bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Song of Policy Incongruence: The Missing Choir of Consumer Preferences in GMO‐Labeling Policy Outcomes
Authors: Mosier Samantha L. , Rimal Arbindra , Ruxton Megan M.
Published: June 2020

This article focuses on the degree of policy congruence, and by extension policy responsiveness, of U.S. federal‐ and state‐level GMO labeling laws from 2011–2016. Utilizing consumer survey data, evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates consumers prefer clear text‐based indication if food products contain genetically modified ingredients. However, the federal law adopted in 2016 mandates GMO labeling but with exceptions permitted to clear on‐package text labeling. The results of this study demonstrate that consumer preferences were not adequately represented at the federal level and were misaligned with state policy activities as captured in the aggregate outcome. State legislatures were actively proposing mandatory legislation with only a few cases of success, which did not adequately represent the wishes of the people. Given the misalignment and overall policy incongruence, the consequences of pending federal law are discussed in light of why the voices of the consumer choir were not heard by lawmakers.
Inference for Extreme Values Under Threshold-Based Stopping Rules
Authors: Barlow Anna Maria , Sherlock Chris , Tawn Jonathan
Published: June 2020

There is a propensity for an extreme value analysis to be conducted as a consequence of a large flooding event. This timing of the analysis introduces bias and poor coverage probabilities into the associated risk assessments and leads subsequently to inefficient flood protection schemes. We explore these problems through studying stochastic stopping criteria and propose new likelihood-based inferences that mitigate against these difficulties. Our methods are illustrated through the analysis of the river Lune, following its experiencing the UK's largest ever measured flow event in 2015. We show that without accounting for this stopping feature there would be substantial overdesign in response to the event.
Orthodontic intervention in Fanconi's anemia: A case report
Authors: Miranda Felicia , Garib Daniela , de Lima Netto Beatriz Amaral , Lucena Fernanda Sandes de , da Silva Santos Paulo Sérgio
Published: June 2020

The objective of this case report was to present the orthodontic treatment of an 8‐year‐old female patient with Fanconi's anemia and Class III skeletal pattern and agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors. Patient presented in the late mixed dentition with a Class III malocclusion with anterior and posterior crossbites. Rapid maxillary expansion and facemask therapy was performed for 12 months. Phase II was simplified with a 6 × 2 fixed appliance only in the mandibular arch for solving the anterior crowding. Maxillary canines were reshaped as lateral incisors and the central incisors were augmented for closing spaces. Although the systemic disease, orthodontic intervention is possible if individual limitations are considered and treatment is simplified.
Effects of intrauterine exposure to maternal‐derived HBeAg on T cell immunity in cord blood
Authors: Huang Meiting , Gao Yunfei , Liao Dandan , Li Jinna , Tang Bo , Ma Yanchen , Yin Xueru , Li Yongyin , Liu Zhihua
Published: June 2020

Immature immune system and immune tolerance induced by exposure to HBeAg in utero and/or shortly after infection in newborns were reportedly the causes of chronic HBV infection. To investigate the effect of maternal‐derived HBeAg on neonatal T cell immunity, we analysed and compared T cell phenotypes and functions among neonates born to HBsAg+/HBeAg+ mothers (HBeAg+ neonates), HBsAg+/HBeAg− mothers (HBeAg− neonates) and healthy control mothers (HC neonates), using flow cytometry. The results showed that neonatal T cell phenotypes were similar regardless of HBeAg exposure. Upon anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28 stimulation in HBeAg+ neonates, CD4+ T cell production of IFN‐γ (P < .05) was significantly enhanced, while CD8+ T cells secreted significantly more IL‐2 compared with those in HBeAg− and HC groups (P < .05). Moreover, similar levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐10 were observed in the culture supernatant after stimulation with rHBsAg, rHBcAg or rHBeAg among HBeAg+, HBeAg− and HC neonates, whereas HBeAg+ neonates produced more TNF‐α than HBeAg− neonates upon stimulation with rHBcAg. In conclusion, the results indicated that the HBsAg+/HBeAg+ maternal environment did not influence the phenotypes of cord blood T cells but boosted neonatal non‐specific Th1‐type cytokine production.
Welfare costs of monetary policy uncertainty in the economy with shifting trend inflation
Authors: Ha Le Thanh , Thanh To Trung , Thang Doan Ngoc
Published: June 2020

We study welfare costs of the uncertainty about monetary policy in the economy featuring shifting trend inflation. We follow Ruge‐Murcia (J Econ Dyn Control 36: 914–‐938, 2012) to employ the SMM approach to fit the model to the US data (1979Q1‐2015Q1). We find that the monetary policy uncertainty affects economic welfare through different dimensions. On the one hand, the policy uncertainty itself distorts the economic welfare negligibly, not only by increasing volatilities of consumption and leisure, but also by decreasing their average levels. A higher level of trend inflation then signifies these changes to produce greater welfare costs. Furthermore, the adverse impacts of policy uncertainty on the economy, documented by the impulse response functions of macroeconomic variables to policy uncertainty shock, become larger when central banks raise their inflation targets. On the other hand, the costs of exogenous variations in trend inflation are larger if there is policy uncertainty.
Horizontal Networks and Economic Performance: Evidence from City Leaders in China
Authors: Luo Danglun , Liu Congcong , Wu Lifan
Published: June 2020

Objectives

We examine political connections at the horizontal level of local government officials and their impacts on economic growth in China.

