of all the information contents from the source schema to the target schema. Such a characteristic is commonly referred to as information capacity preservation or schema dominance. This paper presents a formal and constructive approach to measure the relative information capacity, in the restricted case of first-order schemas related by first-order mappings. It complements the existing definitions of information capacity preservation from the perspective of model theory, showing the exact relationships among the constraints of the involved schemas, the mappings between the components of these schemas, and the database states which the schemas admit. Since satisfying some sort of schema equivalence property is essential in areas such as database conceptual design and database reverse engineering, our approach allows us to characterize the notion of normalization in database design. We review the current literature concerning database normal forms and decompositions. We also review the process of reverse engineering a database schema. In addition, we provide deeper insight into database reverse engineering methodologies, suggesting horizontal decompositions as a useful tool for facilitating the discovery of more specific objects and relationships in the conceptualization phase of the process. With the aid of simple examples, we show the essence behind our reasoning. We discuss the need for an unambiguous means through which objects in the output schema can be identified. Ultimately, the knowledge this paper ensues will be beneficial to database engineers in performing a correct schema transformation.
Chapter 1 Introduction to Geological Hazards in the UK: Their Occurrence, Monitoring and Mitigation
Authors: Giles David Peter
Published: June 2020

The UK is perhaps unique globally in that it presents the full spectrum of geological time, stratigraphy and associated lithologies within its boundaries. With this wide range of geological assemblages comes a wide range of geological hazards, whether geophysical (earthquakes, effects of volcanic eruptions, tsunami, landslides), geotechnical (collapsible, compressible, liquefiable, shearing, swelling and shrinking soils), geochemical (dissolution, radon and methane gas hazards) or related to georesources (coal, chalk and other mineral extraction). An awareness of these hazards and the risks that they pose is a key requirement of the engineering geologist. This volume sets out to define and explain these geohazards, to detail their detection, monitoring and management, and to provide a basis for further research and understanding, all within a UK context.
Chapter 10 Periglacial geohazards in the UK
Authors: Berry T. W. , Fish P. R. , Price S. J. , Hadlow N. W.
Published: June 2020

Almost all areas of the UK have been affected by periglaciation during the Quaternary and, as such, relict periglacial geohazards can provide a significant technical and commercial risk for many civil engineering projects. The processes and products associated with periglaciation in the relict periglacial landscape of the UK are described in terms of their nature and distribution, the hazards they pose to engineering projects, and how they might be monitored and mitigated. A periglacial landsystems classification is applied here to show its application to the assessment of ground engineering hazards within upland and lowland periglacial geomorphological terrains. Techniques for the early identification of the susceptibility of a site to periglacial geohazards are discussed. These include the increased availability of high-resolution aerial imagery such as Google Earth, which has proved to be a valuable tool in periglacial geohazard identification when considered in conjunction with the more usual sources of desk study information such as geological, geomorphological and topographical publications. Descriptions of periglacial geohazards and how they might impact engineering works are presented, along with suggestions for possible monitoring and remediation strategies.
Chapter 13 Hazards associated with mining and mineral exploitation in Cornwall and Devon, SW England
Authors: Gamble B. , Anderson M. , Griffiths J. S.
Published: June 2020

The largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK is found in Cornwall and west Devon, and its designation is based specifically on its heritage for metalliferous mining, especially tin, copper and arsenic. With a history of over 2000 years of mining, SW England is exceptional in the nature and extent of its mining landscape. The mining for metallic ores, and more recently for kaolin, is a function of the distinctive geology of the region. The mining hazards that are encountered in areas of metallic mines are a function of: the Paleozoic rocks; the predominant steeply dipping nature of mineral veins and consequent shaft mining; the great depth and complexity of some of the mines; the waste derived from processing metallic ores; the long history of exploitation; and the contamination associated with various by-products of primary ore-processing, refining and smelting, notably arsenic. The hazards associated with kaolin mining are mainly related to the volume of the inert waste products and the need to maintain stable spoil tips, and the depth of the various tailings’ ponds and pits. The extent of mining in Cornwall and Devon has resulted in the counties being leaders in mining heritage preservation and the treatment and remediation of mining-related hazards.
Chapter 14 Geological hazards from salt mining, brine extraction and natural salt dissolution in the UK
Authors: Cooper Anthony H.
Published: June 2020

