bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of donor full‐length KIR2DS4 in the development of acute and chronic GVHD after unrelated allogeneic HSCT
Authors: An Kang , Li Benshang , Luo Changying , Wang Jianmin , Luo Chengjuan , Chen Jing
Published: June 2020

Background

Killer Ig‐like receptor 2DS4 (KIR2DS4) is the most prevalent activating killer Ig‐like receptor gene. It is divergent and encodes either full‐length or deleted allele variants. The studies of donor killer KIR2DS4 in unrelated allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations were limited.

Methods

KIR and HLA genotyping were determined in 75 pairs of Chinese pediatric hematologic malignancy patients.

Results

Among the 75 donor‐recipient pairs, 77.3% (58/75) of the donors were positive for full‐length KIR2DS4 and 22.7% (17/75) were negative. Patients who had donors positive for full‐length KIR2DS4 had higher cumulative incidence of aGVHD than patients whose donor negative for full‐length KIR2DS4 (86.2% versus 76.5%, P = .038). Multivariate analysis showed full‐length KIR2DS4 was the significant factor for I‐IV aGVHD (HR = 2.166, 95% CI: 1.01‐4.26, P = .025). Subgroup analysis showed that AML and CML patients who received donors negative for full‐length KIR2DS4 have a higher cumulative incidences of cGVHD (75% vs 62%, P = .008). There were no significant effects of full‐length KIR2DS4 on overall survival (P = .13), relapse‐free survival (P = .14), CMV reactivation (P = .52), and relapse (HR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.09‐1.6, P = .1875).

Conclusions

Our findings indicated a significant correlation of donor full‐length KIR2DS4 on aGVHD and cGVHD. These results suggested that combining KIR and HLA genotyping may help make a better sense of transplants in these patients.
TheTractatusand the Riddles of Philosophy*
Authors: Nir Gilad
Published: June 2020

The notion of the riddle plays a pivotal role in Wittgenstein’sTractatus. By examining the comparisons he draws between philosophical problems and riddles, this paper offers a reassessment of the aims and methods of the book. Solving an ordinary riddle does not consist in learning a new fact; what it requires is that we transform the way we use words. Similarly, Wittgenstein proposes to transform the way philosophers understand the nature of their problems. But since he holds that these problems are ultimately unsolvable, rather than attempting to solve the riddles of philosophy, he aims to dissolve them.
Response of nutrient resorption of Leymus chinensis to nitrogen and phosphorus addition in a meadow steppe of northeast China
Authors: Shi B. , Ling X. , Cui H. , Song W. , Gao Y. , Sun W.
Published: June 2020

Nutrient resorption, one of the most important strategies for plant nutrient conservation, is significantly affected by soil fertility. However, the effects of experimentally altered soil fertility on plant N and P resorption are poorly understood.

The potential nutrient resorption response mechanisms of the dominant species Leymus chinensis to six N addition levels (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 g·N·m−2·year−1), two P addition levels (0 and 10 g P·m−2·year−1) and their interactions were studied after 3 years of treatments in a temperate meadow steppe.

In both green leaves and culms, N and P addition significantly increased N and P concentrations, respectively. Nitrogen addition led to a decrease in the N resorption efficiency (NRE) of both leaves and culms. Within each N treatment, P addition decreased the P resorption efficiency (PRE) of both leaves and culms and the NRE of leaves, except in the N2.5 treatment. Both NRE and PRE in leaves were higher than those in culms under N and P addition conditions. The nutrient concentrations and resorption efficiency were significantly correlated with the soil nutrient availability.

Our results suggest that plants rely more on nutrient absorption from the soil, reducing the proportion of elements obtained through nutrient resorption in nutrient‐rich environments.
TGIF1 and SF1 polymorphisms are associated with litter size in Small Tail Han sheep
Authors: Zhang Zhuangbiao , He Xiaoyun , Liu Qiuyue , Tang Jishun , Di Ran , Chu Mingxing
Published: June 2020

