bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acquisition and consolidation of sequential footstep movements with physical and motor imagery practice
Authors: Freitas Emilie , Saimpont Arnaud , Blache Yoann , Debarnot Ursula
Published: August 2020

Sleep‐dependent performance enhancement has been consistently reported after explicit sequential finger learning, even using motor imagery practice (MIP), but whether similar sleep benefits occur after explicit sequential gross motor learning with the lower limbs has been addressed less often. Here, we investigated both acquisition and consolidation processes in an innovative sequential footstep task performed either physically or mentally. Forty‐eight healthy young participants were tested before and after physical practice (PP) or MIP on the footstep task, following either a night of sleep (PPsleep and MIPsleep groups) or an equivalent daytime period (PPday and MIPday groups). Results showed that all groups improved motor performance following the acquisition session, albeit the magnitude of enhancement in the MIP groups remained lower relative to the PP groups. Importantly, only the MIPsleep group further improved performance after a night of sleep, while the other groups stabilized their performance after consolidation. Together, these findings demonstrate a sleep‐dependent gain in performance after MIP in a sequential motor task with the lower limbs but not after PP. Overall, the present study is of particular importance in the context of motor learning and functional rehabilitation.
Development and validation of two artificial intelligence models for diagnosing benign, pigmented facial skin lesions
Authors: Yang Yin , Ge Yiping , Guo Lifang , Wu Qiuju , Peng Lin , Zhang Erjia , Xie Junxiang , Li Yong , Lin Tong
Published: August 2020

Objective

This study used deep learning for diagnosing common, benign hyperpigmentation.

Method

In this study, two convolutional neural networks were used to identify six pigmentary diseases, and a disease diagnosis model was established. Because the distribution of lesions in the original training picture is very complex, we cropped the image around the lesions, trained the network on the extracted lesion images, and fused the verification results of the overall picture and the extracted picture to assess the model performance in identifying hyperpigmented dermatitis pictures. Finally, we evaluated the image recognition performance of the two convolutional neural networks and the converged networks in the test set through a comparison of the converged network and the physicians’ assessments.

Results

The AUC of DenseNet‐96 for the overall picture was 0.98, whereas the AUC of ResNet‐152 was 0.96; therefore, we concluded that DenseNet‐96 performed better than ResNet‐152. From the AUC, the converged network has the best performance. The converged network model achieved a comprehensive classification performance comparable to that of the doctors.

Conclusions

The diagnostic model for benign, pigmented skin lesions based on convolutional neural networks had a slightly higher overall performance than the skin specialists.
Soil organic carbon allocation and dynamics under perennial energy crops and their feedbacks with soil microbial biomass and activity
Authors: Ruf Thorsten , Emmerling Christoph
Published: August 2020

The cultivation of perennial instead of annual energy crops has received growing interest. Previous studies identified numerous beneficial effects of perennial energy crop (PEC) cultivation for the agricultural landscape such as promotion of agrobiodiversity, reduced requirements for agrochemicals and fertilizers as well as a large potential for carbon accumulation in soil. However, the mere presence of soil organic matter (SOM) accumulation gives no indication about the persistence of the SOM for example after a recultivation of the stands. Therefore, this study focused on SOM pools of different density fractions and soil microbial parameters. Six different PECs were tested against a typical benchmark system as feedstock for anaerobic digestion. The study has shown that all PEC species increased soil microbial activity and provided an insight how they sequester carbon in soil. Moreover, significant modifications in basic soil properties caused by plant growth were observed. For example, the cultivation of giant knotweed has lowered the soil pH by more than 0.5 pH units compared to the benchmark system. After 5 years of PEC cultivation, total soil organic carbon stocks were increased between 1,500 ± 400 and 4,500 ± 1,500 kg C ha‐1 for the upper 10 centimetres of soil. The distribution among different soil fractions showed species‐specific patterns. Tall wheatgrass and Virginia mallow showed particular high accumulation rates in the mineral‐associated SOM fraction which indicates long residence times of the SOM after a possible recultivation of the fields.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*35:460Q allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Genebrier Steve , Elsermans Vincent , Nivet Carl , Chérel Mathilde , Renac Virginie
Published: August 2020

B*35:460Q differs from B*35:03:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 406 in exon 3.
The casein kinase 2 β subunit CK2B1 is required for swollen stem formation via cell cycle control in vegetable Brassica juncea
Authors: Zhang Lili , Li Zhangping , Garraway Jenella , Cai Qingze , Zhou Yufeng , Li Xiang , Hu Zhongyuan , Zhang Mingfang , Yang Jinghua
Published: August 2020

