bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis BRCA1 represses RRTF1‐mediated ROS production and ROS‐responsive gene expression under dehydration stress
Authors: Wang Jie , Nan Nan , Shi Lulu , Li Ning , Huang Shuangzhan , Zhang Ai , Liu Yutong , Guo Peng , Liu Bao , Xu Zheng‐Yi
Published: July 2020

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as important secondary messengers in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling and induce stomatal closure under dehydration stress. The breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1), an important tumor suppressor in animals, functions primarily in the maintenance of genome integrity in animals and plants. However, whether and how the plant BRCA1 regulates intracellular ROS homeostasis in guard cells under dehydration stress remains unknown.

Here, we found that Arabidopsis atbrca1 loss‐of‐function mutants showed dehydration stress tolerance. This stress tolerant phenotype of atbrca1 was a result of ABA‐ and ROS‐induced stomatal closure, which was enhanced in atbrca1 mutants compared with the wild‐type. AtBRCA1 downregulated the expression of ROS‐responsive and marker genes. Notably, these genes were also the targets of the AP2/ERF transcriptional activator RRTF1/ERF109.

Under normal conditions, AtBRCA1 physically interacted with RRTF1 and inhibited its binding to the GCC‐box‐like sequence in target gene promoters. Under dehydration stress, the expression of AtBRCA1 was dramatically reduced and that of RRTF1 was activated, thus inducing the expression of ROS‐responsive genes.

Overall, our study reveals a novel molecular function of AtBRCA1 in the transcriptional regulation of intracellular ROS homeostasis under dehydration stress.
Infected or informed? Social structure and the simultaneous transmission of information and infectious disease
Authors: Evans Julian C. , Silk Matthew J. , Boogert Neeltje J. , Hodgson David J.
Published: July 2020

Social interactions present opportunities for both information and infection to spread through populations. Social learning is often proposed as a key benefit of sociality, while infectious disease spread are proposed as a major cost. Multiple empirical and theoretical studies have demonstrated the importance of social structure for the transmission of either information or harmful pathogens and parasites, but rarely in combination. We provide an overview of relevant empirical studies, discuss differences in the transmission processes of infection and information, and review how these processes have been modelled. Finally, we highlight ways in which animal social network structure and dynamics might mediate the tradeoff between the sharing of information and infection. We reveal how modular social network structures can promote the spread of information and mitigate against the spread of infection relative to other network structures. We discuss how the maintenance of long‐term social bonds, clustering of social contacts in time, and adaptive plasticity in behavioural interactions, all play important roles in influencing the transmission of information and infection. We provide novel hypotheses and suggest new directions for research that quantifies the transmission of information and infection simultaneously across different network structures to help tease apart their influence on the evolution of social behaviour.
2020 guidelines for conducting plastic reconstructive short‐term surgical projects in low‐middle income countries
Authors: Politis George D. , Gregory George , Yudkowitz Francine S. , Fisher Quentin A. , Bhettay Anisa Z. , Wexler Andrew
Published: July 2020

Many low‐ or middle‐income countries (LMICs) continue to suffer from a lack of safe and timely essential and emergency surgery despite growing attention to this problem. Short‐term surgical projects (STSPs) continue to play an important role in addressing LMIC unmet surgical need and strengthening local healthcare systems. Guidelines here present recommendations for performing plastic reconstructive STSPs for pediatric patients in a safe, ethical, and effective manner. These guidelines represent consensus physician expert opinions, assembled collaboratively by members of Volunteers in Plastic Surgery and the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia's global health committee, with broad input from physicians practicing daily in LMICs. Organizations must partner with hosts to thoughtfully plan and carefully execute STSPs. We outline crucial items to STSP success, including choice of host facility, team selection, patient selection, staffing, ensuring proper equipment and supplies, disinfecting reusable equipment, creation of a safety culture, and data collection for quality assessment/improvement and research. Patient factors are discussed and recommendations given for developing exclusion criteria, as well as for determining which patients and procedures may require the team to include expertise in pediatric anesthesia or critical care. We recommend that educational opportunities for hosts are sought and advanced to optimize education/training at both the resident and post‐trainee levels. Host education during STSPs has become crucial as LMICs ramp up training at a time when their surgical volumes remain grossly behind well‐resourced countries. Recommendations here aim to assist organizations, hosts, and volunteers as they navigate the enormously complex and ever changing STSP environment. Patient safety and transfer of knowledge and skills should be central concerns of all who participate in this highly rewarding endeavor.
Leaves that leave their mark: A case series of pediatric Piper Betle‐induced leukomelanosis
Authors: Karthikeyan Kaliaperumal , Gopinath Hima , Kaleeswaran Vijayakumar , Vimal Mourouguessine
Published: July 2020

This case series presents 10 pediatric patients, aged 4 to 9 years, with leukomelanosis on the chest or forehead. The pigmentary changes developed after the traditional use of Piper betle leaves as a home‐based remedy for a cough or cold. Piper betle‐induced leukomelanosis in children is a rare dermatosis resulting from cultural practices. It is important to recognize the role of ethnobotany in dermatology.
Transitional care for inflammatory bowel disease: A survey of Japanese pediatric gastroenterologists
Authors: Kumagai Hideki , Kudo Takahiro , Uchida Keiichi , Kunisaki Reiko , Sugita Akira , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Arai Katsuhiro , Kubota Mitsuru , Tajiri Hitoshi , Suzuki Yasuo , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: July 2020

Background

In 2019 we reported the results of a Japanese national survey designed to explore the views of adult gastroenterologists regarding transitional care for patients with childhood‐onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For the present study, we conducted a similar survey of pediatric gastroenterologists to compare the views of the two sets of specialists.

