bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salivary protein candidates for biomarkers of oral disorders in alcohol and tobacco dependents
Authors: Penteado Carlos Antonio Schaffer , Batista Thiago Beltrami Dias , Chaiben Cassiano Lima , Bonacin Bruna Guedes , Ventura Talita M. O. , Dionizio Aline , Couto Souza Paulo Henrique , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo , Azevedo‐Alanis Luciana Reis
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the oral condition of alcohol and tobacco dependents and identify salivary protein candidates for biomarkers of oral disorders.

Subjects and methods

Thirty‐three male volunteers were evaluated for alcohol abuse rehabilitation; nine were selected for proteomic analysis. Intraoral examination was performed, and non‐stimulated saliva was collected. Salivary proteins were extracted and processed for analysis. A list of proteins identified in saliva was generated from the database and manually revised, obtaining the total number of candidate biomarkers for oral disorders.

Results

The mean age (n = 33) was 42.94 ± 8.61 years. Fourteen (42.4%) subjects presented with 23 oral mucosa changes, and 31 (94%) had dental plaque. A total of 282 proteins were found in saliva (n = 9), of which 26 were identified as candidates for biomarkers of oral disorders. After manual review, 21 proteins were selected. The highest number of candidates for biomarkers was associated with carcinoma of head and neck (n = 10), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (n = 6), and periodontal disease (n = 6).

Conclusion

Alcohol and tobacco dependents showed gingival inflammation, and less than half of them showed oral mucosa changes. Twenty‐one protein candidates for biomarkers of oral disorders were identified in saliva. The two major oral disorders in number of candidates for biomarkers were head and neck cancer and periodontal disease.
Exogenous strigolactones impact metabolic profiles and phosphate starvation signalling in roots
Authors: Gamir Jordi , Torres‐Vera Rocío , Rial Carlos , Berrio Estefanía , de Souza Campos Pedro M. , Varela Rosa M. , Macías Francisco A. , Pozo María J. , Flors Victor , López‐Ráez Juan A.
Published: March 2020

Strigolactones (SLs) are important ex‐planta signalling molecules in the rhizosphere, promoting the association with beneficial microorganisms, but also affecting plant interactions with harmful organisms. They are also plant hormones in‐planta, acting as modulators of plant responses under nutrient‐deficient conditions, mainly phosphate (Pi) starvation. In the present work, we investigate the potential role of SLs as regulators of early Pi starvation signalling in plants. A short‐term pulse of the synthetic SL analogue 2′‐epi‐GR24 promoted SL accumulation and the expression of Pi starvation markers in tomato and wheat under Pi deprivation. 2′‐epi‐GR24 application also increased SL production and the expression of Pi starvation markers under normal Pi conditions, being its effect dependent on the endogenous SL levels. Remarkably, 2′‐epi‐GR24 also impacted the root metabolic profile under these conditions, promoting the levels of metabolites associated to plant responses to Pi limitation, thus partially mimicking the pattern observed under Pi deprivation. The results suggest an endogenous role for SLs as Pi starvation signals. In agreement with this idea, SL‐deficient plants were less sensitive to this stress. Based on the results, we propose that SLs may act as early modulators of plant responses to P starvation.
Targeted Photodynamic Therapy of Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Anti‐epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Antibody Cetuximab and Photosensitizer IR700DX in the Mouse Skin‐fold Window Chamber Model
Authors: Peng Wei , de Bruijn Henriette S. , ten Hagen Timo L. M. , van Dam Go M. , Roodenburg Jan L. N. , Berg Kristian , Witjes Max J. H. , Robinson Dominic J.
Published: March 2020

Targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) in head/neck cancer patients with a conjugate of the anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody, Cetuximab and a phthalocyanine photosensitizer IR700DX is under way, but the exact mechanisms of action are still not fully understood. In this study, the EGFR‐overexpressing human head/neck OSC‐19‐luc2‐cGFP tumor with transfected GFP gene was used in a skin‐fold window chamber model in BALB/c nude mice. The uptake and localization of the conjugate in the tumor and its surrounding normal tissues were studied by an intravital confocal laser scanning microscopy with image analyses. The tumor was also irradiated with 690 nm laser light 24 h after conjugate administration. The vascular and tumor responses were examined by morphological evaluation and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The amount of conjugate in the tumor peaked at 24–48 h after injection. Image analyses of colocalization correlation parameters demonstrated a high fraction of the conjugate IR700DX colocalized in the GFP‐expressing tumor cells. PDT‐treated tumors showed extensive necrotic/apoptotic destruction with little vascular damage, while IHC showed no HIF‐1α expression and decreased EGFR and Ki67 expression with activated caspase‐3 overexpression, indicating a direct killing of tumor cells through both necrotic and apoptotic cell death.
Differential Responses of Growth and Photochemical Performance of Marine Diatoms to Ocean Warming and High Light Irradiance
Authors: Wu Yaping , Zhang Mengjuan , Li Zhenzhen , Xu Juntian , Beardall John
Published: March 2020