TGF‐β induced factor homeobox 1 (TGIF1) and splicing factor 1 (SF1) are important for mammalian reproduction; however, the effects of these genes on litter size in sheep remain unexplored. In this study, we genotyped 768 ewes from seven sheep breeds at two loci: g.37871539C>T, a synonymous mutation of TGIF1; and g.42314637T>C, a 3′UTR variant of SF1. Our analysis of polymorphism revealed only two genotypes at locus g.37871539C>T in TGIF1, with most sheep populations being moderately polymorphic (0.25 < PIC < 0.5) at this site. In contrast, most breeds exhibited low polymorphism (PIC ≤0.25) at the SF1 locus g.42314637T>C. The association analysis revealed that a synonymous mutation at g.37871539C>T in TGIF1 was highly associated with litter size in Small Tail Han sheep, in which it causes a significant decrease in litter size. Conversely, while the SF1 3′UTR variant g.42314637T>C was also highly associated with litter size in sheep, it causes a significant increase in the number of litter size. Combined, these data provide valuable information regarding candidate genetic markers for sheep breeding programs.
New protocol to separate llama sperm without enzymatic treatment using Androcoll‐E™
Authors: Bertuzzi Mariana L. , Fumuso Fernanda G. , Giuliano Susana M. , Miragaya Marcelo H. , Gallelli María F. , Carretero María I.
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to design a protocol to separate spermatozoa from seminal plasma of raw llama semen without prior enzymatic treatment using a single‐layer centrifugation with Androcoll‐E™ (AE). Two experiments were performed: (a) samples were divided into three aliquots (1 ml) that were deposited on the top of 4, 5 or 6 ml of AE and were centrifuged at 800g for 20 min and (b) samples were divided into two aliquots (1 ml) that were deposited on the top of 4 ml of AE and were centrifuged at 600g or 1,000g for 20 min. Columns of 5 and 6 ml of AE showed a total sperm motility (TM) significantly lower, while in the 4 ml column, this parameter was not different from the TM of samples before the AE treatment. The percentage of spermatozoa with intact and functional membranes, normal morphology and intact acrosomes, as well as the percentages of sperm with highly condensed chromatin, was conserved (p ˃ .05) in the three column heights and in the two centrifugation speeds evaluated. In conclusion, the different column heights of AE (4, 5 and 6 ml) and the different centrifugation speeds used (600, 800 and 1,000g) allow separating spermatozoa of raw llama semen without enzymatic treatment, preserving the evaluated sperm characteristics. However, of all the studied treatments, centrifugation in the 4 ml column of AE at 800g would be the method of choice to process raw llama semen samples destined for reproductive biotechnologies.
Putative role of marginal zone B cells in pathophysiological processes
Authors: Marinkovic Dragan , Marinkovic Tatjana
Published: June 2020

The maintenance of inner integrity of an organism is founded on the proper performance of two immunity branches, innate and adaptive immune responses. Recently, it became apparent that subset of splenic B cells named marginal zone B cells (MZB cells) exhibits unique developmental and functional features that bridge these two immunity branches. Strategically positioned at the site where blood and lymph are filtered, MZB cells represent a population of sentinels that rapidly proliferate and differentiate into IgM plasmablast cells when encountered with blood‐borne, thymus‐independent (TI) Ags. Moreover, MZB cells have intrinsic capability to induce potent CD4+ helper T cell response and cytokine production upon stimulation with soluble antigens. Due to their ability to overcome a time gap prior the establishment of the full adaptive response towards pathogens, MZB cells connect and direct innate and adaptive immunity. An additional interesting characteristic of MZB cells is capacity to function as regulatory cells in autoimmune processes. MZB cells may also contribute to the control of autoimmunity via the induction of tolerance by apoptotic cells. Importantly, in the clear association with inflammation and autoimmunity, MZB cells may transform into MALT lymphoma, representing a concurrence point for the infection, immunity and malignancy. This paper presents an insight into the complex biology of marginal zone B cells and their role in intertwining and directing innate and adaptive immune processes at the physiological and pathological level.
IgG‐mediated suppression of antibody responses: Hiding or snatching epitopes?
Authors: Xu Hui , Heyman Birgitta
Published: June 2020

Antibodies forming a complex with antigen in vivo can dramatically change the antibody response to this antigen. In some situations, the response will be a 100‐fold stronger than in animals immunized with antigen alone, and in other situations, the response will be completely suppressed. IgG is known to suppress the antibody response, for example to erythrocytes, and this is used clinically in Rhesus prophylaxis. The mechanism behind IgG‐mediated immune suppression is still not understood. Here, we will review studies performed in experimental animal models and discuss the various hypotheses put forward to explain the profound suppressive effect of IgG. We conclude that an exclusive role for negative regulation of B cells through FcγRIIB, increased clearance of erythrocytes from the circulation or complement‐mediated lysis is unlikely. Epitope masking, where IgG hides the epitope from B cells, or trogocytosis, where IgG removes the epitope from the erythrocyte, is compatible with many observations. These two mechanisms are not mutually exclusive. Moreover, it cannot be ruled out that clearance, in combination with other mechanisms, plays a role.
Electric field‐induced changes in biomechanical properties in human dermal fibroblasts and a human skin equivalent
Authors: Han Se Jik , Moon Donggerami , Park Moon Young , Kwon Sangwoo , Noh Minjoo , Jang Jihui , Lee Jun Bae , Kim Kyung Sook
Published: June 2020

Purpose

An electric field (EF) can be used to change the mechanical properties of cells and skin tissues. We demonstrate EF‐induced elasticity changes in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and a human skin equivalent and identify the underlying principles related to the changes.

Methods

HDFs and human skin equivalent were stimulated with electric fields of 1.0 V/cm. Change in cellular elasticity was determined by using atomic force microscopy. Effects of EF on the biomechanical and chemical properties of a human skin equivalent were analyzed. In cells and tissues, the effects of EF on biomarkers of cellular elasticity were investigated at the gene and protein levels.