Methods

The survey conducted in 2019 involved 48 representative members of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. They were contacted by conventional mail and their answers were not anonymized. Respondents who had already referred patients with IBD to adult gastroenterologists were asked in a questionnaire to rank the importance of specific statements on a Likert scale.

Results

The response rate was 79% and 29 (60%) of the respondents had experienced transitional care for patients with IBD. Transfer to adult care was considered by 90% of the respondents to be the ideal form of medical care for adolescents/young adults with IBD. However, 59% of the respondents had experienced some degree of difficulty when making referrals for such care. The majority of pediatric gastroenterologists considered that the ideal age for transfer was 18–22 years. Among the respondents, physicians at municipal hospitals considered that the presence of diseases other than IBD and a shortage of manpower were significantly more important issues than other practice settings.

Conclusions

The present survey revealed that the general views regarding transitional care for IBD between pediatric and adult gastroenterologists were similar, except for the appropriate time for transfer. The results underline the importance of preparing a transition program appropriate to practice settings.
Synthesis and Opto‐electronic Properties of BODIPY o‐OPhos Systems
Authors: Anitha Thipanni , Mrinalini Madoori , Vani Damera , Prasanthkumar Seelam , Rajender Reddy Kallu , Giribabu Lingamallu
Published: July 2020

Herein, we report the versatile synthetic strategy and opto‐electronic properties for the phosphorylation of BODIPY derivatives 5aa‐5ak by substituting with an electron‐donating/withdrawing group at the ortho position. Nevertheless, this new methodology relatively promotes the tolerance of the aldehyde moiety and the high yield for the synthesis of BODIPY o‐OPhos derivatives. The photophysical studies suggest improved optical properties due to the inductive effect of various electron‐donating/withdrawing groups. The UV‐visible and the emission data suggest that BODIPY o‐OPhos derivatives emphasize the property of the excited states with an increase in fluorescence intensity and high quantum yields due to the presence of bulky phospsho‐triester at the meso‐ position which hinders the free rotation around the C‐Ar bond and facilitates the development of OLEDs and various organophosphorus warfare agents. Electrochemical studies reveal 5ak depicts the ease of redox activity amongst the 5aa‐5ak derivatives. The density functional theory indicates the highest occupied molecular orbital on the BODIPY moiety whereas the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital delocalized on BODIPY and the phospho‐triester moieties. Thus, the unique development of the novel BODIPY derivatives with improved optical and redox properties pave the way for fluorescent probes and bioimaging techniques.
Infinite Prospects*
Authors: Russell Jeffrey Sanford , Isaacs Yoaav
Published: July 2020

People with the kind of preferences that give rise to the St. Petersburg paradox are problematic—but not because there is anything wrong with infinite utilities. Rather, such people cannot assign the St. Petersburg gamble any value that any kind of outcome could possibly have. Their preferences also violate an infinitary generalization of Savage's Sure Thing Principle, which we call the Countable Sure Thing Principle, as well as an infinitary generalization of von Neumann and Morgenstern's Independence axiom, which we call Countable Independence. In violating these principles, they display foibles like those of people who deviate from standard expected utility theory in more mundane cases: they choose dominated strategies, pay to avoid information, and reject expert advice. We precisely characterize the preference relations that satisfy Countable Independence in several equivalent ways: a structural constraint on preferences, a representation theorem, and the principle we began with, that every prospect has a value that some outcome could have.
Trump on the Trail: Assessing the Impact of Presidential Campaign Visits on Voting Behavior in the 2018 Midterm Elections
Authors: Abramowitz Alan , Panagopoulos Costas
Published: July 2020

In this article, we examine the impact of President Donald Trump's visits on the campaign trail in the November 2018 midterm elections. We find that President Trump's visits failed to either boost overall state‐level turnout or support for GOP U.S. Senate candidates in these elections. The results reinforce the notion that presidential capacity to influence voting behavior is limited, especially in an era of deep partisan polarization when partisan identity and other, more fundamental considerations shape vote choice and turnout decisions.
Features of autonomic cardiovascular control during cognition in major depressive disorder
Authors: Bair Angela , Marksteiner Josef , Falch Reingard , Ettinger Ulrich , Reyes del Paso Gustavo A. , Duschek Stefan
Published: July 2020

