bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When steroids are not enough in immune-related hepatitis: current clinical challenges discussed on the basis of a case report
Authors: Ziogas Dimitrios C , Gkoufa Aikaterini , Cholongitas Evangelos , Diamantopoulos Panagiotis , Anastasopoulou Amalia , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Gogas Helen
Published: November 2020

Unleashing adaptive immunity via immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) in many cancer types led to durable antitumor responses and prolonged survivals and also added some new immune-related adverse events (irAEs) to the ‘old-fashioned’ safety profile of chemotherapy. Among bowel and endocrine irAEs, immune-mediated hepatotoxicity/hepatitis is a less common and far less well-studied toxicity, which, however, could develop into a serious complication, especially when it becomes persistent or refractory to steroids. Its incidence, onset and severity vary widely, depending on the type of underlying treated cancer, the class, the dosage and the duration of immunotherapy as well as the way of its administration (as a single agent or in combination with other ICPI or chemotherapy). In this study, we present a patient with metastatic melanoma who developed severe steroid-resistant ir-hepatitis after treatment with ipilimumab and required triple concurrent immunosuppression with prednisolone, mycofenolate mofetil and tacrolimus in order for his liver toxicity to be resolved. Intrigued by this case, we focused further on melanoma, as the disease-paradigm of immunotherapy in cancer, reviewed the reported incidence of hepatotoxicity among phase III ICPIs-containing trials on melanoma and discussed the main clinical considerations regarding the diagnosis and the management of persistent/steroid-refractory ir-hepatitis. As more clinical experience is gradually gained on this challenging topic, better answers are provided to questions about the appropriate diagnostic workup, the necessity of liver biopsy, the available immunosuppressive options beyond corticosteroids (their combinations and/or their sequence) as well as the correct decision on withdrawing or resuming immunotherapy. Nonetheless, a thorough multidisciplinary discussion is still required to individualize the overall approach in each case after failure of steroids.
Effects of a participatory organisational, core work task focused workplace intervention on employees’ primary healthcare consultations: secondary analysis of a cluster RCT
Authors: Framke Elisabeth , Sørensen Ole Henning , Pedersen Line R M , Pedersen Jacob , Madsen Ida E H , Bjorner Jakob B , Rugulies Reiner
Published: November 2020

Objectives

We aimed to examine whether a participatory organisational workplace intervention focusing on core tasks at work resulted in lower primary healthcare utilisation of employees.

Methods

The cluster randomised controlled trial included 78 preschools, 44 allocated to the intervention group (1745 employees) and 34 allocated to the control group (1267 employees). The intervention aimed to involve employees in improving the psychosocial work environment while focusing on core tasks at work. Using Poisson regression, we tested the rate ratios (RRs) of consultations in the intervention compared with the control group in terms of all consultations in primary healthcare and general practitioner (GP) consultations, respectively, per person-year during 31 months of follow-up. The fully adjusted model included adjustment for sex, age, job group, workplace type and size, and previous primary healthcare utilisation.

Results

During the follow-up, intervention group employees had 11.0 consultations/person-year, while control group employees had 11.6 consultations/person-year (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.01). Employees in the intervention group had 7.5 GP consultations/person-year, while control group employees had 8.2 GP consultations/person-year (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.99). Post hoc analyses indicated that the effect of the intervention was particularly strong in employees in preschools with a moderate or high level of implementation.

Conclusions

The participatory organisational workplace intervention focusing on core tasks at work among preschool employees had a small, statistically non-significant effect on overall primary healthcare utilisation and a small, statistically significant effect on GP consultations. These results suggest a beneficial effect of the participatory organisational intervention on employees’ health.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN16271504
Multi-marker DNA metabarcoding reflects tardigrade diversity in different habitats
Authors: Topstad Lasse , Guidetti Roberto , Majaneva Markus , Ekrem Torbjørn
Published: November 2020

Like meiofauna in general, tardigrades are often neglected in ecological and environmental surveys. Tardigrades occur in all parts of the world, from deep marine sediments to alpine environments, and are present in most ecosystems. They are therefore potentially good candidates for biomonitoring programs. However, sampling of these minute animals is both tedious and time-consuming, impeding their inclusion in large-scale ecological surveys. In this study we argue that using a multi-marker metabarcoding approach on environmental DNA (eDNA) partly can overcome this barrier. Samples of moss, lichens, and leaf litter were investigated both by morphology-based methods and DNA metabarcoding, and the results were compared in terms of tardigrade diversity and community composition of the sampled microhabitats. DNA metabarcoding using three markers detected more species of tardigrades than identification by morphology in most samples. Also, metabarcoding detected the same community differences and microhabitat distribution patterns as morphology-based methods. In general, metabarcoding of litter samples was unreliable, with only one out of three markers consistently amplifying and detecting tardigrades. The low availability of tardigrade reference sequences in public databases restricts the taxonomic resolution in eDNA surveys, but this impediment is partly circumvented by utilizing multiple markers.
Aspects of nonperturbative GUP models
Authors: Addazi Andrea , Shababi Homa
Published: November 2020

