bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inositol-requiring enzyme 1α links palmitate-induced mTOR activation and lipotoxicity in hepatocytes
Authors: Chen Yingli , Griffiths Alexandra , Wang Jun , Zhang Tingting , Song Qing , Song Zhenyuan
Published: October 2020

Hepatic lipotoxicity, hepatocyte dysfunction/cell death induced by saturated fatty acids (SFA), plays a central role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Palmitate is the most abundant SFA in the circulation. In this study, via a small-scale screening of chemical inhibitors using AML12 hepatocytes, we identified mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1) to be a culprit in palmitate-induced cell death in hepatocytes in that mTOR inhibition is protective against palmitate-induced cell death. The protective effect of mTORC1 inhibition is independent of autophagy induction, as autophagy inhibition failed to ablate the mTORC1 inhibitor-conferred protection. We have previously reported that the endonuclease activity of inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), one of three canonical signaling pathways of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, was implicated in palmitate-induced cell death in hepatocytes. The continuous mechanistic investigation in this study uncovered that IRE1α is a downstream target of mTORC1 activation upon palmitate exposure and the inhibition of either its endonuclease activity or kinase activity protects against the lipotoxic effect of palmitate. Our research further revealed that protein palmitoylation is potentially involved in palmitate-induced mTORC1 activation and lipotoxicity in hepatocytes. 2-Bromopalmitate, a protein palmitoylation inhibitor, ameliorated palmitate-triggered mTORC1 activation, concomitant with the protection of lipotoxicity in hepatocytes. Collectively, our data have identified that mTORC1 and ER stress are coordinately implicated in hepatocyte cell death in response to palmitate exposure and suggest that this pathway may potentially serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of NAFLD as well as other metabolic disorders involving lipotoxicity.
Knockdown of the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBR5 and its role in skeletal muscle anabolism
Authors: Hughes David C. , Turner Daniel C. , Baehr Leslie M. , Seaborne Robert A. , Viggars Mark , Jarvis Jonathan C. , Gorski Piotr P. , Stewart Claire E. , Owens Daniel J. , Bodine Sue C. , Sharples Adam P.
Published: October 2020

UBR5 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase positively associated with anabolism, hypertrophy, and recovery from atrophy in skeletal muscle. The precise mechanisms underpinning UBR5’s role in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass remain unknown. The present study aimed to elucidate these mechanisms by silencing the UBR5 gene in vivo. To achieve this aim, we electroporated a UBR5-RNAi plasmid into mouse tibialis anterior muscle to investigate the impact of reduced UBR5 on anabolic signaling MEK/ERK/p90RSK and Akt/GSK3β/p70S6K/4E-BP1/rpS6 pathways. Seven days after UBR5 RNAi electroporation, although reductions in overall muscle mass were not detected, the mean cross-sectional area (CSA) of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive fibers were reduced (−9.5%) and the number of large fibers were lower versus the control. Importantly, UBR5-RNAi significantly reduced total RNA, muscle protein synthesis, ERK1/2, Akt, and GSK3β activity. Although p90RSK phosphorylation significantly increased, total p90RSK protein levels demonstrated a 45% reduction with UBR5-RNAi. Finally, these early events after 7 days of UBR5 knockdown culminated in significant reductions in muscle mass (−4.6%) and larger reductions in fiber CSA (−18.5%) after 30 days. This was associated with increased levels of phosphatase PP2Ac and inappropriate chronic elevation of p70S6K and rpS6 between 7 and 30 days, as well as corresponding reductions in eIF4e. This study demonstrates that UBR5 plays an important role in anabolism/hypertrophy, whereby knockdown of UBR5 culminates in skeletal muscle atrophy.
LINC00511-dependent inhibition of IL-24 contributes to the oncogenic role of HNF4α in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lu Yanyan , Yu Yanan , Liu Fuguo , Han Yue , Xue Huiguang , Sun Xueguo , Jiang Yueping , Tian Zibin
Published: October 2020

Our findings on the roles of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α/long intergenic noncoding RNA 00511 /IL-24 axis provide new insights into the CRC and offer potential targets for translational applications.
Behavioral, metabolic, and renal outcomes of 1-month isolation in adolescent male Dahl salt-sensitive rats
Authors: Nikolaienko Oksana , Isaeva Elena , Levchenko Vladislav , Palygin Oleg , Staruschenko Alexander
Published: October 2020

Social contact deficit is considered a stressful circumstance associated with various neural, hormonal, genetic, immune, and behavioral effects. A growing body of clinical and basic science evidence suggests that social isolation is linked to a higher risk of various neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. However, the impact of the deficit of social interaction on kidney function is not well established. The Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rat is a classical model of salt-induced hypertension and associated kidney injury. In this study, we investigated the effect of 30 days of social isolation (SI) on blood and urine electrolytes and metabolic, physiological, and behavioral parameters in adolescent male Dahl SS rats fed a normal 0.4% NaCl diet. SI rats demonstrated increased behavioral excitability compared with rats kept in groups. We also observed increased food consumption and a decrease in plasma leptin levels in the SI group without differences in water intake and weight gain compared with grouped animals. No changes in the level of blood and urine electrolytes, 24-h urine output, creatinine clearance, and albumin/creatinine ratio were identified between the SI and grouped rats. These findings indicate that 30 days of social isolation of adolescent Dahl SS rats affects metabolic parameters but has no apparent influence on kidney function.
Balance perturbation-evoked cortical N1 responses are larger when stepping and not influenced by motor planning
Authors: Payne Aiden M. , Ting Lena H.
Published: October 2020

