bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatoprotective Effects of a Novel Trihoney against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Comparative Study with Atorvastatin
Authors: Alfarisi Hamad Abdulsalam Hamad , Ibrahim Muhammad Bin , Mohamed Zenab B. Hamad , Azahari Nuraniza , Hamdan Asmah Hanim Bt. , Che Mohamad Che Anuar
Published: October 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide with no curative therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of a novel Trihoney against biochemical and histological manifestations of NAFLD in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Methodology. Forty-eight male New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits were grouped into normal diet (C), normal diet with 0.6 g/kg/day of Trihoney (C + H), 1% cholesterol diet (HCD), 1% cholesterol diet with 0.3 g/kg/day of Trihoney (HCD + H1), 1% cholesterol diet with 0.6 g/kg/day of Trihoney (HCD + H2), and 1% cholesterol diet with 2 mg/kg/day of atorvastatin (HCD + At.). Animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks of treatment. Serum lipids and liver function test (LFT) were measured prior to and at the endpoint of the experiment for total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and total bilirubin (T. Bil.). Liver was processed for histopathology study. Liver homogenate was analysed for oxidative stress parameters: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results. Lipid analysis approved the induction of hypercholesterolemia. A significant elevation (p<0.01) of serum AST and ALT levels showed by the HCD group was compared to C and C + H groups. Trihoney exhibited a significant reduction (p<0.001) of AST and ALT compared to the HCD group. Likewise, AST and ALT reduced significantly in the HCD + At. group (p<0.001). Trihoney supplementation induced significant (p<0.05) enhancement of SOD and GPx activities. Atorvastatin treatment was associated with significant (p<0.05) reduction of SOD and GPx activities in the liver. Trihoney and atorvastatin showed marked (p<0.001) reduction of hepatic lipid peroxidation. Trihoney showed histological protection against progression of NAFLD to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Atorvastatin exhibited no beneficial impact on hepatic architecture. Conclusion. Trihoney was able to maintain normal liver function and showed hepatoprotection against progression of NAFLD to NASH probably through hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant functions.
A Fourier-Cosine Method for Pricing Discretely Monitored Barrier Options under Stochastic Volatility and Double Exponential Jump
Authors: Huang Shoude , Guo Xunxiang
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the valuation of the discrete barrier options on the condition that the underlying asset price process follows the GARCH volatility and double exponential jump is studied. We derived an analytical approximation of the characteristic function for the underlying log-asset price. Then, a quasianalytical approximate formula of the price of the discrete barrier option is obtained based the on Fourier-cosine method. Numerical examples show that the Fourier-cosine method is fast and efficient for pricing discrete barrier options compared with the Monte Carlo simulation method. Finally, the influences of some important parameters on the prices of discrete barrier options are studied to further illustrate the rationality of the model.
Anatomy of Complex System Research
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Xinyue
Published: October 2020

Complex systems play important roles in science and economy and have become one of the major intellectual and scientific challenges of the twenty-first century. However, the way complex system research connects to other academic fields is much less well understood, with only anecdotal evidence. In this work, we present an anatomy of complex system research by leveraging a large-scale dataset that contains more than 100 million digitalized publications. First, we find that complex system research shows a steady growth relative to the whole science in the last 60 years, with a sudden burst after 2000, which might be related to the development of computational technologies. Although early complex system study shows strong referencing behaviors to mathematics and physics, it couples significantly with computer science in the twenty-first century and affects engineering strongly. Moreover, we find empirical evidence that complex system research tends to have multidisciplinary nature, as it is often inspired by or affects a diverse set of disciplines. Finally, we find significant positive correlations between fields’ reference broadness and future scientific impacts. Overall, our findings are consistent with several characteristics of complex system research, i.e., its multidisciplinary, quantitative, and computational nature, and may have broad policy implications for supporting and nurturing multidisciplinary research.
Abundance, Species Diversity, and Distribution of Diurnal Mammals in Humbo Community-Based Forest Area, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Lemma Adanech , Tekalign Wondimagegnehu
Published: October 2020

This study was undertaken with the intention of assessing abundance, species diversity, and distribution of medium and large diurnal mammals at the Humbo Community Based Forest Area, Ethiopia. The study area was stratified into three major habitats based on the vegetation cover of the area, such as riverine forest, bushland, and open grassland. The study in each vegetation type was surveyed using the transect method. It was conducted on foot along a randomly selected transect line. A total of eight large and medium mammalian species were recorded. The species recorded were Papio anubis, Sylvicapra grimmia, Tragelaphus scriptus, Chlorocebus pygerythrus, Tragelaphus strepsiceros, Lepus fagani, Phacochorus ethiopicus, and Panthera leo. During the survey, the leading order recorded was Artiodactyla followed by Primates. In terms of relative abundance, Anubis baboon (28.4% and 28.1%) and common duiker (19.4% and 11.4%) were the most abundant species, while warthog (12.1% and 8.9%) and lion (0.7% and 0.4%) were the least abundant during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The highest number of mammalian species were distributed in bushland habitat during both wet (n = 7) and dry (n = 7) seasons. The highest Shannon-winner diversity index and evenness were obtained in the bushland habitat (1.70 and 2.21) during wet and dry seasons, respectively. Though the forest is the living place for various wild mammalian species, the conservation measures of the local community should also consider those species in line with the efforts that have been done on forest management practices.
DEC2 Serves as Potential Tumor Suppressor in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Fang Wentong , Li Qian , Wang Min , Zheng Mingjie , Xu Huirong
Published: October 2020

