bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid Computational Method of Desirability, Fuzzy Logic, ANFIS, and LAPO Algorithm for Multiobjective Optimization Design of Scott Russell Compliant Mechanism
Authors: Tran Ngoc Thoai , Le Chau Ngoc , Dao Thanh-Phong
Published: April 2020

Flexure-based compliant mechanisms are increasingly promising in precision engineering, robotics, and other applications, thanks to the excellent advantages of no friction, no backlash, no wear, and minimal assembly. However, their design and analysis are still challenging due to the coupling of kinematic-mechanical behaviors with large nonlinear deflections in comparison to their rigid-body counterparts. Optimal design is an important aspect in the field of compliant mechanisms and has attracted much attention during the last decades. Especially, when considering a multiobjective optimization design for compliant mechanisms, the problem is becoming more complicated. Thus, this article presents a new efficient hybrid computational method to resolve multiobjective optimization design of compliant mechanisms. A Scott Russell compliant mechanism is employed as the design example and to show the advantages of the proposed optimizing method. The proposed method is developed by hybridizing the desirability function approach, fuzzy logic system, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and lightning attachment procedure optimization (LAPO). First of all, a 3D finite element model is created and central composite design is employed to build a numerical matrix. First, design variables are refined by using analysis of variance and Taguchi approach in terms of considerably eliminating space of design variables. Subsequently, desirability values of two objective functions are determined and transferred into the fuzzy logic system. The output of the fuzzy logic system is considered as a single combined objective function. Next, modeling for fuzzy output is established via developing the ANFIS model. At last, the LAPO algorithm is adopted for solving the multiobjective optimization problem for the mechanism. Three numerical examples are investigated to validate the feasibility and the effectiveness of performance efficiency of the proposed methodology. The results find that the proposed methodology is more efficient than traditional Taguchi-based fuzzy logic. Besides, the performance efficiency of the proposed approach outperforms the Jaya algorithm and TLBO algorithm through the Wilcoxon signed rank test and Friedman test. The results of this article give a useful approach for complex optimization problems.
Multiobjective Optimization of Safety Risk of Prefabricated Building Construction considering Risk Correlation
Authors: Chang Chunguang , Wu Xi , Yan Xin
Published: April 2020

The analysis of the overall risk level of the system and the reduction of risk control costs are the key links to avoid the safety risks of prefabricated construction. In this paper, a dual-objective optimization model is constructed with the objective of minimizing system security risk loss and control cost to minimize the level of construction safety risks for prefabricated building while minimizing cost consumption. This paper introduces risk correlation into the optimization model based on the 2-additive fuzzy measure and solves it with discrete multiobjective particle swarm optimization (discrete-MOPSO). The example shows that considering the correlation of risks in different situations can better reflect the interaction relationship between the risk factors of building construction safety and improve the rationality of the optimization model.
A VNS-EDA Algorithm-Based Feature Selection for Credit Risk Classification
Authors: Chen Wei , Li Zhongfei , Guo Jinchao
Published: April 2020

Many quantitative credit scoring models have been developed for credit risk assessment. Irrelevant and redundant features may deteriorate the performance of credit risk classification. Feature selection with metaheuristic techniques can be applied to excavate the most significant features. However, metaheuristic techniques suffer from various issues such as being trapped in local optimum and premature convergence. Therefore, in this article, a hybrid variable neighborhood search and estimation of distribution technique with the elitist population strategy is proposed to identify the optimal feature subset. Variable neighborhood search with the elitist population strategy is used to direct its local searching in order to optimize the ergodicity, avoid premature convergence, and jump out of the local optimum in the searching process. The probabilistic model attempts to capture the probability distribution of the promising solutions which are biased towards the global optimum. The proposed technique has been tested on both publicly available credit datasets and a real-world credit dataset in China. Experimental analysis demonstrates that it outperforms existing techniques in large-scale credit datasets with high dimensionality, making it well suited for feature selection in credit risk classification.
β-Defensin Strengthens Antimicrobial Peritoneal Mast Cell Response
Authors: Agier Justyna , Brzezińska-Błaszczyk Ewa , Różalska Sylwia , Wiktorska Magdalena , Wawrocki Sebastian , Żelechowska Paulina
Published: April 2020

Mast cells (MCs) are engaged in the processes of host defense, primarily via the presence of receptors responsible for the detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Since BDs are exclusively host defense molecules, and MCs can elicit the antimicrobial response, this study is aimed at determining whether BDs might be involved in MC pathogen defense. We found that defensin BD-2 significantly augments the mRNA and protein expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and retinoic acid-inducible gene-I-like receptor (RLR) essential for the detection of viral molecules, i.e., TLR3, TLR7, TLR9, and RIG-I in mature tissue rat peritoneal MCs (PMCs). We established that BD-2 might stimulate PMCs to release proinflammatory and immunoregulatory mediators and to induce a migratory response. Presented data on IgE-coated PMC upon BD-2 treatment suggest that in the case of allergies, there is an enhanced MC immune response and cell influx to the site of the ongoing infection. In conclusion, our data highlight that BD-2 might strongly influence MC features and activity, mainly by strengthening their role in the inflammatory mechanisms and controlling the activity of cells participating in antimicrobial processes.
The Effect of Molar Ratios of Ti/Si on Core-Shell SiO2@TiO2 Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Fu Ning , Ren Xue-chang , Wan Jian-xin
Published: April 2020