We review on further new developments of Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP) and implications for the cosmological vacuum energy. First, we introduce basic aspects of GUP as well as several possible different and viable formulation of it. Second, we move on discussing two recent new types of higher D-dimensional nonperturbative GUP models; which we dub D-Type-I and D-Type-II GUPs. The D-Type-I and D-Type-II GUPs are both related to the existence of a critical conspiracy between a minimal uncertainty length and a maximal observable momentum. Finally, we show direct implications of D-Type-I and D-Type-II on the cosmological vacuum energy obtained in quantum mechanical systems such as the typical quantum harmonic oscillator. Such a computation goes through investigations of the density of states for D-dimensional coordinate systems in the momentum space. We will also comment on several possible connections with fundamental issues of quantum gravity such as black hole physics and gravitational radiative aspects.
Centers of centralizers of nilpotent elements in exceptional Lie superalgebras
Authors: Han Leyu
Published: November 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite-dimensional simple Lie superalgebra of type [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the simply connected semisimple algebraic group over [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. Suppose [Formula: see text] is nilpotent. We describe the centralizer [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] and its center [Formula: see text] especially. We also determine the labeled Dynkin diagram for [Formula: see text]. We prove theorems relating the dimension of [Formula: see text] and the labeled Dynkin diagram.
Multilevel RBF collocation method for the fourth-order thin plate problem
Authors: Ding Lanling , Liu Zhiyong , Xu Qiuyan
Published: November 2020

The radial basis functions meshfree method is a research method for thin plate problem which has gradually developed into a more mature meshfree method. It includes finite element, radial basis functions meshfree collocation method, etc. In this paper, we introduce the multilevel radial basis function collocation method for the fourth-order thin plate problem. We use nonsymmetric Kansa multilevel radial basis function collocation method to solve the fourth-order thin plate problem. Two numerical examples based on Wendland’s [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] functions are given to examine that the convergence of the multilevel radial basis function collocation method which is good for solving the fourth-order thin plate problem.
On the Roman {2}-domatic number of graphs
Authors: Giahtazeh A. , Maimani H. R. , Iranmanesh A.
Published: November 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a graph. A Roman[Formula: see text]-dominating function [Formula: see text] has the property that for every vertex [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], either [Formula: see text] is adjacent to a vertex assigned [Formula: see text] under [Formula: see text], or [Formula: see text] is adjacent to at least two vertices assigned [Formula: see text] under [Formula: see text]. A set [Formula: see text] of distinct Roman [Formula: see text]-dominating functions on [Formula: see text] with the property that [Formula: see text] for each [Formula: see text] is called a Roman[Formula: see text]-domination family (or functions) on [Formula: see text]. The maximum number of functions in a Roman [Formula: see text]-dominating family on [Formula: see text] is the Roman[Formula: see text]-domatic number of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we answer two conjectures of Volkman [L. Volkmann, The Roman [Formula: see text]-domatic number of graphs, Discrete Appl. Math. 258 (2019) 235–241] about Roman [Formula: see text]-domatic number of graphs and we study this parameter for join of graphs and complete bipartite graphs.
On the forgotten topological index of graphs
Authors: Jahanbani Akbar
Published: November 2020

The forgotten topological index of a graph [Formula: see text] is defined as the sum of weights [Formula: see text] over all edges [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the degrees of the vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], respectively. In this paper, we characterize the extremal properties of the F-index (forgotten topological index). We first introduce some graph transformations which increase or decrease this index. Furthermore, we will determine the extremal acyclic, unicyclic and bicyclic graphs with minimum and maximum of the F-index by a unified method, respectively. Recently, Akhter et al. [S. Akhter, M. Imran and M. R. Farahani, Extremal unicyclic and bicyclic graphs with respect to the F-index, AKCE Int. J. Graphs Comb. 14 (2017) 80–91] characterized the extremal graph of unicyclic and bicyclic graphs with minimum of the F-index. We will provide a shorter proof.
Electrokinetic-enhanced removal of toluene from physically heterogeneous granular porous media
Authors: Gill Richard Thomas , Thornton Steven , Harbottle Michael J. , Smith Jonathan W. N.
Published: November 2020

Electrokinetics (EK) was applied to enhance biodegradation of toluene in the low hydraulic conductivity (
K
) zone of a physically heterogeneous water-saturated granular porous media. The hypothesis tested was that EK transport processes, which operate independently of advection, can deliver a limiting amendment, nitrate, across a high-
K
–low-
K
boundary to stimulate bioremediation. Two types of experiment were evaluated: (1) bench-scale tests that represented the active EK system and physically heterogeneous sediment configuration; (2) microcosms that represented biodegradation in the bench-scale tests under ideal conditions. The bench-scale experiment results showed a rapid decrease in toluene concentration during the application of EK that was attributed to electroosmotic removal from low-
K
zones. Comparison of toluene removal rates by electroosmosis and biodegradation (microcosm) confirmed that electroosmosis was the most effective mechanism under the conditions evaluated. Overall, this work challenges the original hypothesis and indicates that, at the field scale, the most favourable conditions for biodegradation are likely to be achieved by applying EK to increase contaminant flux across the low-
K
–high-
K
boundary (out of the low-
K
zone) and allowing biodegradation to occur in the high-
K
zone either by natural attenuation or enhanced by amendment addition.

