bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutron Stars and the Nuclear Matter Equation of State
Authors: Lattimer J.M.
Published: July 2021

Neutron stars provide a window into the properties of dense nuclear matter. Several recent observational and theoretical developments provide powerful constraints on their structure and internal composition. Among these are the first observed binary neutron star merger, GW170817, whose gravitational radiation was accompanied by electromagnetic radiation from a short γ-ray burst and an optical afterglow believed to be due to the radioactive decay of newly minted heavy r-process nuclei. These observations give important constraints on the radii of typical neutron stars and on the upper limit to the neutron star maximum mass and complement recent pulsar observations that established a lower limit. Pulse-profile observations by the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) X-ray telescope provide an independent, consistent measure of the neutron star radius. Theoretical many-body studies of neutron matter reinforce these estimates of neutron star radii. Studies using parameterized dense matter equations of state (EOSs) reveal several EOS-independent relations connecting global neutron star properties.
Improved Low Temperature Performance of Graphite/Li Cells Using Isoxazole as a Novel Cosolvent in Electrolytes
Authors: Rodrigo Nuwanthi D. , Tan Sha , Shadike Zulipiya , Hu Enyuan , Yang Xiao-Qing , Lucht Brett L.
Published: July 2021

An investigation of novel electrolyte formulations to improve low temperature performance of Li/graphite half cells has been conducted. A novel electrolyte co-solvent, isoxazole (IZ), has been investigated in electrolyte systems composed of lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) in fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and LiDFOB in ethylene carbonate (EC). Cells containing 1 M LiDFOB FEC: IZ electrolyte have a significant improvement in capacity retention and reversible capacity at −10 °C. Ex-situ surface analysis of the cycled electrodes suggests that reduction of LiDFOB results in an oxalate rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Addition of FEC, results in improved stability of the anode SEI preventing further decomposition of isoxazole solvent and improving cycling performance.
Construction and Application of E-Government Simulation Network Experimental Teaching Practice Environment under the Background of Machine Learning
Authors: Zhao Wei
Published: July 2021

With the rapid development of economy and Internet technology, e-government has been reflected in the reform of government information management and is closely related to the security of e-government networks. Existing technologies for evaluating network security can provide good evaluation results when dealing with deterministic data, but they are not sufficient to evaluate the uncertainty of information. In order to solve the problem of the construction and realization of the network training environment, a network security assessment method based on gray relational analysis and D-S theory proof is proposed. First, the scaling method is used to determine the weights of different levels of indicators, because different levels of indicators have different effects on the network state. Secondly, taking into account the differences in the degree of participation of different indicators at different levels, the participation function of each level indicator at the level is determined and a weighted amplitude coefficient to reduce the overall uncertainty is established. The network security situation is sudden and volatile. Therefore, the network security prediction method should have a good ability to deal with nonlinear problems. In this case, a network security state prediction method based on the GM performance model is proposed. The GM performance model has excellent nonlinear debugging functions. It has low requirements on the number of samples and good practicability. The experimental results show that the dynamic decision server push framework based on the XGBoost algorithm proposed in this paper has better performance than the single push method for push server, can use network resources appropriately, and improves the network environment security rate by at least 50%.
A Graph Convolutional Method for Traffic Flow Prediction in Highway Network
Authors: Zhang Tianpu , Ding Weilong , Chen Tao , Wang Zhe , Chen Jun
Published: July 2021

As a transportation way in people’s daily life, highway has become indispensable and extremely important. Traffic flow prediction is one of the important issues for highway management. Affected by many factors, including temporal, spatial, and other external ones, traffic flow is difficult to accurately predict. In this paper, we propose a graph convolutional method. And the name of our model proposed is the hybrid graph convolutional network (HGCN), which comprehensively considers time, space, weather conditions and date type to achieve better predicted results of traffic flow at highway stations. Compared with baselines implemented by various machine learning models, all metrics of our model are reduced dramatically.
A Novel Approach for Detecting DGA-Based Botnets in DNS Queries Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Soleymani Ali , Arabgol Fatemeh
Published: July 2021

In today’s security landscape, advanced threats are becoming increasingly difficult to detect as the pattern of attacks expands. Classical approaches that rely heavily on static matching, such as blacklisting or regular expression patterns, may be limited in flexibility or uncertainty in detecting malicious data in system data. This is where machine learning techniques can show their value and provide new insights and higher detection rates. The behavior of botnets that use domain-flux techniques to hide command and control channels was investigated in this research. The machine learning algorithm and text mining used to analyze the network DNS protocol and identify botnets were also described. For this purpose, extracted and labeled domain name datasets containing healthy and infected DGA botnet data were used. Data preprocessing techniques based on a text-mining approach were applied to explore domain name strings with n-gram analysis and PCA. Its performance is improved by extracting statistical features by principal component analysis. The performance of the proposed model has been evaluated using different classifiers of machine learning algorithms such as decision tree, support vector machine, random forest, and logistic regression. Experimental results show that the random forest algorithm can be used effectively in botnet detection and has the best botnet detection accuracy.
A Method to Locate Tree Positions Using Ultrawideband Technology
Authors: Yuan Fangxing , Chen Sheng , Fang Luming , Zheng Siqing , Liu Yuzhen , Ren Junjun
Published: July 2021