The cortical N1 response to balance perturbation is larger when executing compensatory steps, suggesting a relationship between the cortical N1 and subsequent motor behavior. Additionally, the cortical N1 response is not impacted by prior planning of the stepping reaction, suggesting that predictability of the motor outcome does not impact the N1 in the same way as predictability of the perturbation stimulus.
The Pathophysiology of Rett Syndrome With a Focus on Breathing Dysfunctions
Authors: Ramirez Jan-Marino , Karlen-Amarante Marlusa , Wang Jia-Der Ju , Bush Nicholas E. , Carroll Michael S. , Weese-Mayer Debra E. , Huff Alyssa
Published: October 2020

Rett syndrome (RTT), an X-chromosome-linked neurological disorder, is characterized by serious pathophysiology, including breathing and feeding dysfunctions, and alteration of cardiorespiratory coupling, a consequence of multiple interrelated disturbances in the genetic and homeostatic regulation of central and peripheral neuronal networks, redox state, and control of inflammation. Characteristic breath-holds, obstructive sleep apnea, and aerophagia result in intermittent hypoxia, which, combined with mitochondrial dysfunction, causes oxidative stress—an important driver of the clinical presentation of RTT.
Multiple Facets and Roles of Na+-K+-Cl−Cotransport: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Garneau A. P. , Slimani S. , Fiola M. J. , Tremblay L. E. , Isenring P.
Published: October 2020

The Na+-K+-Cl−cotransporters play key physiological and pathophysiological roles by regulating the membrane potential of many cell types and the movement of fluid across a variety of epithelial or endothelial structures. As such, they should soon become invaluable targets for the treatment of various disorders including pain, epilepsy, brain edema, and hypertension. This review highlights the nature of these roles, the mechanisms at play, and the unresolved issues in the field.
Phenotypic Frailty Assessment in Mice: Development, Discoveries, and Experimental Considerations
Authors: Baumann Cory W. , Kwak Dongmin , Thompson LaDora V.
Published: October 2020

The underlying mechanisms contributing to the onset of frailty, its progression, and its mortality risk remain unknown. Recently, the two most common human frailty assessments were reverse-translated to mice. Here, we highlight the development of the mouse frailty phenotype, unique discoveries, experimental considerations, and future perspectives.
Simvastatin Posttreatment Controls Inflammation and Improves Bacterial Clearance in Experimental Sepsis
Authors: de Jesus Oliveira Flora Magno , Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque Cassiano Felippe , de Moraes Isabel Matos Medeiros , Reis Patrícia Alves , Rocha Vinicius Novaes , Bozza Patrícia Torres , Silva Adriana Ribeiro , de Castro Faria Neto Hugo Caire
Published: October 2020

Sepsis is characterized by a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by an unbalanced host response to microbe infection that can lead to death. Besides being currently the leading cause of death in intensive care units worldwide, sepsis can also induce long-term consequences among survivors, such as cognitive impairment. Statins (lipid-lowering drugs widely used to treat dyslipidemia) have been shown to possess pleiotropic anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. These drugs act inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, the limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. In this work, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of simvastatin in an animal model of sepsis. In previous study from our group, statin pretreatment avoided cognitive damage and neuroinflammation in sepsis survivors. Herein, we focused on acute inflammation where sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and the animals were treated with simvastatin (2 mg/kg) 6 h after surgery. We measured plasma biochemical markers of organ dysfunction, cell migration, cell activation, bacterial elimination, production of nitric oxide 24 h after CLP, survival rate for 7 days, and cognitive impairment 15 days after CLP. One single administration of simvastatin 6 h after CLP was able to prevent both liver and kidney dysfunction. In addition, this drug decreased cell accumulation in the peritoneum as well as the levels of TNF-α, MIF, IL-6, and IL-1β. Simvastatin diminished the number of bacterial colony forming units (CFU) and increased the production of nitric oxide production in the peritoneum. Simvastatin treatment increased survival for the first 24 h, but it did not alter survival rate at the end of 7 days. Our results showed that posttreatment with simvastatin hampered organ dysfunction, increased local production of nitric oxide, improved bacterial clearance, and modulated inflammation in a relevant model of sepsis.
Investigating Prescriptions and Mechanisms of Acupuncture for Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris: An Association Rule Mining and Network Analysis Study
Authors: Yu Jie , Jiang Yongliang , Tu Mingqi , Liao Binjun , Fang Jianqiao
Published: October 2020