After the core-shell SiO2@TiO2 nanoparticles (CSTNs) were synthesized by hydrothermal method, we investigated the influence of different molar ratios of Ti/Si on morphology, structure, and photocatalytic activity of the CSTNs. It was found that the CSTNs showed different size and surface morphology as the Ti/Si molar ratio changed. Besides, the TiO2 and the CSTN had the anatase phase after hydrothermal process and calcination at 450°C for 2 h. The N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms demonstrated the CSTNs with the molar ratio of Ti/Si increased from 1 : 1 to 8 : 1 can be categorized as type IV with hysteresis loop of type H2 and showed to be mesoporous materials. In addition, the CSTNs with the Ti/Si molar ratio of 5 : 1 had the highest surface area of 176.79 m2/g. Surface charges showed the isoelectric point (IEP) of the CSTNs ranged between silica (IEP at pH 3.10) and titania (IEP at pH 5.29). Since the molar ratio of Ti/Si increased from 1 : 1 to 8 : 1 by degradating both colorless organic pollutant of phenol and colored substances of methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of CSTNs exhibited higher photodegradation efficiency compared with TiO2. What is more, the experimental results also showed the CSTNs with Ti/Si molar ratio of 5 : 1 had the highest photocatalytic activity and showed higher photocatalytic efficiency compared with other TiO2-SiO2 composites reported for photodegradation of phenol and MB.
Lower Limb Motion Recognition Method Based on Improved Wavelet Packet Transform and Unscented Kalman Neural Network
Authors: Shi Xin , Qin Pengjie , Zhu Jiaqing , Xu Shuyuan , Shi Weiren
Published: April 2020

Exoskeleton robot is a typical application to assist the motion of lower limbs. To make the lower extremity exoskeleton more flexible, it is necessary to identify various motion intentions of the lower limbs of the human body. Although more sEMG sensors can be used to identify more lower limb motion intention, with the increase in the number of sensors, more and more data need to be processed. In the process of human motion, the collected sEMG signal is easy to be interfered with noise. To improve the practicality of the lower extremity exoskeleton robot, this paper proposed a wavelet packet transform- (WPT-) based sliding window difference average filtering feature extract algorithm and the unscented Kalman neural network (UKFNN) recognition algorithm. We established an sEMG energy feature model, using a sliding window difference average filtering method to suppress noise interference and extracted stable feature values and using UKF filtering to optimize the neural network weights to improve the adaptability and accuracy of the recognition model. In this paper, we collected the sEMG signals of three muscles to identify six lower limb motion intentions. The average accuracy of 94.83% is proposed in this paper. Experiments show that the algorithm improves the accuracy and anti-interference of motion intention recognition of lower limb sEMG signals. The algorithm is superior to the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) recognition algorithm in the lower limb motion intention recognition and proves the effectiveness, novelty, and reliability of the method in this paper.
(τ1,τ2)α-Continuity for Multifunctions
Authors: Viriyapong Chokchai , Boonpok Chawalit
Published: April 2020

The main goal of this article is to introduce the concepts of upper and lower (τ1,τ2)α-continuous multifunctions. Characterizations of upper and lower (τ1,τ2)α-continuous multifunctions are investigated. The relationships between upper and lower (τ1,τ2)α-continuous multifunctions and the other types of continuity are discussed.
Catalpol Attenuates Hepatic Steatosis by Regulating Lipid Metabolism via AMP‐Activated Protein Kinase Activation
Authors: Tian Xiang , Ru Qin , Xiong Qi , Wen Ruojian , Chen Yong
Published: April 2020

The increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which develops from hepatic steatosis, represents a public health challenge. Catalpol, a natural component extracted from the roots of Radix Rehmanniae, has several pharmacological activities. The present study is aimed at examining whether catalpol prevents hepatic steatosis in cell and animal experiments and elucidating the possible mechanisms. HepG2 cells were treated with 300 μM palmitate (PA) and/or catalpol for 24 h in vitro, and male C57BL/6J mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) were administered catalpol for 18 weeks in vivo. The results revealed that catalpol significantly decreased lipid accumulation in PA‐treated HepG2 cells. Moreover, catalpol drastically reduced body weight and lipid accumulation in the liver, whereas it ameliorated hepatocyte steatosis in HFD‐fed mice. Notably, catalpol remarkably promoted the phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase. Subsequently, catalpol repressed the expressions of lipogenesis‐associated genes such as sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c and fatty acid synthase but promoted the expressions of genes associated with fatty acid β‐oxidation such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α together with its target genes carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 and acyl‐CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1). However, the preincubation of the HepG2 cells with compound C (10 μM), an AMPK inhibitor, prevented catalpol‐mediated beneficial effects. These findings suggest that catalpol ameliorates hepatic steatosis by suppressing lipogenesis and enhancing fatty acid β‐oxidation in an AMPK‐dependent manner. Therefore, catalpol has potential as a novel agent in the treatment of NAFLD.
New Waterflooding Characteristic Curves Based on Cumulative Water Injection
Authors: Yuan Zhiwang , Li Zhiping , Yang Li , Zhang Yingchun
Published: April 2020

