bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Aviation Lubrication on Tribological Performances of Graphene/MoS2 Composite Coating
Authors: Meng Fanming , Han Huali , Ma Zhifei , Tang Baoping
Published: July 2020

Four kinds of aviation liquid lubricants (i.e., 4010#, 4050#, 4106#, and 4109# oils) were homogeneously coated on the graphene/MoS2 composite coating through a spin-coating method to form the solid–liquid lubricating combinations. The tribological properties of the obtained solid–liquid combinations and pure graphene/MoS2 coating were investigated experimentally. Effects of the liquid lubricant type on the friction and wear behaviors of the solid–liquid combinations and pure graphene/MoS2 coating were studied at different applied loads and rotational speeds. Within the ranges of the applied load varying from 10 to 50 N and rotational speed varying from 750 to 1500 rpm, the presence of the above-mentioned liquid lubricants significantly reduces the friction coefficient of the pure graphene/MoS2 coating, and the reduction rate is as high as 24%. Additionally, the coating-4109# combination has the best synergistic effect under the above operation condition.
Optimal Methods for Estimating the JONSWAP Spectrum Peak Enhancement Factor From Measured and Hindcast Wave Data
Authors: Ewans Kevin , McConochie Jason
Published: July 2020

The specification of design wave spectra is based on spectral parameters estimated from available wave data. Measured data allow high-resolution estimates to be made, but they suffer from sampling variability and often do not contain a sufficient number of measurements in extreme sea states. Hindcast data can be used to examine spectral features associated with extreme sea states, but they can be limited by resolution and are dependent on how the physics are incorporated in the source terms of the wave model. We examine and compare the effects of estimating JONSWAP spectrum peak enhancement factor from measured and hindcast data for a range of sea states but particularly those with large significant wave heights. In the case of the measured data, we build on earlier work and review effects associated with different methods for processing measured time series data, including the effect of sampling frequency, record length, and smoothing. These are then contrasted with estimates made from typical hindcast data, including the effect of the spectral shape associated with different source terms—in particular the four-wave interaction term. Finally, we provide recommendations on how best to estimate the peak enhancement factor of the JONSWAP spectrum for design purposes.
Long-Term Effects of Three Water-Based Training Programs on Resting Blood Pressure in Older Women
Authors: Reichert Thaís , Costa Rochelle Rocha , Barroso Bruna Machado , da Rocha Vitória de Mello Bones , Oliveira Henrique Bianchi , Bracht Cláudia Gomes , de Azevedo Anemarí Girardon , Kruel Luiz Fernando Martins
Published: July 2020

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of three water-based training on blood pressure (BP) in older women. A total of 57 participants were randomized into the following groups: (a) aerobic training (AT), (b) concurrent training in which resistance training progresses to the use of resistive equipment (CTRE), and (c) concurrent training in which resistance training progresses to multiple sets (CTMS). The participants trained twice a week for 16 weeks. Systolic BP decreased from pretraining to after 8 weeks of training and, subsequently, to after 16 weeks of training (AT: −6.53 mmHg, CTRE: −10.45 mmHg, and CTMS: −10.73 mmHg). Diastolic BP decreased from pretraining to after 8 and 16 weeks of training (AT: −6.23 mmHg, CTRE: −4.61 mmHg, and CTMS: −6.19 mmHg). Furthermore, 16% of the AT participants, 23% of the CTRE participants, and 28.5% of the CTMS participants were no longer classified as hypertensive. Water-based aerobic and concurrent training are efficient nonpharmacological measures to reduce BP in older women.
What are Fundamental Motor Skills and What is Fundamental About Them?
Authors: Newell Karl M.
Published: July 2020

A review and synthesis of the literature on the learning and development of motor skills supports the postulation that whether a motor skill can be deemed fundamental is dependent on the collective presence of three conditions: (i) uniquenessto the movement pattern and/or outcome; (ii) near universalityof the functional outcome in the healthy population; (iii) capacity to act as an antecedent influence supportinggeneralizationto alargeandbroadset of perceptual-motor skills. Within this framework, it is proposed that the infant motor development sequence underpinning upright posture (e.g., sitting, bipedal standing), locomotion (e.g., walking, running), and object-interaction (e.g., grasping) represents the minimum set of fundamental motor skills from which all other skills evolve with over the lifespan. This position is in contrast to the views of many students of motor development and learning who describe numerous skills that typically emerge in the ∼2- to 18-year-old range as fundamental but do not meet the criteria outlined here to be fundamental. It is proposed that these be labeled ascore developmental activitieshaving a more restricted but still practically relevant influence on the acquisition of and generalization to other motor skills.
Effects of Peer Encouragement on Efficacy Perceptions and Physical Performance in Children
Authors: Innes Kira L. , Graham Jeffrey D. , Bray Steven R.
Published: July 2020

