bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Power of Amortization in Secret Sharing
Authors: Applebaum Benny , Arkis Barak
Published: October 2020

Consider the following secret-sharing problem: A file
s
should be distributed between
n
servers such that (d-1)-subsets cannot recover the file, (d+1)-subsets can recover the file, and
d
-subsets should be able to recover
s
if and only if they appear in some pre-defined list
L
. The goal is to minimize the information ratio—that is, the number of bits stored on a server per each bit of the secret.

We show that for any constant
d
and any pre-defined list
L
, if the file is sufficiently long (exponential in

n
d

), the problem can be solved with a
constant
asymptotic information ratio of

c
d

that does not grow with the number of servers
n
. This result is based on a new construction of
d
-party conditional disclosure of secrets for arbitrary predicates over an
n
-size domain in which each party communicates at most four bits per secret bit.

In both settings, previous results achieved a non-constant information ratio that grows asymptotically with
n
, even for the simpler special case of
d = 2
. Moreover, our constructions yield the first example of an access structure whose amortized information ratio is constant, whereas its best-known non-amortized information ratio is sub-exponential, thus providing a unique evidence for the potential power of
amortization
in the context of secret sharing.

Our main result applies to exponentially long secrets, and so it should be mainly viewed as a barrier against amortizable lower-bound techniques. We also show that in some natural simple cases (e.g., low-degree predicates), amortization kicks in even for quasi-polynomially long secrets. Finally, we prove some limited lower bounds and point out some limitations of existing lower-bound techniques.
Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils before Rice Sowing and at Harvesting in Southern Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Han Chenghui , Xie Weifang , Chen Chen , Cheng Ting
Published: October 2020

Rice, one of the most important staple crops in China, is easily contaminated by heavy metal pollution from industrial development. In this work, we systematically investigated the heavy metal (Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu) and metalloid (Hg and As) concentrations in paddy soils and different rice tissues in southern Jiangsu Province, China. The potential ecological hazard index method and in vitro simulation test were used to evaluate the influence of heavy metals on local resident health. The results showed that, before rice sowing and at the harvesting period, the order of Eri values was EriCd>EriHg>EriAs>EriPb>EriCu>EriCr>EriZn. The low-risk index values (91.63 and 30.29) for the heavy metals indicated the low risk at the two stages in the study area based on the potential ecological hazard index. As determined with Tessier’s five-stage sequential extraction procedure, the proportions of the chemical speciation of the heavy metals were as follows: residual > organic matter-bound > iron-manganese oxide-bound > carbonate-bound > exchangeable. The order of the values of the accumulation and transfer factors was Cd (3.16) > Cu (0.42) > Zn (0.28) > Pb (0.25) > As (0.07) > Cr (0.04) > Cr (0.03) and root > stem > leaves, respectively. In vitro simulation tests showed that, in both adults and children, the daily amount of Pb and Cd intake through the soil-oral cavity route in the study area did not exceed the daily tolerance for Pb and Cd proposed by the WHO. In summary, although there is no obvious danger to local adults and children, it is necessary to be aware of the possibility of rice contamination from Cd in the soil.
Performance‐Based Seismic Fragility and Residual Seismic Resistance Study of a Long‐Span Suspension Bridge
Authors: Wu Fangwen , Luo Jianfei , Zheng Wei , Cai Cheng , Dai Jun , Wen Yajun , Ji Quanyou
Published: October 2020

Earthquakes can cause serious damage to traffic infrastructure and even induce the collapse of bridges, which is even worse. At the same time, earthquakes are key factors to the overall service capacity of the traffic network. Therefore, mastering the failure mechanism and evaluating accurate residual seismic resistance of a bridge under earthquakes are of great significance to the rapid recovery of traffic network function. For this reason, a performance‐based methodology for the evaluation of the residual seismic resistance of a suspension bridge is proposed. In this paper, we provide the fragility curves of the key sections of the pier by incremental dynamic analysis (IDA), mathematical statistical analysis, and the damage law and obtained the failure state of the structure and the overall seismic capacity residual ratio and the stage seismic capacity residual ratio of the structure. Then, based on the research results of IDA, the reserve seismic capacity is analyzed as well. The research results explore a new method to accurately estimate the residual seismic capacity for resilience assessment.
Analysis on Fracture Behavior and Optimization of Beam‐Column Connections with Expanded Flanges of Steel Frames
Authors: Ma Hongwei , Zhang Zhen , Wang Kun , Liu Yan , Guo Kai , Wang Fuzhang
Published: October 2020

In this study, the parameters of concave expanded flanges of beam‐column connections of steel frames are optimized based on the effects of different sizes of concave expanded flanges on the fracture performance. Firstly, two beam‐column connection models with concave expanded flanges are built and analyzed under cyclic loads, which have the same conditions as the specimens during the previous test. Secondly, the validity of the numerical simulation models is verified through analyzing the hysteretic behaviors of the connections with concave expanded flanges, such as the plastic hinge position, the hysteresis curves, the skeleton curves, the stiffness degradation, the ductility coefficient, and the energy dissipation capacity. Thirdly, in order to comprehensively evaluate the fracture status of metal materials, the relevant fracture evaluation index (the stress triaxiality ratio (Rσ), plastic equivalent strain index (PI), and cracking index (RI)) are introduced. Afterwards, eighteen numerical simulation models with differences in the length la of the reinforced section, the length lb of the transition section, and the width c of the reinforced section were analyzed. Finally, the parameters of the concave expanded flanges of the beam‐column connections are optimized based on the results of the three fracture evaluation index.
An Investigation into the Tunnel‐Soil‐Pipeline Interaction by In Situ Measured Settlements of the Pipelines
Authors: Li Xinggao , Wang Ting , Yang Yi
Published: October 2020

