bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the distribution of nesting Arctic seaducks are not strongly related to variation in polar bear presence
Authors: Dey Cody J. , Semeniuk Christina A.D. , Iverson Samuel A. , Gilchrist H. Grant
Published: January 2020

Contemporary climate change is predicted to expose some species to altered predation regimes. Losses of Arctic sea ice are causing polar bears to increasingly forage on colonial seaduck eggs in lieu of ice-based hunting of marine mammals. Although polar bear predation of bird eggs has now been widely documented, it is unclear whether this change in predator behavior is having population-level consequences for Arctic breeding birds. In this study, we tested whether changes in the number of common eider nests on 76 islands in Hudson Strait, Canada, were related to variation in polar bear presence. We found that polar bear sign detected during eider breeding surveys was strongly correlated with spatial patterns of polar bears observed during aerial surveys. However, changes in eider nest count did not appear to be clearly related to polar bear sign at either the island scale or the island-cluster scale. This results of this study, therefore, suggest that the spatial overlap between eiders and polar bears varies across the landscape, but patterns of polar bear spatial variation do not seem to have driven large-scale redistribution of nesting common eiders.
FtsA G50E mutant suppresses the essential requirement for FtsK during bacterial cell division in Escherichia coli
Authors: Berezuk Alison M. , Roach Elyse J. , Seidel Laura , Lo Reggie Y. , Khursigara Cezar M.
Published: January 2020

In Escherichia coli, the N-terminal domain of the essential protein FtsK (FtsKN) is proposed to modulate septum formation through the formation of dynamic and essential protein interactions with both the Z-ring and late-stage division machinery. Using genomic mutagenesis, complementation analysis, and in vitro pull-down assays, we aimed to identify protein interaction partners of FtsK essential to its function during division. Here, we identified the cytoplasmic Z-ring membrane anchoring protein FtsA as a direct protein–protein interaction partner of FtsK. Random genomic mutagenesis of an ftsK temperature-sensitive strain of E. coli revealed an FtsA point mutation (G50E) that is able to fully restore normal cell growth and morphology, and further targeted site-directed mutagenesis of FtsA revealed several other point mutations capable of fully suppressing the essential requirement for functional FtsK. Together, this provides insight into a potential novel co-complex formed between these components during division and suggests FtsA may directly impact FtsK function.
Elastodynamics of a parallel Schönflies-motion generator
Authors: Yin Zuyu , Belzile Bruno , Angeles Jorge , Forbes James Richard
Published: January 2020

The authors propose a model of the elastodynamics of the Peppermill Carrier, a parallel isostatic Schönflies-motion generator designed for pick-and-place operations. The Cartesian spring and the finite element method are used to build the elastodynamics model of the robot. The stiffness and mass matrices are introduced to obtain the natural frequencies of the robot along a test trajectory — the Adept test cycle — that serves to evaluate the performance of the robot with respect to the operation speed.
High dimensional parameter tuning for event generators
Authors: Bellm Johannes , Gellersen Leif
Published: January 2020

Monte Carlo Event Generators are important tools for the understanding of physics at particle colliders like the LHC. In order to best predict a wide variety of observables, the optimization of parameters in the Event Generators based on precision data is crucial. However, the simultaneous optimization of many parameters is computationally challenging. We present an algorithm that allows to tune Monte Carlo Event Generators for high dimensional parameter spaces. To achieve this we first split the parameter space algorithmically in subspaces and perform a tuning on the subspaces with binwise weights to enhance the influence of relevant observables. We test the algorithm in ideal conditions and in real life examples including tuning of the event generators and for LEP observables. Further, we tune parts of the event generator with the Lund string model.
Dynamics and cosmological evolution in $$\Lambda $$-varying cosmology
Authors: Papagiannopoulos G. , Tsiapi Pavlina , Basilakos Spyros , Paliathanasis Andronikos
Published: January 2020

We study the dynamical properties of a large body of varying vacuum cosmologies for which dark matter interacts with vacuum. In particular, performing the critical point analysis we investigate the existence and the stability of cosmological solutions which describe de-Sitter, radiation and matter dominated eras. We find several cases of varying vacuum models that admit stable critical points, hence they can be used in describing the cosmic history.
Classical tests on a charged Weyl black hole: bending of light, Shapiro delay and Sagnac effect
Authors: Fathi Mohsen , Olivares Marco , Villanueva J. R.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we apply the classical test of general relativity on a charged Weyl black hole, the exterior geometry of which is defined by altering the spherically symmetric solutions of the Weyl conformal theory of gravity. The tests are basically founded on scrutinizing the angular geodesics of light rays propagating in the gravitating system caused by the black hole. In this investigation, we bring detailed discussions about the bending of light, together with two other relativistic effects, known as the Shapiro and the Sagnac effects. We show that the results are in good conformity with the general relativistic effects, in addition to giving long-distance corrections caused by the cosmological nature of the background geometry under study.
Examining Granger Causality in the Behavioral Reactions of Institutional Investors— Evidence from India
Authors: Mohnot Rajesh
Published: January 2020