The swollen stem is a determinant of yield for the stem‐type vegetable Brassica juncea that is representative of vegetative organ formation. However, the genetic mechanism underlying swollen stem formation and its regulation remains unknown. In this study, we identified a casein kinase 2 β subunit 1 (CK2B1) and revealed its role in swollen stem formation. Genotyping analysis revealed that a homozygous variation in the CK2B1 promoter is responsible for swollen stem formation, and the promoter activity of CK2B1 was significantly associated with the variations between swollen stem and non‐swollen stem types. CK2B1 was exclusively located in the nucleus and expressed in the stem nodes of the plant. Swollen stem formation was blocked when CK2B1 expression was silenced, and induced in a backcross population carrying a swollen stem genotype, which indicates that CK2B1 is required for swollen stem formation. Cell numbers were increased during swollen stem formation and decreased in CK2B1‐silenced expression plant, indicating that CK2B1 regulates swollen stem formation via cell division. CK2B1 directly interacted with E2Fa, a regulator of G1/S transition in the cell cycle, in which CK2 phosphorylates E2Fa. Our results revealed that CK2B1 affects swollen stem formation via the control of the cell cycle. These findings help to elucidate the signals that control swollen stem formation and provide a promising molecular target to enhance the yield of vegetative organ formation.
Systematic profiling of early regulators during tissue regeneration using zebrafish model
Authors: Shi Linsheng , Chen Changsheng , Yin Zhenhua , Wei Guanyun , Xie Gangcai , Liu Dong
Published: August 2020

Great progresses have been made in comprehension of tissue regeneration process. However, one of the central questions in regeneration research remains to be deciphered is what factors initiate regenerative process. In present study, we focused on systematic profiling of early regulators in tissue regeneration via high‐throughput screening on zebrafish caudal fin model. Firstly, 53 GO‐annotated regeneration‐related genes, which were specifically activated upon fin amputation, were identified according to the transcriptomic analysis. Moreover, qRT‐PCR analysis of a couple of randomly selected genes from the aforementioned gene list validated our sequencing results. These studies confirmed the reliability of transcriptome sequencing analysis. Fibroblast growth factor 20a (fgf20a) is a key initial factor in the regeneration of zebrafish. Through a gene expression correlation analysis, we discovered a collection of 70 genes correlating with fgf20a, whose expression increased promptly at 2 days post amputation (dpa) and went down to the basal level until the completion of fin regeneration. In addition, two genes, socs3b and nppc, were chosen to investigate their functions during the fin regeneration. Inhibition of either of those genes significantly delayed the regenerative process. Taken together, we provided a simple and effective time‐saving strategy that may serve as a tool for identifying early regulators in regeneration and identified 71 genes as early regulators of fin regeneration.
Structural Basis and Binding Kinetics of Vaborbactam in Class A β-Lactamase Inhibition
Authors: Pemberton Orville A. , Tsivkovski Ruslan , Totrov Maxim , Lomovskaya Olga , Chen Yu
Published: August 2020

Class A β-lactamases are a major cause of β-lactam resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. The recently FDA-approved cyclic boronate vaborbactam is a reversible covalent inhibitor of class A β-lactamases, including CTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamase and KPC carbapenemase, both frequently observed in the clinic. Intriguingly, vaborbactam displayed different binding kinetics and cell-based activity for these two enzymes, despite their similarity. A 1.0-Å crystal structure of CTX-M-14 demonstrated that two catalytic residues, K73 and E166, are positively charged and neutral, respectively.
Zebrafish Embryo Model for Assessment of Drug Efficacy on Mycobacterial Persisters
Authors: Commandeur Susanna , Iakobachvili Nino , Sparrius Marion , Nur Mariam Mohamed , Mukamolova Galina V. , Bitter Wilbert
Published: August 2020

Tuberculosis continues to kill millions of people each year. The main difficulty in eradication of the disease is the prolonged duration of treatment, which takes at least 6 months. Persister cells have long been associated with failed treatment and disease relapse because of their phenotypical, though transient, tolerance to drugs. By targeting these persisters, the duration of treatment could be shortened, leading to improved tuberculosis treatment and a reduction in transmission. The unique
in vivo
environment drives the generation of persisters; however, appropriate
in vivo
mycobacterial persister models enabling optimized drug screening are lacking.
Non-nucleoside Inhibitors of Zika Virus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase
Authors: Gharbi-Ayachi Aicha , Santhanakrishnan Sridhar , Wong Yee Hwa , Chan Kitti W. K. , Tan Siok Thing , Bates Roderick W. , Vasudevan Subhash G. , El Sahili Abbas , Lescar Julien
Published: August 2020

Zika virus belongs to the
Flavivirus
genus, which comprises several important human pathogens. There is currently neither an approved vaccine nor antiviral drugs available to prevent infection by ZIKV. The nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) polymerase, which is responsible for replicating the viral RNA genome, represents one of the most promising targets for antiviral drug development. Starting from compounds recently developed against dengue virus NS5, we designed and synthesized inhibitors targeting Zika virus NS5. We show that these novel compounds inhibit viral replication by targeting the polymerase activity. High-resolution X-ray crystallographic structures of protein-inhibitor complexes demonstrated specific binding to an allosteric site within the polymerase, called the N pocket. This work paves the way for the future structure-based design of potent compounds specifically targeting ZIKV RNA polymerase activity.
African Swine Fever Virus Protein pE199L Mediates Virus Entry by Enabling Membrane Fusion and Core Penetration
Authors: Matamoros Tania , Alejo Alí , Rodríguez Javier María , Hernáez Bruno , Guerra Milagros , Fraile-Ramos Alberto , Andrés Germán
Published: August 2020