Response of buried pipeline to tunnelling is of great concern in the subway construction. It is of paramount importance but difficult to estimate the influence of tunnelling on adjacent pipelines because of the complex tunnel‐soil‐pipeline interaction. The technique of in situ measured settlements of buried pipelines remains the standard approach for understanding this interaction and addressing the issue. The Huangzhuang station of the Beijing Subway is located in a densely populated area, with many buried pipelines in the close proximity; the shallow tunnelling method of pile‐beam‐arch (PBA method) was used to excavate the station tunnels; the shallow tunnelling of the station tunnels inevitably causes settlements of the ground surface and the buried pipelines. Direct monitoring of the pipelines by digging holes from the ground surface was performed during the station tunnel construction. In situ measured settlements of the ground surface and the buried pipelines caused by the subway construction were obtained. It is observed from the obtained results that the pipeline settlement development can be divided into four stages that are associated with different construction periods of the PBA method. Sharp increases in the pipeline settlement occurred in the specific stages (stages 2 and 4). It is concluded from comparisons between the pipeline settlement and the ground surface settlement that separation between steel or cast iron pipelines and the soil beneath occurs due to the tunnel construction. And the pipeline settlement is smaller than that of the ground surface. This finding has the practical implication that the ground surface can be monitored instead of the buried pipeline. Using this indirect pipeline monitoring, the pipeline safety can be conservatively evaluated. This study is an example for evaluating the shallow tunnelling‐induced effects on adjacent buried pipelines and understanding the tunnel‐soil‐pipeline interaction under similar conditions.
Restoration and Strengthening of Historical Buildings: The Example of Minceta Fortress in Dubrovnik
Authors: Radnić Jure , Matešan Domagoj , Abaza Ante
Published: October 2020

Firstly, some important aspects of the restoration and structural strengthening of historical masonry buildings are briefly discussed. Particularly, as an illustration of the appropriate approach to solving such an issue, an example of the restoration of the Minceta fortress in Dubrovnik has been described. Based on the results of the extensive field and laboratory works with defined damages and cracking state in the fortress, as well as located sliding surfaces in foundation rock near deep excavation, the static and dynamic analysis of stress‐strain states and safety was performed at the characteristic time point in the history of the fortress. Different geometry models for discretization of the fortress and the foundation rock, as well as different constitutive models for masonry and rock, were considered. Based on the results of the case study, the solutions were proposed for the strengthening of the foundation rock, as well as for the restoration and the limited allowed strengthening of the fortress. It is believed that this study may be helpful in the restoration and strengthening of similar historical masonry structures.
Study on the Stage Failure Mechanism and Stability Control of Surrounding Rock of Repeated Mining Roadway
Authors: Wu Xiangye , Wang Jingya , Wang Wencai , Tian Chen , Bu Qingwei , Wu Lin
Published: October 2020

China is one of the leading countries in the mining and utilization of coal resources, and the problems of coal‐mining technology and safety have been concerned by the world, while the serious deformation and destruction of surrounding rock and the difficulty of support have brought inconvenience to the mining of coal resources due to repeated mining. This paper takes the actual engineering 22205 mining roadway in Buertai mine as the research background, through the combination of numerical simulation and field measurement. In this paper, the stress environment, plastic zone, and surrounding rock deformation in the advancing process of coal‐mining face are studied, and the stress evolution law of surrounding rock in repeated mining roadway is obtained. It is clarified that the surrounding rock deformation is the failure mechanism under the combined action of principal stress difference and stress direction deflection. As a result, the surrounding rock of the roadway is asymmetrically deformed and destroyed, and the corresponding surrounding rock control scheme is put forward. The results show that the influence of repeated mining on roadway stress environment can be divided into four stages with the mining process: the stability stage of mining influence, the expansion stage of primary mining, the stable stage after primary mining, and the expansion stage of second mining. At the same time, the shape changes of the plastic zone and the displacement monitoring results of the monitoring are analyzed, and the results are obtained; the stage of stress change is suitable, and combined with the failure characteristics of surrounding rock in each stage, it is put forward that reinforcement measures should be taken in the stable stage after mining; the specific reinforcement scheme is determined according to the expansion form of plastic zone and field measurement. The on‐site monitoring shows that there is no roof fall accident during the use of the roadway, which ensures the safety in production.
Sensorless Direct Torque Control of the Six-Phase Induction Motor by Fast Reduced Order Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Taheri Asghar , Ren Hai-Peng , Song Chun-Huan
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a simple extended Kalman Filter (EKF) controller for direct torque control (DTC) of a six-phase induction machine in all speed ranges is proposed. The aim of this paper is to decrease the execution time of EKF modeling of a six-phase induction motor. The proposed method is fast and can operate online. If the machine parameters are changed during the operation, the EKF algorithm is activated to find parameters used for controlling the motor. In low speed, not only the motor speed measurement but also the DTC of machine is difficult. The EKF model can estimate speed, flux, load torque, and stator resistance in low speed; thus, optimization can be performed in all loads and speed range. The proposed method increases the accuracy of DTC of the six-phase induction machine and decreases the computation cost of the system using the simplified algorithm. The simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed method against parameter variations.
A Prediction Method for the California Bearing Ratio of Soil‐Rock Mixture Based on the Discrete Element Method and CT Scanning
Authors: Ji Xiaoping , Li Jia , Cui Zhifei , Li Shouwei , Xiong Yue , Hu Jianming , Jiang Yingjun
Published: October 2020