Background. Identification of new biomarkers can facilitate the development of effective therapeutic strategies in breast cancer (BC). Data from previous studies have revealed that differentiated embryonic chondrocyte gene (DEC) 1 and DEC2 might involve in the progression of various cancer types. We explored the expression profiles and function of DEC1/2 in BC patients in this study. Methods. The mRNA expression of DEC1/2 in BC patients and cell lines were taken from the Oncomine and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia database. The prognostic impacts of DEC1/2 were mined from the bc-GenExMiner and Kaplan–Meier plotter database. The impact of DEC1/2 genomic alterations on patient survival was calculated by cBioPortal. DEC2 protein expressions were confirmed by Western blotting (WB) in 10 pairs of BC samples. In addition, DEC2 sgRNA was constructed to confirm its affection on cell viability, invasion, and colony formation. Results. The DEC1 and DEC2 mRNA levels are both lower in BC tissues than normal tissues. DEC1/2 expression was high in progesterone receptor (PR) positive BC patients (P=0.0023), but low in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive patients (P<0.0001). Lower DEC2 mRNA level has significant association with more aggressive pathogenic grade (P<0.0001) and worse overall survival (OS) of BC patients (P=5.2×10−6). Subgroup analysis showed that low DEC2 level was correlated with worse OS in estrogen receptor (ER) positive BC (P=0.008). DEC2 (P=0.00029) alteration was significantly correlated with worse OS in BC patients. WB results also confirmed the lower DEC2 protein levels in BC samples than their paired normal tissues. And, DEC2 silencing by sgRNA resulted in a significant increasing in cell viability, invasion, and colony formation. Conclusion. DEC2 might serve as a tumor suppressor, and its disfunction may involve in the tumorigenesis and indicate bad clinical outcomes in BC patients.
Multiobjective Optimization Model considering Demand Response and Uncertainty of Generation Side of Microgrid
Authors: Li Hanfang , Wang Huaqing , Zhou Jinghan , Tan Zhongfu , Yang Jiacheng , He Puyu
Published: October 2020

To make better use of renewable power generation, a microgrid system is constructed, containing a multitype power supply and a multienergy storage structure. A multiobjective scheduling optimization model is proposed considering MS differential cost, power abandonment cost, and operation income, and demand response models are introduced to improve the ability of storage and users’ participating in peak shaving. To solve the uncertainty of WPP and PV’s output, the scenario reduction method is adopted, and a single target conversion of multiobjective functions is made through a desion attribute table. The results show that scenario reduction can put a brake on the impact of WPP and PV’s output uncertainty on system dispatch; demand response helps solve the problem of poor matching between the source and load. ESS’s co-operative effect can improve the system’s stability.
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Protects against Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Regulating T Cell Activities
Authors: Zhou YiFan , Wang Jingqi , Chang Yanyu , Li Rui , Sun Xiaobo , Peng Lisheng , Zheng WenHua , Qiu Wei
Published: October 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by progressive demyelination and disabling outcomes. CD4+T cells are the most critical driving factor of relapsing MS, but little improvement has been noted upon deletion of the whole T cell population. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), one of the main active compounds of propolis, exhibits potent antitumour, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties by suppressing nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transactivation. To investigate the therapeutic potential of CAPE in MS, we studied the effects of CAPE on cytokine levels, T cells, and NF-κB activities and in an experimental MS animal model. The results showed that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with relapsing MS is characterized by increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines that preferentially skew towards T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines.In vitrostudies demonstrated that CAPE not only inhibited T cell proliferation and activation but also effectively modulated T cell subsets. Under both Th0- and Th1-polarizing conditions, the proportion of CD4+IFN-γ+cells was downregulated, while CD4+Foxp3+cells were increased. Moreover, nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 was inhibited by CAPE. In a murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, prophylactic treatment with CAPE significantly decreased the disease incidence and severity. Compared to the vehicle group, mice pretreated with CAPE showed diminished inflammatory cell infiltration, microglia/macrophage activation, and demyelination injury. Additionally, CAPE pretreatment reduced the level of Th1 cells in both spleen and the CNS and increased regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the CNS. In conclusion, our results highlight the potential merit of CAPE in suppressing T cell activity mainly through targeting the pathogenic Th1 lineage, which may be beneficial for MS treatment.
Screening and Functional Prediction of Key Candidate Genes in Hepatitis B Virus‐Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Xia , Liao Ling , Li Yuwei , Huang Hengliu , Huang Qing , Deng Shaoli
Published: October 2020