Methods

We identify two types of horizontal networks: hometown tie and alumni tie, and analyze the biographic data of the top officials of 256 prefecture‐cities during the period of 1999–2013.

Results

We find a positive relationship between city leaders’ hometown tie and economic growth, measured by either the relative GDP per capita growth rate or the GDP per capita growth rate. Furthermore, we find the positive relationship is more profound in the low market‐open cities. However, we do not find any significant impacts of the alumni tie on economic growth.

Conclusions

The hometown tie improves the city leaders’ economic performance.
Persistent viral RNA shedding after COVID‐19 symptom resolution in older convalescent plasma donors
Authors: Hartman William R. , Hess Aaron S. , Connor Joseph P.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), is responsible for a worldwide pandemic. While the medical community understands the mode of viral transmission, less is known about how long viral shedding occurs once viral symptoms have resolved. Our objective was to determine how long the SARS‐CoV‐2 remains detectable following self‐reporting of viral symptom resolution.

Methods

This study was approved by the University of Wisconsin Institutional Review Board. A cohort of patients who were previously SARS‐CoV‐2 positive less than 28 days after self‐reported symptom resolution were retested for proof of viral recovery by nasal swab reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA.

Results

A total of 152 potential participants were screened, of which 5 declined, 54 were ineligible, and 93 were recruited; 86 of 93 completed testing. Eleven of 86 (13%) were still positive at a median of 19 days (range, 12‐24 days) after symptom resolution. Positive participants were significantly older than negative participants (mean, 54 years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 44‐63 vs 42 years; 95% CI, 38‐46; P = .024). CT values were significantly, inversely associated with age (β = −.04; r2 = 0.389; P = .04). The number of days since symptom recovery was not apparently different between positive and negative participants.

Conclusion

We found evidence of persistent viral shedding in nasopharyngeal secretions more than 2 weeks after resolution of symptoms from confirmed COVID‐19 infection. Persistent shedding was more common in older participants, and viral load was higher among older positive participants. These results underscore the necessity of testing COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors less than 28 days after symptom resolution.
Does value chain integration dampen producer price developments? Evidence from the European Union
Authors: Friesenbichler Klaus S. , Kuegler Agnes , Reinstaller Andreas
Published: June 2020

We draw on trade theory to empirically explore the effects of value chain integration on producer price dynamics. Using the EU as an example of an integrated area, we construct measures of backward and forward linkages with intra‐ and extra‐EU trading partners at the country‐sector level. We find that especially upstream integration and EU accession dampen inflation. The results for downstream integration indicate a price‐increasing relationship. We propose novel EU integration indicators and offer insights to both theory and applied research. We also add to the policy debate on the price effects of (dis‐)integration of EU countries.
Fetal axillary lymphangioma diagnosed on a 2D/4D ultrasound second trimester scan – a case report and short literature review
Authors: Stefanescu Bogdan Ioan , Munteanu Iulian Valentin , Radaschin Diana Sabina , Constantin Bianca Georgiana
Published: June 2020

Fetal lymphangioma, also known as cystic hygroma, is a hamartomatous congenital tumor which involves the fetal skin and the subcutaneous tissue. The most common site of appearance is in the neck region. Location of the lesion in the axilla as well as in other anathomical sites is very rare.Prenatal diagnosis can be made on ultrasound examination. Other structural or chromosomal anomalies are frequently associated with this diagnosis. The antepartum management and type of delivery should be set up by a multidisciplinary team.We present a rare case diagnosed with axillary lymphangioma during the second trimester morphological ultrasound 2D/4D scan.
Temporal Trends of Compliance With School-Based Physical Activity Recommendations Among Spanish Children, 2011–2018
Authors: Grao-Cruces Alberto , Conde-Caveda Julio , Cuenca-García Magdalena , Nuviala Román , Pérez-Bey Alejandro , Martín-Acosta Fátima , Castro-Piñero José
Published: June 2020

