bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Permeability of Soil‐Rock Mixture in Water‐Blocking Layer of Open‐Pit Coal Mine Dump Site
Authors: Luan Boyu , Zhou Wei , Meng Xin , Lu Xiang , Liu Zhichao
Published: September 2020

Constructing a water‐blocking layer in the dump sites of an open‐pit coal mine is of great significance to improve the water retention capacity of the reclamation area. The permeability law of the water‐blocking layer is costly to be analyzed and researched by means of field tests. In this study, the soil‐rock mixture samples similar to the water‐blocking layer were prepared, and the rock block proportion (RBP) and hydraulic pressure were adopted as test variables to conduct a permeability test, which provided theoretical support for on‐site construction. The results show that when the hydraulic pressure is less than the confining pressure, the permeability increases at a steady rate as the rock block proportion increases. When the hydraulic pressure is close to or equal to the confining pressure, penetrating cracks are easily formed between the soil‐rock interfaces of the sample with a higher rock block proportion, resulting in a rapid increase in permeability. With the increase of hydraulic pressure, the migration of the internal fine particles in the sample with a rock block proportion of 40% or less leads to the partial cracks closure, which gradually reduces the permeability. The internal structure of the sample with a rock block proportion more than 40% experiences a process in which the permeability decreases with the crack closure to a significant increase due to the penetrating crack formation. In summary, the soil‐rock mixture with about 30% rock block proportion is characterized by suitable permeability and stability, which guarantees the construction cost on‐site at the same time. In addition, increasing the rolling times of the truck can increase the compaction of the water‐blocking layer and reduce the permeability. The roughness and gradation of the rock blocks can improve the permeability and stability of the water‐blocking layer.
Lactobacillus Plantarum HFY15 Helps Prevent Retinoic Acid‐Induced Secondary Osteoporosis in Wistar Rats
Authors: Liu Xinhong , Zheng Jiazhuang , Li Fang , Yi Ruokun , Mu Jianfei , Tan Fang , Zhao Xin
Published: September 2020

A rat model of secondary osteoporosis was constructed using retinoic acid as an inducer, and the genes, proteins, and bone mass of the rats were analyzed. qPCR detection of the Wnt/β‐catenin and OPG/RANK/RANKL signaling pathway‐related gene expression levels showed that Lactobacillus plantarum HFY15 played a positive role in regulating both pathways. HFY15 significantly increased β‐catenin, Lrp5, Lrp6, Wnt10b, OPG, RANKL, and Runx2 expression and downregulated DKK1, RANK, CTSK, TRACP, and ALP expression. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays further confirmed the qPCR results. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining showed that HFY15 slowed retinoic acid‐induced osteoclast formation. Microcomputed tomography showed that HFY15 reduced trabecular separation and increased the percent bone volume, trabecular numbers, trabecular thickness, and bone mineral density in the rats in vivo. These findings indicate that HFY15 may help prevent retinoic acid‐induced secondary osteoporosis in vivo.
On the Existence of Three Positive Solutions for a Caputo Fractional Difference Equation
Authors: Kong Lili , Chen Huiqin , Li Luping , Kang Shugui
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we introduce the application of three fixed point theorem by discussing the existence of three positive solutions for a class of Caputo fractional difference equation boundary value problem. We establish the condition of the existence of three positive solutions for this problem.
Pain Relief during Oocyte Retrieval by Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation: A Single‐Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Multicenter Trial
Authors: Tian Li , Feng Xiaojun , Zhang Rong , Wang Shuyu , Li Rong , Kong Rui , Fan Yuan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhou Liying , Yang Shuo , Yao Yin , Bu Yifan , Lan Yonglian , Han Songping , Han Jisheng , Sun Wei
Published: September 2020

Acupuncture has pain‐relief effects, but no data were available on the use of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in pain relief during oocyte retrieval. This study was designed to examine the effect of TEAS for pain relief in women undergoing transvaginal ultrasound‐guided oocyte aspiration. This single‐blinded, multicenter, randomized controlled trial was performed in China between May 2013 and May 2015. The subjects were randomized to mock TEAS and TEAS. TEAS or mock TEAS was administered 30 min before oocyte retrieval until the end of the operation. The primary and secondary endpoints were the pain measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) within 1 min and 1 hour after oocyte retrieval, respectively. Serum β‐endorphin levels were tested in the first 50 patients/group. 390 women were undergoing oocyte retrieval. Pain levels evaluated using VAS within 1 min (18.6 ± 1.3 vs. 24.4 ± 1.7, P < 0.01) and 1 h after oocyte aspiration (4.6 ± 0.7 vs. 6.8 ± 0.8, P < 0.05) were lower in the TEAS group than in the mock TEAS group. Nausea assessment revealed a significantly lower VAS score in the TEAS group within 1 min (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 2.9 ± 0.7, P < 0.033). Serum β‐endorphin levels were significantly higher in the TEAS group than in the mock TEAS group (11.4 ± 0.5 vs. 9.1 ± 0.4, P < 0.001) after retrieval. Serum β‐endorphin levels were higher in the TEAS group after the procedure than baseline (11.4 ± 0.5 vs. 9.1 ± 0.3, P < 0.001). Oocyte retrieval causes pain and discomfort, but TEAS is effective and safe for suppressing the pain and alleviating nausea associated with the operation.
Antioxidant Activity, Enzyme Inhibition Potentials, and Phytochemical Profiling of Premna serratifolia L. Leaf Extracts
Authors: Simamora Adelina , Santoso Adit W. , Timotius Kris H. , Rahayu Ika
Published: September 2020