Supplementary material:
Supplementary material is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5174554
Clinical and Preclinical Systematic Review of Astragalus Membranaceus for Viral Myocarditis
Authors: Zheng Qun , Zhuang Zhuang , Wang Zi-Hao , Deng Li-Hui , Jin Wang-Jun , Huang Zi-Jun , Zheng Guo-Qing , Wang Yan
Published: November 2020

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is a traditional Chinese medicine, which possesses a variety of biological activities in the cardiovascular systems. We conducted a clinical and preclinical systematic review of 28 randomized clinical control studies with 2522 participants and 16 animal studies with 634 animals to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and possible mechanisms of AM for viral myocarditis (VM). The search strategies were performed in 7 databases from inception to January 2020. Application of the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool 7-item checklist, SYRCLE’s tool 10-item checklist, and Rev-Man 5.3 software to analyze the risk of bias of studies and data. The results show the score of clinical study quality ranged from 3 to 7 points with an average of 3.32, and the score of animal study quality ranged from 2 to 5 points with an average of 3. In clinical study, AM significantly reduced serum myocardial enzymes and cardiac troponin I levels and improved the clinical treatment efficiency in VM patients compared with the control group (

P
<
0.05

). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions (

P
>
0.05

). Significant increase of the survival rate and decrease of the cardiac cardiology score, cardiac enzymes, and cardiac troponin I were compared with the placebo group in animal studies (

P
<
0.05

). The possible mechanisms of AM are largely through antivirus and antivirus receptors, anti-inflammatory, antioxidation, antiapoptotic, antifibrosis, and reducing cardiac calcium load. In conclusion, the findings suggested that AM is a cardioprotection candidate drug for VM.
An Improved Data Fusion Method Based on Weighted Belief Entropy considering the Negation of Basic Probability Assignment
Authors: Chen Yong , Tang Yongchuan , Lei Yan
Published: November 2020

Uncertainty in data fusion applications has received great attention. Due to the effectiveness and flexibility in handling uncertainty, Dempster–Shafer evidence theory is widely used in numerous fields of data fusion. However, Dempster–Shafer evidence theory cannot be used directly for conflicting sensor data fusion since counterintuitive results may be attained. In order to handle this issue, a new method for data fusion based on weighted belief entropy and the negation of basic probability assignment (BPA) is proposed. First, the negation of BPA is applied to represent the information in a novel view. Then, by measuring the uncertainty of the evidence, the weighted belief entropy is adopted to indicate the relative importance of evidence. Finally, the ultimate weight of each body of evidence is applied to adjust the mass function before fusing by the Dempster combination rule. The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated in accordance with an experiment on artificial data and an application on fault diagnosis.
Effects of Fire Frequency on Woody Plant Composition and Functional Traits in a Wet Savanna Ecosystem
Authors: Makumbe Peter , Chikorowondo Gift , Dzamara Pride Canisia , Ndaimani Henry , Gandiwa Edson
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of fire frequency on vegetation taxonomic and functional diversity in a wet savanna ecosystem, eastern Zimbabwe. The study area was stratified into three fire frequency regimes using a 15-year fire history (2000–2014) across the landscape: high (HFF: burnt every 1-2 years), medium (MFF: burnt every 3-4 years), and low (LFF: burnt every 5-6 years). Data were collected from a total of 30 plots measuring 20 m × 20 m each between March and May 2018. In each plot, we recorded tree maximum height (Hmax), woody plant density, basal diameter, resprouting capacity, and bark thickness. We calculated species evenness, diversity, functional richness (FRic), Rao’s Quadratic Entropy (RaoQ), functional redundancy, and relative bark thickness. We recorded 1,031 individual trees belonging to 24 species across the three fire regimes. Significant differences across the three fire regimes were recorded for Hmax, woody plant density, and relative bark thickness

P
<
0.05

. Hmax and woody plant density were higher in LFF than HFF regimes while relative bark thickness was higher in HFF than in the LFF regimes. Species evenness was significantly higher in HFF and MFF regimes than LFF regime

P
<
0.05

, while FRic and functional redundancy significantly increased with decreasing fire frequency

P
<
0.05

. However, no significant differences were recorded for resprouting capacity, species richness, taxonomic diversity, and RaoQ

P
>
0.05

. Species like Cassia petersiana, Cussonia spicata, Vachellia spp., and Rhus lancea were associated with LFF, while species like Protea gaguedi, Brachystegia utilis, and Vangueria infausta showed a strong association with HFF to MFF. Our study demonstrated that a combination of taxonomic and functional diversity metrics is adequate to evaluate the response of savanna vegetation to fire. We recommend a further assessment on vegetation composition using other elements of fire regimes.
Peripapillary and Macular Flow Changes in Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A)
Authors: Liu Juejun , Chen Changzheng , Li Lu , Yi Zuohuizi , Zheng Hongmei
Published: November 2020