Background: According to the current physical activity (PA) recommendations, children should accumulate 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) throughout the day, 30 minutes of MVPA during the school hours, and 50% of the recess time in MVPA. Our aim was to examine the temporal trends of accelerometer-based PA during the previously mentioned day segments and the proportion of children who met the PA recommendations.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 2 independent samples: 499 fourth graders (49.2% females) in 2011–2012 and 364 fourth graders (46.9% females) in 2017–2018. Hip-worn accelerometers were used to assess PA.Results: A decline in light PA, moderate PA, vigorous PA, MVPA, and total PA during whole day, and in the rate of compliance with daily MVPA recommendations in males (P < .01) was observed from 2011–2012 to 2017–2018. Females decreased their daily light PA and moderate PA (P < .05). A decline in all PA variables during school hours in both sexes (P < .05) and in the rate of compliance with the 30 minutes of MVPA recommended during school hours in males (P < .001) were observed. There were no differences in PA during recesses.Conclusions: Interventions are needed to attenuate the temporal decrease in PA levels in children.
Revisiting “Gaining Entry”: Roundtable Discussion 25 Years Later
Authors: Poczwardowski Artur , Aoyagi Mark , Fritze Thomas , Laird Mark
Published: June 2020

The science and practice of sport psychology have experienced significant growth and development over the past 30 years. The purposes of this roundtable discussion were to engage sport psychology consultants’ views on gaining entry, especially as it relates to long-term work with athletic clients and to compare these views with Ravizza’s seminal work on gaining entry. Four consultants with extensive experience in sport psychology participated in a two-phase roundtable that was facilitated by a sport psychology professional. Topics explored and conclusions drawn provided further verification of Ravizza’s original insights about gaining entry (e.g., barriers to entry) and added new insights to account for rapid social and generational changes (e.g., role of gender, preferences of modern athletes, importance of interactive observation). The use of technology and adding teleconsulting to service delivery warrant careful approach and future examinations. Lifelong professional development is critical in optimizing gaining entry especially, given the rapid changes in both client demographics and sport and performance psychology knowledge.
Potential sources of bias in the climate sensitivities of fish otolith biochronologies
Authors: Smoliński Szymon , Morrongiello John , van der Sleen Peter , Black Bryan A. , Campana Steven E.
Published: June 2020

Analysis of growth increments in the hard parts of animals (e.g., fish otoliths) can be used to assess how organisms respond to variability in environmental conditions. In this study, mixed-effects models were applied to otolith data simulated for two hypothetical fish populations with assumed biological parameters and known growth response to environmental variability. Our objective was to assess the sensitivity of environment–growth relationships derived from otolith biochronologies when challenged with a range of realistic ageing errors and sampling regimes. We found that the development of a robust biochronology and the precision of environmental effect estimates can be seriously hampered by insufficient sample size. Moreover, the introduction of even moderate ageing error into the data can cause substantial underestimation of environmental sources of growth variation. This underestimation diminished our capacity to correctly quantify the known environment–growth relationship and more generally will lead to overly conservative conclusions concerning the growth response to environmental change. Careful study design, reduction of ageing errors, and large sample sizes are critical prerequisites if robust inferences are to be made from biochronological data.
Reinterpreting the results of the LHC with MadAnalysis 5: uncertainties and higher-luminosity estimates
Authors: Araz Jack Y. , Frank Mariana , Fuks Benjamin
Published: June 2020

The MadAnalysis 5 framework can be used to assess the potential of various LHC analyses for unraveling any specific new physics signal. We present an extension of the LHC reinterpretation capabilities of the programme allowing for the inclusion of theoretical and systematical uncertainties on the signal in the reinterpretation procedure. We have implemented extra methods dedicated to the extrapolation of the impact of a given analysis to higher luminosities, including various options for the treatment of the errors. As an application, we study three classes of new physics models. We first focus on a simplified model in which the Standard Model is supplemented by a gluino and a neutralino. We show that uncertainties could in particular degrade the bounds by several hundreds of GeV when considering 3000/fb of future LHC data. We next investigate another supersymmetry-inspired simplified model, in which the Standard Model is extended by a first generation squark species and a neutralino. We reach similar conclusions. Finally, we study a class of s-channel dark matter setups and compare the expectation for two types of scenarios differing in the details of the implementation of the mediation between the dark and Standard Model sectors.
Suzuki-type fixed point results in Gb-metric spaces
Authors: Mebawondu A. A. , Mewomo O. T.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we prove some fixed point theorems for a new type of generalized contractive mappings involving [Formula: see text]-class function, [Formula: see text]-admissible type mapping and Suzuki-type mappings in the frame work of complete [Formula: see text]-metric spaces. The results obtained in this work generalize and improve some fixed point results in the literature.
Data Preparation for Duplicate Detection
Authors: Koumarelas Ioannis , Jiang Lan , Naumann Felix
Published: June 2020

Data errors represent a major issue in most application workflows. Before any important task can take place, a certain data quality has to be guaranteed by eliminating a number of different errors that may appear in data. Typically, most of these errors are fixed with data preparation methods, such as whitespace removal. However, the particular error of duplicate records, where multiple records refer to the same entity, is usually eliminated independently with specialized techniques. Our work is the first to bring these two areas together by applying data preparation operations under a systematic approach prior to performing duplicate detection.