Results

In HDFs, the cellular elasticity was increased and the expression of biomarkers of cellular elasticity was regulated by the EF. Expression of the collagen protein in the human skin equivalent was changed by EF stimulation; however, changes in density and microstructure of the collagen fibrils were not significant. The viscoelasticity of the human skin equivalent increased in response to EF stimulation, but molecular changes were not observed in collagen.

Conclusions

Elasticity of cells and human skin equivalent can be regulated by electrical stimulation. Especially, the change in cellular elasticity was dependent on cell age.
Characterization of five novel HLA alleles: HLA‐A*01:217, ‐A*24:314, ‐A*26:106, ‐B*57:78 and ‐C*05:145
Authors: Loginova Maria , Kashin Konstantin , Paramonov Igor
Published: June 2020

Five new alleles were characterized in the Chechen individuals by sequencing‐based typing.
Characterization of three new alleles, HLA‐B*08:254, ‐DQB1*02:172 and ‐DPB1*1101:01 in Spanish individuals
Authors: Marin Rubio Luis Alberto , Rada Ramon , Ontañon Jesús
Published: June 2020

Three new HLA‐B*08:254, ‐DQB1*02:172, and ‐DPB1*1101:01 alleles detected in Spanish individuals
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: June 2020

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 7Alphonce John Amuli, ADEM, TanzaniaDaniel Shorkend, University of the People Wizo School of Design, IsraelErica Douglas-Osborn, Bury Local Authority, UKFathia Lahwal, Elmergib University, LibyaGianpiero Greco, University of Study of Bari, ItalyHassan Shaaban, Atomic energy Authority, EgyptHossein Chaharbashloo, Kharazmi University, IranJane Liang, California Department of Education, USAJohn Cowan, Edinburgh Napier University, UKJohn Mark Asio, Gordon College, PhilippinesKatya De Giovanni, University of Malta, MaltaKeyla Ferrari Lopes, UNICAMP, BrazilLucy Lugo Mawang, Kenyatta University, KenyaMaria Rosa M. Prado, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, BrazilMatt Varacallo, University of Kentucky, USAMaurizio Sajeva, Pellervo Economic Research PTT, FinlandMeral Seker, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, TurkeyMichail Kalogiannakis, University of Crete, GreeceMu-hsuan Chou, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, TaiwanNiveen M. Zayed, MENA College of Management, JordanRichard Penny, University of Washington Bothell, USARima Meilita Sari, STKIP Al-Washliyah, IndonesiaSandro Sehic, Oneida BOCES, USASelloane Pitikoe, University of Eswatini, EswatiniSenem Seda Şahenk Erkan, Marmara University, TurkeyStamatis Papadakis, University of Crete, GreeceThada Jantakoon, Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, ThailandVeronica Velasco Gonzalez, University of Valladolid, SpainVjacheslav Ivanovich Babich, Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Ukraine Robert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAE-mail 1: jets@redfame.comE-mail 2: jets@redfame.orgURL: http://jets.redfame.com
Diagnosing, fast and slow
Authors: Coughlan J J , Mullins Cormac Francis , Kiernan Thomas J
Published: June 2020

Diagnostic error is increasingly recognised as a source of significant morbidity and mortality in medicine. In this article, we will attempt to address several questions relating to clinical decision making; How do we decide on a diagnosis? Why do we so often get it wrong? Can we improve our critical faculties?

We begin by describing a clinical vignette in which a medical error occurred and resulted in an adverse outcome for a patient. This case leads us to the concepts of heuristic thinking and cognitive bias. We then discuss how this is relevant to our current clinical paradigm, examples of heuristic thinking and potential mechanisms to mitigate bias.

The aim of this article is to increase awareness of the role that cognitive bias and heuristic thinking play in medical decision making. We hope to motivate clinicians to reflect on their own patterns of thinking with an overall aim of improving patient care.
Trends in the prevalence of cardiometabolic disease and cardiovascular events by body mass index category in adults from 1999 to 2016
Authors: Chelliah Priya , Li Xilong , Adams-Huet Beverley , Lingvay Ildiko
Published: June 2020

Objectives

An increasing percentage of the US population is obese. Cardiometabolic risk in the population increases with body mass index (BMI), but whether this correlation changes over time is unknown. We analysed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 1999 to 2016 to determine if the prevalence of cardiometabolic disease and cardiovascular events within each BMI category is changing over time as the BMI of the population is increasing.

Study design

For each of the nine survey cycles covering this period, we divided the population by BMI category (normal, overweight, class 1 obesity, class ≥2 obesity) and subsequently by the presence of cardiovascular events or cardiometabolic disease. NHANES participants are a group of 5000 individuals/cycle selected to be representative of the US population. We used the weighted data sets to perform trend analyses for each risk/BMI group adjusted for relevant confounders.

Results

The distribution of the highest risk category (cardiovascular event) has not changed over time within any BMI category. The distribution of the lowest risk category (cardiometabolically healthy) increased significantly over time in all BMI categories. This was noted in the 18- to 45-year subgroup but not in the group aged >45 years.

