bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological Assembly of Modular Protein Building Blocks as Sensing, Delivery, and Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Berckman Emily A. , Hartzell Emily J. , Mitkas Alexander A. , Sun Qing , Chen Wilfred
Published: March 2020

Nature has evolved a wide range of strategies to create self-assembled protein nanostructures with structurally defined architectures that serve a myriad of highly specialized biological functions. With the advent of biological tools for site-specific protein modifications and de novo protein design, a wide range of customized protein nanocarriers have been created using both natural and synthetic biological building blocks to mimic these native designs for targeted biomedical applications. In this review, different design frameworks and synthetic decoration strategies for achieving these functional protein nanostructures are summarized. Key attributes of these designer protein nanostructures, their unique functions, and their impact on biosensing and therapeutic applications are discussed.
Ethnic Diversity and Social Trust: A Narrative and Meta-Analytical Review
Authors: Dinesen Peter Thisted , Schaeffer Merlin , Sønderskov Kim Mannemar
Published: March 2020

Does ethnic diversity erode social trust? Continued immigration and corresponding growing ethnic diversity have prompted this essential question for modern societies, but few clear answers have been reached in the sprawling literature. This article reviews the literature on the relationship between ethnic diversity and social trust through a narrative review and a meta-analysis of 1,001 estimates from 87 studies. The review clarifies the core concepts, highlights pertinent debates, and tests core claims from the literature on the relationship between ethnic diversity and social trust. Several results stand out from the meta-analysis. We find a statistically significant negative relationship between ethnic diversity and social trust across all studies. The relationship is stronger for trust in neighbors and when ethnic diversity is measured more locally. Covariate conditioning generally changes the relationship only slightly. The review concludes by discussing avenues for future research.
Macrophage HIF-1α mediates obesity-related adipose tissue dysfunction via interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase M
Authors: Poblete Josept Mari S. , Ballinger Megan N. , Bao Shengying , Alghothani Miriam , Nevado Jose B. , Eubank Timothy D. , Christman John W. , Magalang Ulysses J.
Published: March 2020

Hypoxia leading to stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) serves as an early upstream initiator for adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction. Monocyte-derived macrophage infiltration in AT contributes to inflammation, fibrosis and obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. It was previously reported that myeloid cell-specific deletion of Hif-1α protected against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced AT dysfunction. Prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) are key regulators of HIF-1α. We examined the effects of myeloid cell-specific upregulation and stabilization of Hif-1α via deletion of prolyl-hydroxylase 2 ( Phd2) and whether interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase-M ( Irak-M), a known downstream target of Hif-1α, contributes to Hif-1α-induced AT dysfunction. Our data show that with HFD, Hif-1α and Irak-M expressions were increased in the AT macrophages of Phd2flox/flox/ LysMcre mice compared with LysMcre mice. With HFD, Phd2flox/flox/ LysMcre mice exhibited increased AT inflammation, fibrosis, and systemic insulin resistance compared with control mice. Furthermore, Phd2flox/flox/ LysMcre mice bone marrow-derived macrophages exposed to hypoxia in vitro also had increased expressions of both Hif-1α and Irak-M. In wild-type mice, HFD induced upregulation of both HIF-1a and Irak-M in adipose tissue. Despite equivalent expression of Hif-1α compared with wild-type mice, globally-deficient Irak-M mice fed a HFD exhibited less macrophage infiltration, decreased inflammation and fibrosis and improved glucose tolerance. Global Irak-M deficiency was associated with an alternatively-activated macrophage phenotype in the AT after HFD. Together, these data show for the first time that an Irak-M-dependent mechanism likely mediates obesity-related AT dysfunction in conjunction with Hif-1α upregulation.
Regulation of ANGPTL8 in liver and adipose tissue by nutritional and hormonal signals and its effect on glucose homeostasis in mice
Authors: Zhang Lu , Shannon Chris E. , Bakewell Terry M. , Abdul-Ghani Muhammad A. , Fourcaudot Marcel , Norton Luke
Published: March 2020

The angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL) family represents a promising therapeutic target for dyslipidemia, which is a feature of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The aim of the present study was to determine the metabolic role of ANGPTL8 and to investigate its nutritional, hormonal, and molecular regulation in key metabolic tissues. The regulation of Angptl8 gene expression by insulin and glucose was quantified using a combination of in vivo insulin clamp experiments in mice and in vitro experiments in primary and cultured hepatocytes and adipocytes. The role of AMPK signaling was examined, and the transcriptional control of Angptl8 was determined using bioinformatic and luciferase reporter approaches. The metabolism of Angptl8 knockout mice (ANGPTL8−/−) was examined following chow and high-fat diets (HFD). Insulin acutely increased Angptl8 expression in liver and adipose tissue, which involved the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPβ) transcription factor. In insulin clamp experiments, glucose further enhanced Angptl8 expression in the presence of insulin in adipose tissue. The activation of AMPK signaling antagonized the effect of insulin on Angptl8 expression in hepatocytes and adipocytes. The ANGPTL8−/− mice had improved glucose tolerance and displayed reduced fed and fasted plasma triglycerides. However, there was no change in body weight or steatosis in ANGPTL8−/− mice after the HFD. These data show that ANGPTL8 plays important metabolic roles in mice that extend beyond triglyceride metabolism. The finding that insulin, glucose, and AMPK signaling regulate Angptl8 expression may provide important clues about the distinct function of ANGPTL8 in these tissues.
Lactational metformin exposure programs offspring white adipose tissue glucose homeostasis and resilience to metabolic stress in a sex-dependent manner
Authors: Carlson Zach , Hafner Hannah , Mulcahy Molly , Bullock Kaylie , Zhu Allen , Bridges Dave , Bernal-Mizrachi Ernesto , Gregg Brigid
Published: March 2020

