bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A coupled CFD–DEM investigation of internal erosion considering suspension flow
Authors: Liu Yajing , Yin Zhen-Yu , Wang Lizhong , Hong Yi
Published: November 2020

The influence of two-phase flows containing suspension particles, which are common in nature, on internal erosion with coupling effect of clogging remains unclear. This paper presents a three-dimensional coupled computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method (CFD–DEM) analysis of internal erosion considering different concentrations of suspension C (i.e., mass of the suspended particles in unit volume of fluid) in gap-graded granular soils with different fine fraction Fc (i.e., the percentage by mass of the fine particles in the gap-graded sample). The influences of C and Fc on the erosion and clogging behavior of soils are investigated from both the macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. It is found that for gap-graded samples being underfilled with Fc = 15%, the suspension flow (i.e., influent fluid with suspending particles) decreases the cumulative eroded fine particle loss and the increasing rate of soil hydraulic conductivity due to clogging at the top of the sample. The degree of clogging is found to jointly be determined by both constriction size distribution and the suspension concentration. Clogging in a local area usually occurs with the formation of the clusters, which have a high resistance to the drag force applied by the fluid flow.
Studies in Basidiodendron eyrei and similar-looking taxa (Auriculariales, Basidiomycota)
Authors: Spirin Viacheslav , Malysheva Vera , Mendes-Alvarenga Renato Lucio , Kotiranta Heikki , Larsson Karl-Henrik
Published: November 2020

To date, Basidiodendron luteogriseum, the generic type of Basidiodendron (Auriculariales, Basidiomycota) has been treated as a synonym of B. eyrei. Our data show they are not conspecific. The identity of other members of the B. eyrei complex, i.e., B. deminutum and B. grandinioides, is clarified based on morphological and DNA data, and 10 new species are described from Eurasia, as well as from North and South America.
LHC constraints on $$W^\prime ,~Z^\prime $$ that couple mainly to third generation fermions
Authors: Hayreter Alper , He Xiao-Gang , Valencia German
Published: November 2020

We use the results of CMS and ATLAS searches for resonances that decay to $$\tau \nu $$

τ
ν

or tb and $$\tau ^+\tau ^-$$

τ
+

τ
-

or $$t{\bar{t}}$$

t

t

¯

final states to constrain the parameters of non-universal $$W^\prime $$

W
′

and $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

gauge bosons that couple preferentially to the third generation. For the former we consider production from $$c\bar{b}$$

c

b

¯

annihilation and find very weak constraints on the strength of the interaction and only for the mass range between 800 and 1100 GeV from the $$pp \rightarrow \tau _h p_T^{\mathrm{miss}}$$

p
p
→

τ
h

p
T
miss

channel. The constraints on the latter are much stronger and arise from both $$t{\bar{t}}$$

t

t

¯

and $$\tau ^+\tau ^-$$

τ
+

τ
-

production. Treated separately, we find that the weak constraints on the $$W^\prime $$

W
′

still permit an explanation of the $$R(D^{(\star )})$$

R
(

D

(
⋆
)

)

anomalies with a light sterile neutrino whereas the stronger constraints on the $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

exclude significant light sterile neutrino contributions to the $$K \rightarrow \pi \nu \bar{\nu }$$

K
→
π
ν

ν

¯

rates. Within specific models the masses of $$W^\prime $$

W
′

and $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

are of course related and we briefly discuss the consequences.
Analysis of attention on venture capital: A method of complex network on time series
Authors: Zhang Yu-Jie , Meng Kou , Gao Ting , Song Yan-Qiu , Hu Jun , Ti En-Peng
Published: November 2020

Venture capital is an important force in promoting technological innovation and social progress. Research regarding the attention on venture capital can help understand the development and social influence of venture capital, which is conducive to the policy guidance and incentive to the industry. With the rapid development of information technology, the Internet has become the main source and dissemination channel of information, and search engines have become an important interface for information. Through a deep analysis of the search index of venture capital, we can find information that is more important. Based on the principle of time series visualization, we have transformed the time series data of attention on venture capital into complex networks and analyzed its network characteristics. We collected the Baidu index of Chinese venture capital from January 1, 2018 to November 25, 2019 and constructed a time series network based on PC plus mobile search, PC search, and mobile search. The results show that the convenience of the mobile terminal offers makes it the primary mode of tracking the industrial dynamics of venture capital, especially hot news. Relatively, PC terminal search is more stable than mobile search, more focused on industry reports, and refers to long-term followers of venture capital. Both degree distribution and centrality distribution of the three networks show that abnormal peaks and lows are few and the number of key time points in the time series of search on venture capital is insignificant. However, the clustering results show obvious segmentation effect that the peak effect of hot news is evident.
Acoustic energy transport based on the local state characteristics of a symmetric interface
Authors: Tang Shuai , Han Jianning
Published: November 2020