Tree position plays an important role in research on forest resources and ecological functions, and quickly and accurately obtaining tree position data has long been the focus of investigators. However, the classical method is time‐consuming and laborious; thus, a convenient method of measuring tree position is needed. The primary achievements of this study include the following: (1) a device was designed for precise location of trees; (2) a new location algorithm was proposed for pentagonal localization based on the received signal strength indication and ultrawideband technology; and (3) a PC software application was developed for automatically storing and uploading tree position data. The device was applied to 10 circular plots with a diameter of 24 m to test the positioning speed and accuracy. The results showed that the tree positions could be accurately estimated. On the x‐ and y‐axes, the biases were ‐3.94 and 3.36 cm, respectively, and the root mean square errors (RMSEs) were 28.39 and 28.53 cm, respectively. The mean error (Ed) between the estimated and reference distances was 36.13 cm, and the standard deviation was 16.67 cm. The device is inexpensive and easy to use and carry in the field; thus, it is suitable for locating trees in environments with complex terrain.
Review on Unmanned Underwater Robotics, Structure Designs, Materials, Sensors, Actuators, and Navigation Control
Authors: Neira Javier , Sequeiros Cristhel , Huamani Richard , Machaca Elfer , Fonseca Paola , Nina Wilder
Published: July 2021

Since its beginning, around the 50s decade, until present days, the area of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) has considerably grown through time; those have been used for many tasks and applications, from bomb searching and recovery to sea exploration. Initially, these robots were used mainly for military and scientific purposes. However, nowadays, they are very much extended into civils, and it is not hard to find them being used for recreation. In this context, the present research is an effort to make a walkthrough of evolution in this area, showing a diversity of structure designs, used materials, sensor and instrumentation technologies, kinds and the number of actuators employed, navigation control techniques, and what is new in development trends. The paper gives a clear starting point for those who are initializing into this research area; also, it brings some helpful knowledge for those who already have experience.
Analysis of Dynamic Response Mechanism of Roadway Bolt
Authors: Zhan Qinjian , Zheng Xigui , Shahani Niaz Muhammad , Tan Xiao , Li Tao , Du Jiping
Published: July 2021

This work elucidates dynamic control equations of the anchoring system and the derivation of displacement equations and corresponding vibration modes. Furthermore, the anchoring system is found to be composed of three different vibration modes: (1) when ω < (k1/ρ1A1)1/2, the vibration mode of the anchoring section is an exponential function; (2) when ω = (k1/ρ1A1)1/2, the vibration mode of the anchoring section is a parabolic function; (3) when ω >  (k1/ρ1A1)1/2, the vibration mode of the anchoring section is a trigonometric function, while all the free sections are trigonometric functions. With an increase of frequency, the amplitude of the bolt exhibits multipeak distribution characteristics and an intermittent amplification phenomenon. When the frequency reaches a certain value, the bolt of the free section exhibits only the amplified state. Under dynamic load, the amplitude of the bolt increases from end of bolt to the maximum in the root. On the other hand, when the frequency is low, the peak position of the roof bolt is stable, and the excitation wave component is the main influencing factor of the peak value of axial force at the root of the bolt, independent of frequency. When the frequency is relatively high, the peak value of the axial force is stable at the interface, and the higher the frequency, the greater the peak value of axial force. Axial force of the bolt has responded strongly to the frequency at the interface, and the farther away from the interface, the weaker the response.
Toxoplasma gondii in Slaughtered Sheep in High- and Low-Humidity Regions in the South of Iran: Molecular Prevalence and Genotype Identification
Authors: Khademi Seyedeh Zahra , Ghaffarifar Fatemeh , Dalimi Abdolhossein , Dayer Mohammad Saaid , Abdoli Amir
Published: July 2021

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common meat-born zoonoses that infect all warm-blooded animals and humans. Sheep (Ovis aries) is one of the main reservoirs of T. gondii worldwide, and the infections induce various sequels, such as abortion and stillbirth. The present study aimed to identify the effects of humidity on the prevalence of T. gondii in sheep in high- and low-humidity regions. Heart samples from 200 slaughtered sheep (140 samples from a high-humidity region and 60 samples from a low-humidity region) were collected from Hormozgan Province (south of Iran). The samples were tested by nested PCR targeting the RE gene. Genotyping was performed by the PCR-RFLP method using the SAG3 and GRA6 genes. Some isolates were sequenced and recorded in the GenBank. T. gondii DNA was detected in 10.71 percent of the samples from the highly humid region, whereas no positive samples were detected in the low-humidity region. Genotyping revealed that all isolates belonged to the T. gondii type III genotype. Our study indicated that humidity is an important factor for the prevalence of T. gondii in sheep. Additionally, our study also showed the dominance of type III strain of T. gondii in sheep in the south of Iran.
Predictors of Weight Bias in Exercise Science Students and Fitness Professionals: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zaroubi Lara , Samaan Tiffany , Alberga Angela S.
Published: July 2021

