bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balancing growth and adaptation to stress: Crosstalk between brassinosteroid and abscisic acid signaling
Authors: Wang Qian , Yu Feifei , Xie Qi
Published: July 2020

Plant growth and development are plastic and canadapt to environmental changes. In this process different plant hormones coordinate to modulate plant growth and environmental interactions. In this article, we describe the individual brassinosteroid (BR) and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathways, emphasize the specific regulatory mechanisms between ABA and BR responses and discuss how both phytohormones coordinate growth, development and stress responses in plants. BR signaling is essential for plant development, while ABA signaling is activated to ensure plants survive stress. The crosstalk between BR and ABA, especially protein phosphorylation, protein stability control and downstream transcription control of key components of both pathways are discussed in terms of modulating plant development and stress adaptation.
Collective Reason, the Rationality Gap, and Political Leadership
Authors: Paskalev Vesco
Published: July 2020

The article discusses the implications of the well‐known discursive dilemma. The dilemma arises whenever a reasoned decision has to be taken by a collective decision‐maker and generates persistent contradiction between what is defined as collective reason and public opinion. Following Philip Pettit, I argue that collective reason is normatively preferable and that the role of existing constitutional institutions in contemporary democracies is to collectivise reason. However, this makes the frustration of popular will a systematic by‐product of any well‐functioning political process. I argue that the only way out is if individual beliefs are subject to revision during cycles of public deliberations with the responsibility to lead this thrusted upon elected representatives.
Probabilistic Analysis of Domino Effects by Using a Matrix‐Based Simulation Approach
Authors: Zhou Jianfeng , Reniers Genserik
Published: July 2020

Major industrial accidents occurring at so‐called major hazard installations may cause domino accidents which are among the most destructive industrial accidents existing at present. As there may be many hazard installations in an area, a primary accident scenario may potentially propagate from one installation to another, and correlations exist in probability calculations of domino effects. In addition, during the propagation of a domino effect, accidents of diverse types may occur, some of them having a synergistic effect, while others do not. These characteristics make the analytical formulation of domino accidents very complex. In this work, a simple matrix‐based modeling approach for domino effect analysis is proposed. Matrices can be used to represent the mutual influences of different escalation vectors between installations. On this basis, an analysis approach for accident propagation as well as a simulation‐based algorithm for probability calculation of accidents and accident levels is provided. The applicability and flexibility of this approach is discussed while applying it to estimate domino probabilities in a case study.
Interindividual Variation in Source‐Specific Doses is a Determinant of Health Impacts of Combined Chemical Exposures
Authors: Price Paul
Published: July 2020

All individuals are exposed to multiple chemicals from multiple sources. These combined exposures are a concern because they may cause adverse effects that would not occur from an exposure recieved from any single source. Studies of combined chemical exposures, however, have found that the risks posed by such combined exposures are almost always driven by exposures from a few chemicals and sources and frequently by a single chemical from a single source. Here, a series of computer simulations of combined exposures are used to investigate when multiple sources of chemicals drive the largest risks in a population and when a single chemical from a single source is responsible for the largest risks. The analysis found that combined exposures drive the largest risks when the interindividual variation of source‐specific doses is small, moderate‐to‐high correlations occur between the source‐specific doses, and the number of sources affecting an individual varies across individuals. These findings can be used to identify sources with the greatest potential to cause combined exposures of concern.
South Tyrol and Åland: Collective Identity in the Interplay of Old and New Minorities
Authors: Dosch Jörn , Lakatos Malvina
Published: July 2020

Across Europe, the refugee crisis of 2015 and 2016 triggered debates about the openness of societies as well as the nature and flexibility of the collective national identity. The Finnish Åland Islands and the Italian province of South Tyrol enjoy an extensive degree of autonomy within otherwise unitary states, and have developed far‐reaching legal and other formal mechanisms for the protection of minorities. The respective statutes of autonomy guarantee the existence and use of Swedish and German, respectively, and thus protect the status of their bearers in relation to the majority population. We argue that the process of gaining and sustaining autonomy has, in turn, created a strong institutional basis for the formation of the collective identity. As a result, the Ålandic and South Tyrolean societies have been flexible and effective in their approach to the integration of migrants as new minority groups. At the same time, neither immigration in general nor the recent wave of refugees has had a pronounced impact on existing concepts of identity, let alone resulted in a change to the way identities are constructed in socio‐political terms.
Liberating the classroom: Ethnographic elements in liberation theologies curricula
Authors: Hankela Elina
Published: July 2020

A lively conversation has arisen in recent years among theologians concerning ethnographic theology. While liberation theologians have scarcely participated in it, an emphasis on lived experience – which ethnography aims to understand – lies at the heart of theologies of liberation. This article addresses the question of employing ethnographic elements in teaching liberation theologies by bringing higher education scholarship into conversation with the liberation theological discourse. It is argued that ethnographic methods, if framed within the liberationist discourse, provide effective tools for liberation theologies curricula, because such methods are in line with the liberationist threshold concept of interlocution. In a secular university, ethnographic methods can, furthermore, provide the student with epistemological distance from the truths of liberation theologies, while the inclusion of ethnography in theologies curricula can be conceptualized as an aspect of decolonizing education. Although the article focuses on teaching liberation theologies, the general principles can also be applied to teaching theology and religion more broadly.
Mesoscale modeling and debris generation in hypervelocity impacts
Authors: Bouchey Stephanie N. Q. , Hollenshead Jeromy T.
Published: July 2020