Because of the large amount of gravel with particle sizes over 40 mm in the soil‐rock mixture (SRM), it is impossible to determine its California Bearing Ratio (CBR) via the indoor test method, which is a key parameter for designing the backfill in underground mined cavities or the road subgrade constructed with SRM. In this paper, X‐ray computed tomography (CT) scanning and 3D reconstruction technology were used to construct the 3D structure of SRM particles with a particle size greater than 5 mm. Based on the vertical vibration test method (VVTM) and PFC3D, the numerical simulation method (NSM‐CBR) of SRM was established. The CBR of the SRM with a maximum particle size over 40 mm (SRM‐G) was studied by NSM‐CBR, and the effects of factors such as maximum particle size, soil content, and large‐size particle content (d ≥ 40 mm) on the CBR were investigated via NSM‐CBR. Based on the laboratory tests and NSM‐CBR, the prediction model and the determining method of CBR of SRM‐G were established and verified. The results show that the maximum deviation between the CBR obtained from NSM‐CBR and laboratory tests was 7.4%. The CBR of SRM‐G decreases linearly with the increase in soil content and increases with the increase in maximum particle size and large‐size particle content. The practical project shows that the maximum deviation between the predictive and measured values of the CBR of SRM‐G was less than 1.5%, indicating that the prediction model and the method established in this paper have high reliability.
A Functional Genomic Screen Identifies the Deubiquitinase USP11 as a Novel Transcriptional Regulator of ERα in Breast Cancer
Authors: Dwane Lisa , O'Connor Aisling E. , Das Sudipto , Moran Bruce , Mulrane Laoighse , Pinto-Fernandez Adan , Ward Elspeth , Blümel Anna M. , Cavanagh Brenton L. , Mooney Brian , Dirac Annette M. , Jirström Karin , Kessler Benedikt M. , Ní Chonghaile Tríona , Bernards René , Gallagher William M. , O'Connor Darran P.
Published: October 2020

Approximately 70% of breast cancers express estrogen receptor α (ERα) and depend on this key transcriptional regulator for proliferation and differentiation. While patients with this disease can be treated with targeted antiendocrine agents, drug resistance remains a significant issue, with almost half of patients ultimately relapsing. Elucidating the mechanisms that control ERα function may further our understanding of breast carcinogenesis and reveal new therapeutic opportunities. Here, we investigated the role of deubiquitinases (DUB) in regulating ERα in breast cancer. An RNAi loss-of-function screen in breast cancer cells targeting all DUBs identified USP11 as a regulator of ERα transcriptional activity, which was further validated by assessment of direct transcriptional targets of ERα. USP11 expression was induced by estradiol, an effect that was blocked by tamoxifen and not observed in ERα-negative cells. Mass spectrometry revealed a significant change to the proteome and ubiquitinome in USP11-knockdown (KD) cells in the presence of estradiol. RNA sequencing in LCC1 USP11-KD cells revealed significant suppression of cell-cycle–associated and ERα target genes, phenotypes that were not observed in LCC9 USP11-KD, antiendocrine-resistant cells. In a breast cancer patient cohort coupled with in silico analysis of publicly available cohorts, high expression of USP11 was significantly associated with poor survival in ERα-positive (ERα+) patients. Overall, this study highlights a novel role for USP11 in the regulation of ERα activity, where USP11 may represent a prognostic marker in ERα+ breast cancer.

Significance:

A newly identified role for USP11 in ERα transcriptional activity represents a novel mechanism of ERα regulation and a pathway to be exploited for the management of ER-positive breast cancer.
Interleukin-12 Message in a Bottle
Authors: Cirella Assunta , Berraondo Pedro , Di Trani Claudia Augusta , Melero Ignacio
Published: October 2020

IL12 is a very potent cancer immunotherapy agent, but is difficult to harness safely if given systemically. Local gene transfer aims to confine the effects of IL12 to malignant tissues, thus avoiding toxicity. Lipid-nanoparticle mRNA achieves IL12 expression and efficacy in mouse models, opening the way to an ongoing trial.

See related article by Hewitt et al., p. 6284
TRK xDFG Mutations Trigger a Sensitivity Switch from Type I to II Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Cocco Emiliano , Lee Ji Eun , Kannan Srinivasaraghavan , Schram Alison M. , Won Helen H. , Shifman Sophie , Kulick Amanda , Baldino Laura , Toska Eneda , Arruabarrena-Aristorena Amaia , Kittane Srushti , Wu Fan , Cai Yanyan , Arena Sabrina , Mussolin Benedetta , Kannan Ram , Vasan Neil , Gorelick Alexander N. , Berger Michael F. , Novoplansky Ofra , Jagadeeshan Sankar , Liao Yi , Rix Uwe , Misale Sandra , Taylor Barry S. , Bardelli Alberto , Hechtman Jaclyn F. , Hyman David M. , Elkabets Moshe , de Stanchina Elisa , Verma Chandra S. , Ventura Andrea , Drilon Alexander , Scaltriti Maurizio
Published: October 2020