Conclusions

The increase in the prevalence of overweight and obese individuals might be associated with a ‘healthy obesity’ phenotype in those <45 years; however, individuals >45 years showed a proportional increase in associated cardiometabolic risk.
Stop testing for autoantibodies to the VGKC-complex: only request LGI1 and CASPR2
Authors: Michael Sophia , Waters Patrick , Irani Sarosh R
Published: June 2020

Autoantibodies to leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) and contactin-associated protein like-2 (CASPR2) are associated with clinically distinctive syndromes that are highly immunotherapy responsive, such as limbic encephalitis, faciobrachial dystonic seizures, Morvan’s syndrome and neuromyotonia. These autoantibodies target surface-exposed domains of LGI1 or CASPR2, and appear to be directly pathogenic. In contrast, voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) antibodies that lack LGI1 or CASPR2 reactivities (‘double-negative’) are common in healthy controls and have no consistent associations with distinct syndromes. These antibodies target intracellular epitopes and lack pathogenic potential. Moreover, the clinically important LGI1 and CASPR2 antibodies comprise only ~15% of VGKC-positive results, meaning that most VGKC-antibody positive results mislead rather than help. Further, initial VGKC testing misses some cases that have LGI1 and CASPR2 antibodies. These collective observations confirm that laboratories should stop testing for VGKC antibodies and instead, test only for LGI1 and CASPR2 antibodies. This change in practice will lead to significant patient benefit.
The Robot Makers
Authors: Chun Bohkyung , Knight Heather
Published: June 2020

This article is an ethnographic exploration of robot anthropomorphism at a robotics company. It draws on a 10-month participatory ethnography among a robotics company, an anthropologist, and a social robotics research lab. In contrast to psychological methods, this anthropological participatory ethnography integrates all stakeholders’ insights, offering holistic understandings of robots’
in situ
operations throughout the fieldwork, data-sharing, interviews, and analysis. In particular, this article unravels employee social constructions of the company’s self-driving factory transport vehicles, “the robots.” These robots are deployed across a variety of warehouses and factories in North America. Our results involve an assessment of six teams at the robotics company’s headquarters: those testing robots, those developing their hardware and software, and those working with customers. We unpack trends of anthropomorphism for each of these teams and across the company.
Low-Content Quantitation in Entecavir Tablets Using 1064 nm Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Kang Yanlei , Zhou Yushan , Wu Qiaoyu , Wang Ning , Zhou Jianguang
Published: June 2020

The nondestructive and high sensitive analysis of a low content of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) was a difficult problem, especially in a complex system of pharmaceutical formulations. In this paper, a rapid and no sample preparation method was developed, which used a 1064 nm Raman spectrometer to detect entecavir monohydrate (ETV-H) in Baraclude tablets. Entecavir was a drug approved by FDA for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and became the first choice in the market. The wavelength selection results displayed that the signal-to-background ratio of the Raman spectrum with 1064 nm excitation wavelength was 14 times that of the commonly used 785 nm wavelength. The partial least squares (PLS) method was used to calibrate concentration models containing 0.1% to 1.0% w/w% ETV-H in calibration set samples. Different preprocessing methods were used to eliminate the background interference and extract more spectral information. Calibration samples were used to choose the best performing model. Then, all the calibration samples combined with the best performing models’ parameters successfully predicted the content of ETV-H in Baraclude tablets. Combining baseline processing and standard normal variate (SNV) with PLS, the model showed a good result with an R2 of 0.973, RMSEC of 0.05%, and RMSEP of 0.03% on the spectral region of 1350–1700 cm−1. The limit of detection of this model was 0.17%. These results showed that 1064 nm Raman spectroscopy technology could be an alternative analytical procedure to quantify low-content API in intact tablets.
Trends in Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in Rural Northeast China: 2008 to 2018
Authors: Xing Liying , Liu Shuang , Jing Li , Li Shuang , Tian Yuanmeng , Zhang Rui , Lin Min , Du Zhi , Dai Dong , Shi Lei , Pan Guowei
Published: June 2020

Objective. This study is aimed at exploring the trends in the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in rural northeast China from 2008 to 2018. Methods. Two successive cross‐sectional surveys were conducted in Liaoning rural areas in 2008 and 2018, which included 131520 and 10926 representative participants aged ≥ 40 years, respectively. Results. Overall, the age‐standardized prevalence of hypertension increased from 44.7% to 53.6%, and male residents showed a faster pace of increase and a 2.1‐fold increase than female residents (25.5% vs. 10.6%) from 2008 to 2018. Moreover, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased by 9.0% and 4.1%, respectively, and the increase rates were greater in men than in women (9.2% vs. 8.9% and 5.3% vs. 3.5%, P < 0.05). Additionally, the prevalence of stage 2 and above hypertension was significantly higher in men than in women. However, the awareness, treatment, and control rates showed no improvement and remained unacceptably low. Control rates were 3.7% in 2008 and 3.6% in 2018. Even among individuals who received medical treatment, only 8.7% and 10.1% had controlled hypertension in 2008 and 2018, respectively. Conclusions. The prevalence of hypertension and mean blood pressure increased steadily in the past 10 years in rural northeast China, especially in men. However, the awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension remained extremely low. Therefore, long‐term comprehensive strategies are urgently needed to prevent further development of cardiovascular diseases in these areas.
Certificate-Based Encryption Resilient to Continual Leakage in the Standard Model
Authors: Guo Yuyan , Li Jiguo , Jiang Mingming , Yu Lei , Wei Shimin
Published: June 2020