Premna serratifolia, commonly known as Arogo in Tentena-Sulawesi, is a popular vegetable. As a promising herbal tea and food ingredient, further investigation is required to find the best knowledge for medicinal use of P. serratifolia leaves. This research investigated the antioxidant activity of the ethanol (EEPS) and water (WEPS) extracts of P. serratifolia leaves, based on their scavenging activities on DPPH radicals and their reducing capacities (CuPRAC, total antioxidant/phosphomolybdenum, and ferric thiocyanate reducing power assays). The DNA-protecting effect by EEPS was tested using pBR322 plasmid DNA against •OH radical-induced damage. The inhibition potentials of both extracts against several enzymes related to metabolic diseases (α-glucosidase, α-amylase, xanthine oxidase, and protease) were evaluated. The phytochemical analysis was conducted by an LC-QTOF-MS/MS technique. EEPS proved to be a better antioxidant and had higher phenolic content compared to WEPS. EEPS demonstrated a protective effect on DNA with recovery percentage linearly correlated with EEPS concentrations. Strong inhibition on α-glucosidase and α-amylase was observed for EEPS; however, EEPS and WEPS showed weak inhibitions on xanthine oxidase and protease. LC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis identified seven main components in EEPS, namely scroside E, forsythoside A and forsythoside B, lavandulifolioside, diosmin, nobilin D, campneoside I, and isoacteoside. These components may be responsible for the observed enzymes inhibitions and antioxidant properties. Premna serratifolia leaves can be an appropriate choice for the development of nutraceutical and drug preparations.
A Methodological and Reporting Quality Assessment of Systematic Reviews/Meta-Analyses about Chinese Medical Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Lyu Zipan , Huang Zhongyu , Liu Fengbin , Hou Zhengkun
Published: September 2020

Objective. To access the methodological and reporting quality of systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses (MAs) about Chinese medical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods. The PubMed, Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical (CBM), Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to June 2020. Two researchers independently screened the literature considering the eligibility criteria. Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire (OQAQ), Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to assess the methodological and reporting quality of the included reports. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to evaluate the level of evidence in each report. Results. Thirty-three SRs/MAs met the inclusion criteria. The OQAQ results showed that defects in the methodological quality of 17/32 reports were major, with scores of 3 points. Analyzing a single item as the object, search strategies (item 2), and risk of bias in individual studies (item 4) was considered poor. The AMSTAR 2 results showed that 25.4% of the items were not reported, and 7.8% of the items were only partially reported. The overall assessment of AMSTAR 2 showed the majority of systematic reviews and meta-analyses were of low/very low (31/33, 93.9%) methodological quality, with a lack of protocol registration and excluded study list. The PRISMA results showed that 19.9% of items were not reported, and 15.2% of items were only partially reported, due to a lack of protocol registration and study selection methods. The methodological and reporting quality of the included studies was generally poor. Evidence evaluation with GRADE showed that most (31/33) of the included studies had low or very low levels of evidence. Conclusion. The methodological and reporting quality of SRs/MAs about Chinese medical treatment for GERD is generally poor. The main problems included incomplete search strategies, risk of bias in individual studies, the lack of protocol registration and excluded study list, and incorrect study selection methods.
Predicting the Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Bolts with an Optimized Function Model
Authors: Zheng Bin , Zhang Jian , Feng Tugen , Cao Maosen
Published: September 2020

Bolts are widely employed as an effective ground reinforcement element to secure the underground workplaces. Due to their inherent accessibility, low cost, and easy implementation, rebar bolts are the most popular and commonly used reinforcement in ground support systems. However, it is expensive to obtain failure stage data from in situ pullout tests to study the ultimate bearing capacity of rebar bolts. In this paper, several function models that are commonly used for predicting the ultimate bearing capacity of bolts are presented. Based on these models, a general function model is constructed to replicate the relationship between the load and displacement of a rebar bolt in a pullout test. In addition, the value ranges of relevant parameters in the function model are also assessed. By analysing the general function model, an improved exponential and power function model, which is essential to bolt design, is presented to simulate the load‐displacement curve and predict the ultimate bearing capacities of bolts. Comparisons between the improved exponential and power function model and other regular models show that the former has a higher calculation accuracy and good stability. Moreover, a comparison of the predicted ultimate bearing capacity and the test results indicates the reliability of the improved exponential and power function model. The improved exponential and power function model can provide theoretical guidance for the design of rebar bolts applied in reinforcement engineering.
Tufting Enteropathy: A Review of Clinical and Histological Presentation, Etiology, Management, and Outcome
Authors: Cai Changzhou , Chen Yishu , Chen Xueyang , Ji Feng
Published: September 2020

Congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE), also named intestinal epithelial dysplasia, is a rare, autosomal recessive enteropathy with persistent and life-threatening intractable diarrhea early in life. Intractable diarrhea is present independent of breast or formula feeding. Most CTE patients require total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and in severe cases, small bowel transplantation is needed. In the last decade, we have seen remarkable progress in certain aspects, such as the pathogenesis and diagnostic methods of the disease. Rapidly developing molecular analysis techniques have improved the diagnostic methods for CTE and reduced invasive and expensive procedures. Mutations in the gene encoding human epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) were identified in the typical form of CTE, which usually exhibits isolated refractory diarrhea. Moreover, the syndromic form of CTE features anal and choanal atresias as well as ophthalmologic signs, which are associated with mutations in the gene encoding Serine Peptidase Inhibitor Kunitz Type 2 (SPINT2). This article reviews CTE disease based on its clinical and histological presentation, etiology and pathogenesis, and management and outcome.
Long-Term Evaluation of Capsulotomy Shape and Posterior Capsule Opacification after Low-Energy Bimanual Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Authors: Verdina Tommaso , Peppoloni Chiara , Barbieri Lucrezia , Carbotti Maria Rosaria , Battaglia Bruno , Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Cavallini Gian Maria
Published: September 2020

Purpose. To evaluate capsulotomy shape and posterior capsule opacification (PCO) during an 18-month follow-up for bimanual femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). Methods. 74 eyes operated by a well-trained surgeon with bimanual FLACS technique using low-energy LDV Z8 (Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG, Port, Switzerland) were included in the study. The follow-up period was 18 ± 2 months. Another 91 eyes, which underwent standard bimanual microincision cataract surgery (B-MICS), served as a control group. In all cases, a BunnyLens AF (Hanita Lenses, Israel) intraocular lens was implanted in the bag. A digital image of the capsule with slit-lamp retroillumination was performed in all patients at 18 months of follow-up. Image analysis software (ImageJ) was used to evaluate the shape of the capsulotomy in terms of diameter, area, and circularity. PCO score was evaluated using EPCO 2000 software. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and endothelial cell count (ECC) were evaluated before and after surgery at 1 and 18 ± 2 months. Results. At 18 months, mean capsulotomy diameter was 5.34 ± 0.21 mm while capsulorhexis was 5.87 ± 0.37 mm (p<0.001) and the deviation area from baseline was 1.13 ± 1.76 mm2 in FLACS and 2.67 ± 1.69 mm2 in B-MICS (p<0.001). Capsulotomy circularity was 0.94 ± 0.04 while capsulorhexis was 0.83 ± 0.07 (p<0.001). EPCO score was 0.050 ± 0.081 in the FLACS group and 0.122 ± 0.239 in the B-MICS group (p=0.03). The mean BCVA improvement was significant in both groups, without a significant difference at 18 months. We noticed a statistically significant difference in endothelial cell loss at 18 months (FLACS 12.4% and B-MICS 18.1%; p=0.017). Conclusions. Bimanual FLACS is a safe and effective technique, as determined in a long-term follow-up. Capsulotomy shape presented higher stability and circularity in the FLACS group over the 18-month observation period. FLACS resulted in lower PCO scores and endothelial cell loss at 18 months in comparison to B-MICS standard technique.
Scalar Particles Tunneling Radiation in the Demianski-Newman Spacetime with Influences of Quantum Gravity
Authors: Li Zhonghua
Published: September 2020

In this paper, using Hamilton-Jacobi ansatz, we investigate scalar particle tunneling radiation in the Demianski-Newman spacetime. We get the effective temperature with influences of quantum gravity and compare this temperature with the original temperature of the Demianski-Newman black hole. We find that it is similar to the case of fermions; for scalar particles, the influence of quantum gravity will also slow down the increase of Hawking temperatures, which naturally leads to remnants left in the evaporation.
A Study on the Wear Characteristics of Al7075 with Changes in Surface Roughness and Ti Thin Film Deposition Time
Authors: An Jihye , Im Sunghoon , Kang Haneul , Kim Hyunji , Yoo Yunyoong , Noh Jungpil , Huh Sunchul
Published: September 2020

Mechanical parts have a problem of wear when used in extreme environments. Aluminum, most used in the industrial field, is a representative material of light weight, but its wear resistance is not good. To resolve the wear problem of such materials, research and development of surface thin film deposition technology has been increasing. Wear resistance was investigated after the Ti thin film was deposited by sputtering, one of the main methods of this technique. The smaller the surface roughness value and the thicker the thin film, the better the wear resistance. However, when a thin film is deposited for a predetermined time or less, the bonding strength with the base metal is lowered and the wear resistance is confirmed as low.
Study on the Applicability of Needle/Cone Penetration Experiment for Asphalt‐Rubber
Authors: Yao Zechen , Yang Renfeng , Liu Zhonglin , An Haichao , Zhang Qingzhe , Yuan Wei
Published: September 2020