On-target resistance to next-generation TRK inhibitors in TRK fusion–positive cancers is largely uncharacterized. In patients with these tumors, we found that TRK xDFG mutations confer resistance to type I next-generation TRK inhibitors designed to maintain potency against several kinase domain mutations. Computational modeling and biochemical assays showed that TRKAG667 and TRKCG696 xDFG substitutions reduce drug binding by generating steric hindrance. Concurrently, these mutations stabilize the inactive (DFG-out) conformations of the kinases, thus sensitizing these kinases to type II TRK inhibitors. Consistently, type II inhibitors impede the growth and TRK-mediated signaling of xDFG-mutant isogenic and patient-derived models. Collectively, these data demonstrate that adaptive conformational resistance can be abrogated by shifting kinase engagement modes. Given the prior identification of paralogous xDFG resistance mutations in other oncogene-addicted cancers, these findings provide insights into rational type II drug design by leveraging inhibitor class affinity switching to address recalcitrant resistant alterations.

Significance:

In TRK fusion–positive cancers, TRK xDFG substitutions represent a shared liability for type I TRK inhibitors. In contrast, they represent a potential biomarker of type II TRK inhibitor activity. As all currently available type II agents are multikinase inhibitors, rational drug design should focus on selective type II inhibitor creation.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
Can a Lifestyle Genomics Intervention Motivate Patients to Engage in Greater Physical Activity than a Population-Based Intervention? Results from the NOW Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Horne Justine R. , Gilliland Jason , Leckie Tara , O’Connor Colleen , Seabrook Jamie A. , Madill Janet
Published: October 2020

Background: Lifestyle genomics (LGx) is a science that explores interactions between genetic variation, lifestyle components such as physical activity (PA), and subsequent health- and performance-related outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine whether an LGx intervention could motivate enhanced engagement in PA to a greater extent than a population-based intervention. Methods: In this pragmatic randomized controlled trial, participants received either the standard, population-based Group Lifestyle BalanceTM (GLB) program intervention or the GLB program in addition to the provision of LGx information and advice (GLB + LGx). Participants (n = 140) completed a 7-day PA recall at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Data from the PA recalls were used to calculate metabolic equivalents (METs), a measure of energy expenditure. Statistical analyses included split plot analyses of covariance and binary logistic regression (generalized linear models). Differences in leisure time PA weekly METs, weekly minutes of moderate + high-intensity PA, and adherence to PA guidelines were compared between groups (GLB and GLB + LGx) across the 4 time points. Results: Weekly METs were significantly higher in the GLB + LGx group (1,114.7 ± 141.9; 95% CI 831.5–1,397.8) compared to the standard GLB group (621.6 ± 141.9 MET/week; 95% CI 338.4–904.8) at the 6-month follow-up (p = 0.01). All other results were non-significant. Conclusions: The provision of an LGx intervention resulted in a greater weekly leisure time PA energy expenditure after the 6-month follow-up. Future research should determine how this could be sustained over the long-term. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03015012.
Biopsy Sampling in Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Survey from 10 Tertiary Referral Centres Across Europe
Authors: Bornschein Jan , Tran-Nguyen Terry , Fernandez-Esparrach Gloria , Ash Stephen , Balaguer Francesc , Bird-Lieberman Elizabeth L. , Córdova Henry , Dzerve Zane , Fassan Matteo , Leja Marcis , Lyutakov Ivan , Middelburg Tim , Moreira Leticia , Nakov Radislav , Nieuwenburg Stella A. V. , O’Connor Anthony , Realdon Stefano , De Schepper Heiko , Smet Annemieke , Spaander M. C. W. , Tolmanis Ivars , Urbonas Tadas , Weigt Jochen , Hold Georgina L. , Link Alexander , Kupcinskas Juozas ,   ENIGMA: European Network for the Investigation of Gastrointestinal Mucosal Alterations
Published: October 2020

Background: Guidelines give robust recommendations on which biopsies should be taken when there is endoscopic suggestion of gastric inflammation. Adherence to these guidelines often seems arbitrary. This study aimed to give an overview on current practice in tertiary referral centres across Europe. Methods: Data were collected at 10 tertiary referral centres. Demographic data, the indication for each procedure, endoscopic findings, and the number and sampling site of biopsies were recorded. Findings were compared between centres, and factors influencing the decision to take biopsies were explored. Results: Biopsies were taken in 56.6% of 9,425 procedures, with significant variation between centres (p < 0.001). Gastric biopsies were taken in 43.8% of all procedures. Sampling location varied with the procedure indication (p < 0.001) without consistent pattern across the centres. Fewer biopsies were taken in centres which routinely applied the updated Sydney classification for gastritis assessment (46.0%), compared to centres where this was done only upon request (75.3%, p < 0.001). This was the same for centres stratifying patients according to the OLGA system (51.8 vs. 73.0%, p < 0.001). More biopsies were taken in centres following the MAPS guidelines on stomach surveillance (68.1 vs. 37.1%, p < 0.001). Biopsy sampling was more likely in younger patients in 8 centres (p < 0.05), but this was not true for the whole cohort (p = 0.537). The percentage of procedures with biopsies correlated directly with additional costs charged in case of biopsies (r = 0.709, p = 0.022). Conclusion: Adherence to guideline recommendations for biopsy sampling at gastroscopy was inconsistent across the participating centres. Our data suggest that centre-specific policies are applied instead.
Renin–Angiotensin System Blockers and Adverse Outcomes of Influenza and Pneumonia: A Danish Cohort Study
Authors: Christiansen Christian Fynbo , Heide‐Jørgensen Uffe , Rasmussen Thomas Bøjer , Bodilsen Jacob , Søgaard Ole Schmeltz , Maeng Michael , Vistisen Simon Tilma , Schmidt Morten , Pottegård Anton , Lund Lars Christian , Reilev Mette , Hallas Jesper , Johansen Nanna Borup , Brun Nikolai Constantin , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Thomsen Reimar Wernich
Published: October 2020