Background. The molecular mechanism by which hepatitis B virus (HBV) induces hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. The genomic expression profile and bioinformatics methods were used to investigate the potential pathogenesis and therapeutic targets for HBV‐associated HCC (HBV‐HCC). Methods. The microarray dataset GSE55092 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The data was analyzed by the bioinformatics software to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA), and protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were then performed on DEGs. The hub genes were identified using Centiscape2.2 and Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) in the Cytoscape software (Cytoscape_v3.7.2). The survival data of these hub genes was downloaded from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Results. A total of 2264 mRNA transcripts were differentially expressed, including 764 upregulated and 1500 downregulated in tumor tissues. GO analysis revealed that these DEGs were related to the small‐molecule metabolic process, xenobiotic metabolic process, and cellular nitrogen compound metabolic process. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that metabolic pathways, complement and coagulation cascades, and chemical carcinogenesis were involved. Diseases and biofunctions showed that DEGs were mainly associated with the following diseases or biological function abnormalities: cancer, organismal injury and abnormalities, gastrointestinal disease, and hepatic system disease. The top 10 upstream regulators were predicted to be activated or inhibited by Z‐score and identified 25 networks. The 10 genes with the highest degree of connectivity were defined as the hub genes. Cox regression revealed that all the 10 genes (CDC20, BUB1B, KIF11, TTK, EZH2, ZWINT, NDC80, TPX2, MELK, and KIF20A) were related to the overall survival. Conclusion. Our study provided a registry of genes that play important roles in regulating the development of HBV‐HCC, assisting us in understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the carcinogenesis and progression of HCC.
Comprehensive Pricing Scheme of the EV Charging Station considering Consumer Differences Based on Integrated AHP/DEA Methodology
Authors: Ji Xingquan , Yin Ziyang , Zhang Yumin , Zhang Xuan , Gao Haishu , Zhang Xinyi
Published: October 2020

Scientific pricing of the electric vehicle charging station is closely related to consumer behavior inevitably. Existing studies have not considered the impacts of consumer differences on the charging price, which will fail to meet the interests of various types of consumers. This paper proposes a novel pricing method based on consumer classification and comprehensive evaluation strategies. First, the basis for consumer classification is established according to a single factor sensitivity analysis of the consumer benefit model; then, the nonlinear expression of the basis is piecewise linearized. Additionally, with the principle of least fitting error to determine consumers’ classification, the initial charging price schemes for various types of consumers are formulated. Second, this paper defines evaluation indices and establishes the hierarchy model for comprehensive evaluation schemes. Finally, the integrated analytic hierarchy process and data envelopment analysis are adopted for comprehensive evaluation of schemes. Simulations results illustrate that the proposed method can formulate the comprehensive optimal charging price considering consumer differences, and the method can reflect the impacts of both subjective and objective factors conveniently and accurately.
Unique Presentation of Rosai-Dorfman Disease as Concomitant Appendiceal and Rectal Masses with IgG4-Positive Plasma Cells Diagnosed by Core Needle Biopsy
Authors: Poldemann Jenna J. , Hinrichs Benjamin H. , Makramalla Abouelmagd
Published: October 2020

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), or sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy, is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. We report a case of a 69-year-old male with concurrent appendiceal and rectal masses who underwent CT-guided percutaneous biopsy. Histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of RDD with IgG4-positive plasma cells. It is believed to be a subset of RDD that shares similar features with IgG4-related disease suggesting some overlap of the two diseases. Because gastrointestinal RDD accounts for less than 1% of extranodal disease, it is important to recognize this entity in order to guide management. We review the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal RDD and discuss the possible overlap with IgG4-related disease.
A Study on the Complexity of a New Chaotic Financial System
Authors: Liao Yi , Zhou Yiran , Xu Fei , Shu Xiao-Bao
Published: October 2020

The interaction of elements in a financial system can exhibit complex dynamic behaviours. In this article, we use a system of differential equations to model the evolution of a financial system and study its complexity. Numerical simulations show that the system exhibits a variety of rich dynamic behaviours, including chaos. Bifurcation diagrams show that the system behaves chaotically over a wide range of system parameters.
IgA Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance and Complication of Streptococcus mitis Bacteremia
Authors: Paterno Jennifer , Petrillo Alessandra , Dicapua Siegel David Samuel , Ogedegbe Chinwe
Published: October 2020

This case presents a patient with bacteremia of an unusual organism with a history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). MGUS is typically thought to be asymptomatic until potential progression of the disease. This case reports a patient with a history of MGUS who does not show disease progression, however, may be showing symptoms, such as immunodeficiency. This case displays bacteremia with Streptococcus mitis within a two-week period of an invasive procedure. Recent studies parallel this case by showing MGUS patients may have two times the risk of infections compared to the unaffected population. This report brings up the question of taking prophylactic measures for this patient population to prevent future complications.
Equivalent Permeability Distribution for Fractured Porous Rocks: Correlating Fracture Aperture and Length
Authors: Chen Tao
Published: October 2020