Salt mining along with natural and human-induced salt dissolution affects the ground over Permian and Triassic strata in the UK. In England, subsidence caused by salt mining, brine extraction and natural dissolution is known to have occurred in parts of Cheshire (including Northwich, Nantwich, Middlewich), Stafford, Blackpool, Preesall, Droitwich and Teeside/Middlesbrough; it also occurs around Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland. Subsidence ranges from rapid and catastrophic failure to gentle sagging of the ground, both forms being problematical for development, drainage and the installation of assets and infrastructure such as ground source heat pumps. This paper reviews the areas affected by salt subsidence and details the mitigation measures that have been used; the implications for planning in such areas are also considered.
Chapter 15 Dissolution – carbonates
Authors: Edmonds Clive N.
Published: June 2020

The dissolution of limestone and chalk (soluble carbonates) through geological time can lead to the creation of naturally formed cavities in the rock. The cavities can be air, water, rock or soil infilled and can occur at shallow levels within the carbonate rock surface or at deeper levels below. Depending upon the geological sequence, as the cavities break down and become unstable they can cause overlying rock strata to settle and tilt and also collapse of non-cemented strata and superficial deposits as voids migrate upwards to the surface. Natural cavities can be present in a stable or potentially unstable condition. The latter may be disturbed and triggered to cause ground instability by the action of percolating water, loading or vibration. The outcrops of various limestones and chalk occur widely across the UK, posing a significant subsidence hazard to existing and new land development and people. In addition to subsidence they can also create a variety of other problems such as slope instability, generate pathways for pollutants and soil gas to travel along and impact all manner of engineering works. Knowledge of natural cavities is essential for planning, development control and the construction of safe development.
Chapter 16 Geohazards caused by gypsum and anhydrite in the UK: including dissolution, subsidence, sinkholes and heave
Authors: Cooper Anthony H.
Published: June 2020

Gypsum and anhydrite are both soluble minerals that form rocks that can dissolve at the surface and underground, producing sulphate karst and causing geological hazards, especially subsidence and sinkholes. The dissolution rates of these minerals are rapid and cavities/caves can enlarge and collapse on a human time scale. In addition, the hydration and recrystallization of anhydrite to gypsum can cause considerable expansion and pressures capable of causing uplift and heave. Sulphate-rich water associated with the deposits can react with concrete and be problematic for construction. This paper reviews the occurrence of gypsum and anhydrite in the near surface of the UK and looks at methods for mitigating, avoiding and planning for the problems associated with these rocks.
Chapter 3 Tsunami hazard with reference to the UK
Authors: Giles David Peter
Published: June 2020

Tsunami present a significant geohazard to coastal and water-body marginal communities worldwide. Tsunami, a Japanese word, describes a series of waves that, once generated, travel across open water with exceptionally long wavelengths and with very high velocities before shortening and slowing on arrival at a coastal zone. Upon reaching land, these waves can have a devastating effect on the people and infrastructure in those environments. With over 12 000 km of coastline, the British Isles is vulnerable to the tsunami hazard. A significant number of potential tsunami source areas are present around the entire landmass, from plate tectonic boundaries off the Iberian Peninsula to the major submarine landslides in the northern North Sea to more localized coastal cliff instability which again has the potential to generate a tsunami. Tsunami can be generated through a variety of mechanisms including the sudden displacement of the sea floor in a seismic event as well as submarine and onshore landslides displacing a mass of water. This review presents those impacts together with a summary of tsunami triggers and UK case histories from the known historic catalogue. Currently, apart from some very sensitive installations, there is very little in the UK in the way of tsunami management and mitigation strategies. A situation that should be urgently addressed both on a local and national level.
Chapter 6 Collapsible Soils in the UK
Authors: Culshaw M. G. , Northmore K. J. , Jefferson I. , Assadi-Langroudi A. , Bell F. G.
Published: June 2020