The study examines the behavioral reactions of foreign and domestic institutional investors in the Indian stock market. It poses some critical questions on whether these two types of institutional investors have common investing behavior, and whether foreign institutional investors (FIIs) affect domestic institutional investors’ (DIIs) strategies. Vector error correction model (VECM) is used to examine the trading and investing behavior of these institutional investors. Granger causality test is used to check if foreign institutional investment strategy influences domestic institutional strategy or vice versa. The results indicate that neither foreign institutional investors’ sell (FIISELL) activities affect domestic institutional investors’ sell (DIISELL) activities nor DIISELL affects FIISELL. This may have a crucial policy implication that both institutional investors have independent trading strategies, especially when it comes to selling stocks. But both institutional investors’ sale transactions do affect their own buy transactions implying that any of the institutions’ selling activities should be supported by their buying activities.
Risks to the Public
Authors: Neumann Peter G.
Published: January 2020

Why positive train control is vulnerable to a cyber- attack (D G. Rossiter, R 31 39) Positive Train Control (PTC) is a federally-mandated replacement of traditional rail signaling on the largest railroads with a network of on- and o -train electronics to space trains and prevent collisions or runaways. Railroads are installing PTC on nearly 57,848 route miles and on 19,912 locomotives.
Analytical Approaches for Dynamic Scheduling in Cloud Environments
Authors: Javadi Seyyed Ahmad
Published: January 2020

Brief Biography: Seyyed Ahmad Javadi is a researcher in the Computer Laboratory (CompAcctSys group1) at the University of Cambridge, His primary research interests include cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). His current research involves addressing audit logging challenges in IoT environments, online social platforms, and cloud computing environments.
Mapping and Metastability of Heterogeneity in LiMn2O4 Battery Electrodes with High Energy Density
Authors: Wolfman Mark , Khawaja Sara , Cabana Jordi
Published: January 2020

The hierarchical nature of the cathode in Li-ion batteries can result in phenomena determining electrochemical performance occurring at different length-scales, from individual atoms to the whole electrode. In architectures designed for high density of charge storage, transport limitations can emerge at the microscale that compromise effective utilization and accelerate degradation. These limitations manifest as chemical heterogeneity within the electrode. Micro-focused diffraction mapping using a laboratory X-ray source provides maps with sub-mm resolution of a whole electrode composed of commercial LiMn2O4. Evidence of disparate local utilization both laterally and along the depth of the electrode was obtained, especially at high rates and after multiple charge-discharge cycles. As a model to study the persistence of heterogeneity due to transport limitations, lateral gradients to lithium transport were introduced by cycling against Li anodes of small diameter. The resulting maps revealed the effects of anisotropic electric migration and diffusion to be separated, confirming that diffusion is the primary limitation for long-range kinetics. Tracking of subsequent relaxation revealed that the heterogeneity was metastable despite a strong thermodynamic driving force, maintained by poor lithium transport through the solid electrode matrix. This study enriches our understanding of transport across thick electrode architectures and the imposition of unique frustrated states, away from equilibrium.
NiCo2Se4Nanowires as a High-Performance Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalyst
Authors: Sancho Hugo , Zhang Yi , Liu Lindong , Barevadia Vikas G. , Wu Shaoyang , Zhang Yamin , Huang Po-Wei , Zhang Yifan , Wu Tzu-Ho , You Wenqin , Liu Nian
Published: January 2020

Rechargeable zinc–air batteries are attracting great attention due to their high theoretical specific energy, safety, and economic viability. However, their performance and large-scale practical applications are largely limited by poor durability and high overpotential on the air-cathode due to the slow kinetics of the oxygen evolution and reduction reactions (OER/ORR). Therefore, it is highly desired to develop new bifunctional catalysts to improve the OER and ORR kinetics. In this paper, NiCo2Se4nanowires were uniformly grown on carbon fiber paper (CFP) for the first time. With an overpotential for OER of 327 mV, NiCo2Se4nanowires show a better performance than RuO2(350 mV) and a high stability. Moreover, their half-wave potential of 0.77 V and limiting current density of 3.75 mA·cm−2make it a promising non-precious-metal catalyst for ORR, with performance close to Pt/C (0.87 V, 3.7 mA·cm−2). The excellent performance is attributed to the nanowire morphology with efficient 1D electronic pathways, high conductivity of NiCo2Se4and an enhanced electronic structure, thanks to a mixed valence of nickel and cobalt ions.
Moderating Effects of Gender and Resistance to Change on the Adoption of Big Data Analytics in Healthcare
Authors: Shahbaz Muhammad , Gao Changyuan , Zhai Lili , Shahzad Fakhar , Arshad Muhammad Rizwan
Published: January 2020