Social interactions are theorized to inform relation-inferred self-efficacy (RISE), which, in turn, may influence self-efficacy and behavior. This study investigated the effects of peer encouragement on RISE, task self-efficacy, and physical performance. Children (N = 84) were assigned to dyads and randomized to provide peer encouragement to one another or not (control group). Participants completed two endurance handgrip trials, separated by a cognitively demanding task intended to induce mental fatigue and increase the salience of the peer encouragement manipulation. Participants in the experimental group exchanged words of encouragement prior to the second endurance trial, whereas those in the control group did not. The peer encouragement group reported higher RISE and showed increased performance across trials compared with controls. Providing peer encouragement prior to a challenging physical task was associated with more positive RISE perceptions and improved physical performance.
Physical or Cognitive Exertion Does Not Influence Cortical Movement Preparation for Rapid Arm Movements
Authors: Schouppe Stijn , Van Oosterwijck Jessica , Wiersema Jan R. , Van Damme Stefaan , Willems Tine , Danneels Lieven
Published: July 2020

The contribution of central factors to movement preparation (e.g., the contingent negative variation [CNV]) and the influence of fatigue on such factors are still unclear, even though executive cognitive functions are regarded as key elements in motor control. Therefore, this study examined CNV amplitude with electroencephalography in 22 healthy humans during a rapid arm movement task prior to and following three experimental conditions: (a) a no exertion/control condition, (b) a physical exertion, and (c) a cognitive exertion. CNV amplitude was affected neither by a single bout of physical/cognitive exertion nor by the control condition. Furthermore, no time-on-task effects of the rapid arm movement task on the CNV were found. Exertion did not affect cortical movement preparation, which is in contrast to previous findings regarding time-on-task effects of exertion on CNV. Based on the current findings, the rapid arm movement task is deemed suitable to measure cortical movement preparation, without being affected by learning effects and physical/cognitive exertion.
Biallelic variants in ADARB1, encoding a dsRNA-specific adenosine deaminase, cause a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Maroofian Reza , Sedmík Jiří , Mazaheri Neda , Scala Marcello , Zaki Maha S , Keegan Liam P , Azizimalamiri Reza , Issa Mahmoud , Shariati Gholamreza , Sedaghat Alireza , Beetz Christian , Bauer Peter , Galehdari Hamid , O’Connell Mary A , Houlden Henry
Published: July 2020

Background

Adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing is a co-transcriptional/post-transcriptional modification of double-stranded RNA, catalysed by one of two active adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs), ADAR1 and ADAR2. ADARB1 encodes the enzyme ADAR2 that is highly expressed in the brain and essential to modulate the function of glutamate and serotonin receptors. Impaired ADAR2 editing causes early onset progressive epilepsy and premature death in mice. In humans, ADAR2 dysfunction has been very recently linked to a neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly and epilepsy in four unrelated subjects.

Methods

We studied three children from two consanguineous families with severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) through detailed physical and instrumental examinations. Exome sequencing (ES) was used to identify ADARB1 mutations as the underlying genetic cause and in vitro assays with transiently transfected cells were performed to ascertain the impact on ADAR2 enzymatic activity and splicing.

Results

All patients showed global developmental delay, intractable early infantile-onset seizures, microcephaly, severe-to-profound intellectual disability, axial hypotonia and progressive appendicular spasticity. ES revealed the novel missense c.1889G>A, p.(Arg630Gln) and deletion c.1245_1247+1 del, p.(Leu415PhefsTer14) variants in ADARB1 (NM_015833.4). The p.(Leu415PhefsTer14) variant leads to incorrect splicing resulting in frameshift with a premature stop codon and loss of enzyme function. In vitro RNA editing assays showed that the p.(Arg630Gln) variant resulted in a severe impairment of ADAR2 enzymatic activity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these data support the pathogenic role of biallelic ADARB1 variants as the cause of a distinctive form of DEE, reinforcing the importance of RNA editing in brain function and development.
What matters most to patients when choosing treatment for mild–moderate asthma? Results from a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Baggott Christina , Hansen Paul , Hancox Robert J , Hardy Jo Katherine , Sparks Jenny , Holliday Mark , Weatherall Mark , Beasley Richard , Reddel Helen K , Fingleton James
Published: July 2020

Background

An as-needed combination preventer and reliever regimen was recently introduced as an alternative to conventional daily preventer treatment for mild asthma. In a subgroup analysis of the PRACTICAL study, a pragmatic randomised controlled trial of budesonide–formoterol reliever therapy versus maintenance budesonide plus terbutaline reliever therapy in adults with mild asthma, we recently reported that about two-thirds preferred as-needed combination preventer and reliever therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the relative importance of attributes associated with these two asthma therapies in this subgroup of participants who indicated their preferred treatment in the PRACTICAL study.

Methods

At their final study visit, a subgroup of participants indicated their preferred treatment and completed a discrete choice experiment using the Potentially All Pairwise RanKings of all possible Alternatives method and 1000minds software. Treatment attributes and their levels were selected from measurable study outcomes, and included: treatment regimen, shortness of breath, steroid dose and likelihood of asthma flare-up.

Results

The final analysis dataset included 288 participants, 64% of whom preferred as-needed combination preventer and reliever. Of the attributes, no shortness of breath and lowest risk of asthma flare-up were ranked highest and second highest, respectively. However, the relative importance of the other two attributes varied by preferred therapy: treatment regimen was ranked higher by participants who preferred as-needed treatment than by participants who preferred maintenance treatment.