Material fragmentation after a hypervelocity impact is of interest to predictive electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) modeling. Successful comparisons with data require that submicron fragments are generated in such impacts; however, experimental data has so far been unable to produce fragments of this scale [e.g., 1-3]. This effort investigated the generation of predicted debris from hypervelocity impact of a sphere on a flat, semi-infinite plate. It is hypothesized that explicit modeling of grains, especially in the presence of void and varying grain properties, may lead to differences in predicted strain rates (locally higher) associated with the grain boundaries. Such an effect may lead to smaller predicted fragments sizes than when using the traditional bulk modeling approach and may provide improved understanding of fragmentation modeling in hypervelocity impacts. Comparisons of predicted strain rates at failure (a proxy for fragment size) and material temperature were made between simulations run using a bulk modeling approach and a mesoscale grain modeling approach.
Predicting orbital debris-induced failure risk of wire harnesses using SPH hydrocode modeling
Authors: Williamsen Joel , Squire Michael , Evans Steven
Published: July 2020

This paper describes a method derived to assess the probability of two types of complex cable failures (partial and full wire breaks), considering their location with respect to the debris spray from penetration of multi-layer insulation (MLI) suspended over them, and the likelihood of impacting particle sizes and velocities as predicted by NASA’s model for predicting orbital debris impact size and velocity distributions for satellites in low earth orbit, ORDEM. The smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) code was used to determine the onset of these two failure types following hypervelocity impact for different orbital debris velocities, sizes and orientations relative to four different wire locations for a prototypical satellite in a 98-degree polar orbit at an altitude of approximately 750 km (i.e., a typical weather satellite). Interpolations between hydrocode results, combined with ORDEM predictions of orbital debris likelihoods, were used to predict overall risk of each failure type. Adding a few layers of beta cloth over the wires cut the risk of each failure type in half.
Defeating Modern Armor and Protection Systems
Authors: Graswald Markus , Gutser Raphael , Breiner Jakob , Grabner Florian , Lehmann Timo , Oelerich Andrea
Published: July 2020

An open source research and vulnerability study of main battle tanks and their protections systems revealed that current anti-tank weapons may not be suited to defeat modern threats. One example is the novel T-14 tank being developed and tested in the Russian army with its combined hard-kill and soft-kill active protection system AFGANIT / SHTORA, its new reactive armor MALACHIT as well as improved multi-component passive armor. Additionally, modern active protection systems currently developed in, e.g., Israel, the United States, and Germany feature also multi-sensor and multi-effector systems with drastically improved detection and intercept ranges, short system reaction times as well as protection against multiple threats attacking simultaneously and / or from similar directions. While known effectors and concepts may overcome fielded active protections systems, they are probably not suited in defeating such modern and even future systems. Countermeasures relying on high engagement velocities through improved kinetic energy projectiles or hypervelocity penetrators may provide a potential solution. Another promising concept generates directed, far-distance electromagnetic effects defeating sensors and communications systems of modern main battle tanks. After such a mission kill, a following salvo attack through an anti-tank or modern multi-role weapon will eventually lead to a catastrophic kill. Feasibility studies of these mobile electromagnetic effectors have already shown their high potential.
Extravehicular Activity Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris Risk Assessment Methodology
Authors: Hoffman Kevin D. , Hyde James L. , Christiansen Eric L. , Lear Dana M.
Published: July 2020

A well-known hazard associated with exposure to the space environment is the risk of vehicle failure due to an impact from a micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) particle. Among the vehicles of importance to NASA is the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) “spacesuit” used while performing a US extravehicular activity (EVA). An EMU impact is of great concern as a large leak could prevent an astronaut from safely reaching the airlock in time resulting in a loss of life. For this reason, a risk assessment is provided to the EVA office at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) prior to certification of readiness for each US EVA. This paper will detail the methodology for an ISS EVA risk assessment. The soft goods regions (multilayer fabric over a pressurized bladder) are the highest contributors of risk for an ISS EVA. The gloves, due to reduced fabric layers to allow for improved dexterity, carry the highest risk per area. ISS EVA risk can be reduced by minimizing the exposure of the front of the suit and gloves to the orbital debris flux.
The JHUAPL Planetary Impact Lab (PIL): Capabilities and initial results
Authors: Daly R. Terik , Barnouin Olivier S. , Lennon Andrew M. , Stickle Angela M. , Rainey Emma S. , Ernst Carolyn M. , Knuth Andrew A.
Published: July 2020