Our process workflow can be summarized as follows: It begins with the user providing as input a sample of the gold standard, the actual dataset, and optionally some constraints to domain-specific data preparations, such as address normalization. The preparation selection operates in two consecutive phases. First, to vastly reduce the search space of ineffective data preparations, decisions are made based on the improvement or worsening of pair similarities. Second, using the remaining data preparations an iterative leave-one-out classification process removes preparations one by one and determines the redundant preparations based on the achieved area under the precision-recall curve (AUC-PR). Using this workflow, we manage to improve the results of duplicate detection up to 19% in AUC-PR.
Aspirin Administration Affects Neurochemical Characterization of Substance P‐Like Immunoreactive (SP‐LI) Nodose Ganglia Neurons Supplying the Porcine Stomach
Authors: Rytel Liliana , Całka Jarosław
Published: June 2020

Background. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a commonly used anti‐inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic drug, which has many side effects on the gastric mucosal layer. Despite this, knowledge concerning the influence of ASA on neuronal cells supplying the stomach is very scanty. Methods. This investigation was performed on ten immature gilts of the Large White Polish race divided into two groups (five animals in each): a control group and animals which were treated with ASA. The retrograde neuronal tracer Fast Blue (FB) was injected into the prepyloric region of the stomach in all animals. ASA was then given orally to the experimental (ASA) group of gilts from the seventh day after FB injection to the 27th day of the experiment. After this period, all animals were euthanized. Immediately after euthanasia, nodose ganglia (NG) were collected and subjected to a standard double‐labelling immunofluorescence technique using antibodies directed toward substance P (SP) and other selected neuronal factors, such as galanin (GAL), neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP). Key Results. The obtained results show that SP‐LI neurons located in NG supplying the porcine stomach were also immunoreactive to all the above‐mentioned neuronal factors. Moreover, ASA administration caused an increase in the degree of colocalization of SP with other neuronal active substances, and the most visible changes concerned the number of neurons simultaneously immunoreactive to SP and CGRP. Conclusions and Inferences. These observations indicate that the population of SP‐LI neurons supplying the stomach is not homogeneous and may undergo changes after ASA administration. These changes are probably connected with inflammatory processes and/or neuroprotective reactions although their exact mechanisms remain unknown.
Dispatching-Rule Variants Algorithms for Used Spaces of Storage Supports
Authors: Alquhayz Hani , Jemmali Mahdi , Otoom Mohammad Mahmood
Published: June 2020

The paper is regarding the fair distribution of several files having different sizes to several storage supports. With the existence of several storage supports and different files, we search for a method that makes an appropriate backup. The appropriate backup guarantees a fair distribution of the big data (files). Fairness is related to the used spaces of storage support distribution. The problem is how to find a fair method that stores all files on the available storage supports, where each file is characterized by its size. We propose in this paper some fairness methods that seek to minimize the gap between used spaces of all storage supports. In this paper, several algorithms are developed to solve the proposed problem, and the experimental study shows the performance of these developed algorithms.
Research on Complex Classification Algorithm of Breast Cancer Chip Based on SVM-RFE Gene Feature Screening
Authors: Chen Guobin , Xie Xianzhong , Li Shijin
Published: June 2020

Screening and classification of characteristic genes is a complex classification problem, and the characteristic sequences of gene expression show high-dimensional characteristics. How to select an effective gene screening algorithm is the main problem to be solved by analyzing gene chips. The combination of KNN, SVM, and SVM-RFE is selected to screen complex classification problems, and a new method to solve complex classification problems is provided. In the process of gene chip pretreatment, LogFC and P value equivalents in the gene expression matrix are screened, and different gene features are screened, and then SVM-RFE algorithm is used to sort and screen genes. Firstly, the characteristics of gene chips are analyzed and the number between probes and genes is counted. Clustering analysis among each sample and PCA classification analysis of different samples are carried out. Secondly, the basic algorithms of SVM and KNN are tested, and the important indexes such as error rate and accuracy rate of the algorithms are tested to obtain the optimal parameters. Finally, the performance indexes of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 of several complex classification algorithms are compared through the complex classification of SVM, KNN, KNN-PCA, SVM-PCA, SVM-RFE-SVM, and SVM-RFE-KNN at P=0. 01,0.05,0.001. SVM-RFE-SVM has the best classification effect and can be used as a gene chip classification algorithm to analyze the characteristics of genes.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oils of Two Aromatic Plants Cultivated in Morocco (Cinnamomum cassia and Origanum compactum)
Authors: Chahbi Asmae , Nassik Saâdiya , El Amri Hamid , Douaik Ahmed , El Maadoudi El Haj , Boukharta Mohamed , El Hadrami El Mestafa
Published: June 2020