Conclusions

Knowledge of patient preferences for treatment attributes together with regimen characteristics can be used in shared decision-making regarding choice of treatment for patients with mild–moderate asthma.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12616000377437.
Tau decay into $$\nu _\tau $$ and $$a_1(1260)$$, $$b_1(1235)$$, and two $$K_1(1270)$$
Authors: Dai L. R. , Roca L. , Oset E.
Published: July 2020

We study the $$\tau \rightarrow \nu _\tau A$$τ→ντA decay, with A an axial-vector meson. We produce the $$a_1(1260)$$a1(1260) and $$b_1(1235)$$b1(1235) resonances in the Cabibbo favored mode and two $$K_1(1270)$$K1(1270) states in the Cabibbo suppressed mode. We take advantage of previous chiral unitary approach results where these resonances appear dynamically from the vector and pseudoscalar meson interaction in s-wave. Actually two different poles were obtained associated to the $$K_1(1270)$$K1(1270) quantum numbers. We find that the unmeasured rates for $$b_1(1235)$$b1(1235) production are similar to those of the $$a_1(1260)$$a1(1260) and for the two $$K_1$$K1 states we suggest to separate the present information on the $$\bar{K} \pi \pi $$K¯ππ invariant masses into $$\bar{K}^* \pi $$K¯∗π and $$\rho K$$ρK modes, the channels to which these two resonances couple most strongly, predicting that these modes peak at different energies and have different widths. These measurements should shed light on the existence of these two $$K_1$$K1 states. In addition, we have gone one step further making a comparison with experimental results of three meson decay channels, letting the vector mesons of our approach decay into pseudoscalars, and we find an overall good agreement with experiment.
Motion of spinning particles in non asymptotically flat spacetimes
Authors: Toshmatov Bobir , Rahimov Ozodbek , Ahmedov Bobomurat , Malafarina Daniele
Published: July 2020

The assumption of asymptotic flatness for isolated astrophysical bodies may be considered an approximation when one considers a cosmological context where a cosmological constant or vacuum energy is present. In this framework we study the motion of spinning particles in static, spherically symmetric and asymptotically non-flat spacetimes with repulsive cosmological vacuum energy and quintessential field. Due to the combined effects of gravitational attraction and cosmological repulsion, the region where stable circular orbits are allowed is restricted by an innermost and an outermost stable circular orbits. We show that taking into account the spin of test particles may enlarge or shrink the region of allowed stable circular orbits depending on whether the spin is co-rotating or counter-rotating with the angular momentum of the particles.
权力中心的整合与变迁
Authors: 李 志贤
Published: July 2020

从19世纪中叶以后，新加坡潮州社群（潮帮）发生过数次的纷争，有些还导致社群出现分化和帮权发生变迁。本文梳理了这些纷争的起因与过程、所涉及的人物、以及潮人社群的反应，探讨纷争的结果对潮人社群权力结构的整合和权力关系所带来的变化。作者指出权力关系和权力中心不是静止的，它会随着社群内在因素和外部环境的变化而有所反应。因此，一个社群在长期发展过程中遇到的一些权力的纷争是一种不可避免的整合，还可能有积极的作用，它或许致使社群权力关系紧张并发生变迁，但不一定会造成社群的分化。
晚清苏里南契约华工招募与移民研究
Authors: 徐 晓东
Published: July 2020

19世纪中期荷属苏里南殖民地种植园面临严重的劳动力短缺问题。契约华工因在国际劳工市场上的极佳口碑成为了殖民地政府的考虑对象，但复杂的招募方案、过高的招募成本及潜在的社会问题又使殖民地政府存在较大顾虑，不过殖民地的内部压力最终迫使殖民地政府决定招募契约华工。从1853–1874年，3200多名华工与殖民地政府签订劳工合同，从华南珠三角、荷属东印度、英属圭亚那等地来到苏里南。合同到期后，在世的契约华工或是回国，或是前往拉美其他地区，或是留在苏里南勉力经营，成为今日苏里南华人的祖先。
Prognostic Nomograms for Primary High‐Grade Glioma Patients in Adult: A Retrospective Study Based on the SEER Database
Authors: Yang Yi , Yao Mingze , Long Shengrong , Xu Chengran , Li Lun , Li Yinghui , Li Guangyu
Published: July 2020

Purpose. In our study, we aimed to screen the risk factors that affect overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in adult glioma patients and to develop and evaluate nomograms. Methods. Primary high‐grade gliomas patients being retrieved from the surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) database, between 2004 and 2015, then they randomly assigned to a training group and a validation group. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis models were used to choose the variables significantly correlated with the prognosis of high‐grade glioma patients. And these variables were used to construct the nomograms. Next, concordance index (C‐index), calibration plot and receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) curve were used to evaluate the accuracy of the nomogram model. In addition, the decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to analyze the benefit of nomogram and prognostic indicators commonly used in clinical practice. Results. A total of 6395 confirmed glioma patients were selected from the SEER database, divided into training set (n =3166) and validation set (n =3229). Age at diagnosis, tumor grade, tumor size, histological type, surgical type, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were screened out by Cox analysis model. For OS nomogram, the C‐index of the training set was 0.741 (95% CI: 0.751‐0.731), and the validation set was 0.738 (95% CI: 0.748‐0.728). For CSS nomogram, the C‐index of the training set was 0.739 (95% CI: 0.749‐0.729), and the validation set was 0.738 (95% CI: 0.748‐0.728). The net benefit and net reduction in inverventions of nomograms in the decision curve analysis (DCA) was higher than histological type. Conclusions. We developed nomograms to predict 3‐ and 5‐year OS rates and 3‐ and 5‐year CSS rates in adult high‐grade glioma patients. Both the training set and the validation set showed good calibration and validation, indicating the clinical applicability of the nomogram and good predictive results.
Bovine Trypanosomosis and Its Vectors in Three Selected Districts of Buno Bedele Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebisa Gelaye , Beriso Kibiru , Bogale Biruk , Gizaw Oda , Chala Dawit
Published: July 2020