The Planetary Impact Lab (PIL) at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL) includes a single-stage, compressed inert gas gun that can be used for impact experiments. The impact angle can be varied from 15° to 90° with respect to horizontal, a capability which enables oblique impacts into unconsolidated or granular materials (e.g., regolith analogs). The gun currently achieves impact velocities up to 400 m/s, although future enhancements could increase the maximum projectile velocity. Experiments can be done with atmospheric pressures ranging from ambient pressure down to ~75 Pa. The gun uses sabots produced with state-of-the-art additive manufacturing techniques (AM). Several engineering challenges had to be overcome to create a reliable AM sabot; however, AM sabots are ~45% lighter than and provide substantial cost savings over machined sabots. The PIL gun is currently being used to investigate impact processes on sloped coarse-grained surfaces, with application to planetary science and, specifically, rubble-pile asteroids. In contrast to previous studies of impacts onto slopes, we kept the projectile trajectory perpendicular to the target surface, thereby disentangling the effects of oblique impacts from the effects caused by a sloped surface. Initial results show enhanced crater collapse in the sloped target, with most of the collapse occurring in the direction parallel to the surface gradient. Consequently, final craters on sloped targets have smaller volumes and reduced depth-to-diameter ratios.
Motor Development Research: II. The First Two Decades of the 21st Century Shaping Our Future
Authors: Whitall Jill , Bardid Farid , Getchell Nancy , Pangelinan Melissa M. , Robinson Leah E. , Schott Nadja , Clark Jane E.
Published: July 2020

In Part I of this series I, we looked back at the 20thcentury and re-examined the history of Motor Development research described in Clark & Whitall’s 1989 paper “What is Motor Development? The Lessons of History”. We now move to the 21stcentury, where the trajectories of developmental research have evolved in focus, branched in scope, and diverged into three new areas. These have progressed to be independent research areas, co-existing in time. We posit that the research focus on Dynamical Systems at the end of the 20thcentury has evolved into a Developmental Systems approach in the 21stcentury. Additionally, the focus on brain imaging and the neural basis of movement have resulted in a new approach, which we entitled Developmental Motor Neuroscience. Finally, as the world-wide obesity epidemic identified in the 1990s threatened to become a public health crisis, researchers in the field responded by examining the role of motor development in physical activity and health-related outcomes; we refer to this research area as the Developmental Health approach. The glue that holds these research areas together is their focus on movement behavior as it changes across the lifespan.
Discovery of M Protease Inhibitors Encoded by SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hung Hui-Chen , Ke Yi-Yu , Huang Sheng Yu , Huang Peng-Nien , Kung Yu-An , Chang Teng-Yuan , Yen Kuei-Jung , Peng Tzu-Ting , Chang Shao-En , Huang Chin-Ting , Tsai Ya-Ru , Wu Szu-Huei , Lee Shiow-Ju , Lin Jiunn-Horng , Liu Bing-Sin , Sung Wang-Chou , Shih Shin-Ru , Chen Chiung-Tong , Hsu John Tsu-An
Published: July 2020

The coronavirus (CoV) disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a health threat worldwide. Viral main protease (M
pro
, also called 3C‐like protease [3CL
pro
]) is a therapeutic target for drug discovery. Herein, we report that GC376, a broad-spectrum inhibitor targeting M
pro
in the picornavirus-like supercluster, is a potent inhibitor for the M
pro
encoded by SARS-CoV-2, with a half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) of 26.
Combination of Miconazole and Domiphen Bromide Is Fungicidal against Biofilms of Resistant
Candida
spp
Authors: Tits Jana , Cools Freya , De Cremer Kaat , De Brucker Katrijn , Berman Judith , Verbruggen Kristof , Gevaert Bert , Cos Paul , Cammue Bruno P. A. , Thevissen Karin
Published: July 2020

The occurrence and recurrence of mucosal biofilm-related
Candida
infections, such as oral and vulvovaginal candidiasis, are serious clinical issues. Vaginal infections caused by
Candida
spp., for example, affect 70 to 75% of women at least once during their lives. Miconazole (MCZ) is the preferred topical treatment against these fungal infections, yet it has only moderate antibiofilm activity. Through screening of a drug-repurposing library, we identified the quaternary ammonium compound domiphen bromide (DB) as an MCZ potentiator against
Candida
biofilms.
Biomineralization of Cu
2
S Nanoparticles by Geobacter sulfurreducens
Authors: Kimber Richard L. , Bagshaw Heath , Smith Kurt , Buchanan Dawn M. , Coker Victoria S. , Cavet Jennifer S. , Lloyd Jonathan R.
Published: July 2020

Dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria are ubiquitous in soils and aquifers and are known to utilize a wide range of metals as terminal electron acceptors. These transformations play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of metals in pristine and contaminated environments and can be harnessed for bioremediation and metal bioprocessing purposes. However, relatively little is known about their interactions with Cu. As a trace element that becomes toxic in excess, Cu can adversely affect soil biota and fertility. In addition, biomineralization of Cu nanoparticles has been reported to enhance the mobilization of other toxic metals. Here, we demonstrate that when supplied with acetate under anoxic conditions, the model metal-reducing bacterium
Geobacter sulfurreducens
can transform soluble Cu(II) to Cu
2
S nanoparticles. This study provides new insights into Cu biomineralization by microorganisms and suggests that contaminant mobilization enhanced by Cu biomineralization could be facilitated by
Geobacter
species and related organisms.
Endocervical miRNA Expression Profiles in Women Positive for Chlamydia trachomatis with Clinical Signs and/or Symptoms Are Distinct from Those in Women Positive for Chlamydia trachomatis without Signs and Symptoms
Authors: Batteiger Teresa A. , Spencer Nicole , Washam Charity L. , Byrum Stephanie , Eledge Michael , Batteiger Byron E. , Rank Roger G. , Yeruva Laxmi
Published: July 2020