Estimating equivalent permeability at grid block scale of numerical models is a critical issue for large-scale fractured porous rocks. However, it is difficult to constrain the permeability distributions for equivalent fracture models as these are strongly influenced by complex fracture properties. This study quantitatively investigated equivalent permeability distributions for fractured porous rocks, considering the impact of the correlated fracture aperture and length model. Two-dimensional discrete fracture models are generated with varied correlation exponent ranges from 0.5 to 1, which indicates different geomechanical properties of fractured porous rock. The equivalent fracture models are built by the multiple boundary upscaling method. Results indicate that the spatial distribution of equivalent permeability varied with the correlation exponent. When the minimum fracture length and the number of fractures increase, the process that the diagonal equivalent permeability tensor components change from a power law like to a lognormal like and to a normal-like distribution slows down as the correlation exponent increases. The average dimensionless equivalent permeability for the equivalent fracture models is well described by an exponential relationship with the correlation exponent. A power law model is built between the equivalent permeability of equivalent fracture models and fracture density of discrete fracture models for the correlated aperture-length models. The results demonstrate that both the fracture density and length-aperture model influence the equivalent permeability of equivalent fracture models interactively.
Fast SINS Initial Alignment Method Based on Iterative Algorithms in Inertial Frame
Authors: Yang Dongrui , Xu Xiaosu , Yao Yiqing
Published: October 2020

Iterative algorithms based on saved data have been researched for strapdown inertial navigation system to make the best use of sensor data, and different alignment algorithms can be carried out during the iterative process to fulfil initial alignment. This paper firstly analysed two interactive processes. The forward-backward process needs to change the normal system model in the backward process and have additional error factors. While the forward-forward process is easy to be carried out without changing the system model, the transition error will also decrease the accuracy. In addition, traditional iterative methods always need to save a large amount of data and do redundant computation, which is not highly effective, especially in view of the real-time property. To address these effects, a forward-forward solution in the inertial frame based on Kalman filter is analysed. This method calculates the attitude transfer matrix in the inertial frame to deal with angular disturbances and avoids saving all the original measurement data during the process, which makes the method more stable and faster to fulfil in the real-time system. Simulation and turntable test validates the performance of the proposed method.
Hepatitis B and C Viruses’ Infection and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Hospitals in the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Dagnew Mulat , Million Yihenew , Gizachew Mucheye , Eshetie Setegn , Yitayew Gashaw , Asrade Lakachew , Adefris Mulat , Moges Feleke , Tiruneh Moges
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Hepatitis virus infection is a major public health burden and silent killer disease in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses and associated factors among pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic in three tertiary hospitals in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1121 pregnant women. Data on sociodemographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) using ELISA. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis, and a multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between factors associated with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis virus C infection. Results. A total of 1121 pregnant women were included in the study. The mean age of study participants was 27.2 ± 4.8 yrs. The majority of pregnant women (895 (79.8%)) were from urban areas. The overall seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody was 52 (4.6%) and 18 (1.6%), respectively. The coinfection rate of HBV/HCV was 1.4% (1/69). Ten (19.2%) of HBV positive cases were coinfected with HIV. There were no coinfections of HCV and HIV. Interestingly, pregnant women with a history of multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI, 1.7–7.6), blood transfusion (AOR = 7.6, 95% CI, 2.9–16.9), family history of HBV (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI, 1.7–7.6), being HIV-positive (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI, 1–5.9), and tattooing (AOR = 2, 95% CI, 1–3.8) were significant predictors of HBV infection. Similarly, young age (17–25 yrs) (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI, 1.8–8.6) and no educational background (AOR = 5, 95 CI, 1.7–14.8) were significant predictors of HCV infection. Conclusions. Hepatitis B and C viruses’ infection was intermediate among pregnant women; some risk factors were significantly associated with the majority of cases. Infants born from these infected mothers are at risk of infection. This calls for screening and integration of HBV prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) into HIV. Thus, the provision of health education on hepatitis B and C viruses’ transmission, vaccination, and screening of all pregnant women routinely are essential for the prevention of these viruses.
Research Progress of Hair Cell Protection Mechanism
Authors: Mu Yurong , Su Hongguo , Wu Fan , Yang Jianming , Li Dan
Published: October 2020

How to prevent and treat hearing-related diseases through the protection of hair cells (HCs) is the focus in the field of hearing in recent years. Hearing loss caused by dysfunction or loss of HCs is the main cause of hearing diseases. Therefore, clarifying the related mechanisms of HC development, apoptosis, protection, and regeneration is the main goal of current hearing research. This review introduces the latest research on mechanism of HC protection and regeneration.
Regularities of Time-Fractional Derivatives of Semigroups Related to Schrodinger Operators with Application to Hardy-Sobolev Spaces on Heisenberg Groups
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Sun Chuanhong , Li Pengtao
Published: October 2020

In this paper, assume that L=−Δℍn+V is a Schrödinger operator on the Heisenberg group ℍn, where the nonnegative potential V belongs to the reverse Hölder class BQ/2. By the aid of the subordinate formula, we investigate the regularity properties of the time-fractional derivatives of semigroups e−tLt>0 and e−tLt>0, respectively. As applications, using fractional square functions, we characterize the Hardy-Sobolev type space HL1,αℍn associated with L. Moreover, the fractional square function characterizations indicate an equivalence relation of two classes of Hardy-Sobolev spaces related with L.
Technical Approach to Laparoscopic Examination of the Small Bowel in Gallstone Ileus
Authors: Assali Sarah , Mourany John , Jones Brendan , Dudas Lauren , Szoka Nova
Published: October 2020