The big data analytics (BDA) has dragged tremendous attention in healthcare organizations. Healthcare organizations are investing substantial money and time in big data analytics and want to adopt it to get potential benefits. Thus, this study proposes a BDA adoption model in healthcare organizations to explore the critical factors that can influence its adoption process. The study extends the technology acceptance model (TAM) with the self-efficacy as an external factor and also includes gender and resistance to change (RTC) as moderators to strengthen the research model. The proposed research model has been tested on 283 valid responses which were collected through a structured survey, by applying structural equation modeling. Our results portray that self-efficacy is a strong predictor of intention to use BDA along with other TAM factors. Moreover, it is confirmed by the results that RTC dampens the positive relationship between intention to use and actual use of BDA in healthcare organizations. The outcomes revealed that male employees as compared to female employees are dominant towards the positive intention to use BDA. Furthermore, females create more RTC than males while adopting BDA in healthcare organizations. Theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and future research directions also underlined in this study.
Chronic Diseases Multimorbidity among Adult People Living with HIV at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Woldesemayat Endrias Markos
Published: January 2020

Background. Due to the wide implementation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWHIV) are now living longer. This increased the risk of developing noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCCDs) among them. Objective. We aimed to describe prevalence of NCCDs multimorbidity among PLWHIV at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH). Method. In April 2016, institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among PLWHIV, aged≥18 years at the ART unit of HUCSH. A nurse working in the ART unit interviewed patients and reviewed medical records. Data on the NCCDs and its risk factors were obtained. List of diseases considered in this study were arthritis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, congestive heart failure (CHF), rheumatic heart diseases (RHD), chronic bronchitis, asthma, and cancer. Results. More than half of the respondents (196) had at least one of the NCCDs and 34 (8.9%) had multimorbidity. The main system of the body affected were the musculoskeletal system, 146 (38.2%) and respiratory system, 46 (12.0%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of individual NCCDs by gender. Patients aged above 44 years, patients with ART duration of at least 6 years, and patients with higher CD4 counts had increased odds of having any one of the NCCDs. Multimorbidity patients with a longer ART duration had an increased risk. Conclusion. The prevalence of NCCD multimorbidity among PLWHIV was high. Monitoring the occurrence of NCCDs among PLWHIV and noncommunicable disease care is recommended.
The First Report of Immunoglobulin G, M, and A Concentrations in Serum of European Bison and Their Changes with Age
Authors: Pomorska-Mól Małgorzata , Krzysiak Michał K. , Larska Magdalena , Włodarek Jan
Published: January 2020

The age-specific reference values for immunoglobulin (Ig) serum concentrations in European bison (Bison bonasus) are lacking. Identification of immune alterations that accompany normal physiological aging will help assist in development of better monitoring health programs. In the present study, the age-associated changes in concentration of IgG, IgM, and IgA in serum of apparently healthy European bison of various ages were studied. The quantities of IgA, IgM, and IgG were measured by the use of a commercial ELISA kit. The serum samples originating from apparently healthy European bison (n=206) were divided into the following age categories: (1) <1 year of age; (2) animals between 1 and 3 years of age; and (3) animals which have reached sexual maturity: (3a) animals between 4 and 8 years of age, (3b) animals between 9 and 15 years of age, and (3c)animals>15years of age. IgG was found to be predominant Ig in the serum regardless of the age of the animals. The significant positive correlation between IgG absolute and relative concentration and the age of animals was found. The absolute concentration of IgM did not differ significantly during the lifespan; however, the negative correlation was observed between percentage of IgM and European bison’s age. IgA represented the least class of serum Ig. Total serum concentration of analyzed Ig also significantly increased with age. No gender-related differences were detected. Our findings represent a meaningful contribution to the studies on the immunity of European bison and effect of age on the immunoglobulin level. Our results would be useful for veterinarians and researchers in the studies with this animal’s species.
Thioridazine Induces Cardiotoxicity via Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated hERG Channel Deficiency and L-Type Calcium Channel Activation
Authors: Liu Yan , Xu Xueqi , Zhang Yuhao , Li Mingzhu , Guo Jiamengyi , Yan Caichuan , Wang Fang , Li Yuexin , Ding Yunqi , Li Baoxin , Fan Pan
Published: January 2020

Thioridazine (THIO) is a phenothiazine derivative that is mainly used for the treatment of psychotic disorders. However, cardiac arrhythmias especially QT interval prolongation associated with the application of this compound have received serious attention after its introduction into clinical practice, and the mechanisms underlying the cardiotoxicity induced by THIO have not been well defined. The present study was aimed at exploring the long-term effects of THIO on the hERG and L-type calcium channels, both of which are relevant to the development of QT prolongation. The hERG current (IhERG) and the calcium current (ICa‐L) were measured by patch clamp techniques. Protein levels were analyzed by Western blot, and channel-chaperone interactions were determined by coimmunoprecipitation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Our results demonstrated that THIO induced hERG channel deficiency but did not alter channel kinetics. THIO promoted ROS production and stimulated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the related proteins. The ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) significantly attenuated hERG reduction induced by THIO and abolished the upregulation of ER stress marker proteins. Meanwhile, THIO increased the degradation of hERG channels via disrupting hERG-Hsp70 interactions. The disordered hERG proteins were degraded in proteasomes after ubiquitin modification. On the other hand, THIO increased ICa‐L density and intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVMs). The specific CaMKII inhibitor KN-93 attenuated the intracellular Ca2+ overload, indicating that ROS-mediated CaMKII activation promoted calcium channel activation induced by THIO. Optical mapping analysis demonstrated the slowing effects of THIO on cardiac repolarization in mouse hearts. THIO significantly prolonged APD50 and APD90 and increased the incidence of early afterdepolarizations (EADs). In human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), THIO also resulted in APD prolongation. In conclusion, dysfunction of hERG channel proteins and activation of L-type calcium channels via ROS production might be the ionic mechanisms for QT prolongation induced by THIO.
Screening and Functional Analysis of Hub MicroRNAs Related to Tumor Development in Colon Cancer
Authors: Yu Dong-Hu , Li Wei , Huang Jing-Yu , Liu Xiao-Ping , Zhang Chi , Ruan Xiao-Lan , Li Sheng
Published: January 2020