Previous research has suggested reduced parasympathetic cardiac regulation during cognitive activity in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, little is known about possible abnormalities in sympathetic control and cardiovascular reactivity. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of autonomic cardiovascular control in the context of executive functions in MDD. Thirty six MDD patients and 39 healthy controls participated. Parameters of sympathetic (pre‐ejection period, PEP) and parasympathetic control (high and low frequency heart rate variability, HF HRV, LF HRV; and baroreflex sensitivity, BRS) as well as RR interval were obtained at rest and during performance of executive function tasks (number‐letter task, n‐back task, continuous performance test, and Stroop task). Patients, as compared to controls, exhibited lower HF HRV and LF HRV during task execution and smaller shortenings in PEP and RR interval between baseline and tasks. They displayed longer reaction times during all conditions of the tasks and more omission errors and false alarms on the continuous performance test. In the total sample, on‐task HF HRV, LF HRV and BRS, and reactivity in HF HRV, LF HRV, and PEP, were positively associated with task performance. As performance reduction arose independent of executive function load of the tasks, the behavioral results reflect impairments in attention and processing speed rather than executive dysfunctions in MDD. Abnormalities in cardiovascular control during cognition in MDD appear to involve both divisions of the autonomic nervous system. Low tonic parasympathetic control and blunted sympathetic reactivity imply reduced physiological adjustment resources and, by extension, provide suboptimal conditions for cognitive performance.
Cooling is the predominant strategy to alleviate the effects of heat stress on dairy cows
Authors: Roth Zvi
Published: July 2020

Reduced reproductive performance of lactating cows during the summer is associated mainly with intensive genetic selection for high milk production, which places a great load on the thermoregulatory mechanism. In the last decades, a big effort has been made to explore the mechanism by which heat stress compromises fertility. The data gained so far revealed that the effect of thermal stress on the female reproductive tract is multifactorial in nature. Based on this understanding, new strategies to mitigate the effect of heat stress have been developed. The review summarizes some of the physiological responses of the cow to elevated temperature and discusses its limitations to maintain normothermia. The review emphasizes that cooling is the predominant strategy used today to alleviate the effects of heat stress. Findings from the Israel dairy herd indicate that efficient cooling management can improve milk production during the summer to a similar level of the winter, expressed by summer to winter ratio of 0.98. However, cooling as a singular approach cannot eliminate the decline in reproduction. Nonetheless, an efficient cooling system is a prerequisite for any other strategy. The review suggests additional hormonal treatments to improve reproductive performance during the summer. Given the complexity of heat stress effects on reproduction, comprehensive reproductive management during the summer is suggested, that is combining two or more strategies in a programme, might be more beneficial.
DNA metabarcoding captures subtle differences in forest beetle communities following disturbance
Authors: Liu Mingxin , Baker Susan C. , Burridge Christopher P. , Jordan Gregory J. , Clarke Laurence J.
Published: July 2020

DNA metabarcoding is an emerging approach for monitoring biodiversity, but uncertainties remain about its capacity to detect subtle differences in invertebrate community composition comparable to those achievable based on conventional morphological identification. In this study, DNA metabarcoding and morphology‐based approaches were compared as tools for investigating whether logging history impacted beetle communities in Tasmanian wet eucalypt forests. We compared 12 unlogged mature forest sites with 12 neighboring regeneration sites that had been logged approximately 55 years previously. The number of species identified based on morphology (173) was close to the number of zero‐radius operational taxonomic units (ZOTUs) identified by DNA metabarcoding of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI, 176) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S, 156) markers. Subtle but significant differences in beetle species composition between regeneration and unlogged mature forests were captured by both morphology‐based and COI DNA metabarcoding approaches, but not by 16S DNA metabarcoding. Our results support the suitability of mitochondrial COI for studying invertebrate biodiversity. A slight loss of signal compared to the morphology‐based approach may be resolved by developing more comprehensive DNA reference databases. While confirming forest recovery of 48–58 years did not fully restore mature forest beetle communities, we suggest that DNA metabarcoding can be used for monitoring biodiversity and probing subtle differences in community composition.
Adaptability versus certainty in a carbon emissions reduction regime: An assessment of the EU’s 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework
Authors: Torney Diarmuid , O’Gorman Roderic
Published: July 2020

The Paris Agreement moves away from top‐down agreed national targets towards a bottom‐up system in which each party submits regular nationally determined contributions (NDCs). The Agreement outlines a highly adaptable process in which, every five years, parties are required to update their NDCs, which must represent a progression on their existing contribution. This article analyses the extent to which the European Union’s 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework has created an adaptable structure that reflects the Paris Agreement’s ratchet mechanism. The article contrasts this approach with the carbon budget process adopted under the United Kingdom’s Climate Change Act. The article assesses the respective advantages and disadvantages of creating a system where targets are easily increased on a medium‐term basis allowing responsiveness to changed circumstances such as scientific data indicating the need for more rapid emission reductions, versus a stable system that provides greater certainty for economic actors.
Swelter in the city: Urban greenery and its effects on temperature in Guwahati, India
Authors: Borthakur Monjit , Saikia Anup , Sharma Kiran
Published: July 2020

Changing urban landscape with multistoried high rises, roads and pavements is continuously reducing urban green space. These structures result in high surface temperature variation within cities. To explore the relationship between surface temperature and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), this study estimates two models—geographically weighted regression (GWR) and a fixed effect panel data model in relation to the Guwahati Metropolitan Area (GMA), a secondary city in north east India. The results indicate the superiority of GWR regression in presence of spatial dependence. Panel data analysis shows that the densely populated urban areas in the GMA with less than 10 per cent greenery are 1°C warmer than the sub‐urban areas with 50 per cent greenery.
Effect of fullerene nanoemulsion on the repair of wrinkles induced by UVB radiation: A c57bl6 mice model
Authors: Estaji Mohadese , Mokhtari‐Dizaji Manijhe , Movahedin Mansoureh , Padash Arash , Ghaffari Khaligh Sahar
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The effect of fullerene nanoemulsion on skin wrinkle repair in an animal model was evaluated using ultrasonic images processing.