When a conventional waterflooding characteristic curve (WFCC) is used to predict cumulative oil production at a certain stage, the curve depends on the predicted water cut at the predicted cutoff point, but forecasting the water cut is very difficult. For the reservoirs whose pressure is maintained by water injection, based on the water-oil phase seepage theory and the principle of material balance, the equations relating the cumulative oil production and cumulative water injection at the moderately high water cut stage and the ultrahigh water cut stage are derived and termed the Yuan-A and Yuan-B curves, respectively. And then, we theoretically analyze the causes of the prediction errors of cumulative oil production by the Yuan-A curve and give suggestions. In addition, at the ultrahigh water cut stage, the Yuan-B water cut prediction formula is established, which can predict the water cut according to the cumulative water injection and solve the difficult problem of water cut prediction. The application results show Yuan-A and Yuan-B curves are applied to forecast oil production based on cumulative water injection data obtained by the balance of injection and production, avoiding reliance on the water cut forecast and solving the problems of predicting the cumulative oil production of producers or reservoirs that have not yet shown the decline rule. Furthermore, the formulas are simple and convenient, providing certain guiding significance for the prediction of cumulative oil production and water cut for the same reservoir types.
Role of NDP‐ and FZD4‐Related Novel Mutations Identified in Patients with FEVR in Norrin/β‐Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Han Shuai , Sun Junhui , Yang Liwei , Qi Ming
Published: April 2020

Mutations in NDP and FZD4 have been closely related to a series of retinal diseases including familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). Our study was designed to identify novel NDP and FZD4 mutations by whole exome sequencing (WES) in a cohort of patients with a definitive diagnosis of FEVR and explore the underlying molecular mechanism. During 2016, we investigated fifty nonconsanguineous families with affected individuals exhibiting FEVR phenotype and WES identified one recently reported mutation: NDP c.127C>A (p.H43N), and five novel mutations: NDP c.129_131del (p.44del), NDP c.320_353del (p.R107Pfs), NDP c.321delG (p.L108Cfs), NDP c.377G>T (p.C126F), and FZD4 c.314T>G (p.M105R) that cosegragated with the abnormal fundus vascular manifestations in six families. All the mutations were perceived to be pathogenic or likely pathogenic according to the standards and guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and predicted to be deleterious by a series of bioinformatics analyses. We systematically performed functional analyses on the six mutations utilizing the Topflash reporter assay, where all NDP and FZD4 mutants revealed at least 50% loss of wild‐type activity. Immunoprecipitation finally demonstrated that the six mutations could degrade the Norrin‐Frizzled‐4 pair‐binding effect to varying degrees. Finally, our study underscores the correlation between the FEVR phenotype and genotype in NDP and FZD4, extending the mutation spectrum, allowing a reliable assessment of FEVR recurrence and improving genetic counseling. Further, our findings provide essential evidence for the follow‐up study of animal models and drug targets by Topflash assays and immunoprecipitation.
The Diagnostic Yields and Safety of Double-Balloon Enteroscopy in Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Incomplete Small Bowel Obstruction: Comparison between the Adults and Elderly
Authors: Wang Lei , Xie Mengfan , Hong Liwen , Zhang Chen , Zhang Tianyu , Fan Rong , Zhong Jie , Wang Zhengting
Published: April 2020

Background. Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is widely used worldwide. However, comparisons between the diagnostic yields in adults and the elderly remain scarce. Aim. The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic yields and safety of DBE between adults and elderly with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and incomplete small bowel obstruction. Method. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent DBE with indication of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding or incomplete small bowel obstruction in Ruijin Hospital and classified them into adults (18–64 years old) and elderly (≥65 years old). Clinical characteristics, diagnostic yields, and postoperative complications were collected and further analyzed. Results. A total of 877 DBE procedures, 729 in adults and 148 in the elderly, were performed. In the patients with OGIB, the adults showed a higher frequency of Meckel’s diverticulum compared with the elderly (4.6% vs. 0.9%, P=0.032). Angioectasia was higher in frequency in the elderly than in the adults (25.9% vs. 17.9%, P=0.048). In patients with incomplete small bowel obstruction, the elderly were more likely to have adenocarcinoma than the adults (19.4% vs. 7.1%, P=0.038). The adults had higher tendency to have Crohn’s disease than the elderly (23.4% vs. 8.3%, P=0.045). Most of the postoperative complications were mild. The adults and elderly displayed comparable tolerance to DBE (P>0.05) Conclusion. DBE has a high diagnostic yield in small bowel disorders, and a slight difference in disease spectrum was observed between the adults and elderly. DBE can be well-tolerated in the elderly.
Study on the Calibration Transfer of Soil Nutrient Concentration from the Hyperspectral Camera to the Normal Spectrometer
Authors: Li Xue-Ying , Ren Guo-xing , Fan Ping-Ping , Liu Yan , Sun Zhong-Liang , Hou Guang-Li , Lv Mei-Rong
Published: April 2020