We previously demonstrated that exposing mouse dams to metformin during gestation results in increased beta-cell mass at birth and increased beta-cell insulin secretion in adult male offspring. Given these favorable changes after a gestational maternal metformin exposure, we wanted to understand the long-term metabolic impact on offspring after exposing dams to metformin during the postnatal window. The newborn period provides a feasible clinical window for intervention and is important for beta-cell proliferation and metabolic tissue development. Using a C57BL/6 model, we administered metformin to dams from the day of birth to postnatal day 21. We monitored maternal health and offspring growth during the lactation window, as well as adult glucose homeostasis through in vivo testing. At necropsy we assessed pancreas and adipocyte morphology using histological and immunofluorescent staining techniques. We found that metformin exposure programmed male and female offspring to be leaner with a higher proportion of small adipocytes in the gonadal white adipose tissue (GWAT). Male, but not female, offspring had an improvement in glucose tolerance as young adults concordant with a mild increase in insulin secretion in response to glucose in vivo. These data demonstrate long-term metabolic programming of offspring associated with maternal exposure to metformin during lactation.
Successful Regional Anesthetic for a Parturient with Moyamoya Syndrome
Authors: Pasam Anjalena , Kamath Akshatha , Kamath Hattiangadi Sangeetha , Yarmush Joel , Ahmed Khaja
Published: March 2020

Anesthesia for Cesarean section could be challenging due to the physiological changes during pregnancy, but it can be more complicated if associated with sickle cell disease and moyamoya disease. The moyamoya syndrome is nothing but sickle cell disease complicated by cerebral vasculopathy. Incidence of moyamoya disease in the USA is 0.086/100,000 people. We report a case of a pregnant woman with sickle cell disease and moyamoya syndrome, who underwent a successful spinal epidural for primary cesarean section, with careful monitoring of blood pressure.
Heterotopic Ossification following Total Elbow Arthroplasty in a Patient with Parkinson’s Disease: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shah Ajay , Uy Michael , Yan James R. , Khan Moin , Alolabi Bashar
Published: March 2020

Introduction. Heterotopic ossification (HO) usually develops following surgery or trauma. Risk factors for HO following elbow fractures include delay to surgery (>7 days), floating fractures, and elbow subluxation. Systemic risk factors for HO include male sex; concurrent cranial, neurological, or abdominal injury; high-energy trauma; previous development of HO; and contralateral fracture. To date, no studies have reported on Parkinson’s disease (PD) as a risk factor for the development of HO.Case Presentation. A 68-year-old female with PD (treated with levodopa-carbidopa) sustained a right closed (OTA type A3) distal humerus fracture and was treated with a total elbow arthroplasty. Postoperatively, development of significant near-ankylosing HO was observed and contributed to significant restriction of elbow motion with activities of daily living. After HO maturation, the osseous growth was excised, and the area irradiated. The patient regained excellent elbow motion with no recurrence of HO.Discussion. A literature review revealed six cases of HO development in PD patients following arthroplasty. Patients with PD have higher serum concentrations of interleukins (IL) and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)α. These factors stimulate BMP-2 production which may promote osteogenesis. Levodopa-carbidopa may also influence HO through stimulation of growth hormone and IGF-1.Conclusion. Parkinsonism may promote heterotopic bone growth through the release of osteoinductive factors. HO development may also be mediated by levodopa-carbidopa therapy. Future research should highlight the link between HO and PD and identify if prophylaxis is warranted in PD patients undergoing arthroplasty.
Patient‐Specific or Conventional Instrumentations: A Meta‐analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lin Yipeng , Cai Wufeng , Xu Baoyun , Li Jian , Yang Yuan , Pan Xuelin , Fu Weili
Published: March 2020