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes a highly lethal swine disease that is currently present in many countries of Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation, and Southeast Asia, severely affecting the pig industry. Despite extensive research, effective vaccines or antiviral strategies are still lacking and relevant gaps in knowledge of the fundamental biology of the viral infection cycle exist. In this study, we identified pE199L, a protein of the inner viral membrane that is required for virus entry. More specifically, pE199L is necessary for the fusion event that leads to the penetration of the genome-containing core in the host cell. Our results significantly increase our knowledge of the process of internalization of African swine fever virus, which may instruct future research on antiviral strategies.
Gcn5p and Ubp8p Affect Protein Ubiquitylation and Cell Proliferation by Altering the Fermentative/Respiratory Flux Balance in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: De Palma Antonella , Fanelli Giulia , Cretella Elisabetta , De Luca Veronica , Palladino Raffaele Antonio , Panzeri Valentina , Roffia Valentina , Saliola Michele , Mauri Pierluigi , Filetici Patrizia
Published: August 2020

We propose a study showing a novel role of Gcn5p and Ubp8p in the process of ubiquitylation of the yeast proteome which includes main glycolytic enzymes. Interestingly, in the absence of Gcn5p and Ubp8p glucose consumption and redox balance were altered in yeast. We believe that these results and the role of Gcn5p and Ubp8p in sugar metabolism might open new perspectives of research leading to novel protocols for counteracting the enhanced glycolysis in tumors.
Three Related Enzymes in Candida albicans Achieve Arginine- and Agmatine-Dependent Metabolism That Is Essential for Growth and Fungal Virulence
Authors: Schaefer Katja , Wagener Jeanette , Ames Ryan M. , Christou Stella , MacCallum Donna M. , Bates Steven , Gow Neil A. R.
Published: August 2020

We show that theC. albicansureohydrolases arginase (Car1), agmatinase (Agt1), and guanidinobutyrase (Gbu1) can orchestrate an arginase-independent route for polyamine production and that this is important forC. albicansgrowth and survival in microenvironments of the mammalian host.
Interplay between Position-Dependent Codon Usage Bias and Hydrogen Bonding at the 5ʹ End of ORFeomes
Authors: Villada Juan C. , Duran Maria F. , Lee Patrick K. H.
Published: August 2020

Redundancy of the genetic code creates a vast space of alternatives to encode a protein. Synonymous codons exert control over a variety of molecular and physiological processes of cells mainly through influencing protein biosynthesis. Recent findings have shown that synonymous codon choice affects transcription by controlling mRNA abundance, mRNA stability, transcription termination, and transcript biosynthesis cost. In this work, by analyzing thousands ofBacteria,Archaea, andFungigenomes, we extend recent findings by showing that synonymous codon choice, corresponding to the number of hydrogen bonds in a codon, can also have an effect on the energetic requirements for unwinding double-stranded DNA in a position-dependent fashion. This report offers new perspectives on the mechanism behind the transcription-translation coordination and complements previous hypotheses on the resource allocation strategies used byBacteriaandArchaeato manage energy efficiency in gene expression.
Polyphenol-induced improvements in glucose metabolism are associated with bile acid signaling to intestinal farnesoid X receptor
Authors: Tveter Kevin M , Villa-Rodriguez Jose A , Cabales Alrick J , Zhang Li , Bawagan Fiona G , Duran Rocio M , Roopchand Diana E
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Bile acid (BA) biotransformation by gut bacteria impacts BA profile and signaling to nuclear receptors, such as the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulating glucose metabolism. Altered BA-FXR signaling was therefore investigated as a potential mechanism linking polyphenol-induced gut bacterial changes and improved glucose metabolism.

Research design and methods

Diabeticdb/dbwere fed low-fat diet (LFD) or LFD supplemented with a proanthocyanidin-rich extract of grape polyphenols (LFD-GP) for 4 weeks. Metabolic phenotypes, serum BAs, gut microbiota composition, and gene expression markers relevant to gut barrier and glucose metabolism were assessed. Gut organoids were used to investigate effects of individual BAs on ileal FXR activity.

Results

Compared with LFD-fed controls, GP supplementeddb/dbmice showed improved glucose metabolism, decreased relative abundance of gut bacteria associated with production of secondary BAs (SBAs), and depleted serum levels of SBAs taurohyodeoxycholic acid (THDCA), ω-muricholic acid (ωMCA), and tauro-ω-muricholic acid (TωMCA). Serum levels of primary BAs (PBAs) increased, consistent with higher gene expression of PBA synthesis enzymeCyp7a1. GP-induced BA changes associated with FXR inhibition as evidenced by reduced expression of FXR-responsive genesShp,Fgf15, andFabp6in ileum tissue as well as hepaticShp, which negatively regulates PBA synthesis. GP treatment did not affect expression of hepaticFxror expression ofAbcb11,Slc51b, andObp2agenes controlling BA transport. Ceramide biosynthesis genesSmpd3, Sptlc2,andCers4were decreased in liver and intestine suggesting lower tissue ceramides levels may contribute to improved glucose metabolism. THDCA, ωMCA, and TωMCA behaved as FXR agonists in ileal organoid experiments; therefore, their depletion in serum of GP-supplementeddb/dband wild type (WT) mice was consistent with FXR inhibition.