The calibration transfer between instruments is mainly aimed at the calibration transfer between normal spectrometers. There are few studies on the calibration transfer of soil nutrient concentration from a hyperspectral camera to a normal spectrometer. In this paper, 164 soil samples from three regions in Qingdao, China, were collected. The spectral data of normal spectrometer and hyperspectral camera and the concentration of total carbon and nitrogen were obtained. And then, the models of soil total carbon and nitrogen content were established by using the spectral data of a normal spectrometer. The hyperspectral data were transferred by a variety of methods, such as single conventional calibration transfer algorithm, combination of multiple calibration transfer algorithms, and calibration transfer algorithm after spectral pretreatment. The transferred hyperspectral data were predicted by the total carbon and total nitrogen concentration model established by using a normal spectrometer. The absolute coefficients Rt2 and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) were used to evaluate the prediction performance after calibration transfer. After trying many calibration transfer methods, the prediction performance of calibration transfer by the Repfile-PDS and Repfile-SNV methods was the best. In the calibration transfer of the Repfile-PDS method, when the number of PDS windows was 27 and the number of standard data was 40, the Rt2 and the RMSEP of TC concentration were 0.627 and 2.351. When the number of PDS windows was 25 and the number of standard data was 100, the Rt2 and the RMSEP of TN concentration were 0.666 and 0.297. In the calibration transfer of the Repfile-SNV method, when the number of TC and TN standard data was 120, the Rt2 was the largest, 0.701 and 0.722, respectively, and the RMSEP was 2.880 and 0.399, respectively. After the hyperspectral data were calibration transferred by the above algorithms, they could be predicted by the soil TC and TN concentration model established by using a normal spectrometer, and better prediction results can be obtained. The solution of the calibration transfer of soil nutrient concentration from the hyperspectral camera to the normal spectrometer provides a powerful basis for rapid prediction of a large number of image information data collected by using a hyperspectral camera. It greatly reduces the workload and promotes the application of hyperspectral camera in quantitative analysis and rapid measurement technology.
Long-Term Follow-up of a Randomized Study of Oral Etoposide versus Viscum album Fermentatum Pini as Maintenance Therapy in Osteosarcoma Patients in Complete Surgical Remission after Second Relapse
Authors: Longhi Alessandra , Cesari Marilena , Serra Massimo , Mariani Erminia
Published: April 2020

Background. In relapsed osteosarcoma, the 5-yr postrelapse disease-free survival (PRDFS) rate after the second relapse is <20%. In June 2007, a randomized study was started comparing oral etoposide vs Viscum album fermentatum Pini (an extract derived from the parasitic plant Viscum album L., European mistletoe) as maintenance therapy in patients with metastatic osteosarcoma in complete surgical remission after the second relapse. The primary endpoint was the PRDFS rate at 12 months (compared to the historical control rate). This is a long-term updated result. Patients and Methods. 10 patients received oral etoposide 50 mg/m2 daily for 21 days every 28 days for 6 months, and 9 patients received Viscum album fermentatum Pini 3 times/wk subcutaneously for 1 year. The study closed early in July 2011 due to insufficient recruitment. Lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed at T0, T3, T6, T9, and T12 months. Results. On 30 June 2019, at a median follow-up ITT of 83 months (range 3–144 ms), a median PRDFS of 106 ms (2–144) was observed in the Viscum arm with 5/9 patients who never relapse vs a PRDFS of 7 months (3–134) in the etoposide arm (all patients in the Etoposide arm relapsed) (hazard ratio HR = 0.287, 95% CI: 0.076–0.884, p=0.03). Model forecast 10-yr overall survival rates as 64% in the Viscum arm and 33% in the etoposide arm. Lymphocyte subpopulation counts (CD3, CD4, and CD56) showed an increase in the Viscum arm while a decrease was observed in the etoposide arm during treatment. Conclusions. After 12 years from the start of the trial, the patients in the Viscum arm continue to show a considerably longer PRDFS compared to oral etoposide, and a trend for an advantage in OS is evident even if the number of treated patients is too small to draw conclusions. Viscum as maintenance treatment after complete surgical remission in relapsed osteosarcoma should be further investigated and compared with other drugs.
Study on Concrete Workability Based on Comparison between the Minimum Paste Demand and the Closest Packing Density
Authors: Zhang Gaolong , Yan Zhaoyu , He Fuqiang , Wang Ruipan , Chen Changping
Published: April 2020