Chlamydia trachomatis
is the leading cause of sexually transmitted infections that may progress to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. No effective vaccine exists for
Chlamydia
, nor are there biomarkers available that readily predict disease progression. In this cross-sectional pilot study, we recruited symptomatic and asymptomatic women with
C. trachomatis
(CT) infection and asymptomatic, uninfected control women from an urban sexually transmitted disease clinic to determine if there were differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression.
Genetic Analyses of Contributions of Viral Interleukin-6 Interactions and Signaling to Human Herpesvirus 8 Productive Replication
Authors: Li Qian , Xiang Qiwang , Chen Daming , Nicholas John
Published: July 2020

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)-encoded viral interleukin-6 (vIL-6) was the first viral IL-6 homologue to be identified. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that vIL-6 is important for the onset and/or progression of HHV-8-associated endothelial-cell and B-cell pathologies, including AIDS-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma and multicentric Castleman’s disease. The protein is unusual in its poor secretion from cells and its intracellular activity; it interacts, directly or indirectly, with a number of proteins beyond the IL-6 signal transducer, gp130, and can mediate activities through these interactions in the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we report the characterization with respect to protein interactions and signal-transducing activity of a panel of vIL-6 variants and utilization of HHV-8 mutant viruses expressing selected variants in phenotypic analyses. Our findings establish the importance of vIL-6 in HHV-8 productive replication and the contributions of individual vIL-6-protein interactions to HHV-8 lytic biology. This work furthers understanding of the biological significance of vIL-6 and its unique intracellular interactions.
Rgx365, a Rare Protopanaxatriol-Type Ginsenoside Fraction from Black Ginseng, Suppresses Inflammatory Gene iNOS via the Iinhibition of p-STAT-1 and NF-κB
Authors: Jeong So Yeon , Kim Ji-Eun , Song Gyu-Yong , Bae Jong-Sup
Published: July 2020

Black ginseng (BG), which is ginseng that has been steamed and dried nine times, and its main protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides Rg4, Rg6, Rh4, and Rg2 have been reported to exhibit various forms of biological activity, including antiseptic, antidiabetic, wound-healing, immune-stimulatory, and anti-oxidant activity. The aim of the this study was to examine the effects of [Formula: see text] (a rare protopanaxatriol-type ginsenoside fraction; Rg2, Rg4, Rg6, Rh1, and Rh4) on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction and on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-)2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs). [Formula: see text] was tested to determine its effect on iNOS protein expression and inflammatory markers (interleukin [IL]-1[Formula: see text] and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-[Formula: see text] in the lung tissue of LPS-treated mice. The results showed that [Formula: see text] induced the expression of HO-1, reduced LPS-activated NF-[Formula: see text]B-luciferase activity, and inhibited iNOS/NO and COX-2/PGE2, which contributed to the inhibition of STAT-1 phosphorylation. In particular, [Formula: see text] induced the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytosol to the nucleus by increasing Nrf2-ARE activity and decreased IL-1[Formula: see text] production in LPS-activated HPAECs. This reduction in iNOS/NO expression due to [Formula: see text] was reversed by siHO-1 RNA transfection. In LPS-treated mice, [Formula: see text] significantly reduced lung tissue iNOS protein levels and TNF-[Formula: see text] levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In conclusion, these findings indicate that [Formula: see text] has a critical anti-inflammatory effect due to its ability to regulate iNOS via the inhibition of p-STAT-1 and NF-[Formula: see text]B, and thus it may be suitable for the treatment of inflammatory disease.
MLL3 Induced by Luteolin Causes Apoptosis in Tamoxifen-Resistant Breast Cancer Cells through H3K4 Monomethylation and Suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Wu Han-Tsang , Liu Yi-En , Hsu Kai-Wen , Wang Yu-Fen , Chan Ya-Chi , Chen Yeh , Chen Dar-Ren
Published: July 2020

Tamoxifen is one of the most common hormone therapy drug for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Tumor cells with drug resistance often cause recurrence and metastasis in cancer patients. Luteolin is a natural compound found from various types of vegetables and exhibit anticancer activity in different cancers. This study demonstrated that luteolin inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis of tamoxifen-resistant ER-positive breast cancer cells. Luteolin also causes cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and decreases mitochondrial membrane potential. Besides, luteolin reduces the levels of activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The combination treatment of luteolin and PI3K, AKT, or mTOR inhibitors synergistically increases apoptosis in tamoxifen-resistant ER-positive breast cancer cells. Ras gene family (K-Ras, H-Ras, and N-Ras), an activator of PI3K, was transcriptionally repressed by luteolin via induction of tumor suppressor mixed-lineage leukemia 3 (MLL3) expression. MLL3 increases the level of monomethylation of Histone 3 Lysine 4 on the enhancer and promoter region of Ras genes, thus causes repression of Ras expressions. Our finding implies that luteolin was a promising natural agent against tamoxifen resistance of breast cancer.
CAN CARBON TAX COMPLEMENT EMISSION TRADING SCHEME? THE IMPACT OF CARBON TAX ON ECONOMY, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT IN CHINA
Authors: LIN BOQIANG , JIA ZHIJIE
Published: July 2020

