bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centennial and millennial‐scale dynamics inAraucaria–Nothofagusforests in the southern Andes
Authors: Dickson Bianca , Fletcher Michael‐Shawn , Hall Tegan L. , Moreno Patricio I.
Published: December 2020

Aim

To assess the relative roles of long‐term (millennial‐scale) climatic change, fire and volcanic disturbance on the dynamics ofAraucaria–Nothofagusforests of south‐central Chile. Through this analysis, we provide insight into how these iconic ecosystems may respond to future ash‐fall events under anticipated changes to climate and burning regimes.

Location

Lago Cilantro is a small lake located in south‐central Chile (38°51′36.72 S, 71°17′14.52 W, 1,400 m asl), proximal to several active volcanos within the Southern Volcanic Zone of the Andes Mountain range.

Taxon

Araucaria araucana(Araucariaceae);Nothofagusspp. (Nothofagaceae).

Methods

We developed a continuous 8,700‐year long pollen and charcoal record from Lago Cilantro. We compared these results with proxies of regional climatic change and used a combination of principal component analysis and superposed epoch analysis to test the relationship between tephra deposition and pollen composition.

Results

We detect a shift in dominance fromAraucaria araucanatoNothofagusspecies between ~8.7 and ~5.5 ka (ka = 1,000 years before present‐1950 CE), in concert with increasing regional precipitation and decreasing local‐scale fire activity. A reversal in this trend occurred after ~4 ka, contemporaneous with a reduction in regional precipitation. Centennial‐scale increases inAraucaria araucanafrom ~0.2 to 0.9 ka, ~5.2 to 4.2 ka and ~8.6 to 7 ka are associated with reductions in fire return intervals. We found 24 tephra layers in this record; tephra >2 cm thickness are associated with short‐term (<100 year) compositional shifts in the pollen spectra, while a single large (255 cm) tephra at ~3 ka is associated with a substantial reduction inNothofagusand no change inAraucaria.

Main Conclusions

Climate change drove millennial‐scale shifts inAraucaria–Nothofagusforests and fire regimes near Lago Cilantro. A shortening of the fire return interval is associated with an increase in the importance ofAraucaria, supporting the notion that recurrent fires are required to allow this tree species to compete withNothofagus. Tephra deposition triggered short‐term compositional responses in this system that appears to be overwhelmed by climate and fire at longer time‐scales.Araucaria araucanacan survive and potentially outcompeteNothofagusfollowing the deposition of very thick tephra, thanks to its thick bark and tall canopy (>15 m).
Validity and reliability of the internalized stigma of Mental Illness Scale–Adolescent Form
Authors: Dikeç Gül , Bilaç Öznur , Uzunoğlu Gülçin , Ozan Erol
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The goal of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale–Adolescent Form (ISMI‐AF).

Methods

A total of 145 adolescents (12–18 years of age) who were diagnosed with at least one mental disorder according to DSM‐5‐TR participated in the study. Data were collected at a mental health hospital between October 2017 and 2019 using a sociodemographic information form, the ISMI‐AF, and Beliefs towards Mental Illness (BMI) Scale. Reliability (Cronbach's alpha, Split–Half, Spearman–Brown, Hotelling T2 test) and validity analyses of the ISMI‐AF were performed. SPSS 26.0 and LISREL 8.80 software were used for statistical analyses.

Results

The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for total score was .88, Split–Half score was .84, and the Spearman–Brown factor score was .85. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the scale confirmed to the five‐factor structure in adolescents, but factor loadings and reliability coefficients were low in the “stigma resistance” subscale. There was a positive and weak correlation between ISMI‐AF and BMI (r = .37, p = .00).

Conclusion

The ISMI‐AF is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used in adolescents. This scale can help psychiatric nurses who work in this field identify and address internalized stigma, which is one of the key factors affecting adherence to treatment, especially in adolescents.
Evaluation of the technological potential of four wastes from Amazon fruit industry in glucose and ethanol production
Authors: de Oliveira Johnatt Allan Rocha , da Conceição Adriene Carvalho , da Silva Martins Luiza Helena , Moreira Débora Kono Taketa , Passos Marcele Fonseca , Komesu Andrea
Published: December 2020

The diversity of fruits existing in the Amazon region has been extensively explored by local agroindustry, causing an increase in the volume of agro‐industrial wastes and generating the need to create ways not yet applied to use these materials as alternatives for their management. Using four different wastes from the Amazon fruit industry (Acerola fruit bagasse, Pupunha peels, and clusters and mango peels) the technological potential production of glucose and ethanol was investigated in a lab‐scale. An experimental design Type 22 was conducted to evaluate pretreatment with H2SO4 1%, ranging time (30–90 min), and a load of solids (5%–15%). The pretreated material was hydrolyzed with 15 FPU/g of Celluclast 1.5L from Trichoderma reesei and hydrolysates were fermented using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yields of ethanol and glucose were analyzed by HPLC. The wastes demonstrate the amount of lignocellulose ranging from 34.24 to 76.87%. Celluclast 1.5L was able to hydrolyze and produce glucose, ranging 0.78–1.95 g/L for acerola bagasse, 0.41–1.65 g/L for pupunha cluster, 2.56–4.50 g/L for the mango peel, and 0.55–1.09 g/L for the pupunha peel. Ethanol concentrations reached were 3.5–4.6 g/L, with 90.01 g ethanol/g glucose for the percentage of the theoretical maximum ethanol yield. The best results were obtained for mango peels waste for most fermentation parameters.