The mixture design method (MDM) has been used to design the concrete workability with the three-graded stone. The results indicated that the proportion of the stone corresponding to the minimum paste demand (Pmin) can meet that corresponding to the approximate closest packing density (ACPDmax). When the workability reaches its maximum value, the paste thickness (Tpaste) and mortar thickness (Tmortar) do not reach their respective extreme values. Therefore, the combined effect of the Tpaste and Tmortar needs to be considered when evaluating concrete workability. Compared with concrete designed by the maximum packing density, the concrete designed by the Pmin + ACPDmax has a lower cost; however, stone surface area (Sstone) and the average particle size of the stone (DA-stone) are increased by 8.6% and reduced by 5.7%, respectively. Therefore, the contradictory weakening effect of an increase in the Sstone and a decrease in the DA-stone on the interface transition zone in both cases requires further investigation.
The Pull-Through Technique for Recanalization of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Dysfunction
Authors: Chen Si-liang , Xiao Cheng-jiang , Wang Shuai , Jin Si-yi , Zhao Jian-bo
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To evaluate the technical efficacy and safety of the pull-through technique in recanalization of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) when standard transjugular approach is inaccessible. Materials and Methods. A retrospective review of patients underwent TIPS revision via the pull-through technique was performed. Transhepatic directly punctured stent was conducted if the portal vein could not be accessed via standard transjugular approach. Technical success was defined by recanalization of shunt. Clinical success was defined as bleeding interruption and ascites regression without pharmacological support. All patients were followed up by clinical evaluation and Doppler ultrasound. Results. Between January 2010 and December 2016, a total of 63 patients underwent TIPS revision, and 14 of them could not be accessed via standard transjugular approaches owing to stenosis or occlusion of the hepatic vein. The pull-through technique was successful in 13 patients, and one patient underwent parallel TIPS. No procedure-related complication was observed. One patient died of liver failure one week after the procedure. During the follow-up, three patients developed hepatic encephalopathy, and one patient developed TIPS dysfunction again and experienced variceal bleeding. The primary patency rate after TIPS revision was 92% (11/12) at 12 months. Conclusion. The pull-through technique was effective and safe for recanalization of TIPS inaccessible via standard transjugular approach.
Demand Side Management for Smart Grid Based on Smart Home Appliances with Renewable Energy Sources and an Energy Storage System
Authors: Xu Zhihong , Gao Yan , Hussain Muhammad , Cheng Panhong
Published: April 2020

A novel energy management system to improve the efficiency of renewable energy and storage system by scheduling various types of household appliances is developed. The end users schedule appliances optimally taking into account maximum utility (a measure of the satisfaction level of user’s electricity consumption) as well as minimum user’s cost of energy as competitive objectives. A random disturbance (reflecting an uncertainty) is introduced to describe the indeterminate amount of the electricity produced from the renewable energy sources at the adjacent slots. By applying the probability theory, the uncertain optimization model is transformed into a convex optimization problem. Then, the optimal solution is obtained using a quasi-Newton method. The rationality of our proposed model is verified through numerical simulations. According to the results of simulation studies, it is demonstrated that our proposed model not only enhances users’ utility but also reduces energy consumption cost.
Diagnostic Value of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio for Predicting the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kong Weihao , He Yuanyuan , Bao Huarui , Zhang Wenlong , Wang Xingyu
Published: April 2020

Background. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a life-threatening disease caused by a variety of factors, and once it progresses to severe acute pancreatitis, the prognosis is poor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis. Materials and Methods. We searched the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to identify eligible studies using the NLR to predict the severity of AP. The sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were combined using a bivariate mixed model. Results. A total of 10 articles containing 394 cases and 1319 controls were included in the study. The combined SEN, SPE, NLR, PLR, DOR, and AUC are 79% (73%-84%), 71% (59%-80%), 0.30 (0.21-0.41), 2.7 (1.8-4.0), 9 (5-18), and 0.82 (0.78-0.85), respectively. Conclusions. NLR has a moderately high diagnostic value in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis.
Targeting Opsin4/Melanopsin with a Novel Small Molecule Suppresses PKC/RAF/MEK/ERK Signaling and Inhibits Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression
Authors: Wang Qiushi , Zhang Tianshun , Chang Xiaoyu , Wang Keke , Lee Mee-Hyun , Ma Wei-Ya , Liu Kangdong , Dong Zigang
Published: April 2020

The identification of oncogenic biomolecules as drug targets is an unmet need for the development of clinically effective novel anticancer therapies. In this study, we report for the first time that opsin 4/melanopsin (OPN4) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is a potential drug target. Our study has revealed that OPN4 is overexpressed in human lung cancer tissues and cells, and is inversely correlated with patient survival probability. Knocking down expression of OPN4 suppressed cells growth and induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells. We have also found that OPN4, a G protein-coupled receptor, interacted with Gα11 and triggered the PKC/BRAF/MEK/ERKs signaling pathway in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Genetic ablation of OPN4 attenuated the multiplicity and the volume of urethane-induced lung tumors in mice. Importantly, our study provides the first report of AE 51310 (1-[(2,5-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-3-methylpiperidine) as a small-molecule inhibitor of OPN4, suppressed the anchorage-independent growth of lung cancer cells and the growth of patient-derived xenograft tumors in mice.