Trypanosomosis is one of the most economically challenging diseases affecting mammals, and it is a serious haemoprotozoan disease caused by different species of unicellular eukaryotic parasite of the genus trypanosome. The study was conducted to access the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, its associated risk factors, and vector density on cattle reared in three selected districts, namely, Chewaka, Dabo Hana, and Meko districts. Blood was collected from a total of 1046 cattle of age groups extending from 1 to 6 years. The buffy coat technique was used to check the presence of parasites from sampled blood, and the trypanosome species were identified using Giemsa-stained thin blood films. The packed cell volume of sampled blood was determined using the haematocrit. A total of 160 traps were deployed to study the entomological survey. Generally, 3.44% of the studied animal was infected with trypanosomosis, and T. vivax was the dominant species of trypanosomosis in the study areas. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed due to associated factor viz. body condition and anaemic status of the animal; however, insignificant differences were also recorded between different districts, age group, and sex. The mean PCV value of parasitaemic and aparasitaemic animals was 22.22 ± 0.92 and 26.18 ± 0.16, respectively, and significant difference was P < 0.05. An overall of 1.82 flies per trap per day was recorded from the study areas, and among the total caught vectors, 81.4% of it was G. tachinoides and the rest was G. morsitans. Therefore, the veterinarians have to continue providing the appropriate medication/treatment for the infected animals per appropriate recommendation, and Bedele NTTICC has to take more measures to control the density and distribution of tsetse flies in Dabo Hana district than the others due to high flies per trap per day observed in Dabo Hana district.
Determining the Seepage Stability of Fractured Coal Rock in the Karst Collapse Pillar
Authors: Zhang Tianjun , Pang Mingkun , Zhang Xiufeng , Pan Hongyu
Published: July 2020

The karst collapse pillar (KCP) is a common geological structure in the coal mines of northern China. KCPs contain many fractured coal rocks, which can easily migrate under the action of high‐pressure water. The destruction or instability of the cementation structure between the rocks can directly induce coalmine water‐inrush accidents. To study the seepage stability of cemented and fractured coal rock under triaxial pressures, a self‐designed triaxial seepage testing system was used and the permeability k and non‐Darcy factor β of the cemented and fractured coal rock were tested. Furthermore, the 1D non‐Darcy seepage equations were used to calculate the evolution criteria of the seepage loss stability. The results show the following: (1) The cemented structure in the KCP under the triaxial pressures can be easily destroyed. The damaged coal and rock body mainly exists in bulk form, and the permeability depends mainly on the effective stress of the particles. (2) The seepage process in the KCP structure is a combination of pore flow, fracture flow, and pipe flow, and the transition of the seepage state is closely related to the change in the magnitude of β. (3) Under the long‐term effect of confined underground water, the migration of small fractured particles in the KCP will increase the structural porosity. If the parameter βk2 reaches the threshold value, the seepage system will evolve into a pipeline flow state, eventually causing a water‐inrush accident.
Skin Temperature in Parkinson’s Disease Measured by Infrared Thermography
Authors: Purup Mathias Møller , Knudsen Karoline , Karlsson Pall , Terkelsen Astrid Juhl , Borghammer Per
Published: July 2020

Background. Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often show peripheral autonomic dysfunction and depositions of pathological alpha-synuclein aggregates in the skin. However, functional consequences of this skin involvement have received little attention. Objective. To determine thermographic differences in the skin between healthy controls (HCs) and PD patients on hands, feet, and trunk and to correlate findings with symptoms and signs of dysautonomia. Between-group differences in autonomic parameters and questionnaires were explored. Methods. Twenty-one PD patients and 19 HCs were examined by thermographic infrared imaging of standardized anatomical locations on the trunk and upper and lower extremities at baseline and after exposure to cold stress test (CST). Thermal recovery rates (RRs) were determined on the basis of thermograms. Correlation analyses between alterations in skin temperature and autonomic dysfunction were performed. Results. The most significant RR difference between PD patients and HCs was seen on the fifth distal phalanx 10 minutes post-CST (mean RR ± SD: 51 ± 18% vs. 70 ± 23%, p = 0.003). No between-group differences were seen in baseline or post-CST values of the feet. No correlations were seen between thermal parameters and clinical and autonomic data. In the HC group, a positive, moderate correlation was seen between post-CST recovery values on the 3rd and 5th phalanx and body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.661, p = 0.002). Conclusions. The PD patients exhibited significant reduction in RR compared to HC and patients also displayed altered thermal responses in multiple anatomical locations. Thus, infrared thermography could become an important future tool in investigation of autonomic deficiency in PD.
Protective Effect of Metformin against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Damage in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) Cells by Enhancing Autophagy through Activation of AMPK Pathway
Authors: Zhao Xia , Liu Linlin , Jiang Yizhou , Silva Marta , Zhen Xuechu , Zheng Wenhua
Published: July 2020