Metastable soils may collapse because of the nature of their fabric. Generally speaking, these soils have porous textures, high void ratios and low densities. They have high apparent strengths at their natural moisture content, but large reductions of void ratio take place upon wetting and, particularly, when they are loaded because bonds between grains break down upon saturation. Worldwide, there is a range of natural soils that are metastable and can collapse, including loess, residual soils derived from the weathering of acid igneous rocks and from volcanic ashes and lavas, rapidly deposited and then desiccated debris flow materials such as some alluvial fans; for example, in semi-arid basins, colluvium from some semi-arid areas and cemented, high salt content soils such as some sabkhas. In addition, some artificial non-engineered fills can also collapse. In the UK, the main type of collapsible soil is loess, though collapsible non-engineered fills also exist. Loess in the UK can be identified from geological maps, but care is needed because it is usually mapped as ‘brickearth’. This is an inappropriate term and it is suggested here that it should be replaced, where the soils consist of loess, by the term ‘loessic brickearth’. Loessic brickearth in the UK is found mainly in the south east, south and south west of England, where thicknesses greater than 1 m are found. Elsewhere, thicknesses are usually less than 1 m and, consequently, of limited engineering significance. There are four steps in dealing with the potential risks to engineering posed by collapsible soils: (1) identification of the presence of a potentially collapsible soil using geological and geomorphological information; (2) classification of the degree of collapsibility, including the use of indirect correlations; (3) quantification of the degree of collapsibility using laboratory and/or
in situ
testing; (4) improvement of the collapsible soil using a number of engineering options.
Chapter 7 Quick clay behaviour in sensitive Quaternary marine clays – a UK perspective
Authors: Giles David Peter
Published: June 2020

The term quick clay has been used to denote the behaviour of highly sensitive Quaternary marine clays that, due to post depositional processes, have the tendency to change from a relatively stiff condition to a liquid mass when disturbed. On failure these marine clays can rapidly mobilise into high velocity flow slides and spreads often completely liquefying in the process. For a clay to be defined as potentially behaving as a quick clay in terms of its geotechnical parameters it must have a sensitivity (the ratio of undisturbed to remoulded shear strength) of greater than 30 together with a remoulded shear strength of less than 0.5 kPa. The presence of quick clays in the UK is unclear, but the Quaternary history of the British islands suggests that the precursor conditions for their formation could be present and should be considered when undertaking construction in the coastal zone.
Fast Dimensional Analysis for Root Cause Investigation in a Large-Scale Service Environment
Authors: Lin Fred , Muzumdar Keyur , Laptev Nikolay Pavlovich , Curelea Mihai-Valentin , Lee Seunghak , Sankar Sriram
Published: June 2020

Root cause analysis in a large-scale production environment is challenging due to the complexity of the services running across global data centers. Due to the distributed nature of a large-scale system, the various hardware, software, and tooling logs are often maintained separately, making it difficult to review the logs jointly for understanding production issues. Another challenge in reviewing the logs for identifying issues is the scale - there could easily be millions of entities, each described by hundreds of features. In this paper we present a fast dimensional analysis framework that automates the root cause analysis on structured logs with improved scalability. We first explore item-sets, i.e. combinations of feature values, that could identify groups of samples with sufficient support for the target failures using the Apriori algorithm and a subsequent improvement, FP-Growth. These algorithms were designed for frequent item-set mining and association rule learning over transactional databases. After applying them on structured logs, we select the item-sets that are most unique to the target failures based on lift. We propose pre-processing steps with the use of a large-scale real-time database and post-processing techniques and parallelism to further speed up the analysis and improve interpretability, and demonstrate that such optimization is necessary for handling large-scale production datasets. We have successfully rolled out this approach for root cause investigation purposes within Facebook's infrastructure. We also present the setup and results from multiple production use cases in this paper.
3D Morphable Face Models—Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Egger Bernhard , Smith William A. P. , Tewari Ayush , Wuhrer Stefanie , Zollhoefer Michael , Beeler Thabo , Bernard Florian , Bolkart Timo , Kortylewski Adam , Romdhani Sami , Theobalt Christian , Blanz Volker , Vetter Thomas
Published: June 2020

