bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Under pressure: predation risk defining mating investment in matured spider mite Tetranychus urticae

Authors: Rocha Matheus S. , Celada Lívia A. , Rodrigues Everton N. L. , Costa-schmidt Luiz E.
Published: August 2020

The emergence of anti-predatory strategies for prey survival are ruled by the minimization of the encounters/interactions with potential predators, but at the same time by maximizing the access to limiting resources such as food or mating partners. Cues indicating predatory activity influence decision-making activities in the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae, such as dispersion, foraging activities, and reproductive effort.  However, anti-predatory strategies studied in spider mites generally considers mainly the female perspective (e.g. oviposition), leaving a gap in how T. urticae couples deal with predatory risk. Here, through laboratory experiments, we observed that matured spider mite couples were only affected by predation risk during the pre-copulatory stages of the mating process, especially when deciding to proceed in a mating opportunity. The mating performance of individuals was independent of their exposure to predation risk, suggesting that couples would adopt full investment behavior after opting to proceed in a mating attempt. Though our working hypothesis predicted predation risk interference throughout the entire mating process, we conclude that decision-making activities by spider mite during pre-copulatory stages act independently from copulatory stages associated to insemination.
Temperature-dependent development and life table parameters of Schizotetranychus smirnovi (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Almond

Authors: Saeidi Zarir , Nemati Alireza , Riahi Elham
Published: August 2020

In the current study, development, reproduction, and longevity of Schizotetranychus smirnovi Wainstein concerning seven different temperatures including 13±1, 15±1, 20± 1, 25±1, 27±1, 30 ±1 and 35 ±1°C, relative humidity 50 ± 10 % and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h. were investigated. Due to mite inability to settle on leaf disk, almond young branches were used for conducting life table experiments. Our results indicated that higher and lower temperatures caused a steeper decline in survivorship. The highest survival rate was observed at 25 and 27°C. The mean total development time was significantly decreased with increasing the temperatures; while adult longevity for both female and males significantly decreased. Furthermore, offspring production did not occur at 35°C. The highest values of the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were 0.2563 and 1.2922 d-1 at 27°C, while their lowest values were obtained at 13°C. Again high temperature (30°C) caused a decline in both the reproductive rate and growth rate of this mite species. The longest mean generation time (T) (58.55 d) was at 13 °C and it declined significantly with increasing temperature. The most striking result emerging from our data is that 27°C is the most desirable temperature for not only development but also the reproduction of S. smirnovi. Finally, our obtained information provides a better understanding of the life history of S. smirnovi and its ability to survive and reproduce under different temperature regimes which can be used in the management of this pest.
Two new species of Galumna (Acari, Oribatida) from Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar

Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Starý Josef
Published: August 2020

Two new species of the subgenus Galumna (Galumna) (Oribatida, Galumnidae) are described from leaf litter of evergreen rain forest in eastern Madagascar. Galumna brevilineata sp. nov. differs from its closest species Galumna (Galumna) anuakensis Ermilov, 2019 and Galumna paracalcicola Ermilov & Anichkin 2014 by the length of interlamellar and lamellar setae, the localization of notogastral lyrifissures im, the ornamentation of anogenital region, the morphology of bothridial setae and postanal porose area, and the absence of median pore. Galumna (Galumna) paraarmatifera sp. nov. differs from its closest species Galumna armatifera Mahunka, 1996 by the morphology of bothridial setae and anal plates, and the length of circumpedal carinae. An identification key to species of Galumna (Galumna) of the calcicola-group (species with short lamellar lines) was presented.
Can a false vacuum bubble remove the singularity inside a black hole?
Authors: Brahma Suddhasattwa , Yeom Dong-han
Published: August 2020

We investigate a regular black hole model with a de Sitter-like core at its center. This type of a black hole model with a false vacuum core was introduced with the hope of singularity-resolution and is a common feature shared by many regular black holes. In this paper, we examine this claim of a singularity-free black hole by employing the thin-shell formalism, and exploring its dynamics, within the Vaidya approximation. We find that during gravitational collapse, the shell necessarily moves along a space-like direction. More interestingly, during the evaporation phase, the shell and the outer apparent horizon approach each other but, unless the evaporation takes place very rapidly, the approaching tendency is too slow to avoid singularity-formation. This shows that albeit a false vacuum core may remove the singularity along the ingoing null direction, there still exists a singularity along the outgoing null direction, unless the evaporation is very strong.
A weighted travel time index based on data from Uber Movement
Authors: Vieira Renato S. , Haddad Eduardo A.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we combine data from Uber Movement and from a representative household travel survey to constructs a weighted travel time index for the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo. The index is calculated based on the average travel time of Uber trips taken between each pair of traffic zone and in each hour between January 1st, 2016 to December 31, 2018. The index is weighted based on trips reported in a household travel survey that was designed to be statistically representative of all trips made in the city during a typical business day. We show that the index has a strong correlation with traditional measures of congestion, however, with a broader coverage of the road network. Finally, we use the index to run a multivariate ex-post analysis that estimates the effect of different events on traffic congestion in the city, including holidays, public transit strikes, road shutdowns, rain and major sport events.
Geodesic stability and quasi normal modes via Lyapunov exponent for Hayward black hole
Authors: Mondal Monimala , Pradhan Parthapratim , Rahaman Farook , Karar Indrani
Published: August 2020