Background. To analyze the blood flow changes of radial peripapillary capillaries (RPCs) and macula with time procession in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Methods. A total of 21 affected eyes and 19 unaffected eyes from 21 NAION patients were included. Assessments of BCVA, CFP, SD-OCT, and OCT-A were performed on NAION patients at enrollment and at 1-2 weeks, 1-2 months, and 3–6 months after enrollment. Measures of the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (wRNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex (wGCC) of the whole image in SD-OCT, vessel density of the RPC (wRPC) and superficial and deep vascular complexes (wSVD, wDVD) in the whole image of OCT-A, and their superior- and inferior-hemi values (s/iRNFL, s/iGCC, s/iRPC, and s/iSVD) were assessed. Results. Compared to unaffected control eyes, wRPC (

p
≤
0.001

) was significantly lower in affected eyes at baseline, and there was no significant difference in wSVD (

p
>
0.05

). The wRPC and wSVD values of affected eyes were significantly decreased at follow-up time points of 1–2 and 3–6 months compared to baseline (

p
=
0.001

,

p
≤
0.001

;

p
≤
0.001

,

p
≤
0.001

). The sRPC values were significantly lower than iRPC at 1-2/3–6 months (

p
=
0.016

,

p
=
0.013

), and sSVD values were lower than iSVD at 1-2 months (

p
=
0.010

). Statistically significant correlations were found between wRPC and wRNFL values at 3–6 months (r = 0.626,

p
=
0.022

), between wSVD and wGCC at 1-2 weeks and 1-2 months (r = 0.570, r = 0.436;

p
=
0.007

,

p
=
0.048

). Conclusion. OCT-A revealed a sectorial reduction in vessel density in the RPC and macula with the disease progression of NAION from acute to atrophic stages, a classification associated with structural deficits.
Preparation and Characterization of PEG-PLA Genistein Micelles Using a Modified Emulsion-Evaporation Method
Authors: Cheng Qiuchen , Qin Wen , Yu Yanhong , Li Guojian , Wu Jizhou , Zhuo Lang
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study is to improve the bioavailability of genistein by encapsulation with polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid (PEG-PLA) copolymers. Genistein micelles (GMs) prepared using a modified emulsion-evaporation method were more stable than those made with the original method. The effect of polyvinyl alcohol, Tween 80, sonication time, PEG-PLA/genistein ratio, and organic phase (acetone)/H2O ratio on the size, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, and drug loading efficiency of GMs was investigated. GMs were obtained and characterized under optimal experimental conditions. For long-term storage, GMs were lyophilized by freeze drying with trehalose to produce genistein lyophilized powder (GLP). The analysis of GLP by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry showed that genistein was successfully incorporated into the micellar structure. In vitro release experiments revealed that the incorporation of genistein into PEG-PLA copolymers significantly improved its solubility and bioavailability. GLP was more potent in inhibiting the proliferation of HSC-T6 cells than genistein. Treatment with GLP at 10–20 μg/mL for 48 h significantly inhibited the protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen I in HSC-T6 cells compared with the control. These data demonstrated that the improved solubility and bioavailability of genistein in the form of GLP enhanced its antifibrotic effect in vitro.
Copolymer Based on Polyglycerol-Acrylate-Lactate as Potential Water Viscosifier and Surfactant for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Amaya-Gómez M. P. , Sanabria-Rivas L. M. , Díaz-Lasprilla A. M. , Ardila-Suárez C. , Castro-García R. H. , Quintero-Pérez H. I. , Ramírez-Caballero G. E.
Published: November 2020

Polymer and surfactant flooding are widely applied processes in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in which viscous polymers or surfactants aqueous solutions are introduced in oil reservoirs to rise the recovery of the remaining oil. In this regard, one of the challenges of EOR practices is the use of efficient but low-cost viscosifier and surfactant polymers. This work is aimed at synthesizing a polyglycerol derived from the biodegradable and nontoxic monomer, glycerol, and evaluating the effect of its copolymerization on rheological and interfacial properties, which were tested in water and brine for the former and in the water/oil system for the last properties. The copolymers were synthesized using a polyglycerol backbone, acrylic acid, lactic acid, and oleic acid. The chemical structure of copolymers was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The viscosity and the interfacial tension (IFT) of polymeric solutions were tested. Thus, the viscosity and surface performance of the prepared polymer solutions in distilled water and brine were analyzed according to the structure of the synthesized polymers. The results showed that the synthesized polymers modified water viscosity and surface tension between water and oil. The developed polymers could be candidates for applications in enhanced oil recovery and related applications.
Cellular Mechanisms Triggered by the Cotreatment of Resveratrol and Doxorubicin in Breast Cancer: A Translational In Vitro–In Silico Model
Authors: Vargas José Eduardo , Puga Renato , Lenz Guido , Trindade Cristiano , Filippi-Chiela Eduardo
Published: November 2020