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness with limited effective treatment. Although the pathogenesis of this disease is complex and not fully understood, the oxidative damage caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been considered as a major cause. Autophagy is essential for the degradation of cellular components damaged by ROS, and its dysregulation has been implicated in AMD pathogenesis. Therefore, strategies aiming to boost autophagy could be effective in protecting RPE cells from oxidative damage. Metformin is the first-line anti-type 2 diabetes drug and has been reported to stimulate autophagy in many tissues. We therefore hypothesized that metformin may be able to protect RPE cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage by autophagy activation. In the present study, we found that metformin attenuated H2O2-induced cell viability loss, apoptosis, elevated ROS levels, and the collapse of the mitochondria membrane potential in D407 cells. Autophagy was stimulated by metformin, and inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ) or knockdown of Beclin1 and LC3B blocked the protective effects of metformin. In addition, we showed that metformin could activate the AMPK pathway, whereas both pharmacological and genetic inhibitions of AMPK blocked the autophagy-stimulating and protective effects of metformin. Metformin conferred a similar protection against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in primary cultured human RPE cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that metformin could protect RPE cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage by stimulating autophagy via the activation of the AMPK pathway, supporting its potential use in the prevention and treatment of AMD.
Numerical Analysis and Deformation Mechanism Study on an Excavated High‐Steep Slope of a Hydropower Station
Authors: Shi Guangcheng , Wang Yifeng , Wang Yingkui , Tao Zhigang , Wan Liangpeng , Xi Lanyun
Published: July 2020

The high‐steep rock slope stability is one of the key technologies in the construction of water conservancy and hydropower projects, which affects and restricts the development of hydraulic resources and the construction of hydropower projects. In this paper, a three‐dimensional numerical model was built incorporating stratigraphy, geological structures, and the inverted rock mechanical parameters to perform displacement, stress, and plastic zone analyses for an excavated slope in China using the FLAC3D software. The numerical simulation results after slope excavation show that the deformation near the fault fracture zone is the largest, ranging from 350 mm to 380 mm. The compressive stress is concentrated on the slope foot and the connecting part, the stress value is 2 MPa∼5 MPa, there is a large tensile stress area in the slope, and the tensile stress value is 0 MPa∼0.4 MPa. The plastic zone of the slope is concentrated near the fault F6 and the structural influence zone, and the rock mass of the slope basically enters the plastic state. On this basis, the deformation mechanism of slope was analyzed, while the internal and external factors affecting the slope deformation were described in detail. This work would provide an effective reference basis for slope stability evaluation and treatment of similar hydropower stations.
Association between APOBEC3H‐Mediated Demethylation and Immune Landscape in Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Qin , Luo Yue-wen , Cao Ruo-yan , Pan Xue , Chen Xi-juan , Zhang Si-yuan , Zhang Wei-lin , Zhou Jia-ying , Cheng Bin , Ren Xian-yue
Published: July 2020

Immunotherapy has been demonstrated as a promising strategy in controlling head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC). The AID/APOBEC family is well characterized as DNA mutator and considered to play critical roles in immune responses in HNSC. However, the expression pattern and deamination‐dependent demethylation roles of AID/APOBECs in HNSC are unclear. In this study, the RNA‐seq and DNA methylation profiles of HNSC from TCGA database and cell‐based experiments were applied to analyze the relationships between AID/APOBEC expression levels, patients’ clinical outcomes, methylation alterations, and immune responses. Here, we found that APOBEC3H was abnormally upregulated in HNSC patients. HPV+ patients tended to have higher APOBEC3H levels than HPV‐ patients. Remarkably, patients with high APOBEC3H levels showed a favorable overall survival. Furthermore, tumors with high APOBEC3H levels exhibited a genome‐wide DNA hypomethylation pattern. APOBEC3H was identified to demethylate and upregulate CXCL10 and improve CD8+ T cell tumor infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Collectively, APOBEC3H plays critical roles in CD8+ T cell immune infiltration and activation in HNSC, which may be a potential biomarker for oncoimmunotherapy in HNSC.
Characteristic of TIGIT and DNAM‐1 Expression on Foxp3+ γδ T Cells in AML Patients
Authors: Jin Zhenyi , Ye Wanyi , Lan Tianbi , Zhao Yun , Liu Xiaxin , Chen Jie , Lai Jing , Chen Shaohua , Zhong Xueyun , Wu Xiuli
Published: July 2020