We derive proper time Lyapunov exponent [Formula: see text] and coordinate time Lyapunov exponent [Formula: see text] for a regular Hayward class of black hole. The proper time corresponds to [Formula: see text] and the coordinate time corresponds to [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is measured by the asymptotic observers both for Hayward black hole and for special case of Schwarzschild black hole. We compute their ratio as [Formula: see text] for time-like geodesics. In the limit of [Formula: see text] that means for Schwarzschild black hole this ratio reduces to [Formula: see text]. Using Lyapunov exponent, we investigate the stability and instability of equatorial circular geodesics. By evaluating the Lyapunov exponent, which is the inverse of the instability time scale, we show that, in the eikonal limit, the real and imaginary parts of quasi-normal modes (QNMs) is specified by the frequency and instability time scale of the null circular geodesics. Furthermore, we discuss the unstable photon sphere and radius of shadow for this class of black hole.
NNLO compatibility between pQCD theory and phenomenology in determination of the b-quark pole and MS¯ running masses
Authors: Vafaee A. , Javidan K.
Published: August 2020

This contribution attempts to determine the [Formula: see text]-quark pole mass [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] running mass [Formula: see text] with two different approaches at the next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) corrections. At the first approach, we derive a relation between the [Formula: see text]-quark pole mass [Formula: see text] and its [Formula: see text] running mass [Formula: see text] at the NNLO corrections based on the perturbative Quantum Chromo Dynamics (pQCD) predictions. At the second approach, we extract numerical values of the [Formula: see text]-quark pole and [Formula: see text] running masses based on the NNLO phenomenology of H1 and ZEUS Collaborations combined beauty vertex production experimental data. Then we discuss about the compatibility between the pQCD theory results and phenomenology approach in determination of the [Formula: see text]-quark pole and [Formula: see text] running masses at the NNLO corrections. Also, we investigate the role and influence of the [Formula: see text]-quark mass as an extra degree of freedom added to the input parameters of the Standard Model Lagrangian, on the improvement of the uncertainty band of the proton parton distribution functions (PDFs) and particularly on the gluon distribution.
An exact black hole spacetime with scalar field and its shadow together with quasinormal modes
Authors: Yu Shuang , Gao Changjun
Published: August 2020

We find an exact black hole solution with a minimally coupled scalar field. The corresponding spacetime has two horizons and one of them is the black hole event horizon and the other is the cosmic horizon. In this sense, the solution is analogous to the Schwarzschild-de Sitter (or anti-de Sitter) spacetime. We investigate the thermodynamics and construct the first law of thermodynamics. At the same time, we make a study on the shadow and quasinormal modes of this black hole solution.
Curvaton: Perturbations and reheating
Authors: Sharma Mohit Kumar , Myrzakulov Kairat , Al Ajmi Mudhahir
Published: August 2020

We study chaotic and runaway potential inflationary models in the curvaton scenario. In particular, we address the issue of large tensor-to-scalar ratio and red-tilted spectrum in chaotic models and reheating in runaway model in the light of latest Planck results. We show that curvaton can easily circumvent these problems and is well applicable to both type of models. For chaotic models, the observable non-Gaussianity put strong constraints on the decay epoch of curvaton as well as on its field value around the horizon exit. Besides, it can also explain the observed red-tilt in the spectrum as a consequence of its negative mass-squared value. As for the runaway inflationary models, curvaton by sudden decay into the background radiation provides an efficient reheating mechanism, whereas the inflaton rolls down from its potential and enters into the kinetic regime. To this effect, we consider the generalized exponential potential and obtain the allowed parametric space for model parameters. From the estimates on inflaton parameters, we constrained the curvaton mass and then the reheating temperature. We constrained the latter for both dominating and sub-dominating case and show that it agrees with the nucleosynthesis constraint.
On the critical exponent of the one-dimensional Cucker–Smale model on a general graph
Authors: Ha Seung-Yeal , Li Zhuchun , Zhang Xiongtao
Published: August 2020

We study a critical exponent of the flocking behavior to the one-dimensional 1D Cucker–Smale (C–S) model with a regular inverse power law communication on a general network with a spanning tree. For this, we propose a new nonlinear functional which can control the velocity diameter and decays exponentially fast as time goes on. As an application of the time-evolution of the nonlinear functional, we show that the C–S model on a line exhibits a unique critical exponent for unconditional flocking on a general network so that this improves an earlier result [S.-Y. Ha and J.-G. Liu, A simple proof of Cucker–Smale flocking dynamics and mean field limit, Commun. Math. Sci. 7 (2009) 297–325.] on the all-to-all network. Our result also resolves the critical exponent conjecture posed in Cucker–Dong’s work [On the critical exponent for flocks under hierarchical leadership, Math. Models Methods Appl. Sci. 19 (2009) 1391–1404] for 1D setting. Emergent behavior of the C–S model is independent of the special structure of the underlying network, as long as it contains a spanning tree.
Descending chains of semistar operations
Authors: Choi Hyun Seung , McEldowney Timothy , Walker Andrew
Published: August 2020