Background

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐Is) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may worsen the prognosis of coronavirus disease 2019, but any association could be confounded by the cardiometabolic conditions indicating ACE‐I/ARB use. We therefore examined the impact of ACE‐Is/ARBs on respiratory tract infection outcomes.

Methods and Results

This cohort study included all adult patients hospitalized with influenza or pneumonia from 2005 to 2018 in Denmark using population‐based medical databases. Thirty‐day mortality and risk of admission to the intensive care unit in ACE‐Is/ARBs users was compared with nonusers and with users of calcium channel blockers. We used propensity scores to handle confounding and computed propensity score‐weighted risks, risk differences (RDs), and risk ratios (RRs). Of 568 019 patients hospitalized with influenza or pneumonia, 100 278 were ACE‐I/ARB users and 37 961 were users of calcium channel blockers. In propensity score‐weighted analyses, ACE‐I/ARB users had marginally lower 30‐day mortality than users of calcium channel blockers (13.9% versus 14.5%; RD, −0.6%; 95% CI, −1.0 to −0.1; RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93–0.99), and a lower risk of admission to the intensive care unit (8.0% versus 9.6%; RD, −1.6%; 95% CI, −2.0 to −1.2; RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.80–0.87). Compared with nonusers, current ACE‐I/ARB users had lower mortality (RD, −2.4%; 95% CI, −2.8 to −2.0; RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.83–0.87), but similar risk of admission to the intensive care unit (RD, 0.4%; 95% CI, 0.0–0.7; RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00–1.09).

Conclusions

Among patients with influenza or pneumonia, ACE‐I/ARB users had no increased risk of admission to the intensive care unit and slightly reduced mortality after controlling for confounding.
Response of potato cultivars to the northern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne hapla, under field conditions in New York State, USA
Authors: Gorny Adrienne M. , Hay Frank S. , Pethybridge Sarah J.
Published: October 2020

In New York and the Northeastern USA, the northern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne hapla, is an important soil-borne pathogen of potato. The economic threshold for M. hapla in potato production has been 100 second-stage juveniles (J2) (100 g soil)−1, and is often used to dictate the need for prophylactic nematicides. However, the response of newer, popular potato cultivars under field conditions to M. hapla is unknown. The relationships between initial and final M. hapla populations and potato yield components in the popular cultivars ‘Genesee’, ‘Eva’ and ‘Lamoka’ were evaluated in three commercial production fields in New York, in 2016 and 2017. Following manual extraction from soil samples, M. hapla populations were quantified. Additionally, a glasshouse bioassay was performed to estimate M. hapla populations and correlate tuber yield. Populations of M. hapla over both years ranged from 0 to 519 J2 (100 g soil)−1 at the initial sampling, and from 0 to 10 294 J2 (100 g soil)−1 at the final sampling time. No significant correlation was observed between initial M. hapla populations and tuber yield, or between bioassay plant galling severity and tuber yield, among the cultivars included in the study in either year of the study. Yet correlations between bioassay plant galling severity and M. hapla populations were significant in both years, indicating the bioassay was adept at estimating M. hapla populations. These results will aid in directing future investigations into tolerance to M. hapla and nematode management.
Chylorhabditis epuraeae n. gen., n. sp. (Rhabditida: Rhabditidae) isolated from Epuraea (Haptoncus) ocularis Fairmaire collected from sap on the bark of Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. in Kyoto, Japan
Authors: Kanzaki Natsumi , Hamaguchi Keiko , Takeuchi-Kaneko Yuko
Published: October 2020

A new rhabditid entomophilic nematode was isolated from adult Epuraea (Haptoncus) ocularis collected from brown to light brown sap on the trunk of Ulmus parvifolia in Kyoto, Japan. The typological characters of the species, anteriorly opened peloderan bursa with nine bursal rays with the first, fifth, and eighth pairs directed dorsally, very long and two-part spicule with broad tip, and elongate conical female tail, do not fit the current nominal rhabditid genera. While phylogenetic analyses based on the near-full-length small subunit (18S) ribosomal RNA sequence tentatively suggest that the species is the sister of Buetschlinema, the typological and biological characters of the new species clearly differ from that genus, and so a new species is described herein as Chylorhabditis epuraeae n. gen., n. sp.
Conventionalism and Legitimate Expectations
Authors: Melenovsky C.M.
Published: October 2020