In order to quantitatively study the applicability of needle/cone penetration experiment for asphalt‐rubber (AR), the dynamic model of needle/cone in penetration process was established based on the Kelvin model, and the different impacts of crumb rubber (CR) particles on needle/cone penetration depth were analyzed using Matlab. The probability of needle/cone contacting CR particles in penetration process was statistically calculated. AR binders with different CR particle sizes were observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and prepared for testing needle/cone penetration. The results showed that the solid‐liquid two‐phase feature of AR binders gradually weakened with the reduction of CR particle size. At the same viscoelastic parameters, CR particles had little impact on cone penetration depth when cone contacted CR particles. The probability of cone contacting CR particles was close to 100% in penetration process while that of needle was around 50%. The standard deviations of the needle penetration experimental results for AR binders with #20, #30, #40, #60, and #80 mesh CR were 4.0, 3.8, 2.8, 1.1, and 1.1 times of cone penetration, respectively. This study shows that the cone penetration experiment has a significant advantage in evaluating the consistency of the AR binder with coarse CR.
LU Decomposition Scheme for Solving m-Polar Fuzzy System of Linear Equations
Authors: Koam Ali N. A. , Akram Muhammad , Muhammad Ghulam , Hussain Nawab
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a new scheme for solving m-polar fuzzy system of linear equations (m-PFSLEs) by using LU decomposition method. We assume the coefficient matrix of the system is symmetric positive definite, and we discuss this point in detail with some numerical examples. Furthermore, we investigate the inconsistent m×nm-polar fuzzy matrix equation (m-PFME) and find the least square solution (LSS) of this system by using generalized inverse matrix theory. Moreover, we discuss the strong solution of m-polar fuzzy LSS of the inconsistent m-PFME. In the end, we present a numerical example to illustrate our approach.
Optimizing Pretrained Convolutional Neural Networks for Tomato Leaf Disease Detection
Authors: Ahmad Iftikhar , Hamid Muhammad , Yousaf Suhail , Shah Syed Tanveer , Ahmad Muhammad Ovais
Published: September 2020

Vegetable and fruit plants facilitate around 7.5 billion people around the globe, playing a crucial role in sustaining life on the planet. The rapid increase in the use of chemicals such as fungicides and bactericides to curtail plant diseases is causing negative effects on the agro-ecosystem. The high scale prevalence of diseases in crops affects the production quantity and quality. Solving the problem of early identification/diagnosis of diseases by exploiting a quick and consistent reliable method will benefit the farmers. In this context, our research work focuses on classification and identification of tomato leaf diseases using convolutional neural network (CNN) techniques. We consider four CNN architectures, namely, VGG-16, VGG-19, ResNet, and Inception V3, and use feature extraction and parameter-tuning to identify and classify tomato leaf diseases. We test the underlying models on two datasets, a laboratory-based dataset and self-collected data from the field. We observe that all architectures perform better on the laboratory-based dataset than on field-based data, with performance on various metrics showing variance in the range 10%–15%. Inception V3 is identified as the best performing algorithm on both datasets.
A New Configuration of Vertically Connecting Solar Cells: Solar Tree
Authors: Baci Anouar Bella , Salmi Mohamed , Menni Younes , Ghafourian Samira , Sadeghzadeh Milad , Ghalandari Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Solar energy is a renewable type, clean, and inexhaustible which is sufficiently available on the Algerian territory. The energy received daily on a horizontal surface of 1 m2 is in the order of 5 kWh over almost the whole Algerian territory; the duration of sunshine surpasses 2000 hours annually and can reach 3900 hours on the highlands and the Sahara. The importance of this work is based on exploiting solar energy to produce electricity. This study is based on the experimental exploitation of solar energy using solar tree’s prototype suggestion. This new model is focused to replace the leaf of a tree by the solar cell, starting by examining the solar field and physical phenomenon related with it; the description of cell photovoltaic comes after; and finally, the dimension of the solar system and the experimental studies are virtually released in the University of M’sila. In this work, a prototype of new artificial solar tree is proposed experimentally by using material available in the local market: 25 solar panels, metal support, electrical queues, regulator, and battery. The results highlight a power improvement in the case of the proposed new model (solar tree) compared to the traditional one provided (solar panel), for the specified time range between 8 am and 2:30 pm. On the other hand, the traditional model values improve if the time dimension is extended from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm. This is due to the temperature of the region and the presence of interstellar spaces between the cells of the solar tree.
Provably Secure Crossdomain Multifactor Authentication Protocol for Wearable Health Monitoring Systems
Authors: Zhang Hui , Qian Yuanyuan , Jiang Qi
Published: September 2020

Wearable health monitoring systems (WHMSs) have become the most effective and practical solutions to provide users with low-cost, noninvasive, long-term continuous health monitoring. Authentication is one of the key means to ensure physiological information security and privacy. Although numerous authentication protocols have been proposed, few of them cater to crossdomain WHMSs. In this paper, we present an efficient and provably secure crossdomain multifactor authentication protocol for WHMSs. First, we propose a ticket-based authentication model for multidomain WHMSs. Specifically, a mobile device of one domain can request a ticket from the cloud server of another domain with which wearable devices are registered and remotely access the wearable devices with the ticket. Secondly, we propose a crossdomain three-factor authentication scheme based on the above model. Only a doctor who can present all three factors can request a legitimate ticket and use it to access the wearable devices. Finally, a comprehensive security analysis of the proposed scheme is carried out. In particular, we give a provable security analysis in the random oracle model. The comparisons of security and efficiency with the related schemes demonstrate that the proposed scheme is secure and practical.
Multipose Face Recognition-Based Combined Adaptive Deep Learning Vector Quantization
Authors: Sarhan Shahenda , Nasr Aida A. , Shams Mahmoud Y.
Published: September 2020