Practical Applications

Wastes of the Amazonian fruit culture demonstrate the presence of a large quantity of lignocellulosic material, which can be used in the production of value‐added products like glucose and ethanol. In this study, the pretreatment of the wastes with diluted sulfuric acid and enzymatic hydrolysis of the resulting material was conducted to evaluate the potential for glucose release and ethanol production from Amazonian waste. The studies will be useful for fruit waste management in northern of Brazil and adding value to the supply chain of the fruits involved.
Helping While Competing? The Complex Effects of Competitive Climates on the Prosocial Identity and Performance Relationship
Authors: David Emily M. , Kim Tae‐Yeol , Rodgers Matt , Chen Tingting
Published: December 2020

Integrating notions of coopetition with social information processing theory, we build and test a theoretical model that explains the paradox that arises when prosocial identifying employees work in competitive climates. Sampling 406 subordinates nested within 91 supervisors over two time‐points, we show that the relationship between prosocial identity and interpersonal helping is stronger when competitive climate is low rather than high. We also find that competitive team climate positively relates to instrumental helping motives (i.e., helping others to gain something in return). In addition, instrumental helping motives significantly moderate the linkage between interpersonal helping and job performance as well as the indirect effect of prosocial identity on job performance via interpersonal helping such that the main and indirect effects became weaker as instrumental helping motives increased. Overall, our findings reveal new insights into how prosocial identifiers incorporate information from social cues to strike a balance between cooperation and competition.
Physiological responses of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) seedlings to seawater and flooding
Authors: Du Baoguo , Ma Yuhua , Yáñez‐Serrano Ana Maria , Arab Leila , Fasbender Lukas , Alfarraj Saleh , Albasher Gadah , Hedrich Rainer , White Philip J. , Werner Christiane , Rennenberg Heinz
Published: December 2020

In their natural environment along coast lines, date palms are exposed to seawater inundation and, hence, combined stress by salinity and flooding.

To elucidate the consequences of this combined stress on foliar gas exchange and metabolite abundances in leaves and roots, date palm seedlings were exposed to flooding with seawater and its major constituents under controlled conditions.

Seawater flooding significantly reduced CO2 assimilation, transpiration and stomatal conductance, but did not affect isoprene emission. A similar effect was observed upon NaCl exposure. By contrast, flooding with distilled water or MgSO4 did not affect CO2/H2O gas exchange or stomatal conductance significantly, indicating that neither flooding itself, nor seawater sulfate, contributed greatly to stomatal closure. Seawater exposure increased Na and Cl contents in leaves and roots, but did not affect sulfate contents significantly. Metabolite analyses revealed reduced abundances of foliar compatible solutes, such as sugars and sugar alcohols, whereas nitrogen compounds accumulated in roots.

Reduced transpiration upon seawater exposure may contribute to controlling the movement of toxic ions to leaves and, therefore, can be seen as a mechanism to cope with salinity. The present results indicate that date palm seedlings are tolerant towards seawater exposure to some extent, and highly tolerant to flooding.
Obesogenic environment and childhood obesity
Authors: Jia Peng
Published: December 2020

The increasing prevalence of obesity in youth has contributed to the growing global burden of chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancers), which has been largely accounted for by obesogenic behaviours and environments. Previous studies have focused on the influences on obesity of multidimensional environmental indicators, which have mixed effects, for example, built environmental factors, food environmental factors and neighbourhood safety. After a thorough search of all databases, I found a limited body of reviews on the associations of basic environmental factors. A basic environmental factor, from a perspective of geographic information systems, is an indicator constructed by only one‐step spatial function, without ambiguous effects on obesity. In contrast to basic obesogenic environmental factors, an example of mixed environmental factor is neighbourhood safety, which is a complex measure of night light, crime rate, traffic volume, speed limit, smoothness of roads and many other factors of injury. Without a sufficient, up‐to‐date understanding of the roles of basic obesogenic environmental factors in obesity, the uncertainties will propagate and lead to more uncertainties in the association between indicators and obesity.
Comparative characterization of sun exposed and sun protected skin‐derived mesenchymal‐like stem cells in variegate porphyria and healthy individuals
Authors: Safi Rémi , Malek Elie , Nemer Georges , Sayed Reem , Eid Edward , Khalil Samar , Nasser Nourhane , Abbas Ossama , Mohsen‐Kanson Tala , Kurban Mazen
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

We hypothesized that upon sun exposure, a sub‐population of primary skin–derived mesenchymal‐like cells is deleteriously affected and thus contribute to the chronic inflammatory state in autosomal recessive variegate porphyria patients. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize the mesenchymal‐like stem cells from different areas of the skin in a porphyria patient (sun exposed, SE, and sun protected, SP) and to compare them with cells from a healthy individual.