Diatoms have relatively high biomass in mid‐ to high‐latitude oceans, which is also the most sensitive region to climate change. Photoautotrophs are thus predicted to become exposed to both higher temperatures and increased solar irradiance. In this study, we examined the consequences of such changes for the growth and photo‐physiology of two diatoms by mimicking the scenarios that correspond to present day and that predicted for the end of this century. Elevated light induced higher rates of damage to photosystem II (PSII) that significantly reduced photochemical yields of both diatoms. Treatments including UV radiation induced ~ 50% inhibition of PSII under present PAR levels. Generally, warming alleviated UVR inhibition, resulting in higher photochemical yields, and faster recovery during dim light exposure. Therefore, concurrent increase of irradiance and temperature mitigated UV inhibition of PSII by 8–15%. The growth was stimulated by warming under PAR treatment, while less stimulation, or even decreased growth rates were found under the PAR + UVR treatment. Results suggest that ocean warming could fully offset the inhibition of high light on PSII. However, under the latter higher UVR stress scenario, the energetic expenditure required by the diatoms to repair damage could lead to their lower overall growth in future oceans.
Identification and comprehensive analysis of the CLV3/ESR‐related (CLE) gene family in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Han S. , Khan M. H. U. , Yang Y. , Zhu K. , Li H. , Zhu M. , Amoo O. , Khan S. U. , Fan C. , Zhou Y.
Published: March 2020

The CLE (CLAVATA3/ESR) gene family, encoding a group of small secretory peptides, plays important roles in cell‐to‐cell communication, thereby controlling a broad spectrum of development processes. The CLE family has been systematically characterized in some plants, but not in Brassica napus.

In the present study, 116 BnCLE genes were identified in the B. napus genome, including seven unannotated, six incorrectly predicted and five multi‐CLE domain‐encoding genes. These BnCLE members were separated into seven distinct groups based on phylogenetic analysis, which might facilitate the functional characterization of the peptides.

Further characterization of CLE pre‐propeptides revealed 31 unique CLE peptides from 45 BnCLE genes, which may give rise to distinct roles of BnCLE and expansion of the gene family. The biological activity of these unique CLE dodecamer peptides was tested further through in vitro peptide assays. Variations in several important residues were identified as key contributors to the functional differentiation of BnCLE and expansion of the gene family in B. napus. Expression profile analysis helped to characterize possible functional redundancy and sub‐functionalization among the BnCLE members.

This study presents a comprehensive overview of the CLE gene family in B. napus and provides a foundation for future evolutionary and functional studies.
Shedding light on the chromatin changes that modulate shade responses
Authors: Martínez‐García Jaime F. , Moreno‐Romero Jordi
Published: March 2020

Perception of vegetation proximity or plant shade informs of potential competition for resources by the neighboring vegetation. As vegetation proximity impacts on both light quantity and quality, perception of this cue by plant photoreceptors reprograms development to result in responses that allow plants to compete with the neighboring vegetation. Developmental reprogramming involves massive and rapid changes in gene expression, with the concerted action of photoreceptors and downstream transcription factors. Changes in gene expression can be modulated by epigenetic processes that alter chromatin compaction, influencing the accessibility and binding of transcription factors to regulatory elements in the DNA. However, little is known about the epigenetic regulation of plant responses to the proximity of other plants. In this manuscript, we review what is known about plant shade effects on chromatin changes at the cytological level, that is, changes in nuclear morphology and high order chromatin density. We address which are the specific histone post‐transcriptional modifications that have been associated with changes in shade‐regulated gene expression, such as histone acetylation and histone methylation. Furthermore, we explore the possible mechanisms that integrate shade signaling components and chromatin remodelers to settle epigenetic marks at specific loci. This review aims to be a starting point to understand how a specific environmental cue, plant shade, integrates with chromatin dynamics to implement the proper acclimation responses.
Differing trade elasticities for intra‐ and international distances: A gravity approach
Authors: Query Jason
Published: March 2020

Using the gravity model of trade, I estimate the impact that within‐country transportation distance has on international trade levels. Combining multiple data sets, I create a measure for the distance U.S. agricultural goods travel before leaving the country. In order to account for endogeneity in production location choice, I use potential agricultural production as an instrument for actual agricultural production. I find that internal distance is statistically significant and large in magnitude. A 10% reduction in the distance a good travels within the exporting country increases trade by roughly 3%.
Frequency and management of non‐obstetric fistula in the Democratic Republic of Congo: experience from the Fistula Care Plus project
Authors: Mpunga Mafu Michel , Banze Don Félicien , Nembunzu Dolores , Maroyi Raha , Paluku Justin , Kinja Rachel , Kitambala Esther , Tena‐Tena Aussak Brian , Bulu Bobina Ruth , Amisi Notia , Mukuliboy Ange , Diop Altine , Tripathi Vandana , Romanzi Lauri , Delamou Alexandre
Published: March 2020

Objective

To describe the frequency, causes and post‐repair outcomes of NOF in hospitals supported by the Fistula Care Plus (FC+) project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017 in three FC + supported fistula repair sites.

Results

Of 1984 women treated for female genital fistula between 2015 and 2017 in the three FC + supported hospitals, 384 (19%) were considered to be non‐obstetric fistula (NOF) cases. 49.3% were married/in a relationship at the time of treatment vs. 69% before the fistula, P < 0.001. Type III (n = 247; 64.3%) and type I (n = 121; 31.5%) fistulas according to Kees/Waaldijk classification were the most common. The main causes of NOF were medical procedure (n = 305; 79.4%); of these, caesarean section (n = 234; 76.7%) and hysterectomy (n = 54; 17.7%) were the most common. At hospital discharge, the fistula was closed and dry in 353 women (95.7%).