Implications:

Overall, this study unveils the role of OPN4 in NSCLC and suggests that targeting OPN4 with small molecules, such as AE 51310 would be interesting to develop novel anticancer therapies for lung adenocarcinoma.
Aportes de la metateoría estructuralista a la sociología
Authors: Abreu Cláudio
Published: April 2020

La etapa contemporánea de la filosofía de la ciencia – en lo que atañe a la noción de teoría, etapa semanticista – no logra influenciar las discusiones metateóricas realizadas por sociólogos acerca de la sociología. Dichas discusiones siguen bajo el ala de las perspectivas clásica e historicista, ignorando completamente a la semanticista. El objetivo de este trabajo es acercar la Metateoría Estructuralista a esas discusiones, en particular, a algunas ideas presentadas por Turner. Se expondrán, brevemente, tanto la concepción de teoría como las concepciones de ley fundamental de una teoría y de contrastación de la Metateoría Estructuralista, para finalmente proceder con el análisis de algunas cuestiones planteadas por Turner acerca de la metateoría sociológica.
O "relato de vida" como método das Ciências Sociais
Authors: Costa Luciano Rodrigues , Santos Yumi Garcia dos
Published: April 2020

Entrevista com o sociólogo francês Daniel Bertaux
The struggle for a new labor regime: The US
Authors: Rhomberg Chris
Published: April 2020

This essay examines the American labor movement since the 2008 economic crisis. I begin with a brief review of the structural, institutional, and organizational conditions for labor before the crisis, including changes in employment and the labor force, the conflict between New Deal and anti-union labor regimes, and the emergence of new repertoires in the labor movement. These form the context for the financial crash, and the failure of policy to challenge corporate power. I then discuss the conservative political offensive against unions and movement initiatives at state and local levels. The conflicts have intensified under the Trump administration, with a resurgence of strike activity and the polarization of institutions governing labor and civic life.
Gérard Duménil e Dominique Lévy. Managerial capitalism: Ownership, management and the coming new mode of production
Authors: Dal Rosso Sadi
Published: April 2020

Resenha do livro de Gérard Duménil e Dominique Lévy. Managerial Capitalism. Ownership, management and the coming new mode of production. London, Pluto Press, 2018.
High Salt Intake–Increased (Pro)renin Receptor Expression Is Exaggerated in the Kidney of Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats
Authors: Yamakoshi Seiko , Ito Osamu , Rong Rong , Ohsaki Yusuke , Nakamura Takahiro , Hirose Takuo , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Mori Takefumi , Totsune Kazuhito , Kohzuki Masahiro
Published: April 2020

The (P)RR ([pro]renin receptor) was identified as a new component of the renin-angiotensin system. We previously reported that high salt (HS) intake increased the (P)RR expression in several nephron segments of Sprague-Dawley rats. Other studies reported HS intake increased the XO (xanthine oxidase) activity and an MR (mineralocorticoid receptor) antagonist inhibited HS intake–increased (P)RR expression in the kidneys of Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats. The present study examined the effects of HS intake on (P)RR expression in the kidney of DS rats. Male DS rats were fed a normal salt diet or an HS diet for 4 weeks. Some of the rats fed on the HS diet were treated with the XO inhibitor, febuxostat, and the MR antagonist, spironolactone. Immunoblot and immunohistochemical analyses showed that HS intake increased (P)RR expression in the renal cortex by 22.6-fold, the proximal tubules by 4.9-fold and the distal tubules, respectively. Both febuxostat and spironolactone inhibited HS intake–increased (P)RR expression in the renal cortex. Febuxostat inhibited HS intake–increased (P)RR expression in the proximal tubules, whereas spironolactone inhibited HS intake–increased (P)RR expression in the distal tubules. Additionally, deoxycorticosterone acetate increased (P)RR expression in the renal cortex and distal tubules but not in the proximal tubules of DS rats fed the normal salt diet. These results indicate that HS intake greatly increases (P)RR expression in the renal cortex of DS rats. The mechanisms of HS intake–increased (P)RR expression may work in an XO-dependent manner in the proximal tubules and an MR-dependent manner in the distal tubules.
Greater T Regulatory Cells in Females Attenuate DOCA-Salt–Induced Increases in Blood Pressure Versus Males
Authors: Belanger Kasey M. , Crislip G. Ryan , Gillis Ellen E. , Abdelbary Mahmoud , Musall Jacqueline B. , Mohamed Riyaz , Baban Babak , Elmarakby Ahmed , Brands Michael W. , Sullivan Jennifer C.
Published: April 2020