A class of integer-valued functions defined on the set of ideals of an integral domain [Formula: see text] is investigated. We show that this class of functions, which we call ideal valuations, are in one-to-one correspondence with countable descending chains of finite type, stable semistar operations with largest element equal to the [Formula: see text]-operation. We use this class of functions to recover familiar semistar operations such as the [Formula: see text]-operation and to give a solution to a conjecture by Chapman and Glaz when the ring is a valuation domain.
A NEW CAD SYSTEM FOR BREAST CANCER CLASSIFICATION USING DISCRIMINATION POWER ANALYSIS OF WAVELET’S COEFFICIENTS AND SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE
Authors: BENHASSINE NASSER EDINNE , BOUKAACHE ABDELNOUR , BOUDJEHEM DJALIL
Published: August 2020

The Computer-Aided Diagnostic (CAD) system is an important tool that helps radiologists to provide a second opinion for the early detection of breast cancer and therefore, aids to reduce the mortality rates. In this work, we try to develop a new (CAD) system to classify mammograms into benign or malignant. The proposed system consists of three main steps. The preprocessing stage consists of noise filtering, elimination of unwanted objects and suppressing the pectoral muscle. The Seeded Region Growing (SRG) segmentation technique is applied in a triangular region that contains the pectoral muscle to localize it and extract the region of interest (ROI). The features extraction step is performed by applying the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to each obtained ROI, and the most discriminating coefficients are selected using the discrimination power analysis (DPA) method. Finally, the classification is carried out by the support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural networks (ANN), random forest (RF) and Naive Bayes (NB) classifiers. The evaluation of the proposed system on the mini-MIAS database shows its effectiveness compared to other recently published CAD systems, and a classification accuracy of about 99.41% with the SVM classifier was obtained.
MARKET ORIENTATION AND NEW PRODUCT SUCCESS RELATIONSHIP: THE ROLE OF INNOVATION CAPABILITY, ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY, GREEN BRAND POSITIONING
Authors: DOGBE COURAGE SIMON KOFI , BAMFO BYLON ABEEKU , POMEGBE WISDOM WISE KWABLA
Published: August 2020

We explored the mediating role of innovation capability in the relationship between market orientation and new product success; the moderating role of realised absorptive capacity in the relationship between market orientation and innovation capability; and finally, the moderating role of green brand positioning in the relationship between innovation capability and new product success. Empirical analysis was based on 329 manufacturing firms. Various validity and reliability checks were conducted before the presentation of the actual analysis, which was conducted using the ordinary least squares approach in SPSS (v.20). Findings supported all our three hypotheses for the study, thereby showing innovation capability, realised absorptive capacity and green brand positioning, are very critical in the market orientation-new product success relationship.
Helical vortices and wind turbine aerodynamics
Authors: Wood David H.
Published: August 2020

All rotating blades shed helical vortices which have a significant effect on the velocity over the blades and the forces acting on them. Nevertheless, knowledge of vortex behavior is not used in blade element theory (BET), the most common method to calculate the thrust produced by propellers and the power by wind turbines. Helical vortices of constant pitch and radius are also of fundamental interest as one of only three geometries that do not deform under their “self-induced” motion. This aspect of vortex theory is reviewed historically and the relationship with the forces acting on submerged bodies briefly reviewed. The development of helical vortex theory (HVT) in the 20th century is then described. It is shown that HVT allows BET to be used for a number of important problems that cannot be analyzed by current versions of the theory.
ECS PRimE 2020 paper Mike Tan
Authors: Tan Mike Yongjun
Published: August 2020

Localized corrosion is usually resulted from nonuniform electrochemical and chemical processes occurring on metal surfaces at different spatial and temporal scales, frequently influenced by large scale environmental complexities such as stray currents and nano- or micro-scale heterogeneous metallurgical structures/defects such as porosities in materials. In order to predict the corrosion of large infrastructure such as buried pipelines and to develop alloys with superior corrosion resistance, it is necessary to probe and understand multi-scale electrochemical and chemical processes. Unfortunately conventional electrochemical and surface analytical techniques have difficulties in doing so due to the lack of either spatial or temporal resolution. This paper provides an overview of recent approaches to facilitating the probing of spatial and temporal scale localized corrosion processes by means of the combined used of advanced electrochemical and surface analytical techniques. Cases that the authors have firsthand experiences are briefly described to illustrate these applications.
Generalization of h-Convex Stochastic Processes and Some Classical Inequalities
Authors: Zhou Hao , Saleem Muhammad Shoaib , Ghafoor Mamoona , Li Jingjng
Published: August 2020

