bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiofilm activity of lactoferrin-derived synthetic peptides against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Ramamourthy Gopal , Vogel Hans J.
Published: September 2020

Many pathogenic bacteria can protect themselves from the effects of antibiotics and the host immune response system by forming biofilms. Biofilms are polymer-entrapped bacterial cells, which adhere to each other and are often attached to a surface. Eradication of bacterial biofilms typically requires much higher concentrations of antibiotics than are normally needed to kill cultured planktonic cells, raising serious clinical concerns. In an attempt to prevent the formation of biofilms or to break up existing biofilms of pathogenic bacteria, herein we have used the standard crystal violet assay as well as the Calgary biofilm device to test several lactoferrin- and lactoferricin-derived antimicrobial peptides for their antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Our results revealed that the short bovine lactoferricin-derived RRWQWR-NH2 (20–25) hexapeptide has no activity against P. aeruginosa PAO1. Moreover, the longer human lactoferricin-derived peptide GRRRRSVQWCA (1–11) and the bovine lactoferrampin (268–284) peptide were also almost devoid of activity. However, several different “mix-and-match” dimeric versions of the two lactoferricin-derived peptides proved quite effective in preventing the formation of biofilms at low concentrations, and in some cases, could even eradicate an existing biofilm. Moreover, the full-length bovine lactoferricinB (17–41) peptide also displayed considerable antimicrobial activity. Some of the longer lactoferricin-derived dimeric peptides acted through a bactericidal mechanism, whereas others seemed to interfere in cell-signalling processes. Taken together, our results indicate that synthetic dimeric peptides comprising short naturally occurring human and bovine lactoferricin constructs could be further developed as antibiofilm agents.
Sources of sulphur for the Proterozoic Kiggavik uranium deposit, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Shabaga Brandi M. , Fayek Mostafa , Quirt David , Ledru Patrick
Published: September 2020

The Thelon Basin is temporally and spatially related to the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada, which hosts the highest-grade unconformity-related uranium deposits in the world. Several uranium deposits occur within the Aberdeen sub-basin of the Thelon Basin, and it has been suggested that they may also be unconformity-related deposits. However, the genesis of the deposits is still debated and the age of the uranium mineralization event remains loosely constrained. In this study, we use secondary ion mass spectrometry to measure three sulphur (S) isotopes in pyrite from the Kiggavik deposit to constrain the sources of sulphur. We use this information to determine whether these sulphides, if dated by the Re–Os method, would provide a better constraint on the timing of uranium mineralization. The Kiggavik deposit comprises three zones (Main, Centre, and East) that formed from ∼200 °C fluids at ∼1600 Ma. Non-hydrothermal pyrite and galena from all three zones have a wide range of δ34S values, from −41.2‰ to +37.4‰. The Δ33S values (>0‰) indicate recycling of mass independent fractionation sulphur, suggesting that pyrite from the Kiggavik deposit derived sulphur from the Neoarchean metagraywacke host rock. The preservation of these anomalous Δ33S values suggests that the pyrite formed from low-temperature processes rather than hydrothermal processes. Low-temperature, high-latitude fluids may have been involved in the formation of the pyrite because some of these sulphides are also associated with uranium minerals that are devoid of Pb and contain corroded calcite. Based on these data, Re–Os geochronology of these sulphides would not yield an age that would constrain the timing of hydrothermal uranium mineralization.
Genetic monitoring informs conservation status and trend of Arctic grayling at the southern edge of their distribution
Authors: Kovach Ryan P. , Whiteley Andrew R. , Jaeger Matthew E. , Painter Sally , Lodmell Angela , Leary Robb F.
Published: September 2020

The number of effective breeders (Nb) has been touted as a means to monitor freshwater fishes, but the realized application of Nbhas been limited. Using genetic monitoring data for two Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) populations of conservation concern, we describe temporal trends in genetic variation and Nb, determine how sampling and variance in reproductive success influence estimates of Nb, and quantify the relationship among Nb, effective population size (Ne), and adult abundance (Nc). Temporal trends in allelic richness (AR) and Nbtracked known or suspected population trajectories. Nbincreased in one population where there has been extensive conservation action, and both Nband ARtracked a decline in the other population where harsh winter conditions have resulted in overwinter mortality events. After accounting for population demography, Neestimates for each population were 190.7 and 308.8. Overall, this study demonstrates that temporal genetic data effectively resolve demographic and evolutionary status and trend in Arctic grayling, provides insight into the demographic factors that influence genetic variation, and emphasizes the value of temporal genetic data for conservation and management.
NLO QCD corrections to exclusive quarkonium-pair production in photon–photon collision
Authors: Yang Hao , Chen Zi-Qiang , Qiao Cong-Feng
Published: September 2020

We calculate the next-to-leading order (NLO) quantum chromodynamics (QCD) corrections to the exclusive processes $$\gamma +\gamma \rightarrow {\mathcal {Q}}+{\mathcal {Q}}$$