Chronic stable angina pectoris (CSAP) is a worldwide cardiovascular disease that severely affects people’s quality of life and causes serious cardiovascular accidents. Although acupuncture had been confirmed as a potential adjunctive treatment for CSAP, the basic rules and mechanisms of acupoints were little understood. We conducted a systematic search of the China Biology Medicine (CBM), VIP database, Wangfang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science to identify eligible clinical controlled trials (CCTs) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), from their inception to 18th February 2020. The acupoint prescriptions in the treatment of CSAP were extracted and analyzed based on the association rule mining (ARM) and network analysis. In addition, potential mechanisms of acupuncture for treating CSAP were summarized by data mining. A total of 27 eligible trials were included. Analysis of acupoint prescriptions covered 36 conventional acupoints and 1 experience acupoint, distributing in 10 meridians. The top three frequently used acupoints were PC6, LU9, and ST36. The top three frequently used meridians were the pericardial meridian, lung meridian, and heart meridian. The most frequently used acupoint combinations were LU9 combined with PC6. Besides, network analysis indicated that the core acupoints included PC6, BL15, ST40, and RN17. Moreover, potential mechanisms of acupuncture for treating CSAP involved the regulation of autonomic nerve function, the content of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), volume and the equivalent block of coronary artery calcified plaque (CACP), endothelin (ET), and nitric oxide (NO), neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the content of C‐reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). In conclusion, our findings concerning acupoint prescriptions and potential mechanisms in the acupuncture treatment of CSAP could provide an optimized acupuncture treatment plan for clinical treatment of CSAP and promote further mechanism research and network research of CSAP.
Photothermal Effect of Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Irradiated by Near-Infrared Laser
Authors: Fu Shawei , Man Yuchun , Jia Fuquan
Published: October 2020

Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used in biomedicine due to their unique magnetism, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Magnetic hyperthermia of Fe3O4 NPs for cancer treatment has attracted more attention. However, it could interfere with magnetic field-sensitive devices of patients, such as pacemakers. Therefore, it is necessary to find a new method for clinical therapy. In this study, the superparamagnetic Fe3O4 NPs were fabricated. Visible-near-infrared absorption spectra indicated that the Fe3O4 NPs have near-infrared absorption. The influences of Fe3O4 NP concentrations, power density, and wavelength of near-infrared laser irradiation on the photothermal performance of Fe3O4 NPs were investigated. The results revealed that high concentrations, large power density, and short irradiation wavelength could improve the photothermal performance of Fe3O4 NPs. The temperature variation and the absorption intensity simultaneously determined the photothermal transduction efficiency of Fe3O4 NPs. The application of the photothermal performance of Fe3O4 NPs would provide a new opportunity for clinic cancer treatment.
The Use of Agricultural Waste Straw to Enhance Loess Shearing Behaviour: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Wang Lin , Cheng Wen-Chieh , Xue Zhong-Fei
Published: October 2020

Strata erosion in northwest China has become an engineering concern as a result of overdevelopment of land. This issue is more distinct for loess soil than other soils since it is characterised by metastable microstructure, high porosity, and water sensitivity. This study explores the potential for the use of agricultural waste straw as a recycled reinforcement material to form the enhanced shearing behaviour towards preventing instability of the loess body. The stress‐strain relation and the pore pressure behaviour of Lantian loess and reinforced Lantian loess were studied using the conventional triaxial compression (CTC) stress path for three different confining pressures. Comparison with Jingyang loess and Delhi silt of similar relative fraction of silt to clay, sheared under the reduced triaxial compression (RTC) stress path and the reduced triaxial extension (RTE) stress paths, respectively, was conducted, with emphasis on strength uniqueness and critical state behaviour, to shed light on the effect of waste straw inclusions. The results indicate that the stress path in undrained compression and extension tests had a pronounced effect on the stress‐strain relation of the studied soils. Insertion of the waste straw in Lantian loess restrained the development of volumetric deformation, producing higher pore pressures than Lantian loess (unreinforced). This study explores an exciting potential for the use of agricultural waste straw to prevent instability of the loess body in hilly‐gullied regions of northwest China when subjected to quick surface thick fills.
A Cadaveric Study of the Distal Biceps Femoris Muscle in relation to the Normal and Variant Course of the Common Peroneal Nerve: A Possible Cause of Common Peroneal Entrapment Neuropathy
Authors: Park Jeong-Hyun , Yang Jinseo , Park Kwang-Rak , Kim Tae Woo , Kim Taeyeong , Park Suyeon , Tsengel Battur , Cho Jaeho
Published: October 2020