The field of stochastic processes is essentially a branch of probability theory, treating probabilistic models that evolve in time. It is best viewed as a branch of mathematics, starting with the axioms of probability and containing a rich and fascinating set of results following from those axioms. In probability theory, a convex function applied to the expected value of a random variable is always bounded above by the expected value of the convex function of the random variable. In this paper, the concept of generalized h-convex stochastic processes is introduced, and some basic properties concerning generalized h-convex stochastic processes are developed. Furthermore, we establish Jensen and Hermite–Hadamard and Fejér-type inequalities for this generalization.
A Simple Method to Design and Analyze Dynamic Vibration Absorber of Pipeline Structure Using Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Shemshadi Mehrdad , Karimi Mahdi , Veysi Farzad
Published: August 2020

Vibrations due to mechanical excitation and internal and external fluid flow can cause fatigue in pipelines and leaks in fittings. A beam-based dynamic vibration absorber (beam DVA) is a device comprising an L-shaped beam with a concentrated mass at its free end that can be used to absorb and dissipate vibrations in the pipeline. In this paper, a mathematical equation is extracted to design the beam DVA using the dimensional analysis (DA) method and data recorded from 120 experimental tests. In the experimental studies, the pipes are fabricated in 1-inch, 2-inch, and 3-inch sizes. Each pipe is subjected to harmonic excitation at different frequencies, and the amplitude of vibration of the pipe is evaluated by changes in the geometric characteristics of beam DVA and concentrated mass. The proposed methodology is validated using the finite element method and simulation in the SIMULINK/MATLAB. The results showed that, out of the nine effective dimensionless parameters identified in pipe vibration control, mass ratio and stiffness ratio have the highest and lowest impacts on pipe vibration absorption, respectively.
Evaluation of the Ability of Miltefosine Associated with Topical GM-CSF in Modulating the Immune Response of Patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Peixoto Fábio , Nascimento Maurício T. , Costa Rúbia , Silva Juliana , Renard Gaby , Guimarães Luiz Henrique , Penna Gerson , Barral-Netto Manoel , Carvalho Lucas P. , Machado Paulo R. L. , Carvalho Edgar M.
Published: August 2020

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) due toL. braziliensisis associated with an exaggerated inflammatory response and tissue damage. Miltefosine is more effective than pentavalent antimony (Sbv) in the treatment of CL, and here, we evaluate the ability of Sbv, miltefosine, and GM-CSF administered intravenously, orally, or topically, respectively, to modify the immune response. Patients were treated with miltefosineplusGM-CSF, miltefosineplusplacebo, or Sbv. Mononuclear cells were stimulated with solubleLeishmaniaantigen (SLA) on day 0 and day 15 of therapy, and cytokine levels were determined in supernatants by ELISA. The lymphocyte proliferation and oxidative burst were evaluated by flow cytometry, and the degree of infection andLeishmaniakilling by optical microscopy. Proliferation of CD4+T cells were enhanced in patients using miltefosine and in CD8+T cells when GM-CSF was associated. Enhancement in the oxidative burst occurred in the miltefosineplusGM-CSF group on day 15 of therapy. Moreover, the number ofL. braziliensisin infected monocytes on day 15 as well as the percentage of infected cells was lower after 48- and 72-hour culture in cells from patients treated with miltefosineplusGM-CSF. In addition to the ability of miltefosine to killLeishmania, the changes in the immune response caused by miltefosine and GM-CSF may increase the cure rate of CL patients using these drugs.
A Stage-Structured Predator-Prey Model in a Patchy Environment
Authors: Lu Xuejuan , Chen Yuming , Liu Shengqiang
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we propose a stage-structured predator-prey model with migrations among patches in an n-patch environment. The net reproduction number for each patch in isolation is obtained along with the net reproduction number of the system of patches, ℛ0. Inequalities describing the relationship among these numbers are also given. Furthermore, threshold dynamics determined by ℛ0 is established: the predator dies out if ℛ0<1 while the predator persists if ℛ0>1. Focusing on the case with two patches, we obtain that the dispersal decreases the net reproduction number ℛ0. By numerical simulations, we find that the dispersal may be a good thing or a bad thing because the dispersal could make the predator population thrive or extinct, and hence we might seek steady state in the ecological environment by controlling parameters related to the prey and the predator.
Identification of a Transcription Factor‐microRNA‐Gene Coregulation Network in Meningioma through a Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Wang Juan , Liang Yan , Yang Hui , Wu Jian-Huang
Published: August 2020