Various microRNAs (miRNAs) are of importance in the development of colon cancer, but most of the mechanisms of the miRNAs are still unclear. In order to clarify the hub miRNAs and their roles in colon cancer development, GSE98406 was used to screen hub miRNAs by bioinformatics analysis. 46 DE‐miRNAs (14 were upregulated and 32 were downregulated) and 1738 target genes of DE‐miRNAs were ascertained. miRNAs‐gene‐networks and miRNAs‐GO‐networks were built to get more knowledge about the function of candidate miRNAs. After validation, three miRNAs (miR‐17‐5p, miR‐182‐5p and miR‐200a‐3p) were recognized to be hub miRNAs associated with the progression of colon cancer. More importantly, the hub miRNAs and the putative targets genes might be new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for colon cancer in the future.
Hydrogen Sulfide as a Potential Alternative for the Treatment of Myocardial Fibrosis
Authors: Kang Se Chan , Sohn Eun-Hwa , Lee Sung Ryul
Published: January 2020

Harmful, stressful conditions or events in the cardiovascular system result in cellular damage, inflammation, and fibrosis. Currently, there is no targeted therapy for myocardial fibrosis, which is highly associated with a large number of cardiovascular diseases and can lead to fatal heart failure. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter similar to nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. H2S is involved in the suppression of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular death in the cardiovascular system. The level of H2S in the body can be boosted by stimulating its synthesis or supplying it exogenously with a simple H2S donor with a rapid- or slow-releasing mode, an organosulfur compound, or a hybrid with known drugs (e.g., aspirin). Hypertension, myocardial infarction, and inflammation are exaggerated when H2S is reduced. In addition, the exogenous delivery of H2S mitigates myocardial fibrosis caused by various pathological conditions, such as a myocardial infarct, hypertension, diabetes, or excessive β-adrenergic stimulation, via its involvement in a variety of signaling pathways. Numerous experimental findings suggest that H2S may work as a potential alternative for the management of myocardial fibrosis. In this review, the antifibrosis role of H2S is briefly addressed in order to gain insight into the development of novel strategies for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis.
Monitoring the Outcome of Phonosurgery and Vocal Exercises with Established and New Diagnostic Tools
Authors: Seipelt Matthias , Möller Andreas , Nawka Tadeus , Gonnermann Ute , Caffier Felix , Caffier Philipp P.
Published: January 2020

Instrument‐assisted measuring procedures expand the options within phoniatric diagnostics by quantifying the condition of the voice. The aim of this study was to examine objective treatment‐associated changes of the recently developed vocal extent measure (VEM) and the established dysphonia severity index (DSI) in relation to subjective tools, i.e., self‐evaluation via voice handicap index (VHI‐12) and external evaluation via auditory‐perceptual assessment of hoarseness (H). The findings for H (3 raters’ group assessment), VHI‐12, DSI, and VEM in 152 patients of both sexes (age range 16–75 years), taken before and 3 months after phonosurgery or vocal exercises, were compared and correlated. Posttherapeutically, all of the recorded parameters improved (p < 0.001). The degree of H reduced on average by 0.5, the VHI‐12 score sank by 5 points, while DSI and VEM rose by 1.5 and 19, respectively. The correlations of these changes were significant but showed gradual differences between H and VHI‐12 (r = 0.3), H and DSI (r = −0.3), and H and VEM (r = −0.4). We conclude that all investigated parameters are adequate to verify therapeutic outcomes but represent different dimensions of the voice. However, changes in the degree of H as gold standard were best recognized with the new VEM.
Degeneracy in Magneto-Active Dense Plasma
Authors: Al-Yousef Haifa A. , Khalil Sh. M. , Punjabi Alkesh
Published: January 2020