The most frequent mononeuropathy in the lower extremity has been reported as the common peroneal nerve entrapment neuropathy (CPNe) around the head and neck of the fibula, although the mechanism of the neuropathy in this area cannot be fully explained. Therefore, the aim of this cadaveric study was to evaluate the relationship between morphologic variations of the distal biceps femoris muscle (BFM) and the course of the common peroneal nerve (CPN) and to investigate the incidence and morphological characteristics of anatomical variations in the BFM associated with CPNe. The popliteal region and the thigh were dissected in 115 formalin‐fixed lower limbs. We evaluated consensus for (1) normal anatomy of the distal BFM, (2) anatomic variations of this muscle, and (3) the relationship of the muscle to the CPN. Measurements of the distal extents of the short and long heads of the BFM from insertion (fibular head) were performed. Two anatomic patterns were seen. First, in 93 knees (80.8%), the CPN ran obliquely along the lateral side of the BFM and then superficial to the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. Second, in 22 cases (19.2%), the CPN coursed within a tunnel between the biceps femoris and lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle (LGCM). There was a positive correlation between the distal extents of the short heads of the biceps femoris muscle (SHBFM) and the presence of the tunnel. The “popliteal intermuscular tunnel” in which the CPN travels can be produced between the more distal extension variant of the SHBFM and the LGCM. This anatomical variation of BFM may have a clinical significance as an entrapment area of the CPN in the patients in which the mechanism of CPNe around the fibula head and neck is not understood.
The Effect of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty on Intraocular Pressure in Patients with Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant-Induced Elevated Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Bennedjai Amin , Theillac Vincent , Akesbi Jad , Adam Raphaël , Rodallec Thibaut , Keilani Chafik , Blumen-Ohana Esther , Labbé Antoine , Nordmann Jean-Philippe
Published: October 2020

Introduction. To assess the safety and efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) for ocular hypertension (OHT) induced by a dexamethasone (DEX) intravitreal implant. Materials and Methods. We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent an SLT procedure for ocular hypertension induced by injection of a DEX intravitreal implant. Patients had, at least, one injection of the DEX-implant for symptomatic macular edema. SLT was delivered to 360° of the trabecular meshwork in two sessions. The primary outcome was a decrease in IOP, evaluated at one, three, and six months after the SLT procedure. Results. Twenty-six eyes of 22 patients were included. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) measured after DEX-implant injection was 25.4 ± 5.4 mmHg, and the mean increase in IOP was 35.8 ± 14.6%. The mean follow-up after SLT was 18.3 ± 7.7 months. After SLT, the mean IOP dropped by 30.9% at one month (16.9 ± 4.5 mmHg,

p
=
0.01

), 33.6% at three months (16.0 ± 2.7 mmHg,

p
<
0.01

), and 34.9% at six months (15.6 ± 2.1 mmHg,

p
<
0.01

). Each patient had a minimum follow-up of 6 months after SLT. Eight eyes (31%) received a second DEX-implant injection after the SLT procedure without experiencing an increase in the IOP above 21 mmHg or >20%. No glaucoma surgery was required during the follow-up. The mean number of medications (1.65 ± 1.36) was significantly reduced at one (1.19 ± 1.20,

p
=
0.04

), three (0.96 ± 1.03,

p
<
0.01

), and six months (0.77 ± 0.95,

p
<
0.01

) after SLT. Conclusion. SLT is an effective and safe procedure to control OHT following DEX-implant intravitreal injection.
Numerical Theoretical Study on Mechanical Properties of New Reinforced Tenon Precast Shear Walls
Authors: Chen Wei , Wu Qing , Wu Dongyue , Dang Longji , Jiang Feifei
Published: October 2020

Precast construction technologies have several advantages in industrialized production, such as quality control and energy conservation. However, the joint interface slippage between the precast components causes detrimental effect on the mechanical properties, such as dowel shear stress on the connecting steel bars, which strictly restricts the development of assembly technology in aseismic structure. In order to eliminate the horizontal slippage along the assemble joint and optimize the mechanical performance of horizontal joint connections, a new reinforced tenon joint precast shear wall is proposed in this paper. Finite element numerical simulations are conducted on three reinforced tenon joint specimens and a reference specimen to understand the mechanical properties of the reinforced tenon and boundary confinement components of shear wall. The load‐displacement curves, the equivalent plastic strain distribution diagram, and the concrete damage distribution diagram are obtained. It is found that the boundary components provide bending strength and the reinforced tenon can reduce the harmful influence of dowel‐action shear stress on longitudinal connecting reinforcements. Therefore, the bending and shearing forces are separated at the joint interface. Based on the numerical simulation results and the calculation theory of normal section bearing capacity, the theoretical calculation bending capacity formula of reinforced tenon precast shear wall is established. The obtained calculation results are in good agreement with the simulation results and can accurately reflect the bending capacity of the jointed interface.
Formation Control Algorithm of Agents Based on Earth Mover’s Distance
Authors: Liu Bangquan , Zhu Shaojun , Sun Dechao , Meng Yun , Zhou Guangyu , Huang Lijun
Published: October 2020