γ
+
γ
→
Q
+
Q

, with $${\mathcal {Q}}=J/\psi ,\ \eta _c,\ \Upsilon $$

Q
=
J
/
ψ
,

η
c

,

Υ

, or $$\eta _b$$

η
b

, in the framework of non-relativistic QCD (NRQCD) factorization formalism. The cross sections at the SuperKEKB electron–positron collider, as well as at the future colliders, like the circular electron positron collider (CEPC) and the international linear collider (ILC), are evaluated. Numerical result indicates that the processes for $$J/\psi $$

J
/
ψ

-pair production and $$\eta _c$$

η
c

-pair production are hopefully observable at the Belle II detector within the next decade.
Intense beam of metastable Muonium
Authors: Janka G. , Ohayon B. , Burkley Z. , Gerchow L. , Kuroda N. , Ni X. , Nishi R. , Salman Z. , Suter A. , Tuzi M. , Vigo C. , Prokscha T. , Crivelli P.
Published: September 2020

Precision spectroscopy of the Muonium Lamb shift and fine structure requires a robust source of 2S Muonium. To date, the beam-foil technique is the only demonstrated method for creating such a beam in vacuum. Previous experiments using this technique were statistics limited, and new measurements would benefit tremendously from the efficient 2S production at a low energy muon ($$<20$$

<
20

 keV) facility. Such a source of abundant low energy $${\mu }^{+}$$

μ

+

has only become available in recent years, e.g. at the Low-Energy Muon beamline at the Paul Scherrer Institute. Using this source, we report on the successful creation of an intense, directed beam of metastable Muonium. We find that even though the theoretical Muonium fraction is maximal in the low energy range of 2–5 keV, scattering by the foil and transport characteristics of the beamline favor slightly higher $${\mu }^{+}$$

μ

+

energies of 7–10 keV. We estimate that an event detection rate of a few events per second for a future Lamb shift measurement is feasible, enabling an increase in precision by two orders of magnitude over previous determinations.
The spacetime between Einstein and Kaluza–Klein
Authors: Vuille Chris
Published: September 2020

In this paper I introduce tensor multinomials, an algebra that is dense in the space of nonlinear smooth differential operators, and use a subalgebra to create an extension of Einstein’s theory of general relativity. In a mathematical sense this extension falls between Einstein’s original theory of general relativity in four dimensions and the Kaluza–Klein theory in five dimensions. The theory has elements in common with both the original Kaluza–Klein and Brans–Dicke, but emphasizes a new and different underlying mathematical structure. Despite there being only four physical dimensions, the use of tensor multinomials naturally leads to expanded operators that can incorporate other fields. The equivalent Ricci tensor of this geometry is robust and yields vacuum general relativity and electromagnetism, as well as a Klein–Gordon-like quantum scalar field. The formalism permits a time-dependent cosmological function, which is the source for the scalar field. I develop and discuss several candidate Lagrangians. Trial solutions of the most natural field equations include a singularity-free dark energy dust cosmology.
Experimentally Accessible Orbits Near a Bykov Cycle
Authors: Barrio Roberto , Carvalho Maria , Castro Luísa , Rodrigues Alexandre A. P.
Published: September 2020

This paper reports numerical experiments done on a two-parameter family of vector fields which unfold an attracting heteroclinic cycle linking two saddle-foci. We investigated both local and global bifurcations due to symmetry breaking in order to detect either hyperbolic or chaotic dynamics. Although a complete understanding of the corresponding bifurcation diagram and the mechanisms underlying the dynamical changes is still out of reach, using a combination of theoretical tools and computer simulations we have uncovered some complex patterns. We have selected suitable initial conditions to analyze the bifurcation diagrams, and regarding these solutions we have located: (a) an open domain of parameters with regular dynamics; (b) infinitely many parabolic-type curves associated to homoclinic Shilnikov cycles which act as organizing centers; (c) a crisis region related to the destruction or creation of chaotic attractors; (d) a large Lebesgue measure set of parameters where chaotic regimes are dominant, though sinks and chaotic attractors may coexist, and in whose complement we observe shrimps.
A New 4D Four-Wing Memristive Hyperchaotic System: Dynamical Analysis, Electronic Circuit Design, Shape Synchronization and Secure Communication
Authors: Yu Fei , Qian Shuai , Chen Xi , Huang Yuanyuan , Liu Li , Shi Changqiong , Cai Shuo , Song Yun , Wang Chunhua
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a simple four-wing chaotic attractor is first proposed by replacing the constant parameters of the Chen system with a periodic piecewise function. Then, a new 4D four-wing memristive hyperchaotic system is presented by adding a flux-controlled memristor with linear memductance into the proposed four-wing Chen system. The memristor mathematical structure model is simple and easy to implement. Dynamical analysis and numerical simulation of the memristive hyperchaotic system are carried out. Then, the electronic circuit of the hyperchaotic system is designed and implemented. The results of numerical simulation are in good agreement with the electronic circuit experiment. In addition, shape synchronization control for the 4D four-wing memristive hyperchaotic system is realized, and a communication system is designed by using the shape synchronization method. Finally, secure signal masking application is implemented on Matlab platform. In the developed secure communication scheme, the information signal overlaps with the chaotic masking signal, which improves the security of the system.
Dynamical Analysis on a Finance System with Nonconstant Elasticity of Demand
Authors: Yang Ting
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates a finance system with nonconstant elasticity of demand. First, under some conditions, the system has invariant algebraic surfaces and the analytic expressions of the surfaces are given. Furthermore, when the two surfaces coincide and become one surface, the dynamics on the surface are analyzed and a globally stable equilibrium is found. Second, by using the normal form theory, the Hopf bifurcation is studied and the approximate expression and stability of the bifurcating periodic orbit are obtained. Third, the chaotic behaviors are investigated and the route to chaos is period-doubling bifurcations. Moreover, it is found that the system has coexisting attractors, including periodic attractor and periodic attractor, chaotic attractor and chaotic attractor. With the change of parameter, the two chaotic attractors coincide and then a symmetrical chaotic attractor arises.
Coexistence of Random Subharmonic Solutions of Random Impulsive Differential Equations and Inclusions on a Circle
Authors: Andres Jan
Published: September 2020