Hypertension is the most common risk factor for cardiovascular disease, causing over 18 million deaths a year. Although the mechanisms controlling blood pressure (BP) in either sex remain largely unknown, T cells play a critical role in the development of hypertension. Further evidence supports a role for the immune system in contributing to sex differences in hypertension. The goal of the current study was to first, determine the impact of sex on the renal T-cell profiles in DOCA-salt hypertensive males and females and second, test the hypothesis that greater numbers of T regulatory cells (Tregs) in females protect against DOCA-salt–induced increases in BP and kidney injury. Male rats displayed greater increases in BP than females following 3 weeks of DOCA-salt treatment, although increases in renal injury were comparable between the sexes. DOCA-salt treatment resulted in an increase in proinflammatory T cells in both sexes; however, females had more anti-inflammatory Tregs than males. Additional male and female DOCA-salt rats were treated with anti-CD25 to decrease Tregs. Decreasing Tregs significantly increased BP only in females, thereby abolishing the sex difference in the BP response to DOCA-salt. This data supports the hypothesis that Tregs protect against the development of hypertension and are particularly important for the control of BP in females.
Association of Hypertension and Blood Pressure With Kidney Cancer Risk
Authors: Kim Chang Seong , Han Kyung-Do , Choi Hong Sang , Bae Eun Hui , Ma Seong Kwon , Kim Soo Wan
Published: April 2020

Data regarding health behavior-related factors and systolic or diastolic blood pressure to evaluate the association between blood pressure and kidney cancer are lacking. Using nationally representative data from the Korean National Health Insurance System, 9 746 445 participants without kidney cancer between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2009 were followed up until December 31, 2017 to obtain data regarding cancer incidence. Participants were categorized, according to blood pressure, as normal (<120/80 mm Hg), elevated (120–129/<80 mm Hg), and hypertensive (≥130/80 mm Hg) with or without antihypertensive medication, according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association blood pressure guidelines. Kidney cancer was noted in 11 083 participants during the 8-year follow-up. Participants with hypertension were at higher risk for kidney cancer than those without hypertension. Participants with hypertension using medication had a higher cancer risk than those not using medication and those with elevated blood pressure. The risk of kidney cancer significantly increased with higher systolic or diastolic blood pressure, in a dose-dependent manner, even after adjusting for antihypertensive medication use. Therefore, hypertension and high systolic or diastolic blood pressure, compared with normal blood pressure, were associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer.
Incidence of Ischemic Stroke in Individuals With and Without Aortic Valve Stenosis
Authors: Andreasen Charlotte , Gislason Gunnar H. , Køber Lars , Abdulla Jawdat , Martinsson Andreas , Smith J. Gustav , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Andersson Charlotte
Published: April 2020

Background and Purpose—

Aortic valve stenosis may lead to atrial and ventricular remodeling, predisposes to atrial fibrillation, and may also be an independent risk factor of ischemic stroke. However, information on stroke rates among persons with aortic valve stenosis are sparse. We aimed to determine the incidence rates and relative risks of ischemic stroke in individuals with diagnosed aortic valve stenosis compared with age- and sex-matched controls.

Methods—

All patients with incident aortic valve stenosis aged >18 years (n=79 310) and age- and sex-matched controls were identified using the Danish nationwide registries (1997–2017). Incidence rates per 1000 person-years (PY) and multivariable adjusted hazard ratios with 95% CIs were reported.

Results—

In total, 873 373 individuals (median age 77 years, 51.5% men, 9.1% with aortic valve stenosis) were included. Ischemic stroke occurred in 70 205 (8.0%) individuals during 4 880 862 PY of follow-up. Incidence rates of ischemic stroke were 13.3/1000 PY among the controls compared with 30.4/1000 PY in patients with aortic valve stenosis, corresponding to a hazard ratio of 1.31 (95% CI, 1.28–1.34). In all age-groups, the incidence rates and relative risks were significantly increased in patients with aortic valve stenosis compared with controls, but the relative risk was greater for younger individuals (eg, age group, 18–45 years: hazard ratio, 5.94 [95% CI, 4.10–8.36]). In patients with aortic valve stenosis above 65 years of age, the risk of ischemic stroke was markedly lower after aortic valve replacement (30.3 versus 19.6/1000 PY before and after valve replacement). Among people with atrial fibrillation the incidence rate of ischemic stroke was 1.5 times higher when aortic valve stenosis was present (33.0/1000 PY versus 49.9/1000 PY).

Conclusions—

People with aortic valve stenosis have a significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Future studies are warranted to explore whether antithrombotic therapy may be beneficial in some individuals.
A Satellite-Based Climatology of Central and Southeastern U.S. Mesoscale Convective Systems
Authors: Cheeks Shawn M. , Fueglistaler Stephan , Garner Stephen T.
Published: April 2020

A satellite-based climatology is presented of 9607 mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) that occurred over the central and southeastern United States from 1996 to 2017. This climatology is constructed with a fully automated algorithm based on their cold cloud shields, as observed from infrared images taken by GOES-East satellites. The geographical, seasonal, and diurnal patterns of MCS frequency are evaluated, as are the frequency distributions and seasonal variability of duration and maximum size. MCS duration and maximum size are found to be strongly correlated, with coefficients greater than 0.7. Although previous literature has subclassified MCSs based on size and duration, we find no obvious threshold that cleanly categorizes MCSs. The Plains and Deep South are identified as two regional modes of maximum MCS frequency, accounting for 21% and 18% of MCSs, respectively, and these are found to differ in the direction and speed of the MCSs (means of 16 and 13 m s−1), their distributions of duration and size (means of 12.2 h, 176 000 km2 and 9.6 h, 108 000 km2), their initial growth rates (means of 7.6 and 6.1 km2 s−1), and many aspects of the seasonal cycle. The lifetime patterns of MCS movement and growth are evaluated for the full domain and for the two regional modes. The growth patterns and strong correlation between size and duration allow for a parabolic function to represent the MCS life cycle quite well in summary statistics. We show that this satellite-based climatology supports previous studies identifying favorable environments for mesoscale convective systems.
Mean-field homogenization of thermoelastic material properties of a long fiber-reinforced thermoset and experimental investigation
Authors: Kehrer Loredana , Wood Jeffrey T , Böhlke Thomas
Published: April 2020