In this article, we provide a detailed survey of 3D Morphable Face Models over the 20 years since they were first proposed. The challenges in building and applying these models, namely, capture, modeling, image formation, and image analysis, are still active research topics, and we review the state-of-the-art in each of these areas. We also look ahead, identifying unsolved challenges, proposing directions for future research, and highlighting the broad range of current and future applications.
Life and Times in Engineering and Chemical Engineering
Authors: Davidson J.F.
Published: June 2020

John Davidson was widely recognized as the founding father of fluidization in chemical engineering. He was a great thinker and had a tremendous ability to distill complicated problems into much simpler concepts. Much of his thinking was set out, along with that of his coauthor David Harrison, in their book Fluidised Particles, first published in 1963, a book that is still used today. John was still coming into his office in Cambridge until the very last weeks of his life, where he continued to work with final-year undergraduates and graduate students. Fluidization, and two-phase flows, continued to fascinate him, and that enthusiasm was transmitted to those around him. The following article was the last work that he wrote and was very much a reflection on his life and career. John passed away on Christmas Day 2019, with the article in its final stages of preparation.
H2S as a potential defense against COVID-19?
Authors: Yang Guangdong
Published: June 2020

The outbreak of COVID-19 pneumonia caused by a new coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2) is posing a global health emergency and has led to more than 380,000 deaths worldwide. The cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 depends on two host proteins angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). There is currently no vaccine available and also no effective drug for the treatment of COVID-19. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a novel gasotransmitter has been shown to protect against lung damage via its anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, antiviral, prosurvival, and antiaging effects. In light of the research advances on H2S signaling in biology and medicine, this review proposed H2S as a potential defense against COVID-19. It is suggested that H2S may block SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells by interfering with ACE2 and TMPRSS2, inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by attenuating virus assembly/release, and protect SARS-CoV-2-induced lung damage by suppressing immune response and inflammation development. Preclinical studies and clinical trials with slow-releasing H2S donor(s) or the activators of endogenous H2S-generating enzymes should be considered as a preventative treatment or therapy for COVID-19.
Fecal microbiota transplantation from high caloric-fed donors alters glucose metabolism in recipient mice, independently of adiposity or exercise status
Authors: Zoll Jereon , Read Mark N. , Heywood Sarah E. , Estevez Emma , Marshall Jessica P. S. , Kammoun Helene L. , Allen Tamara L. , Holmes Andrew J. , Febbraio Mark A. , Henstridge Darren C.
Published: June 2020

Studies suggest the gut microbiota contributes to the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Exercise alters microbiota composition and diversity and is protective of these maladies. We tested whether the protective metabolic effects of exercise are mediated through fecal components through assessment of body composition and metabolism in recipients of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from exercise-trained (ET) mice fed normal or high-energy diets. Donor C57BL/6J mice were fed a chow or high-fat, high-sucrose diet (HFHS) for 4 wk to induce obesity and glucose intolerance. Mice were divided into sedentary (Sed) or ET groups (6 wk treadmill-based ET) while maintaining their diets, resulting in four donor groups: chow sedentary (NC-Sed) or ET (NC-ET) and HFHS sedentary (HFHS-Sed) or ET (HFHS-ET). Chow-fed recipient mice were gavaged with feces from the respective donor groups weekly, creating four groups (NC-Sed-R, NC-ET-R, HFHS-Sed-R, HFHS-ET-R), and body composition and metabolism were assessed. The HFHS diet led to glucose intolerance and obesity in the donors, whereas exercise training (ET) restrained adiposity and improved glucose tolerance. No donor group FMT altered recipient body composition. Despite unaltered adiposity, glucose levels were disrupted when challenged in mice receiving feces from HFHS-fed donors, irrespective of donor-ET status, with a decrease in insulin-stimulated glucose clearance into white adipose tissue and large intestine and specific changes in the recipient’s microbiota composition observed. FMT can transmit HFHS-induced disrupted glucose metabolism to recipient mice independently of any change in adiposity. However, the protective metabolic effect of ET on glucose metabolism is not mediated through fecal factors.
NOD2 in hepatocytes engages a liver-gut axis to protect against steatosis, fibrosis, and gut dysbiosis during fatty liver disease in mice
Authors: Cavallari Joseph F. , Pokrajac Nenad T. , Zlitni Soumaya , Foley Kevin P. , Henriksbo Brandyn D. , Schertzer Jonathan D.
Published: June 2020