To be a conventionalist about a specific obligation or right is to believe that the obligation or right is dependent on the existence of a social practice. A conventionalist about property, for example, believes that a moral right to property is generated by conventional norms rather than by any natural right. One problem with dominant conventionalist theories is that they do not adequately justify conventional moral claims. They can justify why it is wrong to steal, for example, but they do not justify the claim that you have on me to not steal from you. As a remedy, this article develops and defends the Principle of Legitimate Expectations. Suggested by John Rawls, this principle grants individuals a moral claim to what the rules of morally justified practices entitle them. This article addresses common objections to the principle to show how it can ground a wide range of conventional moral claims.
Effects of Meloidogyne incognita, Pectobacterium betavasculorum and Rhizoctonia solani interactions on growth, physiological and biochemical changes of beetroot
Authors: Khan Manzoor R. , Siddiqui Zaki A.
Published: October 2020

Effect of Meloidogyne incognita, Pectobacterium betavasculorum and Rhizoctonia solani alone, pre, post and simultaneous inoculations to find out role of each pathogen on growth, chlorophyll and carotenoid, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR) activities and proline, H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L). Inoculation of plants with M. incognita / P. betavasculorum or R. solani reduced plant growth (root dry weight) (42.0%), chlorophyll (24.2%) and carotenoid (47.7%) while inoculation of pathogens under study resulted in increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, proline, H2O2 and MDA. Combined inoculation of pathogens under study resulted in greater reduction of plant growth (74.9%), chlorophyll (55.3%) and carotenoid (83.7%) than individual pathogen. Greatest reduction in plant growth, chlorophyll and carotenoid and maximum activities of antioxidant enzymes, proline, H2O2 and MDA were observed when M. incognita was inoculated 20 days prior to P. betavasculorum plus R. solani. P. betavasculorum and R. solani reduced galling and nematode multiplication but maximum reduction in galling (82.8%) and nematode multiplication (82.7%) was observed when P. betavasculorum plus R. solani were inoculated prior to nematodes. Necrosis soft rot and root rot indices by P. betavasculorum and R. solani were 3 respectively. Disease indices were 5 when two or more pathogens were inoculated together. Prior inoculation of M. incognita predisposed beetroots to P. betavasculorum and R. solani and aggravates the disease.
Plato in Bad Company? Plato’s Republic (588b–589b) in the Nag Hammadi Collection: A Re-Examination of Its Background
Authors: Ashwin-Siejkowski Piotr
Published: October 2020

The Coptic translation of a passage from Plato’s Republic (588b–589b) found in the sixth Codex of the Nag Hammadi collection has received very limited academic attention in comparison with other tractates from the same Codex. This paper argues that placing this passage within Clement of Alexandria’s polemic with Christian Platonists Carpocrates and his son Epiphanes, may provide a fresh and insightful comment on the use of Republic, with its anthropology and ethics among various second-century Christian teachers. This passage allegorizes various passions within the human soul and warns against injustice. According to Clement of Alexandria the subject of justice, or righteousness, was one of the subjects which attracted the attention of Epiphanes. I propose that the origin of the Coptic passage goes back to the second-century effort to assimilate Platonic ideas about the human soul into Christian ethics. Although various apologists accused Carpocrates and Epiphanes of sexual immorality, I focus on the possibility that Christians with Platonic tendencies were exploring the nature and power of human passions and considering how they could be controlled. The place of the excerpt in the Nag Hammadi collection is not coincidental but goes along other mythological and didactic treatises within.
Gnostic Myth in Manichaeism?
Authors: BeDuhn Jason
Published: October 2020

The widespread assumption that the Manichaean religion depended on some antecedent form of “Gnosticism” requires critical assessment. Manichaean myth shows no distinctive points of connection to theogonic, cosmogonic, or cosmological details in those narratives typically classed as belonging to “gnostic” sects. Striking narrative parallels between Manichaean and “gnostic” accounts of anthropogenesis, therefore, are anomalous, and may be best explained by independent dependence on a common source, rather than direct contact between Manichaeans and gnostic groups. A variety of evidence suggests this common source to be Jewish demiurgical traditions inspired by a desire to insulate God from responsibility for flaws in human nature. In light of this analysis, Manichaean continuity directly with Jewish narrative traditions, without “gnostic” mediation, appears to be more fundamental to the religion’s core myth than previously supposed.
A review of the family Alycidae (Acari, Acariformes) from South Africa
Authors: UUSITALO MATTI , UECKERMANN EDWARD A. , THERON PIETER D.
Published: October 2020

A taxonomic study of the family Alycidae G. Canestrini & Fanzago in South Africa revealed nine species of which seven are new to science: Alycus augrabiensis sp. nov., Pachygnathus nasutus sp. nov., Amphialycus acaciae sp. nov., A. adustus sp. nov., A. mayteni sp. nov. (Alycini); Laminamichaelia furcula sp. nov. (Bimichaeliini); and Proteromichaelia sila gen. et sp. nov. (Proteromichaeliini trib. nov.). The four previously known species of Alycidae are redescribed: Amphialycus oblongus (Halbert, 1920), Laminamichaelia shibai nom. nov. (=B. ramosus Shiba, 1976, nom. preocc.), Petralycus longicornis Theron, 1977 and P. brevicornis Theron, 1977. Keys to tribes of the family Alycidae and to genera and species recorded in South Africa are provided.
A replacement name for Dichomeris paulianella Viette, 1957 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: DE PRINS WILLY , KOO JUN-MO
Published: October 2020