Objective. To conduct a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare knee arthroplasty with patient‐specific instrumentation (PSI) with the conventional instrumentation (CI). Methods. RCTs were selected in PubMed and Embase from 2012 to 2018. Key data extracted included malalignment of mechanical axis, blood loss, surgical time, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Society Score (KSS), length of stay, and complications. Subgroup analysis was also performed regarding different PSI systems and different image processing methods. Results. 29 RCTs with 2487 knees were eligible for the meta‐analysis. Results showed that PSI did not improve the alignment of the mechanical axis compared with CI, but MRI‐based PSI and Visionaire‐specific PSI decrease the risk of malalignment significantly (P = 0.04 and P = 0.003, respectively). PSI reduced operative time (P = 0.03) and blood loss (P = 0.002) and improve the KSS (P = 0.02) compared with CI, but for CT‐based PSI, the difference of operative time becomes insignificant. PSI showed no significant difference with CI regarding risk of complication, length of stay in hospital, and functional outcomes of OKS. Conclusion. PSI reduced the blood loss and improved KSS. MRI‐based PSI reduced operative time and risk of malalignment of mechanical axis compared with CT‐based PSI. Moreover, Visionaire‐specific PSI achieves better alignment result of the mechanical axis than other systems.
Searching for Slip Surface of Disturbed Slope Based on Logistic Function
Authors: Zhu Yalin , Peng Xuefeng , Tan Kun , Shi Ming , Hong Yin , Wang Yixian
Published: March 2020

In the slope stability analysis, how to make the slip surface of the structure more precise and smoother has been the focus of research when fitting the slip surface with known numerical points. The study found that the logistic function has both advantages in fitting the slip surface. The related parameters (M, A, and K) are derived by the threshold, symmetry, and precision control of its function. Logistic function constructs the slip surface and compares it with the broken-line slip surface; the numerical results show that the slip points on the two slip surfaces are consistent, indicating that the logistic function fits the curve correctly; the logistic function smooths the original polyline curve, which facilitates solving the direction vector of the curve.
Application of Plasmonic Nanoantennas in Enhancing the Efficiency of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: da Silva Marcelino L. C. , Dmitriev Victor , da Costa Karlo Q.
Published: March 2020

It is known that the periodic use of silver nanoantennas in organic solar cells increases the efficiency of light absorption. In this study, we performed a geometric parametric analysis of nanoantennas using the finite element method. Based on the study of the convex truncated cone nanoantenna, we have found that a nanoantenna arrangement formed by the convex truncated cone nanoantenna along with a pyramidal nanoantenna provides a better solution for different angles of light incidence compared to a single nanoantenna. We obtained a mean increase in the absorption efficiency of this organic solar cell, both for the TM and TE polarizations, compared to the use of the conventional nanoantenna in the wavelength range of 300–800 nm.
Lewis–Mogridge Points: A Nonarbitrary Method to Include Induced Traffic in Cost-Benefit Analyses
Authors: Kucharski Rafał , Drabicki Arkadiusz , Paszkowski Jan , Szarata Andrzej
Published: March 2020

We propose a new method to estimate benefits of road network improvements, which allows to include the induced demand without arbitrary assumptions. Instead of estimating induced demand (which is nontrivial and hardly possible in practice), we search for demand induction where initial benefits are mitigated to zero. Such approach allows to formulate a dual measure of benefit, covering both the potential benefits and the likelihood of consuming them by the induced traffic. We first estimate benefits of road network improvement assuming that traffic demand is fixed. Consequently, we find demand model configurations at which the benefits of the new investment become null, i.e., all the initial benefits are consumed by the traffic demand growth. We call such states of induced demand the Lewis–Mogridge points of the analysed improvement. We select the most probable of such points and use it to calculate the proposed novel indicator μ, for which the initial benefits (obtained under a fixed-demand assumption) are multiplied with a demand increase rate needed to consume them. We believe that such measure allows to include the critical phenomena of induced traffic and, at the same time, to overcome problems associated with reliable estimation of induced demand. As we illustrate with the case of two alternative road improvement schemes in Kraków, Poland, the proposed method allows to estimate maximal threshold of induced traffic and to select scenario more resilient to induced traffic.
Root Tensile Resistance of Selected Pennisetum Species and Shear Strength of Root-Permeated Soil
Authors: Ettbeb Afaff Emhemed , Rahman Zulfahmi Ali , Razi Idris Wan Mohd , Adam Jumaat , Rahim S. Abd. , Ahmad Tarmidzi S. N. , Lihan Tukimat
Published: March 2020

It is widely recognized that vegetation plays a significant role in contrasting slope instability through the root reinforcement. The main objectives of this paper are to evaluate the root tensile of selected Pennisetum species, namely, P. pedicellatum (PPd) and P. polystachion (PPl), and to determine the soil shear strength of root-permeated soil from these species. The selected species were initially planted in the polybags using the hydroseeding technique. A mineral fertilizer of NPK ratio 10 : 8 : 10 was adopted in the hydroseeding mixture. Routine watering program was applied twice a day throughout growth observation for six months. Four replications were prepared for each species including a set of control polybags, which contained only soil for reference and comparison. The results of root tensile tests revealed the significant relationships between root diameter and tensile force. In comparison, the PPl was still indicated by higher values of root tensile force than PPd. The presence of roots clearly has contributed to the shear stress of root-permeated soils. The root density based on root biomass measurement attributed to the higher value of peak shear stress as achieved by PPl than PPd. The combined effects of root tensile and the soil shear strengths of this selected species can be used as biological materials in slope protection against erosion.
Cuff Failure of Spiral-Filled Polyvinyl Chloride Endotracheal Tube Immediately after Tracheal Intubation Using a Channeled Videolaryngoscope (Pentax Airway Scope)
Authors: Nishikawa Koichi , Fujita Yoshihisa
Published: March 2020