Obesity promotes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The intestinal microbiota contributes to NAFLD progression through a gut-to-liver pathway that promotes inflammation and fibrosis. Gut microbiota-derived factors can travel to the liver and activate immune responses in liver resident cells to promote inflammation and NAFLD. Little is known about bacterial sensors or immune responses that can protect against NAFLD. We tested whether the bacterial cell wall sensor nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing (NOD)2 protects against diet-induced NAFLD in mice. Whole body deletion of NOD2 exacerbated liver steatosis and fibrosis in mice fed a NAFLD-promoting diet. Mice with a hepatocyte-specific deletion of NOD2 ( Nod2−/−HKO) also had higher liver steatosis and fibrosis compared with littermate wild-type mice (WT) fed a NAFLD-promoting diet. Hepatocyte-specific NOD2 deletion altered the composition of the gut microbiome. Nod2−/−HKO mice had increased relative abundance of Clostridiales and lower Erysipelotrichaceae among other changes in cecal bacteria compared with littermate WT mice. Hepatocyte-specific NOD2 deletion altered a transcriptional program of liver inflammation, metabolism, and fibrosis. Nod2−/−HKO mice had higher levels of transcripts involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Nod2−/−HKO mice had higher transcript levels of transforming growth factor-β and collagen isoforms, which coincided with higher levels of liver collagen compared with WT mice. These data show that bacterial cell wall sensing within hepatocytes can engage retrograde cross-talk from the liver to the gut, where liver immunity communicates with the gut to influence the intestinal host-microbe relationship during diet-induced NAFLD, and NOD2 within the hepatocyte confers protection from liver steatosis and fibrosis.
Genetic Analysis of 25 Patients with 5α‐Reductase Deficiency in Chinese Population
Authors: Han Bing , Cheng Tong , Zhu Hui , Yu Jie , Zhu Wen-jiao , Song Huai-dong , Yao Haijun , Qiao Jie
Published: June 2020

Background. A deficiency in steroid 5α‐reductase type 2 is an autosomal recessive disorder. Affected individuals manifested ambiguous genitalia, which is caused by decreased dihydrotestosterone (DHT) synthesis in the fetus. Methods. We analyzed 25 patients with 5α‐reductase deficiency in China. Seventeen of the 25 patients (68%) were initially raised as females. Sixteen patients changed their social gender from female to male after puberty. Results. Eighteen mutations were identified in these patients. p.Gly203Ser and p.Gln6∗ were found to be the most prevalent mutations. On the basis of the genotype of these patients, we divided them into different groups. There was no significant difference in hormone levels and external masculinization score (EMS) in patients with or without these prevalent mutations. Twelve common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the p.Gln6∗ mutation were chosen for haplotype analysis. Three haplotypes were observed in 6 patients who had the p.Gln6∗ mutation (12 alleles). Conclusion. We analyzed mutations of the SRD5A2 gene in Chinese patients with 5α‐reductase deficiency. Although hotspot mutations exist, no founder effect of prevalent mutations in the SRD5A2 gene was detected in the Chinese population.
MHD Nonlinear Mixed Convection Flow of Micropolar Nanofluid over Nonisothermal Sphere
Authors: Ibrahim Wubshet , Zemedu Chaluma
Published: June 2020