Methods

The proliferation rate and the migration ability of SE and SP cells were evaluated in the presence of an antioxidant compound, N‐acetylcysteine. A co‐culture of SE‐damaged cells with the conditioned medium from the enriched mesenchymal cell—like SP population was performed in order to regenerate the dermal injured tissue after sun exposure in patients.

Results

Results showed that the percentage of CD105+ cells varies between 3.9% in SP and 5% in SE of the healthy individual and between 3.6% and 1.4% in SP and SE in the porphyria patient, respectively. The osteogenic differentiation potential was lower in the porphyria patient when compared to the control. Furthermore, the expression of stem cell markers was more pronounced in SE than in SP cells of both control and porphyria. The use of N‐acetyl cysteine did not show any beneficial effects on porphyria SE cells. Treatment with SP‐conditioned medium slightly increased the expression of stem cell markers in SE of porphyria patient.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pool of mesenchymal stem—like SE cells is affected in variegate porphyria patient along with modification of their self‐renewal and differentiation properties.
Effects of 5‐Aza‐2'‐deoxycytidine on hormone secretion and epigenetic regulation in sika deer ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Chen Xiumin , Xing Mingjie
Published: December 2020

5‐Aza‐2'‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza‐dC), an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferases, is an effective treatment for various cancers and has improved the development rate of cloned embryos. Previous studies have reported the effect of 5‐Aza‐dC on fibroblasts; however, the mechanism whereby 5‐Aza‐dC affects sika deer granulosa cells and hormone secretion is presently unknown. Here, we showed that the cell cycle after treatment with different doses of 5‐Aza‐dC was significantly altered. The number of cells in the S phase was significantly increased in response to a concentration of 0.1 μM 5‐Aza‐dC. The rate of apoptosis was increased when cells were treated with 0.1 μM and 5 μM 5‐Aza‐dC. We showed that the protein level of H3K9me2 was significantly decreased in response to 5‐Aza‐dC. The activity levels of DNA methyltransferase were reduced by a moderate dose of 5‐Aza‐dC. Furthermore, the secretion of E2 and P4 was influenced by different doses of 5‐Aza‐dC. Our study suggested that 5‐Aza‐dC affected hormone secretion in sika deer granulosa cells through cell development and epigenetic regulation. The findings of this study lay the foundation for further epigenetic studies in sika deer.
In School for After School: The Relationship Between Extracurricular Participation and School Engagement
Authors: Gorski Karlyn J.
Published: December 2020

School engagement predicts academic achievement and attainment, yet remains under‐theorized in the sociological literature. While psychologists describe three distinct yet mutually reinforcing categories of school engagement (behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement), sociologists have largely neglected to analyze cognitive engagement. Drawing on ethnographic observations and interviews with members of two debate teams in Chicago Public Schools, I demonstrate that behavioral engagement in the form of debate team participation helped foster debaters' cognitive and emotional engagement in school. Through the activity, debaters developed strong relationships with peers and their adult coaches, and strengthened their appreciation for challenging aspects of the learning process. Although many debaters felt that the learning environment of the debate context was more stimulating than the learning environments of their classes, they nevertheless applied the skills and attitudes they acquired in the activity to the “core” curriculum of the school. These factors help explain why debaters have been shown to outperform comparable peers in terms of academic achievement and attainment. These findings suggest that cognitive engagement is one mechanism driving the positive impact of certain extracurricular activities on students' school performance.
Reliability and Convergent Validity of Self-Reported Physical Activity Questionnaires for People With Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Tavares Vagner Deuel , Galvão-Coelho Nicole Leite , Firth Joseph , Rosenbaum Simon , Stubbs Brendon , Smith Lee , Vancampfort Davy , Schuch Felipe Barreto
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To examine the reliability and convergent validity of self-reported questionnaires (SRQs) to measure physical activity (PA). Methods: Systematic review with meta-analysis. The validity and reliability of SRQs to assess PA in people with mental disorders (January 20, 2020). Random-effects meta-analyses were performed pooling (1) test–retest correlations or (2) the convergent validity between the SRQs and objective measures (eg, accelerometry). Associations were provided in r values with the 95% confidence interval. Methodological quality was assessed. Results: A total of 9 unique studies (N = 1344; 40.5% females) were included. The authors found a moderate correlation test–retest reliability for PA SRQs in the assessment of vigorous PA (r = .69 [.38 to .85]; P = .001), moderate to vigorous PA (r = .63 [.25 to .84]; P = .003), moderate PA (r = .63 [.39 to .79]; P = .001), and good correlation total PA (r = .75 [.37 to .92]; P = .001). The SRQs have moderate correlations with objective measures for moderate to vigorous PA (r = .25 [.18 to .32]; P = .0001) and total PA (r = .47 [.28 to .62]; P = .005), a poor correlation for moderate PA (r = .18 [.03 to .36]; P = .047), and no correlation with vigorous PA (r = .06 [−.10 to .22]; P = .440). Conclusion: Current evidence indicates that SRQs are reliable over time to assess moderate, vigorous, and total PA levels and valid when assessing moderate PA.
The Effectiveness of the Transtheoretical Model to Improve Physical Activity in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kleis Rachel R. , Hoch Matt C. , Hogg-Graham Rachel , Hoch Johanna M.
Published: December 2020