The coexistence of random periodic solutions with various periods (i.e. subharmonics) is proved to random differential equations on a circle with random impulses of all integer orders. One of the theorems is also extended to random differential inclusions on a circle with multivalued deterministic impulses. These results can be roughly characterized as a further application of the randomized Sharkovsky type theorems to random impulsive differential equations and inclusions on a circle.
THE RESILIENCE OF COMPLEX NETWORK: AN APPROACH FOR RELEVANT NODES EXTRACTION
Authors: RAMIREZ-ARELLANO ALDO , BORY-REYES JUAN
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a new algorithm to select the relevant nodes — those that maintain the cohesion of the network — of the complex network is presented. The experiments on most of the real complex networks show that the proposed approach outperforms centrality measures as node degree, PageRank algorithm and betweenness centrality. The rationale of the algorithm for extracting relevant nodes is to discover the self-similarity of the network. As seen in the algorithm, throughout the extraction sequence of relevant nodes, differences are advised with node degree, PageRank algorithm and betweenness centrality. Finally, empirical evidence is considered to show that complex network robustness is a nonlinear function of the small-worldness measure.
ON MAX–MIN MEAN VALUE FORMULAS ON THE SIERPINSKI GASKET
Authors: NAVARRO JOSE CARLOS , ROSSI JULIO D.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we study solutions to the max–min mean value problem [Formula: see text] in the Sierpinski Gasket with a prescribed Dirichlet datum at the three vertices of the first triangle. In the previous mean value, formula [Formula: see text] is a vertex of one triangle at one stage in the construction of the Sierpinski Gasket and [Formula: see text] is the set of vertices that are adjacent to [Formula: see text] at that stage. For this problem, it was known that there are existence and uniqueness of a continuous solution, a comparison principle holds, and, moreover, solutions are Lipschitz continuous. Here we continue the analysis of this problem and prove that the solution is piecewise linear on the segments of the Sierpinski Gasket. Moreover, we also show for which values at the three vertices of the first triangle solutions to this mean value formula coincide with infinity harmonic functions.
EQUIVALENT POWER-FORM TRANSFORMATION FOR FRACTAL BRATU’S EQUATION
Authors: ELÍAS-ZÚÑIGA ALEX , PALACIOS-PINEDA LUIS MANUEL , JIMÉNEZ-CEDEÑO ISAAC H. , MARTÍNEZ-ROMERO OSCAR , TREJO DANIEL OLVERA
Published: September 2020

In this paper, an equivalent power-form transformation method with a weighted function is applied for solving the one-dimensional fractal Bratu’s boundary value equation. Numerical integration solutions obtained from the equivalent Bratu’s equation as well as those from its approximate Taylor’s series solution reveal that the proposed methodology yields highly accurate solutions. Therefore, it is believed that by applying the power-form transformation, various fractal differential equations in which two scales are needed because of the physical laws involved in modeling the observed phenomena, can be solved by treating the nonlinear terms as equivalent power-form terms.
FRACTAL INTERPRETATION OF BACTERIAL LIGHT HARVESTERS
Authors: TING JULIAN JUHI-LIAN
Published: September 2020

Bacterial light harvesters (LH) are interpreted as Vicsek fractals, based upon their morphology, even though such fractals contain only one, or perhaps two, generations. After using fractal dimensions to describe the geometry, we progress to use connectivity matrices to make an improved description of the light harvesters and make connections with our previous studies. Such inspirations of metamaterial from the biological world are useful for building quantum computers, solar cells, heat radiators, and optical sensors.
Synthesis and ultrasound mediated antibacterial activity of ferrocene-triazole-porphyrin derivative
Authors: Rogatkina Elena Yu. , Rodionov Alexey N. , Mazina Svetlana E. , Simenel Alexander A.
Published: September 2020