The problems of excessive CO2 emissions and global warming caused by human activities are becoming more serious. Carbon Tax (CT) and Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) are popular emission mitigation mechanisms. This paper establishes four counter-factual (CF) scenarios with different CT rate, and constructs a dynamic recursive computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, named China Energy-Environment-Economy Analysis (CEEEA) model, to study the impact of different CT rate on the economy, energy and environment. The results indicate that if CT complement ETS, and the cap of ETS is based on grandfathering method, the carbon trading price will reduce due to the changes in carbon allowances demand and supply. CT can share the mitigation pressure from ETS coverages into non-ETS coverages. When CT complement ETS but nothing is changed in mechanism of emission trading, the total emission mitigation effect will reduce slightly but the mitigation cost will reduce significantly. All in all, using CT as the supplement is a good mitigation strategy to release Gross Domestic Product (GDP) loss. But if we want to get more mitigation effect, rising CT rate or a stricter carbon cap may help.
Electricity Generation Through Water Supply Pipes in High Rise Buildings
Authors: Suman Rajiv , Javaid Mohd , Nandan Devaki , Bahl Shashi , Haleem Abid
Published: July 2020

Day by day, with the improved per capita demand and increasing population, energy requirements are increasing globally. Big organizations are trying to develop zero energy establishments by using solar rooftop systems and by following green building norms. This paper proposes to utilize the kinetic energy of water falling in high-rise buildings for the generation of electricity. This study proposes the idea of extracting electric power from falling water in high-rise buildings. A 15[Formula: see text]m high building is considered for the study, having sufficient water head to run a micro-hydro turbine. Hydraulic turbines are stationed at each storey of the building, which employs the water energy for the generation of electricity. Analytically, the suggested setup is commercially propitious for several major cities of the country. The economic review of the suggested setup is discussed for possible commercialization of the idea.
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Variants in Domestic and Wild Bactrian Camels Using Whole-Genome Sequencing Data
Authors: Hedayat-Evrigh Nemat , Khalkhali-Evrigh Reza , Bakhtiarizadeh Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2020

The population size of Bactrian camels is smaller than dromedary, and they are distributed in cold and mountain regions and are also at the risk of extinction in some countries such as Iran. To identify and investigate the genome-wide variations, whole-genome sequencing of two Iranian Bactrian camels were performed with 37.4- and 42.6-fold coverage for the first time. Along with Iranian Bactrian camels, sequencing data from two Mongolian domestic and two wild Bactrian camels deposited in the NCBI were reanalyzed. The analysis eventuated to the identification of 4,908,998, 4,485,725, and 4,706,654 SNPs for Iranian, Mongolian domestic, and wild Bactrian camels, respectively. Also, INDEL variations ranged from 358,311 to 533,188 in all six camels. Results of variants annotation in all samples revealed that more than 88 percent of SNPs and INDELs were located in the intergenic and intronic regions. We found that 800,530 SNPs were common among all studied camels, containing 4,046 missense variants that affected 2,428 genes. Investigation of common genes among all camels containing the missense SNPs showed that there are 98 zinc finger and 4 fertility-related genes (ZP1, ZP2, ZP4, and ZPBP) in this set.
Algorithms for U-Model-Based Dynamic Inversion (UM-Dynamic Inversion) for Continuous Time Control Systems
Authors: Li Ruobing , Zhu Quanmin , Kiely Janice , Zhang Weicun
Published: July 2020

To setup a universal proper user toolbox from previous individual research publications, this study generalises the algorithms for the U-model dynamic inversion based on the realisation of U-model from polynomial and state-space described continuous-time (CT) systems and presents the corresponding U-control system design in a systematic procedure. Then, it selects four CT dynamic plants plus a wind energy conversion system for simulation case studies in Matlab/Simulink to test/demonstrate the proposed U-model-based design procedure and dynamic inversion algorithms. This work can be treated as a U-control system design user manual in some sense.
In Vitro Micropropagation of Industrially and Medicinally Useful Plant Aloe trichosantha Berger Using Offshoot Cuttings
Authors: Hailu Atsbeha , Sbhatu Desta Berhe , Abraha Haftom Baraki
Published: July 2020