Conclusion

These data suggest that by altering the gut microbiota, GPs modify BA-FXR signaling pathways to promote glucoregulation.
Role of probiotics in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review protocol of randomised controlled trial studies
Authors: Dikeocha Ifeoma Julieth , Al-Kabsi Abdelkodose Mohammed , Hussin Salasawati , Alshawsh Mohammed Abdullah
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity worldwide and it has been reported to be associated with poor lifestyle habits which include excess tobacco and alcohol intake as well as genetics and age factors. Probiotics such as the lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium as well as probiotic containing foods (kombucha, kefir, miso etc) have received lots of attention as anticancer agents for prevention and treatment. The effects of the administration of probiotics to patients with colorectal cancer is the primary goal of this systematic review. The overall aim is to assess how the use of probiotics in patients with colorectal cancer helps in the management of colorectal cancer and its effect on the diversity of gut microbiota. The final systematic review will provide a comprehensive evidence base for the use and efficacy of probiotics in patient with colorectal cancer care.

Methods and analysis

The systematic review, will be conducted by extensively searching different databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley and ProQuest to identify randomised controlled trials (with no time frame) which relate to the administration of probiotics to patients with colorectal cancer. The search strategy will include words like colorectal cancer, probiotics, Bifidobacterium, clinical trials etc. A systematic search of databases was performed between 17 and 20 January 2020. Two reviewers will independently review the studies and also search the reference lists of the eligible studies to obtain more references. Data will be extracted from the eligible studies using standardised data extraction form. After assessing the risk of bias, qualitative analysis will be used to synthesise the systematic review.

Ethics and dissemination

This is a protocol for a systematic review; therefore, it doesn’t require any ethics approval. We intend to disseminate the protocol in a peer reviewed journal.
Pandemic and mental health of the front-line healthcare workers: a review and implications in the Indian context amidst COVID-19
Authors: Gupta Snehil , Sahoo Swapnajeet
Published: August 2020

Pandemic, being unprecedented, leads to several mental health problems, especially among the front-line healthcare workers (HCW). Front-line HCWs often suffer from anxiety, depression, burnout, insomnia and stress-related disorders. This is mediated to a large extent by the biopsychological vulnerabilities of the individuals; socioenvironmental factors such as the risk of exposure to infection, effective risk communication to HCWs, availability of personal protective equipment, job-related stress, perceived stigma and psychological impact of the isolation/quarantine and interpersonal distancing also play the major roles. Despite the huge magnitude of mental health problems among the front-line HCWs, their psychological health is often overlooked. Some of the potential measures to reduce the mental health problems of the front-line HCWs are effective communication, tangible support from the administration/seniors, mental health problem screening—and interventional—facilities, making quarantine/isolation less restrictive and ensuring interpersonal communication through the various digital platforms, proactively curtailing the misinformation/rumour spread by the media and strict legal measures against violence/ill treatment with the HCWs, and so on. India, along with other countries who lately got affected by the COVID-19, must learn from the experiences of the other countries and also from the previous pandemics as to how to address the mental health needs of their front-line HCWs and ensure HCWs’ mental well-being, thereby improving their productivity. Current review attempts to highlight the mental health aspects of the pandemic on the front-line HCWs, discusses some of the contentious issues and provides future directions particularly concerning COVID-19 in the Indian context and other low-resource countries.
Climate and environmental drivers of berry productivity from the forest–tundra ecotone to the high Arctic in Canada
Authors: Boulanger-Lapointe Noémie , Henry Greg H.R. , Lévesque Esther , Cuerrier Alain , Desrosiers Sarah , Gérin-Lajoie José , Hermanutz Luise , Collier Laura Siegwart
Published: August 2020

Berry shrubs are found across the circumpolar North where they are an important source of food for people and animals. However, the environmental controls on berry productivity in these regions is poorly understood. This study presents the results of an ongoing berry productivity monitoring program for Empetrum nigrum L., Vaccinium uliginosum L., and Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. from the forest–tundra ecotone to the high Arctic in Canada. Berry productivity was the highest recorded for these species with up to 119 berries/m2 (E. nigrum) and 661 berries/m2 (V. uliginosum) measured at one plot in Pangnirtung. On average, berry productivity for E. nigrum and V. uliginosum was higher toward the northern edge of the species distribution range. The climate variables important for the productivity of V. uliginosum in high Arctic sites were closely associated with the onset of the growing season and water availability during the growing season, whereas those important in the low Arctic sites reflected conditions during the growing season. None of the climate variables used were associated with the productivity of E. nigrum and V. vitis-idaea, likely due to complex responses and length of the time-series, thus highlighting the importance of continued monitoring in partnership with northern people and institutions.
Bioconjugation of papain with poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone): NMR characterization and study of its enzymatic activity
Authors: Verduzco L.E. , García-Pérez Ana L. , Guerrero-Santos Ramiro , Ledezma-Pérez Antonio , Romero-García Jorge , Torres-Lubián José R.
Published: August 2020