Multipose face recognition system is one of the recent challenges faced by the researchers interested in security applications. Different researches have been introduced discussing the accuracy improvement of multipose face recognition through enhancing the face detector as Viola-Jones, Real Adaboost, and Cascade Object Detector while others concentrated on the recognition systems as support vector machine and deep convolution neural networks. In this paper, a combined adaptive deep learning vector quantization (CADLVQ) classifier is proposed. The proposed classifier has boosted the weakness of the adaptive deep learning vector quantization classifiers through using the majority voting algorithm with the speeded up robust feature extractor. Experimental results indicate that, the proposed classifier provided promising results in terms of sensitivity, specificity, precision, and accuracy compared to recent approaches in deep learning, statistical, and classical neural networks. Finally, the comparison is empirically performed using confusion matrix to ensure the reliability and robustness of the proposed system compared to the state-of art.
Rib Spalling 3D Model for Soft Coal Seam Faces with Large Mining Height in Protective Seam Mining: Theoretical and Numerical Analyses
Authors: Liu Shuai , Yang Ke , Zhang Tong , Tang Chunan
Published: September 2020

Fully-mechanized mining of coal face with a large cutting height is generally jeopardized by rib spalling disaster in the working face. Preventive measures based on undisturbed coal seam conditions fail to provide safe predictions, as large-scale fractures in soft coal face frequently appear before excavation due to mining-induced stresses. This paper investigates a case study of the Paner Mine 11224 working face in the Huainan mine area, China, which features an overlying protected layer in the protective seam mining. To simulate the failure process in such a mine, we elaborated a simplified physical-mechanical model of a coal wall that underwent shear failure and sliding instability, in compliance with the triangular prism unit criterion. Similar simulation experiments, theoretical calculations, and borehole monitoring were used to comprehensively analyze the overburden fracture and movement after mining the lower protective seam. The development height of three overburden zones was determined, and the characteristics of the protected layer affected by mining were obtained. The results show that the failure is mainly related to the roof load, coal cohesion, internal friction angle, coal seam inclination, and sidewall protecting force. The key to limiting the frictional sliding of a slip body is to reduce the roof load and increase the sliding coefficient and cohesion of the main control weak surface (MCWS). Besides, a self-developed three-dimensional numerical calculation software RFPA3D (Realistic Fracture Process 3D Analysis), which considered the rock heterogeneity, was used to reproduce a weak triangular prism’s progressive failure process. The numerical simulation results agreed with the fracture pattern predicted by the theoretical model, which accurately described the rib spalling mechanisms in a soft coal face with a large cutting height and a protective layer.
In Vitro and In Vivo Wound Healing and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities of Babassu Oil (Attalea speciosa Mart. Ex Spreng., Arecaceae)
Authors: Santos José Alex A. , Silva José Wellinton da , Santos Simone Maria dos , Rodrigues Maria de Fátima , Silva Camila Joyce A. , da Silva Márcia Vanusa , Correia Maria Tereza S. , Albuquerque Julianna F. C. , Melo Cristiane M. L. , Silva Teresinha G. , Martins René D. , Aguiar Júnior Francisco Carlos A. , Ximenes Rafael M.
Published: September 2020

Babassu (Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng., Arecaceae) is a palm tree endemic to Brazil and found mainly in the borders of Amazon forest, where the harvesting of its fruits is an important source of income for more than 300,000 people. Among the communities of coconut breakers women, babassu oil is used in culinary, as fuel, and mostly as medicinal oil for the treatment of skin wounds and inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the wound healing effects of babassu oil. In vitro, babassu oil increased the migration of L929 fibroblasts, inhibited the production of nitric oxide by LPS‐stimulated peritoneal macrophages, and increased the levels of INF‐γ and IL‐6 cytokines production. In vivo, babassu oil accelerated the healing process in a full‐thickness splinted wound model, by an increase in the fibroblasts number, blood vessels, and collagen deposition in the wounds. The babassu oil also increased the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the wound site and showed an anti‐inflammatory effect in a chronic ear edema model, reducing ear thickness, epidermal hyperplasia, and myeloperoxidase activity. Thus, these data corroborate the use of babassu oil in folk medicine as a remedy to treat skin wounds.
BEHT: Blockchain-Based Efficient Highway Toll Paradigm for Opportunistic Autonomous Vehicle Platoon
Authors: Ying Zuobin , Yi Longyang , Ma Maode
Published: September 2020