Massive sport, such as unmanned aerial vehicle performance, often needs fast and efficient calculation of formation morphing and individual path planning. This paper introduces a novel fast formation control method of a crowd. First, we get the agents’ location in a 2D polygon with centroidal Voronoi tessellation and L-BFGS techniques. Then, we transform crowd formation shapes with a global shortest motion path pair assignment using earth mover’s distance algorithm. Finally, the repulsing force between agents and obstacles is calculated based on the recursive velocity observer method control agents’ motion. Extensive experimental results show the effectiveness and usefulness of our algorithm in 2D group formation transformation.
Analysis of Multitasking Evolutionary Algorithms under the Order of Solution Variables
Authors: Wang Lei , Sun Qian , Xu Qingzheng , Li Wei , Jiang Qiaoyong
Published: October 2020

Recently, it was demonstrated that multitasking evolutionary algorithm (MTEA), a newly proposed algorithm, can solve multiple optimization problems simultaneously through a single run, breaking through the limitations of traditional evolutionary algorithms (EAs), with good convergence and exploration performance. As a novel algorithm, MTEA still has a lot of unexplored space. Generally speaking, the order of solution variables has no significant influence on the single-tasking EAs. To our knowledge, the effect of the order of variables in the multitasking scenario has not been explored. To fill in this research gap, three orders of variables in the multitasking scenario are proposed in this paper, including full reverse order, bisection reverse order, and trisection reverse order. An important feature of these orders of variables is that an individual can recover as himself after two times of changing the order of variables. In order to verify our idea, these orders of variables are embedded into MTEA. The experiment results revealed that the effect of the different orders of variables is universal but not significant enough in the practical application. Furthermore, tasks with high similarity and high degree of intersection are sensitive to the order of variables and get great impact between tasks.
Phytochemicals from Selective Plants Have Promising Potential against SARS‐CoV‐2: Investigation and Corroboration through Molecular Docking, MD Simulations, and Quantum Computations
Authors: Kousar Kafila , Majeed Arshia , Yasmin Farkhanda , Hussain Waqar , Rasool Nouman
Published: October 2020

Coronaviruses have been reported previously due to their association with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). After SARS, these viruses were known to be causing Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and caused 35% evanescence amid victims pursuing remedial care. Nowadays, beta coronaviruses, members of Coronaviridae, family order Nidovirales, have become subjects of great importance due to their latest pandemic originating from Wuhan, China. The virus named as human‐SARS‐like coronavirus‐2 contains four structural as well as sixteen nonstructural proteins encoded by single‐stranded ribonucleic acid of positive polarity. As there is no vaccine available to treat the infection caused by these viruses, there is a dire need for taking necessary steps against this virus. Herein, we have targeted two nonstructural proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2, namely, methyltransferase (nsp16) and helicase (nsp13), respectively, due to their substantial activity in viral pathogenesis. A total of 2035 compounds were analyzed for their pharmacokinetics and pharmacological properties. The screened 108 compounds were docked against both targeted proteins and were compared with previously reported known compounds. Compounds with high binding affinity were analyzed for their reactivity through DFT analysis, and binding was analyzed using molecular dynamics simulations. Through the analyses performed in this study, it is concluded that EryvarinM, Silydianin, Osajin, and Raddeanine can be considered potential inhibitors for MTase, while TomentodiplaconeB, Osajin, Sesquiterpene Glycoside, Rhamnetin, and Silydianin for helicase after these compounds are validated thoroughly using in vitro and in vivo protocols.
Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle for Optimal Control of Stochastic SEIR Models
Authors: Xu Ruimin , Guo Rongwei
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we study the necessary conditions as well as sufficient conditions for optimality of stochastic SEIR model. The most distinguishing feature, compared with the well-studied SEIR model, is that the model system follows stochastic differential equations (SDEs) driven by Brownian motions. Hamiltonian function is introduced to derive the necessary conditions. Using the explicit formulation of adjoint variables, desired necessary conditions for optimal control results are obtained. We also establish a sufficient condition which is called verification theorem for the stochastic SEIR model.
Association of HIVEP3 Gene and Lnc RNA with Femoral Neck Bone Mineral Content and Hip Geometry by Genome-Wide Association Analysis in Chinese People
Authors: Hu Weiwei , He Jinwei , Qi Luyue , Wang Chun , Yue Hua , Gu Jiemei , Zhang Hao , Wang Yi , Zhang Zhenlin
Published: October 2020

Purpose. GWAS has successfully located and analyzed the pathogenic genes of osteoporosis. Genetic studies have found that heritability of BMD is 50%–85% while the other half is caused by hip geometric parameters and tissue horizontal characteristics. This study was designed to study the GWAS of osteoporosis in Shanghai Han population. Methods. We collected 1224 unrelated healthy young men (20–40 years old), young women (20–40 years old), and postmenopausal women (over 50 years old) who lived in Shanghai. BMD and hip geometric parameters were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The genomic DNA of peripheral blood was extracted and analyzed by using Illumina Human Asian Screening Array-24 + 

v
1.0

(ASA) gene chip. Statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the relationship between these SNPs and BMD and hip geometric parameters. Results. A total of 1155 subjects were included. We found that one SNP rs35282355 located in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 enhancer-binding protein 3 gene (HIVEP3) and another 25 SNPs located in LINC RNA were significantly correlated with bone mineral content (BMC) in the femoral neck (