Conclusion

Non‐obstetric fistula, particularly due to iatrogenic causes, was relatively common in the DRC, calling for more prevention that includes improved quality of care in maternal health services.
Distinct roles of srGAP3‐Rac1 in the initiation and maintenance phases of neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel
Authors: Chen Zihang , Zhang Subo , Nie Bilin , Huang Jingxiu , Han Zhixiao , Chen Xiaodi , Bai Xiaohui , Ouyang Handong
Published: April 2020

Key points

Spinal cord dorsal horn srGAP3 (slit‐robo GTPase activating protein 3) increases in the initiation phase of neuropathic pain and decreases in the maintenance phase. However, Rac1 activity, which can be reduced by srGAP3, decreases in the initiation phase and increases in the maintenance phase.

The increased srGAP3 in the initiation phase promotes new immature dendritic spines instigating neuropathic pain. Decreased srGAP3 in the maintenance phase enhances Rac1 activity facilitating maturation of dendritic spines and the persistence of neuropathic pain.

SrGAP3 small interfering RNA can ameliorate neuropathic pain only when administrated in the initiation phase. The Rac1 inhibitor can ameliorate neuropathic pain only when administrated in the maintenance phase.

Combined targeting of srGAP3 in the initiation phase and Rac1 in the maintenance phase can produce optimal analgesic efficacy.

Neuropathic pain includes an initiation phase and maintenance phase, each with different pathophysiological processes. Understanding the synaptic plasticity and molecular events in these two phases is relevant to exploring precise treatment strategies for neuropathic pain. In the present study, we show that dendritic spine density increases in the spinal dorsal horn in the initiation phase of neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel and that the spine maturity ratio increases in the maintenance phase. Increased srGAP3 (slit‐robo GTPase activating protein 3) facilitates dendritic spine sprouting in the initiation phase. In the maintenance phase, srGAP3 decreases to upregulate Rac1 activity, which facilitates actin polymerization and dendritic spine maturation and thus the persistence of neuropathic pain. Knockdown of srGAP3 in the initiation phase or inhibition of Rac1 in the maintenance phase attenuates neuropathic pain. Combined intervention of srGAP3 in the initiation phase, and Rac1 in the maintenance phase shows better analgesic efficacy against neuropathic pain. The present study demonstrates the role of srGAP3‐Rac1 in dendritic spine plasticity in the two phases of neuropathic pain and, accordingly, provides treatment strategies for different phases of neuropathic pain.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Clostridioides difficile Sequence Type 97 Strain Belonging to Hypervirulent Clade 2
Authors: Usui Yukino , Nukui Yoko , Koike Ryuji , Tohda Shuji , Saito Ryoichi
Published: April 2020

Clostridioides difficile
hypervirulent clade 2 lineages are the major lineages responsible for the outbreaks in North America and Europe. However, the genome sequences of Japanese isolates are scarcely available. Herein, we report the draft genome sequence of
C. difficile
strain TMD0138 sequence type 97 (ST97), belonging to hypervirulent clade 2, isolated in Japan.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Alternaria
Strains Isolated from Grapes and Apples
Authors: Gebru Solomon T. , Gangiredla Jayanthi , Tournas Vasiliki H. , Tartera Carmen , Mammel Mark K.
Published: April 2020

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of
Alternaria alternata
, isolated from seedless grapes, and
Alternaria arborescens
and
Alternaria atra
, isolated from Red Delicious apples, all from the Washington, DC, area.
Estimation of $$\varUpsilon \hbox {(1S)}$$ production in ep process near threshold
Authors: Xu Yu , Xie Yaping , Wang Rong , Chen Xurong
Published: March 2020

The near-threshold photo-productions of heavy quarkonia are important ways to test the QCD-inspired models and to constrain the gluon distribution of nucleon in the large x region. Investigating the various models, we choose a photon–gluon fusion model and a pomeron exchange model for $$\hbox {J}/\varPsi $$J/Ψ photo-production near threshold, emphasising on the explanation of the recent experimental measurement by GlueX at JLab. We find that these two models are not only valid in a wide range of the center-of-mass energy of $$\gamma $$γ and proton, but also can be generalized to describe the $$\varUpsilon \hbox {(1S)}$$Υ(1S) photo-production. Using these two models, we predict the electro-production cross-sections of $$\varUpsilon \hbox {(1S)}$$Υ(1S) at EicC to be 48 fb to 85 fb at the center-of-mass energy of 16.75 GeV.
Optimization and modulation for the moderate and high temperature thermoelectric properties of PbSe via solid solution with PbS synthesized by HPHT
Authors: Liu Baomin , Ma Hongan , Chen Qi , Wang Yao , Ji Guangyao , Li Xinjian , Zhang Yuewen , Jia Xiaopeng
Published: April 2020