Methods

Wrinkles were created in C57BL6 mice during 35 days of UVB radiation. Then, to investigate the therapeutic effect of fullerene nanoemulsions, mice were divided into three groups of control, UVB radiation, and treatment with fullerene nanoemulsion. Stable fullerene nanoemulsions were prepared using shear equalization. The therapeutic effect of fullerene nanoemulsion was investigated by extracting the skin thickness and mechanical parameters. Histology studies were performed to confirm the reliability of the treatment.

Results

A significant decrease was observed in the thickness of the epidermis and dermis layers (43% and 36%), Young modulus (27%), and the shear modulus (20%) of the skin on day 28 of the fullerene nanoemulsion treatment. Skin stiffness obtained by tensiometry on day 28 of the treatment showed a 48% reduction in the treatment group compared with the control group. Histological results confirmed the effect of fullerene nanoemulsions on wrinkle repair.

Conclusion

The healing effect of fullerene nanoemulsion in wrinkle repair was confirmed. To study the skin repair, parameters including Young modulus, the shear modulus, and skin layer thickness can be calculated using ultrasonic images processing.
Polarization and American Jews: The Partisan Debate Over Attribution of Blame and Responsibility for Rising Anti‐Semitism in the United States
Authors: Becker Amy B.
Published: July 2020

Objective

The research considers the relative influence of political ideology and partisan vote choice on perceptions of Democratic versus Republican responsibility for the level of anti‐Semitism in the United States and the perception of anti‐Semitic threat posed by the extreme political right versus the extreme political left.

Methods

Analysis of data from the American Jewish Committee's 2019 American Jewish Attitudes About Anti‐Semitism Survey (N = 1,283 Jewish Americans ages 18+).

Results

Hierarchical OLS regression shows that attributions of Democratic versus Republican blame or responsibility for anti‐Semitism and perceptions of threat are primarily explained by political ideology and partisan vote choice over and above awareness, engagement, or personal experience with anti‐Semitism.

Conclusion

The implications of the findings are considered in light of the contemporary political context shaped by Donald Trump's December 2019 “Executive Order on Combating Anti‐Semitism,” the rise of anti‐Semitic violence in the United States, and the increasing support for the Boycott, Divest, Sanctions movement.
The Impact of Muslim Religious Accommodations on Subjective Well‐Being Among Christian Majorities and Nonattendees: Evidence from the European Social Survey, 2002–2008
Authors: Kwon Ronald , McCaffree Kevin , Taylor Caroline
Published: July 2020

Objective

In this article, we examine how religious accommodations for Muslim minorities impact subjective well‐being (SWB) among Christian and nonattendee respondents in Western European countries.

Methods

We apply hierarchal linear modeling and fixed effects regressions on data drawn from the European Social Survey (2002–2008).

Results

We find that religious accommodations at the country level are negatively associated with lower SWB among both Christian and nonattendee respondents. However, the effect is substantially greater for nonattendees.

Conclusion

Although the threat and coalition theses are often argued as competing positions, we posit they may be complementary perspectives.
At Dalits’ Feet: Archival Resources of Counteraction
Authors: Laine Anna
Published: July 2020

Dalits’ bodies are archives of structural violence and discrimination based on caste. Through a process‐based notion of the archive, and close attention to Dalit counterforces, the current artistic–anthropological project addresses potentials for increased epistemic and social justice. This article reflects upon collaborative photographic inquiries of casteism during fieldwork within Tamil communities, analyzed through the concept “body as archive” and curated into the exhibition At Dalits’ Feet. This article demonstrates how a critical and multisensorial approach, in front of the camera and in the gallery, can challenge and refigure Dalit experiences and memories of casteism archived in both collective and individual bodies.
Two new Aceria species (Acari: Eriophyidae) from Lorestan province of Iran

Authors: Lotfollahi Parisa , Varandi Forough Ranjbar , Bahirai Fereshteh , Jafari Shahriar , Shakarami Jahanshir
Published: July 2020

During a survey of the eriophyoid mites in Lorestan province of Iran two new eriophyoid mites described and illustrated: Aceria poldokhtariensis Lotfollahi & Bahirai sp. nov. from Populus euphratica Oliv. (Salicaceae) and Aceria torilarvensis Lotfollahi & Bahirai sp. nov. from Torilis arvensis (Huds.) Link (Apiaceae). They are the first eriophyoid mites collected on P. euphratica and T. arvensis respectively, and the later one is the first Aceria species found on plants of genus Torilis.
Synonymy of the genus Delmohius Brennan and Goff, 1978 with Carebareia Goff and Brennan, 1977 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae)