The security for many certificate-based encryption schemes was considered under the ideal condition, where the attackers rarely have the secret state for the solutions. However, with a side-channel attack, attackers can obtain partial secret values of the schemes. In order to make the scheme more practical, the security model for the certificate-based encryption which is resilient to continual leakage is first formalized. The attackers in the security model are permitted to get some secret information continuously through the side-channel attack. Based on the certificate-based key encapsulation scheme, a novel certificate-based encryption scheme is proposed, which is resilient to the continual leakage. In the standard model, the new scheme we propose is proved to be secure under the decisional truncated q-augmented bilinear Diffie–Hellman exponent hard problem and the decisional 1-bilinear Diffie–Hellman inversion hard problem. Additionally, the new scheme can resist the chosen-ciphertext attack. Moreover, a comparison is performed with other related schemes, where the proposed solution further considers the continual leakage-resilient property and exhibits less computation cost.
Comprehensive Experimental Study of Affecting Factors on Rectangular Roadway Stability
Authors: Qin Zhongcheng , Cao Bin , Li Tan , Yu Xin , Chen Guangbo
Published: June 2020

In this paper, two methods of orthogonal numerical simulation test and similar material simulation test are used to study the influence of five factors on the stability of rectangular roadway: roadway width, roadway height, roadway buried depth, lateral pressure coefficient of surrounding rock, and comprehensive strength of surrounding rock. The results show that five factors have influence on the stability of roadway, but the degree of influence is different. The depth of the tunnel and the coefficient of the side pressure of the surrounding rock are positively correlated with the stability of the tunnel; the comprehensive strength of the surrounding rock is negatively correlated with the stability of the tunnel, but the correlation between the width and height of the tunnel and the stability of the tunnel is not obvious. The results of orthogonal numerical simulation test and similar material simulation test verify each other. The results of the field practice of the Fucun coal mine are basically consistent with the results of the two test methods, which shows that the research results have a certain guiding effect on the field roadway support.
Analysis and Identification of Students with Financial Difficulties: A Behavioural Feature Perspective
Authors: Ma Yong , Zhang Xingxu , Di Xiaoqiang , Ren Tao , Yang Huamin , Cai Binbin
Published: June 2020

The identification of students with financial difficulties is one of the main problems in campus data research. Effective and timely identification not only provides convenience to campus administrators but also helps students who are really in financial hardship. The popular using of smart cards makes it possible to identify students with financial difficulties through big data. In this paper, we collect behavioural records from undergraduate students’ smart cards and propose five features by which to associate with students’ poverty level. Based on these features, we proposed the Apriori Balanced Algorithm (ABA) to mine the relationship of poverty level with students’ daily behaviour. Association rules show that students’ poverty level is most closely related to their academic performance, followed by consumption level, diligence level, and life regularity. Finally, we adopted the semisupervised K-means algorithm to more accurately find out students with financial difficulties. Tested by classical classification algorithms, our method has a higher identification rate, which is helpful for university administrators discover students in real financial hardship effectively.
A Lattice-Based Authentication Scheme for Roaming Service in Ubiquitous Networks with Anonymity
Authors: Zhou Yousheng , Wang Longan
Published: June 2020

In the ubiquitous networks, mobile nodes can obtain roaming service that enables them to get access to the services extended by their home networks in the field of foreign network. To provide secure and anonymous communication for legal mobile users in roaming services, there should be a mutual authentication between mobile user and foreign agent with the help of home agent. There are many roaming authentication schemes which have been proposed; however, with the progress of quantum computation, quantum attack poses security threats to many traditional public key cryptography-based authentication schemes; thus, antiquantum attack roaming authentication schemes need to be investigated. On account of the limitation of computational resources for mobile nodes, a lightweight anonymous and antiquantum authentication schemes need to be developed to enable mobile nodes to roam across multiple service domains securely and seamlessly. In consideration of the advantages of lattice in antiquantum, an NTRU-based authentication scheme with provable security and conditional privacy preservation is proposed to remedy these security weaknesses. Compared with the existing scheme, the proposed scheme not only improves efficiency but also can resist the quantum attack.
An Enhanced Two-Level Metaheuristic Algorithm with Adaptive Hybrid Neighborhood Structures for the Job-Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Pongchairerks Pisut
Published: June 2020