P

= 2.30 × 10−9,

P

 < 5 × 10−8). We also found that the correlation between SNP rs35282355 and cross-sectional area (CSA) of hip geometry was a significant marginal statistical difference (

P

 = 5.95 × 10−8). Conclusions. Through this study, we found that HIVEP3 gene and LINC RNA are potentially correlated with femoral neck BMC. These results provide important information for us to further understand the etiology and genetic pathogenesis of osteoporosis. In the future, we will expand the sample size to verify these loci and carry out molecular research.
A20‐Binding Inhibitor of NF‐κB 1 Ameliorates Neuroinflammation and Mediates Antineuroinflammatory Effect of Electroacupuncture in Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Rats
Authors: Zhou Xueling , Lu Wenhao , Wang You , Li Jiani , Luo Yong
Published: October 2020

A20‐binding inhibitor of NF‐κB 1 (ABIN1) is an inhibitor of NF‐κB and exerts anti‐inflammatory effect. Electroacupuncture (EA) is considered as a neuroprotective strategy by inhibiting neuroinflammatory damage after cerebral ischemia. This study was performed to explore the role of ABIN1 and investigate whether the ABIN1 is involved in the mechanism of EA in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) rats. Male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) and received EA after reperfusion once a day. Lentivirus‐mediated ABIN1 gene knockdown was used to detect the role of ABIN1 in neuroinflammation after I/R. ABIN1 expression, proinflammatory cytokine levels, microglial activation, neurological function, infarct volumes, and NF‐κB activation were assessed. ABIN1 expression was elevated in the peri‐infarct cortex and was further upregulated by EA. ABIN1 knockdown increased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and activation of microglia, worsened neurological deficits, and enlarged the infarct volume. Moreover, ABIN1 was blocked to partially reverse the neuroprotective effect of EA, and this treatment weakened the ability of EA to suppress NF‐κB activity. Based on these findings, ABIN1 is a potential suppressor of neuroinflammation and ABIN1 mediates the antineuroinflammatory effect of EA in cerebral I/R rats.
Farmer’s Credit Rating Model and Application Based on Multilayer Unified Network with Linear Classifier
Authors: Pang Sulin , Wang Shouyang , Xia Lianhu
Published: October 2020

This article innovatively builds the infrastructure of farmer credit rating index system into a multilevel unidirectional network structure. First, according to the logical structure of the three-level credit rating index system, a four-level unidirectional network is constructed, and the credit rating calculation formulas of all indexes at the four-level network are established. Furthermore, the special cases of the credit rating formula with the first- and second-level farmer credit rating index system are discussed. On this basis, it is extended to a credit rating index system with more than four levels, and the corresponding credit rating formula is established. Finally, the general formula of credit rating formula of the farmer credit rating index system from first level to multilevel is obtained. In order to solve the problem of farmers' credit rating, this paper also designs a linear segmentation classifier to classify the results of multilayer unidirectional network, establishes the rules of farmers' credit rating and the unidirectional network linear segmentation evaluation model of farmers' credit rating, and discusses the properties of bank credit based on farmers’ credit rating. Finally, the model established in this paper is applied to the credit rating of farmers in

A

County, Guangdong Province in China. When the credit rating of 160 farmers is carried out, the evaluation results are in line with the actual credit rating of farmers in

A

County, with an accuracy of 100%. This research has the maneuverability to carry on the scientific credit rating to the countryside. This study has important method guidance and operability for rural credit rating.
Effect of Material Properties and Strain Rate on Fragmentation of Anisotropic Rock
Authors: Wu R. J. , Li H. B.
Published: October 2020

In order to investigate the effect of the microproperties of bedding and strain rate on the fragment size distributions of layered phyllite with different bedding dip angles, a split Hopkinson pressure numerical model was established and verified by comparing with the experimental results. A new method to obtain reasonable layered rock dynamic simulation result was proposed. Then, the cumulative distribution curve and average fragment size of layered rocks were calculated after changing the strain rate and microparameters of bedding in the model. The results showed that the samples tend to become pulverized under high strain rate, and it was harder for the samples with low dip angle to be damaged if the bedding shear strength is added, while the fragmentation of high angle samples did not change significantly. Furthermore, the failure of layered specimens was not affected by the tensile strength and stiffness. The wider bedding and narrower space promoted the crack initiation and propagation.
Terrain Classification Algorithm for Lunar Rover Using a Deep Ensemble Network with High-Resolution Features and Interdependencies between Channels
Authors: Zhou Lanfeng , Liu Ziwei , Wang Wenfeng
Published: October 2020