PbS synthesized at the same condition with PbSe exhibits an opposite electrical conduction type from it. Via the solid solution of PbS into PbSe, we attempt to change the major carries kind of PbSe-base materials and improve the thermoelectric (TE) property of synthesis samples in corresponding temperature areas. Introduction of high pressure into the synthesis stage could reduce the reactive activation energy and improve the synthesis efficiency. Characterizations via the electron microscopes demonstrate that synthesis samples are made of multiscale grains. Finally, characterizations on the thermoelectrical properties of [Formula: see text] demonstrate that the solid solution treatment could modulate the electrical conduction type and the figure of merit effectively.
Information Leakage in Encrypted Deduplication via Frequency Analysis
Authors: Li Jingwei , Lee Patrick P. C. , Tan Chufeng , Qin Chuan , Zhang Xiaosong
Published: March 2020

Encrypted deduplication combines encryption and deduplication to simultaneously achieve both data security and storage efficiency. State-of-the-art encrypted deduplication systems mainly build on deterministic encryption to preserve deduplication effectiveness. However, such deterministic encryption reveals the underlying frequency distribution of the original plaintext chunks. This allows an adversary to launch frequency analysis against the ciphertext chunks and infer the content of the original plaintext chunks. In this article, we study how frequency analysis affects information leakage in encrypted deduplication, from both attack and defense perspectives. Specifically, we target backup workloads and propose a new inference attack that exploits
chunk locality
to increase the coverage of inferred chunks. We further combine the new inference attack with the knowledge of chunk sizes and show its attack effectiveness against variable-size chunks. We conduct trace-driven evaluation on both real-world and synthetic datasets and show that our proposed attacks infer a significant fraction of plaintext chunks under backup workloads. To defend against frequency analysis, we present two defense approaches, namely MinHash encryption and scrambling. Our trace-driven evaluation shows that our combined MinHash encryption and scrambling scheme effectively mitigates the severity of the inference attacks, while maintaining high storage efficiency and incurring limited metadata access overhead.
Design for Social Accessibility Method Cards
Authors: Shinohara Kristen , Jacobo Nayeri , Pratt Wanda , Wobbrock Jacob O.
Published: March 2020

This article is an extended version of our 2018 ASSETS paper entitled, “Incorporating Social Factors in Accessible Design.” In our ASSETS paper, we demonstrated the viability of the
Design for Social Accessibility
perspective through a series of user-centered workshops with professional designers. With this expanded article, we conducted a follow-up research study with a user-centered design course that examined the use of Design for Social Accessibility Method Cards over a longer design cycle, specifically as the method and cards contributed to a term-long project, rather than just a workshop. We also offer a new analysis on work leading to the development of Design for Social Accessibility, with a focus on how practical considerations in the design process influence how designers engage accessible design. We found that the concrete and real-life scenarios in the Design for Social Accessibility Method Cards helped mediate useful interactions between student designers and deaf and hard-of-hearing users. In addition, we identified how practical choices in investigating strategies for socially accessible design enabled designers to center disabled perspectives. The contributions of this work—when added to the findings of our ASSETS 2018 paper on incorporating social factors—demonstrate the viability of Design for Social Accessibility by providing: (1) empirical data showing that designers can use the Design for Social Accessibility perspective and method cards to generate accessible designs and appropriately engage deaf and hard-of-hearing users to incorporate social considerations; and (2) a summative analysis highlighting practical steps for how designers can use the Design for Social Accessibility perspective and methods cards to create accessible designs.
Accelerating Scientific Computing in the Post-Moore’s Era
Authors: Hamilton Kathleen E. , Schuman Catherine D. , Young Steven R. , Bennink Ryan S. , Imam Neena , Humble Travis S.
Published: March 2020

Novel uses of graphical processing units for accelerated computation revolutionized the field of high-performance scientific computing by providing specialized workflows tailored to algorithmic requirements. As the era of Moore’s law draws to a close, many new non–von Neumann processors are emerging as potential computational accelerators, including those based on the principles of neuromorphic computing, tensor algebra, and quantum information. While development of these new processors is continuing to mature, the potential impact on accelerated computing is anticipated to be profound. We discuss how different processing models can advance computing in key scientific paradigms: machine learning and constraint satisfaction. Significantly, each of these new processor types utilizes a fundamentally different model of computation, and this raises questions about how to best use such processors in the design and implementation of applications. While many processors are being developed with a specific domain target, the ubiquity of spin-glass models and neural networks provides an avenue for multi-functional applications. This also hints at the infrastructure needed to integrate next-generation processing units into future high-performance computing systems.
Improving Code-mixed POS Tagging Using Code-mixed Embeddings
Authors: Bhattu S. Nagesh , Nunna Satya Krishna , Somayajulu D. V. L. N. , Pradhan Binay
Published: March 2020