Background. Gallstone ileus is an infrequent cause of small bowel obstructions (SBO), accounting for only 0.1-5% of SBOs and 25% of nonstrangulating causes of SBO in the elderly population. There is scant literature available regarding the use of laparoscopy to treat gallstone ileus. Currently, much of the literature available is limited to case reports only. Methods. A complete laparoscopic approach was utilized to manage a 65-year-old woman with morbid obesity who presented with gallstone ileus. With regard to our technical approach, we describe the technical approach that facilitates safe laparoscopic examination of the entire small bowel and can be applied to other acute care surgery cases involving small bowel pathology. Results. The patient’s postoperative course was complicated by new-onset atrial fibrillation which was treated medically with good response. She was safely discharged on postoperative day 2. Conclusion. Laparoscopy is a feasible option for the management of gallstone ileus and can lead to decreased morbidity compared to laparotomy. The technique described allows for laparoscopic examination of the entire small bowel.
The Effect of Regret-Based Risky Route Choice on the Traffic Equilibrium for Emergency Evacuation
Authors: Wang Ze , Yang Haiqiang , Ni Linglin
Published: October 2020

Following the research on human decision-making under risk and uncertainty, the purpose of this paper is to analyze evacuees’ risky route decision behavior and its effect on traffic equilibrium. It examines the possibility of applying regret theory to model travellers’ regret-taking behavior and network equilibrium in emergency context. By means of modifying the utility function in expected utility theory, a regret-based evacuation traffic equilibrium model is established, accounting for the evacuee’s psychological behavior of regret aversion and risk aversion. Facing two parallel evacuation routes choice situation, the effect of evacuees’ risk aversion and regret aversion on traffic equilibrium is numerically investigated as well as the road capacity reduction from natural disaster. The findings reveal that evacuees prefer the riskless route with the lower travel time as the increase of the regret aversion degree. The equilibrium tends to be achieved when more evacuees choose the safer route jointly affected by risk aversion and regret aversion. Moreover, an optimization model for disaster occurring possibility is formulated to assess the traffic system performance for evacuation management. These findings are helpful for understanding how the regret aversion and risk aversion influence traffic equilibrium.
A Method Based on Elastic Mechanics for Judging Compound Hard Roof and Its Application
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Chen Xiang , Zhou Yanmin , Xia Binwei , Wang Jie , Zhao Shulei , Liu Jialiang
Published: October 2020

Compound hard roof overlying coal face is the common disaster factor leading to strong strata behaviors. To solve the long-standing problems of only considering partial factors and large deviation from the actuality when identifying compound hard roof, a mechanical model of compound hard roof based on elastic mechanics is built, from which the stress field distribution equations of compound hard roof are formed and the judging criteria of compound hard roof have been set up. In this essay, 8101 Working Face of Tashan Coal Mine in China is the research object for criteria and analysis of compound hard roof, and the result is testified by similar model tests. The research results have provided a basis for judging and dealing with compound hard roof.
Experimental Investigation of the Anomalously Low Friction Phenomena in Blocky Rock Systems
Authors: Shi Yehui , Lu Hao , Deng Shuxin , Xu Chenghua , Cheng Helan
Published: October 2020

Rock masses can be regarded as a blocky rock system. After a disturbance load is applied, the anomalously low friction phenomenon may take place and cause geological disasters. A series of impact experiments on granite blocks were conducted to investigate the anomalously low friction phenomena. Vertical vibration, Fourier frequency spectrum, and horizontal motions were investigated. It can be found that the tensile phases of vertical vibration can reduce the maximum static friction force, namely, the shear strength. The quasi‐resonance operating mode of the rock blocks was observed. During the stress wave propagation, the vibration in the loading direction tends to transfer from high frequency to low frequency and the modes of stress wave propagation do not depend on disturbance energies. The observed translational and rotational motions were due to the initial shear force, which is less than the friction force with no disturbance load. Stability of the blocky rock system is very sensitive to the initial stress state. In the subcritical state, friction force reduction can easily break the equilibrium of forces along the contact surface and even a slight disturbance may make the horizontal motions happen, which may lead to geological disasters with great energy release.
Bat Algorithm Based on an Integration Strategy and Gaussian Distribution
Authors: Huang Jianqiang , Ma Yan
Published: October 2020

The bat algorithm (BA) is a recent heuristic optimization algorithm based on the echolocation behavior of bats. However, the bat algorithm tends to fall into local optima and its optimization results are unstable because of its low global exploration ability. To solve these problems, a novel bat algorithm based on an integration strategy (IBA) is proposed in this paper. Through the integration strategy, an appropriate operator is adaptively selected to perform global search, so that the global search ability of the IBA is improved. Furthermore, the IBA disturbs the local optimum through a linear combination of Gaussian functions with different variances to avoid becoming trapped in local optima. The IBA also updates the velocity equation with an adaptive weight to further balance the exploration and exploitation. Moreover, the global convergence of the IBA is proved based on the convergence criterion of a stochastic algorithm. The performance of the IBA is evaluated on CEC2013 benchmark functions and compared with that of the standard BA as well as several of its variants. The results show that the IBA is superior to other algorithms.
Biomarkers and Strategies for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Bast Robert C. , Lu Zhen , Han Chae Young , Lu Karen H. , Anderson Karen S. , Drescher Charles W. , Skates Steven J.
Published: October 2020