Authors: Bassini-silva Ricardo , Jacinavicius Fernando De Castro , Welbourn Cal , Ochoa Ron , Barros-battesti Darci Moraes
Published: July 2020

Chiggers have been studied throughout the world for their role in disease transmission. Venezuela has the largest chigger diversity in South America. In a review of Venezuelan genera, two monotypic genera described from Robinson's Mouse Opossum collected in Falcon State and after examination of the types of both genera, it was found that Delmohius hardyi Brennan and Goff and Carebareia johnstoni Goff and Brennan are the same species. Therefore, we are proposing the synonymy of Delmohius with Carebareia.
Firsts records of abnormalities and gynandromorphism in hard ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) from Panama

Authors: A Lillian Domínguez , C Sergio Bermúdez
Published: July 2020

During a review of the Tick Collection of the Gorgas Memorial Institute of Panama, of 6,624 Ixodidae analyzed, 255 presented abnormalities. We detail morphological abnormalities and gynandomorphism in adults of 16 species: Amblyomma auricularium, A. calcaratum, A. dissimile, A. mixtum, A. naponense, A. cf. oblongoguttatum, A. ovale, A. sabanerae, A. tapirellum, A. varium, Dermacentor nitens, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Ixodes auritulus, I. tapirus, Rhipicephalus microplus, and R. sanguineus s.l. No abnormalities were found in A. coelebs, A. geayi, A. longirostre, Amblyomma nodosum, A. pacae, A. cf. parvum, A. pecarium, A. rotundatum, Dermacentor imitans, D. latus, D. panamensis, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris, I. affinis, I. bequearti, I. bocatorensis, I. boliviensis, and I. luciae. This represents the first findings of these phenomena in A. auricularium, A. calcaratum, A. naponense, A. ovale, A. sabanerae, A. tapirellum, A. varium, D. nitens, H. juxtakochi, I. auritulus, and I. tapirus. Local abnormalities were more frequent than general malformations. Amblyomma dissimile had the highest percentage of individuals with malformations, including specimens with two or more local abnormalities and gynandromorphism. It is possible that these malformations may go unnoticed or confused with loss appendages or mechanical damage.
Blockchains
Authors: Butijn Bert-Jan , Tamburri Damian A. , Heuvel Willem-Jan van den
Published: July 2020

Blockchain technology has gained tremendous popularity both in practice and academia. The goal of this article is to develop a coherent overview of the state of the art in blockchain technology, using a
systematic
(i.e., protocol-based, replicable),
multivocal
(i.e., featuring both white and grey literature alike) literature review to (1) define blockchain technology, (2) elaborate on its architecture options and (3) tradeoffs, as well as to understand (4) the current applications and challenges, as evident from the state of the art. We derive a systematic definition of blockchain technology, based on a formal concept analysis. Further, we flesh out an overview of blockchain technology elaborated by means of Grounded-Theory.
Game-Based Task Offloading of Multiple Mobile Devices with QoS in Mobile Edge Computing Systems of Limited Computation Capacity
Authors: Hu Junyan , Li Kenli , Liu Chubo , Li Keqin
Published: July 2020

Mobile edge computing (MEC) is becoming a promising paradigm of providing computing servers, like cloud computing, to Edge node. Compared to cloud servers, MECs are deployed closer to mobile devices (MDs) and can provide high quality-of-service (QoS; including high bandwidth, low latency, etc) for MDs with computation-intensive and delay-sensitive tasks. Faced with many MDs with high QoS requirements, MEC with limited computation capacity should consider how to allocate the computing resources to MDs to maximize the number of served MDs. Besides, for each MD, he/she wants to minimize the energy consumption within an acceptance delay range. To solve these issues, we propose a Game-based Computation Offloading (GCO) algorithm including a task offloading profile of MEC and the transmission power controlling of each MD. Specifically, we propose a Greedy-Pruning algorithm to determine the MDs that can offload the tasks to MEC. Meanwhile, each MD competes the computing resources by using his/her transmission power-controlling strategy. We illustrate the problem of task offloading for multi-MD as a non-cooperative game model, in which the information of each player (MDs) is incomplete for others and each player wishes to maximize his/her own benefit. We prove the existence of the Nash equilibrium solution of our proposed game model. Then, it is proved that the transmission power solution sequence obtained from GCO algorithm converges to the Nash equilibrium solution. Extensive simulated experiments are shown and the comparison experiments with the state-of-the-art and benchmark solutions validate and show the feasibility of the proposed method.
Adaptive Super-Twisting Algorithm-Based Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode Guidance Law
Authors: Yang Fang , Zhang Kuanqiao , Yu Lei
Published: July 2020

A nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode guidance law with an impact angle constraint is proposed to solve the problem of missile guidance accuracy and impact angle constraint for maneuvering targets. Aiming at the singularity problem of the terminal sliding mode, a fast terminal sliding mode surface with finite-time convergence and impact angle constraint is designed based on fixed-time convergence and piecewise sliding mode theory. To weaken chattering and suppress interference, a second-order sliding mode supertwisting algorithm is improved. By designing the parameter adaptive law, an adaptive smooth supertwisting algorithm is designed. This algorithm can effectively weaken chattering without knowing the upper bound information of interference, and it converges faster. Based on the proposed adaptive supertwisting algorithm and the sliding mode surface, a guidance law with the impact angle constraint is designed. The global finite-time convergence of the guidance law is proved by constructing the Lyapunov function. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed guidance law, and compared with the existing terminal sliding mode guidance laws, the proposed guidance law has higher guidance precision and angle constraint accuracy.
Operator (p, η)-Convexity and Some Classical Inequalities
Authors: Zhang Chuanjun , Saleem Muhammad Shoaib , Nazeer Waqas , Shoukat Naqash , Rao Yongsheng
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we will introduce the definition of operator p,η-convex functions, we will derive some basic properties for operator p,η-convex function, and also check the conditions under which operations’ function preserves the operator p,η-convexity. Furthermore, we develop famous Hermite–Hadamard, Jensen type, Schur type, and Fejér’s type inequalities for this generalized function.
Data Analytics in Mental Healthcare
Authors: Kamran Ul haq Ayesha , Khattak Amira , Jamil Noreen , Naeem M. Asif , Mirza Farhaan
Published: July 2020

Worldwide, about 700 million people are estimated to suffer from mental illnesses. In recent years, due to the extensive growth rate in mental disorders, it is essential to better understand the inadequate outcomes from mental health problems. Mental health research is challenging given the perceived limitations of ethical principles such as the protection of autonomy, consent, threat, and damage. In this survey, we aimed to investigate studies where big data approaches were used in mental illness and treatment. Firstly, different types of mental illness, for instance, bipolar disorder, depression, and personality disorders, are discussed. The effects of mental health on user’s behavior such as suicide and drug addiction are highlighted. A description of the methodologies and tools is presented to predict the mental condition of the patient under the supervision of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Efficacy and Safety of Modified Duhuo Jisheng Decoction in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Xiong Zhencheng , Yi Ping , Zhang Liubo , Ma Haoning , Li Wenhao , Tan Mingsheng
Published: July 2020

Objective. Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is based on the degenerative changes of the intervertebral disc. Many drugs are used to treat and prevent LDH, including Western medicine and Chinese medicine. Duhuo Jisheng Decoction (DHJSD) is one of the most classic Chinese medicine prescriptions. The purpose of our meta‐analysis is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified DHJSD in the treatment of LDH. Methods. We searched multiple databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP) to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria. This meta‐analysis was registered at INPLASY with reference number ID: INPLASY202060053. Results. Fourteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified, including 1560 patients. This meta‐analysis showed that the total effective rate and cure rate of modified DHJSD are higher than those of diclofenac sodium enteric‐coated tablets (total effective rate: RR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.25, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%; cure rate: RR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.30 to 1.97, P < 0.00001, I2 = 2%), diclofenac sodium enteric‐coated tablets plus ibuprofen and indomethacin (total effective rate: RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.37, P = 0.0001, I2 = 0%; cure rate: RR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.04, P = 0.0005, I2 = 0%), and diclofenac sodium sustained‐release capsule (total effective rate: RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.27 to 1.74, P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%; cure rate: RR = 10.07, 95% CI: 3.29 to 30.88, P < 0.00001, I2 = 5%). Modified DHJSD was also better than Western medicine (MD = −1.56, 95% CI: −2.42 to −0.70, P = 0.0004, I2 = 74%) in terms of visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Three RCTs showed no adverse events in the modified DHJSD group, but adverse events existed in the Western medicine group. Conclusion. This meta‐analysis showed that modified DHJSD had a more favorable effect on the treatment of LDH than Western medicine, and there were no obvious adverse events. More high‐quality RCTs are needed to complement existing conclusions.
Derivation of Bounds of an Integral Operator via Exponentially Convex Functions
Authors: Ye Hong , Farid Ghulam , Bangash Babar Khan , Cai Lulu
Published: July 2020

In this paper, bounds of fractional and conformable integral operators are established in a compact form. By using exponentially convex functions, certain bounds of these operators are derived and further used to prove their boundedness and continuity. A modulus inequality is established for a differentiable function whose derivative in absolute value is exponentially convex. Upper and lower bounds of these operators are obtained in the form of a Hadamard inequality. Some particular cases of main results are also studied.
Effect of Moxibustion on the Intestinal Flora of Rats with Knee Osteoarthritis Induced by Monosodium Iodoacetate
Authors: Chen Yu , Lv Jiuheng , Jia Yejuan , Wang Ruiqing , Zhang Zidi , Liu Jingxuan , Jia Chunsheng
Published: July 2020