Degenerate dense plasmas are of great interest due to their important applications in modern technology and astrophysics. Such plasmas have generated a lot of interest in the last decade owing to their importance in many areas of physics such as semiconductors, metals, microelectronics, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, and quantum wells. Besides, degenerate plasmas present very interesting features for fusion burning waves’ ignition and propagation. In this paper, we investigated the effects of static magnetic field on energy states and degeneracy of electrons in dense plasma. Using perturbation theory, two cases are considered, strongly and weakly magnetized electrons. Strong magnetic field will not eliminate completely the degeneracy, but it functions to reduce degeneracy. Perturbed energy eigenvalues ΔE are calculated to high accuracy. Besides, regardless of whether the perturbed state is degenerate or not, the energy ΔE is given by considering the average of orbital and spin coupling Ws=ℵrL→·S→ with respect to the eigenfunction Ψn,l,m,ms. Here L→ is the angular momentum vector, S→ is the spin vector of electrons, and ℵr is the energy of spin orbit coupling in plasma, which plays a crucial role in the study of energy states and degeneracy of plasma electrons.
Research on Lateral Force of Pile Based on Liquefaction Site Effect
Authors: Xi Zuo , Enquan Zhou
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a theoretical investigation on the lateral force of pile in liquefaction site. Regarded liquefied soil as fluid, the vector method can be used to analyze the liquefaction velocity field and solve the analytical solution of the dynamic field by making use of the principle of fluid mechanics. In addition, by solving the velocity field with vector symbol operation method, the analytical expression of the lateral force in the liquefied flow field is obtained, and the sensitivity of the parameters in the analytical expression is analyzed. The results show that the stress field of the pile contains both the pressure resistance caused by surface pressure and the friction resistance caused by shear stress, when the liquefied soil flows laterally. The lateral forces on the pile are mainly composed of inertial forces and damping forces and are related to density, fluid viscosity, pile radius, and vibration frequency. With the increase of density, fluid viscosity, and pile radius, the added mass and added damping increase gradually. In a certain range, added mass and added damping are sensitive to vibration frequency.
Exceptional Enlargement of the Mitochondrial Genome Results from Distinct Causes in Different Rain Frogs (Anura: Brevicipitidae: Breviceps)
Authors: Hemmi Keitaro , Kakehashi Ryosuke , Kambayashi Chiaki , Du Preez Louis , Minter Leslie , Furuno Nobuaki , Kurabayashi Atsushi
Published: January 2020

The mitochondrial (mt) genome of the bushveld rain frog (Breviceps adspersus, Brevicipitidae, Afrobatrachia) is the largest (28.8 kbp) among the vertebrates investigated to date. The major cause of genome size enlargement in this species is the duplication of multiple genomic regions. To investigate the evolutionary lineage, timing, and process of mt genome enlargement, we sequenced the complete mtDNAs of two congeneric rain frogs, B. mossambicus and B. poweri. The mt genomic organization, gene content, and gene arrangements of these two rain frogs are very similar to each other but differ from those of B. adspersus. The B. mossambicus mt genome (22.5 kbp) does not differ significantly from that of most other afrobatrachians. In contrast, the B. poweri mtDNA (28.1 kbp) is considerably larger: currently the second largest among vertebrates, after B. adspersus. The main causes of genome enlargement differ among Breviceps species. Unusual elongation (12.5 kbp) of the control region (CR), a single major noncoding region of the vertebrate mt genome, is responsible for the extremely large mt genome in B. poweri. Based on the current Breviceps phylogeny and estimated divergence age, it can be concluded that the genome enlargements occurred independently in each species lineage within relatively short periods. Furthermore, a high nucleotide substitution rate and relaxation of selective pressures, which are considered to be involved in changes in genome size, were also detected in afrobatrachian lineages. Our results suggest that these factors were not direct causes but may have indirectly affected mt genome enlargements in Breviceps.
Experimental Study and Application of LASC Foamed Concrete to Create Airtight Walls in Coal Mines
Authors: Zhang Duo , Wang Weifeng , Deng Jun , Wen Hu , Zhai Xiaowei
Published: January 2020

If an airtight wall in a coal mine leaks air, it may cause spontaneous combustion of residual coal in the gob and even cause a full‐blown fire or gas explosion. In this study, we developed a new type of foamed concrete, low‐alkalinity sulphoaluminate cement (LASC), to control air leakage. The performance of filling materials that were prepared by adding various dosages of foam to LASC was studied. The longer the curing period for the foam filling material of LASC, the better the crystallinity of the hydrated product. With an increasing foam dosage, the initial setting time gradually extends while the fluidity of the foam slurry decreases. The bubble rate of the filling material increases and the density decreases with increasing foam dosage. The compressive strength of the LASC filling material decreases with increasing foam dosage and increases with increasing curing time. In the LASC filling materials, the optimal volume ratio of foam dosage to gel slurry is 2. The crystallinity, initial gel time, and compressive strength of the LASC foaming materials are better than those of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) foaming materials. When the crossheading is filled with LASC foam cement, the deformation of the surrounding rock is less than 19 cm, and the air leakage prevention is better than that achieved with loess and fly‐ash‐cement foam. Thus, the proposed LASC foam material can be applied to the filling of the crossheading to efficiently prevent leakage in underground coal mines.
Shen Shuai II Recipe Attenuates Apoptosis in 5/6 Renal Ablation/Infarction Rats by Inhibiting p53 and the Mitochondrial Pathway of Apoptosis
Authors: Wang Meng , Yang Jing , Wang Chen
Published: January 2020

Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health burden with high mortality and morbidity. Clinical efficacy has been demonstrated for Shen Shuai II Recipe (SSR), an approved and widely used Chinese herbal medicine for over 20 years in China, to attenuate CKD progression. In this study, we explored the underlying molecular mechanisms of SSR benefits and studied its effects on apoptosis, a critical process in CKD development and progression. CKD was induced in rats with 5/6 renal ablation and infarction (A/I). Eight weeks after SSR treatment, we mainly assessed the severity of renal injury and fibrosis, the translocation of apoptotic factors in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, the degree of mitochondrial dysfunction, and the nuclear and mitochondrial translocation of p53. Furthermore, we detected the interaction of p53 with antiapoptotic Bcl-xL and Bcl-2 proteins. Our results showed that SSR significantly attenuated renal injury and fibrosis and inhibited the mitochondrial accumulation of proapoptotic proteins Bax and Puma and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to the cytosol in a rat CKD model. In addition, SSR also improved the mitochondrial function and inhibited the nuclear and mitochondrial translocation of p53. In addition, SSR suppressed the p53 transactivation and the interaction of p53 with Bcl-xL and Bcl-2. These results suggested that SSR could block apoptosis in CKD by inhibiting p53 transcriptional-dependent and transcriptional-independent proapoptotic function and the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis.
Intelligent Course Plan Recommendation for Higher Education: A Framework of Decision Tree
Authors: Chen Xiaoliang , Zheng Jianzhong , Du Yajun , Tang Mingwei
Published: January 2020

The framework of outcomes-based education(OBE) has become a central issue for global university education, which is benefited to drive the education development by a series of assessments for historical teaching data, especially student course score, and employment information. The issue of how to timely update the talent training plans for computer major in a university has received considerable critical attention. It is becoming extremely difficult to ignore the requirement of fast shortened update cycle in IT area. One of the main obstacles is that the teaching inertia and the fixed awareness of a major training plan may delay the feedback of teaching problems. There is still a contradiction between the plan rationality and the real-time needs of contemporary IT enterprises. Hence, this paper puts forward a novel data-based framework to evaluate the relevance between the major courses, employment rate, and enterprise needs through the decision tree expression, thus providing reliable data support for systematic curriculum reform. On top of that, A recommendation algorithm is proposed to automatically generate the computer course group that satisfies the staff requirements of IT enterprises. Finally, teaching and employment data of Xihua University in China is applied as an example to undertake course optimization and recommendation. The consequences have an obvious positive effect on student employment and enterprise feedback.
A Multibranch Search Tree-Based Multi-Keyword Ranked Search Scheme over Encrypted Cloud Data
Authors: Dai Hua , Dai Xuelong , Li Xiao , Yi Xun , Xiao Fu , Yang Geng
Published: January 2020

In the interest of privacy concerns, cloud service users choose to encrypt their personal data before outsourcing them to cloud. However, it is difficult to achieve efficient search over encrypted cloud data. Therefore, how to design an efficient and accurate search scheme over large-scale encrypted cloud data is a challenge. In this paper, we integrate bisecting k-means algorithm and multibranch tree structure and propose the α-filtering tree search scheme based on bisecting k-means clusters. The novel index tree is built from bottom-up, and a greedy depth first algorithm is used for filtering the nonrelevant document cluster by calculating the relevance score between the filtering vector and the query vector. The α-filtering tree can improve the efficiency without the loss of search accuracy. The experiment on a real-world dataset demonstrates the effectiveness of our scheme.
An Anatomical Basis for the Myofascial Trigger Points of the Abductor Hallucis Muscle
Authors: Wada Juliano T. , Akamatsu Flavia , Hojaij Flavio , Itezerote Ana , Scarpa José Carlos , Andrade Mauro , Jacomo Alfredo
Published: January 2020

Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by pain and a limited range of joint motion caused by muscle contracture related to motor‐end‐plate dysfunction and the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). It is the most frequent cause of musculoskeletal pain, with a worldwide prevalence varying between 13.7% and 47%. Of the patients with myofascial pain syndrome, approximately 17% have pain in the medial hindfoot area. The abductor hallucis muscle is located in the medial, posterior region of the foot and is related to painful plantar syndromes. The objective of this study was to describe the distribution of the medial plantar nerve and their anatomical relationship with MTrPs found in the literature. Thirty abductor hallucis muscles were dissected from 15 human cadavers (8 males and 7 females). The muscles were measured, and the distribution data of the medial plantar nerve branches in each quadrant were recorded. For statistical analysis, we used generalized estimation equations with a Poisson distribution and a log logarithm function followed by Bonferroni multiple comparisons of the means. The data are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. The level of significance was adjusted to 5% (p < 0.05). A high concentration of nerve branches was observed in the first quadrant (Q1) of the abductor hallucis muscle, which is the same area in which the MTrPs are described. The topography of the entry points of the branches of the medial plantar nerve to the abductor hallucis muscle correlates with the topography of the muscular trigger points. The anatomical structure of the MTrPs may be useful for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of myofascial disorders and provide a basis for surgical and clinical treatments.
Statistical Detection of Weak Pulse Signal under Chaotic Noise Based on Elman Neural Network
Authors: Su Liyun , Deng Li , Zhu Wanlin , Zhao Shengli
Published: January 2020