We report on a case of mechanical damage to the spiral-filled polyvinyl chloride endotracheal tube that occurred shortly after tracheal intubation using a channeled videolaryngoscope (Pentax airway scope). We also found this problem in two other cases among 350 neurosurgery patients over the past 5 years. Prior to intubation, we did not observe any defect in the cuff. However, the cuff could not be filled with air immediately after the intubation. Anesthesiologists should be aware that, during tracheal intubation using an airway scope, friction between the endotracheal tube and inner surface of the introducer might result in sudden rupture of the cuff.
An Informative and Comprehensive Behavioral Characteristics Analysis Methodology of Android Application for Data Security in Brain-Machine Interfacing
Authors: Su Xin , Gong Qingbo , Zheng Yi , Liu Xuchong , Li Kuan-Ching
Published: March 2020

Recently, brain-machine interfacing is very popular that link humans and artificial devices through brain signals which lead to corresponding mobile application as supplementary. The Android platform has developed rapidly because of its good user experience and openness. Meanwhile, these characteristics of this platform, which cause the amazing pace of Android malware, pose a great threat to this platform and data correction during signal transmission of brain-machine interfacing. Many previous works employ various behavioral characteristics to analyze Android application (or app) and detect Android malware to protect signal data secure. However, with the development of Android app, category of Android app tends to be diverse, and the Android malware behavior tends to be complex. This situation makes existing Android malware detections complicated and inefficient. In this paper, we propose a broad analysis, gathering as many behavior characteristics of an app as possible and compare these behavior characteristics in several metrics. First, we extract static and dynamic behavioral characteristic from Android app in an automatic manner. Second, we explain the decision we made in each kind of behavioral characteristic we choose for Android app analysis and Android malware detection. Third, we design a detailed experiment, which compare the efficiency of each kind of behavior characteristic in different aspects. The results of experiment also show Android malware detection performance of these behavior characteristics combine with well-known machine learning algorithms.
The Association of OTX1 rs17850223 Polymorphisms in Han Chinese Patients with Idiopathic Epilepsy
Authors: Lv Jin , Qu Chunsheng , Huang Zhenqiang , Zhu Yingbiao , Wang Wei , Lan Likang
Published: March 2020

This study is aimed at investigating the association between orthodenticle homeobox 1 (OTX1) gene polymorphisms and idiopathic epilepsy in a cohort of Han Chinese patients. We carried out a case-control study on 147 patients with idiopathic epilepsy and 150 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated from 1 ml of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)-treated blood. The OTX1 coding sequence was divided into three parts and amplified using PCR, and the products were genotyped using the Sanger sequencing method. All OTX1 coding sequences were conserved except for rs17850223 located on the fifth exon. The frequency of the CC, CG, and GG genotypes showed no statistical differences between the idiopathic epileptic patients and the controls. The rs17850223 G allele distribution was also similar between the idiopathic epileptic patients and the controls. Interestingly, the frequency of the GG genotype was significantly higher in the patients with generalized seizures compared with that of the controls (12.2% vs. 2%, p=0.012), and a greater distribution of the rs17850223 G allele was also seen in the patients with generalized seizures compared with controls (18.3% vs. 10%, p=0.049). rs17850223 might play a critical role in Chinese idiopathic epileptic patients with generalized seizure activity.
Optimization Model Based on Reachability Guarantee for Emergency Facility Location and Link Reinforcement
Authors: Yu Wuyang , Liu Jijun
Published: March 2020

The reasonable location of emergency facilities plays an important role in both predisaster service and postdisaster relief. Moreover, damage to the transportation network often affects the accessibility of demand points, which can seriously hamper timely rescue operations. Reasonable location of emergency facilities and reinforcement of fragile roads are two important strategies to improve the reachability of demand points. In this paper, we proposed a biobjective optimization model to determine locations of emergency facilities and links to be reinforced given a limited budget. Each demand point is allocated a primary facility and a backup facility, the former can provides normal service, and the latter is prepared for postdisaster relief. One goal of the model is to minimize the operating cost of normal services, and another goal is to maximize the reachability guarantee of demand points. The novelty and contribution of this paper are that we defined the reachability by introducing damage tolerance instead of link failure probability. Based on this, we defined the reachability guarantee to deal with the worst scenario of disasters. By embedding the max-flow problem of the reachability guarantee into the emergency facility location problem, the locations of emergency facilities and links to be reinforced can be determined simultaneously. The methodology is applied to a simplified Sioux Falls transportation network. Results such as the trade-off curve of two goals, budget efficiency, and the effect of reinforcement demonstrated the effectiveness of the model.
Effects of Hypertonic Saline and Hydroxyethyl Starch on Myeloid‐Derived Suppressor Cells in Hemorrhagic Shock Mice under Secondary Bacterial Attack
Authors: Jiang Jiu-Kun , Hong Liang-Jie , Lu Yuan-Qiang
Published: March 2020