A poly(vinylpyrrolidone) end-functionalized with a carboxylic acid group (PVP–CO2H) was synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)/macromolecular design via the interchange of xanthates (MADIX) polymerization mediated by 4-(O-ethylxanthyl)methyl benzoic acid. The molecular weight of the as-synthesized PVP–CO2H was estimated through UV–vis spectroscopy (Mn(UV–vis) = 7322 g/mol), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) (Mn(GPC) = 8670 g/mol), and 1H NMR, (Mn(NMR) = 8207 g/mol). The values obtained were close with the theoretical molecular weight (Mn(th) = 7925 g/mol). Subsequently, the preformed PVP–CO2H was activated to produce N-succinimidyl poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP–NHS). This precursor was covalently coupled to papain to produce bioconjugate PVP–papain. The functional group modifications in the PVP chain-end were observed by the variations in the chemical shift values by 1H and 13C NMR and FTIR analysis at each step of the synthesis. The molecular weight of the PVP–papain was obtained by SEC–HPLC and suggests that, on average, four or five chains of PVP–CO2H were attached to one papain molecule. Compared with papain, the PVP–papain exhibited significantly improved catalytic activity, pH, and thermal stability. Additionally, the storage studies showed that the catalytic activity of PVP–papain was about 79% versus the native enzyme (29%), and this activity was maintained even when it was stored for 25 days.
Automatic manpower allocation for public construction projects using a rough set enhanced neural network
Authors: Chen Jieh-Haur , Yang Li-Ren , Wang Jui-Pin , Lin Shang-I , Cheng Jiun-Yao , Lee Meng-Hsueh , Chen Chih-Lin
Published: August 2020

Accurate estimates of manpower are still heavily dependent on well-experienced personnel. The objectives of this study are to prove the feasibility of using rough set theory to classify and weigh the impact attributes, and to develop a model to assess the total quantities of labor needed for a construction project using a rough set enhanced artificial neural network (ANN). Experts suggest 14 attributes that influence the estimation of on-site manpower for construction projects. After trimming and analyzing the basic data, the rough set approach is used to classify and weigh the attributes into three levels of impact based on their frequency. A rough set enhanced ANN is accordingly developed that yields an accuracy rate of 91.903%, higher than that of a regular ANN. A practical and effective prediction model benefits personnel having to estimate on-site manpower needs for construction projects.
THE IMMIGRATION EFFECTS OF TRADE PROTECTIONISM: EVIDENCE FROM OECD COUNTRIES
Authors: UPRETY DAMBAR
Published: August 2020

In the context of the current Presidential administration’s policy to reduce imports to the US and its restrictive attitudes toward immigration, it is relevant to investigate how imports and immigration are related. Existing studies have typically analyzed the effects of immigration on imports. But we wondered if the reverse causality could be worthy of examination. Thus, this study explores the impacts of trade policy on immigration. The first part discusses whether trade policies impact immigration, and the second part delves deeper into the heterogeneous effects of trade policies on high-skilled and low-skilled immigration. A large country’s restrictive import policies increase labor demand stemming from the increased demand for import substitution. Thus, workers in the exporting countries see a strong incentive to move to importing countries. Such restrictions also affect the propensity to immigrate of high- and low-skilled workers differently. Net capital inflows increase because trade restrictions appear to decrease capital outflows to exporting countries in part by losing investors’ confidence. This increases the demand for high-skilled workers as capital complements them. Therefore, high-skilled workers are more migratory than those of low-skilled. Using a panel of 20 OECD countries for the period of 1980–2010 and an instrumental variable method, the results show that restricted trade policies increase immigration and that such policies have a stronger impact on the high-skilled immigration than those of low-skilled. A clearer understanding of the channels through which trade will be a determinant of skilled migration may assist policymakers to craft an appropriate policy environment that enhances import substitution of skill-intensive goods that would serve to discourage skilled emigration.
Tsunami Risk in Japanese Coast and Recent Mitigation Technique using Removable Breakwater
Authors: Hiraishi Tetsuya
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the tsunami risk in the west coast of Japan is introduced. Especially, the inundation risk in Osaka city is discussed. Three visor gates are installed at the mouths of main rivers in the city. The gates are mainly installed to prevent the storm surge due to typhoons but they are effective to reduce the tsunami height at the mouth point of river. Though the gates are necessary to prevent the tsunami inundation, the stability against tsunami forces is not enough because the gates were constructed in 1960s. Therefore, the removable breakwater is now under consideration to reduce the tsunami force. The hydraulic experiment was carried out in order to investigate the applicability of the removable breakwater. The reduction rate by the breakwater was derived from the experiment.
Bilingual Acquisition: The Early Steps
Authors: Sebastian-Galles Nuria , Santolin Chiara
Published: August 2020

How different is the process of language learning in infants exposed to two languages from birth? Not so long ago, the available evidence pointed to a delay in language learning in bilinguals and suggested differences in several linguistic aspects between monolinguals and bilinguals. At present, the bulk of studies indicates the existence of specific adaptations to the process of language learning. In the current review, we discuss the existing evidence in several abilities in language acquisition in young bilingual infants and toddlers. We also examine studies investigating the impact of bilingual exposure in the emergence of cognitive and social abilities beyond language. We analyze the importance of clarifying several methodological issues and challenges, including the definition of bilingualism itself, for the field to advance.
Overexpression of histone deacetylase SIRT1 exerts an antiangiogenic role in diabetic retinopathy via miR-20a elevation and YAP/HIF1α/VEGFA depletion
Authors: Pan Qintuo , Gao Zhiqiang , Zhu Chenlei , Peng Zijie , Song Minmin , Li Lili
Published: August 2020