In this paper, two-dimensional steady laminar boundary layer flow of a nonlinear mixed convection flow of micropolar nanofluid with Soret and magnetic field effect over a nonisothermal sphere is evaluated. The mathematical formulation for the flow problem has been made with appropriate similarity transformation and dimensionless variables, and the main nonlinear boundary value problems were reduced into mixed high-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Solution for velocity, microrotation, temperature, and concentration has been obtained numerically. The equations were calculated using method bvp4c from Matlab software for various quantities of main parameters. The effects of various parameters on skin friction coefficient f″0, wall duo stress coefficient -G′0, and convection mass transfer coefficient -Φ′0 are analysed and presented through the graphs and tables. The convergence test has been maintained. For the number of points greater than the suitable mesh number of points, the precision is not influenced but the set time is increased. Moreover, a comparison with a previous paper, obtainable in the literature, has been presented and an excellent agreement is obtained. The findings indicate that an increase in the values of nonisothermal parameters (m, P), magnetic Ma, thermal and solutal nonlinear convection (λ, s) parameter, and Soret number is to enhance the temperature difference between the boundary layer and ambient fluid to diffuse which increases the velocity profile f′ζ and their boundary layer thicknesses near the surface of the sphere.
Muscle Fatigue‐Alleviating Effects of a Prescription Composed of Polygonati Rhizoma and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma
Authors: Yang Ya-Qin , Li Yan-Qin , Yu Li-Ping , Li Xue , Mu Jian-Kang , Shang Jin , Gu Wen , Li Jing-Ping , Yu Jie , Yang Xing-Xin
Published: June 2020

Long‐term muscle fatigue is a major cause of injury. Drugs/nutrients from herbal medicines that prevent fatigue remain a major research focus. In China, a prescription composed of Polygonati Rhizoma and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma has been commonly used as a herb and food nutrient, providing protection against fatigue in the clinic. To date, the mechanisms through which this prescription prevented fatigue are unknown. Here, we identified the effects of this prescription on muscle fatigue based on energy and oxidation regulation. Fatigue mouse models were produced through weight‐bearing exhaustive swimming. Mice were intragastrically administered prescription extracts (1 and 2 g/kg) for four weeks. Changes in exhaustive swimming times, antifatigue biochemical indicators, oxidative status, and energy metabolism were investigated. The prescription prolonged the exhaustive swimming time of the mice. The content of lactic acid and blood urea nitrogen in the serum was also markedly reduced by the prescription. The content of liver glycogen and lactate dehydrogenase in the serum increased. The prescription also significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The levels of ATPase, complexes I and II in the mitochondria of hind‐leg skeletal muscle, and serum creatine kinase also increased in response to the prescription. Our results indicated that the prescription could effectively alleviate muscle fatigue status by promoting energy metabolism and antioxidation ability. The prescription therefore represents a useful drug/nutrient strategy to alleviate muscle fatigue.
Outcome of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Young Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Liu Dan , Chen Di , Tan Qian , Xia Xiaobo , Jiang Haibo , Jiang Jian
Published: June 2020