Background. Meningioma is a prevalent type of brain tumor. However, the initiation and progression mechanisms involved in the meningioma are mostly unknown. This study aimed at exploring the potential transcription factors/micro(mi)RNAs/genes and biological pathways associated with meningioma. Methods. mRNA expressions from GSE88720, GSE43290, and GSE54934 datasets, containing data from 83 meningioma samples and eight control samples, along with miRNA expression dataset GSE88721, which had 14 meningioma samples and one control sample, were integrated analyzed. The bioinformatics approaches were used for identifying differentially expressed genes and miRNAs, as well as predicting transcription factor targets related to the differentially expressed genes. The approaches were also used for gene ontology term analysis and biological pathway enrichment analysis, construction, and analysis of protein‐protein interaction network, and transcription factor‐miRNA‐gene coregulation network construction. Results. Fifty‐six upregulated and 179 downregulated genes were identified. Thirty transcription factors able to target the differentially expressed genes were predicted and selected based on public databases. One hundred seventeen overlapping genes were identified from the differentially expressed genes and the miRNAs predicted by miRWalk. Furthermore, NF‐κB/IL6, PTGS2, MYC/hsa‐miR‐574‐5p, hsa‐miR‐26b‐5p, hsa‐miR‐335‐5p, and hsa‐miR‐98‐5p, which are involved in the transcription factor‐miRNA‐mRNA coregulation network, were found to be associated with meningioma. Conclusion. The bioinformatics analysis identified several potential molecules and relevant pathways that may represent critical mechanisms involved in the progression and development of meningioma. This work provides new insights into meningioma pathogenesis and treatments.
Advanced Glycation End Products Induce Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell-Derived Foam Cell Formation and Transdifferentiate to a Macrophage-Like State
Authors: Bao Zhengyang , Li Lihua , Geng Yue , Yan Jinchuan , Dai Zhiyin , Shao Chen , Sun Zhen , Jing Lele , Pang Qiwen , Zhang Lili , Wang Xiaodong , Wang Zhongqun
Published: August 2020

Background. Advanced glycation end products play an important role in diabetic atherosclerosis. The effects of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on vascular smooth muscle cell- (VSMC-) derived foam cell formation and phenotypic transformation are unknown.Methods. Serological and histological samples were obtained from diabetic amputation patients and accident amputation patients from the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University. CD68/Actin Alpha 2 (ACTA2) coimmunofluorescence sections were used to quantify the number of VSMCs with macrophage-like phenotypes. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the receptor of advanced glycation end products in vascular samples. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate the level of serum Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML). In vitro oil red O staining was used to examine lipid accumulation in VSMCs stimulated by CML. The expression of VSMCs and macrophage markers was measured by western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. Furthermore, changes in VSMC migration and secretion were detected by the Transwell assay and ELISA.Results. In the arterial plaque sections of diabetic patients, VSMCs transformed to a macrophage-like phenotype. The serum CML and RAGE levels in the plaques were significantly higher in the diabetes group than those in the healthy control group and were significantly related to the number of macrophage-like VSMCs. CML stimulation promoted intracellular lipid accumulation. However, CML stimulation decreased the expression of VSMC markers and increased the expression of macrophage phenotype markers. Finally, CML promoted smooth muscle cell migration and the secretion of proinflammatory-related factors.Conclusions. CML induces VSMC-derived foam cell formation, and VSMCs transdifferentiate to a macrophage-like state, which may be mediated by the activation of RAGE.
Simulation-Based Optimisation for Urban Environmental Noise Coupled with Auditory and Visual Subjective Evaluation
Authors: Wu Yizhou , Li Wentao , Yang Jiacheng , Wu Siqin , You Heyuan , Wu Shenyan , Wu Xin , Guo Xuxu
Published: August 2020

Environmental noise has a major negative impact, causing interference for people to communicate, rest, sleep, and general annoyance. In order to control urban environmental noise, simulation-based optimisation for urban environmental noise is conducted. On the basis of the current acoustic environment of Zhaohui Campus of Zhejiang University of Technology, three optimisation plans that include noise barrier optimisation, greenbelt optimisation, and a combination optimisation of noise barrier and greenbelt are proposed. These scenarios are simulated using NoiseSystem software to obtain their ability to reduce noise and determine auditory perception by using different control measures. To determine the visual perception of the optimisation plan, 100 people of different age groups were randomly selected, and each person scored the noise barrier and the greenbelt in the simulated scenarios. Results of the comprehensive evaluation of auditory and visual perception show that noise barriers can provide better auditory feelings, but greenbelts can provide a better auditory and visual subjective experience. Therefore, in addition to the application of noise control measures, their visual design must be fully considered. Moreover, the visual perception of plants is stronger than that of others.
Maximum Reciprocal Degree Resistance Distance Index of Unicyclic Graphs
Authors: Cai Gai-Xiang , Li Xing-Xing , Yu Gui-Dong
Published: August 2020

The reciprocal degree resistance distance index of a connected graph G is defined as RDRG=∑u,v⊆VGdGu+dGv/rGu,v, where rGu,v is the resistance distance between vertices u and v in G. Let Un denote the set of unicyclic graphs with n vertices. We study the graph with maximum reciprocal degree resistance distance index among all graphs in Un and characterize the corresponding extremal graph.
Characterisation of Portuguese RC Precast Industrial Building Stock
Authors: Rodrigues H. , Sousa R. , Vitorino H. , Batalha N. , Varum H. , Fernandes P.
Published: August 2020