For terrain classification tasks, previous methods used a single scale or single model to extract the features of the image, used high-to-low resolution networks to extract the features of the image, and used a network with no relationship between channels. These methods would lead to the inadequacy of the extracted features. Therefore, classification accuracy would reduce. The samples in terrain classification tasks are different from in other image classification tasks. The differences between samples in terrain classification tasks are subtler than other image-level classification tasks. And the colours of each sample in the terrain classification are similar. So we need to maintain the high resolution of features and establish the interdependencies between the channels to highlight the image features. This kind of networks can improve classification accuracy. To overcome these challenges, this paper presents a terrain classification algorithm for Lunar Rover by using a deep ensemble network. We optimize the activation function and the structure of the convolutional neural network to make it better to extract fine features of the images and infer the terrain category of the image. In particular, several contributions are made in this paper: establishing interdependencies between channels to highlight features and maintaining a high-resolution representation throughout the process to ensure the extraction of fine features. Multimodel collaborative judgment can help make up for the shortcomings in the design of the single model structure, make the model form a competitive relationship, and improve the accuracy. The overall classification accuracy of this method reaches 91.57% on our dataset, and the accuracy is higher on some terrains.
Assessment of Pertussis Vaccine Protective Effectiveness in Children in the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Taye Solomon , Tessema Belay , Gelaw Baye , Moges Feleke
Published: October 2020

Background. Bordetella pertussis is a human pathogen which causes pertussis, or whooping cough. The diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis immunization has significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality of pertussis globally. However, higher prevalence and resurgence of pertussis cases among both vaccinated and unvaccinated people has raised questions on the effectiveness of pertussis vaccine over time. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the protective effectiveness of pertussis vaccine in the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods. A nested matched case-control study design approach was used with vaccinated individuals as cases and unvaccinated individuals as controls. The study was conducted from July 2018 to February 2019. Real-time (RT-) PCR assay was done to ascertain the presence of pertussis among clinically suspected patients. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs), respectively. Vaccine effectiveness was calculated as (1 − OR) × 100. Adjusted OR with 95% CI and a

P

value <0.05 were used to assess statistical significance. Results. A total of 112 vaccinated and 223 unvaccinated controls were enrolled for the study. Of the total participants, 173/335 (51.6%) were males. The prevalence of pertussis among vaccinated was 35/112 (31.3%), whereas it was 84/223 (37.7%) among the control group. The adjusted matched vaccine protective effectiveness against B. pertussis infection following three doses of whole-cell vaccine was 25% among children aged between 6 and 9 years. Adjusted estimates of vaccine protective effectiveness for participants who had complete vaccination, stratified by time since last vaccination, were 50% at 6 years, 34% at 7 years, and 2% at 8–9 years since last vaccination. Conclusion. Despite the availability and good coverage of childhood vaccination, the effectiveness of pertussis vaccine was found to be low in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Moreover, we observed declining trends in the protective effectiveness of the vaccine after 6 years of vaccination. Thus, by considering the waning nature of immune response which is induced by whole-cell vaccine during early life, booster dose is highly recommended to optimize pertussis prevention and control strategies.
A Multidimensional Internet of Things Testbed System: Development and Evaluation
Authors: Alsukayti Ibrahim S.
Published: October 2020

The technological breakthrough of the Internet of Things (IoT) drives the emergence of a wide scope of smart IoT solutions in different domains. Advancing the different technological aspects of these solutions requires effective IoT implementations and experimentations. This is widely addressed following low-cost and scalable methods such as analytical modeling and simulation. However, such methods are limited in capturing physical characteristics and network conditions in a realistic manner. Therefore, this paper presents an innovative IoT testbed system which facilitates practical experimentation of different IoT solutions in an effective environment. The testbed design was developed towards a general-purpose multidimensional support of different IoT properties including sensing, communication, gateway, energy management, data processing, and security. The implementation of the testbed was realized based on integrating a set of robust hardware components and developing a number of software modules. To illustrate its effectiveness, the testbed was utilized to experiment with energy efficiency of selected IoT communication technologies. This resulted in lower energy consumption using the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology compared to the Zigbee and 6LoWPAN technologies. A further evaluation study of the system was carried out following the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). As the study results indicated, the system provides a simple yet efficient platform for conducting practical IoT experiments. It also had positive impact on users’ behavior and attitude toward IoT experimentation.
Multivariate Analysis of Phenotypic Diversity of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Landraces from Lamjung and Tanahun Districts, Nepal
Authors: Dhakal Anup , Pokhrel Amrit , Sharma Shishir , Poudel Ankur
Published: October 2020