In this study, a knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rat model induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) was used to study the effect of moxibustion on improving knee cartilage damage and its effect on the intestinal flora. The experimental rats were divided into the normal group (N), model group (M), moxibustion treatment group (MS), and diclofenac sodium treatment group (DS). After 4 weeks, cartilage pathological damage in the knee joint was evaluated using hematoxylin‐eosin and safranin O‐fast green staining analysis. ELISAs and Western blots were used to detect the expression levels of IL‐1β and TNF‐α in the serum and cartilage, respectively. The total DNA of the fecal samples was extracted and subjected to high‐throughput sequencing of the V3‐V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene to analyze the changes in the intestinal flora. In the model group, the cartilage was obviously damaged, the expression levels of IL‐1β and TNF‐α in the serum and cartilage were increased, and the abundance and diversity of the intestinal flora were decreased. Moxibustion treatment significantly improved the cartilage damage and reduced the concentration of inflammatory factors in the serum and cartilage. The high‐throughput sequencing results showed that compared to the model group, the moxibustion treatment regulated some specific species in the intestinal microorganisms rather than the α diversity. In conclusion, our findings suggest that moxibustion treatment may work through two aspects in rats. On one hand, it directly acts on knee cartilage to promote repair, and on the other hand, it regulates the composition of the intestinal flora and reduces the production of inflammatory factors.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Using Human Umbilical Cord in a Rat Model of Autoimmune-Induced Premature Ovarian Failure
Authors: Wang Zhe , Wei Quanwei , Wang Hao , Han Linxiao , Dai Hongjian , Qian Xiaoxin , Yu Hongliang , Yin Manqun , Shi Fangxiong , Qi Nianmin
Published: July 2020

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is one of the principal causes of female infertility, and although its causes are complex and diverse, autoimmune deficiency may be involved. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) can be used for tissue regeneration and repair. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the role of UCMSCs in immune factor-induced POF in rats. In this study, different concentrations of UCMSCs were injected into induced POF rats. Ovarian functions were examined by evaluating the estrus cycle, follicular morphology, hormonal secretion, and the proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells. Our results showed that the estrus cycle of rats returned to normal and follicular development was significantly improved after transplantation of UCMSCs. In addition, serum concentrations of 17-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) increased significantly with treatment. Transplantation of UCMSCs also reduced the apoptosis of granulosa cells and promoted the proliferation of granulosa cells. All of these improvements were dose dependent. Furthermore, the results of related gene expression showed that transplanted human UCMSCs upregulated the expression of Bcl-2, AMH, and FSHR in the ovary of POF rats and downregulated the expression of caspase-3. These results further validated the potential mechanisms of promoting the release of cell growth factors and enhancing tissue regeneration and provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of stem cells in the treatment of premature ovarian failure.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Peptide Derived from the Synbiotics, Fermented Cudrania tricuspidata with Lactobacillus gasseri, on Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Ha Jimyeong , Oh Hyemin , Oh Nam Su , Seo Yeongeun , Kang Joohyun , Park Min Hee , Kim Kyung Su , Kang Shin Ho , Yoon Yohan
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of peptides derived from synbiotics on improving inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Five-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were administered with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) via drinking water for seven days to induce IBD (IBD group). The mice in the IBD group were orally administered with PBS (IBD-PBS-positive control), Lactobacillus gasseri 505 (IBD-Pro), fermented powder of CT extract with L. gasseri 505 (IBD-Syn), β-casein: LSQSKVLPVPQKAVPYPQRDMP (IBD-Pep 1), or αs2-casein: VYQHQKAMKPWIQPKTKVIPYVRYL (IBD-Pep 2) (both peptides are present in the synbiotics) for four more days while inducing IBD. To confirm IBD induction, the weights of the animals and the disease activity index (DAI) scores were evaluated once every two days. Following treatment of probiotics, synbiotics, or peptides for 11 days, the mice were sacrificed. The length of the small and large intestines was measured. The expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 in the large intestine was measured. Large intestine tissue was fixed in 10% formalin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological analysis. The body weights decreased and DAI scores increased in the IBD group, but the DAI scores were lower in the IBD-Pep 2 group than those in the IBD group treated with PBS, Pro, Syn, or Pep 1. The lengths of the small and large intestines were shorter in the IBD group than in the group without IBD, and the expression levels of the proinflammatory cytokines were lower (p<0.05) in the IBD-Pep 2 group than those in the IBD-PBS-positive control group. In addition, histopathological analysis showed that IBD was ameliorated in the Pep 2-treated group. These results indicate that Pep 2 derived from αs2-casein was effective in alleviating IBD-associated inflammation. Thus, we showed that these peptides can alleviate inflammation in IBD.
Tristage Bargaining Dynamic Game-Based Preventive Maintenance for Electric Multiple Unit
Authors: Xiong Lü , Wang Hong , Jiang Zuhua
Published: July 2020