Objectives. The primary target is to reveal whether the resuscitation with hypertonic saline (HTS) or hydroxyethyl starch (HES) would have different effects on the myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (MDSC) count and monocytic MDSC (M‐MDSC)/granulocytic/neutrophilic MDSC (G‐MDSC) rate in the peripheral blood, spleen, and bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNC) in a controlled hemorrhagic shock mouse model under secondary Escherichia coli bacterial infection attack, comparing to resuscitation with normal saline (NS) in 72 hours. Method. After hemorrhagic shock with bacteremia, which is induced by Escherichia coli 35218 injection, the mice were distributed into control, NS, HTS, and HES groups. The peripheral blood nucleated cells (PBNC), spleen single‐cell suspension, and bone marrow nucleated cells were collected. The flow cytometry was used to detect the MDSC, M‐MDSC, and G‐MDSC. Result. In PBNC, after resuscitation with NS, the MDSC was continuously higher, while the rate of M‐MDSC/G‐MDSC were continuously lower (P < 0.05). In HTS, the MDSC varied, higher at 24 and 72 hours (P < 0.05), the M‐MDSC/G‐MDSC were continuously lower (P < 0.05). In the spleen, resuscitation with HTS, the M‐MDSC/G‐MDSC were continuously lower (P < 0.05). In BMNC, after resuscitation with HES, the M‐MDSC/G‐MDSC were lower at 24 and 72 hours (P < 0.05). Conclusion. In mouse hemorrhagic shock model with bacterial infection, the resuscitation with NS, HTS, or HES induced difference changes in MDSC and M‐MDSC/G‐MDSC, which were time‐dependent and organ‐specific. Resuscitation with crystalloid, like NS or HTS, showed longer effects on the MDSC and M‐MDSC/G‐MDSC in peripheral blood; while HTS has a longer effect on M‐MDSC/G‐MDSC in the spleen, HES has a stronger impact on the differentiation regulation of MDSC to G‐MDSC in the bone marrow.
Experimental Study on Diffusion Process of Sulfate Ion in Cemented Gangue Backfill Material
Authors: Guo Yuxia , Wang Peng , Feng Guorui , Qi Tingye , Du Xianjie , Wang Zehua , Li Qingdong
Published: March 2020

Cemented gangue backfill material (CGBM) is made of coal gangue, fly ash, cement, and water. The backfill body will be corroded by mine water that contains different kinds of corrosive ions. The paper mainly aimed to study the diffusion process of sulfate ion () in CGBM. Soluble salt solutions with different concentrations are prepared to simulate various mine water. The concentration was measured by layered sampling method and chemical analyzing method. The diffusion coefficient was calculated according to the second Fick’s law. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the degradation mechanisms. The experimental results showed that the concentration increases in CGBM when the external sulfate solutions concentration increases. With the increasing of magnesium ion (Mg2+) concentration and bicarbonate ion () concentration in the external corrosion solutions, the diffusion coefficient of was increased, and has more significant effects than Mg2+. reacting with CGBM produced ettringite and gypsum. The ettringite and gypsum changed the pore structure of hardened CGBM and affected the compressive strength of hardened CGBM. Studying the diffusion of can contribute to predicting the service life of CGBM.
Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Adaptive Multiparameter-Adjusting Bistable Stochastic Resonance
Authors: Lai Z. H. , Wang S. B. , Zhang G. Q. , Zhang C. L. , Zhang J. W.
Published: March 2020

The weak-signal detection technologies based on stochastic resonance (SR) play important roles in the vibration-based health monitoring and fault diagnosis of rolling bearings, especially at their early-fault stage. Aiming at the parameter-fixed vibration signals in practical engineering, it is feasible to diagnose the potential rolling bearing faults through adaptively adjusting the SR system parameters, as well as other generalized parameters such as the amplitude-transformation coefficient and scale-transformation coefficient. However, extant adaptive adjustment methods focus on the system parameters, while the adjustments of other adjustable parameters have not been fully studied, thus limiting the detection performance of the adaptive SR method. In order to further enhance the detection performance of adaptive SR methods and extend their application in rolling bearing fault diagnosis, an adaptive multiparameter-adjusting SR (AMPASR) method for bistable systems based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed in this paper. This method can produce optimal SR output through adaptively adjusting multiparameters, thus realizing fault feature extraction and further fault diagnosis. Furthermore, the influence of algorithm parameters on the optimization results is discussed, and the optimization results of the Langevin system and the Duffing system are compared. Finally, we propose a weak-signal detection method based on the AMPASR of the Duffing system and employ three diagnosis examples involving inner ring fault, outer ring fault, and rolling element fault diagnoses to demonstrate its feasibility in rolling bearing fault diagnosis.
Optimal Parameters of Service in a Public Transportation Market with Pricing
Authors: Gao Hongwei , Mazalov Vladimir V. , Xue Juan
Published: March 2020