Doxorubicin (Doxo) is the most effective chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer. However, resistance to Doxo is common. Adjuvant compounds capable of modulating mechanisms involved in Doxo resistance may potentiate the effectiveness of the drug. Resveratrol (Rsv) has been tested as an adjuvant in mammary malignancies. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of cotreatment with Doxo and Rsv in breast cancer are poorly understood. Here, we combined in vitro and in silico analysis to characterize these mechanisms. In vitro, we employed a clinically relevant experimental design consisting of acute (24 h) treatment followed by 15 days of analysis. Acute Rsv potentiated the long-lasting effect of Doxo through the induction of apoptosis and senescence. Cells that survived to the cotreatment triggered high levels of autophagy. Autophagy inhibition during its peak of activation but not concomitant with Doxo+Rsv increased the long-term toxicity of the cotreatment. To uncover key proteins potentially associated with in vitro effects, an in silico multistep strategy was implemented. Chemical-protein networks were predicted based on constitutive gene expression of MCF7 cells and interatomic data from breast cancer. Topological analysis, KM survival analysis, and a quantitative model based on the connectivity between apoptosis, senescence, and autophagy were performed. We found seven putative genes predicted to be modulated by Rsv in the context of Doxo treatment: CCND1, CDH1, ESR1, HSP90AA1, MAPK3, PTPN11, and RPS6KB1. Six out of these seven genes have been experimentally proven to be modulated by Rsv in cancer cells, with 4 of the 6 genes in MCF7 cells. In conclusion, acute Rsv potentiated the long-term toxicity of Doxo in breast cancer potentially through the modulation of genes and mechanisms involved in Doxo resistance. Rational autophagy inhibition potentiated the effects of Rsv+Doxo, a strategy that should be further tested in animal models.
The Finite Element Numerical Investigation of Free Surface Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluid Flows in the Rectangular Tanks
Authors: Gao Puyang
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we develop a new computational framework to investigate the sloshing free surface flow of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids in the rectangular tanks. We simulate the flow via a two-phase model and employ the fixed unstructured mesh in the computation to avoid the mesh distortion and reconstruction. As for the solution of Navier–Stokes equation, we utilize the SUPG finite element method based on the splitting scheme. The same order interpolation functions are then used for velocity and pressure. Moreover, the moving interface is captured via the concise level set method. We take advantage of the implicit discontinuous Galerkin method to handle the solution of level set and its reinitialization equations. A mass correction technique is also added to ensure the mass conservation property. The dam break-free surface flow is simulated firstly to demonstrate the validity of our mathematical model. In addition, the sloshing Newtonian fluid in the tank with flat and rough bottoms is considered to illustrate the feasibility and robustness of our computational scheme. Finally, the development of free surface for non-Newtonian fluid is also studied in the two tanks, and the influence of power-law index on the sloshing fluid flow is analyzed.
A Novel CGM Metric-Gradient and Combining Mean Sensor Glucose Enable to Improve the Prediction of Nocturnal Hypoglycemic Events in Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Li Jingzhen , Ma Xiaojing , Tobore Igbe , Liu Yuhang , Kandwal Abhishek , Wang Lei , Lu Jingyi , Lu Wei , Bao Yuqian , Zhou Jian , Nie Zedong
Published: November 2020

Nocturnal hypoglycemia is a serious complication of insulin-treated diabetes, and it is often asymptomatic. A novel CGM metric-gradient was proposed in this paper, and a method of combining mean sensor glucose (MSG) and gradient was presented for the prediction of nocturnal hypoglycemia. For this purpose, the data from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) encompassing 1,921 patients with diabetes were analyzed, and a total of 302 nocturnal hypoglycemic events were recorded. The MSG and gradient values were calculated, respectively, and then combined as a new metric (i.e., MSG+gradient). In addition, the prediction was conducted by four algorithms, namely, logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest, and long short-term memory. The results revealed that the gradient of CGM showed a downward trend before hypoglycemic events happened. Additionally, the results indicated that the specificity and sensitivity based on the proposed method were better than the conventional metrics of low blood glucose index (LBGI), coefficient of variation (CV), mean absolute glucose (MAG), lability index (LI), etc., and the complex metrics of MSG+LBGI, MSG+CV, MSG+MAG, and MSG+LI, etc. Specifically, the specificity and sensitivity were greater than 96.07% and 96.03% at the prediction horizon of 15 minutes and greater than 87.79% and 90.07% at the prediction horizon of 30 minutes when the proposed method was adopted to predict nocturnal hypoglycemic events in the aforementioned four algorithms. Therefore, the proposed method of combining MSG and gradient may enable to improve the prediction of nocturnal hypoglycemic events. Future studies are warranted to confirm the validity of this metric.
Estimation of Total Quercetin and Rutin Content in Malus domestica of Nepalese Origin by HPLC Method and Determination of Their Antioxidative Activity
Authors: Pandey Jitendra , Bastola Tonking , Tripathi Julu , Tripathi Milu , Rokaya Rabindra Kumar , Dhakal Bhawana , D. C. Rabin , Bhandari Ravin , Poudel Amrit
Published: November 2020