Social media data has become invaluable component of business analytics. A multitude of nuances of social media text make the job of conventional text analytical tools difficult. Code-mixing of text is a phenomenon prevalent among social media users, wherein words used are borrowed from multiple languages, though written in the commonly understood roman script. All the existing supervised learning methods for tasks such as Parts Of Speech (POS) tagging for code-mixed social media (CMSM) text typically depend on a large amount of training data. Preparation of such large training data is resource-intensive, requiring expertise in multiple languages. Though the preparation of small dataset is possible, the out of vocabulary (OOV) words pose major difficulty, while learning models from CMSM text as the number of different ways of writing non-native words in roman script is huge. POS tagging for code-mixed text is non-trivial, as tagging should deal with syntactic rules of multiple languages. The important research question addressed by this article is whether abundantly available unlabeled data can help in resolving the difficulties posed by code-mixed text for POS tagging. We develop an approach for scraping and building word embeddings for code-mixed text illustrating it for
Bengali-English, Hindi-English,
and
Telugu-English
code-mixing scenarios. We used a hierarchical deep recurrent neural network with linear-chain CRF layer on top of it to improve the performance of POS tagging in CMSM text by capturing contextual word features and character-sequence–based information. We prepared a labeled resource for POS tagging of CMSM text by correcting 19% of labels from an existing resource. A detailed analysis of the performance of our approach with varying levels of code-mixing is provided. The results indicate that the F1-score of our approach with custom embeddings is better than the CRF-based baseline by 5.81%, 5.69%, and 6.3% in
Bengali, Hindi
, and
Telugu
languages, respectively.
A Randomized Reputation System in the Presence of Unfair Ratings
Authors: Rezvani Mohsen , Rezvani Mojtaba
Published: March 2020

With the increasing popularity of online shopping markets, a significant number of consumers rely on these venues to meet their demands while choosing different products based on the ratings provided by others. Simultaneously, consumers feel confident in expressing their opinions through ratings. As a result, millions of ratings are generated on the web for different products, services, and dealers. Nonetheless, a noticeable number of users post unfair feedback. Recent studies have shown that reputation escalation is emerging as a new service, by which dealers pay to receive good feedback and escalate their ratings in online shopping markets. Therefore, finding robust and reliable ways to distinguish between fake and trustworthy ratings from users is a crucial task for every online shopping market. Moreover, with the dramatic increase in the number of ratings provided by consumers, scalability has arisen as another significant issue in the existing methods of reputation systems. To tackle these issues, we propose a randomized algorithm that calculates the reputation based on a random sample of the ratings. Since the randomly selected sample has a logarithmic size, it guarantees feasible scalability for large-scale online review systems. In addition, the randomness nature of the algorithm makes it robust against unfair ratings. We provide a thorough theoretical analysis of the proposed algorithm and validate its effectiveness through extensive empirical evaluation using real-world and synthetically generated datasets. Our experimental results show that the proposed method provides a high accuracy while running much faster than the existing iterative filtering approaches.
To Catch a Failure: The Record-and-Replay Approach to Debugging
Authors: O'Callahan Robert , Huey Kyle , O'Dell Devon , Coatta Terry
Published: March 2020

When work began at Mozilla on the record-and-replay debugging tool called rr, the goal was to produce a practical, cost-effective, resource-efficient means for capturing low-frequency nondeterministic test failures in the Firefox browser. Much of the engineering effort that followed was invested in making sure the tool could actually deliver on this promise with a minimum of overhead. What was not anticipated, though, was that rr would come to be widely used outside of Mozilla?and not just for sleuthing out elusive failures, but also for regular debugging.
A conversation with Jesmin Jahan
Authors: Anjum Bushra
Published: March 2020

In this series of interviews with innovation leaders, Ubiquity Associate Editor and software engineer, Dr. Bushra Anjum sits down with Dr. Jesmin Jahan Tithi, a research scientist in the Parallel Computing Labs at Intel, to discuss overcoming the scaling wall that is thwarting application efficiency, specifically within high-performance computing.
Video laryngoscopic oral intubation in rats: a simple and effective method
Authors: Balzer Claudius , Cleveland William J. , Jinka Tulasi R. , Riess Matthias L.
Published: April 2020

Endotracheal intubation is a vital component of many rat in vivo experiments to secure the airway and allow controlled ventilation. Even in the hands of experienced researchers, however, the procedure remains technically challenging. The safest and most reliable way for human intubation is by video laryngoscopy. Previous attempts to apply this technique in rodents have been complicated and expensive. We, hereby, describe a novel, noninvasive method to safely intubate rats orally by video laryngoscopy, thus avoiding the need for a surgical tracheostomy. By repurposing a commercially available ear wax removal device, visualization of the rat larynx can be significantly enhanced. Because of its small diameter, integrated illumination, and a powerful camera with adequate focal length, the device has all of the necessary properties for exploring the upper airway of a rat. After identifying the vocal cords by video laryngoscopy, the insertion of an endotracheal tube (a 14G intravenous catheter) into the trachea under constant visual control is facilitated by using PE50 polyethylene tubing as a stylet (Seldinger technique). The procedure has been performed more than 60 times in our laboratory; all intubations were successful on the first attempt, and no adverse events were observed. We conclude that the described procedure is a simple and effective way to intubate a rat noninvasively, using inexpensive and commercially available equipment.
The Time-Dependent Failure Mechanism of Rocks and Associated Application in Slope Engineering: An Explanation Based on Numerical Investigation
Authors: Liu Honglei , Li Lianchong , Li Shaohua , Yang Weimin
Published: March 2020