Background. Although previous studies have reported weight bias among students and professionals in exercise science, physical education, kinesiology, and fitness instruction, predictors of weight bias in these professions have not been extensively reviewed. Aim. The purpose of this scoping review was to explore the available literature on predictors of weight bias in exercise science students and fitness professionals to identify key concepts and research gaps. Methods. PubMed and ERIC were searched from January 1990 to May 2019. Eighteen studies were included in this review. A thematic analysis was conducted. Findings. Six main themes were drawn from these studies including beliefs in the personal controllability of weight; sex differences; enrollment in a health sciences-related program; psychosocial and personal factors; knowledge of obesity; lack of personal history, family, or friend with obesity. Our scoping review highlighted diverse predictors of weight bias among exercise science students and professionals that warrant further study and intervention.
Protective Effect of Phoenix dactylifera L. Seeds against Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats: A Comparison with Vitamin C
Authors: Bouhlali Eimad Dine Tariq , Derouich Mgal , Hmidani Abdelbassat , Bourkhis Bouchra , Khouya Tarik , Filali-Zegzouti Younes , Alem Chakib
Published: July 2021

Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) seeds have been mentioned in the Moroccan pharmacopoeia as efficient remedies against a wide range of diseases including hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders and countless infections. The current work was performed to assess the phenolic profile and hepatoprotective potential of two date seed varieties, locally known as Jihl and Majhoul, aqueous extracts against paracetamol- (PCM-) driven liver toxicity in 42 Wistar rats. The polyphenol profile was built by means of an HPLC analysis. Hepatic damage was provoked by exposing rats to PCM at a dose of 1.5 g/kg once a week. Besides PCM, Jihl and Majhoul date seed extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) were administered orally in a day-to-day routine. Our findings showed that among the examined polyphenol compounds, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, caffeic acid, and rutin were the most abundant phytochemicals. Date pits significantly (p<0.001) stabilized the PCM-driven alterations in liver function parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, total protein, direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin). Moreover, Phoenix dactylifera pits enhanced considerably (p<0.001) the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) as well as the level of reduced glutathione (GSH). The established hepatoprotective effect may be due to the date seeds antioxidant effect and their ability to trap free radicals. The main outcomes of the present study could validate the traditional use of these date seeds to manage various health conditions.
The Role of Mitochondria in Liver Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury: From Aspects of Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Fission, Mitochondrial Membrane Permeable Transport Pore Formation, Mitophagy, and Mitochondria‐Related Protective Measures
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Yan Qi , Wang Xuan , Chen Xin , Chen Ying , Du Jian , Chen Lijian
Published: July 2021

Ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) has indeed been shown as a main complication of hepatectomy, liver transplantation, trauma, and hypovolemic shock. A large number of studies have confirmed that microvascular and parenchymal damage is mainly caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is considered to be a major risk factor for IRI. Under normal conditions, ROS as a kind of by‐product of cellular metabolism can be controlled at normal levels. However, when IRI occurs, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is inhibited. In addition, oxidative respiratory chain damage leads to massive consumption of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and large amounts of ROS. Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in various organs and tissues in IRI. On the one hand, excessive free radicals induce mitochondrial damage, for instance, mitochondrial structure, number, function, and energy metabolism. On the other hand, the disorder of mitochondrial fusion and fission results in further reduction of the number of mitochondria so that it is not enough to clear excessive ROS, and mitochondrial structure changes to form mitochondrial membrane permeable transport pores (mPTPs), which leads to cell necrosis and apoptosis, organ failure, and metabolic dysfunction, increasing morbidity and mortality. According to the formation mechanism of IRI, various substances have been discovered or synthesized for specific targets and cell signaling pathways to inhibit or slow the damage of liver IRI to the body. Here, based on the development of this field, this review describes the role of mitochondria in liver IRI, from aspects of mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial fusion and fission, mPTP formation, and corresponding protective measures. Therefore, it may provide references for future clinical treatment and research.
Numerical Study on Resistance Change Characteristics of Phase Change Materials
Authors: Su Yifang , Zhang Yihang , Lin Kaifeng , Zhao Guanjun , Yu Qinzheng , Hu Zuoqi , Tao Xiongfei
Published: July 2021

Phase change materials are a type of emerging materials whose states will change under certain conditions, which then lead to changes in resistance. To study the characteristics of the phase change materials, a numerical simulation model of the resistive change unit based on the finite element method and the classic nucleation/growth theory is established, while the partial differential equations of electricity and heat conduction and the discrete formula of the finite element are also derived. According to the phase transition process of phase change materials, a crystalline‐amorphous simulation model is also proposed in this paper to simulate the electrical and thermal properties and phase transition process of the resistive change unit. Simulations of the resistance change unit under single pulses with different amplitudes and widths as well as the simulations under continuous pulses are conducted in this paper. These results verify the characteristics of resistance change and can provide references for selecting the parameters of the resistance change units.
Analysis of the Deep Sea Mining Pipe Transverse Vibration Characteristics Based on Finite Element Method
Authors: Xiao Linjing , Liu Qiang
Published: July 2021