To explore the directional transmission channel that can efficiently transport acoustic energy, we analyzed the local state characteristics of a mirror symmetric interface (MSI) in an artificial periodic structure. It was found that in a one-dimensional (1D) waveguide structure with alternating high- and low-resonant units, the acoustic energy can be localized at the symmetric interface. The result can be extended to a 2D waveguide array, implying that the acoustic energy can be transported efficiently along the interface. In addition, to improve the robustness of the acoustic system, we designed a graphene-like periodic structure based on a hexagonal lattice. By breaking the six-fold rotation symmetry of the structure, the topological interface was constructed, and the backscattering of the acoustic wave was effectively suppressed, enabling the acoustic wave energy to be transported with low reflection even in the curved waveguide. These results may provide a new direction for the realization of high-tech applications such as micromotor and 2D integrated communication.
Research on Fast Recognition Method of Complex Sorting Images Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Chen Zhixin , Dong Ruixue
Published: November 2020

For the logistics sorting warehouse without much light is complex, and the difference between express packaging is not obvious, a fast recognition method of sorting images based on deep learning and dual tree complex wavelet transform was studied. Sorting images are not very clear due to factors such as the enclosed environment and the weak lighting conditions of the warehouse. First, the dual tree complex wavelet transform is used to preprocess the sorting image for noise reduction and other image preprocessing. Second, a convolutional neural network (CNN) was designed. On the basis of Alexnet neural network, parameters of convolutional layer, ReLU layer and pooling layer of CNN are redefined to accelerate the learning speed of neural network. Lastly, according to the new image classification task, the last three layers of the neural network, the full connection layer, the softmax layer and the classification output layer are defined to adapt to the new image recognition. The proposed fast sorting image recognition technology based on deep learning has higher training speed and recognition accuracy in the face of more complicated sorting image recognition, which can meet the experimental requirements. Rapid identification of sorting images is of great significance to improve the efficiency of logistics in unmanned warehouses.
Reconstructions from integrals over non-analytic manifolds
Authors: Palamodov Victor
Published: November 2020

The known integral transforms of Funk–Radon type are applied to manifolds which have algebraic structure (planes, spheres, ellipsoids, hyperboloids etc.). A variety of new exact reconstructions is described in this paper for integral transforms of Funk–Radon type on smooth hypersurfaces [Formula: see text] properly embedded in space [Formula: see text] which is endowed with an additional structure.
Two-sex logistic model for human papillomavirus and optimal vaccine
Authors: Al-Arydah Mo’tassem
Published: November 2020

We formulate a two-gender susceptible–infectious–susceptible (SIS) model to search for optimal childhood and catch-up vaccines over a 20-year period. The optimal vaccines should minimize the cost of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) disease in random logistically growing population. We find the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] for the model and use it to describe the local-asymptotic stability of the disease-free equilibrium (DFE). We estimate the solution of the model to show the role of vaccine in reducing [Formula: see text] and controlling the disease. We formulate some optimal control problems to find the optimal vaccines needed to control HPV under limited resources. The optimal vaccines needed to keep [Formula: see text] are the catch-up vaccine rates of 0.004 and 0.005 for females and males, respectively; 100[Formula: see text] is needed to reduce [Formula: see text] to its minimum value. To reduce the expenses for HPV disease and its vaccines, we need 100[Formula: see text] childhood vaccines (both genders) for the first 13–14 years and then gradually reduce the vaccine to reach [Formula: see text] at year 20. For adults (both genders), we need maximum rates (one) for the first 9 years, then [Formula: see text] for the next 3–4 years before reducing gradually to zero rate at year 20. Although the childhood vaccines provide very early protection strategy against HPV, its time to control HPV is longer than that for adult vaccines. Thus, full adults’ only vaccines for enough period is a viable choice to control HPV at minimal cost and short time.
Traveling waves of a delayed HIV/AIDS epidemic model with treatment and spatial diffusion
Authors: Gan Qintao , Xu Rui , Yang Jing
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a delayed HIV/AIDS epidemic model with treatment and spatial diffusion is introduced. By analyzing the corresponding characteristic equations, the local stability of a disease-free steady state and an endemic steady state is discussed. By using the cross-iteration method and Schauder’s fixed point theorem, we reduce the existence of traveling waves to the existence of a pair of upper–lower solutions. By constructing a pair of upper–lower solutions, we derive the existence of a traveling wave solution connecting the disease-free steady state and the endemic steady state. It is shown that the existence of traveling waves of the proposed HIV/AIDS epidemic model is fully determined by the basic reproduction number and the minimal wave speed. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Numerical Methods for Viscoelastic Fluid Flows
Authors: Alves M.A. , Oliveira P.J. , Pinho F.T.
Published: November 2020