The [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of various azides with ferrocenylmethylpropargyl ester in the presence of copper (I) salt lead to the formation of ferrocenyl-containing derivatives, including porphyrin, which exhibit pronounced cytotoxicity against Escherichia coli under ultrasound irradiation.
FPGAD
efender
Authors: La Tuan Minh , Matas Kaspar , Grunchevski Nikola , Pham Khoa Dang , Koch Dirk
Published: September 2020

Sharing configuration bitstreams rather than netlists is a very desirable feature to protect IP or to share IP without longer CAD tool processing times. Furthermore, an increasing number of systems could hugely benefit from serving multiple users on the same FPGA, for example, for resource pooling in cloud infrastructures.

This article researches the threat that a malicious application can impose on an FPGA-based system in a multi-tenancy scenario from a hardware security point of view. In particular, this article evaluates the risk systematically for FPGA power-hammering through short-circuits and self-oscillating circuits, which potentially may cause harm to a system. This risk includes implementing, tuning, and evaluating all FPGA self-oscillators known from the literature but also developing a large number of new power-hammering designs that have not been considered before. Our experiments demonstrate that malicious circuits can be tuned to the point that just 3% of the logic available on an Ultra96 FPGA board can draw the power budget of the entire FPGA board. This fact suggests a waste power potential for datacenter FPGAs in the range of kilowatts.

In addition to carefully analyzing FPGA hardware security threats, we present the FPGA virus scanner FPGAD
efender
, which can detect (possibly) any self-oscillating FPGA circuit, as well as detecting short-circuits, high fanout nets, and a tapping onto signals outside the scope of a module for protecting data center FPGAs, such as Xilinx UltraScale+ devices at the bitstream level.
Intersections of transformation
Authors: Bellini Rosanna , Strohmayer Angelika
Published: September 2020

This forum is dedicated to exploring the notion of meaningfulness in design processes, taking the perspectives of community groups, nongovernmental organizations, and those who are marginalized in society as starting points. Authors will reflect conceptually and methodologically on practical engagements.
--- Rosanna Bellini
and
Angelika Strohmayer, Editors
Laboulbeniomycetes: Intimate Fungal Associates of Arthropods
Authors: Haelewaters Danny , Blackwell Meredith , Pfister Donald H.
Published: September 2020

Arthropod–fungus interactions involving the Laboulbeniomycetes have been pondered for several hundred years. Early studies of Laboulbeniomycetes faced several uncertainties. Were they parasitic worms, red algal relatives, or fungi? If they were fungi, to which group did they belong? What was the nature of their interactions with their arthropod hosts? The historical misperceptions resulted from the extraordinary morphological features of these oddly constructed ectoparasitic fungi. More recently, molecular phylogenetic studies, in combination with a better understanding of life histories, have clearly placed these fungi among filamentous Ascomycota (subphylum Pezizomycotina). Species discovery and research on the classification of the group continue today as arthropods, and especially insects, are routinely collected and examined for the presence of Laboulbeniomycetes. Newly armed with molecular methods, mycologists are poisedto use Laboulbeniomycetes–insect associations as models for the study of a variety of basic evolutionary and ecological questions involving host–parasite relationships, modes of nutrient intake, population biology, host specificity, biological control, and invasion biology. Collaboration between mycologists and entomologists is essential to successfully advance knowledge of Laboulbeniomycetes and their intimate association with their hosts.
Reflections on a Career Studying Individual Differences in the Workplace
Authors: Sackett Paul R.
Published: September 2020

I am quite gratified to be asked to provide this personal account of a career focusing on the role of individual differences in the workplace. I open with an account of my career journey and then offer a highly idiosyncratic perspective on substantive developments in the field over the past four decades, sneaking in observations about my own contributions. After surveying substantive developments, I offer some comments on changes in how the field goes about its business (e.g., the journal publication process, expectations for graduate student contributions to scholarship).
Targeting Endocannabinoid Signaling: FAAH and MAG Lipase Inhibitors
Authors: van Egmond Noëlle , Straub Verena M. , van der Stelt Mario
Published: September 2020

Inspired by the medicinal properties of the plant Cannabis sativa and its principal component (−)- trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), researchers have developed a variety of compounds to modulate the endocannabinoid system in the human brain. Inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), which are the enzymes responsible for the inactivation of the endogenous cannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, respectively, may exert therapeutic effects without inducing the adverse side effects associated with direct cannabinoid CB1receptor stimulation by THC. Here we review the FAAH and MAGL inhibitors that have reached clinical trials, discuss potential caveats, and provide an outlook on where the field is headed.
Forecasting Using Information and Entropy Based on Belief Functions
Authors: Yamaka Woraphon , Sriboonchitta Songsak
Published: September 2020