Purpose. To determine the effectiveness and safety of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in young patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). Methods. This was a retrospective clinical study. Fifty-six eyes from 56 young (age ≤ 40 y) patients with POAG or OHT treated with SLT were included. According to age, patients were divided into group 1 and group 2. Patients in group 1 were younger than 18 years old, and patients in group 2 were between 18 and 40 years old. Patients were evaluated before treatment and at 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after treatment. We also collected older patients (age ≥ 60 y) who received SLT during the same period for comparison at 1-year follow-up. Possible factors affecting the success of SLT, including baseline IOP, age, sex, diagnosis (POAG or OHT), and whether or not use of antiglaucoma medication before treatment, were analyzed. Results. SLT treatment produced significant reduction in IOP in the young patients with POAG or OHT during the 1-year follow-up period（P<0.05）. Mean IOP at 1 hour after SLT was lower in group 1 than in group 2 (P<0.01), but at other follow-up time points, IOP values were not different (P>0.05). IOP reduction and success rate were not significantly different between young and old patients at 1 year after treatment. IOP measurements over a 24-hour period were recorded before and after the SLT in 20 young adult patients. IOP values were significantly lower in the treated patients at all time points than at pretreatment (P<0.05), and 24-hour mean IOP, peak IOP, valley IOP, and fluctuation in IOP were also lower in SLT-treated patients (P<0.05). Baseline IOP was found as a predictor of SLT success in young patients (OR = 1.895, P=0.003), whereas age, gender, diagnosis, and whether or not use of antiglaucoma medication were not correlated with SLT success (P=0.725, P=0.750, P=0.061, and P=0.201, respectively). Conclusion. In this study, SLT was found as an effective and safe treatment for young patients with POAG and OHT. High baseline IOP predicted high SLT success.
(–)-Epicatechin Modulates Mitochondrial Redox in Vascular Cell Models of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Keller Amy , Hull Sara E. , Elajaili Hanan , Johnston Aspen , Knaub Leslie A. , Chun Ji Hye , Walker Lori , Nozik-Grayck Eva , Reusch Jane E. B.
Published: June 2020

Diabetes mellitus affects 451 million people worldwide, and people with diabetes are 3-5 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. In vascular tissue, mitochondrial function is important for vasoreactivity. Diabetes-mediated generation of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) may contribute to vascular dysfunction via damage to mitochondria and regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). We have identified (–)-epicatechin (EPICAT), a plant compound and known vasodilator, as a potential therapy. We hypothesized that mitochondrial ROS in cells treated with antimycin A (AA, a compound targeting mitochondrial complex III) or high glucose (HG, global perturbation) could be normalized by EPICAT, and correlate with improved mitochondrial dynamics and cellular signaling. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with HG, AA, and/or 0.1 or 1.0 μM of EPICAT. Mitochondrial and cellular superoxide, mitochondrial respiration, and cellular signaling upstream of mitochondrial function were assessed. EPICAT at 1.0 μM significantly attenuated mitochondrial superoxide in HG-treated cells. At 0.1 μM, EPICAT nonsignificantly increased mitochondrial respiration, agreeing with previous reports. EPICAT significantly increased complex I expression in AA-treated cells, and 1.0 μM EPICAT significantly decreased mitochondrial complex V expression in HG-treated cells. No significant effects were seen on either AMPK or eNOS expression. Our study suggests that EPICAT is useful in mitigating moderate ROS concentrations from a global perturbation and may modulate mitochondrial complex activity. Our data illustrate that EPICAT acts in the cell in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrating hormesis.
Traffic Incident Clearance Time Prediction and Influencing Factor Analysis Using Extreme Gradient Boosting Model
Authors: Tang Jinjun , Zheng Lanlan , Han Chunyang , Liu Fang , Cai Jianming
Published: June 2020

Accurate prediction and reliable significant factor analysis of incident clearance time are two main objects of traffic incident management (TIM) system, as it could help to relieve traffic congestion caused by traffic incidents. This study applies the extreme gradient boosting machine algorithm (XGBoost) to predict incident clearance time on freeway and analyze the significant factors of clearance time. The XGBoost integrates the superiority of statistical and machine learning methods, which can flexibly deal with the nonlinear data in high-dimensional space and quantify the relative importance of the explanatory variables. The data collected from the Washington Incident Tracking System in 2011 are used in this research. To investigate the potential philosophy hidden in data,K-means is chosen to cluster the data into two clusters. The XGBoost is built for each cluster. Bayesian optimization is used to optimize the parameters of XGBoost, and the MAPE is considered as the predictive indicator to evaluate the prediction performance. A comparative study confirms that the XGBoost outperforms other models. In addition, response time, AADT (annual average daily traffic), incident type, and lane closure type are identified as the significant explanatory variables for clearance time.