The construction of a vulnerability model requires reliable information on the features of the buildings in the study. The purpose of this work is the characterisation of the precast industrial buildings in Portuguese industrial park, based on the survey of 73 design projects of existing buildings. The collected data are based on a previous study on the features that influence the seismic response of this type of buildings. The parameters collected are associated with the global geometry and specific elements characteristics (e.g., column dimensions, reinforcement ratios, and connections details), to the mechanical properties of the materials and other parameters that can give some important information in the characterisation of the buildings (e.g., construction year and localization). In the end, a comparison with other available databases, namely, from Italy and Turkey, is done in order to conclude about the similarity. This information is important to define representative experimental specimens and numerical simulation to conduce seismic risk analysis.
A Blockchain Token-Based Trading Model for Secondary Spectrum Markets in Future Generation Mobile Networks
Authors: Khan Mubbashar A. , Jamali Mohsin M. , Maksymyuk Taras , Gazda Juraj
Published: August 2020

Cognitive radio (CR) technology offers the possibility of an increase in spectrum utilization efficiency to resolve the prevalent spectrum scarcity problem. The economic survival of secondary spectrum markets (SSMs) is heavily dependent on the sharing of both the licensed spectrum and spectrum infrastructure by primary licensed operators (PLOs). In this research, an automated pricing model using a blockchain token called the spectrum dollar has been implemented for secondary radio spectrum trade. The use of spectrum dollars enables noncash-based secondary spectrum trade among PLOs based on a floor-and-trade rule. The pricing of spectrum dollars and the associated revenue shares are based on the underlying secondary spectrum trading behaviours of PLOs. PLOs that do not contribute enough secondary spectra to the SSM (to satisfy demand) suffer a loss proportional to the difference between their earned revenues and the specified floor value in the SSM. The secondary spectrum trade is assumed to be centrally managed by a spectrum broker, which announces the floor value for each bidding period while ensuring nonnegative revenue for the market itself. The use of the spectrum dollar along with the floor-and-trade methodology eliminates the possibilities for economic malpractice by PLOs that could increase spectrum reuse costs. In addition, the floor value provides automatic regulatory control to ensure the economic viability and prevent the technological hijacking of future SSMs.
Thermal Expansion of Triaxially Stressed Mudstone at Elevated Temperatures up to 400°C
Authors: Feng Zi-jun , Qiao Meng-meng , Dong Fu-ke , Yang Dong , Zhao Peng
Published: August 2020

In order to study the thermal deformation of the rock that surrounds underground engineering projects with elevated temperatures (e.g., underground coal gasification, coal in situ pyrolysis, in situ oil and gas extraction from oil shale, geothermal energy extraction from rock, among others), a servocontrolled machine (model IMT‐HTP 100F) was used to examine the thermal expansion of triaxially stressed mudstone at temperature up to 400°C. Two distinct stages of thermal expansion were found at temperatures up to 400°C: very small thermal expansion below 50°C, followed by almost constant thermal expansion at 50–400°C. This linear thermal expansion coefficient of triaxially stressed mudstone did not increase in the range 50–400°C. The effect of the applied triaxial stress was on both close cracks and impeded grain expansion and the swelling of the rock. Mudstone had a larger linear thermal expansion coefficient than either sandstone or limestone, in that order. The potential energy theory was used to explain the intrinsic variation of thermal expansion of the different rock types.
Nanoparticle Therapy Is a Promising Approach in the Management and Prevention of Many Diseases: Does It Help in Curing Alzheimer Disease?
Authors: Kassem Lamyaa M. , Ibrahim Nada A. , Farhana S. Ayesha
Published: August 2020

Treatment of brain diseases is always limited by the physiological nature of the highly selective blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the electrostatic charge of the nanoporous extracellular matrix. Nanomedical application provides a promising drug delivery revolution for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). It depends on improving the pharmacokinetic distribution of drugs through the central nervous system. Nanotechnology offers various forms of nanoparticles, and these nanoparticles have brain-targeted and long-acting properties with minimal systemic adverse effects and motor complications. Gene delivery vehicles and nanocarriers including neurotrophic factors are promising therapeutics for many NDDs, and they can modulate neuronal survival and synaptic connectivity. Neurotrophic factors when integrated with the nanotechnological approaches can pass the BBB merely, representing a significant challenging track. Clinical trials proved that levodopa nanoparticles cause little motor complications which is a considerable drawback in treating Parkinson’s disease with levodopa. Recently, nanotechnology had patented new formulations and achieved various advanced procedures for management, and even prevention, of NDDs. Nanotechnology can be integrated into neuroscience to fight against neurodegenerative diseases. Primary research studies in using nanoparticles to cure Alzheimer disease (AD) are promising but are still in need for more investigations. The present paper aims to review, outline, and summarize various efforts done in the field of using nanoparticles in the management of Alzheimer.
MPC1 Deficiency Promotes CRC Liver Metastasis via Facilitating Nuclear Translocation of β-Catenin
Authors: Tian Guang-Ang , Xu Chun-Jie , Zhou Kai-Xia , Zhang Zhi-Gang , Gu Jian-Ren , Zhang Xue-Li , Wang Ya-Hui
Published: August 2020