The present study aims to evaluate the antibacterial properties of natural products according to a pharmacodynamic approach in order to propose them as alternatives to synthetic products. Two essential oils (Cinnamomum cassia and Origanum compactum) were the subject of the chemical and biological study. First, we evaluated the sensitivity of the strains of avian Salmonella to the main antibiotics used and then to the chromatographic analysis of the composition of the two essential oils (EO); finally, we proceeded to the in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activities of these EO (alone and in combination with antibiotics). The results obtained showed that carvacrol (35.2%), followed by γ-terpinene (20.1%), was the main constituent of the essential oil of O. compactum while cinnamaldehyde (69.1%) represents the major component of the essential oil of C. cassia. The antibioresistance profile of the Salmonella tested showed resistance to ampicillin (35%) and oxytetracycline (41.3%). Active products extracted from the essential oils studied showed antibacterial activity against Salmonella strains. C. cassia products were shown to be more active for Salmonella enteritidis (average inhibition diameter: 16.3 mm) and for Salmonella gallinarum (average inhibition diameter: 27.7 mm). The best synergistic activity with antibiotics has been obtained with the essential oil of C. cassia and its active product cinnamaldehyde. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cinnamaldehyde is the lowest (0.05%). The results prove the presence of an antibacterial activity and a synergistic effect of two essential oils studied with the main antibiotics.
Construction and Comprehensive Analysis of Dysregulated Long Noncoding RNA-Associated Competing Endogenous RNA Network in Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Gu Xuefeng , Jiang Dongyang , Yang Yue , Zhang Peng , Wan Guoqing , Gu Wangxian , Shi Junfeng , Jiang Liying , Chen Bing , Zheng Yanjun , Liu Dingsheng , Guo Sufen , Lu Changlian
Published: June 2020

Background. Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular disease characterized by chronic progressive stenosis or occlusion of the bilateral internal carotid artery (ICA), the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), and the middle cerebral artery (MCA). MMD is secondary to the formation of an abnormal vascular network at the base of the skull. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of MMD remain poorly understood. Methods. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed by analyzing sample-matched messenger RNA (mRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles from MMD patients and control samples. Then, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify crucial genes associated with MMD. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses were employed with the DAVID database to investigate the underlying functions of differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) involved in the ceRNA network. CMap was used to identify potential small drug molecules. Results. A total of 94 miRNAs, 3649 lncRNAs, and 2294 mRNAs were differentially expressed between MMD patients and control samples. A synergistic ceRNA lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed. Core regulatory miRNAs (miR-107 and miR-423-5p) and key mRNAs (STAT5B, FOSL2, CEBPB, and CXCL16) involved in the ceRNA network were identified. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the DEmRNAs were involved in the regulation of the immune system and inflammation in MMD. Finally, two potential small molecule drugs, CAY-10415 and indirubin, were identified by CMap as candidate drugs for treating MMD. Conclusions. The present study used bioinformatics analysis of candidate RNAs to identify a series of clearly altered miRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs involved in MMD. Furthermore, a ceRNA lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed, which provides insights into the novel molecular pathogenesis of MMD, thus giving promising clues for clinical therapy.
TSH Levels in Subclinical Hypothyroidism in the 97.5th Percentile of the Population
Authors: Pérez-Campos Mayoral Laura , Hernández-Huerta María Teresa , Mayoral-Andrade Gabriel , Pérez-Campos Mayoral Eduardo , Zenteno Edgar , Martínez-Cruz Ruth , Martínez Ruíz Héctor , Martínez Cruz Margarito , Pérez Santiago Alma Dolores , Pérez-Campos Eduardo
Published: June 2020

The debate regarding the cutoff point in the treatment of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (Shypo) is ongoing. Generally, two different groups are identified for treatment by levels of 10 and 20 mIU/L. Nevertheless, the question remains, “what cutoff point should be chosen?” We have written a selective nonsystematic review focused on the 97.5 percentile reference value reported in healthy subjects in a number of countries and observed important disparities, which partly show the challenge of identifying a single cutoff point for those patients needing medication. We identified studies of TSH on the natural history of subclinical hypothyroidism from population-based prospective cohort studies, which follow up patients for several years. The evolution of TSH levels in these patients is variable. Some cases of TSH may return to lower levels at different stages over the years, but others may not, possibly even developing into overt thyroid failure, also variable. We analyzed factors that may explain the normalization of serum TSH levels. In addition, we found that thorough population-based prospective cohort studies following up on TSH levels, thyroid antibodies, and ultrasonography are important in decisions made in the treatment of patients. However, the 97.5 percentile reference value varies in different countries; therefore, an international cutoff point for subclinical hypothyroidism cannot be recommended.
Magnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticle Biochar Derived from Pomelo Peel for Reactive Red 21 Adsorption from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Nguyen Van Hao , Van Huu Tap , Nguyen Van Quang , Dam Xuan Van , Hoang L. P. , Ha L. T.
Published: June 2020