This paper analyzes the transverse vibration laws of 5000 m ladder-shaped mining pipe under different towing velocities and accelerations in the ocean, thinking of the pipe as the beam model, discretized based on the FEM. The algorithm is used to solve the problem to obtain the transverse vibration law. The research shows that the mining pipe overall transverse vibration trend decreases first and then increases, the minimum vibration value occurs at 3000 m, and the maximum occurs at the top. Increasing the towing velocity, acceleration, and ore bin weight will increase the transverse vibration value. The vibration intensity produced by the same acceleration in the constant acceleration and deceleration stages is different, and the damping effect after adding the same damping is also different. In the range of 0.01 m/s2–0.1 m/s2, the vibration reduction effect after adding damping in the constant deceleration stage is more significant, and in the range of 0.1 m/s2-0.2 m/s2, the vibration reduction effect after adding damping in the constant acceleration stage is more significant. In the stage of the constant acceleration or deceleration, when adding the same damping, the vibration intensity generated by the large acceleration is still far greater than the vibration intensity generated by the small acceleration, so the mining ship should keep the small acceleration for towing motion.
Method for Rapid Labeling of Waste Sludge from a Food Factory with 15N-Glycine and Evaluation of N Use Using Komatsuna (Brassica rapa Var. perviridis)
Authors: Miura-Ido Mizuho , Iwamoto Yuzuri , Kouya Hiroi , Takahashi Yoshihiko , Hassan Amjad , Ohtake Norikuni , Hori Hidetaka , Ohyama Takuji
Published: July 2021

The waste sludge from food factories has rich nutrients and useful material for fertilizer or animal feed, but quick treatments and recycling of the waste sludge are difficult due to its higher water content. We have developed a rapid composting system to make sludge fertilizer using mix of waste sludge and shredded newspaper (Sludge Fertilizer Made by Paper Mixing Method, SF-PMM). The mixture was incubated in a box reactor, continuously aerated with warm air around 35°C, and changed to mature SF-PMM, in only two weeks. To search movement of N from the SF-PMM to plants, we developed a new method to label small amounts of SF-PMM with 15N-glycine. 50 L of wastewater from a food factory was incubated with 1 L of active sludge and 3 g of 15N-glycine (98 atom% 15N), and 175 g of labeled sludge was obtained in a day. This sludge was mixed with 25 g of newspaper chips, packed between two steel meshes, and placed at 20 cm depth in the reactor composting 200 kg of unlabeled sludge-paper mixture. Composting was restarted, and after about 7 days of reaction, 15N-labeled SF-PMM 7.03 atom% 15N was obtained. The surrounding unlabeled compost contained 4.0, 4.0, and 0.8% of N, P2O5, and K2O, respectively. C/N and pH were 10 and 7.4, respectively. Komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis) was cultivated in a pot with 50 and 100 mg N of SF-PMM, and healthy plants were obtained as in the Control experiments containing 50 mg N ammonium sulfate. No growth inhibition was observed in these experiments. Even in 100 mg SF-PMM, excellent growth of the roots was observed. About 56% of the N in the plant was shown to come from 15N-SF-PMM, and about 6% of the total15N in the 15N-SF-PMM was also shown to be incorporated into the plant.
Various Exact Solutions for the Conformable Time-Fractional Generalized Fitzhugh–Nagumo Equation with Time-Dependent Coefficients
Authors: Injrou Sami , Karroum Ramez , Deeb Nadia
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the subequation method and the sine-cosine method are improved to give a set of traveling wave solutions for the time-fractional generalized Fitzhugh–Nagumo equation with time-dependent coefficients involving the conformable fractional derivative. Various structures of solutions such as the hyperbolic function solutions, the trigonometric function solutions, and the rational solutions are constructed. These solutions may be useful to describe several physical applications. The results show that these methods are shown to be affective and easy to apply for this type of nonlinear fractional partial differential equations (NFPDEs) with time-dependent coefficients.
Cooperative Guidance Law with Predefined-Time Convergence for Multimissile Systems
Authors: Jing Liang , Wei Changzhu , Zhang Liang , Cui Naigang
Published: July 2021

To intercept the maneuvering target through multimissile cooperation, predefined-time cooperative guidance (PTCG) law is presented with constraints including the impact time and the line-of-sight (LOS) angle. In order to achieve simultaneous interception, we propose a PTCG law in the LOS direction based on a predefined-time consensus protocol, which guarantees the achievement of consensus on each missile’s impact time within the predefined time. Furthermore, to ensure the predefined-time convergence of the LOS angle and the predefined-time convergence of the LOS angular rate, a PTCG law with a fixed-time disturbance observer (FxTDO) is presented in the normal direction of the LOS. Compared with the traditional finite-time or fixed-time cooperative guidance laws, the proposed PTCG law predefines the upper bound of the settling time as an explicit parameter. Finally, the simulation results of the PTCG law verify the efficiency of the proposed method.
Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Microbial Community in Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil under Silicon Fertilizer and Biochar Remediation
Authors: Zhang Jiachao , He Yuewei , Fang Yingchun , Zhao Keqi , Wang Nanyi , Zhou Yaoyu , Luo Lin , Yang Yuan
Published: July 2021