In this study, a numerical model for long-term deformation and progressive failure of rock slope is presented. The model accounts for both rock heterogeneity and the initiation, activation, nucleation, and coalescence of cracks in rock slope through a stochastic local stress field and local rock degradation by using an exponential softening law. The time-dependent behaviour of rocks is taken as a macroscopic consequence of damage evolution and strength degradation in microstructure. A series of demonstrative slope cases containing preexisting joints are constructed and investigated. The slope instability occurs at a particular point in time when the rock strength is reduced to a certain value. The temporal and spatial evolution of joint linkage structures is numerically obtained, which clearly shows how the local stress field and damage evolution within the joint network contribute to the fracture pattern and the long-term instability. Then, a practical slope case in jointed and layered rock formations in Yunyang city is studied. The prevailing failure phenomena of the slope, including gradual surface scaling, sliding collapses, and block falling, are numerically reproduced, with an emphasis placed on the slope failure process and development tendency. There is a good agreement on the failure mode and instability time between the numerical simulations and the field observations.
Pharmacological Effects and Toxicogenetic Impacts of Omeprazole: Genomic Instability and Cancer
Authors: Paz Márcia Fernanda Correia Jardim , de Alencar Marcus Vinícius Oliveira Barros , de Lima Rodrigo Maciel Paulino , Sobral André Luiz Pinho , do Nascimento Glauto Tuquarre Melo , dos Reis Cristiane Amaral , Coêlho Maria do Perpetuo Socorro de Sousa , do Nascimento Maria Luísa Lima Barreto , Gomes Júnior Antonio Luiz , Machado Kátia da Conceição , de Menezes Ag-Anne Pereira Melo , de Lima Rosália Maria Torres , de Oliveira Filho José Williams Gomes , Dias Ana Carolina Soares , dos Reis Antonielly Campinho , da Mata Ana Maria Oliveira Ferreira , Machado Sônia Alves , Sousa Carlos Dimas de Carvalho , da Silva Felipe Cavalcanti Carneiro , Islam Muhammad Torequl , de Castro e Sousa João Marcelo , Melo Cavalcante Ana Amélia de Carvalho
Published: March 2020

Omeprazole (OME) is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. However, long-term use of OME can increase the risk of gastric cancer. We aimed to characterize the pharmacological effects of OME and to correlate its adverse effects and toxicogenetic risks to the genomic instability mechanisms and cancer-based on database reports. Thus, a search (till Aug 2019) was made in the PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect with relevant keywords. Based on the study objective, we included 80 clinical reports, forty-six in vitro, and 76 in vivo studies. While controversial, the findings suggest that long-term use of OME (5 to 40 mg/kg) can induce genomic instability. On the other hand, OME-mediated protective effects are well reported and related to proton pump blockade and anti-inflammatory activity through an increase in gastric flow, anti-inflammatory markers (COX-2 and interleukins) and antiapoptotic markers (caspases and BCL-2), glycoprotein expression, and neutrophil infiltration reduction. The reported adverse and toxic effects, especially in clinical studies, were atrophic gastritis, cobalamin deficiencies, homeostasis disorders, polyp development, hepatotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. This study highlights that OME may induce genomic instability and increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Therefore, adequate precautions should be taken, especially in its long-term therapeutic strategies and self-medication practices.
Control of the Variable-Speed Pumped Storage Unit-Wind Integrated System
Authors: Shi Yifeng , Shi Xiangjian , Yi Chuanbao , Song Xufeng , Chen Xiaogang
Published: March 2020

The integration of variable-speed pumped storage unit (VS-PSU) guarantees an efficient peak regulation and frequency modulation of the power grid. The present research analyzes the active power flow of the VS-PSU under synchronous, subsynchronous, and supersynchronous speed in both generation and pumping modes. The control strategy of the VS-PSU is realized by the dq-axis vector control method. Furthermore, the control of the VS-PSU integrated with wind power has been conducted using DIgSILENT platform with the VS-PSU of 300 kW capacity. Results show that the fluctuation of the power output of the wind power plant can be reduced effectively. The safe, economical, and stable operation of power system integrated with wind power can be achieved by the significant contribution of the VS-PSU.
Early Functional Rehabilitation after Meniscus Surgery: Are Currently Used Orthopedic Rehabilitation Standards Up to Date?
Authors: Koch Matthias , Memmel Clemens , Zeman Florian , Pfeifer Christian G. , Zellner Johannes , Angele Peter , Weber-Spickschen Sanjay , Alt Volker , Krutsch Werner
Published: March 2020

Meniscus therapy is a challenging process. Besides the respective surgical procedure such as partial meniscectomy, meniscus repair, or meniscus replacement, early postoperative rehabilitation is important for meniscus regeneration and return to sport and work as well as long-term outcome. Various recommendations are available. However, the current literature lacks information concerning the actual early rehabilitation in daily routine recommended by orthopedic surgeons. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate currently used standard early rehabilitation protocols in the daily routine of orthopedic surgeons. This study investigated the recommendations and concepts for early rehabilitation after meniscus therapy given by German, Austrian, and Swiss orthopedic institutions. Standardized criteria such as weight bearing, range of motion, use of an orthosis, and rehabilitation training were analyzed according to the conducted surgical procedure: partial meniscectomy, meniscus repair, or meniscus replacement. The analysis of standard rehabilitation concepts for partial meniscectomy (n=15), meniscus repair (n=54), and meniscus replacement (n=7) showed significantly earlier functional rehabilitation in all criteria after partial meniscectomy in contrast to meniscus repair techniques (p<0.001). In addition, significant restrictions were found in full weight bearing, full range of motion, and the use of braces. In summary, a wide range of recommendations for weight bearing, ROM, brace therapy, and mobilization is available, particularly after meniscus repair and meniscus replacement. Most concepts are in accordance with those described in the current literature. Further research is necessary to enhance the scientific evidence on currently used early rehabilitation concepts after meniscus therapy.
Electrochemical Reduction of Oxygen and Nitric Oxide on Mn-Based Perovskites with Different A-Site Cations
Authors: Kammer Hansen K.
Published: March 2020