This paper introduces an entropy-based belief function to the forecasting problem. While the likelihood-based belief function needs to know the distribution of the objective function for the prediction, the entropy-based belief function does not. This is because the observed data likelihood is somewhat complex in practice. We, thus, replace the likelihood function with the entropy. That is, we propose an approach in which a belief function is built from the entropy function. As an illustration, the proposed method is compared to the likelihood-based belief function in the simulation and empirical studies. According to the results, our approach performs well under a wide array of simulated data models and distributions. There are pieces of evidence that the prediction interval obtained from the frequentist method has a much narrower prediction interval, while our entropy-based method performs the widest. However, our entropy-based belief function still produces an acceptable range for prediction intervals as the true prediction value always lay in the prediction intervals.
Coordinated Perimeter Control for Multiregion Heterogeneous Networks Based on Optimized Transfer Flows
Authors: Guo Yajuan , Yang Licai , Gao Jun
Published: September 2020

Exploring efficient control strategies for heterogeneously congested urban networks remains a big research challenge. The theory of macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD) provides a new perspective for network-wide congestion control decisions. This paper proposes a coordinated perimeter control strategy for multiregion heterogeneous networks based on optimized transfer flows. First, a two-layer network partitioning method is presented to capture spatial heterogeneity dynamics of urban networks. For this partition, traffic flow equilibrium model based on MFD and multiagent based hierarchical traffic management scheme are built. Then, an improved multinomial logit model is developed for deriving optimized transfer flows among multiple congested regions. A coordinated perimeter control strategy using model predictive control is further proposed, which is aimed at tracking desired accumulations of each congested region. As a case study, the proposed control strategy is applied to the downtown network of Jinan, China, using simulation analysis. The results demonstrate that it can achieve balanced network flow distribution and increased mobility.
Time to Recovery and Its Predictors among Children 6–59 Months Admitted with Severe Acute Malnutrition to East Amhara Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tefera Telahun Kasa , Abebe Solomon Mekonnen , Hunegnaw Melkamu Tamir , Mekasha Freezer Girma
Published: September 2020

Background. Malnutrition has been among the most common public health problems in the world, especially in developing countries including Ethiopia. Even though the Ethiopian government launched stabilization centers in different hospitals, there are limited data on how long children will stay in treatment centers to recover from severe acute malnutrition. This study aimed to assess the time to recovery and its predictors among children 6–59 months with severe acute malnutrition admitted to public hospitals in East Amhara, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods. Institution-based, prospective cohort study was conducted in seven public hospitals in East Amhara and a total of 341 children were included in the study. The results were determined by Kaplan–Meier procedure, log-rank test, and Cox-regression to predict the time to recovery and to identify the predictors of recovery time. Variables having P value ≤0.2 during binary analysis were entered into multivarable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The nutritional recovery rate was 6.9 per 100 person-days with a median nutritional recovery time of 11 days (an interquartile range of 6). The independent predictors like using NG tube for feeding (AHR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.27–0.71), not entering phase 2 on day 10 (AHR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.12–0.29), and being admitted to referral hospitals (AHR = 0.52 95% CI: 0.37–0.73) were associated with longer periods of nutritional recovery time. Conclusion. Both the recovery rate and the recovery time were within the acceptable minimum standards. But, special attention has to be given to children who failed to enter phase 2 on day 10, for those who needed NG tube for feeding, and for those admitted to referral hospitals during inpatient management.
circRNA Expression Profile in Dental Pulp Stem Cells during Odontogenic Differentiation
Authors: Chen Ming , Yang Yeqing , Zeng Junkai , Deng Zilong , Wu Buling
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) is a key step of pulp regeneration. Recent studies showed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) have many biological functions and that competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) is their most common mechanism of action. However, the role of circRNAs in hDPSCs during odontogenesis is still unclear. Methods. Isolated hDPSCs were cultured in essential and odontogenic medium. Total RNA was extracted after 14 days of culture, and then, microarray analysis was performed to measure the differential expressions of circRNAs. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was then performed to validate the microarray results. Based on microarray data from this study and available in the database, a ceRNA network was constructed to investigate the potential function of circRNAs during odontogenesis. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to investigate the potential correlation between signaling pathways and circRNAs. In addition, qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to explore the function of hsa_circRNA_104101. Results. We found 43 upregulated circRNAs and 144 downregulated circRNAs during the odontogenic differentiation process (fold change>1.5 and <-1.5, respectively; P<0.05). qRT-PCR results were in agreement with the microarray results. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the Wnt signaling pathway and the TGF-β signaling pathway, as well as the other pathways associated with odontogenic differentiation, were correlated to the differentially expressed circRNAs. hsa_circRNA_104101 was proved to promote the odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Conclusion. This study reported 187 circRNAs that were differentially expressed in hDPSCs during odontogenic differentiation. Bioinformatic analysis of the expression data suggested that circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks might act as a crucial mechanism for hDPSC odontogenic differentiation, providing a theoretical foundation for the study of pulp regeneration regulation by circRNAs.
A Novel THz Differential Spectral Clustering Recognition Method Based on t-SNE
Authors: Li Tie-Jun , Chen Chih-Cheng , Liu Jian-jun , Shao Gui-fang , Chan Christopher Chun Ki
Published: September 2020