Background: Despite the known risks of physical inactivity, only 50% of adults meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity (PA). Therefore, numerous interventions have been designed to increase PA across a lifespan. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of interventions based on the transtheoretical model to improve PA in healthy adults. Methods: Electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, Sociological Collection, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched from January 2001 to May 2020. Results: A total of 11 randomized pretest–posttest studies were included in this review. Ten studies utilized a subjective measurement of PA, and 3 studies included an objective measure. Five studies demonstrated significant improvements in PA for the transtheoretical model-based intervention groups compared with control/comparison groups; however, 6 studies demonstrated no differences between groups. Conclusion: The findings suggest that there is inconsistent evidence to support the use of interventions based on the transtheoretical model to improve PA in adult populations. Interventions were more successful when materials were delivered via in-person counseling and when study participants were in the precontemplation or contemplation phases at baseline.
Activities of Quinoxaline, Nitroquinoxaline, and [1,2,4]Triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline Analogs of MMV007204 against Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Debbert Stefan L. , Hintz Mikaela J. , Bell Christian J. , Earl Kenya R. , Forsythe Grant E. , Häberli Cécile , Keiser Jennifer
Published: December 2020

The reliance on one drug, praziquantel, to treat the parasitic disease schistosomiasis in millions of people a year shows the need to further develop a pipeline of new drugs to treat this disease. Recently, an antimalarial quinoxaline derivative (MMV007204) from the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Malaria Box demonstrated promise against
Schistosoma mansoni
.
Prospective Cohort Study of Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment of Vancomycin in Adults on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Jung Younghee , Lee Dong-Hwan , Kim Hyoung Soo
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetics (PK) model for vancomycin and to evaluate its pharmacodynamic target attainment (TA) in adults on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). After a single 1,000-mg dose of vancomycin, samples were collected 9 times per patient prospectively.
STAT3 Promotes Schistosome-Induced Liver Injury by Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Proliferation, and Apoptosis Signal Pathway
Authors: Zhao Jie , Liu Xin , Chen Yao , Zhang Lin-Shuang , Zhang Ya-Rong , Ji Deng-Ren , Liu Shi-Meng , Jia Mo-Zhi , Zhu Yong-Hong , Qi Yong-Fen , Lu Feng-Min , Yu Yan-Rong
Published: December 2020

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic helminth disease that can cause organ lesions leading to health damage. During a schistosome infection, schistosome eggs can flow into the liver along the portal vein.
Modification of the Pulmonary MyD88 Inflammatory Response Underlies the Role of the Yersinia pestis Pigmentation Locus in Primary Pneumonic Plague
Authors: Olson Rachel M. , Dhariwala Miqdad O. , Mitchell William J. , Skyberg Jerod A. , Anderson Deborah M.
Published: December 2020

Pneumonic plague, caused by
Yersinia pestis
, is a rapidly progressing bronchopneumonia involving focal bacterial growth, neutrophilic congestion, and alveolar necrosis. Within a short time after inhalation of
Y. pestis
, inflammatory cytokines are expressed via the Toll/interleukin-1 (IL-1) adaptor myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), which facilitates the primary lung infection.
The Two TpsB-Like Proteins in
Anabaena
sp. Strain PCC 7120 Are Involved in Secretion of Selected Substrates
Authors: Ngo Giang , Girbas Melis , Schätzle Hannah , Hammer Andreas , Safarian Schara , Hübinger Maximilian , Schleiff Enrico
Published: December 2020

Cyanobacteria are important organisms for the ecosystem, considering their contribution to carbon fixation and oxygen production, while at the same time some species produce compounds that are toxic to their environment. As a consequence, cyanobacterial overpopulation might negatively impact the diversity of natural communities.
PerSort Facilitates Characterization and Elimination of Persister Subpopulation in Mycobacteria
Authors: Srinivas Vivek , Arrieta-Ortiz Mario L. , Kaur Amardeep , Peterson Eliza J. R. , Baliga Nitin S.
Published: December 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) persists and survives antibiotic treatments by generating phenotypically heterogeneous drug-tolerant subpopulations. The surviving cells, persisters, are a major barrier to the relapse-free treatment of tuberculosis (TB), which is already killing >1.8 million people every year and becoming deadlier with the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains.
Chinese Stroke Association guidelines for clinical management of cerebrovascular disorders: executive summary and 2019 update of clinical management of intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Cao Yong , Yu Songlin , Zhang Qian , Yu Tao , Liu Yanfang , Sun Zhenghui , Zhao Meng , Wang Wen , Zhao Ji Zong
Published: December 2020

Aim

This evidence-based guideline aims to present current and comprehensive recommendations for the diagnosis and management of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

A formal literature search was conducted on MEDLINE (1 January 1990 to 30 June 2019). Data were synthesised using evidence tables. The members of the working group met by teleconference to update and formulate data-based recommendations. The recommendations are graded according to levels of evidence grading algorithm of the Chinese Stroke Association. The guideline draft has been reviewed by Chinese Stroke Association Stroke Council Guideline Writing Committee.