Weak signal detection is a significant problem in modern detection such as mechanical fault diagnosis. The uniqueness of chaos and good learning ability of neural networks provide new ideas and framework for weak signal detection field. In this paper, Elman neural network is applied to detect and recover weak pulse signal in chaotic noise. For detection problem of weak pulse signal under chaotic noise, based on short-term predictability of chaotic observations, phase space reconstruction for observed signals is carried out. And Elman deep learning adaptive detection model (EDAD model) is established for weak pulse signal detection, and a hypothesis test is used to detect weak pulse signal from the prediction error. For the recovery of weak pulse signal under chaotic noise, a double-layer Elman deep neural network recovery model (DEDR model) is proposed, which is based on the Elman deep learning network model and single-point jump model for weak pulse signal, and it is optimized with goal of minimizing mean square prediction error of the Elman model. The profile least squares method is applied to estimate parameters of the DEDR model for difficult recovery of weak pulse signal because the DEDR model is essentially a semiparametric model with parametric and nonparametric parts. In the end, simulation experiments show that the model built in this paper can effectively detect and recover weak pulse signal in the background of chaotic noise.
Epitope and Fc-Mediated Cross-linking, but Not High Affinity, Are Critical for Antitumor Activity of CD137 Agonist Antibody with Reduced Liver Toxicity
Authors: Ho Sun K. , Xu Zhenghai , Thakur Archana , Fox Melvin , Tan Siu Sze , DiGiammarino Enrico , Zhou Li , Sho Mien , Cairns Belinda , Zhao Vivian , Xiong Mengli , Samayoa Josue , Forsyth Charles M. , Powers David B. , Chao Debra T. , Hollenbaugh Diane , Alvarez Hamsell M. , Akamatsu Yoshiko
Published: January 2020

CD137 (TNFRSF9, 4-1BB) agonist antibodies (mAb) have demonstrated potent antitumor activity with memory response while causing hepatotoxicity in mouse models. In clinical trials, the degrees of liver toxicity of anti-CD137 vary from grade 4 transaminitis (urelumab) to nonexistent (utomilumab). To exploit the antitumor potential of CD137 signaling, we identified a new class of CD137 agonist mAbs with strong antitumor potency without significant transaminitis in vivo compared with CD137 agonists previously reported. These mAbs are cross-reactive to mouse and cynomolgus monkey and showed cross-linking–dependent T-cell costimulation activity in vitro. Antitumor efficacy was maintained in Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) III–deficient mice but diminished in FcγRIIB-deficient mice, suggesting the critical role for FcγRIIB to provide cross-linking in vivo. Interestingly, a single dose of an affinity-reduced variant was sufficient to control tumor growth, but a higher affinity variant did not improve efficacy. These observations suggest that binding epitope and FcγR interaction, but not necessarily high affinity, are important for antitumor efficacy and reduced liver toxicity of CD137 mAb. Our study suggests the possibility of CD137 agonist therapy with improved safety profile in humans.
O-GlcNAc Transferase Regulates Cancer Stem–like Potential of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Akella Neha M. , Le Minh Giang , Ciraku Lorela , Mukherjee Ayonika , Bacigalupa Zachary A. , Mukhopadhyay Dimpi , Sodi Valerie L. , Reginato Mauricio J.
Published: January 2020

Breast tumors are heterogeneous and composed of different subpopulation of cells, each with dynamic roles that can change with stage, site, and microenvironment. Cellular heterogeneity is, in part, due to cancer stem–like cells (CSC) that share properties with stem cells and are associated with treatment resistance. CSCs rewire metabolism to meet energy demands of increased growth and biosynthesis. O-GlcNAc transferase enzyme (OGT) uses UDP-GlcNAc as a substrate for adding O-GlcNAc moieties to nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. OGT/O-GlcNAc levels are elevated in multiple cancers and reducing OGT in cancer cells blocks tumor growth. Here, we report that breast CSCs enriched in mammosphere cultures contain elevated OGT/O-GlcNAcylation. Inhibition of OGT genetically or pharmacologically reduced mammosphere forming efficiency, the CD44H/CD24L, NANOG+, and ALDH+ CSC population in breast cancer cells. Conversely, breast cancer cells overexpressing OGT increased mammosphere formation, CSC populations in vitro, and also increased tumor initiation and CSC frequency in vivo. Furthermore, OGT regulates expression of a number of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and CSC markers including CD44, NANOG, and c-Myc. In addition, we identify Krüppel-like factor 8 (KLF8) as a novel regulator of breast cancer mammosphere formation and a critical target of OGT in regulating CSCs.