Autonomous vehicle platoon is a promising paradigm towards traffic congestion problems in the intelligent transportation system. However, under certain circumstances, the advantage of the platoon cannot be fully developed. In this paper, we focus on the highway Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) charging problem. We try to let the opportunistic platoon pass the ETC as a whole. There are three main issues in this scenario. Firstly, the opportunistic platoon is temporarily composed; vehicles do not trust each other. Secondly, single vehicle may try to escape from the ETC charging by following the platoon. Finally, platoon members may collude with each other and try to underreport the number of vehicles in the platoon so as to evade payment. To solve these challenges, we propose a blockchain-based efficient highway toll paradigm for the opportunistic platoon. The driving history, credential information of every registered vehicle, is recorded and verified from the blockchain. A roadside unit (RSU) is adopted to distinguish the single vehicle from the platoon and in charge of lane allocation. Additionally, an aggregate signature is introduced to accelerate the authentication procedure in the RSU. We analyse the potential security threats in this scenario. The experimental result indicates that our scheme is efficient and practical.
A Fully Coupled Hydromechanical Model for CO2Sequestration in Coal Seam: the Roles of Multiphase Flow and Gas Dynamic Diffusion on Fluid Transfer and Coal Behavior
Authors: Yang Rui , Liu Weiqun , Ma Tianran , Xie Junhe , Hu Yang , Zhou Rui , Yang Yongjie
Published: September 2020

CO2sequestration in coal seam has proved to be an effective way for reducing air pollution caused by greenhouse gases. A study on the rules of fluid transfer and reliability of CO2storage during gas injection is necessary for the engineering application. However, the clarification of multifield coupling in long-term CO2sequestration is the difficulty to solve the aforementioned problem. Previous investigations on the coupled model for CO2storage in coal seam were not exactly comprehensive; for example, the multiphase flow in the fracture and the nonlinear behavior of gas diffusion were generally neglected. In this paper, a new multistage pore model of the coal matrix and the corresponding dynamic diffusion model were adopted. Meanwhile, the CO2-induced coal softening and the CO2-water two-phase flow in coal fracture were also taken into account. Subsequently, all the mentioned mechanisms and interactions were embedded into the coupled hydromechanical model, and this new fully coupled model was well verified by a set of experimental data. Additionally, through the model application for long-term CO2sequestration, we found that the stored CO2molecules are mainly in an adsorbed state at the early injection stage, while with the continuous injection of gas, the stored CO2molecules are mainly in a free state. Finally, the roles of multiphase flow and gas dynamic diffusion on fluid transfer and coal behavior were analyzed. The results showed that the impact of multiphase flow is principally embodied in the area adjacent to the injection well and the coal seam with lower initial water saturation is more reliable for CO2sequestration, while the impact of gas dynamic diffusion is principally embodied in the area far away from the injection well, and it is safer for CO2sequestration in coal seam with greater attenuation coefficient of CO2diffusion.
Solidification/Stabilization of Textile Sludge as Subgrade: Usage of Binders and Skeleton Material
Authors: Cheng Xiao , Li Bingyi , Chen Geng , Gao Shihu
Published: September 2020

This study investigates the disposal of textile sludge via laboratory and field tests while protecting the eco‐environment. Solidification/stabilization (S/S) technology and skeleton construction method are introduced to investigate the application of S/S sludge for subgrade material. S/S is to enhance the sludge strength and stabilize the metal(loid)s and hazardous organics in the textile sludge. Skeleton construction method aims to decrease the liquid‐solid ratio in mixture to reduce the binder dosage and save binder cost. In the laboratory, binders and skeleton material are implemented to investigate the differences in unconfined compressive strength (UCS) to explore the optimal mixture. Results illustrate that UCS of binder‐sludge is below 100 kPa and enhanced more than 400 kPa after adding gypsum and skeleton material. Skeleton soil material with high plasticity index and low moisture content improves UCS significantly. Scanning electron microscopy test shows the physical microstructure of sludge is greatly improved for the particular space grid structure formed by the particles and cementitious products. The leaching test shows the metal(loid)s and organics in leachate are decreased after S/S treatment and below the standard value. Finally, the textile sludge was disposed for subgrade via the technology. The strength and leaching results of field tests are in good agreement with the laboratory results. The bearing capacity of the practical subgrade meets the design requirements.
Bushen-Tiansui Formula Improves Cognitive Functions in an Aβ1–42 Fibril-Infused Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sheng Chenxia , Xu Panpan , Liu Xinyi , Peng Weijun , Xiang Daxiong , Luo Shilin
Published: September 2020

Bushen-Tiansui Formula (BTF) was empirically updated from a classical prescription named Kong-Sheng-Zhen-Zhong pill. It is based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory of the mutual relationship between the brain and the kidney and is intended to treat neurodegenerative diseases. This formulation has been used for several years to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease- (AD-) like symptoms in our clinical department. However, the medicinal ingredients and the mechanisms by which BTF improves cognition and memory functions have not been characterized. In this study, we used UPLC-MS to generate a chromatographic fingerprinting of BTF and identified five possible active ingredients, including stilbene glycoside; epimedin A1, B, and C; and icariin. We also showed that oral administration of BTF reversed the cognitive defects in an Aβ1–42 fibril-infused rat model of AD, protected synaptic ultrastructure in the CA1 region, and restored the expression of BDNF, synaptotagmin (Syt), and PSD95. These effects likely occurred through the BDNF-activated receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB)/Akt/CREB signaling pathway. Furthermore, BTF exhibited no short-term or chronic toxicity in rats. Together, these results provided a scientific support for the clinical use of BTF to improve learning and memory in patients with AD.
Assessment of Landfill Odorous Gas Effect on Surrounding Environment
Authors: Shen Si-liang , Wu Bin-hai , Xu Hui , Zhang Zhen-ying
Published: September 2020