Results

Evidence-based guideline is proposed for the management of patients with ICH. The focus of the guideline is divided into the diagnosis and aetiology of ICH, management of ICH in emergency department, surgical treatment for removal of hematoma, management of complications and prevention of secondary ICH.

Conclusions

This guideline provides a framework for ICH management. Early active and reasonable treatment may improve the clinical outcome of patients.
On Soft Pc-Compact Spaces
Authors: Hamko Qumri H. , Ahmed Nehmat K. , Khalaf Alias B.
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to introduce the concept of soft compact spaces by using the notion of soft [Formula: see text]-open sets and soft [Formula: see text]-open covers, which we call soft [Formula: see text]-compact spaces. Many characterizations and properties of this space are obtained. Also, we discuss the concept of soft [Formula: see text]-compact subspaces and soft [Formula: see text]-compact subsets relative to the space.
Category of L-valued Multiset Automata and Brzozowski’s Algorithm
Authors: Pal Priyanka , Tiwari S. P.
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this work is to use the concepts of reachability and coreachability maps to provide a solution of a well-known characterization for [Formula: see text]-valued multiset regular languages. In between, we associate two deterministic [Formula: see text]-valued multiset automata with a given deterministic [Formula: see text]-valued multiset automaton (DLMA) and show that the reachability and coreachability maps of the given DLMA turn out to be morphisms in the category of deterministic [Formula: see text]-valued multiset automata.
Double Sequences of Complex Uncertain Variables Defined by Orlicz Function
Authors: Datta Debasish , Tripathy Binod Chandra
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we introduce double sequences of complex uncertain variables defined by Orlicz function. We study some of their properties like solidness, symmetricity, completeness, etc. and prove some inclusion results.
New Types of Derivations in BL-Algebras
Authors: Motamed Somayeh , Ehterami Samira
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we defined the concepts of [Formula: see text]-derivation and [Formula: see text]-derivation for [Formula: see text]-algebras and discuss some related results. We study the connection between these derivations on an [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text]. Also, we study these derivations on Boolean center [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] center, Godel center of a [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text].
Communication—Ultra-Small NiO Nanoparticles Grown by Low-Temperature Process for Electrochemical Application
Authors: Kotta Ashique , Kim Eun-Bi , Ameen Sadia , Shin Hyung-Shik , Seo Hyung Kee
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we report a size-controlled metal oxide under a low-temperature process for the fabrication of an electrochemical sensor based on ultra-small nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs) which are utilized as electrode materials for the detection of n-butylamine chemical. The small size effect (∼6 ± 0.5 nm) and richness of Ni3+ ion concentration of as-synthesized ultra-small NiO nanoparticles exhibited high and reproducible sensitivity of ∼9.51 mA·mM−1·cm−2, limit of detection (LOD) ∼144.21 μM and correlation coefficient (R) ∼ 0.9688 with improved linearity in the range of 100 nM−100 μM.
Electrochemistry and Reactivity Against Superoxide Anion Radicals of Hydroxycoumarins and Its Derivatives
Authors: Barrientos C. , Navarrete-Encina P. , Squella J. A.
Published: December 2020

The present studies reveal superoxide radical anion reactivity against synthesized coumarins. Free radicals play an important role in many diseases and they have a protective function also. Therefore, we must keep a balance in their concentration, and this is where exogenous antioxidants such as coumarins become important. There are multiple methodologies to quantify the efficiency of an antioxidant due to vast amounts of mechanism with which a radical can act. Electrochemistry is a useful tool for this purpose. In this work, the cyclic voltammetry-based methodology was used to generate superoxide anion radical through oxygen one-electron reduction in a dimethyl sulfoxide solution. Plotting the remaining percentage of initial current against compound concentration we can establish a Reactivity Index (RI50), for comparative purpose. This index means the value of concentration to reduce in a 50% the initial peak current. The most reactive coumarin against electrogenerated superoxide anion radical was 3-acetyl-7,8-dihydroxycoumarin (7,8-coum).
A Reaction Model for Li Deposition at the Positive Electrode of the Braga-Goodenough Li-S Battery
Authors: Sakai Masanori
Published: December 2020

The Braga-Goodenough all-solid-state Li-S battery demonstrates Li deposition at the positive electrode during discharge. This Li deposition behavior is explained herein in terms of a newly proposed multi-stage mechanism that can be summarized by the shorthand formula E[(ECC)c]n in which E stands for an electrochemical step, C stands for a chemical step, c indicates steps that are catalytic, and n indicates a part of the process that is repeated n times. The catalytic part of the reaction, (ECC)c, cycles the deposition of Li. The n in the E[(ECC)c]n formula represents the number of cycles of the Li deposition step, (ECC)c. An intermediate radical S8
− formed during the first E step, the one-electron reduction of S8, plays an essential catalytic role in the process. The thermodynamics of the second E step were examined by taking account of the electrochemistry involving two consecutive one-electron steps and of the theory of generalized charge neutrality levels in respect of Schottky barriers. The thermodynamics relating to the Li deposition in the second E step was considered to result in a free energy change of at least ΔG < −2.34 eV. The thermodynamics relating to the overall steps of the mechanism were also examined.
Luteolin Protects Pheochromocytoma (PC‐12) Cells against Aβ25-35‐Induced Cell Apoptosis through the ER/ERK/MAPK Signalling Pathway
Authors: Wang Han-Rui , Pei Si-Ying , Fan Dong-Xu , Liu Yan-Hui , Pan Xiao-Feng , Song Fan-Xu , Deng Shu-Hua , Qiu Hong-Bin , Zhang Ning
Published: December 2020