Malus domestica (Apple) is one of the most widely cultivated cash crops of Nepal. Jumla and Mustang are two major pocket areas for the production of apple. Flavonoids including quercetin and rutin are potent antioxidants present in apples. This study was designed to quantify and compare the presence of quercetin and rutin in different plant parts (peel, leaf, and bark) among various cultivars of Malus domestica from two pocket zones of Nepal. A new HPLC-UV method was developed and validated for the quantification of quercetin and rutin. Polyphenols, flavonoids, and carbohydrate contents were determined by colorimetric methods. 2,2′-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay was carried out to measure in vitro antioxidative activity. Acid hydrolysis of each extract was carried out by the standard method to measure aglycone quercetin content after hydrolysis of its glycosides. The total rutin content ranged from 3.69 ± 1.34 to 374.50 ± 2.35 mg/100g dry extract weight. Before the acidic hydrolysis, the total quercetin content ranged from 2.96 ± 0.13 to 171.05 ± 0.95 mg/100g dry extract weight whereas its amount increased highly after the hydrolysis and it ranged from 80.84 ± 19.65 to 7445.32 ± 29.25 mg/100g dry extract weight. Total polyphenol content ranged from 19.48 ± 0.23 to 123.48 ± 1.84 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg of dry extract weight. Similarly, flavonoid content ranged from 2.21 ± 0.72 µg to 755.54 ± 1.91 µg quercetin equivalent/mg of dry extract weight. Total carbohydrate content ranged from 144.15 ± 3.73 to 484.65 ± 2.63 µg glucose equivalent per 0.5 mg dry extract weight. All the extracts showed the various degrees of antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. Among them, stem bark of the Jonathan Jumla showed potent antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 13.003 µg/mL. The present study provides the information about variation of the phytochemical content among the different cultivars, parts, and geographic locations. Furthermore, it revealed that bark of Malus domestica cultivars had high quercetin and rutin content with high antioxidant activity.
Mechanism of Rock Burst Revealed by Numerical Simulation and Energy Calculation
Authors: Zhang Wenlong , Ma Nianjie , Ma Ji , Li Chen , Ren Jianju
Published: November 2020

We propose a new computational method to calculate the storage elastic energy value of surrounding rocks based on numerical simulation and theoretical calculation. By calculating the difference value in energy under different force states and comparing them with the energy level when rock burst occurs, we get the mechanism of rock burst: when roadway and surrounding rocks are in the condition of large ratio bias force field, certain triggering stress causes mass release of the elastic energy of surrounding rocks around the roadway, and when the energy reaches a certain level, rock burst will occur. We also put forward the specific force field conditions and triggering stress values of rock burst, which is of great guiding significance for the mechanism disclosure, monitoring, and control of rock burst.
Multiscale Hedging with Crude Oil Futures Based on EMD Method
Authors: Zheng Chengli , Su Kuangxi
Published: November 2020

Studying the impact of the different components in data on hedging can provide valuable guidance to investors. However, the previous multiscale hedging studies do not examine the issue from the data itself. In this study, we use the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method to reconstruct the crude oil futures and spot returns into three different scales: short-term, medium-term, and long-term. Then, we discuss the crude oil hedging performance under the dynamic minimum-CVaR framework at different scales. Based on the daily prices of Brent crude oil futures contract from August 18, 2005, to September 16, 2019, the empirical results show that the extracted scales comprise different information of original returns, short-term information occupies the most important position, and hedging is mainly driven by short-term information. Besides, hedging relying on long-term information has the best hedging performance. Removing some information related to short-term noise from the original returns is helpful for investors.
Miniaturized Spiral Metamaterial Array for a Ventilated Broadband Acoustic Absorber
Authors: Liu Xingxing , Li Xiang , Ren Zhiying
Published: November 2020

The high-efficiency and broadband acoustic reduction performance in a miniaturized free-flow structure remains challenging in acoustic engineering applications due to the contradiction of ventilation and acoustic reduction performance. Traditional acoustic absorbers can sufficiently attenuate acoustic wave, but meanwhile, block fluid flow due to the longitudinal nature of acoustic waves that can transmit among any small holes. Although different types of ventilated metamaterial absorbers (VMAs) with proper reduction and ventilation performance have been demonstrated recently, their insufficiencies lie in small open-area ratios, not efficient-enough reduction performance, bulky structure, and narrow working band. To further solve existing defects, a ventilated broadband absorber with the miniaturized metamaterial structure has been proposed. The designed absorber consists of miniaturized Archimedean spiral units, which can be easily stacked to achieve broadband and ventilated performance. This work opens up possibilities for practical acoustic applications where both noise control and ventilation are required, especially in a small space.
Lightweight Data Security Protection Method for AMI in Power Internet of Things
Authors: Jiang Wenqian , Yang Zhou , Zhou Zhenglei , Chen Jueyu
Published: November 2020

