bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eagle Foreland Basin Tectono-Sedimentary Element, Yukon Territory, Northwest Canada
Authors: Lane Larry S. , Hannigan Peter K. , Bell Kimberley M. , Jackson Kevin W. , McNeil David H.
Published: March 2021

The Eagle Foreland Basin Tectono-Sedimentary Element (TSE) comprises two separate parts: a larger rectilinear sub-basin of Cretaceous age (Eagle Plain) and a smaller fault-bounded mid-Cretaceous–Paleogene sub-basin (Bonnet Plume) in the SE, separated from the Eagle Plain by an inlier of the Ogilvie Platform TSE. Faulted remnants of older Mesozoic clastic strata are locally preserved beneath northern parts of the Eagle Plain Sub-basin. The Eagle Foreland Basin initiated as a Cordilleran foredeep and was incorporated into the orogen during Late Cretaceous–Paleogene deformation. It preserves dominantly marine clastic strata >2500 m thick, with thickest preservation in the NW. Thermal maturity data suggest that 2000–3000 m of deposits were removed by Paleogene erosion. Petroleum potential exists, with principal active sources lying within subjacent successions. The Eagle Plain Sub-basin is an early mature to mature basin, oil and gas prone in the deeper basin, and gas prone in younger units. The Bonnet Plume Sub-basin, known for its coal-bearing strata, is largely unexplored. It contains non-marine to marginal-marine clastic strata, and is considered to be a marginally mature to mature gas-prone basin. The total mean in-place potential in the Eagle Foreland Basin TSE is suggested to be on the order of 20 MMm
3
of oil and 22 000 MMm
3
of gas.
Micro-Compression Characterization and Thermal Stability of Electrolessly Plated Nickel Phosphorus Alloy
Authors: Hotta Tokihiro , Chang Tso-Fu Mark , Chen Chun-Yi , Sawae Hidekazu , Imada Yu , Mizoguchi Masanori , Kudo Osamu , Maeda Ryu , Sone Masato
Published: March 2021

The micro-compression characteristic of an electrolessly plated Ni-P alloy was evaluated in this study. Specimens used in the micro-compression test were micro-pillars having a square cross-section fabricated by focused ion beam system. One side of the square cross-section was varied from 5 to 20 μm and the aspect ratio of the micro-pillars was kept at 2:1 to evaluate the sample size effect on the mechanical property. The as-plated Ni-P alloy was amorphous. The sample size effect commonly observed in mechanical properties of metallic micro-specimens was not obvious for micro-pillars fabricated from the as-plated Ni-P alloy, and all of the micro-pillars showed shear band deformation with the 0.2% yield strength at roughly 2.2 GPa. Heat treatment was conducted to study the influence on the sample size effect. After heat treatment at 300 °C for 2 h, an increase in the strength was observed in micro-pillars with all sizes. In addition, for the heat-treated specimens, the fracture strength increased from 3.1 to 4.7 GPa when cross-section of the micro-pillar decreased from 20 × 20 to 10 × 10 μm2, which revealed the sample size effect.
Environmentally Friendly Lithium-Terephthalate/Polylactic Acid Composite Filament Formulation for Lithium-Ion Battery 3D-Printing via Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: Maurel Alexis , Russo Roberto , Grugeon Sylvie , Panier Stéphane , Dupont Loic
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the development of an environmentally-friendly lithium-terephtalate/polylactic acid (Li2TP/PLA) composite filament, for its use, once 3D-printed via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), as negative electrode of a lithium-ion battery is reported. Solvent-free formulation of the 3D-printable filament is achieved through the direct introduction of synthesized Li2TP particles and PLA polymer powder within an extruder. Printability is improved through the incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether average Mn∼500 (PEGDME500) as plasticizer, while electrical performances are enhanced through the introduction of carbon black (CB). Thermal, electrical, morphological, electrochemical and printability characteristics are discussed thoroughly. By taking advantage of the 3D-printing slicer software capabilities, an innovative route is proposed to improve the liquid electrolyte impregnation within the 3D-printed electrodes.
Computationally Efficient Approximations Using Adaptive Weighting Coefficients for Solving Structural Optimization Problems
Authors: Dong Guirong , Liu Chengyang , Liu Yijie , Wu Ling , Mao Xiaoan , Liu Dianzi
Published: March 2021