The magnitude and nature of genetic divergence play a vital role in the selection of the desirable landraces for its utilization in the breeding program. A study was carried out with 30 rice landraces at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung Campus, during June–November 2018 to determine relation among individuals, estimate the relative contribution of various traits of rice using principal component analysis, and identify the potential parents for hybridization using Mahalanobis distance (D2). The principal component analysis revealed that five among the thirteen principal components were significant (eigenvalue >1) and contributed to 29.96%, 20.26%, 13.56%, 11.68%, and 9.22% of the total variance, respectively. PC1 included the traits that were related mostly to the yield, yield attributing, and grain characteristics. Landraces from Anadi group, Jetho Budo, Jarneli, and Rato Masino performed well in PC1 while landraces such as Mansara, Pakhe Sali, and Aanga performed well in PC2. The landraces were grouped into six clusters where 12 landraces were grouped into cluster I. Cluster analysis showed maximum and minimum intracluster distance in cluster VI (D2 = 35.77) and cluster I (D2 = 18.59), respectively. The maximum intercluster distance was obtained between clusters V and VI (D2 = 40.18) followed by clusters III and VI (D2 = 36.17) and clusters IV and VI (D2 = 35.74). Cluster III showed the highest mean value for grain width, flag leaf breadth, yield, and minimum mean value for plant height while mean values of total grain per panicle, filled grain percentage, and thousand-grain weight were maximum in cluster IV. Mean values of effective tiller and kernel width were found maximum in clusters V and VI, respectively. Landraces from clusters V and VI or clusters III and VI or clusters IV and VI can be used in the hybridization program to develop the superior hybrids by exploiting heterosis in segregating generation.
A New Variable Exponential Power Reaching Law of Complementary Terminal Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Xu Feng , An Na , Mao Jianlin , Yang Shubo
Published: October 2020

In this article, a new nonlinear algorithm based on the sliding mode control is developed for the ball and plate control system to improve dynamic response and steady-state tracking accuracy of the control system. First, a new sliding mode reaching law is proposed, variable exponential power reaching law (VEPRL), which is expressed in two different forms including a nonlinear combination function term and a variable exponential power term, so that it can be adjusted adaptively according to the state of the system by the variable exponential power reaching term during the reaching process. The computation results show that it can not only effectively weaken the chattering phenomenon but also increase the rate of the system state reaching to the sliding mode surface. Moreover, it has the characteristic of global finite-time convergence. Besides, a complementary terminal sliding mode control (CTSMC) method is designed by combining the integral terminal sliding surface with the complementary sliding surface to improve the convergence rate. Based on the proposed VEPRL and CTSMC, a new sliding mode control method for the ball and plate system is presented. Finally, simulation results show the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed control method.
An Initial Alignment Technology of Shearer Inertial Navigation Positioning Based on a Fruit Fly-Optimized Kalman Filter Algorithm
Authors: Wan Miao , Wang Zhongbin , Si Lei , Tan Chao , Wang Hao
Published: October 2020

The shearer is one of the core equipment of the fully mechanized coal face. The fast and accurate positioning of the shearer is the prerequisite for its memory cutting, intelligent height adjustment, and intelligent speed adjustment. Inertial navigation technology has many advantages such as strong autonomy, good concealment, and high reliability. The accurate positioning of the shearer based on inertial navigation can not only determine its operating position but also measure the direction of movement. However, when inertial navigation is used to locate the shearer in motion, the cumulative errors will occur, resulting in inaccurate positioning of the shearer. The accuracy of the initial alignment is directly related to the working precision of the inertial navigation system. In order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of initial alignment, an improved initial alignment method is proposed in this paper, which uses a fruit fly-optimized Kalman filter algorithm for initial alignment. In order to improve the filtering performance, the fruit fly-optimized Kalman filter algorithm uses an improved fruit fly algorithm to realize the adaptive optimization of system noise variance. Finally, simulation and experiments verify the effectiveness of the fruit fly-optimized Kalman filter algorithm.
Biopreservation of Shrimps Using Composed Edible Coatings from Chitosan Nanoparticles and Cloves Extract
Authors: Tayel Ahmed A. , Elzahy Aml F. , Moussa Shaaban H. , Al-Saggaf Mohammed S. , Diab Amany M.
Published: October 2020

Shrimps are highly valuable and perishable foodstuff that could be rapidly spoiled. Chitosan (Cht) was extracted and transformed into nanoparticles (NPs) via ionic gelation and fortified with cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) buds extract (CLE) for usage as antimicrobial composites against food-borne bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus) and as edible coating (EC) for shrimp (Fenneropenaeus indicus) biopreservation throughout refrigerated storage. The synthesized CLE/Cht-NPs were electrostatically cross-linked and appeared with spherical shapes and homogenized distribution, with 159.4 nm mean size diameter and positive charge of 17.4 mV. The entire agents (Cht-NPs, CLE, and CLE/Cht-NPs) exhibited remarkable antibacterial activities toward all food-borne pathogens; CLE/Cht-NPs were significantly the most forceful. The scanning micrographs of treated S. typhimurium with CLE/Cht-NPs displayed NPs ability to attach and destroy bacterial cells. The ECs-treated shrimps exhibited sharp decrease in microbial groups load (aerobic microorganisms, E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae, and staphylococci) during refrigerated storage (4 ± 1°C) for 10 days. Additionally, the sensorial attributes (appearance, odor, color, and texture) of EC-treated samples preserved their elevated qualities for storage duration. The most effective EC blend contained 1.5% from Cht/NPs and 1.0% from CLE. The CLE/Cht-NPs could be impressively recommended as effectual natural composites for shrimps’ biopreservation during cold storage.