The regulatory effect of luteolin on the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains unclear from the perspective of apoptosis. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of luteolin against Aβ25-35‐induced cell apoptosis in pheochromocytoma (PC‐12) cells. Aβ25-35 was used to induce an in vitro model of AD. Estradiol was used as a positive control. The PC‐12 cells were incubated with luteolin alone or in combination with fulvestrant or U0126. The results showed that luteolin treatment significantly prevents Aβ25-35‐induced decrease in cell viability and inhibits Aβ25-35‐induced cell apoptosis. After the addition of fulvestrant and U0126, the apoptosis rate of PC‐12 cells increased significantly. In addition, luteolin treatment significantly upregulated the expression of Bcl‐2 and downregulated the expression of Bax and caspase‐3, whereas fulvestrant and U0126 partially reversed the effects of luteolin. Moreover, luteolin treatment upregulated the expression of ERβ and p‐ERK1/2, whereas fulvestrant blocked the expression of p‐ERK1/2. The study showed that luteolin could activate the ER/ERK/MAPK signalling pathway to protect PC‐12 cells against Aβ25-35‐induced cell apoptosis via selectively acting on ERβ. Thus, luteolin may be considered as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for AD.
A Cross-Platform Web3D Monitoring System of the Three-Machine Equipment in a Fully Mechanized Coalface Based on the Skeleton Model and Sensor Data
Authors: Lu Zhengxiong , Guo Wei , Zhao Shuanfeng , Zhang Chuanwei , Wang Yuan , Jia Yanping
Published: December 2020

A fully mechanized coalface is a rugged environment that has poor visibility. The traditional video monitoring system has problems such as a lack of realism, a blurry monitoring effect, and poor reliability. It is an important task to monitor the operations of the three-machine equipment (we will refer to the shearer, hydraulic support, and scraper conveyor as the three-machine equipment) intuitively, accurately, and timely and ensure that it is operating safely. This study proposed a cross-platform Web3D monitoring system for the three-machine equipment. First, the virtual mesh model and skeleton model that was embedded in the mesh model were established according to three-machine ontology and basic motion units. Second, the kinematic model of the three-machine skeleton was established via the inverse kinematic modeling of the hydraulic support and the coordinate calculation of the vertices on the three-machine skeleton. Third, the motion data, which were captured by sensors, were applied to drive the movement of the three-machine skeleton and mesh model. Finally, WebGL, which is the latest Internet graphics standard, was used to render the three-machine models, and the performance of this monitoring system is tested on different equipment in the laboratory. The results of the test show that the three-machine cross-platform monitoring system has splendid performance, and it realizes cross-platform 3D monitoring effectively in the laboratory. In the future, this system will be used as a supervisory tool and be integrated with the traditional monitoring system to monitor the three-machine equipment with the field staff.
Simulation Study on Cascading Failure of Multimodal Transport Network
Authors: Guo Jingni , Xu Junxiang , He Zhenggang , Liao Wei
Published: December 2020

Cascading failure in multimodal transport network may cause huge economic loss and social impact, which has gradually attracted public attention. In view of the coupling effect of nodes in multimodal transport network and the higher complexity of cascading failure process, the concepts of node correlation degree and node cooperation degree are proposed to characterize the characteristics of the network, and a logit model is introduced to calculate the initial load of nodes. In the case of ignoring network interruption, we propose two load redistribution methods: local allocation and global-local allocation. Taking the multimodal transport network in Sichuan–Tibet region of China as an example, the cascading failure effect of multimodal transport network in Sichuan–Tibet region is quantified by sensitivity analysis. The results show that when the load of the multimodal transport network in Sichuan–Tibet region exceeds the maximum capacity but does not exceed 150%∼170% of the network capacity, the network can still operate normally. In addition, the nodes in the multimodal transport network should have 0.3∼0.5 scalable space. In the cascading failure control method, load redistribution based on global-local allocation can minimize the impact of node overload.
Inferring Ties in Social IoT Using Location-Based Networks and Identification of Hidden Suspicious Ties
Authors: Khan Nauman Ali , Zhang Sihai , Zhou Wuyang , Almogren Ahmad , Ud Din Ikram , Asif Muhammad
Published: December 2020