For solving the job-shop scheduling problem (JSP), this paper proposes a novel two-level metaheuristic algorithm, where its upper-level algorithm controls the input parameters of its lower-level algorithm. The lower-level algorithm is a local search algorithm searching for an optimal JSP solution within a hybrid neighborhood structure. To generate each neighbor solution, the lower-level algorithm randomly uses one of two neighbor operators by a given probability. The upper-level algorithm is a population-based search algorithm developed for controlling the five input parameters of the lower-level algorithm, i.e., a perturbation operator, a scheduling direction, an ordered pair of two neighbor operators, a probability of selecting a neighbor operator, and a start solution-representing permutation. Many operators are proposed in this paper as options for the perturbation and neighbor operators. Under the control of the upper-level algorithm, the lower-level algorithm can be evolved in its input-parameter values and neighborhood structure. Moreover, with the perturbation operator and the start solution-representing permutation controlled, the two-level metaheuristic algorithm performs like a multistart iterated local search algorithm. The experiment’s results indicated that the two-level metaheuristic algorithm outperformed its previous variant and the two other high-performing algorithms in terms of solution quality.
Prognostic Value and Immune Infiltrates of ABCA8 and FABP4 in Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Guo Ya , Wang Zhong Wei , Su Wang Hui , Chen Jing , Wang Ya Li
Published: June 2020

Background. Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is a common malignancy worldwide with poor prognosis. Therefore, it is important to identify a valuable prognostic biomarker for STAD. The aim of present study was to identify novel prognostic biomarkers for STAD and evaluate the potential role of hub genes in STAD. Methods. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Cancer RNA‐Seq Nexus were performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Subsequently, hub genes were selected by a Venn diagram, and the expression of key genes was confirmed by UALCAN database. Furthermore, survival analysis of these hub genes was performed using Oncolnc and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. Gene alteration status of hub genes was assessed by cBioPortal. Finally, we investigated the association between hub genes and immune cell infiltration in STAD through the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and GEPIA database. Results. Three common hub genes were obtained, including 2 downregulated DEGs (ABCA8 and FABP4) and one upregulated DEG (SLC52A3). Furthermore, increased expression of ABCA8 and FABP4 and decreased expression of SLC52A3 were correlated with poor prognosis. Meanwhile, three hub genes showed genetic alterations in various datasets of STAD. Finally, our results showed that ABCA8 and FABP4 displayed a positive correlation with immune infiltration, especially in M2 macrophages. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that ABCA8 and FABP4 may be used as prognostic biomarkers and correlated with immune infiltration in STAD.
Identification of an Immune Gene Expression Signature for Predicting Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Prognosis
Authors: Yan Yubo , Zhang Minghui , Xu Shanqi , Xu Shidong
Published: June 2020

Growing evidence indicates that immune‐related biomarkers play an important role in tumor processes. This study investigates immune‐related gene expression and its prognostic value in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). A cohort of 493 samples of patients with LUSC was collected and analyzed from data generated by the TCGA Research Network and ImmPort database. The R coxph package was employed to mine significant immune‐related genes using univariate analysis. Lasso and stepwise regression analyses were used to construct the LUSC prognosis prediction model, and clusterProfiler was used for gene functional annotation and enrichment analysis. The Kaplan‐Meier analysis and ROC were used to evaluate the model efficiency in predicting and classifying LUSC case prognoses. We identified 14 immune‐related genes to incorporate into our prognosis model. The patients were divided into two subgroups (Risk‐H and Risk‐L) according to their risk score values. Compared to Risk‐L patients, Risk‐H patients showed significantly improved overall survival (OS) in both training and testing sets. Functional annotation indicated that the 14 identified genes were mainly enriched in several immune‐related pathways. Our results also revealed that a risk score value was correlated with various signaling pathways, such as the JAK‐STA signaling pathway. Establishment of a nomogram for clinical application demonstrated that our immune‐related model exhibited good predictive prognostic performance. Our predictive prognosis model based on immune signatures has potential clinical implications for assessing the overall survival and precise treatment for patients with LUSC.
An Analytical Procedure to Predict Transverse Vibration Response of Jack-Up Riser under the Random Wave Load
Authors: Wang Fengde , Xiao Wensheng , Yao Yanan , Liu Qi , Li Changjiang
Published: June 2020

Marine riser is a key equipment in offshore drilling operation, and failure of the riser can lead to drilling moratorium; in severe cases, it may cause oil and gas leaks. In this paper, the time-dependent boundary conditions of the riser and the randomness of wave load are considered to improve the calculation efficiency and accuracy of the dynamic response of the jack-up riser. Based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, an analytical method to determine the response of the jack-up riser subjected to the random wave load was established by the Mindlin–Goodman method in the frequency domain, and an experiment was carried out to verify it. The research shows that transverse dynamic response is the main component of the transverse response of the riser, and the method proposed is feasible to calculate the transverse response of the riser.
Improved Boundary Conditions for a 3D DEM Simple Shear Model
Authors: Li Yao , Su Peifeng , Wang Zhe
Published: June 2020