Aiming at the security problems caused by the access of a large number of new advanced metering system (AMI) equipment and the rapid growth of new business data interaction volume and interaction frequency, a lightweight data security protection method for power Internet of things (IoT) is proposed. Firstly, based on the “cloud-edge-end” AMI system architecture, a multilevel anonymous authentication method is proposed to reduce the complexity of low-end equipment access without reauthentication when smart meters and other devices access the system. Then, when fully homomorphic encryption is used for data encryption transmission, the lightweight packet recombination protocol is introduced, the lightweight hash function is used to reduce the calculation cost, and the sliding address window mechanism is used to reduce the packet loss rate. Finally, improved secure multiparty computing (SMPC) is used to achieve frequency hopping data aggregation, using shared key to calculate local shared value for key update, reducing data interaction between massive devices and AMI cloud security server, and improving broadband utilization in data aggregation process. The experiment results indicate that the proposed method obtained better utilization in bandwidth and shorter average data collection completion time. Besides, the proposed method can ensure the information security in the interaction process.
CD82 Suppresses ADAM17-Dependent E-Cadherin Cleavage and Cell Migration in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ma Zhenkun , Gao Ye , Liu Wei , Zheng Long , Jin Ben , Duan Bei , Xie Hongjun , Guo Peng , Zeng Jin , Wang Ke , Xu Shan , Wang Xinyang , He Dalin , Li Lei
Published: November 2020

CD82 acts as a tumor suppressor in a series of steps in malignant progression. Here, we identified a novel function of CD82 on posttranslational regulating E-cadherin in prostate cancer. In our study, the declined expression of CD82 was verified in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines compared with normal tissue and cell lines. Functionally, CD82 inhibited cell migration and E-cadherin cleavage from the cell membrane in prostate cancer cell. Further study proved that a disintegrin and metalloproteinase ADAM17 as an executor of E-cadherin cleavage mediated the inhibitory regulation of CD82 in E-cadherin shedding in prostate cancer. Specifically, CD82 interacted with ADAM17 and inhibited its metalloprotease activity, which led to the descent of E-cadherin shedding. These results show a nuanced but important role of CD82 in nontranscriptional regulation of E-cadherin, which may help to understand the intricate regulation of dysfunctional adhesion molecule in cancer progression.
The Eu:CROPIS Mass Property Campaign: Trimming a Spin-Stabilized Compact Satellite for a Long-Term Artificial Gravity Experiment
Authors: Orlowski-Feldhusen Fabian , Kottmeier Sebastian , Heidecker Ansgar , Mierheim Olaf , Kolakowski Oliver , Klöpper Robert
Published: November 2020

Eu:CROPIS (Euglena Combined Regenerative Organic Food Production in Space) is the first mission of DLR’s compact satellite program. The launch of Eu:CROPIS took place on December 3rd in 2018 on-board the Falcon 9 SSO-A mission. The satellite’s primary payload Eu:CROPIS features a biological experiment in the context of closed loop coupled life support systems. The Eu:CROPIS satellite mission uses spin stabilization along its

Z

-axis to provide defined acceleration levels for the primary and secondary payloads to simulate either a Moon or Mars gravity environment. For the payload performance, it is vital to achieve a minimum deviation between spacecraft

Z

-axis and the major moment of inertia (MoI) axis to minimize the offset of the envisaged acceleration levels. Specific moment of inertia ratios between the spin- and minor axes had to be maintained to allow the attitude control system to keep the satellite at a stable rotation despite environmental disturbances. This paper presents the adaptive and flexible trimming strategy applied during the flight model production, as well as the mass property measurement acceptance campaign and the respective results.
An Improved Differential Evolution Algorithm Based on Dual-Strategy
Authors: Zhong Xuxu , Cheng Peng
Published: November 2020

In recent years, Differential Evolution (DE) has shown excellent performance in solving optimization problems over continuous space and has been widely used in many fields of science and engineering. How to avoid the local optimal solution and how to improve the convergence performance of DE are hotpot problems for many researchers. In this paper, an improved differential evolution algorithm based on dual-strategy (DSIDE) is proposed. The DSIDE algorithm has two strategies. (1) An enhanced mutation strategy based on “DE/rand/1,” which takes into account the influence of reference individuals on mutation and has strong global exploration and convergence ability. (2) A novel adaptive strategy for scaling factor and crossover probability based on fitness value has a positive impact on population diversity. The DSIDE algorithm is verified with other seven state-of-the-art DE variants under 30 benchmark functions. Furthermore, Wilcoxon sign rank-sum test, Friedman test, and Kruskal–Wallis test are utilized to analyze the results. The experiment results show that the proposed DSIDE algorithm can significantly improve the global optimization performance.
Some New Tempered Fractional Pólya-Szegö and Chebyshev-Type Inequalities with Respect to Another Function
Authors: Rahman Gauhar , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Abdeljawad Thabet , Samraiz Muhammad
Published: November 2020