As a basic member of the Class III histone deacetylases, SIRT1 has been implicated in the occurrence and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The current study aimed to investigate the roles of SIRT1/miR-20a/Yse-associated protein (YAP)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in DR. The expression of SIRT1 was initially determined through quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis following the successful establishment of a DR mouse model, followed by detection of SIRT1 catalytic activity. Retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) were cultured in media supplemented with normal glucose (NG) or high glucose (HG). Thereafter, SIRT1 was either silenced or overexpressed in RMECs, after which EdU staining and Matrigel-based tube formation assay were performed to assess cell proliferation and tube formation. The binding relationship between YAP, HIF1α, and VEGFA was further illustrated using dual-luciferase reporter assay. Preretinal neovascular cell number was tallied with the IB4-positive vascular endothelial cells, as determined by immunofluorescence. SIRT1 was poorly expressed in mice with DR and HG-treated RMECs with low catalytic activity. The proliferation and tube formation capabilities of RMECs were elevated under HG conditions, which could be reversed following overexpression of SIRT1. SIRT1 was identified as positively regulating the expression of miR-20a with YAP detected as the key target gene of miR-20a. Our data suggested that YAP could upregulate VEGFA via induction of HIF1α. Moreover, SIRT1 overexpression strongly repressed RMEC proliferation and angiogenesis, which could be reversed via restoration of YAP/HIF1α/VEGFA expression. Taken together, the key findings of our study suggest that upregulation of SIRT1 inhibits the development of DR via miR-20a-induced downregulation of YAP/HIF1α/VEGFA.
Intestinal NAPE-PLD contributes to short-term regulation of food intake via gut-to-brain axis
Authors: Rastelli Marialetizia , Van Hul Matthias , Terrasi Romano , Lefort Charlotte , Régnier Marion , Beiroa Daniel , Delzenne Nathalie M. , Everard Amandine , Nogueiras Rubén , Luquet Serge , Muccioli Giulio G. , Cani Patrice D.
Published: August 2020

Our objective was to explore the physiological role of the intestinal endocannabinoids in the regulation of appetite upon short-term exposure to high-fat-diet (HFD) and understand the mechanisms responsible for aberrant gut-brain signaling leading to hyperphagia in mice lacking Napepld in the intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). We generated a murine model harboring an inducible NAPE-PLD deletion in IECs ( NapepldΔIEC). After an overnight fast, we exposed wild-type (WT) and NapepldΔIEC mice to different forms of lipid challenge (HFD or gavage), and we compared the modification occurring in the hypothalamus, in the vagus nerve, and at endocrine level 30 and 60 min after the stimulation. NapepldΔIEC mice displayed lower hypothalamic levels of N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA) in response to HFD. Lower mRNA expression of anorexigenic Pomc occurred in the hypothalamus of NapepldΔIEC mice after lipid challenge. This early hypothalamic alteration was not the consequence of impaired vagal signaling in NapepldΔIEC mice. Following lipid administration, WT and NapepldΔIEC mice had similar portal levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and similar rates of GLP-1 inactivation. Administration of exendin-4, a full agonist of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), prevented the hyperphagia of NapepldΔIEC mice upon HFD. We conclude that in response to lipid, NapepldΔIEC mice displayed reduced OEA in brain and intestine, suggesting an impairment of the gut-brain axis in this model. We speculated that decreased levels of OEA likely contributes to reduce GLP-1R activation, explaining the observed hyperphagia in this model. Altogether, we elucidated novel physiological mechanisms regarding the gut-brain axis by which intestinal NAPE-PLD regulates appetite rapidly after lipid exposure.
Electrochemical Removal of Rare Earth Element in LiCl-KCl Molten Salt
Authors: Kim Gha-Young , Jang Junhyuk , Paek Seungwoo , Lee Sung-Jai
Published: August 2020

This study was carried out to examine the removal of rare earth (RE) elements by electrodeposition for the purification and reuse of LiCl-KCl salt after electrorefining and electrowinning. The electrochemical behavior of RE elements (Dy and Gd) in LiCl-KCl-DyCl3-GdCl3 at 500°C was investigated using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique using Mo and Mg electrodes. It was observed that the reduction potential of the RE elements shifted at the Mg electrode owing to the alloy formation with Mg (RE-Mg alloy). Subsequently, a series of potentiostatic electrolysis tests were conducted to remove the RE elements in the salt and check the formation of deposits at the Mg and Mo electrodes. The scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) technique was used to confirm that the reduced RE metals were deposited on the surface of the Mg electrode. However, no significant deposit on the Mo electrode was observed, and a mud-like deposit was found on the bottom of the electrochemical cell. The salt analysis performed by employing the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) indicated that the removal efficiency of Dy3+ and Gd3+ through electrodeposition was 83.5∼95.2 and 91.6∼95.2%, respectively.
Daily Costs and Cost Effectiveness of Glaucoma Fixed Combinations in China
Authors: Xu Chenjia , Guo Ruru , Huang Dandan , Ji Jian , Liu Wei
Published: August 2020