Silicon fertilizer and biochar have been widely used to remediate soil contaminated by heavy metals. The effects and mechanism of silicon fertilizer and biochar addition on the heavy metal availability, soil biological properties, and microbial community characteristics need further study in soils contaminated by heavy metals. Therefore, this research determined how silicon fertilizer, biochar, and their combined using affected microbial communities related with nitrogen and phosphorus cycling. The abundance and composition of the microbial community were evaluated by quantitative PCR and phospholipid fatty acid analysis, respectively. Results showed that silicon fertilizer and biochar addition significantly changed soil properties, including pH, total organic carbon, ammonium, nitrate. The Cd and Zn speciation were significantly reduced by silicon fertilizer, biochar, and their integrated application. Microbial community abundance and structure were also significantly changed. Principal component analysis shows that the difference in soil microbial community structure is the most obvious under the combined addition of biochar, silicon fertilizer and biochar. In addition, the results of fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that with biological addition, the number of soil bacteria was significantly reduced. This study reveals the influence of silicon fertilizer and biochar on bacterial and fungal communities in heavy metal soils and the effect of soil heavy metal availability.
Research on Manhattan Distance Based Trust Management in Vehicular Ad Hoc Network
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Li Ru , Hou Wenhan , Shi Jinshan
Published: July 2021

In recent years, Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET) has developed significantly. Coordination between vehicles can enhance driving safety and improve traffic efficiency. Due to the high dynamic characteristic of VANET, security has become one of the challenging problems. Trust of the message is a key element of security in VANET. This paper proposes a Manhattan Distance Based Trust Management model (MDBTM) in VANET environment which solves the problem in existing trust management research that considers the distance between the sending vehicle and event location. In this model, the Manhattan distance and the number of building obstacles are calculated by considering the movement relationship between the sending vehicle and event location. The Dijkstra algorithm is used to predict the path with the maximum probability, when the vehicle is driving toward the event location. The message scores are then calculated based on the Manhattan distance and the number of building obstacles. Finally, the scores are fused to determine whether to trust the message. The experimental results show that the proposed method has better performance than similar methods in terms of correct decision probability under different proportions of malicious vehicles, different numbers of vehicles, and different reference ranges.
Alterations in Gene Expression of Renin-Angiotensin System Components and Related Proteins in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Mehranfard Danial , Perez Gabriela , Rodriguez Andres , Ladna Julia M. , Neagra Christopher T. , Goldstein Benjamin , Carroll Timothy , Tran Alice , Trivedi Malav , Speth Robert C.
Published: July 2021

Hypothesis/Introduction. Recent studies suggest involvement of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). This study focuses on the association of genes encoding 17 proteins related to the RAS within a Japanese male CRC population. Materials and Methods. Quantitative expression of the RNA of these 17 genes in normal and cancerous tissues obtained using chip arrays from the public functional genomics data repository, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) application, was compared statistically. Results. Expression of four genes, AGT (angiotensinogen), ENPEP (aminopeptidase A) MME (neprilysin), and PREP (prolyl endopeptidase), was significantly upregulated in CRC specimens. Expression of REN (renin), THOP (thimet oligopeptidase), NLN (neurolysin), PRCP (prolyl carboxypeptidase), ANPEP (aminopeptidase N), and MAS1 (Mas receptor) was downregulated in CRC specimens. Conclusions. Presuming gene expression parallel protein expression, these results suggest that increased production of the angiotensinogen precursor of angiotensin (ANG) peptides, with the reduction of the enzymes that metabolize it to ANG II, can lead to accumulation of angiotensinogen in CRC tissues. Downregulation of THOP, NLN, PRCP, and MAS1 gene expression, whose proteins contribute to the ACE2/ANG 1-7/Mas axis, suggests that reduced activity of this RAS branch could be permissive for oncogenicity. Components of the RAS may be potential therapeutic targets for treatment of CRC.
Resistance to Durvalumab and Durvalumab plus Tremelimumab Is Associated with Functional STK11 Mutations in Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer and Is Reversed by STAT3 Knockdown
Authors: Pore Nabendu , Wu Song , Standifer Nathan , Jure-Kunkel Maria , de los Reyes Melissa , Shrestha Yashaswi , Halpin Rebecca , Rothstein Raymond , Mulgrew Kathy , Blackmore Stephen , Martin Philip , Meekin John , Griffin Matthew , Bisha Ina , Proia Theresa A. , Miragaia Ricardo J. , Herbst Ronald , Gupta Ashok , Abdullah Shaad E. , Raja Rajiv , Frigault Melanie M. , Barrett J. Carl , Dennis Phillip A. , Ascierto Maria Libera , Oberst Michael D.
Published: July 2021

Mutations in the STK11 (LKB1) gene regulate resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. This study evaluated this association in patients with nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) enrolled in three phase I/II trials. STK11 mutations were associated with resistance to the anti–PD-L1 antibody durvalumab (alone/with the anti-CTLA4 antibody tremelimumab) independently of KRAS mutational status, highlighting STK11 as a potential driver of resistance to checkpoint blockade. Retrospective assessments of tumor tissue, whole blood, and serum revealed a unique immune phenotype in patients with STK11 mutations, with increased expression of markers associated with neutrophils (i.e., CXCL2, IL6), Th17 contexture (i.e., IL17A), and immune checkpoints. Associated changes were observed in the periphery. Reduction of STAT3 in the tumor microenvironment using an antisense oligonucleotide reversed immunotherapy resistance in preclinical STK11 knockout models. These results suggest that STK11 mutations may hinder response to checkpoint blockade through mechanisms including suppressive myeloid cell biology, which could be reversed by STAT3-targeted therapy.