In this present article, we establish certain new Pólya–Szegö-type tempered fractional integral inequalities by considering the generalized tempered fractional integral concerning another functionΨin the kernel. We then prove certain new Chebyshev-type tempered fractional integral inequalities for the said operator with the help of newly established Pólya–Szegö-type tempered fractional integral inequalities. Also, some new particular cases in the sense of classical tempered fractional integrals are discussed. Additionally, examples of constructing bounded functions are considered. Furthermore, one can easily form new inequalities for Katugampola fractional integrals, generalized Riemann–Liouville fractional integral concerning another functionΨin the kernel, and generalized fractional conformable integral by applying different conditions.
Urinary Melatonin in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk: Nested Case–Control Analysis in the DOM Study and Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Wong Angel T.Y. , Fensom Georgina K. , Key Timothy J. , Onland-Moret N. Charlotte , Tong Tammy Y.N. , Travis Ruth C.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Exposure to higher levels of melatonin may be associated with lower breast cancer risk, but epidemiologic evidence has been limited. We examined the relationship in a case–control study nested within the Diagnostisch Onderzoek Mammacarcinoom (DOM) study and conducted a meta-analysis of prospective studies.

Methods:

Concentrations of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) in prediagnostic first morning urine voids were measured in 274 postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer and 274 matched controls from the DOM study. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate multivariable adjusted ORs of breast cancer for thirds of aMT6s. Meta-analysis of this and previous prospective studies of urinary melatonin with breast cancer risk estimated the inverse-variance weighted averages of study-specific log RRs of breast cancer for the highest versus lowest levels of aMT6s.

Results:

In the DOM study, the ORs of breast cancer for the middle and highest versus lowest thirds of aMT6s were 0.70 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.45–1.09] and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.44–1.19), respectively. In the meta-analysis of the DOM study with six previous studies (2,296 cases), RR of breast cancer for the highest versus lowest levels of aMT6s was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.76–1.01).

Conclusions:

Results from the DOM study, together with the published prospective data, do not support a strong association of melatonin with breast cancer risk.

Impact:

This study adds to the relatively scarce prospective data on melatonin in relation to breast cancer risk. The totality of the prospective evidence does not clearly show an association between melatonin and breast cancer risk, but further data are needed to be able to exclude a modest association.
Pre- and Post-Diagnosis Diet Quality and Ovarian Cancer Survival
Authors: Al Ramadhani Ruqaiya M. , Nagle Christina M. , Ibiebele Torukiri I. , Grant Peter , Friedlander Michael , DeFazio Anna , Webb Penelope M.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Prior studies evaluating diet quality in relation to ovarian cancer survival are sparse, and to date none have assessed diet quality or diet-quality change after diagnosis.

Methods:

In the prospective Ovarian cancer Prognosis And Lifestyle (OPAL) study, diet-quality scores were calculated using data from food frequency questionnaires completed pre-diagnosis (n = 650) and 12 months' post-diagnosis (n = 503). We used Cox proportional hazard models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between diet quality and survival.

Results:

During the median follow-up of 4.4 years, 278 women died from ovarian cancer. There was no evidence of an association between diet quality pre- or post-diagnosis and progression-free, overall, or ovarian cancer–specific survival. No survival advantage was observed for women who had either improved their diet quality or who consumed a high-quality diet both before and 12 months after diagnosis.

Conclusions:

Higher pre- and post-diagnosis diet quality was not associated with better survival outcomes in this cohort of women with ovarian cancer.

Impact:

Diet quality is important for a range of health outcomes but may not improve survival after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Trichostatin A Induces Autophagy in Cervical Cancer Cells by Regulating the PRMT5-STC1-TRPV6-JNK Pathway
Authors: Liu Jian-Hao , Cao Yan-Ming , Rong Zhi-Peng , Ding Juan , Pan Xi
Published: November 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of trichostatin A (TSA) on cervical cancer and the related mechanisms. Methods: The HeLa and Caski cervical cancer cell lines were treated with different concentrations of TSA. Cell viability was measured by MTT assays. Cell apoptosis was analysed using flow cytometry. Expression of transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 6 (TRPV6), protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), and stanniocalcin 1 (STC1) was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Protein levels of LC3 II/I, beclin1, p62, JNK, and p-JNK were detected by Western blotting. Results: Treatment with TSA significantly decreased HeLa and Caski cell viability and enhanced the apoptosis rate in a dose-dependent manner. TSA markedly elevated beclin1 protein levels and the LC3 II/I ratio and significantly reduced p62 levels in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, TSA (1 μM) significantly suppressed PRMT5 and TRPV6 levels and enhanced STC1 and p-JNK levels. The lysosomal inhibitor bafilomycin-A1 synergistically enhanced the TSA-mediated increase in autophagic flux. Either the overexpression of TRPV6 or the inhibition of JNK signalling markedly enhanced cell viability, inhibited apoptosis, and autophagy and reduced p-JNK levels in TSA-treated cells. The inhibition of STC1 significantly increased TRPV6 protein levels and reduced p-JNK levels. Overexpression of PRMT5 dramatically decreased STC1 and p-JNK protein levels and increased TRPV6 levels. Conclusion: TSA suppresses cervical cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis and autophagy through regulation of the PRMT5/STC1/TRPV6/JNK axis.