Foxp3+ γδ regulatory T (γδ Treg) cells promote tumor growth by various mechanisms and induce immuno‐senescence. The novel immune checkpoint coinhibitory receptor T cell Ig and ITIM domain (TIGIT) shares similar ligands as the costimulatory receptor DNAX accessory molecule 1 (DNAM‐1) and suppresses T cell responses in tumor patients. This study is aimed at characterizing whether the TIGIT/DNAM‐1 axis is involved in the distribution and expression of Foxp3+ γδ Treg cell subsets in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients of different clinical statuses: de novo AML (27 patients), AML in nonremission (NR) (7 patients), and AML in complete remission (CR) (12 patients). Our data demonstrated that the proportions of Foxp3+, TIGIT+Foxp3+, and DNAM‐1+Foxp3+ γδ T cells are significantly higher in de novo and NR patients. High levels of TIGIT and DNAM‐1 on Foxp3+ γδ T cells correlated with increased Foxp3+ γδ T cell frequencies. In addition, a high TIGIT/DNAM‐1 ratio was observed in de novo AML patients and healthy individuals (HIs). Furthermore, the phenotypic abnormalities in Foxp3+, TIGIT+Foxp3+, and DNAM‐1+Foxp3+ γδ T cells were restored when the patients achieved CR after chemotherapy. Moreover, higher TIGIT+Foxp3+ γδ T cells were associated with AML patients who had poor overall survival and were an independent risk factor for prognosis. In conclusion, our study reveals for the first time that the TIGIT/DNAM‐1 axis may be involved in Foxp3+ γδ Treg cells and indicates the clinical progression and prognosis of AML patients of different clinical statuses, which is considered beneficial for efficient AML immunotherapy.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibition Attenuates Aortic Remodeling in Rats under Pressure Overload
Authors: Jung Hanna , Lee Eunjo , Kim Inkyeom , Kim Gun Jik
Published: July 2020

The use of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor is a novel therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that many HDAC inhibitors have the ability to reduce the aortic remodeling in various animal models. We hypothesized that the HDAC inhibitor, MGCD0103 (MGCD), attenuates aortic remodeling in rats under pressure overload‐induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). The aortic ring tension analysis was conducted using the thoracic aorta. Sections of the aorta were visualized after hematoxylin and eosin, trichrome, and Verhoeff‐van Gieson staining, and immunohistochemistry. The expression of genes related to aortic remodeling (αSMA, Mmp2, and Mmp9) and angiotensin receptors (Agtr1 and Agtr2) was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. There was a significant decrease in relaxation of the aorta when treated with MGCD. Fibrosis of the aortic wall and expression of angiotensin receptors increased in TAC rats, which was attenuated by MGCD. These results indicate that MGCD, an HDAC inhibitor, attenuates aortic remodeling in rats with TAC‐induced pressure overload rats and may serve as a potential therapeutic target of antiaortic remodeling in pressure overload‐induced hypertension‐related diseases.
Giant Protruding High-Grade Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma Arising in a Keloid Scar on the Abdominal Wall
Authors: Kinoshita Hideyuki , Tsukanishi Toshinori , Ishii Takeshi , Kamoda Hiroto , Hagiwara Yoko , Orita Sumihisa , Inage Kazuhide , Hirosawa Naoya , Ohtori Seiji , Yonemoto Tsukasa
Published: July 2020

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a high-grade, aggressive, soft tissue sarcoma that is often fatal. Although there are reports describing associations of sarcoma and skin lesions such as burns, radiation, and trauma, to our knowledge, UPS development in a keloid scar has not been reported. Herein, we present the case of a 76-year-old woman who had undergone surgery for endometrial cancer, 5 years before. She presented with a protruding lesion that was continuous to a keloid scar on the abdominal wall. The tumor appeared clinically malignant as it was protruding and doubled in size within three weeks, reaching approximately 6 × 6 × 2 cm. Since the tumor was diagnosed as UPS after pathological evaluation by needle biopsy, wide resection was performed. Intraoperatively, the tumor was apparently continuous to the keloid, protruding and pedunculated outside the body, and had not invaded the abdominal cavity. Histopathological examination of the resected tumor showed evidence of UPS and no suspicion of metastasis of endometrial cancer. No recurrence, metastases, or other complications were noted 6 months after surgery. The current case study reminds us that keloids may cause high-grade sarcoma such as UPS, and careful follow-up is required.
Weighted k-Prototypes Clustering Algorithm Based on the Hybrid Dissimilarity Coefficient
Authors: Jia Ziqi , Song Ling
Published: July 2020

The k-prototypes algorithm is a hybrid clustering algorithm that can process Categorical Data and Numerical Data. In this study, the method of initial Cluster Center selection was improved and a new Hybrid Dissimilarity Coefficient was proposed. Based on the proposed Hybrid Dissimilarity Coefficient, a weighted k-prototype clustering algorithm based on the hybrid dissimilarity coefficient was proposed (WKPCA). The proposed WKPCA algorithm not only improves the selection of initial Cluster Centers, but also puts a new method to calculate the dissimilarity between data objects and Cluster Centers. The real dataset of UCI was used to test the WKPCA algorithm. Experimental results show that WKPCA algorithm is more efficient and robust than other k-prototypes algorithms.
A New Hybrid Model for Underwater Acoustic Signal Prediction
Authors: Li Guohui , Chang Wanni , Yang Hong
Published: July 2020