Landfill odorous gas emission has been a serious environmental problem, especially for the residents or passersby on the road near the landfill. In this paper, in situ monitoring and the numerical CALPUFF model were adopted to analyze the odor nuisance problem caused by municipal solid waste (MSW) degradation in a large landfill. The static chamber technique was used to measure the odorous gas emission rate on the working area, temporary cover area, and final cover area of the landfill during Dec. 2016 and Apr. 2018. The results showed that the emission rate of H2S on the working area varied from 0.003 mg/m2/min to 0.98 mg/m2/min, and it was positively correlated with the ambient temperature. The emission of H2S varied between 0.125 kg/h and 1.09 kg/h on the working area, and it varied between 9.2 × 10−6 kg/h and 6.8 × 10−4 kg/h on the temporary cover when considering the impact of the holes in a high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) membrane, and it was negligible on the final cover. The contribution rates of H2S emission in the whole landfill were 90.79%∼98.59% and 0.0008%∼0.52% for the working area and the temporary cover area, respectively. The numerical simulation showed that wind velocity and gas emission rates were the critical factors that affect odor dispersion. To limit the H2S‐influenced area within the landfill site, proper engineering measures should be taken to ensure the H2S emission rate of lower than 15% of its original value.
A Novel Cuckoo Search Optimized Deep Auto-Encoder Network-Based Fault Diagnosis Method for Rolling Bearing
Authors: Tong Jinyu , Luo Jin , Pan Haiyang , Zheng Jinde , Zhang Qing
Published: September 2020

To enhance the performance of deep auto-encoder (AE) under complex working conditions, a novel deep auto-encoder network method for rolling bearing fault diagnosis is proposed in this paper. First, multiscale analysis is adopted to extract the multiscale features from the raw vibration signals of rolling bearing. Second, the sparse penalty term and contractive penalty term are used simultaneously to regularize the loss function of auto-encoder to enhance the feature learning ability of networks. Finally, the cuckoo search algorithm (CS) is used to find the optimal hyperparameters automatically. The proposed method is applied to the experimental data analysis. The results indicate that the proposed method could more effectively distinguish fault categories and severities of rolling bearings under different working conditions than other methods.
Stability Analysis of Regular and Chaotic Ca2+ Oscillations in Astrocytes
Authors: Ye Min , Zuo Hongkun
Published: September 2020

Ca2+ oscillations play an important role in various cell types. Thus, understanding the dynamical mechanisms underlying astrocytic Ca2+ oscillations is of great importance. The main purpose of this article was to investigate dynamical behaviors and bifurcation mechanisms associated with astrocytic Ca2+ oscillations, including stability of equilibrium and classification of different dynamical activities including regular and chaotic Ca2+ oscillations. Computation results show that part of the reason for the appearance and disappearance of spontaneous astrocytic Ca2+ oscillations is that they embody the subcritical Hopf and the supercritical Hopf bifurcation points. In more details, we theoretically analyze the stability of the equilibrium points and illustrate the regular and chaotic spontaneous calcium firing activities in the astrocytes model, which are qualitatively similar to actual biological experiment. Then, we investigate the effectiveness and the accuracy of our nonlinear dynamical mechanism analysis via computer simulations. These results suggest the important role of spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in conjunction with the adjacent neuronal input that may help correlate the connection of both the glia and neuron.
The Study of Three-Dimensional Granular Stream Flowing through the Test Hopper-Shaped Target
Authors: Qiang Chengwen , Yang Weifeng , Li Long , Wang Fei , Deng Weiping , Zhao Qiang , Liu Cong , Zhang Xueying
Published: September 2020

The experiments are carried out in a three-dimensional channel with a screw conveyor, which plays the role of granular drives for the granular flow system and determines the injection of granular in the test target section. The jam-to-dense transition of granular flow is studied with the different inclination angle. The results show that, with a fixed diameter of hopper orifice and initial filling position, there is a change from jam to dense when the inclination angle larger than 22°. Variation of the flow rate with elevated frequency of the screw conveyor is further studied. The flow pattern is changed from dilute to dense with increasing rotation frequency of the screw rod. When the rotation frequency is larger than 5 Hz, the flow is dense. The dynamic balance of the interface between dilute to dense granular is observed in the main target section. We further research the dynamic interface by measuring the highest and lowest location with time and also simulate the gravity flow rate and screw conveyor flow rate with EDEM. From the results, we find that the interface between dilute flow and dense flow is influenced by the combined action of crew conveyor flow and dense gravity flow.
Disruption of Pathological Patterns in a Young Population with Dysfunctional Breathing
Authors: Ok Ji-Myung , Park Young-Jae
Published: September 2020

Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is characterized by abnormal breathing patterns and often results from psychogenic causes in the absence of organic diseases. Although acupuncture and herbal treatments have been suggested as alternative therapies for DB, few studies have addressed the relationship between DB and pathological patterns from a diagnostic perspective. We asked 237 college students (130 men aged 21.4 ± 1.9 years; 107 women aged 21.4 ± 3.0 years) to complete the Korean version of the General Health Questionnaire‐30 (K‐GHQ‐30) and four validated pathological pattern questionnaires regarding qi and yin deficiencies, phlegm, and cold‐heat patterns. The Korean version of the Nijmegen Questionnaire was used to classify participants into DB and non‐DB groups. Effects of age, gender, and DB on pathological patterns were examined using simple regression and two‐way MANCOVA models. Age had an effect on all pattern scores except heat pattern scores (β: 0.154–0.098). DB group showed a moderate main effect (η2 = 0.167) on pathological patterns, while gender showed a minimal main effect (η2 = 0.096); qi and yin deficiencies, phlegm, and cold‐heat pattern scores in DB and female groups were higher than those in non‐DB and male groups. The K‐GHQ‐30 scores showed significant positive correlations with the pathological pattern scores (r: 0.243–0.533), indicating that disruption of pathological patterns could be associated with patients’ psychological disturbance. In conclusion, these questionnaires may help to identify pathological patterns related to DB and determine individually tailored alternative therapies.
FGFR1 Is Critical for RBL2 Loss–Driven Tumor Development and Requires PLCG1 Activation for Continued Growth of Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kim Kee-Beom , Kim Youngchul , Rivard Christopher J. , Kim Dong-Wook , Park Kwon-Sik
Published: September 2020

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains a recalcitrant disease where limited therapeutic options have not improved overall survival, and approved targeted therapies are lacking. Amplification of the tyrosine kinase receptor FGFR1 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 1) is one of the few actionable alterations found in the SCLC genome. However, efforts to develop targeted therapies for FGFR1-amplified SCLC are hindered by critical gaps in knowledge around the molecular origins and mediators of FGFR1-driven signaling as well as the physiologic impact of targeting FGFR1. Here we show that increased FGFR1 promotes tumorigenic progression in precancerous neuroendocrine cells and is required for SCLC development in vivo. Notably, Fgfr1 knockout suppressed tumor development in a mouse model lacking the retinoblastoma-like protein 2 (Rbl2) tumor suppressor gene but did not affect a model with wild-type Rbl2. In support of a functional interaction between these two genes, loss of RBL2 induced FGFR1 expression and restoration of RBL2 repressed it, suggesting a novel role for RBL2 as a regulator of FGFR1 in SCLC. Additionally, FGFR1 activated phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLCG1), whereas chemical inhibition of PLCG1 suppressed SCLC growth, implicating PLCG1 as an effector of FGFR1 signaling in SCLC. Collectively, this study uncovers mechanisms underlying FGFR1-driven SCLC that involve RBL2 upstream and PLCG1 downstream, thus providing potential biomarkers for anti-FGFR1 therapy.

Significance:

This study identifies RBL2 and PLCG1 as critical components of amplified FGFR1 signaling in SCLC, thus representing potential targets for biomarker analysis and therapeutic development in this disease.
Auto-antibodies to p53 and the Subsequent Development of Colorectal Cancer in a U.S. Prospective Cohort Consortium
Authors: Butt Julia , Blot William J. , Visvanathan Kala , Le Marchand Loïc , Wilkens Lynne R. , Chen Yu , Sesso Howard D. , Teras Lauren , Ryser Marc D. , Hyslop Terry , Wassertheil-Smoller Sylvia , Tinker Lesley F. , Potter John D. , Song Mingyang , Berndt Sonja I. , Waterboer Tim , Pawlita Michael , Epplein Meira
Published: September 2020

Background:

Auto-antibodies to tumor suppressor p53 are found in a subset of patients with colorectal cancer. A recent prospective study in the United States has reported a significant 1.8-fold increased odds for colorectal cancer development with prediagnostic seropositivity to p53. In this study, we sought to examine this association in a U.S. colorectal cancer cohort consortium to evaluate the potential utility of p53 auto-antibodies as an early biomarker for colorectal cancer.

Methods:

Auto-antibodies to p53 were measured in prediagnostic blood samples of 3,702 incident colorectal cancer cases and 3,702 controls, matched by age, race, and sex, from 9 U.S. prospective cohorts. The association of seropositivity to p53 with colorectal cancer risk, overall and by time between blood draw and diagnosis, was determined by conditional logistic regression.

Results:

Overall, 5% of controls and 7% of cases were seropositive to p53, resulting in a statistically significant 33% increased colorectal cancer risk [odds ratio (OR), 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09–1.61]. By follow-up time, the association was only significant with colorectal cancer diagnoses within 4 years after blood draw (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.62–3.19), but not thereafter (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.76–1.24).

Conclusions:

In this large consortium of prospective cohorts, we found that prediagnostic seropositivity to tumor suppressor p53 was significantly associated with an over 2-fold increased odds of developing colorectal cancer within 4 years after blood draw.

Impact:

Our finding suggests that p53 seropositivity may not be a useful predictor of long-term colorectal cancer risk; however, it might be considered as a marker to aid in the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.