Stochastic Internet of Things (IoT)-based communication behavior of the progressing world is tremendously impacting social networks. The growth of social networks helps to quantify the effect on the Social Internet of Things (SIoT). Multiple existences of two persons at several geographical locations in different time frames hint to predict the social connection. We investigate the extent to which social ties between people can be inferred by critically reviewing the social networks. Our study used Chinese telecommunication-based anonymized caller data records (CDRs) and two openly available location-based social network data sets, Brightkite and Gowalla. Our research identified social ties based on mobile communication data and further exploits communication reasons based on geographical location. This paper presents an inference framework that predicts the missing ties as suspicious social connections using pipe and filter architecture-based inference framework. It highlights the secret relationship of users, which does not exist in real data. The proposed framework consists of two major parts. Firstly, users’ cooccurrence based on the mutual location in a specific time frame is computed and inferred as social ties. Results are investigated based upon the cooccurrence count, the gap time threshold values, and mutual friend count values. Secondly, the detail about direct connections is collected and cross-related to the inferred results using Precision and Recall evaluation measures. In the later part of the research, we examine the false-positive results methodically by studying the human cooccurrence patterns to identify hidden relationships using a social activity. The outcomes indicate that the proposed approach achieves comprehensive results that further support the theory of suspicious ties.
Design and Implementation of the Array Logging Tool on Horizontal Production Logging
Authors: Song Wenguang , Chen Haiyu , Zhang Qiujuan , Zhang Jiahao
Published: December 2020

The measuring instruments have some errors in the measurement of high water cut production wells, and many domestic oil fields are also in high water cut state. The measured data from the conventional production logging instrument are all almost inaccurate. This project has designed a staggered probe array flow meter well logging apparatus based on the characteristic of electromagnetic wave specific retention meter that can fully cover the wellbore fluid and improve flow measurement accuracy. According to the application in horizontal wells, the accuracy of this measuring instrument now has been proved to be more than 90% and can meet the requirements of production logging interpretation in horizontal wells.
Multisensor Data Fusion in Testability Evaluation of Equipment
Authors: Di Peng , Wang Xuan , Chen Tong , Hu Bin
Published: December 2020

The multisensor data fusion method has been extensively utilized in many practical applications involving testability evaluation. Due to the flexibility and effectiveness of Dempster–Shafer evidence theory in modeling and processing uncertain information, this theory has been widely used in various fields of multisensor data fusion method. However, it may lead to wrong results when fusing conflicting multisensor data. In order to deal with this problem, a testability evaluation method of equipment based on multisensor data fusion method is proposed. First, a novel multisensor data fusion method, based on the improvement of Dempster–Shafer evidence theory via the Lance distance and the belief entropy, is proposed. Next, based on the analysis of testability multisensor data, such as testability virtual test data, testability test data of replaceable unit, and testability growth test data, the corresponding prior distribution conversion schemes of testability multisensor data are formulated according to their different characteristics. Finally, the testability evaluation method of equipment based on the multisensor data fusion method is proposed. The result of experiment illustrated that the proposed method is feasible and effective in handling the conflicting evidence; besides, the accuracy of fusion of the proposed method is higher and the result of evaluation is more reliable than other testability evaluation methods, which shows that the basic probability assignment of the true target is 94.71%.
Smart Home IoT System by Using RF Energy Harvesting
Authors: Eltresy Nermeen A. , Dardeer Osama M. , Al-Habal Awab , Elhariri Esraa , Abotaleb Abdelrhman M. , Elsheakh Dalia N. , Khattab Ahmed , Taie Shereen A. , Mostafa Hassan , Elsadek Hala A. , Abdallah Esmat A.
Published: December 2020

IoT system becomes a hot topic nowadays for smart home. IoT helps devices to communicate together without human intervention inside home, so it is offering many challenges. A new smart home IoT platform powered using electromagnetic energy harvesting is proposed in this paper. It contains a high gain transmitted antenna array and efficient circularly polarized array rectenna system to harvest enough power from any direction to increase lifetime of the batteries used in the IoT system. Optimized energy consumption, the software with adopting the Zigbee protocol of the sensor node, and a low-power microcontroller are used to operate in lower power modes. The proposed system has an 84.6-day lifetime which is approximately 10 times the lifetime for a similar system. On the other hand, the proposed power management circuit is operated at 0.3 V DC to boost the voltage to ~3.7 V from radio frequency energy harvesting and manage battery level to increase the battery lifetime. A predictive indoor environment monitoring system is designed based on a novel hybrid system to provide a nonstatic plan, approve energy consumption, and avoid failure of sensor nodes in a smart home.
Disruption-Based Multiobjective Equilibrium Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Chen Hao , Li Weikun , Cui Weicheng
Published: December 2020

Nature-inspired computing has attracted huge attention since its origin, especially in the field of multiobjective optimization. This paper proposes a disruption-based multiobjective equilibrium optimization algorithm (DMOEOA). A novel mutation operator named layered disruption method is integrated into the proposed algorithm with the aim of enhancing the exploration and exploitation abilities of DMOEOA. To demonstrate the advantages of the proposed algorithm, various benchmarks have been selected with five different multiobjective optimization algorithms. The test results indicate that DMOEOA does exhibit better performances in these problems with a better balance between convergence and distribution. In addition, the new proposed algorithm is applied to the structural optimization of an elastic truss with the other five existing multiobjective optimization algorithms. The obtained results demonstrate that DMOEOA is not only an algorithm with good performance for benchmark problems but is also expected to have a wide application in real-world engineering optimization problems.
Hidden Service Website Response Fingerprinting Attacks Based on Response Time Feature
Authors: Meng Yitong , Fei Jinlong
Published: December 2020