Complex fluids exist in nature and are continually engineered for specific applications involving the addition of macromolecules to a solvent, among other means. This imparts viscoelasticity to the fluid, a property responsible for various flow instabilities and major modifications to the fluid dynamics. Recent developments in the numerical methods for the simulation of viscoelastic fluid flows, described by continuum-level differential constitutive equations, are surveyed, with a particular emphasis on the finite-volume method. This method is briefly described, and the main benchmark flows currently used in computational rheology to assess the performance of numerical methods are presented. Outstanding issues in numerical methods and novel and challenging applications of viscoelastic fluids, some of which require further developments in numerical methods, are discussed.
Therapeutics Targeting Mutant KRAS
Authors: Thein Kyaw Z. , Biter Amadeo B. , Hong David S.
Published: November 2020

Aberrations in rat sarcoma (RAS) viral oncogene are the most prevalent and best-known genetic alterations identified in human cancers. Indeed, RAS drives tumorigenesis as one of the downstream effectors of EGFR activation, regulating cellular switches and functions and triggering intracellular signaling cascades such as the MAPK and PI3K pathways. Of the three RAS isoforms expressed in human cells, all of which were linked to tumorigenesis more than three decades ago, KRAS is the most frequently mutated. In particular, point mutations in KRAS codon 12 are present in up to 80% of KRAS-mutant malignancies. Unfortunately, there are no approved KRAS-targeted agents, despite decades of research and development. Recently, a revolutionary strategy to use covalent allosteric inhibitors that target a shallow pocket on the KRAS surface has provided new impetus for renewed drug development efforts, specifically against KRASG12C. These inhibitors, such as AMG 510 and MRTX849, show promise in early-phase studies. Nevertheless, combination strategies that target resistance mechanisms have become vital in the war against KRAS-mutant tumors.
Tranexamic Acid Combined with Compression Bandage Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Promotes Blood Coagulation: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Li Guo-hua , Ding Li-ming , Sun Lei , Wang Fu
Published: November 2020

Objective. This paper included a retrospective review of the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) combined with pressure bandaging on hemostasis of patients who received a unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) from 2017 to 2019. Methods. A total of 197 patients undergoing TKA were chosen to be classified into 2 groups, the compression bandage control group and compression bandage combined with TXA observation group. The patients received blood routine examination when they were in the 1st, 3rd, and 6th days of before and postoperation. Some parameters, such as hemoglobin (Hb), C‐reactive protein (CRP), D‐dimer value, fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), international normalized ratio (INR), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), were also investigated. Results. In our research, the mean age was 66.54 ± 7.95 years. No difference was found in patient sex (P = 0.876) and age (P = 0.749) between groups. No differences were found in the levels of Hb, fibrinogen, TT, and INR between the 2 groups at each period (P > 0.05). The difference of PT was significantly different on the 1st day (P = 0.011), 3rd day (P = 0.010), and 6th day (P = 0.004) after surgery. Besides, the changes in APTT in observation group were clearly higher compared with the control group on the 3rd day (P = 0.001) and 6th day (P = 0.001). On the 3rd and 6th days after operation, the CRP level of the two groups increased continuously, and the CRP level was significantly higher in the observation group in comparison with the control group (P = 0.008, P = 0.010). On 1st and 3rd days after surgery, compared to the control group, the D‐dimer level of patients in the observation group was distinctly fewer (P = 0.001, P = 0.027). Conclusion. TXA combined with compression bandage is a potential option for the reduction of bleeding after TKA.
Identification of Kinesin Family Member 2A (KIF2A) as a Promising Therapeutic Target for Osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Zhe-Xiang , Ren Shao-Chun , Chang Zi-Song , Ren Jing
Published: November 2020

Background. Osteosarcoma is known as a type of common human bone malignancy, and more therapeutic targets are still required to combat this disease. In recent years, the involvement of KIF2A in cancer progression has been widely revealed; however, its potential effect on osteosarcoma development remains unknown. This study is to assess the KIF2A expression levels in human osteosarcoma tissues and explore its potential role in osteosarcoma development. Methods. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assays were conducted to evaluate the expression levels of KIF2A in a total of 74 samples of osteosarcoma tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues. According to the staining intensity in tumor tissues, patients were divided into highly expressed and low expression KIF2A groups. The possible links between the KIF2A expression and the clinical pathological features were explored and analyzed, and the effects of KIF2A on osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected through colony formation assay, MTT assay, wound closure assay, and transwell assay, respectively. The effects of KIF2A on tumor growth and metastasis were detected by the use of animal models. Results. KIF2A was highly expressed in human osteosarcoma tissues. Meanwhile, KIF2A was obviously correlated to the tumor size (P = 0.001∗) and clinical stage (P = 0.014∗) of osteosarcoma patients. Our results also revealed that the ablation of KIF2A dramatically blocked the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacity of osteosarcoma cells in vitro and blocked tumor growth and metastasis in mice. Conclusions. We investigated the involvement of KIF2A in the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma and therefore thought KIF2A as a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma treatment.
Identification of Differential Gene Expression Pattern in Lens Epithelial Cells Derived from Cataractous and Noncataractous Lenses of Shumiya Cataract Rat
Authors: Ishida Hidetoshi , Shibata Teppei , Nakamura Yuka , Ishigaki Yasuhito , Singh Dhirendra P. , Sasaki Hiroshi , Kubo Eri
Published: November 2020