Background. The aim of this study was to compare the daily costs and cost effectiveness of fixed combination glaucoma drugs in China. Methods. This study included the following fixed combination drugs: brinzolamide 1% and timolol 0.5% (Azarga; Alcon, Inc., Fort Worth, TX, USA), travoprost 0.004% and timolol 0.5% (DuoTrav; Alcon, Inc.), bimatoprost 0.03% and timolol 0.5% (Ganfort; Allergan, Inc., Dublin, Ireland), and latanoprost 0.005% and timolol 0.5% (Xalacom; Pfizer, Inc., New York, NY, USA). Five bottles of each drug were measured. The mean actual volume, mean actual number of drops, volume per drop, daily cost, yearly cost, and per mmHg reduction cost for each drug were calculated. Results. The volumes per drop ranged from 32.61 ± 2.90 μl (DuoTrav) to 24.38 ± 0.23 μl (Ganfort). The number of usage days per bottle varied from 36 days (DuoTrav) to 61 days (Ganfort). Azarga had the lowest daily cost ($0.23) and yearly cost ($84.72), while DuoTrav had the highest daily cost ($0.79) and yearly cost ($287.02). Azarga costed $2.17–$3.30 per mmHg intraocular pressure reduction, which was lower than the other three drugs. For the prostaglandin and ß-adrenergic blocker FCs, Ganfort had the lowest daily cost ($0.35) and per mmHg reduction cost (from $3.40 to $4.04). Conclusions. The daily costs of these drugs were significantly different, with Azarga having the lowest daily cost and best cost effectiveness. For the prostaglandin and β-adrenergic blocker fixed combinations, Ganfort was the most economical choice with its lower daily cost and per mmHg reduction cost. The results of this study could provide drug selection guidance from an economic perspective, but various factors should be considered when making a decision.
A Cross‐Sectional Epidemiological Survey of Work‐Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Analysis of Its Influencing Factors among Coal Mine Workers in Xinjiang
Authors: Yong Xianting , Li Fuye , Ge Hua , Sun Xuemei , Ma Xiaofan , Liu Jiwen
Published: August 2020

This study is to investigate the prevalence of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and the influencing factors among coal mine workers employed in on‐site operations. The job burnout scale and MSD scale were implemented to investigate a random sample of 1,500 coal mine workers working in on‐site operations in Xinjiang, China. In total, 1,325 valid questionnaires were collected, with a recovery rate of 88.33% (1,325/1,500). The rate of job burnout was 90%, of which 39.8% were categorized as mild burnout, 43.8% as moderate burnout, and 6.4% as severe burnout; the average job burnout score was 50.77 ± 11.93. The annual prevalence of MSDs was 65.6%, with the highest annual prevalence in the waist (50.7%), followed by the neck, shoulder, and knee, and the lowest prevalence in the elbow (18.8%). Of the areas of the body affected by work‐related MSDs, the highest proportion of requests for leave of absence was related to the waist, accounting for 25.7% of requests, while the lowest proportion (13.4%) was related to the wrist. In addition, the incidence of MSDs increased with the years of service. The lowest incidence of MSDs was associated with the two‐shift and three‐group working pattern. The prevalence of MSDs in the neck and waist was higher in women than in men. The prevalence of MSDs in various body parts increased with the years of service. Moreover, multiple logistic regression indicated that three shifts with four groups (OR = 1.096, 95% CI: 0.832‐1.445), working more than 10 years (OR = 3.396, 95% CI: 2.369‐5.748), working more than 20 years (OR = 3.008, 95% CI: 1.419‐6.337), significant bending (OR = 2.062, 95% CI: 1.400‐3.038), forward neck tilting (OR = 1.572, 95% CI: 1.071‐2.281), maximum force operation within a short period of time (OR = 1.7222, 95% CI: 1.164‐2.547), repeated movement of upper arms or fingers (OR = 1.495, 95% CI: 1.034‐2.161), slip or fall incidents (OR = 1.124, 95% CI: 1.039‐1.216), work under conditions of cold or temperature variations (OR = 1.911, 95% CI: 1.342‐2.720), mild burnout (OR = 1.492, 95% CI: 1.016‐2.191), moderate burnout (OR = 1.852, 95% CI: 1.267‐2.708), and severe burnout (OR = 2.001, 95% CI: 1.145‐3.496) were risk factors for MSDs. In conclusion, there is a high annual prevalence of MSDs among the coal mine workers employed in on‐site operations in Xinjiang, China. Measures to reduce this prevalence are required.
Effects of Antiacid Therapy on Granuloma after Transoral Type IV‐VI Cordectomy in Patients with Early‐Stage Glottic Cancer
Authors: Jin Xiaofeng , Niu Yanyan , Gu Wei , Wang Jian
Published: August 2020

Objective. To investigate whether preventive administration of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) can reduce the occurrence and development of traumatic granuloma (TG) following type IV‐VI cordectomy. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the status of postoperative granulomas in 37 patients who underwent type IV‐VI cordectomy due to glottic cancer and determined whether postoperative administration of a PPI had any impact on granuloma formation and development. Results. The percentage and number of patients with granuloma in the PPI treatment group (experimental group) at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th month following surgery were 81.25% (13/16), 25.00% (4/16), 18.75% (3/16), and 0.00% (0/16), respectively. The percentage and number of patients with granuloma in the no‐PPI group (control group) were 95.24% (20/21), 71.43% (15/21), 52.38% (11/21), and 14.29% (3/21), respectively. The granuloma percentage of the PPI treatment group was lower than that of the control group at all postoperative time points assessed. The differences were not statistically significant at the 1st month (p = 0.175) but were statistically significant at the 2nd and 3rd months after surgery (p = 0.005, p = 0.037). Conclusion. Preventive use of a PPI in patients after type IV‐VI cordectomy can shorten the TG recovery duration and may reduce the severity of TG, but it cannot prevent TG from occurring. Our results should be confirmed by prospective randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes.
A Study for Expanding Application Sites for Rotigotine Transdermal Patch
Authors: Kujirai Hitoshi , Itaya Sakiko , Ono Yumi , Takahashi Makoto , Inaba Akira , Shimo Yasushi , Hattori Nobutaka , Orimo Satoshi
Published: August 2020