The prediction of underwater acoustic signal is the basis of underwater acoustic signal processing, which can be applied to underwater target signal noise reduction, detection, and feature extraction. Therefore, it is of great significance to improve the prediction accuracy of underwater acoustic signal. Aiming at the difficulty in underwater acoustic signal sequence prediction, a new hybrid prediction model for underwater acoustic signal is proposed in this paper, which combines the advantages of variational mode decomposition (VMD), artificial intelligence method, and optimization algorithm. In order to reduce the complexity of underwater acoustic signal sequence and improve operation efficiency, the original signal is decomposed by VMD into intrinsic mode components (IMFs) according to the characteristics of the signal, and dispersion entropy (DE) is used to analyze the complexity of IMF. The subsequences (VMD-DE) are obtained by adding the IMF with similar complexity. Then, extreme learning machine (ELM) is used to predict the low-frequency subsequence obtained by VMD-DE. Support vector regression (SVR) is used to predict the high-frequency subsequence. In addition, an artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is used to optimize model performance by adjusting the parameters of SVR. The experimental results show that the proposed new hybrid model can provide enhanced accuracy with the reduction of prediction error compared with other existing prediction methods.
Utilization of Cactus Peel as Biosorbent for the Removal of Reactive Dyes from Textile Dye Effluents
Authors: Gebrezgiher Mebrahtu , Kiflie Zebene
Published: July 2020

Textile industries generate large quantities of dye containing wastewater which pose a serious environmental problem. Currently, biosorbents have become desirable for the removal of dyes from textile effluents. In this study, batch experiments were conducted to investigate the biosorption characteristics of cactus peel on the removal of reactive red dye from aqueous solutions. The effects of solution pH, biosorbent dosage, contact time, and initial concentration were studied. The interaction effects of process variables were analysed using response surface methodology. The results showed that removal efficiency increased as initial dye concentration and solution pH decreased and as biosorbent dosage and contact time increased. The highest removal efficiency (99.43%) was achieved at solution pH, initial dye concentration, biosorbent dose, and contact time of 3.0, 40 mg/l, 6 g, and 120 min, respectively. From regression analysis, the Langmuir isotherm was found to better (R2 = 0.9935) represent the biosorption process as compared with the Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.9722). Similarly, the pseudo-second-order model was seen to represent very well the biosorption kinetics. The results show that cactus peel has good potential for the removal of reactive red dye.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Yellow Oil Formulations 3 and 4 versus Indomethacin Solution in Patients with Symptomatic Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Koonrungsesomboon Nut , Teekachunhatean Supanimit , Chansakaow Sunee , Hanprasertpong Nutthiya
Published: July 2020

Background. Topical nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely prescribed for the treatment of symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. However, searching for alternatives such as locally available medicinal herbs to manage OA knee pain remains of clinical value. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two yellow oil formulations in patients with OA of the knee. Methods. This prospective, randomized, single‐blind, active‐controlled, noninferiority study enrolled 102 patients with OA of the knee. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to apply either yellow oil formulation 3 (YOF3), yellow oil formulation 4 (YOF4), or indomethacin solution (INDO) topically four times daily for four weeks. Outcomes were assessed on a biweekly basis. The primary efficacy outcome measure was a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, while secondary endpoints included knee function, physical performance assessments, and safety parameters. Modified intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses were applied. Assessment of noninferiority was done with a prespecified margin of 10 mm for VAS pain. Results. Of 102 patients enrolled, 86 completed the study: 29/34 in the YOF3 group, 25/34 in the YOF4 group, and 32/34 in the INDO group. The absolute reduction in VAS pain at the final evaluation was −25.06 ± 13.91, −18.50 ± 16.06, and −23.38 ± 10.05 mm in the YOF3, YOF4, and INDO groups, respectively (p = 0.169). Only YOF3 was found to be noninferior to INDO. Other efficacy outcomes were significantly improved in all three groups. All the interventions were well tolerated; no skin rash was observed in any of the three groups. Conclusions. YOF3 was shown to be noninferior to INDO in relieving knee pain and should be considered an alternative for the treatment of symptomatic OA of the knee. Further research into the mechanism of action of YOF3 and its long‐term efficacy and safety is required.
Understanding the Role of Exercise in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: ERS-Linked Molecular Pathways
Authors: Zou Yong , Qi Zhengtang
Published: July 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is globally prevalent and characterized by abnormal lipid accumulation in the liver, frequently accompanied by insulin resistance (IR), enhanced hepatic inflammation, and apoptosis. Recent studies showed that endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) at the subcellular level underlies these featured pathologies in the development of NAFLD. As an effective treatment, exercise significantly reduces hepatic lipid accumulation and thus alleviates NAFLD. Confusingly, these benefits of exercise are associated with increased or decreased ERS in the liver. Further, the interaction between diet, medication, exercise types, and intensity in ERS regulation is more confusing, though most studies have confirmed the benefits of exercise. In this review, we focus on understanding the role of exercise-modulated ERS in NAFLD and ERS-linked molecular pathways. Moderate ERS is an essential signaling for hepatic lipid homeostasis. Higher ERS may lead to increased inflammation and apoptosis in the liver, while lower ERS may lead to the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Therefore, exercise acts like an igniter or extinguisher to keep ERS at an appropriate level by turning it up or down, which depends on diet, medications, exercise intensity, etc. Exercise not only enhances hepatic tolerance to ERS but also prevents the malignant development of steatosis due to excessive ERS.
A Novel Voltage-Controlled Tri-Valued Memristor and Its Application in Chaotic System
Authors: Wang Xiaoyuan , Zhang Xue , Gao Meng
Published: July 2020