In this study, Fe3O4 nanoparticle-loaded biochar derived from the pomelo peel (FO-PPB) was synthesized and applied as an affordable material for the adsorption of Reactive Red 21 (RR21) in an aqueous solution. The characteristics of FO-PPB were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area. The adsorption process of FO-PPB with RR21 was evaluated through batch experiments to examine various parameters including solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, initial RR21 concentration, and solution temperature. Results show that FO-PPB produced by the impregnation ratio between iron (Fe) and pomelo peel biochar (PPB) of 5 : 1 (w/w) had the best adsorption performance. The adsorption capacities of PPB and FO-PPB at optimum experimental conditions (solution pH 3, contact time of 60 min, solution temperature of 40°C, initial RR21 concentration of 300 mg/L, and adsorbent dose of 2 g/L) were 18.59 and 26.25 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption isotherms of RR21 on PPB and FO5-PPB were described well by Langmuir and Sips models with high R2 values of 0.9826 and 0.9854 for FO5-PPB and 0.9701 and 0.9903 for PPB, respectively. The obtained data also well matched the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models with R2 values ≥ 0.96. Chemisorption through sharing or electronic exchange was determined as the main adsorption mechanism.
Automatic Grading for Complex Multifile Programs
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Santoso Djoko Budi , Wang Kechao , Su Xiaohong
Published: June 2020

This paper presents an automatic grading method DGRADER, which handles complex multifile programs. Both the dynamic and the static grading support multifile program analysis. So, it can be an advantage to handle complex programming problem which requires more than one program file. Dynamic analysis takes advantage of object file linker in compilation to link complex multifile program. The static grading module consists of the following steps. Firstly, the program is parsed into abstract syntax tree, which is mapped into abstract syntax tree data map. Then, the information of preprocessor is used for linking external sources called in main program by complex multifile program linker-fusion algorithm. Next, standardization process is performed for problematic code removal, unused function removal, and function sequence ordering based on function call. Finally, program matching successfully tackles structure variance problem by previous standardization process and by simple tree matching using tag classifier. The novelty of the approach is that it handles complex multifile program analysis with flexible grading with consideration of modularity and big scale of programming problem complexity. The results have shown improvement in grading precision which gives reliable grading score delivered with intuitive system.
Vibration Characteristics and Power Flow Analyses of a Ship Propulsion Shafting System with General Support and Thrust Loading
Authors: Xu Deshui , Du Jingtao , Tian Chuan
Published: June 2020

In this paper, flexural vibration and power flow transmission of a ship propulsion shafting structure are analyzed via energy principle description in conjunction with Rayleigh–Ritz procedure, in which the shafting vibration displacement is constructed as a superposition of Fourier series and boundary-smoothing supplementary functions. Effect of the distributed bearing support and thrust loading of propulsion shafting system is considered in terms of potential energy of system Lagrangian. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the reliability and effectiveness of the established model by comparing results with those from finite element method. Results show that the current model can deal with the vibration analysis of ship propulsion shafting with thrust loading and distributed bearing very well. Influence of boundary restraints, stiffness of distributed bearings, and thrust loading on vibration characteristics of ship shafting system is studied and addressed. Numerical study on power flow analysis is also conducted to investigate the characteristics of vibrational energy transmission in such practical structure. Results show that the stiffness of spatial bearing support has significant influence on vibrational energy transmission and thrust force will greatly affect the total input power into such structure.
Circulating Sestrin Levels Are Increased in Hypertension Patients
Authors: Fang Cao , Yang Zicong , Shi Lei , Zeng Tao , Shi Ying , Liu Ling , Liu Hongtao , Lin Yingzhong
Published: June 2020

Background. Sestrins (Sesns), a group of oxidative stress-related proteins, have been reported to be involved in various cardiovascular diseases, including aortic dissection and chronic heart failure. This study is aimed at investigating the level of circulating Sesn1, Sesn2, and Sesn3 in hypertension patients. Methods. Plasma levels of Sesn1, Sesn2, and Sesn3 in 400 hypertensive patients and 100 normotensive subjects were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The hypertension patients were divided into groups with grade I (n=140), grade II (n=180), and grade III (n=80) hypertension. Results. Compared with the normotensive subjects, Sesn1, Sesn2, and Sesn3 levels were increased in patients with hypertension, with a gradual increase between the groups with grade I, grade II, and grade III hypertension. Elevated Sesn1, Sesn2, and Sesn3 levels were positively correlated with both the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Moreover, Sesn1, Sesn2, and Sesn3 levels were elevated in patients with dipper hypertension and further increased in patients with nondipper hypertension. In addition, smokers, as well as patients with higher levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP), exhibited increased Sesn1, Sesn2, and Sesn3 levels when compared with patients without these clinical characteristics. Furthermore, plasma levels of Sesn1, Sesn2, and Sesn3 were negatively correlated with the presence of CAP. Conclusions. Circulating Sesn levels are increased in patients with hypertension and may be a target for the prevention and treatment of clinical hypertension.
A Hybrid Mobile Node Localization Algorithm Based on Adaptive MCB-PSO Approach in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wu Hua , Liu Ju , Dong Zheng , Liu Yang
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a hybrid adaptive MCB-PSO node localization algorithm is proposed for three-dimensional mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs), which considers the random mobility of both anchor and unknown nodes. An improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach is presented with Monte Carlo localization boxed (MCB) to locate mobile nodes. It solves the particle degeneracy problem that appeared in traditional MCB. In the proposed algorithm, a random waypoint model is incorporated to describe random movements of anchor and unknown nodes based on different time units. An adaptive anchor selection operator is designed to improve the performance of standard PSO for each particle based on time units and generations, to maintain the searching ability in the last few time units and particle generations. The objective function of standard PSO is then reformed to make it obtain a better rate of convergence and more accurate cost value for the global optimum position. Furthermore, the moving scope of each particle is constrained in a specified space to improve the searching efficiency as well as to save calculation time. Experiments are made in MATLAB software, and it is compared with DV-Hop, Centroid, MCL, and MCB. Three evaluation indexes are introduced, namely, normalized average localization error, average localization time, and localization rate. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm works well in every situation with the highest localization accuracy, least time consumptions, and highest localization rates.
Chitosan‐Based Delivery of Avian Reovirus Fusogenic Protein p10 Gene: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies towards a New Vaccine against Melanoma
Authors: Robles-Planells Claudia , Barrera-Avalos Carlos , Rojo Leonel E. , Spencer Eugenio , Cortez-San Martin Marcelo , Matiacevich Silvia , Pavez Jorge , Milla Luis A. , Navarro Franco D. , Martínez Brandon A. , Bravo Francisco J. , Mella Andrea , Huidobro-Toro Juan Pablo , Fernandez Ricardo , Escobar Alejandro , Acuña-Castillo Claudio
Published: June 2020