The Shumiya cataract rat (SCR) is a model for hereditary cataract. Two‐thirds of these rats develop lens opacity within 10‐11 weeks. Onset of cataract is attributed to the synergetic effect of lanosterol synthase (Lss) and farnesyl‐diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1 (Fdft1) mutant alleles that lead to cholesterol deficiency in the lenses, which in turn adversely affects lens biology including the growth and differentiation of lens epithelial cells (LECs). Nevertheless, the molecular events and changes in gene expression associated with the onset of lens opacity in SCR are poorly understood. In the present study, a microarray‐based approach was employed to analyze comparative gene expression changes in LECs isolated from the precataractous and cataractous stages of lenses of 5‐week‐old SCRs. The changes in gene expression observed in microarray results in the LECs were further validated using real‐time reverse transcribed quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) in 5‐, 8‐, and 10‐week‐old SCRs. A mild posterior and cortical opacity was observed in 5‐week‐old rats. Expressions of approximately 100 genes, including the major intrinsic protein of the lens fiber (Mip and Aquaporin 0), deoxyribonuclease II beta (Dnase2B), heat shock protein B1 (HspB1), and crystallin γ (γCry) B, C, and F, were found to be significantly downregulated (0.07‐0.5‐fold) in rat LECs derived from cataract lenses compared to that in noncataractous lenses (control). Thus, our study was aimed at identifying the gene expression patterns during cataract formation in SCRs, which may be responsible for cataractogenesis in SCR. We proposed that cataracts in SCR are associated with reduced expression of these lens genes that have been reported to be related with lens fiber differentiation. Our findings may have wider implications in understanding the effect of cholesterol deficiency and the role of cholesterol‐lowering therapeutics on cataractogenesis.
The Overexpression of Keratin 23 Promotes Migration of Ovarian Cancer via Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Ren Meng , Gao Yan , Chen Qi , Zhao Hongyu , Zhao Xiaoting , Yue Wentao
Published: November 2020

Background. Keratin 23 (KRT23) is a new member of the KRT gene family and known to be involved in the development and migration of various types of tumors. However, the role of KRT23 in ovarian cancer (OC) remains unclear. This study is aimed at investigating the function of KRT23 in OC. Methods. The expression of KRT23 in normal ovarian and OC tissues was determined using the Oncomine database and immunohistochemical staining. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was used to analyze the expression of KRT23 in normal ovarian epithelial cell lines and OC cell lines. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), wound healing assay, and transwell assay were conducted to detect the effects of KRT23 on OC cell migration and invasion. Further mechanistic studies were verified by the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis platform, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Results. KRT23 was highly expressed in OC tissues and cell lines. High KRT23 expression could regulate OC cell migration and invasion, and the reduction of KRT23 by siRNA inhibited the migration and invasion of OC cells in vitro. Furthermore, KRT23 mediated epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) by regulating p‐Smad2/3 levels in the TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway. Conclusions. These results demonstrate that KRT23 plays an important role in OC migration via EMT by regulating the TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway.
Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Syzygium nervosum
Authors: Pham Giang Nam , Nguyen Tu Thanh Thi , Nguyen-Ngoc Hieu
Published: November 2020

Syzygium nervosum, which belongs to the Myrtaceae plant family, is widely distributed and cultivated in South East Asian countries. The decoction of S. nervosum leaves and flower buds has been consumed regularly as a beverage among the Vietnamese and Chinese communities. In addition, it has also been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, notably for influenza, skin diseases, and digestive conditions. To date, there has been a considerable number of publications on chemical profiling and pharmacological activities of S. nervosum crude extract and pure isolated compounds. Our analysis indicated the characteristic chemical scaffolds and potential bioactivities on cancer, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases of this plant. The review aims to summarize up‐to‐date past study results and suggest future research direction on this species, in order to promote clinical applications of S. nervosum.
Development of a Model to Predict Vibrations Induced by Blasting Excavation of Deep Rock Masses under High In Situ Stress
Authors: Fan Yong , Cui Xianze , Leng Zhendong , Zhou Yurong , Zheng Junwei , Wang Feng
Published: November 2020

During the process of blasting excavation of deep rock masses under high in situ stress, energy produced by the explosive and the strain energy released by rock mass excavation constitute the energy source of vibration. However, in traditional Sadov’s empirical formula, the energy produced by explosive explosion is only considered which makes the error higher when it is used to predict the blasting-induced vibration peak under the condition of high in situ stress. In this study, energy transformation and distribution mechanisms caused by excavation of deep rock masses were analyzed at first. Then, a prediction model of vibration peak based on the principle of energy balance was established by dimension analysis. Finally, the proposed model was trained and tested with the vibration data monitored during the blasting excavation of deep buried tunnel in Jinping II hydropower station. The result shows that compared with the traditional prediction model, the proposed model has higher fitting correlation coefficient and lower root-mean-square error, which can be better applied to the prediction of vibration induced by blasting excavation of deep rock masses under high in situ stress.
Buccal Silicone Granuloma Caused by the Dental Infection
Authors: Murakami Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Sugiura Tsutomu , Kirita Tadaaki
Published: November 2020