This study was aimed to develop in vitro micropropagation protocol of Aloe trichosantha Berger using offshoots as explants. MS media supplemented with plant growth regulators helped explants develop shoots within about 14 to 17 days. The mean number of days to shooting has decreased from 16.8 ± 0.8 with 0.5/0.5 mg/L BAP/NAA supplement to 15.5 ± 0.5 with 2.0/0.5 mg/L BAP/NAA. While the mean shoot number has increased with increasing the concentration of BAP supplements, the reverse was true with mean shoot lengths, whereas supplement of 2.0/0.5 mg/L BAP/NAA has generated significantly more shoots (17 ± 3.8), and longer shoots were produced with the addition of 0.5/0.5 and 1.0/0.5 mg/L BAP/NAA. In regard to rooting, though higher concentrations of NAA have resulted in quick rooting, the rooting performance in terms of mean number and length of roots was better with low concentrations. All the plantlets subjected to greenhouse acclimatization in cocopeat have survived. Secondary acclimatization in composted and manured soil media has also resulted in 93 to 95% survival rate. Lighting conditions (nursery shade or direct sunlight) of secondary acclimatization did not lead to any difference in the survival rate of the plantlets.
Flip and Neimark–Sacker Bifurcations in a Coupled Logistic Map System
Authors: Mareno A. , English L. Q.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we consider a system of strongly coupled logistic maps involving two parameters. We classify and investigate the stability of its fixed points. A local bifurcation analysis of the system using center manifold theory is undertaken and then supported by numerical computations. This reveals the existence of a flip and Neimark–Sacker bifurcations.
Dynamic Pricing of Ride-Hailing Platforms considering Service Quality and Supply Capacity under Demand Fluctuation
Authors: Sun Zhongmiao , Xu Qi , Shi Baoli
Published: July 2020

Increasing attention is being paid to the pricing decisions of ride-hailing platforms. These platforms usually face market demand fluctuation and reflect supply and demand imbalances. Unlike existing studies, we focus on the optimal dynamic pricing of the platforms under imbalance between supply and demand caused by market fluctuation. Dynamic models are constructed based on the state change of supply and demand by using optimal control theory, with the aim of maximizing the platform’s total profit. We obtain the optimal trajectories of price, supply, and demand under three ride demand situations. The effects of some key parameters on pricing decisions, such as coefficient of demand fluctuation, service quality, and fixed commission rate, are examined. We find the optimal dynamic price can improve the match of supply-demand in ride-hailing market and enhance the revenue of platform.
Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness and Its Relationship with Spiritual Wellbeing in Iranian Cancer Patients
Authors: Senmar Mojtaba , Hasannia Elham , Moeinoddin Atiyeh , Lotfi Shaghayegh , Hamedi Faezeh , Habibi Mahnaz , Noorian Sajad , Rafiei Hossein
Published: July 2020

Background. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychosocial adjustment to illness and its relation with spiritual health in cancer patients. Methods. This study was conducted in 2019 in Iran. It was a descriptive study with a sample of 124 cancer patients. Data were collected using two questionnaires of the psychosocial adjustment to illness scale (PAIS) with 46 questions and the Paloutzian and Ellison spiritual health scale with 20 questions. Results. The mean age of the participants in this study was 52.4±13.2 (range 18 to 87 years). The mean months of life with cancer were 16.5 months. The mean score of psychosocial adjustment to illness was 30.7±15.5. The mean score of spiritual wellbeing in the studied patients was 71.4±17.1. The results of the Pearson correlation test showed a significant inverse relationship between the mean score of psychosocial adjustment to illness and the mean score of spiritual wellbeing (p>0.001, rr=−.355). Conclusion. Cancer patients in this study had relatively good psychosocial adjustment with their illness. Spiritual wellbeing can increase psychosocial adjustment to illness in this group of patients.
Menstrual Morbidities, Menstrual Hygiene, Cultural Practices during Menstruation, and WASH Practices at Schools in Adolescent Girls of North Karnataka, India: A Cross-Sectional Prospective Study
Authors: Yaliwal Rajasri G. , Biradar Aruna M. , Kori Shreedevi S. , Mudanur Subhashchandra R. , Pujeri Shivakumar U. , Shannawaz Mohd
Published: July 2020

Background. Issues of menstrual morbidities, menstrual hygiene, and cultural practices are rarely discussed by adolescents. The burden of menstruation and cultural practices which the adolescent girls have to face has been less quantified. This study aims to assess the issues related to menstruation in school girls. Method. A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 1016 school-going adolescent girls in January 2020. A questionnaire in English and in Kannada was distributed to girls of class 8–12 of ages between 10 and 19 years. Results. 70.5% of the girls attained menarche by 12 to 14.9 years, 37.2% of the girls had their periods every 28–34 days, and 12.2% of the girls said they have heavy periods. 61.95% of the girls had dysmenorrheal, and 9.7% of the girls said that they required medications for the pain. 70.7% of the girls were using commercial sanitary napkins, 12.7% were using cloth, and 15.3% were using both. 55.5% of the girls who were using cloth as an absorbent were not drying the cloth in sunlight. 57.1% of the girls were washing their genitals more than 2 times a day. 93.8% were having bath during menses and 87.2% were using soap along with water. 37.7% of the girls disposed their pads by burning them, 50.8% of then disposed them in the dust bin, and 4.9% of them buried them. 8.6% of the girls said that they remained completely absent from school during periods. 17.85% said that they remained absent for a day. 53.4% of the respondents said that they have difficulty in concentrating at school. 76.1% said that they had adequate water and sanitation facilities at school. 22.3% said that there was adequate facility to change their pads at school. 73.2% said that they could get a spare pad at school. 43.3% of the girls said they avoided cultural functions during their periods, and 38.5% said that they avoided religious ceremonies and practices during their periods. 8.7% of the girls were made to sit outside the house during their periods. The girls from rural areas had poorer hygienic habits, in comparison to the urban girls. Cultural restrictions such as sitting outside the house during menstruation and restricting play were more in the rural girls than the urban girls. Conclusion. Menstrual morbidities, menstrual hygiene management, and cultural beliefs all play a role in school absenteeism in adolescent girls. Improvement of facilities at school and conducting awareness programs can help adolescent girls to attend schools.
Diametric Comparison between the Thoracodorsal Vessel and Deep Inferior Epigastric Vessel in Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Kim Jun Hyeok , Kim Ye Sol , Moon Suk-Ho , Jun Young Joon , Rhie Jong Won , Oh Deuk Young
Published: July 2020