Reovirus is known to have an anticancer effect in both the preclinical and clinical assays. Current evidence suggests that the reovirus‐mediated impact on tumor growth depends on the activation of specific antitumor immune responses. A feasible explanation for the oncolytic effects and immune system activation is through the expression of the fusogenic reovirus protein. In this work, we evaluated the in vivo antitumor effects of the expression of fusogenic protein p10 of avian reovirus (ARV‐p10). We used chitosan nanoparticles (CH‐NPs) as a vehicle for the ARV‐p10 DNA in murine B16 melanoma models both in vitro and in vivo. We confirmed that ARV‐p10 delivery through a chitosan‐based formulation (ARV‐p10 CH‐NPs) was capable of inducing cell fusion in cultured melanoma cells, showing a mild cytotoxic effect. Interestingly, intratumor injection of ARV‐p10 CH‐NPs delayed tumor growth, without changing lymphoid populations in the tumor tissue and spleen. The injection of chitosan nanoparticles (CH‐NPs) also delayed tumor growth, suggesting the nanoparticle itself would attack tumor cells. In conclusion, we proved that in vitro ARV‐p10 protein expression using CH‐NPs in murine melanoma cells induces a cytotoxic effect associated with its cell fusion. Further studies are necessary for establishing a protocol for efficient in vivo DNA delivery of fusion proteins to produce an antitumoral effect.
A Metamaterial-Inspired Structure for Simultaneous Vibration Attenuation and Energy Harvesting
Authors: Anigbogu Winner , Bardaweel Hamzeh
Published: June 2020

In this article, a magnetomechanical metamaterial structure capable of simultaneous vibration attenuation and energy harvesting is presented. The structure consists of periodically arranged local resonators combining cantilever beams and permanent magnet-coil systems. A prototype of the metamaterial dual-function structure is fabricated, and models are developed. Results show good agreement between model simulation and experiment. Two frequency bandgaps are measured: 205–257 Hz and 587–639 Hz. Within these bandgaps, vibrations are completely attenuated. The level of vibration attenuation in the first bandgap is substantially larger than the level of vibration attenuation observed in the second bandgap. Mode shapes suggest that bending deformations experienced by the local resonators in the second bandgap are less than the deformations experienced in the first bandgap, and most vibrational energy is localized within the first bandgap where the fundamental resonant frequency is located, i.e., 224 Hz. The ability of the fabricated metamaterial structure to harvest electric power in these bandgaps is examined. Results show that vibration attenuation and energy harvesting characteristics of the metamaterial structure are coupled. Stronger vibration attenuation within the first bandgap has led to enhanced energy harvesting capabilities within this bandgap. Power measurements at optimum load resistance of 15 Ω reveal that maximum power generated within the first bandgap reaches 5.2 µW at 245 Hz. Compared with state-of-the-art, the metamaterial structure presented here shows a significant improvement in electric power generation, at considerably lower load resistance, while maintaining the ability to attenuate undesired vibrations within the frequency bandgap.
The Efficacy and Safety of Simple‐Needling Therapy for Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xuan Yichen , Huang Hui , Huang Yiyong , Liu Duanyong , Hu Xiuwu , Geng Lele
Published: June 2020