Four LnMnO3+δ (Ln = La, Pr, Sm, and Gd) perovskites were synthesized and characterized by powder XRD. It was shown that the perovskite lattice became more and more distorted when lowering the size of the A-site cation. The manganite-based perovskites were evaluated for the ability to electrochemically reduce oxygen and nitric oxide in the temperature range of 200 to 400°C. At the lowest temperature, the electrodes were better at reducing nitric oxide than oxygen. At higher temperatures, the activity for the reduction of oxygen and nitric oxide became similar. The activation energies for the reduction of oxygen and nitric oxide were markedly different for LaMnO3+δ and PrMnO3+δ whereas it was similar for SmMnO3+δ and GdMnO3+δ.
Estimates of Volume and Carbon Stock Removals in Miombo Woodlands of Mainland Tanzania
Authors: Manyanda Bernardol John , Nzunda Emmanuel F. , Mugasha Wilson Ancelm , Malimbwi Rogers Ernest
Published: March 2020

Miombo woodlands are major vegetation type covering about 93% of the forest land of Mainland Tanzania. It forms an integral part of the rural landscape in Tanzania and plays a crucial role in providing a wide range of goods and services including carbon sequestration. However, the sustainability of forest resources is mostly affected by the magnitude of its utilization. There should be a balance between the forest growth and removals. Nevertheless, the magnitude of removed volume and carbon in the country is not known. Quantification of volume, biomass, and carbon stocks removals is vital in developing effective climate change mitigation strategies, decision making, and promoting sustainable forest management. Based on the National Forest Resources Monitoring and Assessment data (NAFORMA) comprising 7,026 stumps collected from 16,803 circular plots of 10 m and 15 m radii established in Miombo woodlands of Mainland Tanzania, volume and carbon stock removals were estimated with the use of models that utilize stump diameter (SD) as the sole predictor. Results indicate that the annual volumes, aboveground biomass removed, and belowground biomass removed were 1.71 ± 0.54 m3ha−1year−1, 1.23 ± 0.37 t ha−1year−1, and 0.43 ± 0.12 t ha−1year−1, respectively. In addition, the corresponding aboveground and belowground carbon removed were found to be 0.6 ± 0.18 tC ha−1year−1and 0.21 ± 0.05 tC ha−1year−1respectively. Since the estimated annual volume removals exceed estimated mean annual increment of 1.6 ± 0.2 m3ha−1year−1in Miombo woodlands, the removals indicate unsustainability that would end up into forest degradation. The results also show that removals are more prominent in the following categories: shifting cultivation, production forest, grazing land, general land, village land, and Eastern and Southern zones. This paper calls for increased appropriate management strategies to ensure sustainability in these land categories and in the entire Miombo woodlands of Mainland Tanzania.
The Antiemetic Effect of Xiao‐Ban‐Xia‐Tang Formula against Cisplatin‐Induced Emesis is Mediated through Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in a Rat Pica Model
Authors: Meng Qi , Cheng QianQian , Feng Xiaodi , Chen Siqi , Li Yaqi , Zhang Guanglong , Nie Ke
Published: March 2020

Xiao‐Ban‐Xia‐Tang (XBXT), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used for the treatment of emesis for nearly 2000 years, but its underlying mechanism is not yet fully clarified. The purpose of this study is to reveal the antiemetic mechanisms of XBXT by focusing on the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in a chemotherapy‐induced rat pica model. The pica model was generated by a single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin in this study. Consumption of kaolin (a type of clay) and food and body weight were recorded every 24 hours. Cisplatin‐induced increase in kaolin consumption (pica) was used to quantify chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Tissue from the ileum and antrum was stained with hematoxylin eosin (HE) to observe pathological changes. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines, including IL‐1β and IL‐18 in serum, were detected by ELISA. In addition, changes in the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the ileum and antrum were investigated using western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy. The results showed that oral administration of XBXT and ondansetron inhibited acute and delayed pica and significantly protected against the gastrointestinal pathological injury induced by cisplatin. The levels of ROS, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 in the serum of cisplatin‐treated rats were also remarkably decreased by XBXT and ondansetron. Moreover, we found that XBXT can inhibit cisplatin‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The present study indicates that the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome activation might be one of the potential mechanisms for the therapeutic effects of XBXT against CINV.
Does Foreign Direct Investment Impact Energy Intensity? Evidence from Developing Countries
Authors: Cao Wenming , Chen Shuanglian , Huang Zimei
Published: March 2020