By transferring Lecithocera paulianella Viette, 1955 to the genus Dichomeris (Gelechiidae), Park, Koo & Minet (2020: 155, 173) caused a nomenclatorial problem (see Art. 52.1) since in that genus there exists already a species Dichomeris paulianella Viette, 1957 which by this action becomes a junior secondary homonym (see Art. 53.3). Though the authors were aware of this homonymy, they refrained from proposing a replacement name (Park et al. 2020: 174). In order to make it possible to distinguish both taxa by their names and prevent future confusion, we herewith propose Dichomeris pauliani De Prins & Koo, nom. nov. as the objective replacement name (see Art. 60.3) for Dichomeris paulianella Viette, 1957.
Temnocephalan epibionts (Platyhelminthes, Temnocephalida) on mollusks from Pantanal wetland, Brazil
Authors: SEIXAS SAMANTHA A. , AMATO SUZANA B. , AMATO JOSÉ F.R.
Published: October 2020

Temnocephala iheringi Haswell, 1893 was recorded in Marisa planogyra Pilsbry, 1933 and Pomacea maculata Perry, 1810. Also, Temnocephala amatoi sp. nov. was described from Pomacea scalaris (d’Orbigny, 1835). The mollusks were collected from temporary ponds at Ypiranga Farm, Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The new species differs from six other species of Temnocephala Blanchard, 1849 epibionts on molluks by having the following combination of characters: 1. a short and curved cirrus; 2. a narrow introvert with approximately 22 longitudinal rows of spines with 13 spines each; 3. internal spines with a narrow base, longer on the base of the introvert and smaller in the distal portion; 4. a single and asymmetrical vaginal sphincter and; 5. elliptical, longer than wide epidermal ‘excretory’ syncytial plates (EPs) with a excretory pore displaced to the anterior portion of the plate. Temnocephala lamothei Damborenea & Brusa, 2008 has a curved cirrus, similar in size to the new species’ cirrus. However, the introvert is not swollen with an oblique proximal margin, marked with a thickened oblique ring and two rows of 45–50 thin spines, differentiating the species from T. amatoi sp. nov.. When comparing the specimens of T. iheringi from Poconé with the redescription of the species from Southern Brazil previously published by the authors, we found significant intraspecific variation in the size of the adhesive disk, pharynx length, shaft and introvert length, spines of the introvert length, as well as differences in the number of paranephrocytes. The size of the EPs and, when comparing with published data from Uruguayan and Argentinean specimens, the body size also showed important differences. We hypothesize that the host species may be the cause of the intraspecific variations found. Overall, the record of two new hosts for T. iheringi, the intraspecific variation found in this species and its geographical distribution being expanded 418 km further to the north, together with the description of a new species, add acknowledgment to the Rhabdocoela fauna in the Brazilian Pantanal.
Distributional and taxonomic notes on the crab spider genus Talaus Simon, 1886 with description of a new species (Araneae: Thomisidae)
Authors: BENJAMIN SURESH P.
Published: October 2020

Taxonomic notes on the crab spider genus Talaus Simon, 1886 are provided. One new species, T. beccarii sp. nov. is described. Further four species are redescribed: T. nanus Thorell, 1890, T. triangulifer Simon, 1886, T. oblitus O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1899 and T. opportunus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1873). Talaus now contains 13 species.
Co3O4/g-C3N4 Nanocomposites Prepared via Ultrasonication as Active Photocatalyst for H2 Generation Beneath Visible Light
Authors: Alhaddad Maha , Navarro R. M. , Hussein M. A. , Mohamed R. M.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we introduce an active photocatalyst for hydrogen generation from aqueous glycerol solution on nanoheterojunctions of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and Co3O4 at various Co3O4 loading (1∼4 wt.%).
The Co3O4 nanoparticulates were efficiently spread on the exterior of exfoliated mesoporous g-C3N4 by means of ultrasonication-mixture method that allowed the formation of effective Co3O4/g-C3N4 heterojunctions
that minimized high recombination of charges observed on bare g-C3N4. The formation of nanoheterojunctions amid Co3O4 and g-C3N4 was demonstrated by XPS and HRTEM. Moreover, their number and efficiency in separation of charges
depended on Co3O4 loading (maximum efficiency at 3 mol% of Co3O4). The optimal Co3O4/g-C3N4 nanocomposite demonstrated 22.5 and 33.7 times higher H2 production using visible light compared to
the parent g-C3N4 and Co3O4 systems, respectively. The differences in photocatalytic action for the Co3O4/g-C3N4 composites was examined in terms of changes in their capacity to engross the light and to
diminution the electron-hole recombination associated with different development of nanoheterojunctions in the composites.
Grifolin Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Lung Cancer A549 Cells by Regulating miRNA-1251-5p
Authors: Liu Xiao , Chen Yuanlan , Jiang Zhijiao
Published: October 2020

To investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of grifolin on the proliferation, transfer, and infiltration of lung cancer (LC) cells. A control group, low grifolin group, midium grifolin group and high grifolin group, anti-miRNA-NC group, anti-miRNA-1251-5p group, grifolin + miRNA-NC
group, and grifolin + miRNA-1251-5p group were established based on LC A549 cells. MTT was employed to detect cellular proliferation inhibition rate; Transwell assay was used to detect cellular transfer and infiltration; Western blot was used to test Cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor
1A (p21), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) protein expression; and finally RT-qPCR was employed to test miRNA-1251-5p expression. After treatment with different concentrations of grifolin, an increase in proliferation inhibition rate of A549 cells,
a decrease in migrating and invading cells, a decrease in CyclinD1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression, an increase in p21 expression, and a decrease in miRNA-1251-5p expression in a manner of concentration dependence was observed (P < 0.05). Inhibiting miRNA-1251-5p expression led to an
increase in cellular proliferation inhibition rate, a decrease in migrating and invading cells, a decrease in CyclinD1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression, and an increase in p21 expression (P < 0.05). Overexpression of miRNA-1251-5p reversed the inhibitory influence of grifolin on the
proliferation, transfer, and infiltration of A549 cells. Grifolin likely inhibits the proliferation, transfer, and infiltration of LC A549 cells by down-regulating miRNA-1251-5p.
Selenium Nanoparticles Induce Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer (MCF-7) and Liver (HepG2) Cell Lines
Authors: Alkhudhayri Abdulsalam A. , Wahab Rizwan , Siddiqui Maqsood A. , Ahmad Javed
Published: October 2020