The facial injection of liquid silicone is performed for cosmetic purposes. The use of injectable fillers in facial procedures has become extremely popular over the past decade. Most procedures are performed in the perioral, periocular, and cheek areas of middle-aged women. Even though silicone is biologically inert, its injection can result in the formation of granulomas. Silicone granulomas can result from an inflammatory or autoimmune tissue response. However, the development of silicone granulomas secondary to dental infection has not yet been reported. We report a case of a 73-year-old woman with a right buccal silicone granuloma that developed following a dental infection. Ultimately, this case healed completely after the surgical removal of all lesions. Silicone in the facial region may become infected by a dental infection, and infective silicone develops granulomas and cellulitis. In the context of cosmetic facial silicone injections, it is necessary to improve oral hygiene prior to dental treatment and to maintain a healthy oral environment after surgery. In some cases, surgical treatment using an intraoral approach is effective.
An Integrated Fuzzy Best-Worst-TOPSIS Method for Evaluation of Hotel Website and Digital Solutions Provider Firms
Authors: Samanlioglu Funda , Burnaz Ayşe Nur , Diş Berke , Tabaş Mehmet Doğukan , Adıgüzel Mehmet
Published: November 2020

In todayʼs world where technology is rapidly evolving, hotels need to be the best in all conditions to be one step ahead of other competitors. Digital marketing and hotel website solutions play a lead role in this competition. Therefore, hotel websites need to be innovative, user-friendly, and descriptive. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate and rank potential hotel websites and digital solutions provider firms. Since there are various potentially competing quantitative and qualitative criteria to take into consideration in the decision-making process, a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) method is needed. As the MCDM method, fuzzy best-worst method (FBWM) is integrated with the Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (F-TOPSIS). In this integration, FBWM is applied to determine fuzzy evaluation criteria weights and then F-TOPSIS is implemented to rank alternatives utilizing the obtained fuzzy weights. A case study is presented, where 4 alternative hotel websites and digital solutions provider firms for Paloma Hotels in Turkey are evaluated based on 9 criteria by 3 hotel managers.
A Packet Scheduling Method Based on Dynamic Adjustment of Service Priority for Electric Power Wireless Communication Network
Authors: Hu Bo , Liu Xin , Zhao Jinghong , Xu Siya , Lei Zhenjiang , Xiao Kun , Liu Dong , Li Zhao
Published: November 2020

With the development of the energy Internet, power communication services are heterogeneous, and different power communication services have different business priorities. The power communication services with different priorities have different requirements for network bandwidth and real-time performance. For traditional unified service, a scheduling method cannot meet these service requirements at the same time, and electric power communication network cannot guarantee the quality of service. Therefore, how to make full use of the time-varying characteristics of communication resources to meet the business needs of different priorities and achieve the goals of high resource utilization and transmission quality has become one of the urgent problems in the power communication network. For this reason, in order to adapt to the real-time congestion of the network, we have designed a packet scheduling method based on the dynamic adjustment of service priority, which dynamically adjusts the priority of the power service on the node; in addition, an evaluation method for the trust value of wireless forwarding nodes is introduced to improve the security of data transmission; and finally, we valuate the channel quality to establish a reasonable and efficient packet scheduling mechanism for services of different priorities. Simulation results show that this method improves the communication performance of high-priority services and improves the spectrum resource utilization of the entire system.
Saikosaponin A-Induced Gut Microbiota Changes Attenuate Severe Acute Pancreatitis through the Activation of Keap1/Nrf2-ARE Antioxidant Signaling
Authors: Li Jing , Han Jinfeng , Lv Juan , Wang Shiji , Qu Lai , Jiang Yanfang
Published: November 2020

Objective. Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a serious and life-threatening disease associated with multiple organ failure and a high mortality rate and is accompanied by distinct oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Saikosaponin A has strong antioxidant properties and can affect the composition of gut microbiota. We sought to determine the effects of Saikosaponin A interventions on SAP by investigating the changes of gut microbiota and related antioxidant signaling. Methods. A SAP model was established in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats through the injection of sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct and confirmed by elevated levels of serum lipase and amylase. The model was fed a standard diet either with saline solution or with Saikosaponin A. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from Saikosaponin A-induced rats into the rat model was performed to test the effects of gut microbiota. The composition of gut microbiota was analyzed by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We measured apoptotic status, inflammatory biomarkers, and Keap1-Nrf2-ARE ((Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element) antioxidant signaling. Results. Saikosaponin A intervention attenuated SAP lesions and reduced the levels of serum amylase and lipase, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses by reducing pathological scores and affecting the serum level of oxidative and inflammatory factors. Meanwhile, the expression of Keap1-Nrf2-ARE was increased. Saikosaponin A intervention improved microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Prevotella species. FMT resulted in similar results as those caused by the Saikosaponin A intervention, suggesting Saikosaponin A may exert its function via the improvement of gut microbiota composition. Conclusions. Saikosaponin A-induced gut microbiota changes attenuate SAP progression in the rat model and may be a potential natural drug for adjuvant treatment of SAP. Further work is needed to clear up the points.
Solanine Inhibits Immune Escape Mediated by Hepatoma Treg Cells via the TGFβ/Smad Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gao Juwei , Ying Yinyin , Wang Jue , Cui Yiyi
Published: November 2020