It has been shown that website fingerprinting attacks are capable of destroying the anonymity of the communicator at the traffic level. This enables local attackers to infer the website contents of the encrypted traffic by using packet statistics. Previous researches on hidden service attacks tend to focus on active attacks; therefore, the reliability of attack conditions and validity of test results cannot be fully verified. Hence, it is necessary to reexamine hidden service attacks from the perspective of fingerprinting attacks. In this paper, we propose a novel Website Response Fingerprinting (WRFP) Attack based on response time feature and extremely randomized tree algorithm to analyze the hidden information of the response fingerprint. The objective is to monitor hidden service website pages, service types, and mounted servers. WRFP relies on the hidden service response fingerprinting dataset. In addition to simulated website mirroring, two different mounting modes are taken into account, the same-source server and multisource server. A total of 300,000 page instances within 30,000 domain sites are collected, and we comprehensively evaluate the classification performance of the proposed WRFP. Our results show that the TPR of webpages and server classification remain greater than 93% in the small-scale closed-world performance test, and it is capable of tolerating up to 10% fluctuations in response time. WRFP also provides a higher accuracy and computational efficiency than traditional website fingerprinting classifiers in the challenging open-world performance test. This also indicates the importance of response time feature. Our results also suggest that monitoring website types improves the judgment effect of the classifier on subpages.
A Network Pharmacology Approach to Explore the Potential Mechanisms of Yifei Sanjie Formula in Treating Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Qiao Bo , Wu Yueying , Li Xiaoya , Xu Zhenyuan , Duan Weigang , Hu Yanan , Jia Wenqing , Fan Qiuyang , Xing Haijing
Published: December 2020

Objective. Yifei Sanjie Formula (YFSJF) is an effective formula on pulmonary fibrosis (PF), which has been used in clinic for more than 30 years. In order to investigate the molecular mechanism of YFSJF in treating PF, network pharmacology was used to predict the cooperative ingredients and associated pathways. Methods. Firstly, we collected potential active ingredients of YFSJF by TCMSP databases. Secondly, we obtained PF‐associated targets through OMIM and Genecards database. Finally, metascape was applied for the analysis of GO terms and KEGG pathways. Results. We screened out 76 potential active ingredients and 98 associated proteins. A total of 5715 items were obtained by GO enrichment analysis (P < 0.05), including 4632 biological processes, 444 cellular components, and 639 molecular functions. A total of 143 related KEGG pathways were enriched (P < 0.05), including IL‐17 signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, TH17 cell differentiation, HIF‐1 signaling pathway, and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion. YFSJF can interfere with immune and inflammatory response through multiple targets and pathways, which has a certain role in the treatment of PF. This study lays a foundation for future experimental research.
Circulating Tumor Cell Subtypes and T-cell Populations as Prognostic Biomarkers to Combination Immunotherapy in Patients with Metastatic Genitourinary Cancer
Authors: Chalfin Heather J. , Pramparo Tiziano , Mortazavi Amir , Niglio Scot A. , Schonhoft Joseph D. , Jendrisak Adam , Chu Yen-Lin , Richardson Robin , Krupa Rachel , Anderson Amanda K.L. , Wang Yipeng , Dittamore Ryan , Pal Sumanta K. , Lara Primo N. , Stein Mark N. , Quinn David I. , Steinberg Seth M. , Cordes Lisa M. , Ley Lisa , Mallek Marissa , Sierra Ortiz Olena , Costello Rene , Cadena Jacqueline , Diaz Carlos , Gulley James L. , Dahut William L. , Streicher Howard , Wright John J. , Trepel Jane B. , Bottaro Donald P. , Apolo Andrea B.
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) are under investigation as a minimally invasive liquid biopsy that may improve risk stratification and treatment selection. CTCs uniquely allow for digital pathology of individual malignant cell morphology and marker expression. We compared CTC features and T-cell counts with survival endpoints in a cohort of patients with metastatic genitourinary cancer treated with combination immunotherapy.

Experimental Design:

Markers evaluated included pan-CK/CD45/PD-L1/DAPI for CTCs and CD4/CD8/Ki-67/DAPI for T cells. ANOVA was used to compare CTC burden and T-cell populations across timepoints. Differences in survival and disease progression were evaluated using the maximum log-rank test.

Results:

From December 2016 to January 2019, 183 samples from 81 patients were tested. CTCs were found in 75% of patients at baseline. CTC burden was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) at baseline (P = 0.022), but not on-therapy. Five morphologic subtypes were detected, and the presence of two specific subtypes with unique cellular features at baseline and on-therapy was associated with worse OS (0.9–2.3 vs. 28.2 months; P < 0.0001–0.013). Increasing CTC heterogeneity on-therapy had a trend toward worse OS (P = 0.045). PD-L1+ CTCs on-therapy were associated with worse OS (P < 0.01, cycle 2). Low baseline and on-therapy CD4/CD8 counts were also associated with poor OS and response category.

Conclusions:

Shorter survival may be associated with high CTC counts at baseline, presence of specific CTC morphologic subtypes, PD-L1+ CTCs, and low %CD4/8 T cells in patients with metastatic genitourinary cancer. A future study is warranted to validate the prognostic utility of CTC heterogeneity and detection of specific CTC morphologies.