Early detection of ovarian cancer remains an important unmet medical need. Effective screening could reduce mortality by 10%–30%. Used individually, neither serum CA125 nor transvaginal sonography (TVS) is sufficiently sensitive or specific. Two-stage strategies have proven more effective, where a significant rise above a woman's baseline CA125 prompts TVS and an abnormal sonogram prompts surgery. Two major screening trials have documented that this strategy has adequate specificity, but sensitivity for early-stage (I–II) disease must improve to have a greater impact on mortality. To improve the first stage, different panels of protein biomarkers have detected cases missed by CA125. Autoantibodies against TP53 have detected 20% of early-stage ovarian cancers 8 months before elevation of CA125 and 22 months before clinical diagnosis. Panels of autoantibodies and antigen–autoantibody complexes are being evaluated with the goal of detecting >90% of early-stage ovarian cancers, alone or in combination with CA125, while maintaining 98% specificity in control subjects. Other biomarkers, including micro-RNAs, ctDNA, methylated DNA, and combinations of ctDNA alterations, are being tested to provide an optimal first-stage test. New technologies are also being developed with greater sensitivity than TVS to image small volumes of tumor.

See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, “NCI Early Detection Research Network: Making Cancer Detection Possible.”
TERT Promoter Mutation Analysis for Blood-Based Diagnosis and Monitoring of Gliomas
Authors: Muralidharan Koushik , Yekula Anudeep , Small Julia L. , Rosh Zachary S. , Kang Keiko M. , Wang Lan , Lau Spencer , Zhang Hui , Lee Hakho , Bettegowda Chetan , Chicoine Michael R. , Kalkanis Steven N. , Shankar Ganesh M. , Nahed Brian V. , Curry William T. , Jones Pamela S. , Cahill Daniel P. , Balaj Leonora , Carter Bob S.
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Liquid biopsy offers a minimally invasive tool to diagnose and monitor the heterogeneous molecular landscape of tumors over time and therapy. Detection of TERT promoter mutations (C228T, C250T) in cfDNA has been successful for some systemic cancers but has yet to be demonstrated in gliomas, despite the high prevalence of these mutations in glioma tissue (>60% of all tumors).

Experimental Design:

Here, we developed a novel digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) assay that incorporates features to improve sensitivity and allows for the simultaneous detection and longitudinal monitoring of two TERT promoter mutations (C228T and C250T) in cfDNA from the plasma of patients with glioma.

Results:

In baseline performance in tumor tissue, the assay had perfect concordance with an independently performed clinical pathology laboratory assessment of TERT promoter mutations in the same tumor samples [95% confidence interval (CI), 94%–100%]. Extending to matched plasma samples, we detected TERT mutations in both discovery and blinded multi-institution validation cohorts with an overall sensitivity of 62.5% (95% CI, 52%–73%) and a specificity of 90% (95% CI, 80%–96%) compared with the gold-standard tumor tissue–based detection of TERT mutations. Upon longitudinal monitoring in 5 patients, we report that peripheral TERT-mutant allele frequency reflects the clinical course of the disease, with levels decreasing after surgical intervention and therapy and increasing with tumor progression.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate the feasibility of detecting circulating cfDNA TERT promoter mutations in patients with glioma with clinically relevant sensitivity and specificity.
Dysregulated NF-κB–Dependent ICOSL Expression in Human Dendritic Cell Vaccines Impairs T-cell Responses in Patients with Melanoma
Authors: Maurer Deena M. , Adamik Juraj , Santos Patricia M. , Shi Jian , Shurin Michael R. , Kirkwood John M. , Storkus Walter J. , Butterfield Lisa H.
Published: October 2020

Therapeutic cancer vaccines targeting melanoma-associated antigens are commonly immunogenic but are rarely effective in promoting objective clinical responses. To identify critical molecules for activation of effective antitumor immunity, we have profiled autologous dendritic cell (DC) vaccines used to treat 35 patients with melanoma. We showed that checkpoint molecules induced by ex vivo maturation correlated with in vivo DC vaccine activity. Melanoma patient DCs had reduced expression of cell surface inducible T-cell costimulator ligand (ICOSL) and had defective intrinsic NF-κB signaling. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed NF-κB–dependent transcriptional regulation of ICOSL expression by DCs. Blockade of ICOSL on DCs reduced priming of antigen-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells from naïve donors in vitro. Concentration of extracellular/soluble ICOSL released from vaccine DCs positively correlated with patient clinical outcomes, which we showed to be partially regulated by ADAM10/17 sheddase activity. These data point to the critical role of canonical NF-κB signaling, the regulation of matrix metalloproteinases, and DC-derived ICOSL in the specific priming of cognate T-cell responses in the cancer setting. This study supports the implementation of targeted strategies to augment these pathways for improved immunotherapeutic outcomes in patients with cancer.
Apresentação
Authors: Garson Marcelo , Leão Andrea Borges , Czajka Rodrigo , Pinheiro Fernando
Published: October 2020