The operation and maintenance sectors of electric multiple unit (EMU) are considered as game participants to optimize the preventive maintenance (PM) schedule of EMU components. The total cost of a component over a life cycle includes failure risk and maintenance cost. The failure risk of EMU components is assessed quantitatively by using an analytic hierarchy process and scoring and weighting the factors that affect the failure risk of such components. The operation sector expects failure risk to be minimized, whereas the maintenance sector expects maintenance costs to be low, and their interests interfere with each other to some extent. This study establishes a tristage bargaining dynamic game model of the operation sector priority bid and maintenance sector priority bid considering the PM reliability threshold R as the bargaining object. A numerical example demonstrates that the result is more beneficial to the sector that bids first, and the operation priority bid allows the component to maintain a higher reliability level over a life cycle, especially in the latter half of the component life cycle.
Optimization of Milling Procedures for Synthesizing Nano-CaCO3 from Achatina fulica Shell through Mechanochemical Techniques
Authors: Gbadeyan O. J. , Adali S. , Bright G. , Sithole B. , Onwubu S.
Published: July 2020

The possibility of obtaining calcium carbonate nanoparticles from Achatina fulica shell through mechanochemical synthesis to be used as a modifying filler for polymer materials has been studied. The process of obtaining calcium carbonate nanopowders includes two stages: dry and wet milling processes. At the first stage, the collected shell was dry milled and undergone mechanical sieving to ≤50 μm. The shell particles were wet milled afterward with four different solvents (water, methanol, ethylene glycol, and ethanol) and washed using the decantation method. The particle size and shape were investigated on transmission electron microscopy, and twenty-three particle counts were examined using an iTEM image analyzer. Significantly, nanoparticle sizes ranging from 11.56 to 180.06 nm of calcium carbonate was achieved after the dry and wet milling processes. The size particles collected vary with the different solvents used, and calcium carbonate synthesis with ethanol offered the smallest organic particle size with the average size ranging within 13.48-42.90 nm. The effect of the solvent on the chemical characteristics such as the functional group, elemental composition, and carbonate ion of calcium carbonate nanopowders obtained from Achatina fulica shell was investigated. The chemical characterization was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive spectroscope (EDX). The effect of milling procedures on the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, stiffness, and hardness of prepared nanocomposites was also determined. This technique has shown that calcium carbonate nanoparticles can be produced at low cost, with low agglomeration, uniformity of crystal morphology, and structure from Achatina fulica shell. It also proved that the solvents used for milling have no adverse effect on the chemical properties of the nano-CaCO3 produced. The loading of calcium carbonate nanoparticles, wet milled with different solvents, exhibited different mechanical properties, and nanocomposites filled with methanol-milled nano-CaCO3 offered superior mechanical properties.
The Terrible Triad of Checkpoint Inhibition: A Case Report of Myasthenia Gravis, Myocarditis, and Myositis Induced by Cemiplimab in a Patient with Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jeyakumar Nikeshan , Etchegaray Mikel , Henry Jason , Lelenwa Laura , Zhao Bihong , Segura Ana , Buja L. Maximilian
Published: July 2020

Background. We report a case of a patient with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) who developed myasthenia gravis (MG), myositis, and myocarditis after receiving cemiplimab, an anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). Case Presentation. An 86-year-old man with metastatic periocular SCC presented with decreased vision in the left eye, severe fatigue, and lower back and bilateral hip pain 3 weeks after receiving cemiplimab. Within hours, he developed dysphonia, pharyngeal secretions, and dysphagia, necessitating intubation. Endomyocardial biopsy revealed active lymphocyte-mediated necrosis consistent with ICI-induced myocarditis. Anti-striated muscle and anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies were elevated, consistent with myositis and myasthenia gravis. Despite plasma exchange therapy, steroids, and intravenous immunoglobulin, he died from cardiac arrest. Conclusions. The presence of myasthenia gravis, myocarditis, or myositis should prompt evaluation for all three toxicities as they may represent an overlap syndrome. The severity of these immunotoxicities highlights the need for clinicians to suspect multiple simultaneous adverse effects of ICIs.
Comprehensive Analyses of miRNA‐mRNA Network and Potential Drugs in Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Li Chan , Zhang Zeyu , Xu Qian , Shi Ruizheng
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a severe cardiopulmonary disease with a relatively low survival rate. Moreover, the pathogenesis of IPAH has not been fully recognized. Thus, comprehensive analyses of miRNA‐mRNA network and potential drugs in IPAH are urgent requirements. Methods. Microarray datasets of mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) in IPAH were searched and downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIs) were identified. Then, the DEMI‐DEG network was conducted with associated comprehensive analyses including Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, while potential drugs targeting hub genes were investigated using L1000 platform. Results. 30 DEGs and 6 DEMIs were identified in the lung tissue of IPAH. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that these DEGs were mostly enriched in antimicrobial humoral response and African trypanosomiasis, respectively. The DEMI‐DEG network was conducted subsequently with 4 DEMIs (hsa‐miR‐34b‐5p, hsa‐miR‐26b‐5p, hsa‐miR‐205‐5p, and hsa‐miR‐199a‐3p) and 16 DEGs, among which 5 DEGs (AQP9, SPP1, END1, VCAM1, and SAA1) were included in the top 10 hub genes of the PPI network. Nimodipine was identified with the highest CMap connectivity score in L1000 platform. Conclusion. Our study conducted a miRNA‐mRNA network and identified 4 miRNAs as well as 5 mRNAs which may play important roles in the pathogenesis of IPAH. Moreover, we provided a new insight for future therapies by predicting potential drugs targeting hub genes.