Background. Clinical investigators have found that the use of needling in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has a good clinical application prospect in recent years. However, these studies were insufficient to provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of simple‐needling for AS. So, we performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of simple‐needling for treating AS. Methods. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wangfang database (Wanfang), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and any other gray literature sources for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used simple‐needling to treat AS before June 2019 with the language restriction of Chinese and English. Researchers evaluated the retrieved literature studies and extracted valid data according to relevant requirements and used RevMan5.3 software for meta‐analysis. Results. A total of 10 studies were included, all of which were Chinese literature studies, involving 729 patients. Compared with the control groups, simple‐needling groups had a better effect on the clinical effective rate (RR = 1.20, 95% CI (1.11, 1.29), P < 0.00001), TCM syndrome score (MD = −5.26, 95% CI (−5.99, −4.53), P < 0.00001), symptom score (MD = −8.08, 95% CI (−10.18, −5.97), P < 0.00001), and Schober test outcome (MD = 0.39, 95% CI (0.15, 0.64), P = 0.002). Sensibility analysis was based on the leave‐one‐out cross‐validation procedure, and the results showed no significant changes. Most studies did not describe adverse reactions. The funnel plot suggested publication bias on clinical effectiveness. Conclusions. This systematic review and meta‐analysis demonstrated that simple‐needling was effective as an intervention for AS. However, due to the low quality of the methodology of included studies, the designs of clinical trials were not rigorously standardized. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out multiquality RCTs for verification.
A Network Pharmacology Approach to Explore the Mechanisms of Shugan Jianpi Formula in Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Fan Chang , Wu Fu Rong , Zhang Jia Fu , Jiang Hui
Published: June 2020

Purpose. We explored the mechanism of Shugan Jianpi Formula (SGJPF) and its effective components for the treatment of liver fibrosis (LF). Materials and Methods. We collected the active ingredients in SGJPF through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and screened the effective components by absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Herb‐associated target proteins were predicted and screened based on the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Search Tool for Interactions of Chemicals databases. LF‐associated target proteins were predicted and screened based on the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man® Database and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. Common genes with LF and herbs were selected, and Cytoscape 3.5.1 software was used to construct an herb pathway and component‐LF common target network. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins was used to build a protein‐protein interaction, and quantitative PCR was used to verify the related target genes. Finally, clusterProfiler was applied for the analysis of Gene Ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Results. The pharmacological network contained 252 active compounds (e.g., Astragaloside A, saikosaponin, linoleic acid, and Poria acid A), 84 common target genes, and 94 significant signaling pathways. Among them, interleukin 6 (IL‐6), tumor protein 53 p53 (TP53), prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), AKT1, IL‐1β, and the nucleotide‐binding and oligomerization domain‐like receptor and Janus kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways were selected as the critical target gene and critical signal pathway, respectively. Conclusion. The mechanisms of SGJPF in protecting against LF include the regulation of multiple targets such as IL‐6, TP53, PTGS2, and AKT1. These target proteins affect LF through various signal transduction pathways.
Relationship between Decreased Serum Superoxide Dismutase Activity and Metabolic Syndrome: Synergistic Mediating Role of Insulin Resistance and β-Cell Dysfunction
Authors: Liu Yiwen , Ma Chifa , Lv Lu , Li Pingping , Ma Chunxiao , He Shuli , Zeng Jingbo , Ping Fan , Zhang Huabing , Li Wei , Xu Lingling , Li Yuxiu
Published: June 2020

The interplays of cellular aging and oxidative stress (OS) markers form a complex network, which has been reported to be interrelated with numerous age-related and metabolic diseases, including metabolic syndrome (MS). However, given the multifactorial mechanisms of MS, several important confounders such as dietary factors and the reciprocal effect among these markers have not been considered and adjusted in previous investigations regarding the associations of cellular aging and OS markers with MS and its related metabolic abnormalities. To explicate this, we conducted a cross-sectional study among 533 Chinese adults. All the participants underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Dietary data were collected via a 24-hour dietary recall and subsequently analyzed by a registered dietitian using nutrition calculation software. Clinical diagnosis of MS was made according to the revised National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria (2004) with waist circumference cutoff modified for an Asian population. The leukocyte telomere length, mitochondrial DNA copy number, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and glutathione reductase were examined. SOD activity was significantly decreased in MS subjects (62.06±16.89 U/mL vs. 56.25±22.61 U/mL, P=0.001) and exhibited a descending trend across sequential increase of MS component number (P for trend=0.031). SOD activity is modestly correlated with glucose indicators and insulin sensitivity and β-cell function indices and was independently and negatively correlated with the level of triglyceride. An independent association between SOD activity and MS was observed after adjusting for metabolic indicators, dietary factors, cellular aging, and OS markers, as well as insulin sensitivity and β-cell function indices. However, the statistical significance of the association between SOD activity and MS was attenuated after adjusting for the Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISIM) and insulin secretion-sensitivity index-2 (ISSI-2), suggesting a possible mediating effect. Therefore, we conducted a mediation model analysis, which showed that decreased ISIM and ISSI-2 partially and synergistically mediated the contribution of decreased SOD activity to MS. In conclusion, decreased SOD activity is an independent predictor for increased risk of MS, and insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction partially mediate the relationship between decreased SOD activity and MS.