Accumulating evidence has pointed out that metastasis is the leading cause of death in several malignant tumor, including CRC. During CRC, metastatic capacity is closely correlated with reprogrammed energy metabolism. Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier 1 (MPC1), as the carrier of transporting pyruvate into mitochondria, linked the glycolysis and TCA cycle, which would affect the energy production. However, the specific role of MPC1 on tumor metastasis in CRC remains unexplored. Here, by data mining of genes involved in pyruvate metabolism using the TCGA dataset, we found that MPC1 was significantly downregulated in CRC compared to nontumor tissues. Similar MPC1 expression pattern was also found in multiple GEO datasets. IHC staining in both human sample and AOM/DSS induced mouse CRC model revealed significant downregulation of MPC1. What is more, we found that MPC1 expression was gradually decreased in normal tissue, primary CRC, and metastasis CRC. Additionally, poor prognosis emerged in the MPC1 low expression patients, especially in patients with metastasis. Following, functional tests showed that MPC1 overexpression inhibited the motility of CRC cells in vitro and MPC1 silencing enhanced liver metastases in vivo. Furthermore, we uncovered that decreased MPC1 activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by promoting nuclear translocation of β-catenin to mediate the expression of MMP7, E-cadherin, Snail1, and myc. Collectively, our data suggest that MPC1 has the potential to be served as a promising biomarker for diagnosis and a therapeutic target in CRC.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anemia among Reproductive-Aged Women in Sayint Adjibar Town, Northeast Ethiopia: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Woldu Berhanu , Enawgaw Bamlaku , Asrie Fikir , Shiferaw Elias , Getaneh Zegeye , Melku Mulugeta
Published: August 2020

Background. Globally, anemia affects one-fourth of the world population including 30% of nonpregnant reproductive-aged women. It has a number of causes including micronutrient deficiencies and chronic infections, inherited or acquired disorders of hemoglobin synthesis and red blood cell production, or survival alterations. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among reproductive-aged women in Sayint Adjibar town, South Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia.Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April among 359 reproductive-aged women (RAW). Systematic random sampling technique was implemented to select study participants. Sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and reproductive histories of study participants were collected using the structured and pretested questionnaire. Capillary blood and stool samples were collected from each study participant for hemoglobin and parasitological analysis, respectively. Data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and transferred to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of anemia.pvalue <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Result. The median age of the study participants was 25 years. The overall prevalence of anemia was 24.2%. Among those anemic individuals, 49 (56.3%) were mildly anemic. Age category 36–49 years (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.05, 6.60), no formal educational status (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.06, 4.92), food insecurity (AOR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.01–3.65), and body mass index of above 25 kg/m2(AOR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.08–0.87) were found to be statistically significant with anemia.Conclusion. The prevalence of anemia in this study was found as a moderate public health problem. The prevalence was significantly associated with women who had no formal education and were of older age group and those women living with household food insecurity and with higher body mass index. Therefore, it is better to design appropriate interventional strategies to reduce reproductive-aged women anemia. These include information, education, and communication activities focused on reproductive-aged women with no formal education and life-cycle-focused food security rather than targeted to only infants and young children or pregnant women.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Flow Measurement Mechanism and Hydraulic Performance of Portable Pillar-Shaped Flumes in Rectangular Channels
Authors: Sun Bin , Yang Lei , Zhu Shun , Liu Quan , Zhang Chao , Zhang Jinping
Published: August 2020

Based on the principle of the critical flow and standard k-ε three-dimensional turbulence model, experiments and simulations were performed on a portable pillar-shaped flume with three contraction ratios under 12 working conditions. By combining the numerical simulations with the experiments, the theoretical stage-discharge formula of the portable pillar-shaped flume was developed, and the variations in the Froude number, backwater height, critical submergence, head loss, and velocity distribution were examined. The simulation data obtained from the standard k-ε three-dimensional turbulence model are in good agreement with the experimental results, with a maximum error of 8.65%. The maximum error in the difference between the theoretical stage-discharge formula and the measured value is 4.74%. The upstream Froude number is less than 0.5, and critical submergence is between 0.73 and 0.96. Compared to airfoil pillar-shaped flumes, the portable pillar-shaped flume had a significantly smaller head loss and backwater height. Finally, the portable pillar-shaped flume can be used for flow measurement and has the advantages of high measurement accuracy, low backwater height, and small head loss.
Structural Damage Identification Based on the Wavelet Transform and Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Guo Jia , Guan Deqing , Zhao Jianwei
Published: August 2020