Significance:

Patients with nonsquamous STK11-mutant (STK11mut) NSCLC are less likely than STK11 wild-type (STK11wt) patients to respond to anti–PD-L1 ± anti-CTLA4 immunotherapies, and their tumors show increased expression of genes and cytokines that activate STAT3 signaling. Preclinically, STAT3 modulation reverses this resistance, suggesting STAT3-targeted agents as potential combination partners for immunotherapies in STK11mut NSCLC.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2659
Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Cognitive Impairment in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Huang Xuan , Yi Chunyan , Wu Meiju , Qiu Yagui , Wu Haishan , Ye Hongjian , Peng Yuan , Xiao Xi , Lin Jianxiong , Yu Xuqing , Yang Xiao
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in patients with CKD or diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the relevance between DM and CI in diabetic patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) has not been clearly established. This study aimed to explore the role of DM in CI, the association of glycemic control with CI, and clinical outcomes of CI in diabetic PD patients. Methods: Continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) patients followed up in our PD center between 2014 and 2016 were enrolled. The participants were followed until an endpoint was reached or December 2017. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were collected, and laboratory parameters were measured. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to evaluate global cognitive function, and a score of <26 was considered to indicate CI. A propensity score matching according to age, gender, and mean arterial pressure was conducted between the DM and non-DM groups. Results: A total of 913 CAPD patients were enrolled, of whom 186 (20.4%) had diabetes. After appropriate matching, 175 patients in the DM group and 270 patients in the non-DM group were included. Patients with diabetes had a higher prevalence of CI and lower scores for visuospatial/executive function, naming, language, delayed recall, and orientation. Higher HbA1c (odds ratio [OR], 1.547; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.013–2.362) and cardiovascular disease (CVD; OR, 2.926; 95% CI, 1.139–7.516) significantly correlated with a risk of CI in diabetic patients. During a median of 26.0 (interquartile range 13.5–35.6) months of follow-up, diabetic patients with CI demonstrated a significantly lower survival rate than those without CI, and CI was an independent risk factor for mortality after adjustment (hazard ratio, 7.224; 95% CI, 1.694–30.806). However, they did not show worse technique survival or higher peritonitis rate than patients without CI. Conclusions: HbA1c and CVD are independent risk factors for CI in diabetic patients undergoing CAPD, and CI is independently associated with a higher risk of mortality.
Prolonged Survival in Patients with Metastatic HER2-Positive Inflammatory Breast Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ge Jennifer Y. , Overmoyer Beth
Published: July 2021

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare type of breast cancer that is associated with poor outcomes compared with non-IBC. Overexpression of HER2 is enriched in IBC, and those with HER2-positive disease have a relatively favorable prognosis, with improved survival over the last two decades driven by the advent of novel targeted therapies. Here, we present two patients who have survived for over 10 years after being diagnosed with de novo metastatic HER2-positive IBC. We review the data for the treatments available for metastatic HER2-positive IBC and the evolving treatment recommendations for this disease.
Europa-Konzeptionen in der österreichischen Literatur der Zwischenkriegszeit: Hofmannsthal – Musil – Zweig
Authors: Wolf Norbert
Published: July 2021

Der Beitrag vergleicht verschiedene Europa-Konzeptionen prominenter österreichischer Schriftsteller der Zwischenkriegszeit, die ganz unterschiedlich begründet sind: Während Hugo von Hofmannsthals Diagnose in erster Linie ästhetisch argumentiert, sind Stefan Zweigs Europa-Essays primär gesinnungsethisch motiviert. Demgegenüber bemüht sich Robert Musil um eine anthropologisch-verantwortungsethische Beweisführung.
Formalização estética e história na Áustria: anotações sobre Ingeborg Bachmann e Thomas Bernhard
Authors: Flory Alexandre
Published: July 2021

Neste artigo, partimos de um momento representativo da história austríaca, no final dos anos 1950, marcado por alguns desenvolvimentos no plano da vida social que buscavam parceria e harmonia, sem lidar com seu passado em relação ao nazismo. Contra essa situação se insurgem alguns autores fundamentais para a literatura austríaca, buscando formalizações estéticas que efetivam uma localização histórica crítica, que deve muito à perspectiva do materialista histórico benjaminiano. O recorte desse artigo recai sobre duas obras: o conto Unter Mördern und Irren (escrito em 1956-7, publicado em 1961), de Ingeborg Bachmann e o romance Auslöschung (1986), de Thomas Bernhard.
Johann Nestroy, o ancestral da vanguarda austríaca: quando a língua se fala e a tradução (não) empaca
Authors: Bohunovsky Ruth
Published: July 2021

Johann Nepomuk Nestroy (1801-1862) foi um dos dramaturgos mais importantes da história do teatro da Áustria. Ator e autor aclamado durante seu tempo, é também nome de referência e enorme influência para muitos escritores austríacos canônicos do século XX e do começo do XXI, que até hoje se definem como devedores de sua poética dramatúrgica (por exemplo, Karl Kraus ou Elfriede Jelinek). Este artigo, além de destacar o papel do dramaturgo com “ancestral” para uma parte da literatura austríaca, lança um olhar sobre a única tradução de uma peça de Nestroy disponível no Brasil (Cacique Vento-da-Tarde ou O festim do horror, publicada em 1990), com o intuito de colocar em questão a visão recorrente da obra de Nestroy como “intraduzível”.
O arrependimento de Perceval: relações entre a forma, o sentido e a história no Conto do Graal de Chrétien de Troyes (c.1180-1191)
Authors: Gonçalves Sínval Carlos Mello
Published: July 2021