Implications:

These findings demonstrate that OGT plays a key role in the regulation of breast CSCs in vitro and tumor initiation in vivo, in part, via regulation of KLF8, and thus inhibition of OGT may serve as a therapeutic strategy to regulate tumor-initiating activity.
Bridging Behavioral Science with Cancer Prevention and Control: Contributions of an NCI Working Group (2009–2019)
Authors: Klein William M.P. , Rothman Alexander J. , Suls Jerry
Published: January 2020

Human behavior plays a central role in cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Much behavior is, in turn, attributable to several core biological, cognitive, emotional, motivational, and interpersonal processes. Understanding the systematic and interactive impact of these processes can inform efforts to address cancer-relevant outcomes such as tobacco use, reliance on cancer misinformation, engagement in genetic testing, adherence to treatment, and acceptance of palliative care. Here, we review efforts of the NCI-supported Cognitive, Affective, and Social Processes in Health Research working group. Since 2009, this group has endeavored to advance the integration of basic behavioral science with cancer prevention and control by addressing topics such as the degree to which behavioral interventions alter cognitions underlying behavior, how technological innovations might facilitate behavioral measurement and intervention in areas such as smoking cessation, whether decision science principles might be applied to genetic testing decisions, how the cognitive effects of chemotherapy impair self-regulation, and the extent to which emotional factors drive palliative care decisions. The group has initiated numerous activities to build capacity for research in these areas including state-of-the-science meetings, written syntheses, conference symposia, and training workshops. We conclude with reflections about future needs as well as how to sustain such integrative efforts.
Management of Systemic Hypersensitivity Reactions to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogues during Treatment of Central Precocious Puberty
Authors: Kirkgoz Tarik , Karakoc-Aydiner Elif , Bugrul Fuat , Yavas Abali Zehra , Helvacioglu Didem , Kiykim Ayca , Bilgic Eltan Sevgi , Aruci Kasap Nurhan , Baris Safa , Ozen Ahmet , Guran Tulay , Bereket Abdullah , Turan Serap
Published: January 2020

Background: Besides local reactions, systemic hypersensitivity reactions such as urticaria, anaphylaxis, serum sickness and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) have been reported during gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue treatment. Aim: To present the clinical presentation of 9 cases with systemic hypersensitivity reactions to GnRH analogues and discuss the management of such reactions based on our experience. Patients and Methods: Nine of 232 (3.8%) patients with central precocious puberty receiving GnRH analogue treatment had systemic hypersensitivity reactions in 4 years’ period. Six patients had a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction (generalized hives, pruritus, and/or edema) to triptorelin acetate (TA), 2 patients to leuprolide acetate (LA), and 1 patient to both medications who also developed anaphylaxis to LA during intradermal test (IDT). Another patient on TA had skin lesions suggestive of HSP. GnRH analogue treatment was discontinued in 2 patients after discussion with the parents. Treatment was changed to another GnRH analogue preparation in 6 patients and was maintained with the same medication with antihistamines and corticosteroid premedication in 1 patient. None of the patients developed new reactions after these precautions. Conclusion: Systemic hypersensitivity reactions should be carefully evaluated and cross-reaction to the other GnRH analogues should be kept in mind. Discontinuation of GnRH analogue is always an option. However, if continuation of GnRH analogue is elected, we recommend switching to an alternative GnRH analogue, which should be considered only after a skin prick test (SPT) and IDT. In the lack of the possibility to perform SPT and IDT, injections may be administered under strict medical supervision in a well-equipped facility to manage anaphylaxis. We discuss additional options in situations where alternative GnRH analogues are unavailable, which enabled us to continue treatment in most cases without further problems.
Engagement in Everyday Activities among People Living in Indian Nursing Homes: The Association with Person-Centredness
Authors: Strøm Benedicte Sørensen  , Engedal Knut , Rokstad Anne Marie 
Published: January 2020

Introduction: It has been reported that residents living in nursing homes are often inactive and lonely and are offered a limited number of activities. However, high engagement in activities has been reported to improve residents’ quality of life and engagement in personalized activities can even reduce agitation and enhance positive mood. Information regarding occupational patterns and purpose in life is well established in Western countries. However, we know next to nothing about how people living in Indian nursing homes spend their days. Objective: To explore the participation in everyday activities among older people in Indian nursing homes and the extent to which engagement in activities is associated with person-centred care. Methods: The study was conducted in 6 nursing homes in India, comprising 147 residents. In all, 23 nursing staff took part and completed a 26-item questionnaire about resident activities based on the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale and the Person-Directed Care Questionnaire. Person-centredness was measured with the Person-Centred Care Assessment Tool. Results: We found low participationin everyday activities among the residents. Participation in religious activities was the most frequent, whereas the least used activities were excursions, participating in cultural activities, taking part in educational programmes, visiting a restaurant and going to the cinema. A significant positive association was foundbetween person-centred care and participation in religious activities, engagement in an activity programme and physical activity. Conclusions: The most frequently attended activity was religious activities. Person-centred care was associated with participation in religious activities, engagement in an activity programme, physical activity, spending time in the garden and playing and listening to music.
Severe Cervical Spinal Kyphosis: Technical Case Reports on the Way of Microsurgical Management
Authors: Chowdhury Forhad H. , Haque Mohammod Raziul
Published: January 2020

A young man presented with quadriparesis due to severe kyphosis of the cervical spine. In the first posterior operation, the spinal cord was decompressed by laminectomies and posterior partial corpectomy through bilateral translateral mass and transforaminal approach followed by posterior stabilization and fusion. In the second operation, the cervical spine was stabilized and fused through an anterior approach. The patient recovered completely from his neurological deficit with very minimal neck movements. We report this case to describe the bilateral translateral mass and transforaminal partial posterior cervical corpectomy for spinal cord decompression followed by posterior and anterior stabilization and fusion.