We apply time-domain spectroscopy (THz) imaging technology to perform nondestructive detection on three industrial ceramic matrix composite (CMC) samples and one silicon slice with defects. In terms of spectrum recognition, a low-resolution THz spectrum image results in an ineffective recognition on sample defect features. Therefore, in this article, we propose a spectrum clustering recognition model based on t-distribution stochastic neighborhood embedding (t-SNE) to address this ineffective sample defect recognition. Firstly, we propose a model to recognize a reduced dimensional clustering of different spectrums drawn from the imaging spectrum data sets, in order to judge whether a sample includes a feature indicating a defect or not in a low-dimensional space. Second, we improve computation efficiency by mapping spectrum data samples from high-dimensional space to low-dimensional space by the use of a manifold learning algorithm (t-SNE). Finally, to achieve a visible observation of sample features in low-dimensional space, we use a conditional probability distribution to measure the distance invariant similarity. Comparative experiments indicate that our model can judge the existence of sample defect features or not through spectrum clustering, as a predetection process for image analysis.
Fibrosis following Acute Skeletal Muscle Injury: Mitigation and Reversal Potential in the Clinic
Authors: Gardner Tyler , Kenter Keith , Li Yong
Published: September 2020

Skeletal muscle injuries occur often in athletics and in daily life. In minor injuries, muscles are able to regenerate completely and recover their functional capabilities. However, in the case of severe injuries, the injured muscle cannot recover to a functional level because of the formation of fibrous scar tissue. The physical barrier of scars is significantly challenged in both research and clinical treatment. Fibrous scar tissue not only limits cells’ migration, but also contributes to normal tissue biomechanical properties. This scar formation creates an unsuitable environment for tissue structure resulting in frequent pain. Antifibrosis treatment is one of the major strategies used to augment muscle regeneration and accelerate its functional recovery. This review will discuss the currently available methods for improving muscle regeneration with a specific focus on antifibrosis applications. We also discussed several novel hypotheses and clinical applications in muscle fibrosis treatment currently in practice.
DeepVariant-on-Spark: Small-Scale Genome Analysis Using a Cloud-Based Computing Framework
Authors: Huang Po-Jung , Chang Jui-Huan , Lin Hou-Hsien , Li Yu-Xuan , Lee Chi-Ching , Su Chung-Tsai , Li Yun-Lung , Chang Ming-Tai , Weng Sid , Cheng Wei-Hung , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Tang Petrus
Published: September 2020

Although sequencing a human genome has become affordable, identifying genetic variants from whole-genome sequence data is still a hurdle for researchers without adequate computing equipment or bioinformatics support. GATK is a gold standard method for the identification of genetic variants and has been widely used in genome projects and population genetic studies for many years. This was until the Google Brain team developed a new method, DeepVariant, which utilizes deep neural networks to construct an image classification model to identify genetic variants. However, the superior accuracy of DeepVariant comes at the cost of computational intensity, largely constraining its applications. Accordingly, we present DeepVariant-on-Spark to optimize resource allocation, enable multi-GPU support, and accelerate the processing of the DeepVariant pipeline. To make DeepVariant-on-Spark more accessible to everyone, we have deployed the DeepVariant-on-Spark to the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Users can deploy DeepVariant-on-Spark on the GCP following our instruction within 20 minutes and start to analyze at least ten whole-genome sequencing datasets using free credits provided by the GCP. DeepVaraint-on-Spark is freely available for small-scale genome analysis using a cloud-based computing framework, which is suitable for pilot testing or preliminary study, while reserving the flexibility and scalability for large-scale sequencing projects.
Application of Simulation Methods in Cervical Spine Dynamics
Authors: Sun Meng-Si , Cai Xin-Yi , Liu Qing , Du Cheng-Fei , Mo Zhong-Jun
Published: September 2020

Neck injury is one of the most frequent spine injuries due to the complex structure of the cervical spine. The high incidence of neck injuries in collision accidents can bring a heavy economic burden to the society. Therefore, knowing the potential mechanisms of cervical spine injury and dysfunction is significant for improving its prevention and treatment. The research on cervical spine dynamics mainly concerns the fields of automobile safety, aeronautics, and astronautics. Numerical simulation methods are beneficial to better understand the stresses and strains developed in soft tissues with investigators and have been roundly used in cervical biomechanics. In this article, the simulation methods for the development and application of cervical spine dynamic problems in the recent years have been reviewed. The study focused mainly on multibody and finite element models. The structure, material properties, and application fields, especially the whiplash injury, were analyzed in detail. It has been shown that simulation methods have made remarkable progress in the research of cervical dynamic injury mechanisms, and some suggestions on the research of cervical dynamics in the future have been proposed.
Design and Control Method of Switchable On- or Off-Ramp for Urban Highway
Authors: Liu Yugang , Yi Hongbo , Li Jiali , Chen Bin , Yang Hongtai
Published: September 2020