In this study, a 3D simple shear model using DEM is built based on the boundary condition of an NGI‐type bidirectional simple shear apparatus. Stack of rings used as lateral constraints in a bidirectional simple shear test is modelled by layers of clumps which is possible to be moved by particles; different contact types and parameters are used to model the sand‐loading caps, sand‐latex membrane, and sand‐sand contacts. A simple shear test using the bidirectional simple shear apparatus is performed for the calibration of the 3D DEM simple shear model. By analyzing the simulation results, the following can be concluded. (1) Rings generated by clumps can provide an accurate boundary condition, effective in computation since no contact force is needed for a clump. (2) In the simulation, the orientation of average contact force changed dramatically during shear. It is in the vertical direction (90°) before shear and changes to 45° at 40% shear strain. No shear band is observed which is consistent with the test, and particles move uniformly. (3) In the simulation, the degree of noncoaxiality is the greatest at the beginning of shear, and it is decreased during shear. However, the degree of noncoaxiality is still large at 20% shear strain where there is a 10° difference between the rotation angle of principal stress and principal strain increment.
The Utility of Psoas Muscle Assessment in Predicting Frailty in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Koizia Louis , Naik Mitesh , Peck George , Mikhail Ghada W. , Sen Sayan , Malik Iqbal S. , Ariff Ben , Fertleman Michael B.
Published: June 2020

Background. The rise in an ageing population has resulted in an increase in the prevalence of aortic stenosis. With the advent and rapid expansion in the use of transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVRs), patients with severe aortic stenosis, traditionally thought too high risk for surgical intervention, are now being treated with generally favourable results. Frailty is an important factor in determining outcome after a TAVR, and an assessment of frailty is fundamental in the identification of appropriate patients to treat. Objective. The objective of the study was to identify if the psoas muscle area is associated with frailty in TAVR patients and outcome after intervention. Method. In this prospective study, we measured outcomes of 62 patients who underwent TAVR procedures against the psoas muscle area and the Reported Edmonton Frail Scale (REFS). Our aim was to assess if psoas muscle assessment can be used as a simple method to predict frailty in our population group. Results. A total of 60 patients met the study criteria. Mean psoas-lumbar vertebral index was 0.61, with a lower value in the frail group. There was not a statistically significant correlation between the psoas measures, REFS score (indicative of frailty), and mortality. However, there was a statistically significant relationship between the psoas size and REFS score (p=0.043). Conclusion. Psoas assessment can be useful in providing additional information when planning for patients to undergo a TAVR and can be used as a screening tool to help identify frail patients within this high-risk group.
Design of Stable Controller for Flexible Solar Panel by H∞ Loop-Shaping Method
Authors: Wang Dini , Meng Fanwei , Meng Shengya , Pang Aiping
Published: June 2020

Flexible solar panels play an essential role in the field of aerospace. However, many difficulties appear in the control design due to the existence of a weakly damped resonance module. The design for flexible systems often causes an unstable controller so that the systems after design still have trouble in putting into practice. We adopt H∞ loop-shaping design and put forward a directive method for selecting the weighting function. The simulation results indicate that system bandwidth is optimized based on the stable controller. In this way, the control precision and response speed of the system are improved. In the meantime, the system is easy to put into use.
Diet-Induced Obesity Mice Execute Pulmonary Cell Apoptosis via Death Receptor and ER-Stress Pathways after E. coli Infection
Authors: Wang Fengyuan , Zuo Zhicai , Chen Kejie , Fang Jing , Cui Hengmin , Geng Yi , Ouyang Ping , Chen Zhengli , Huang Chao , Guo Hongrui , Liu Wentao
Published: June 2020

Obesity has developed into a considerable health problem in the whole world. Escherichia coli (E. coli) can cause nosocomial pneumonia and induce cell apoptosis during injury and infection. Normal (lean) and diet-induced obesity mice (DIO, fed with high-fat diet) were chosen to perform nasal instillation with E. coli to establish a nonfatal acute pneumonia model. At 0 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 72 h postinfection, lung tissues were obtained to measure cell apoptosis. As shown in this study, both lean and DIO mice exhibited histopathological lesions of acute pneumonia and increased cell apoptosis in the lung infected with E. coli. Interestingly, the relative mRNA and protein expressions associated with either endoplasmic reticulum stress or death receptor apoptotic pathway were all dramatically increased in the DIO mice after infection, while only significant upregulation of death receptor apoptotic pathway in the lean mice at 72 h. These results indicated that the DIO mice executed excess cell apoptosis in the nonfatal acute pneumonia induced by E. coli infection through endoplasmic reticulum stress and death receptor apoptotic pathway.
Laboratory Tests for Subgrade Reaction Coefficient in Seismic Design of Underground Engineering Domain
Authors: Xu Kunpeng , Jing Liping , Cheng Xinjun , Liang Haian , Bin Jia
Published: June 2020