With rapid development of advanced manufacturing technologies and high demands for innovative lightweight constructions to mitigate the environmental and economic impacts, design optimization has attracted increasing attention in many engineering subjects, such as civil, structural, aerospace, automotive, and energy engineering. For nonconvex nonlinear constrained optimization problems with continuous variables, evaluations of the fitness and constraint functions by means of finite element simulations can be extremely expensive. To address this problem by algorithms with sufficient accuracy as well as less computational cost, an extended multipoint approximation method (EMAM) and an adaptive weighting-coefficient strategy are proposed to efficiently seek the optimum by the integration of metamodels with sequential quadratic programming (SQP). The developed EMAM stems from the principle of the polynomial approximation and assimilates the advantages of Taylor’s expansion for improving the suboptimal continuous solution. Results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed EMAM over other evolutionary algorithms (e.g., particle swarm optimization technique, firefly algorithm, genetic algorithm, metaheuristic methods, and other metamodeling techniques) in terms of the computational efficiency and accuracy by four well-established engineering problems. The developed EMAM reduces the number of simulations during the design phase and provides wealth of information for designers to effectively tailor the parameters for optimal solutions with computational efficiency in the simulation-based engineering optimization problems.
Time Coordination of Periodic Passenger Train Connections in Conditions of Single-Track Lines
Authors: Lorenz Filip , Janos Vit , Teichmann Dusan , Dorda Michal
Published: March 2021

The article addresses creation of a mathematical model for a real problem regarding time coordination of periodic train connections operated on single-track lines. The individual train connections are dispatched with a predefined tact, and their arrivals at and departures to predefined railway stations (transfer nodes) need to be coordinated one another. In addition, because the train connections are operated on single-track lines, trains that pass each other in a predefined railway stations must be also coordinated. To optimize the process, mathematical programming methods are used. The presented article includes a mathematical model of the given task, and the proposed model is tested with real data. The calculation experiments were implemented using optimization software Xpress-IVE.
Performance Enhancements of Femtosecond Fiber Amplifier by Pump Wavelength Optimization
Authors: Wang Sijia , Qin Peng , Wang Huibin
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate an efficient scheme to accelerate the self-similar pulse evolution and reduce the intensity noise of a free-running femtosecond fiber amplifier based on the pump wavelength optimization. Experiments and simulations indicate the enhanced tolerances of the pulse self-similar amplification to the seed signal power and pump wavelength fluctuations, with the optimum 915 nm pump wavelength. ∼20% increase in the compressed pulse quality and ∼31% reduction in the amplifier root-mean-square (RMS) relative intensity noise (RIN) (1.5 kHz to 5 MHz) have been observed, even with a more than 4 times higher pump laser diode (LD) RIN than the case of 976 nm. ∼50 fs transform-limited pulses are generated with the ∼0.03% amplifier RMS RIN. The proposed scheme can lower the requirements of low-noise self-similar femtosecond fiber amplifiers on the power stability of the seed oscillator and the thermal control of the pump LD, thus denoting potentials for the various satellite-based high-precision applications of femtosecond laser in space.
Singularity and Decay Estimates for a Degenerate Parabolic Equation
Authors: Li Dongyan
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a degenerate parabolic equation ut − div(|x|θ∇u) = |x|aup with p > 1 and θ < 2, a ∈ ℝ, is considered. Based on rescaling arguments combined with a doubling property, the space‐time singularity and decay estimates are established. Moreover, a universal and a priori bound of global nonnegative solutions for the corresponding initial boundary value problem is derived.
Nucleolus of Vague Payoff Cooperative Game
Authors: Xiao Huimin , Li Shiwei , Xu Youlei , Qiu Chuangchuang
Published: March 2021

This paper focuses on the problem of cooperative game with payoff of vague value and its nucleolus. Firstly, the paper defines the score function and accuracy function of vague sets and the method for ranking of vague sets and proposes the concept of core and nucleolus of vague payoff cooperative game. Based on this, the model of vague payoff cooperative game is built. Then, the relationship between the core and the nucleolus of vague payoff cooperative game is further discussed, and the existence and unique characteristics of the nucleolus are proved. We use the ranking method defined in the paper to transform the problem of finding the nucleolus solution into a nonlinear programming problem. Finally, the paper verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the method for finding the nucleolus with an experimental analysis.
Mixed Cutaneous Infection Caused by Leishmania and Dermatophytes: A Rare Coincidence or Immunological Fact
Authors: Singh Amresh Kumar , Kumar Ankur , Pandey Jayesh , Gaur Vivek , Tripathi Pratima , Adhikari Indra Prasad
Published: March 2021