A partir de um episódio do Conto do Graal, de Chrétien de Troyes, são analisados alguns elementos formais dessa narrativa, sobretudo, aqueles relacionados com os encadeamentos dos episódios e com as motivações de seu protagonista, tentando colocar em evidência a lógica de seu funcionamento. Para que se deixe mais evidente essa lógica, é feita uma comparação com dois episódios de O crime e castigo, do romancista russo Fiódor Dostoiévski. Os sentidos propostos a partir dessa análise são, enfim, situados em seu contexto mais amplo e relacionados, em particular, com o estatuto da pessoa no Ocidente medieval.
Abaixo, ao lado, no passado: a representação de indígenas pelas elites paulistas, dos séculos XVIII ao XX
Authors: Santos Amália Cristovão dos
Published: July 2021

Os jornais paulistanos publicados no período do IV Centenário da Fundação da Cidade, com artigos, poesias, iconografias e propagandas, permitem apreender a culminação de processos de longa duração de construção, transformação e apropriação de imaginários criados desde a América portuguesa, tendo como elementos centrais as relações entre colonos (e seus descendentes), grupos indígenas e o território. A bravura e heroísmo dos “sertanistas”, a nobreza dos “paulistas” e a disciplina e regramento dos “agricultores” são lastros tomados por historiadores e elites paulistas no século XX, em busca de representações adequadas à centralidade que o estado adquirira no panorama econômico e político nacional, cristalizando a obliteração dos ameríndios, que passam de aliados e até familiares indispensáveis para incômodos coadjuvantes de um passado esgotado.
Engels e a dialética hegeliana: sistema, método, ciência e efetividade
Authors: Sartori Vitor Bartoletti
Published: July 2021

Trataremos da posição de Engels quanto à ciência e à dialética, procurando demonstrar que há certa tensão em seu pensamento, colocada na oposição entre o seu modo de pesquisa e seu modo de exposição. Ao passar sobre sua teorização sobre as ciências positivas, também constataremos tensões, que se explicitam, de um lado, na crítica ao sistema hegeliano, noutro no modo como o autor toma expressões e categorias do próprio Hegel para sua compreensão sobre a dialética, em oposição à metafísica.
Tratados e fragmentos: teologia e política em Espinosa e Walter Benjamin
Authors: Maeso Benito Eduardo Araújo , França Marcos Antonio de
Published: July 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo inicial articular alguns elementos do pensamento de dois filósofos tradicionalmente vistos em campos diferentes: Baruch de Espinosa e Walter Benjamin. Chama a atenção o fato de ambos voltarem o foco, em suas obras, à presença de elementos teológicos na estruturação do campo político. A crítica de Espinosa à religião presente no Tratado Teológico-político e na Ética pode apresentar afinidades insuspeitas com a crítica benjaminiana ao historicismo nas Teses Sobre o Conceito de História e no Fragmento Teológico-político. Se a religião pode atingir sua posição e domínio no corpo social somente se for simultaneamente um conjunto de ideias e de práticas, conforme Espinosa observa, como isso pode ser articulado com conceitos benjaminianos como a visão da história como narrativa dos vencedores e do capitalismo como uma religião social?
São felizes os espinosanos? A felicidade em Espinosa – na teoria e na prática
Authors: Paula Marcos Ferreira de
Published: July 2021

Alguns autores fizeram objeções à possibilidade prática de se alcançar a felicidade, tal como Espinosa a define na Parte v da Ética. Este artigo busca refutar tais objeções. Ele mostra que elas partem essencialmente da mesma imagem que o senso comum faz da felicidade. Após eliminar essas objeções, o artigo descreve o que seria uma experiência prática da felicidade espinosana.
Hobbes e as paixões da revolta
Authors: Alavina Fran de Oliveira
Published: July 2021

Em continuidade a nossos estudos sobre os usos da retórica no pensamento de Hobbes, este trabalho aborda a relação entre eloquência, paixões e revolta na obra Os Elementos da Lei Natural e Política. Desse modo, explicita-se como os chefes de sedições e revoltas são necessariamente, segundo Hobbes, “homens eloquentes”. Trata-se não apenas de afastar a tradição retórica da fundação da ciência política, mas também de apontar os supostos danos causados pelos oradores na vida civil. Assim, está em questão a relação conflitante e – às vezes – contraditória entre demonstração e persuasão na filosofia política seiscentista, bem como o papel vinculante e constitutivo das paixões.
Irradiation Accelerates Plaque Formation and Cellular Senescence in Flow‐Altered Carotid Arteries of Apolipoprotein E Knock‐Out Mice
Authors: Yamamoto Yu , Minami Manabu , Yoshida Kazumichi , Nagata Manabu , Miyata Takeshi , Yang Tao , Takayama Naoki , Suzuki Keita , Okawa Masakazu , Yamada Kiyofumi , Miyamoto Susumu
Published: July 2021

Background

Chronic inflammation through cellular senescence, known as the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype, is a mechanism of various organ diseases, including atherosclerosis. Particularly, ionizing radiation (IR) contributes to cellular senescence by causing DNA damage. Although previous clinical studies have demonstrated that radiotherapy causes atherosclerosis as a long‐term side effect, the detailed mechanism is unclear. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between radiation‐induced atherosclerosis and senescence‐associated secretory phenotype in murine carotid arteries.