Background. In microvascular anastomosis, size discrepancy is common and can increase thrombotic complications. If size differences can be predicted, then vessels of the appropriate size can be selected. This study documented the difference in diameter between the thoracodorsal (TD) vessel and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) pedicle in each patient who underwent breast reconstruction using free tissue transfer. Patients and Methods. This retrospective study included 32 anastomoses (27 breasts including five cases of supercharged anastomosis) of breast reconstruction with the free DIEP flap and TD recipient between August 2018 and June 2019. In the microscopic view, the caliber of the TD vessel, the largest branch to the serratus anterior muscle, the descending branch, the largest and the second largest branches to the latissimus dorsi muscle, and the DIEP pedicle were measured. Results. The diameter of the deep inferior epigastric artery was similar to that of the descending branch, and their anastomosing rate was 56.3%. The diameter of the deep inferior epigastric vein was similar to the branch to the serratus anterior muscle and the descending branch, and their anastomosing rates were 29.3% and 29.3%, respectively. All flaps were survived; however, in one case, a reoperation was needed to remove the hematoma, in which case fat necrosis occurred as the only complication. Conclusion. TD branches of similar size to the DIEP pedicle were prioritized in anastomosis. The descending branch and the branch to the serratus anterior muscle are expected to be good candidates as recipients in breast reconstruction with DIEP free flap. Moreover, supercharged anastomosis of DIEP pedicles can be achieved within TD branches.
Hybrid Finite‐Discrete Element Modelling of Excavation Damaged Zone Formation Process Induced by Blasts in a Deep Tunnel
Authors: An Huaming , Liu Hongyuan , Han Haoyu
Published: July 2020

A brief literature review of numerical studies on excavation damage zone (EDZ) is conducted to compare the main numerical methods on EDZ studies. A hybrid finite‐discrete element method is then proposed to model the EDZ induced by blasts. During the excavation by blasts, the rock mass around the borehole is subjected to dynamic loads, i.e., strong shock waves crushing the adjacent rocks and high‐pressure gas expanding cracks. Therefore, the hybrid finite‐discrete element method takes into account the transition of the rock from continuum to discontinuum through fracture and fragmentation, the detonation‐induced gas expansion and flow through the fractured rock, and the dependence of the rock fracture dynamic behaviour on the loading rates. After that, the hybrid finite‐discrete element method is calibrated by modelling the rock failure process in the uniaxial compression strength (UCS) test and Brazilian tensile strength (BTS) test. Finally, the hybrid finite‐discrete element method is used to model the excavation process in a deep tunnel. The hybrid finite‐discrete element method successfully modelled the stress propagation and the fracture initiation and propagation induced by blasts. The main components of the EDZ are obtained and show good agreements with those well documented in the literature. The influences of the initial gas pressure, in situ stress, and spacing between boreholes are discussed. It is concluded that the hybrid finite‐discrete element method is a valuable numerical tool for studying the EDZ induced by blasts in deep tunnels.
Design and Development of Diabetes Management System Using Machine Learning
Authors: Sowah Robert A. , Bampoe-Addo Adelaide A. , Armoo Stephen K. , Saalia Firibu K. , Gatsi Francis , Sarkodie-Mensah Baffour
Published: July 2020

This paper describes the design and implementation of a software system to improve the management of diabetes using a machine learning approach and to demonstrate and evaluate its effectiveness in controlling diabetes. The proposed approach for this management system handles the various factors that affect the health of people with diabetes by combining multiple artificial intelligence algorithms. The proposed framework factors the diabetes management problem into subgoals: building a Tensorflow neural network model for food classification; thus, it allows users to upload an image to determine if a meal is recommended for consumption; implementing K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) algorithm to recommend meals; using cognitive sciences to build a diabetes question and answer chatbot; tracking user activity, user geolocation, and generating pdfs of logged blood sugar readings. The food recognition model was evaluated with cross-entropy metrics that support validation using Neural networks with a backpropagation algorithm. The model learned features of the images fed from local Ghanaian dishes with specific nutritional value and essence in managing diabetics and provided accurate image classification with given labels and corresponding accuracy. The model achieved specified goals by predicting with high accuracy, labels of new images. The food recognition and classification model achieved over 95% accuracy levels for specific calorie intakes. The performance of the meal recommender model and question and answer chatbot was tested with a designed cross-platform user-friendly interface using Cordova and Ionic Frameworks for software development for both mobile and web applications. The system recommended meals to meet the calorific needs of users successfully using KNN (with k=5) and answered questions asked in a human-like way. The implemented system would solve the problem of managing activity, dieting recommendations, and medication notification of diabetics.
Deterioration of the Internal Structure of Loess under Dry‐Wet Cycles
Authors: Ye Wanjun , Bai Yang , Cui Chenyang , Duan Xu
Published: July 2020