The problem of choosing the optimal parameters of service by carriers in public transport passenger flows is considered. This problem is modeled as a two-stage game. At the first stage, the players (carriers) select the parameters of their service (the number and schedule of vehicles, etc.). At the second stage, the players announce the prices of service and the consumers choose an appropriate service. The Wardrop equilibrium is applied to the competition model with rational consumers preferring the carriers with minimum cost, where the cost of service includes the price and also the expected trip time. The equilibrium in the pricing game is found and the optimal parameters of service as a solution to a noncooperative game are determined. Some results of computer simulations are presented.
I-alowCD11bhighDC Regulates the Immune Response in the Eyes of Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis
Authors: Zhao Yu , Wang Jingwen , Min Zhang , Peng Li , Qi Shuhong , Lin Wei
Published: March 2020

Regulatory dendritic cells (DCreg) have been reported to be a negative regulator in the immune response. These cells are widely distributed in the liver, spleen, and lung. However, the status and function of DCregin the eyes and disease are still not very clear. Herein, we found that the number of I-alowCD11bhighDC increased in the eye and spleen at the recovery stage of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), which is a mouse model for autoimmune uveitis. These cells expressed lower levels of CD80, CD86, and CD54 than the mature DCs and expressed interleukin 10 (IL-10), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) as well. Moreover, these DCregcan regulate the development of EAU by promoting CD4+CD25+Foxp3+regulatory T cells. The increased interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in the aqueous humor of EAU participates in inducing DCregto alleviate the symptom of EAU. Furthermore, DCregwas found to exist in the eyes of normal mice. Aqueous humor, containing a certain concentration of IL-10, TGF-β, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), IDO, and nitric oxide (NO), induced the tolerance of DCregin normal eyes. It can be concluded that DCregexists in the eyes and plays a protective role in inflamed eyes. These DCreginduced by IFN-γmight be used as a strategy to develop therapy for EAU management.
Dynamic Response of Railway Bridges under Heavy‐Haul Freight Trains
Authors: Xiao Ye , Luo Xiaoyong , Liu Jinhong , Wang Kun
Published: March 2020

In the freight railway bridge, the increase of the train running speed and train axle loads can enlarge dynamic response (DR) of the railway bridges, which leads to excessive vibration of bridges and endangers the structural safety. In this paper, a three‐dimensional coupled finite element (FE) model of a heavy‐haul freight train‐track‐bridge (HHFTTB) is established using multibody dynamics theory and FE method, and the DR for the coupled system of HHFTTB are solved by ABAQUS/Explicit dynamic analysis method. The field‐measured data for a 32 m simply supported prestressed concrete beam of a heavy‐haul railway in China are analyzed, and the validity of the FE model is verified. Finally, the effects of train formation number, train running speed, and train axle loads on DR of the heavy‐haul railway bridge structures are studied. The results show that increasing the train formation number only has an influence on DR duration of the bridge structure, rather than the peak value of DR, when the train formation number exceeds a certain number; besides, the train axle loads and train running speed have significant influence on DR of the bridge structure. The results of this study can be used as reference for the design of heavy‐haul railway bridges and the reinforcement transformation of existing railway bridges.
Competitive Coexistence in a Two-Strain Epidemic Model with a Periodic Infection Rate
Authors: Li Chentong , Zhang Yingying , Zhou Yicang
Published: March 2020

In this article, we study the global dynamical behavior of a two-strain SIS model with a periodic infection rate. The positivity and boundedness of solutions are established, and the competitive exclusion conditions are given for the model. The conditions for the global stability of the disease-free equilibrium and persistence of the model are obtained. The conditions of coexistence in this model are also found. Finally, the conditions of uniqueness of the solution are proved.
Impact Analysis of Intermediate Heat Carrier on Heat Transfer in Furnace
Authors: Li Cheng , Zhang Wei-Jun , Yi Zhi , Li Na , Li Kai
Published: March 2020

Intermediate heat carriers have been applied in engineering as enhanced heat transfer elements, but their theoretical analysis still needs to be improved. Therefore, an intermediate heat carrier is added to establish the quaternary model of the furnace gas under nongray radiation characteristics. Based on this model, an analytical expression of heat flux on the surface of the billet is derived. General rule of the impact of intermediate heat carrier on the thermal efficiency in the furnace can be properly derived by analytical calculation from a theoretical point of view. The results show that the longer the length of the intermediate heat carrier located at the top of the furnace, the greater the heat exchange capacity on the surface of the billet. Meanwhile, when the intermediate heat carrier is located in the center of the furnace top, the billet gets higher heat flux; the closer to both sides, the lower the heat flux. In addition, the influence that the surface emissivity of the intermediate heat carrier has on the heat transfer of the billet surface is related to the values of εg and αgw. Comparison with previous literature shows that adding intermediate heat carrier can improve the heat exchange capacity of billet.
Dental Caries Pattern and Treatment Needs among Ugandan Adolescent Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ndagire Barbara , Mwesigwa Catherine L. , Ntuulo Juliet M. , Mayanja-Kizza Harriet , Nakanjako Damalie , Rwenyonyi Charles M.
Published: March 2020