Methods and Results

Partial ligation of the left carotid artery branches in 9‐week‐old male apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice was performed to induce atherosclerosis. The mice received total body irradiation at a dose of 6 Gy using gamma rays at 2 weeks post operation. We compared the samples collected 4 weeks after IR with unirradiated control samples. The IR and control groups presented pathologically progressive lesions in 90.9% and 72.3% of mice, respectively. Plaque volume, macrophage accumulation, and phenotype switching of vascular smooth muscle cells were advanced in the IR group. Irradiated samples showed increased persistent DNA damage response (53BP1 [p53 binding protein 1]), upregulated cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors (p16INK4a and p21), and elevated inflammatory chemokines expression (monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, keratinocyte‐derived chemokine, and macrophage inflammatory protein 2).

Conclusions

IR promoted plaque growth in murine carotid arteries. Our findings support the possibility that senescence‐associated secretory phenotype aggravates atherogenesis in irradiated artery. This mice model might contribute to mechanism elucidation of radiation‐induced atherosclerosis.
Between History and Fictionality: The Telescoping Advice in Ibn Ẓafar’s Sulwān al-muṭāʿ and Its Reception
Authors: Bellino Francesca
Published: July 2021

The first part of the article focuses on the opening and closing chapters of Sicilian born polymath Ibn Ẓafar’s (d. ca. 566 /1171) mirror for princes, Sulwān al-muṭāʿ, which are devoted to “trusting [God]” (tafwīḍ) and “self-denial” (zuhd) respectively, and analyzes the combination of historical narratives and animal fables contained therein. In the complex “telescoping” structure devised by Ibn Ẓafar, both types of narratives represent an essential tool for reflecting on political circumstances related to the role of a local ruler. From this perspective, the analysis targets the relationship between history and fictionality set by the author and the transition from one dimension to the other. The final part of the article considers the reception of the Sulwān al-muṭāʿ by Ayyubid and Mamluk authors and their different approaches to various types of narratives when quoting (more or less substantial) parts of Ibn Ẓafar’s work.
Work between Obligation and Right in Muslim Culture: Is There a Paradigm Shift?
Authors: Khalfaoui (معز خلفاوي) Mouez
Published: July 2021

The paper starts from the premise that the revolutions in the countries of the so-called Arab Spring (2011 and onwards) brought about an important shift in the understanding of right and duty. This trend is related to the transformation of the relationship of the ruler and the ruled in those countries as well as in the perception of work ethics. Whereas the systems of these countries have consistently considered work as a duty of citizens and encouraged them to work hard for the development and prospering of the state, these popular movements have transformed work from a duty and responsibility on the shoulders of the individual into a right of the individual that can be claimed from the state, which is trying to evade its responsibilities – including the duty to provide job opportunities for its citizens.

The researcher does not claim to present a comprehensive outline of the topic; this is rather a preliminary approach that deserves further study and analysis. What happened is not necessarily caused by direct contact with the “West” or being influenced by “Western” political philosophy, as we can find hints and origins for this transformation in both classical and modern Islamic moral thought. This paper presents examples of the relationship of right and duty from different historical periods.
Pinocchia daecheonga sp. nov. (Synechococcales, Cyanobacteria) isolated from a Daecheong Lake in Geum River, Republic of Korea
Authors: KIM DO-HYUN , CHOI HYE JEONG , KI JANG-SEU , LEE OK-MIN
Published: July 2021

The collection of Pinocchia daecheonga sp. nov. was performed at the Daecheong Lake in Korea, five strains of which with four clones were investigated through light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and molecular data comprising the 16S rRNA to 23S rRNA gene. P. daecheonga differed from type species P. polymorpha by absence of the polar aerotopes. Investigated stains and four clones of P. daecheonga turned out to be a sister clade to the P. polymorpha according to the phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene. In addition, the Pinocchia was clustered with the family Leptolyngbyaceae members, genera Leptothoe and Leptoelongatus. 16S–23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region of P. daecheonga was found to be substantially distinct to P. polymorpha in terms of the secondary structure and nucleotide sequence composition, which concludes that the Pinocchia daecheonga isolated from the Daecheong Lake is a unique species due to differences in morphology and genetic traits compared to the relative P. polymorpha.
Premna mwadimei (Lamiaceae), a new species from Cha Simba, a remnant of coastal forests of Kenya, East Africa
Authors: NGUMBAU VERONICAH MUTELE , MUSILI PAUL MUTUKU , HU GUANG-WAN
Published: July 2021

Premna mwadimei (Lamiaceae), a distinct new species from the coastal forests of Kenya, Cha Simba area in Kilifi County, is described here with photographs. It is closely similar to P. chrysoclada and P. tanganyikensis but mainly differs from both by its habit, nature of the older stems, indumentum, leaf shape and floral morphology.