To understand the structural damage evolution process of loess under the action of dry‐wet cycles, a triaxial test of a dry‐wet cycle was performed by considering three influencing factors: initial moisture content, amplitude of the dry‐wet cycle, and number of dry‐wet cycles. The stress‐strain curves of undisturbed loess samples at different cycling times vary under different compacted loess cycles. Under the same axial strain, the stress value of the undisturbed loess is higher than that of the loess sample after a dry‐wet cycle, indicating that such cycle can reduce the strength of loess. As the number and amplitude of dry‐wet cycles increase, the shear strength of the loess sample and the value of cohesion (c) of the strength index gradually decrease, and the amplitude gradually decreases. With an increase in the number and amplitude of dry‐wet cycles, the change in the internal friction angle of the strength index is inevident, indicating that the effect of dry‐wet cycles on the internal friction angle of loess is insignificant. Computed tomography (CT) scan experiments were also conducted to obtain the evolution of loess cracks before and after a dry‐wet cycle. Studies have shown that as the number and amplitude of dry‐wet cycles increase, the mean (ME) value of CT decreases, the standard deviation (SD) value increases, and the ME value is obtained during the initial stage of a dry‐wet cycle. Meanwhile, the decreasing trend of ME and the increasing trend of SD values are most evident during the period of a dry‐wet cycle. In conclusion, dry‐wet cycles promote the development of cracks.
Combination of LMT-28 and Metformin Improves Beneficial Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Park Yeon-Hwa , Jang You-Jin , Choi Yongseok , Lee Kyeong , Kim Hee Jung , Cho Okki , Lee Hae-Ri , Heo Tae-Hwe
Published: July 2020

Objectives: The interleukin-6 (IL-6)-mediated signaling pathway plays an essential role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. LMT-28 suppresses the activation of the IL-6-mediated signaling by direct targeting of gp130. Although LMT-28 and metformin both possess anti-inflammatory activity, the beneficial effect of LMT-28 and metformin combination on a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of a combination of LMT-28 and metformin in a CIA model. Methods: In MH7A cells, cell proliferation and the IL-6-mediated signaling pathway following administration of LMT-28 and metformin combination was analyzed through MTT assay and Western blotting. The level of T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation from CD4+ T cells was analyzed in mouse splenocytes and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Arthritis score, incidence rate, inflammatory cytokine, and T-cell subsets were measured in CIA mice following administration of LMT-28 and metformin combination. Results: Combination treatment with LMT-28 and metformin diminished proliferation of MH7A cells and IL-6-mediated gp130, STAT3, and ERK signaling more than in individual treatments. Furthermore, the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells was attenuated more by combination treatment with LMT-28 and metformin than individual treatments. The combination of LMT-28 and metformin ameliorated the arthritic score better than individual treatments. The combination significantly reduced tumor necrosis factor and IL-6 levels in the sera and had an anti-inflammatory effect on the distribution of Treg/Th17 cells in the lymph nodes. Conclusion: Combination treatment with LMT-28 and metformin significantly ameliorates arthritic symptoms in CIA by suppressing Th17 differentiation and IL-6 signaling.
Koinfektion mit Streptococcus anginosus und Mycobacterium tuberculosis bei einem immunkompetenten pädiatrischen Patienten. Ein Fallbericht
Authors: González-Saldaña Napoleon , Castillo-Bejarano José Iván , Hernández-Porras Marte , Arias de la Garza Eduardo , Fortes-Gutiérrez Sofia , Copado-Gutiérrez Jose Luis , Juarez-Olguin Hugo
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund: Koinfektionen bei Tuberkulose (TB) sind selten. Eine Mischinfektion mit der Streptococcus-anginosus-Gruppe (SAG) und M. tuberculosis (MTB) wurde bei Kindern bislang noch nicht berichtet. Ziel dieses Berichts war die Beschreibung eines pädiatrischen Falls mit Lungenabszess infolge einer SAG-MTB-Doppelinfektion. Fallvorstellung: Ein 11-jähriger Junge mit vor zwei Tagen akut aufgetretenen pulsierenden Schmerzen in der vorderen Brustwand. Der Patient berichtet über Fieber, Husten und Nasenlaufen in den vergangenen sieben Tagen. Die anteriore Thorax-Röntgenaufnahme ergab eine heterogene Verschattung am rechten Unterlappen, und die laterale Projektion zeigte eine Obliteration an der vorderen Zwerchfellinsertion. Die parenterale Gabe von Ceftriaxon (100 mg/kg/Tag) und Dicloxacillin (200 mg/kg/Tag) wurde eingeleitet. Der Abszess wurde anschließend drainiert und analysiert. Nach einjähriger Nachbeobachtung blieb der Patient weiterhin asymptomatisch. Schlussfolgerung: Dies ist unseres Wissens der erste berichtete Fall einer pulmonalen Koinfektion mit MTB und SAG bei einem immunkompetenten pädiatrischen Patienten.