A method based on the wavelet transform and improved particle swarm optimization (WIPSO) algorithm is proposed to identify the microdamage of structures. First, the singularity of wavelet coefficients is used to identify the structural damage location, and then, the improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm is used to calculate the optimal solution of the objective function of the structural damage location to determine the structural damage severity. To study the performance of WIPSO, the structural microdamage severity is set within 10%, and a numerical simulation and experimental structure under different damage scenarios are considered. In addition, the ability of wavelet coefficients to identify the location of the structural damage under different noise levels is studied. To evaluate the performance of IPSO, the standard particle swarm optimization algorithm with an inertia weight factor of 0.8 (0.8PSO), the genetic algorithm (GA), and the bat algorithm (BA) are also considered. The results show that WIPSO can effectively and accurately identify the structural damage location and severity. Wavelet transform is very robust to the structural damage location. Compared with the standard 0.8PSO and other mainstream algorithms, IPSO has good convergence and performs more stable and more accurate in the identification of structural damage severity.
Rifampicin for Treatment of Cholestatic Pruritus Caused by Drug-Induced Acute Liver Injury as Assessed by the RUCAM Classification
Authors: Ahmadi Ali R. , Chicco Maria , van den Berge Marcel
Published: August 2020

A male bodybuilder of 39 years of age developed severe pruritus, nausea, and jaundice after injecting anabolic steroids purchased on the black market. The patient had no history of liver disease and no risk factors for viral hepatitis. Extensive laboratory testing, radiographic imaging, and liver biopsy excluded a majority of potential pathologies. The patient was diagnosed with drug-induced acute liver injury and secondary acute renal failure most likely caused by testosterone purchased on the black market. The pruritus caused insomnia and significant psychological distress. Treatment was initiated with cholestyramine and naltrexone for one week with no effect on the pruritus. Subsequently, all medications were stopped, and rifampicin was started. Pruritus resolved after starting rifampicin, and liver and kidney function improved rapidly and normalized within 5 months.
IL-37 Gene Modification Enhances the Protective Effects of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Kong Dejun , Hu Yonghao , Li Xiang , Yu Dingding , Li Hongyue , Zhao Yiming , Qin Yafei , Jin Wang , Zhang Baoren , Wang Bo , Wang Hongda , Li Guangming , Wang Hao
Published: August 2020

Background. Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is the major cause of intestinal damage in clinic. Although either mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) or interleukin 37 (IL-37) shows some beneficial roles to ameliorate IRI, their effects are limited. In this study, the preventative effects of IL-37 gene-modified MSCs (IL-37-MSCs) on intestinal IRI are investigated. Methods. Intestinal IRI model was established by occluding the superior mesenteric artery for 30 minutes and then reperfused for 72 hours in rats. Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham control, IL-37-MSC-treated, MSC-treated, recombinant IL-37- (rIL-37-) treated, and untreated groups. Intestinal damage was assessed by H&E staining. The levels of gut barrier function factors (diamine oxidase and D-Lactate) and inflammation cytokine IL-1β were assayed using ELISA. The synthesis of tissue damage-related NLRP3 inflammasome and downstream cascade reactions including cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 was detected by western blot. The mRNA levels of proinflammatory mediators IL-6 and TNF-α, which are downstream of IL-1β and IL-18, were determined by qPCR. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) after the normality test and followed by post hoc analysis with the least significant difference (LSD) test. Results. IL-37-MSCs were able to migrate to the damaged tissue and significantly inhibit intestinal IRI. As compared with MSCs or the rIL-37 monotherapy group, IL-37-MSC treatment both improved gut barrier function and decreased local and systemic inflammation cytokine IL-1β level in IRI rats. In addition, tissue damage-related NLRP3 and downstream targets (cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18) were significantly decreased in IRI rats treated with IL-37-MSCs. Furthermore, IL-1β- and IL-18-related proinflammatory mediator IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions were all significantly decreased in IRI rats treated with IL-37-MSCs. Conclusion. The results suggest that IL-37 gene modification significantly enhances the protective effects of MSCs against intestinal IRI. In addition, NLRP3-related signaling pathways could be associated with IL-37-MSC-mediated protection.
Repeated Induced-Membrane Technique Failure without Infection: A Series of Three Consecutive Procedures Performed for a Single Femur Defect
Authors: Mathieu Laurent , Durand Marjorie , Demoures Thomas , Steenman Christian , Masquelet Alain-Charles , Collombet Jean-Marc
Published: August 2020

A 40-year-old male was treated using the induced-membrane technique (IMT) for a noninfected, 9 cm long femoral bone defect complicating a lengthening procedure. The interesting case feature lies in the three consecutive IMT procedures that were necessary to achieve complete bone repair in this unusual clinical situation. The first procedure failed because of the lack of graft revascularization likely related to an induced-membrane (IM) alteration demonstrated by histological observations. The second IMT procedure led to partial graft integration interrupted by the elongation nail breakage. At last, the third procedure fully succeeded after nail exchange and iterative iliac bone grafting. Complete bone union was achieved with a poor functional recovery one year after the last procedure and four years following the first cement spacer implantation. By means of clinical and histological observations, we demonstrated that the first and the second IMT failures had two distinct origins, namely, biological and mechanical causes, respectively. Although simple, a successful IMT procedure is not so easy to complete.