Memristor is a kind of passive nonlinear element, which is widely used in nonlinear systems, especially chaotic systems, because of its nanometer size, nonvolatile property, and good nonlinear characteristics. Compared with general chaotic systems, chaotic systems based on memristors have richer dynamic characteristics. However, the current research mainly focuses on the binary and continuous chaotic systems based on memristors, and studies on the tri-valued and multi-valued memristor chaotic systems are relative scarce. For this reason, a mathematical model of tri-valued memristor is proposed, and the circuit characteristics of the model are studied. Furthermore, based on this model, a new chaotic system is designed and analyzed. This innovation enriches the types of chaotic systems and lays the foundation for the application of tri-valued and multi-valued memristors in nonlinear systems.
A Lightweight Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Message Passing and Chaotic Map
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhao Bo , Zou Jianwen , Huang Linquan , Liu Yifan
Published: July 2020

The popularization of 5G and the development of cloud computing further promote the application of images. The storage of images in an untrusted environment has a great risk of privacy leakage. This paper outlines a design for a lightweight image encryption algorithm based on a message-passing algorithm with a chaotic external message. The message-passing (MP) algorithm allows simple messages to be passed locally for the solution to a global problem, which causes the interaction among adjacent pixels without additional space cost. This chaotic system can generate high pseudorandom sequences with high speed performance. A two-dimensional logistic map is utilized as a pseudorandom sequence generator to yield the external message sets of edge pixels. The external message can affect edge pixels, and then adjacent pixels interact with each other to produce an encrypted image. A MATLAB simulation shows the cipher-image performs fairly uniform distribution and has acceptable information entropy of 7.996749. The proposed algorithm reduces correlation coefficients from plain-image 1 to its cipher-image 0, which covers all of the plain-image characters with high computational efficiency (speed = 18.200374 Mbit/s). Theoretical analyses and experimental results prove the proposed algorithm’s persistence to various existing attacks with low cost.
A Two-Stage Wireless Sensor Grey Wolf Optimization Node Location Algorithm Based on K-Value Collinearity
Authors: Meng Yinghui , Zhi Qianying , Zhang Qiuwen , Lin Erlin
Published: July 2020

In the practical application of WSN (wireless sensor network), location information of the sensor nodes has become one of the essential information pieces in the whole network. At present, some localization algorithms use intelligent optimization algorithm to optimize the node group directly. Although the overall localization error is reduced, the location deviation of individual unknown nodes will be larger, and the large number of iterations will cause a large energy consumption of nodes. Aiming at the above problems, this paper comes up with a two-stage WSN localization algorithm based on the degree of K-value collinearity (DC-K) and improved grey wolf optimization. The first stage is aiming at the defects of the existing collinearity algorithm, putting forward the concept of DC-K, according to the K-value to carry out the initial location in the first stage. The second stage is using the improved grey wolf optimization algorithm to optimize the location results which were obtained in the first stage, so as to get more accurate location results. The experimental results display that this localization algorithm with a better localization accuracy has high robustness and has fewer iterations in the optimization process, which greatly reduces the energy consumption of nodes.
Collaborative Pursuit-Evasion Strategy of UAV/UGV Heterogeneous System in Complex Three-Dimensional Polygonal Environment
Authors: Liang Xiao , Wang Honglun , Luo Haitao
Published: July 2020

The UAV/UGV heterogeneous system combines the air superiority of UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and the ground superiority of UGV (unmanned ground vehicle). The system can complete a series of complex tasks and one of them is pursuit-evasion decision, so a collaborative strategy of UAV/UGV heterogeneous system is proposed to derive a pursuit-evasion game in complex three-dimensional (3D) polygonal environment, which is large enough but with boundary. Firstly, the system and task hypothesis are introduced. Then, an improved boundary value problem (BVP) is used to unify the terrain data of decision and path planning. Under the condition that the evader knows the position of collaborative pursuers at any time but pursuers just have a line-of-sight view, a worst case is analyzed and the strategy between the evader and pursuers is studied. According to the state of evader, the strategy of collaborative pursuers is discussed in three situations: evader is in the visual field of pursuers, evader just disappears from the visual field of pursuers, and the position of evader is completely unknown to pursuers. The simulation results show that the strategy does not guarantee that the pursuers will win the game in complex 3D polygonal environment, but it is optimal in the worst case.
Spontaneous Gastric Necrosis: A Rare Presentation of Invasive Mucormycosis in an Immunocompetent Adult
Authors: Hameed Tariq , Jain Sudhir Kumar , Ansari Faiz Manzar , Nizam Adiba , Dua Amrita
Published: July 2020

Spontaneous gastric perforations are usually seen in patients with untreated peptic ulcer disease. Mucormycosis, an uncommon, opportunistic, life-threatening fungal infection, rarely causes gastric perforation in immunocompetent adults. Here, we present a case of young female who was admitted to hospital for acute pain abdomen and distension with 5 days history of fever. She was operated and was found to have multiple perforations in the stomach with transmural necrosis. Despite adequate surgical excision and intravenous amphotericin B, patient succumbed to sequelae of infection.