Objective. To observe the inhibitory effect of solanine on regulatory T cells (Treg) in transplanted hepatoma mice and to study the mechanism of solanine inhibiting tumor growth. Methods. The levels of Treg cells and IL‐2, IL‐10, and TGFβ in the blood of patients with liver cancer were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. A mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) graft model was established and randomly divided into four groups: control group, solanine group, TGFβ inhibitor group (SB‐431542), and solanine +TGFβ inhibitor combined group. Tumor volume of each group was recorded, tumor inhibition rate was calculated, and tumor metastasis was counted. The proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg in transplanted tumor tissues was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of Foxp3 and TGFβ in transplanted tumor tissues were detected by quantitative fluorescence PCR. Results. Compared with healthy people, Treg cells and IL‐2, IL‐10, and TGFβ contents in peripheral blood of liver cancer patients were increased. The results of the transplanted tumor model in mice showed that the tumor volume of the transplanted mice in the solanine group and the TGFβ inhibitor mice was reduced compared with the control group. The combined group had the smallest tumor volume. The proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg in the transplanted tumor tissues of mice in the solanine treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group. The expressions of Foxp3 and TGFβ in the transplanted tumor tissues of mice in the solanine group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Conclusion. Solanine may enhance the antitumor immune response by downregulating the proportion of CD4+CD25+ Treg and the expression of Foxp3 and TGFβ in tumor tissues.
Black and White Differences in Colorectal Cancer Screening and Screening Outcomes: A Narrative Review
Authors: Rutter Carolyn M. , Knudsen Amy B. , Lin Jennifer S. , Bouskill Kathryn E.
Published: November 2020

Racial disparities in colorectal cancer incidence are widely documented. There are two potential mechanisms for these disparities: differences in access to screening, including screening follow-up, and differences in underlying risk of colorectal cancer. We reviewed the literature for evidence of these two mechanisms. We show that higher colorectal cancer incidence in blacks relative to whites emerged only after the dissemination of screening and describe evidence of racial disparities in screening rates. In contrast to the strong evidence for differences in colorectal cancer screening utilization, there is limited evidence for racial differences in adenoma prevalence. In general, black and white patients who are screened have similar adenoma prevalence, though there is some evidence that advanced adenomas and adenomas in the proximal colon are somewhat more likely in black than white patients. We conclude that higher rates of colorectal cancer incidence among black patients are primarily driven by lower rates of colorectal cancer screening. Our findings highlight the need to increase black patients' access to quality screening to reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality.
A New Generation of “Magic Bullets” for Molecular Targeting of Cancer
Authors: Capala Jacek , Kunos Charles A.
Published: November 2020

A two-step molecular targeting approach involving a self-assembling and disassembling (SADA) bispecific antibody platform and DOTA-radioconjugates allows tumor-specific delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic payloads. Low immunogenicity and the modular nature of SADA allow its optimization to safely and repeatedly deliver a variety of payloads to tumors expressing diverse tumor-specific antigens.

See related article by Santich et al., p. 532
Fibrinogen Levels and Cognitive Profile Differences in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Pyun Jung-Min , Ryoo Nayoung , Park Young Ho , Kim SangYun
Published: November 2020