High volume of traffic is loaded on urban highway during peak hours as well as the ramp connecting main road and auxiliary road of highway. Once the demand exceeds the capacity of the ramp, congestion may happen on both main road and the auxiliary road. To deal with this problem, an new urban highway ramp, switchable ramp (SR) that can switch between on and off condition, is proposed in this paper. A macroscopic time-space discrete model is built in this paper to model this process by dividing the studied time period into short time periods and the studied road segment into small sections. The impact of the type of ramp on upstream and downstream traffic flow is analyzed. A segment of urban highway in Chengdu, China, is used as a case study. The traffic flow data in peak hours is collected and used. Mathematical analysis proves that the SR system proposed in this paper can reduce the total travel time (TTT) in the studied area. Results show that the SR system is more useful when the traffic volume is high.
Design and Improvement of Routing Protocol for Field Observation Instrument Networking Based on LEACH Protocol
Authors: Huo Jiuyuan , Deng Xingyue , Al-Neshmi Hamzah Murad Mohammed
Published: September 2020

Field observation instruments in cold and arid areas are deployed with many difficulties caused by the harsh natural environment, which leads to the lag of information acquisition ability and severely restricts the geoscience research in these areas. Therefore, it is urgent to study the suitable routing technology of observation instrument networks according to the characteristics of cold and arid areas. In this paper, we have studied and designed an improved routing protocol for the field observation instruments network based on the LEACH protocol (FOI-LEACH). Firstly, the FOI-LEACH was proposed to mainly improve the LEACH protocol in three aspects: (1) the network nodes are heterogeneous and combined with the characteristics of field observation instrument networking. The residual energy and the rechargeable energy of nodes are added in the process of cluster head (CH) election to reduce the risk of premature death of CHs and shortened network life cycle caused by the selection of nodes with less energy as CH. (2) In the process of cluster forming, the distance from CH to the base station (BS) and the residual energy of CH is considered when setting the cluster radius, to reasonably plan the cluster size and alleviate the “hot spot” problem. The nonuniform distribution of clusters in the network is enhanced to balance the total network energy consumption. (3) The autonomous zone-based multihop routing mechanism is adopted to solve the low reliability of data transmission caused by the poor quality of intercluster communication links and premature death of nodes in long-distance transmission. Then, MATLAB was used to compare the network routing protocol model of the observation instrument from four aspects, network life, energy consumption rate, stability, and throughput. The results showed that the improved algorithm FOI-LEACH balances the network energy consumption and alleviates the “hot spot” problem, to extend the lifetime of network nodes.
miR-152-3p Affects the Progression of Colon Cancer via the KLF4/IFITM3 Axis
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyi , Shen Zhan , Man Da , Ruan Hang , Huang Sha
Published: September 2020

Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between miR-152-3p and the KLF4/IFITM3 axis, thereby revealing the mechanism underlying colon cancer occurrence and development, consequently providing a promising target for colon cancer treatment.Methods. Bioinformatics methods were implemented to analyze the differential expression of miRNAs and mRNAs in colon cancer, confirm the target miRNA, and predict the downstream targeted mRNAs. qRT-PCR and Western blot were performed to detect the expression of miR-152-3p, KLF4, and IFITM3. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were conducted for the assessment of cell proliferation, and flow cytometry was carried out for the detection of cell apoptosis. Finally, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to verify the targeting relationship between miR-152-3p and KLF4.Results. miR-152-3p was highly expressed in colon cancer cells, whereas KLF4 was poorly expressed. Dual-luciferase assay verified that miR-152-3p targeted to bind to KLF4 and suppressed its expression. Moreover, silencing miR-152-3p or overexpressing KLF4 was found to downregulate IFITM3, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and potentiating cell apoptosis. In rescue experiments, we found that miR-152-3p deficiency decreased the expression of IFITM3 and weakened cancer cell proliferation, and such effects were restored when miR-152-3p and KLF4 were silenced simultaneously.Conclusion. In sum, we discovered that miR-152-3p can affect the pathogenesis of colon cancer via the KLF4/IFITM3 axis.
Coconut Oil as a Novel Approach to Managing Radiation-Induced Xerostomia: A Primary Feasibility Study
Authors: Quimby Alexandra E. , Hogan Debora , Khalil Diana , Hearn Matthew , Nault Colette , Johnson-Obaseki Stephanie
Published: September 2020