Apresentação ao dossiê - Trajetórias de consagração cultural: entre a autonomia e a heteronomia
A construção do fato científico: representações sobre células-tronco
Authors: Luna Naara
Published: October 2020

O artigo aborda representações presentes no discurso de cientistas envolvidos em projetos de pesquisa básica com células-tronco (CT). O contexto é o campo científico, que abrange terapia celular, bioengenhariae medicina regenerativa. Trata-se de pesquisa etnográfica com observação e entrevistas semiestruturadas realizada em uma universidade. No exame do discurso dos cientistas entrevistados para a investigação, o objetivo é elucidar a construção das células-tronco como fato científico, o que remete ao debate antropológico sobre natureza e cultura. A análise dos discursos referentes ao histórico do conhecimento sobre células-tronco e às hipóteses explicativas de sua ação revela a dinâmica de construção de verdades científicas. Ao verificar as representações existentes nos discursos sobre células-tronco, quer-seexplorar a ciência como cultura. O laboratório é instância crucial para a construção dos fatos. A hierarquização de critérios como morfologia e fisiologia, para a constituição da identidade da célula, são elementos que estruturam o discurso dos cientistas.
“Alguém a fim?”: uma etnografia on-line em salas de bate-papo na fronteira Brasil-Bolívia
Authors: Souza Carla Cristina de , Duque Tiago
Published: October 2020

O presente artigo apresenta parte dos resultados de uma pesquisa sobre gênero, sexualidade e diferenças, em uma perspectiva socioantropológica, na área de fronteira Brasil-Bolívia. Ele busca analisar experiências de interações de usuários/as das salas de bate-papo do provedor Universo Online (UOL) Corumbá. A metodologia é, principalmente, a etnografia on-line, mas também apresenta parte do trabalho de campo off-line realizado nessa região fronteiriça em Mato Grosso do Sul. A perspectiva teórica é pós-estruturalista, em especial, estudos subalternos (queer, feminista, pós-colonial). O enfoque é para as relações de gêneros dissidentes e sexualidades disparatadas nesse ambiente virtual, sem, contudo, deixar de compreendê-lo a partir do contexto off-line. As reflexões apontam para o erotismo presente nesse espaço virtual, assim como discute a experiência da produção de um “Outro” desvalorizado. Busca, ainda, contribuir para as reflexões no campo metodológico das pesquisas em ambientes da internet e em regiões de fronteira.
Subvertendo a ordem: os indocumentados e as estratégias de acesso à saúde na fronteira de Ponta Porã/BR e Pedro Juan Caballero/PY
Authors: Nascimento Valdir Aragão do
Published: October 2020

O artigo discute, a partir das intersecções existentes entre os mecanismos de acesso à saúde – elaborados e acionados pelos indocumentados nas cidades de Pedro Juan Caballero (PY) e Ponta Porã (BR) –, categorias como segredo, confiança, família e amizade. A pesquisa que deu origem aos dados etnográficos aqui apresentados teve por objetivo descobrir e analisar como as pessoas indocumentadas, brasileiros e paraguaios, procediam – e procedem – para ter acesso aos serviços de saúde no Brasil por meio do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), visto que esse acesso só é franqueado diante da apresentação de documentação específica, tais como o Cartão do SUS e a Cédula de Identidade para Estrangeiros (RNE). Aos indocumentados resta apelar aos expedientes tidos pelas autoridades brasileiras como ilegais e, portanto, passíveis de sanções por parte do Estado. As estratégias dos indocumentados para acessar os serviços de saúde através do SUS envolvem complexas redes de solidariedade, nas quais se imiscuem e se confundem binômios como legal/ilegal e confiança/desconfiança.
tramas da poção mágica: psicofármacos e criatividade em um hospital psiquiátrico do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Magaldi Felipe
Published: October 2020

Este trabalho se propõe a mapear algumas contendas em torno do uso e da eficácia de medicamentos – psicofármacos, em particular – como forma de tratamento psiquiátrico, operando a partir de 3 eixos: 1. genealogia da ascensão da indústria farmacêutica e da psicofarmacologia a partir de meados do século XX; 2. etnografia no Instituto Municipal de Assistência à Saúde Nise da Silveira, no Rio de Janeiro; 3. discussão a propósito dos desdobramentos da biopolítica no segundo pós-guerra, envolvendo ciência, biomedicina, sociedade e poder. Sustenta-se que a noção de agenciamento pode oferecer uma melhor compreensão sobre as controvérsias que emergem dessa trama, deslocando o entendimento do medicamento enquanto objeto pré-determinado para as relações que o atravessam e o constituem.
crise de veridicção e o neofantástico: o real a partir de Franz Kafka
Authors: Oliveira Gustavo Maciel de
Published: October 2020