Background: Fibrinogen is considered a marker of vascular pathology, indicating a weakened blood-brain barrier, and has a causative role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Little is known about the relationship between fibrinogen levels and cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We aimed to investigate differences in cognitive profiles according to plasma fibrinogen levels in patients with MCI and the influence of plasma fibrinogen levels on cognitive decline. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 643 patients with MCI: 323 patients in the high fibrinogen (high fib) group and 320 patients in the low fibrinogen (low fib) group. A multiple linear regression model was performed to compare cognitive test performance between groups. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the hazard ratio of fibrinogen level for disease progression. Results: The high fib group demonstrated poorer performance in attention, executive function, and confrontation naming than the low fib group. After adjustment for APOE genotype, the high fib group was associated with poor attention and executive function. After adjustment for vascular risk factors including body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smoking history, the high fib group showed declined attention and confrontation naming ability. High fibrinogen levels did not predict disease progression to CDR 1. Conclusion: High plasma fibrinogen levels were associated with poor performance in attention in patients with MCI, regardless of APOE genotype or vascular risk factors.
Real-World Comparison of Elobixibat and Lubiprostone Treatment in Patients with Chronic Constipation: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Eguchi Takaaki , Yoshizaki Tetsuya , Ikeoka Seitaro , Takagi Megumi , Fujinami Maho , Matsuda Tatsuya , Yamaguchi Tsubasa , Nonaka Takahiro , Amioka Shohei , Katayama Norio , Inoue Kazuki , Matsumoto Masanori , Momose Kenji , Sako Tomoya , Noda Mari , Morisawa Toshiyuki , Okada Akihiko
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Elobixibat is a new laxative, but its efficacy and adverse events (AEs) are insufficiently examined compared with those of other laxatives. Hence, by propensity score (PS) matching, we compared the effects and AEs between elobixibat and lubiprostone. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,887 Japanese patients with chronic constipation (CC) treated at our hospital between October 2013 and April 2020. Enrolled patients were divided into three treatment groups, namely, elobixibat (10 mg daily) (E10 group, n = 293), lubiprostone (24 μg daily) (L24 group, n = 772), and lubiprostone (48 μg daily) (L48 group, n = 822), as their first treatment. We then investigated the changes on the weekly average number of spontaneous bowel movements, stool consistency scores (SCSs), and AEs starting from the baseline until the end of the 2-week treatment. To adjust for patients’ background, we performed one-to-one nearest neighbor matching without replacement between elobixibat- and lubiprostone-treated patients according to the individual estimated PSs. Results: After treatment, for SCSs, both the L24 and L48 groups significantly improved compared with the E10 group (p < 0.05), but their stools were soft (Bristol Stool Form Scale: 4.8). Notably, the E10 group had less frequent AEs than the L24 group (26 [9.0%] vs. 43 [14.8%], p = 0.03). Particularly, nausea was significantly less in the E10 group than that in the L48 group (2 [0.7%] vs. 7 [2.4%], p = 0.01). Conclusion: Elobixibat is a beneficial drug for patients with mildly symptomatic CC and is safe to use, given its few AEs.
Parasites with zoonotic potential in pets feces on the beaches of greater Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Bricarello Patrizia Ana , Silva Alice da , Oliveira Thailini de , Lima Lenilza Mattos
Published: November 2020

In Brazil, dogs and cats have free access in public areas in some cities, such as squares, parks and beaches, despite restrictive laws for their permanence in these places. Animals infected with intestinal parasites contaminate the environment through their feces. The present study aimed to verify the occurrence of helminth eggs, oocysts and protozoan cysts in stool samples from three beaches in Greater Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, from March 2017 to April 2018. Stool samples were processed by the Willis-Mollay flotation technique and the Hoffman sedimentation technique. The percentage of 47.65% of positive samples for helminths or protozoa was found on the southern beaches of Florianópolis island, with an occurrence of 52.78% at Morro das Pedras Beach and 42.86% at Campeche Beach. At Pinheira beach, in Palhoça, 56.66% of the samples were contaminated with one or more zoonotic parasites. In this study, the most prevalent parasites on the three beaches analyzed were hookworms and Trichuris vulpis, followed by Giardia spp. and Cystoisospora spp. Samples containing Toxocara spp. eggs were collected at Pinheira beach. It is concluded that the contamination of the beaches in the present study constitutes a public health problem, considering the possibility of zoonoses transmission. The importance of implementing sanitary programs for the control of parasites in dogs and cats is emphasized, as well as awareness and education programs, in order to reduce environmental contamination in public places.
The Political Imperative of World Cinema
Authors: Mazaj Meta , Deshpande Shekhar
Published: November 2020

This paper argues for the political urgency of the project of World Cinema, and an understanding of World Cinema as a dynamic totality. Totality here is not a generic, macroscopic lens, but a system that accounts for the co-existence of all cinemas as well as the uneven power relationships that determine the relative visibility or invisibility of cinemas in the global system. This structural inequity, a condition that underlies the differentiated cinematic flows, is also a methodological ruse in that it can only point to unequal relationships in discourses that define the current conceptions of World Cinema. An awareness of totality, we argue, makes it possible to return to films themselves as nodal points from which to begin the mapping of World Cinema through its complex networks of financing, distribution, and its circuits of legitimation (film festivals, academic discourses) which shape world cinema as a body of knowledge.
Recommendations for Future Research Priorities for Climate Modeling and Climate Services
Authors: Hewitt C. D. , Guglielmo F. , Joussaume S. , Bessembinder J. , Christel I. , Doblas-Reyes F. J. , Djurdjevic V. , Garrett N. , Kjellström E. , Krzic A. , Costa M. Máñez , St. Clair A. L.
Published: November 2020