Fiber-reinforced polymers contribute significantly to weight-reducing components for various industrial applications. A discontinuous glass fiber-reinforced thermoset resin is considered which is produced by the sheet molding compound (SMC) process. Related to the production process, the samples considered in this work exhibit an anisotropic fiber orientation distribution which highly affects the thermomechanical properties. The thermoviscoelastic material behavior of three selected samples is characterized by means of dynamic mechanical analysis. These tests show the temperature-dependent elastic modulus and the glass transition of the composite. Measurements of the thermal expansion of the SMC composite provide data on the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). These experimental investigations provide data for the thermoelastic material modeling. Aiming at the prediction of the effective thermal and mechanical properties, a Hashin–Shtrikman-based homogenization method is presented. Based on an eigenstrain formulation, the effective Young’s modulus and CTE are computed in two steps. Moreover, the mean-field method is given in dependence of a variable reference stiffness allowing to tailor the approach to the material system. The influence of this variable reference stiffness on the effective quantities as well as the predicted behavior is analyzed with respect to the experiments. The presented numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Western Prisoners of War Tried by Court Martial for Insults to the Führer and Criticism of Nazi Germany
Authors: Scheck Raffael
Published: April 2020

The fact that the Geneva Convention of 1929 placed prisoners of war (POWs) under the laws in effect in the army of the detaining state meant that western POWs in Nazi Germany were exposed to the extremely repressive Nazi wartime legislation. Hundreds of western POWs had to appear in front of German court martials as a result of a joke on Hitler, a critical comment on the conditions of captivity or the behavior of German soldiers. They were judged under the Nazi anti-subversion laws, which led to thousands of death sentences for civilians and German soldiers (although none for a western POW). Even private remarks in a letter to family could lead to several years in military prison. German judicial practice against POWs became more repressive as cases multiplied and as the judges and civilian witnesses became more nervous toward the end of the war, leading to rapid and harsh judgments based on dubious evidence and frivolous denunciations. The court martials sometimes reflected the attitudes and subversive thoughts of German witnesses. The fact that the sentences were legal according to the Geneva Convention of 1929 prompted the drafters of the 1949 Geneva Convention to revise the provisions for trials of POWs.
Making Killers: Hate Training and the US Army’s War in Europe, 1942–5
Authors: Schneider Benjamin M.
Published: April 2020

During the Second World War, the US Army was faced with the problem of turning average civilians into soldiers capable of destroying the German army. To ease their adjustment to their new duties and overcome what US officers saw as the unsuitability of Americans for soldiering, the Army Ground Forces adopted a training regimen designed to produce an ‘induced urge to hate the enemy’. This training would make soldiers into enthusiastic killers by portraying the enemy as brutal and ruthless and warfare as a fundamentally lawless activity. As the war went on, hate training increasingly emphasized German atrocities, breaking down the distinctions between soldier and civilian and painting all Germans as potential threats. This antinomian approach achieved only marginal effectiveness in getting US troops to kill, but had dire results for military justice. Blurring the lines between lawful killing and murder, the army’s hate training program crippled its ability to police its soldiers. As violence against German civilians and POWs mounted, many officers felt these war crimes were the natural and inevitable result of the army’s training regimen. Unwilling to hold soldiers responsible, confessed war criminals were only lightly punished, explicitly because the Army believed they had only acted on their training.
Twice Exiled: Leo Zuckermann (1908–85) and the Limits of the Communist Promise
Authors: Graf Philipp
Published: April 2020

Beginning with an encounter between Erich Honecker and the Jewish communist Leo Zuckermann that took place in Mexico City in September 1981, this article investigates the relationship of the communist movement in the German-speaking world to the ‘Jewish question’ and the Holocaust. At a reception of the GDR embassy on the occasion of Honecker’s state visit, the Chairman of the State Council shook hands with Zuckermann, a formerly high-ranking Socialist Unity Party of Germany functionary who had fled the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in 1952, and assured him that he was happy to see him again. This gesture by Honecker rehabilitated a man over whom a blanket of silence had been spread in the GDR decades earlier: during his first exile in Mexico, Zuckermann had developed positions that granted the Jewish people in light of the crimes of National Socialism the right both to restitution and to an independent state. This article offers new insights into the genesis of Zuckermann’s thinking and illuminates the reactions of the party leadership, which was surprisingly not opposed to such partisanship on behalf of the Jewish collective during a short ‘interim period’ from 1943/4 to 1948/9.