The rotigotine transdermal patch (RTP) is a dopamine agonist used to treat Parkinson’s disease (PD). Some PD patients cannot continue RTP treatment due to application site reactions. We explored sites for RTP where application site reactions are less severe than those in the six approved application sites. Thirty PD patients (12 men, mean age = 76 years) who underwent RTP at the approved sites and had some application site reactions were enrolled in this study. When applying the RTP to the approved application sites for more than four weeks (pre-RTP) and then on the shin for the following four weeks (post-RTP), skin reactions, itching evaluated using the skin irritation score, motor symptoms, clinical global impressions scale, and plasma rotigotine concentration were examined. The mean visual analogue scale and skin irritation score in the post-RTP group were significantly lower than those in the pre-RTP group. The mean Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III score in the post-RTP group was slightly but significantly lower than that in the pre-RTP group. Plasma rotigotine concentration in the post-RTP group was slightly but significantly lower than that in the pre-RTP group. These results indicate that the shin can be a useful application site for RTP.
A Strong Law of Large Numbers for Random Sets in Fuzzy Banach Space
Authors: Ghasemi R. , Nezakati A. , Rabiei M. R.
Published: August 2020

The main purpose of this paper is to consider the strong law of large numbers for random sets in fuzzy metric space. Since many years ago, limited theorems have been expressed and proved for fuzzy random variables, but despite the uncertainty in fuzzy discussions, the nonfuzzy metric space has been used. Given that the fuzzy random variable is defined on the basis of random sets, in this paper, we generalize the strong law of large numbers for random sets in the fuzzy metric space. The embedded theorem for compact convex sets in the fuzzy normed space is the most important tool to prove this generalization. Also, as a result and by application, we use the strong law of large numbers for random sets in the fuzzy metric space for the bootstrap mean.
Multiple Solutions for Boundary Value Problems of p-Laplacian Difference Equations Containing Both Advance and Retardation
Authors: Wang Zhenguo , Zhou Zhan
Published: August 2020

This paper concerns the existence of solutions for the Dirichlet boundary value problems of p-Laplacian difference equations containing both advance and retardation depending on a parameter λ. Under some suitable assumptions, infinitely many solutions are obtained when λ lies in a given open interval. The approach is based on the critical point theory.
Mechanical Characteristics of Coal Samples under Triaxial Unloading Pressure with Different Test Paths
Authors: Zhang Yang , Yang Yongjie , Ma Depeng
Published: August 2020

In order to understand the influence of unloading path on the mechanical properties of coal, triaxial unloading confining pressure tests with different initial confining pressure and different unloading rate were carried out. The test results show that the triaxial unloading strength of coal samples under different test conditions is lower than conventional triaxial tests, but the brittleness characteristics are more obvious. This result indicates that the coal samples are easily damaged under unloading conditions. In the axial loading stage of the confinement unloading tests, the axial strain plays a leading role. However, during the confining pressure unloading stage, the circumferential deformation is large, which is the main deformation in this stage. Higher unloading rates of confining pressure are associated with shorter times between the peak stress position and sample complete failure. This shows that samples are more easily destroyed under higher unloading rates and the samples are more difficultly destroyed under lower unloading rates. In addition, with increasing unloading rate, the peak principal stress difference and confining pressure at failure decrease gradually, whereas the confining pressure difference at failure increases gradually. Compared with conventional triaxial compression tests, the cohesion of coal is reduced and the internal friction angle is increased under the condition of triaxial unloading test.
A Multichannel Biomedical Named Entity Recognition Model Based on Multitask Learning and Contextualized Word Representations
Authors: Wei Hao , Gao Mingyuan , Zhou Ai , Chen Fei , Qu Wen , Zhang Yijia , Lu Mingyu
Published: August 2020

As the biomedical literature increases exponentially, biomedical named entity recognition (BNER) has become an important task in biomedical information extraction. In the previous studies based on deep learning, pretrained word embedding becomes an indispensable part of the neural network models, effectively improving their performance. However, the biomedical literature typically contains numerous polysemous and ambiguous words. Using fixed pretrained word representations is not appropriate. Therefore, this paper adopts the pretrained embeddings from language models (ELMo) to generate dynamic word embeddings according to context. In addition, in order to avoid the problem of insufficient training data in specific fields and introduce richer input representations, we propose a multitask learning multichannel bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) model. Multiple feature representations (e.g., word-level, contextualized word-level, character-level) are, respectively, or collectively fed into the different channels. Manual participation and feature engineering can be avoided through automatic capturing features in BiGRU. In merge layer, multiple methods are designed to integrate the outputs of multichannel BiGRU. We combine BiGRU with the conditional random field (CRF) to address labels’ dependence in sequence labeling. Moreover, we introduce the auxiliary corpora with same entity types for the main corpora to be evaluated in multitask learning framework, then train our model on these separate corpora and share parameters with each other. Our model obtains promising results on the JNLPBA and NCBI-disease corpora, with F1-scores of 76.0% and 88.7%, respectively. The latter achieves the best performance among reported existing feature-based models.