The paper presents the results of a study that attempts to investigate the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on energy intensity by constructing panel regression model and panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) model. Based on panel data from 1990 to 2014, this study contributes to conduct the impact of FDI on energy intensity from the perspective of emerging country, including BRICS and non-BRICS countries, and investigates the channels of influence of FDI on energy intensity. Besides that, we intend to employ the PSTR model to reveal the nonlinear mechanism of FDI on energy intensity. Our findings reveal several key conclusions: first, FDI exerts insignificant impact on energy intensity in the emerging countries. Second, the impact of FDI on energy intensity is heterogeneous between BRICS and non-BRICS countries. Third, innovation capacity plays various moderating effects on the relationship of FDI and energy intensity among different types of emerging countries. Furthermore, the nonlinear mechanism of FDI on energy intensity is realized with industrial structure as the transition variable, which plays a different effect on the impact of FDI on energy intensity between different samples.
Controller for UAV to Oppose Different Kinds of Wind in the Environment
Authors: Wang Bohang , Ali Zain Anwar , Wang Daobo
Published: April 2020

Small UAVs are susceptible to the external disturbance, especially the wind field disturbance in the atmosphere environment. As a result, UAV’s states including attitude, speed, and position are usually unable to track the desired control commands. In this paper, different types of wind fields which easily affect the UAV are summarized; furthermore, the mechanism of their wind fields affecting the UAV is first strictly analyzed. Next, a novel “reject external disturbance” flight mode for UAV is put forward to offset the trajectory deviation caused by side wind, which makes use of the wind speed information obtained by airspeed and ground speed of UAV. In order to implement the “reject external disturbance” flight mode, the Lyapunov stability theory-based variable model reference adaptive control (VMRAC) system is proposed, and it could also deal with the adverse effects of wind shear and turbulence on UAV flight. Finally, simulation results show that the proposed strategy can significantly improve the trajectory following quality of the UAV under wind disturbance.
Impact of Gastrointestinal In Vitro Digestion and Deficit Irrigation on Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Content Bioaccessibility of “Manzanilla” Table Olives
Authors: Sánchez-Rodríguez Lucía , Cano-Lamadrid Marina , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel A. , Hernández Francisca , Sendra Esther
Published: April 2020

This was the first study investigating the polyphenol content, antioxidant potential, and polyphenol bioaccessibility after in vitro digestion of table olives grown using regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) treatments to save irrigation water. Two experiments were carried out: (i) experiment A, where RDI was applied during the pit hardening stage and (ii) experiment B, where RDI was applied during the rehydration stage. Only slight differences among irrigation treatments were observed in two antioxidant assays (ABTS+• and DPPH•) and on TPC for the soluble fraction after in vitro digestion. An average of 1 g gallic acid equivalents kg−1 of table olives were found after digestion. Approximately, 12% of the polyphenols of table olives were bioaccessible for human absorption. Saving water techniques influence neither the final polyphenol content and antioxidant potential of table olives nor the bioaccessibility of polyphenols. The consumption of 40 g of table olives will provide 40 mg of bioaccessible polyphenols able to provide associated health benefits (∼7% of the daily polyphenols intake recommendation).
High CD163 Expression on Classical Monocytes Is Associated with Immune Control of HBV Infection in Noncirrhotic Patients
Authors: Parfieniuk-Kowerda Anna , Grubczak Kamil , Eljaszewicz Andrzej , Świderska Magdalena , Maciaszek Magdalena , Panasiuk Anatol , Jaroszewicz Jerzy , Flisiak Robert , Moniuszko Marcin
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims. The functional impairment of monocytes may contribute to the persistence of HBV infection. This study aims to assess monocyte subpopulations, monocyte expression of CD163, plasma sCD163, and sTWEAK in patients with chronic HBeAg-negative HBV infection at different phases of disease. Methods. Fifty-nine patients with CHB, 9 with a history of HBsAg/anti-HBs seroconversion, were enrolled. The control group consisted of 15 healthy volunteers. Subpopulations of peripheral blood monocytes were distinguished by CD14 and CD16. Membrane expression of CD163 was assessed by flow cytometry, plasma sCD163 concentration by ELISA, and sTWEAK by bead-based multiplexed immunoassay system. Results. CD163 expression was increased in classical and intermediate monocytes in CHB patients and those with HBsAg/anti-HBs seroconversion. CD163 expression on classical monocytes was associated with status of immune control and thus significant in HBV infection as compared to active hepatitis. Plasma sCD163 concentration was increased in CHB patients and those with HBsAg/anti-HBs seroconversion vs. the control group. Positive correlations between plasma sCD163 and ALT, as well as APRI, were observed. Plasma sTWEAK concentration was lower in CHB patients in comparison to patients with HBsAg/anti-HBs seroconversion. Conclusions. Exposure to HBV antigens alters monocyte subsets’ frequencies and activation. The expression of CD163 on classical monocytes increased in parallel with improved immune control of the HBV infection. Patients who seroconverted HBsAg had the highest expression of CD163 on monocytes, which suggests involvement of monocytes in immune control of HBV infection. Persistent inflammation is accompanied by higher CD163 expression and sCD163 level and lower sTWEAK level.