Background. Xerostomia is a common complication following radiation therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC), for which there is no single, universally accepted therapy. Coconut oil has been anecdotally suggested to provide relief for this complication. This study sought to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of coconut oil as a therapy for radiation-induced xerostomia. Methods. A feasibility study was performed among 30 patients with xerostomia subsequent to radiation for HNC. Coconut oil samples were provided along with a protocol for use over a 2-week period and the option to continue if they found it beneficial. Patients were also instructed to keep diaries to document their patterns of use. The Xerostomia-related Quality of Life Scale (XeQOLS) was administered at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Descriptive methods were used to summarize patterns of coconut oil use and paired t-tests were used to assess changes in XeQOLS scores over time. Results. The mean total duration of coconut oil use during the study period was 16 days (1–71). The average number of uses per day was 3 (1–5), with an average amount per use of 5 mL (1.2–8.5). Twelve patients (41.4%) continued coconut oil use beyond the advised period. There was no statistically significant difference in XeQOLS scores pre- and post-treatment. There were no adverse events during the study period. Conclusions. The use of coconut oil as a treatment strategy for xerostomia post-HNC radiation is feasible, inexpensive, and safe. This study demonstrates that there may be a group of HNC patients that benefit from its use.
Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Sensitive Feature Transfer Learning and Local Maximum Margin Criterion under Variable Working Condition
Authors: Liu Shiyuan , Yu Xiao , Qian Xu , Dong Fei
Published: September 2020

In real industrial scenarios, the working conditions of bearings are variable, and it is therefore difficult for data-driven diagnosis methods based on conventional machine-learning techniques to guarantee the desirable performance of diagnosis models, as the models assume that the distributions of both the training and testing data are the same. To enhance the performance of the fault diagnosis of bearings under different working conditions, a novel diagnosis framework inspired by feature extraction, transfer learning (TL), and feature dimensionality reduction is proposed in this work, and dual-tree complex wavelet packet transform (DTCWPT) is used for signal processing. Additionally, transferable sensitive feature selection by ReliefF and the sum of mean deviation (TSFSR) is proposed to reduce the redundant information of the original feature set, to select sensitive features for fault diagnosis, and to reduce the difference between the marginal distributions of the training and testing feature sets. Furthermore, a modified feature reduction method, the local maximum margin criterion (LMMC), is proposed to acquire low-dimensional mapping for high-dimensional feature spaces. Finally, bearing vibration signals collected from two test rigs are analyzed to demonstrate the adaptability, effectiveness, and practicability of the proposed diagnosis framework. The experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve high diagnosis accuracy and has significant potential benefits in industrial applications.
Mechanisms of Cytotoxicity of Chemical Agents to Giant Cell Tumors: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Kamal Achmad Fauzi , Asdi Akbar Rizki Beni , Rahyussalim Ahmad Jabir , Wikanjaya Rio , Syahrani Resda Akhra , Kurniawati Tri , Wanandi Septelia Inawati
Published: September 2020

Background. Various chemical agents have been used as an adjuvant treatment for giant cell tumor (GCT). However, the comparative effect of these chemicals remains unclear. Methods. Multinucleated and spindle cells from cultured GCT patients, characterized by Nanog and Oct4 expression with RT-PCR, were directly administered, in vitro, with concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% of H2O2 and 75%, 85%, and 95% of ethanol for 10 minutes and concentrations of 0.003%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.1%, and 0.3% of H2O2 for 5 minutes and were incubated for 24 hours. Cell morphology, cell viability, and flow cytometry after various concentrations of H2O2 and ethanol exposure were assessed. Results. H2O2 in all concentrations caused loss of cell viability. The number of viable cells after H2O2 exposure was related to the concentration-dependent effect. The initial viable spindle-shaped cell, multinucleated giant cell, and round-epithelioid cell had morphological changes into fragmented nonviable cells after exposure to H2O2. Flow cytometry using Annexin V showed cell death due to necrosis, with the highest concentration amounting to 0.3%. Conclusion. Administering local chemical adjuvants of H2O2 in vitro caused loss of viable GCT cells. The number of viable cells after H2O2 exposure was related to the concentration-dependent effect, whereas reducing concentration of H2O2 may cause loss of viability and morphology of cultured GCT cells with the apoptotic mechanism.
PML-RARA Fusion Transcripts Detectable 8 Months prior to Promyelocytic Blast Crisis in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Wolanin Stephanie , McCall Robert K. , Pettenati Mark J. , Beaty Michael W. , Insuasti-Beltran Giovanni , Powell Bayard L. , O’Neill Stacey S.
Published: September 2020

Promyelocytic blast crisis arising from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is rare. We present a 40-year-old male who developed promyelocytic blast crisis 17 months after CML diagnosis, confirmed by the presence of the t(15;17) and t(9;22) translocations in the leukemic cells. Preserved nucleic acids from routine BCR-ABL1 testing provided a unique opportunity to evaluate clonal progression over time. Retrospective analysis demonstrated PML-RARA fusion transcripts were first detectable 8 months prior to blast crisis presentation. A review of 21 cases of promyelocytic blasts crisis published in the literature reveals a male predominance with earlier age at onset as compared to females. Interestingly, TKI therapy during chronic phase did not impact the time interval between diagnosis and promyelocytic blast crisis. Treatment with standard acute promyelocytic leukemia regimens provides more favorable outcomes with complete molecular remission. Although rare, it is important to consider a promyelocytic blast crisis when evaluating for transformation of CML due to its effective treatment with specific therapies.