Dental caries is still a major public health problem owing to its high prevalence and incidence in several regions. Planning and development of effective preventive and treatment modalities for the management of dental caries demand information on disease pattern and treatment needs of the populations. However, there is a paucity of this information in Uganda. The aim of the present study was to identify the dental caries pattern and treatment needs among Ugandan adolescent students. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 11- to 19-year-old adolescents attending two secondary schools in Kampala and Mukono districts of Uganda. At both schools, random sampling was used to select the participating classes and the adolescents. Decayed teeth and treatment needs were recorded using the World Health Organization Basic Oral Health Survey criteria. A total of 406 adolescents comprising of 249 female and 157 male students participated in the study. Data were analysed using STATA, version 12.0. The prevalence of decayed teeth (DT) was expressed as a percentage of individuals with DT score ≥1. The treatment needs were categorised into three groups. Associations between dependent and independent variables were evaluated using cross-tabulation, chi-square test, and Poisson regression analysis. The overall prevalence of decayed teeth was 62.6% and mean DT was 1.7 ± 2.3. A total of 696 decayed teeth were observed, and the molar teeth, particularly the second molar (50.6%), were the most significantly affected. The prevalence of caries was higher in the mandible (51.4%) compared to the maxilla though the difference was not statistically significant. Decayed teeth were significantly (p<0.05) associated with difficulty in chewing, history of dental pain in the past 12 months, poor perception of tooth state, and the female participants. Majority (59.4%) of the study participants required restorations of teeth. About 83.2% (n = 579) of the teeth needed restorations, while 44 needed extractions. In conclusion, the prevalence of decayed teeth was high among the study population. It is recommended that school health programmes should include oral health preventive and curative interventions to achieve optimum health.
Optimizing Disruption Recovery Operations for Wind Farms considering Power Generation Loss and Repair Time Uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Dongmei , Jin Jiangang , Ji Qingchang , Zhang Xintong
Published: March 2020

The development of wind power in China shows a dramatic growth in the past decade in terms of installed capacity. However, wind power companies mainly focus on the construction of new wind farms continuously, while operations management once wind farms are built is seldom paid attention to. The problem is crucial for ensuring efficient power generation, especially when wind turbines’ performance declines over time and disruption/failure often occurs. Efficient disruption recovery operations are critical for restoring the failures of wind turbine generators as fast as possible. This paper aims to optimize the disruption recovery operations for wind farms by determining the maintenance schedule and route for multiple maintenance teams. This optimization problem is formulated as a deterministic mixed integer linear programming model with the objective of minimizing the loss of power generation due to failure. In view of the high uncertainty of repair time, a chance-constrained programming model and a cutting-plane solution algorithm are further proposed. A case study based on a real wind farm demonstrates (1) the proposed model is applicable for solving real-world-sized problems; (2) the optimal maintenance route often shows a crossing pattern, which is quite different from that of traditional vehicle routing problems; and (3) the working time limit violation for maintenance teams due to uncertain repair time can be effectively avoided. Overall, the proposed optimization model provides decision-making support for wind farm maintenance work and shows a great potential in wind farm energy management.
Life‐Cycle Assessment of Recycling Postconsumer High‐Density Polyethylene and Polyethylene Terephthalate
Authors: Bataineh Khaled M.
Published: March 2020

This study aims to quantify the overall environmental performances of mechanical recycling of the postconsumer high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in Jordan. The life‐cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is used to assess the potential environmental impacts of recycling postconsumer PET and HDPE. It quantifies the total energy requirements, energy sources, atmospheric pollutants, waterborne pollutants, and solid waste resulting from the production of recycled PET and HDPE resin from the postconsumer plastic. System expansion and cut‐off recycling allocation methods are applied. The analysis has been carried out according to the LCA standard, series UNI EN ISO 14040‐14044:2006. A standard unit of output (functional unit) is defined as “one ton of PET flake” and “one ton of HDPE pellet.” The results of the production of virgin resin are compared with the “cut‐off” and “system expansion” recycling results. Depending on the allocation methods applied, a nonrenewable energy saving of 40–85% and greenhouse gas emission saving of 25–75% can be achieved. Based on two allocation methods, PET and HDPE recycling offers important environmental benefits over single‐use virgin PET and HDPE. LCA offers a powerful tool for assisting companies and policy‐makers in the waste plastic industry. Furthermore, the “system expansion” recycling method is not easy to apply because it requires detailed data outside of the life cycle of the investigated product.
Toll-Like Receptors 2, 4, and 7, Interferon-Gamma, Interleukin 10, and Programmed Death Ligand 1 Transcripts in Leishmanin Skin Test-Positive Reactions of Ibizan Hound Dogs
Authors: Ordeix Laura , Montserrat-Sangrà Sara , Martínez-Orellana Pamela , Solano-Gallego Laia
Published: March 2020