This investigation was designed to assess the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of selenium nanoparticles. It explored the cytotoxic effects of selenium nanoparticles in MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines. The morphology of selenium nanoparticles was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy
(TEM) to verify their size and crystalline properties. The selenium nanoparticles were almost spherical and cubic in shape and in size (∼20 nm). Selenium nanoparticles were tested for their cytotoxic activity in MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines using MTT and NRU assays. We found relative differences
in the vulnerability of both cell lines in their response to selenium nanoparticle-induced cytotoxicity. Specifically, MCF-7 cells exhibited greater vulnerability to exposure to selenium nanoparticles than HepG2 cells. Selenium nanoparticles exposure also induced higher mRNA levels of apoptosis
related genes and caspase-3 enzyme activity. Overall, the present study provided the evidence of cytotoxicity induced by SeNPs via apoptotic gene expression in human cell lines. These results warrant further investigation into more precise mechanism(s) of selenium nanoparticles-induced cell
death in in vivo model systems.
Effect of Doping on the Morphological, Micro-Structural and Optical Properties of Cd1–(x + y)MnxFeyO Thin Films
Authors: Rajini M. , Karunakaran M. , Chandrasekar L. Bruno , Kasirajan K. , Maheswari S. , Castañeda L. , Alharthi Fahad A. , Al-Zaqri Nabil , Marghany Adel EL , Inbanathan S. S. R.
Published: October 2020

Transition metal doped cadmium oxide (Cd1–(x + y)MnxFeyO) thin films with high purity were prepared using the spray pyrolysis method. The morphological analyses were done using scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope.
The X-ray diffraction studies indicated that the structure of cadmium oxide lattice remains same even after mono-doping (Cd1–xMnxO and Cd 1–yFeyO) and co-doping (Cd1–(x + y)MnxFeyO).
The micro-structural properties such as crystallite size, dislocation density, strain and texture coefficient depends on the nature of doping. The Mn and Fe co-doped CdO films (Cd1–(x + y)MnxFeyO) have low transmittance, low band gap, high
n-type charge carrier concentration and high refractive index than mono-doped CdO films. The intensity of luminescence also depends on the nature of doping.
Regional Differences in the Human Toll from Tornadoes: A New Look at an Old Idea
Authors: Biddle Matthew D. , Brown Ryan P. , Doswell Charles A. , Legates David R.
Published: October 2020

Previously published claims of large regional (northern vs southern states) differences in risks of fatality associated with tornadoes in the United States are reexamined. This new study extends earlier claims to include 1) data from a much longer time frame, 2) injuries as well as fatalities, and 3) more precise estimates of meteorological features of tornado events (specifically, a precise calculation of daytime vs nighttime and pathlength). The current study also includes formal mediation analyses involving variables that might explain regional differences. Results indicate that significant increases in the risk of fatality and injury do occur in southern states as compared with northern states. Mediation models show that these regional differences remain significant when meteorological factors of nocturnal occurrence and pathlength are included. Thus, these meteorological factors cannot explain regional differences in risk of fatality and injury, a failure that is unlikely to reflect a lack of data or a lack of precision in the measurement of potential mediators.
Long-Term Clinical Follow-Up of Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Thunberg Ulrica , Saber Amanj , Söderquist Bo , Hugosson Svante
Published: October 2020

Objective:

This study comprised a long-term follow-up of a cohort of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) regarding clinical features and symptomatology.

Methods:

Data from 42 patients with CRS were available from a previous study. Forty of these patients were alive and were contacted for inclusion after approximately 10 years. Patients completed a questionnaire about disease and symptoms, and underwent a clinical examination.

Results:

Thirty-four patients (85%) responded and could be included and evaluated. For the participants in this follow-up study median length of time between initial inclusion (C1) and follow-up (C2) was 11 years (range: 8-15). In some patients the CRS shifted phenotype over time, from CRS with nasal polyposis to CRS without nasal polyposis or vice versa. The median total visual analogue score for combined sinonasal symptoms for all patients was statistically significantly reduced at follow-up. For individual patients, scores for nasal congestion, nasal discharge, facial pressure, and hyposmia were also statistically significantly reduced. The most frequently reported symptom-relieving treatments were nasal steroids and saline rinsing of the nose. Self-reported general quality of life was statistically significantly improved at C2 compared to C1.

Conclusion:

At long-term follow-up, symptoms were generally reduced and patients reported an improved quality of life. Patients can be given hope for eventual symptom relief. CRS is a chronic condition that seems to harbor the ability to alter its phenotype after several years. Topical corticosteroids and saline rinsing of the nose should be emphasized, since patients consider these treatments to be of high value.