Este artigo tem o objetivo de investigar a concepção de real que está implicada na reflexão feita pelos teóricos do (neo)fantástico, já que é o modo como se concebe a realidade que estabelece o que é fantástico ou não. É a partir dessa relação movediça entre o “real” e o “imaginário” que o impacto gerado pela obra de Franz Kafka no século XX serve como ponto fundamental para que teóricos como Jaime Alazraki e David Roas postulem um neofantástico. Em termos semióticos, a reflexão desses autores está ligada à crise de veridicção a que aludem Greimas (2014) e Fiorin (2008) e indicia que o real, a partir dos escritos de Kafka, e em confluência com outros acontecimentos do mencionado século, passa a ser visto de modo concessivo (paradoxal). Será a partir desses pontos que, por fim, faremos uma análise do conto “A preocupação do pai de família”, a bem de ilustrarmos essas questões em um texto específico do escritor tcheco.
gradação tensiva na música cênica contemporânea: estilos e pontos de vista
Authors: Bonin Gustavo Cardoso
Published: October 2020

A música cênica é uma prática artística que se organiza a partir da tensão entre presenças musicais e presenças cênicas, ambas orientadas por uma regência musical que pode ser compreendida como uma base sensível característica que conduz a relação entre sujeito e objeto envolvidos na prática. Com base na abordagem tensiva, desenvolvida principalmente por Claude Zilberberg, faremos uma breve apresentação das estratégias de dominâncias, transportes e ambivalências entre as presenças musicais e as presenças cênicas, por meio da conformação gradativa e aspectual dos modos de contato, para apresentarmos as gradações tensivas que configuram os estilos e os pontos de vista previstos pela música cênica. Para as exemplificações dos estilos, trouxemos obras de três compositores de música cênica contemporânea brasileira: Gilberto Mendes, Willy Corrêa de Oliveira e Tim Rescala.
Ethos e identidade: uma abordagem semiótica da carta bíblica de Paulo a Filemon
Authors: Machado Domingos de Sousa
Published: October 2020

Munidos do instrumental teórico-metodológico da Semiótica Francesa, em diálogo com autores como Greimas e Courtés (2016), Fontanille (2011), Fiorin (2008a, 2008b), Barros (1990, 2002), Discini (2003), dentre outros, e a partir das análises dos mecanismos de instalação da instância de pessoa no discurso, das estratégias persuasivas do destinador-manipulador e do percurso passional do sujeito-enunciador, procuramos neste artigo levantar o ethos ou a identidade ética do enunciador da epístola bíblica de Paulo a Filemon. As análises empreendidas revelam uma identidade ética singularizada pelas dimensões categoriais e sócio-psicológicas de um amigo, companheiro, humilde, solidário, benevolente, afetuoso e de um destinador competente. Eis sua singularidade. Se é esse o ethos do enunciador recorrente nas cartas paulinas, somente a análise do conjunto poderá dizer. É o que empreendemos em nossa pesquisa de doutorado em andamento.
1900: História de um sistema científico-tecnológico que transfigurou as concepções urbanas e arquitectónicas
Authors: Marcos Isabel
Published: October 2020

As Exposições Universais do final do século XIX e do início do século XX introduzem dois novos aspectos na relação entre a técnica e a sociedade: a divulgação das descobertas científico-tecnológicas e a ênfase nos seus mecanismos de produção. O desenvolvimento da técnica permitiu uma proposta de democratização onde o espaço urbano e a habitação para todos detinham um papel determinante. Neste contexto, a Exposição Universal de 1900 é considerada pela historiografia como sendo um evento fundamental da divulgação das obras de arte e dos produtos industriais e agrícolas. Além da coincidência do calendário, esta exposição é a expressão visível da transição entre os progressos científico-tecnológicos anunciados no final do século XIX e a sua concretização projectada para o futuro próximo. Ela surge como cidade virtual que projecta no seu espaço físico novas concepções urbanas e arquitectónicas. Além disso, pode ser considerada representativa do espírito de uma época eufórica que profetiza a partir do novo sistema científico-tecnológico o nascimento de uma nova sociedade. Este prognóstico, possível graças a invenções tais como a electricidade, o cimento armado, o aeroplano, entre outras, funda a ideia de grandeza das realizações eminentes. Pela primeira vez, uma Exposição Universal consegue antecipar, num evento, uma série de elementos espaciais, sócio-culturais e semânticos, que redefinem a noção de cidade.
Linguística e ciência da literatura
Authors: Rastier François
Published: October 2020

Embora a descrição da literatura não se reconheça como participante da tradição gramatical, as ciências da linguagem e da literatura tornaram-se vizinhas em meio ao continente das ciências da cultura desde o advento da linguística, há cerca de dois séculos. Sua convivência acabaria sendo, porém, negligenciada mais tarde pelas gramáticas formais e pelo cognitivismo ortodoxo. Mas, como a semiótica das culturas se apoia em conquistas teóricas procedentes do método comparativo e aprofundadas pelo estruturalismo, é possível conceber uma linguística dos textos que se expanda em direção a uma ciência das obras. Os estudos linguísticos e literários têm, sem dúvida, muito a ganhar com a intensificação de suas interações dentro do vasto território das ciências da cultura.