The leishmanin skin test (LST) is an in vivo technique commonly used to evaluate the Leishmania-specific cellular immune response in dogs. However, information regarding the local immune response in LST-positive reactions is scarce. We examined the pattern of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4, TLR7, interleukin- (IL-) 10, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and (program death ligand) PD-L1 gene expression in LST-positive reactions and paired normal-looking skin of nine infected Ibizan hound dogs. Healthy skin from ten seronegative dogs from a nonendemic area was analysed as a negative control. Immune gene expressions were examined by quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis. LST-positive reactions presented significant upregulation of TLR2, TLR4, IL-10, IFN-γ, and PD-L1 and downregulation of TLR7 when compared with healthy skin of seronegative control dogs from a nonendemic area. All transcripts but TLR7 were significantly higher in LST-positive reaction than in paired normal-looking skin of Ibizan hound. The expression profile of immune genes in LST-positive reactions was similar to that previously observed in clinically lesioned skin of mildly diseased dogs with papular dermatitis due to Leishmania infantum infection. This data provide additional support for the important role of TLRs in canine leishmaniosis.
On the Delay Interval in Which the Control Delay Systems are Stabilizable
Authors: Wei Jiang
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we firstly derive some criteria for considered control delay systems to be stabilizable and then get the interval of the control delay, in which the stabilizability of the systems can be kept.
Li-Fraumeni Exploration Consortium Data Coordinating Center: Building an Interactive Web-Based Resource for Collaborative International Cancer Epidemiology Research for a Rare Condition
Authors: Mai Phuong L. , Sand Sharon R. , Saha Neiladri , Oberti Mauricio , Dolafi Tom , DiGianni Lisa , Root Elizabeth J. , Kong Xianhua , Bremer Renee C. , Santiago Karina M. , Bojadzieva Jasmina , Barley Derek , Novokmet Ana , Ketchum Karen A. , Nguyen Ngoc , Jacob Shine , Nichols Kim E. , Kratz Christian P. , Schiffman Joshua D. , Evans D. Gareth , Achatz Maria Isabel , Strong Louise C. , Garber Judy E. , Ladwa Sweta A. , Malkin David , Weitzel Jeffrey N.
Published: March 2020

Background:

The success of multisite collaborative research relies on effective data collection, harmonization, and aggregation strategies. Data Coordination Centers (DCC) serve to facilitate the implementation of these strategies. The utility of a DCC can be particularly relevant for research on rare diseases where collaboration from multiple sites to amass large aggregate datasets is essential. However, approaches to building a DCC have been scarcely documented.

Methods:

The Li-Fraumeni Exploration (LiFE) Consortium's DCC was created using multiple open source packages, including LAM/G Application (Linux, Apache, MySQL, Grails), Extraction-Transformation-Loading (ETL) Pentaho Data Integration Tool, and the Saiku-Mondrian client. This document serves as a resource for building a rare disease DCC for multi-institutional collaborative research.

Results:

The primary scientific and technological objective to create an online central repository into which data from all participating sites could be deposited, harmonized, aggregated, disseminated, and analyzed was completed. The cohort now include 2,193 participants from six contributing sites, including 1,354 individuals from families with a pathogenic or likely variant in TP53. Data on cancer diagnoses are also available. Challenges and lessons learned are summarized.

Conclusions:

The methods leveraged mitigate challenges associated with successfully developing a DCC's technical infrastructure, data harmonization efforts, communications, and software development and applications.

Impact:

These methods can serve as a framework in establishing other collaborative research efforts. Data from the consortium will serve as a great resource for collaborative research to improve knowledge on, and the ability to care for, individuals and families with Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
Targeting NRAS-Mutant Cancers with the Selective STK19 Kinase Inhibitor Chelidonine
Authors: Qian Ling , Chen Kun , Wang Changhong , Chen Zhen , Meng Zhiqiang , Wang Peng
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

Oncogenic mutations in NRAS promote tumorigenesis. Although novel anti-NRAS inhibitors are urgently needed for the treatment of cancer, the protein is generally considered “undruggable” and no effective therapies have yet reached the clinic. STK19 kinase was recently reported to be a novel activator of NRAS and a potential therapeutic target for NRAS-mutant melanomas. Here, we describe a new pharmacologic inhibitor of STK19 kinase for the treatment of NRAS-mutant cancers.

Experimental Design:

The STK19 kinase inhibitor was identified from a natural compound library using a luminescent phosphorylation assay as the primary screen followed by verification with an in vitro kinase assay and immunoblotting of treated cell extracts. The antitumor potency of chelidonine was investigated in vitro and in vivo using a panel of NRAS-mutant and NRAS wild-type cancer cells.

Results:

Chelidonine was identified as a potent and selective inhibitor of STK19 kinase activity. In vitro, chelidonine treatment inhibited NRAS signaling, leading to reduced cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in a panel of NRAS-mutant cancer cell lines, including melanoma, liver, lung, and gastric cancer. In vivo, chelidonine suppressed the growth of NRAS-driven tumor cells in nude mice while exhibiting minimal toxicity.

Conclusions:

Chelidonine suppresses NRAS-mutant cancer cell growth and could have utility as a new treatment for such malignancies.