Climate observations, research, and models are used extensively to help understand key processes underlying changes to the climate on a range of time scales from months to decades, and to investigate and describe possible longer-term future climates. The knowledge generated serves as a scientific basis for climate services that are provided with the aim of tailoring information for decision-makers and policy-makers. Climate models and climate services are crucial elements for supporting policy and other societal actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and for making society better prepared and more resilient to climate-related risks. We present recommendations for future research topics for climate modeling and for climate services. These recommendations were produced by a group of experts in climate modeling and climate services, selected based on their individual leadership roles or participation in international activities. The recommendations were reached through extensive analysis, consideration and discussion of current and desired research capabilities, and wider engagement and refinement of the recommendations was achieved through a targeted workshop of initial recommendations and an open meeting at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly. The findings emphasize how research and innovation activities in the fields of climate modeling and climate services can contribute to improving climate knowledge and information with saliency for users in order to enhance capacity to transition to a sustainable and resilient society. The findings are relevant worldwide but are deliberately intended to influence the European Commission’s next major multi-annual framework program of research and innovation over the period 2021–27.
Using Adolescent Perceptions of Misconduct to Help Educational Leaders Identify and Respond to Sexual Misconduct
Authors: Hernandez Frank , McPhetres Jonathan , Hughes Jamie
Published: November 2020

Purpose. In the current study, we present data describing adolescents’ perceptions and knowledge of educator sexual misconduct. Prior research has not investigated how adolescents understand these situations, and this information can help school leaders, educators, and researchers both understand how these situations begin and develop programs aimed at identifying cases of misconduct in order to reduce future occurrences. Research Design. The study took place in a Texas city designated as an “Other City Center” District Type by Texas Education Agency. The study’s 1,203 participants were secondary students from the district. Findings. Findings indicate that almost 2% of those surveyed openly admitted to currently being consensually sexually involved with a teacher. Those in a relationship were equally likely to be male or female, were older, and were engaged in risky online activities, including using the internet to connect with strangers, sending or receiving sexually suggestive pictures and videos, and searching for their teacher on social media. Implications. There are numerous implications for policy and preparation at various levels, from state and national legislation to school and school district policy to teacher- and principal-preparation programs.
Interdisciplinary bridging response teams for field hospitals in Wuhan during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Yu Zhihong , Hong Liu , Jiang Lirui , Yang Wanting , Guo Liping , Shen Yinjing
Published: November 2020

In this essay, we provide an overview of a social worker-led, interdisciplinary practice model designed to combine essential online psycho-social support and local community self-governance for COVID-19 patients with minor symptoms in quarantine field hospitals in the city of Wuhan from February to May 2020. The interdisciplinary bridging response teams (IBRTs) model was designed for congregating settings to bridge offline community mobilization and online interdisciplinary professional services. We discuss the two-tier structure and organization of the practice model, the professionals’ roles and main tasks, and the key features that ensured the success of the model.
Equitable Educational Opportunities in K-12 Schools: West African and U.S. Public Schools Compared
Authors: Lawal Adekunle
Published: November 2020

In an effort to promote public elementary and secondary education that meets world standards where all students have equal access to 21st-century public schools, some countries have adopted Education For All (EFA) policy. This article examines how three selected countries (the United States, Nigeria, and Gambia) are implementing the idea of giving all children the opportunity of equal access to public education. The article explores the historical trend of the concept and several education policies enacted in each country to make the program productive.
Salesperson Dual Agency in Price Negotiations
Authors: Lawrence Justin M. , Scheer Lisa K. , Crecelius Andrew T. , Lam Son K.
Published: November 2020

When should business-to-business firms encourage their salespeople to advocate for the customer in pricing negotiations? This research extends dual agency theory to the sales domain to address this question. In Study 1, the authors examine discount negotiations with secondary data from a major U.S. distributor. They find that the customer and seller both experience the most favorable outcomes when the salesperson advocates strongly for both parties; advocacy for either party alone is counterproductive. Study 2 confirms these results using matched survey, pricing, and profit data and demonstrates a key boundary condition: broad customer–seller ties enable the synergy between customer advocacy and seller advocacy by enhancing the firms’ abilities to monitor the salesperson. In Study 3, experiments with business-to-business buyers replicate key findings and provide evidence for theorized mechanisms. This research emphasizes the interdependence between the salesperson’s dual roles and demonstrates how the salesperson can serve as an effective agent of both the customer and seller, thereby mitigating challenges associated with role conflict.
Profiles of Substance Use in Adolescents With Severe Obesity
Authors: Becnel Jennifer N. , Giano Zachary , Williams Amanda L. , Merten Michael J.
Published: November 2020

A growing body of literature suggests that youth with severe obesity are engaging in substance use. The purpose of the present study was to examine profiles of substance use among adolescents with severe obesity and examine how these profiles are associated with depressive symptomology using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. The sample included 597 girls and 626 boys who self-reported height and weight and alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and illicit substance use. Latent profile analysis revealed four distinct groups ranging from non-users to polysubstance users with non-users reporting the highest depressive symptoms. These results suggest those with severe obesity might be using substances to self-medicate to treat poor mental health; however, longitudinal research is necessary to examine pathways to substance use among severely obese youth.