Subgrade reaction coefficient is commonly considered as the primary challenge in simplified seismic design of underground structures. Carrying out test is the most reliable way to acquire this intrinsic soil property. Owing to the limitations of experimental cost, time consumption, soil deformation mode, size effect, and confined condition, the existing testing methods cannot satisfy the requirements of high‐precision subgrade reaction coefficient in seismic design process of underground structures. Accordingly, the present study makes an attempt to provide new laboratory testing methods considering realistic seismic response of soil, based on shaking table test and quasistatic test. Conventional shaking table test for sandy free‐field was performed, with the results indicating that the equivalent normal subgrade reaction coefficients derived from the experimental hysteretic curves are reasonable and verifying the deformation mode under seismic excitation. A novel multifunctional quasistatic pushover device was invented, which can simulate the most unfavorable deformation mode of soil during the earthquake. In addition, the first successful application of an innovative quasistatic testing method in evaluating subgrade reaction coefficient was reported. The findings of this study provide preliminary detailed insights into subgrade reaction coefficient evaluation which can benefit seismic design of underground structures.
Low-Complexity-Based RD-MUSIC with Extrapolation for Joint TOA and DOA at Automotive FMCW Radar Systems
Authors: Kim Sangdong , Kim Bongseok , Lee Jonghun
Published: June 2020

Low-complexity-based reduced-dimension–multiple-signal classification (RD-MUSIC) is proposed with extrapolation for joint time delay of arrivals (TOA) and direction of arrivals (DOA) at automotive frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar systems. When a vehicle is driving on the road, the automotive FMCW radar can estimate the position of multiple other vehicles, because it can estimate multiple parameters, such as TOA and DOA. Over time, the requirement of the accuracy and resolution parameters of automotive FMCW radar is increasing. To accurately estimate the parameters of multiple vehicles, such as range and angle, it is difficult to use a low-resolution algorithm, such as the two-dimensional fast Fourier transform. To improve parameter estimation performance, high-resolution algorithms, such as the 2D-MUSIC, are required. However, the conventional high-resolution methods have a high complexity and, thus, are not applicable to a real-time radar system for a vehicle. Therefore, in this work, a low-complexity RD-MUSIC with extrapolation algorithm is proposed to have a resolution similar to that of a high-resolution algorithm to estimate the position of other vehicles. Compared with conventional low complexity high resolution, in experimental results, the proposed method had better performance.
Factors Associated with the Nutritional Status among Male Workers of Iron and Steel Industries in Bara District, Nepal
Authors: Sangroula Raj Kumar , Subedi Hari Prasad , Tiwari Kalpana
Published: June 2020

Background. Overweight and obesity are major serious public health problems, since their prevalence is accelerating rapidly not only in developed but also in developing countries. The aim of this study was to find out the factors associated with the nutritional status of the industrial workers in Bara District of Nepal. Methods. An industry-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among the 271 male workers using pretested semistructured questionnaires, food frequency questionnaire, 24-hour recall method, and anthropometric measurement after obtaining informed consent from the workers. For the categorical independent variables, bivariate and multivariate regression tests were used for the analysis, and for numerical independent variables, Student’s t-test was used. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Ethical approval was taken from the Research Committee of the College of Applied Food and Diary Technology (CAFODAT). Results. Overweight /obesity was observed among 27.3% of the participants of which 22.1% were overweight and 5.2% were obese. Age (OR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.346–4.823); ethnicity, Brahmin/Chhetri (OR: 6.14; 95% CI: 1.971–19.123) and Madhesi (OR: 4.641; 95% CI: 1.534–14.04); and smoking (OR: 4.165; 95% CI: 1.972–8.80) were associated with nutritional status of industrial workers. Additionally, food frequency (OR: 2.232; 95% CI: 1.101–4.522), dietary diversity, and total calorie intake were also significantly associated with nutritional status of industrial workers. Conclusions. The study has indicated that more than one-fourth of workers of iron and steel industries in Bara District of Nepal are overweight or obese. Different sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors and lifestyle-related factors were associated with overweight and obesity. There is need for programs for industrial workers focused on nutrition education to raise awareness about nutrition-related problems and risk factors.
A Qualitative Study of Nursing Students’ Experiences in Fall Prevention for Older Home Care Clients
Authors: Turjamaa Riitta , Äijö Marja , Tervo-Heikkinen Tarja , Silén-Lipponen Marja
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of nursing students in fall prevention during clinical practice in the context of older home care clients. This was a qualitative focus group study of nursing students (n = 9) who had completed clinical practice in older clients’ home care. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis. The nursing students described their experiences regarding falls and fall prevention in older clients’ home care from two perspectives: evaluation of falls at older people’s homes and fall prevention during home visits. Systematic evaluation of falls was based on physical examination and is the basis of fall prevention. However, evaluation of nutrition and adverse drug effects seemed to be ignored. In addition, fall prevention during home visits included concrete fall prevention in authentic client situations, confidential relationships with older clients, and evidence-based knowledge. From the perspective of fall prevention, there was a lack of comprehensive evaluation and understanding of the meaning of psychological factors, such as fear of falling. In order to be able to prevent falls in the older client population, students need more guidance regarding a comprehensive approach based on evaluation of falls. In addition, there is a need for continuous collaboration between education and home care services to develop educational approaches that interlink knowledge and skills in fall prevention.