Leishmaniasis was first described in 1824, in the Jessore district of Bengal (now Bangladesh) and more prevalent in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The disease is associated with depressed cellular immunity. Tinea is a fungal infection of the skin, which can become more extensively pathogenic particularly in patients with depressed cell-mediated immunity. Regulatory T cells and Th17 cells have been shown to be responsible for post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). We present a rare case of a 52-year-old house wife with a history of recurrent itching, depigmentation of the skin of extremities, and loss of appetite for 2-3 months followed by progressive spread of such lesion all over the body in an apparently healthy female. On examination, there were many hypopigmented scaly lesions mainly over the extensor aspect of the body. Skin lesions were characteristics of tinea infection with or without PKDL. A diagnosis of PKDL with tinea was made based on the history of kala-azar and on the skin slit smear for amastigote forms, rK39 test, and KOH mount. Routine blood investigations showed negative serology for HIV and lower normal CD4+T counts. The patient was advised for treatment on systemic antifungal therapy with antihistaminics and later with miltefosine. We have highlighted that PKDL, although uncommon, is a distinct manifestation of VL. In our case study, we also tried to find the reason of coinfection; this was probably due to the depressed cellular immunity, skin abruptions, and acquired dermatophytic infection which is prevalent and associated with lower CD4+ T cell count.
Liver and Nonliver-Related Outcomes at 2 Years Are Not Influenced by the Results of the FIB-4 Test and Liver Elastography in a Real-Life Cohort of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Grgurevic Ivica , Salkic Nermin , Mustapic Sanda , Bokun Tomislav , Podrug Kristian , Marusic Srecko , Rahelic Dario , Matic Tomas , Skurla Viktoria , Mikolasevic Ivana
Published: March 2021

Aims. To investigate morbidity and mortality in a real-life cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in relation to prevalence and severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods. Patients with T2D were referred for assessment of liver fibrosis by the FIB-4 test and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE). Liver steatosis was quantified by the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). These patients were followed until death or censored date. Results. Among 454 patients (52% males, mean age 62.5 years, BMI 30.9 kg/m2), 82.6% was overweight, 77.8% had fatty liver, and 9.9% and 3.1% had LSM and FIB-4 values suggestive of advanced fibrosis, respectively. During the follow-up period of median 2 years, 106 (23%) patients experienced adverse event (11% cardiovascular) and 17 (3.7%) died, whereas no liver-related morbidity or mortality was observed. Independent predictors of adverse outcomes were age and higher platelet count, while FIB-4, LSM, and CAP were not. Conclusion. In a cohort of T2D patients, no liver-related morbidity or mortality occurred during 2 years. Our patients probably have low real prevalence of advanced fibrosis which is likely overestimated by LSM ≥ 9.6 kPa. Liver fibrosis may be safely reassessed in the 2 years interval in noncirrhotic patients with T2D.
ZBTB20 Positively Regulates Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Fission, and Inflammatory Responses of ox‐LDL‐Induced Macrophages in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Tao Jun , Qiu Junxiong , Lu Liuyi , Zhang Lisui , Fu Yuan , Wang Meng , Han Jingjun , Shi Maomao , Li Ling , Zhao Zongkai , Wei Feng , Wang Chao , Zhang Haifeng , Liang Shi , Zheng Junmeng
Published: March 2021

Atherosclerosis (AS) is one of the most serious and common cardiovascular diseases affecting human health. AS is featured by the accumulation of plaques in vessel walls. The pathophysiology of AS is relevant in the low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake by macrophages, as well as the conversion of macrophages to foam cells. However, the mechanisms about how macrophages regulate AS have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to illuminate the roles of ZBTB20 and to excavate the underlying regulative mechanisms of ZBTB20 in AS. The microarray analysis revealed that ZBTB20 was a hub gene in the oxidative stress and inflammatory responses induced by oxidized LDL (ox‐LDL) in AS. Correspondingly, our validation studies showed that ZBTB20 increased in either the human atherosclerotic lesion or the ox‐LDL‐stimulated macrophages. Moreover, the knockdown of ZBTB20 decreased M1 polarization, suppressed the proinflammatory factors, inhibited mitochondrial fission, and reduced the oxidative stress level of macrophages induced by ox‐LDL. The mechanistic studies revealed that the ZBTB20 knockdown suppressed NF‐κB/MAPK activation and attenuated the mitochondrial fission possibly via regulating the nucleus translocation of NRF2, a pivotal transcription factor on redox homeostasis. Our in vivo studies showed that the sh‐ZBTB20 adenovirus injection could reduce the progression of AS in apolipoprotein E‐deficient (ApoE-/-) mice. All in all, these results suggested that ZBTB20 positively regulated the oxidative stress level, mitochondrial fission, and inflammatory responses of macrophages induced by ox‐LDL, and the knockdown of ZBTB20 could attenuate the development of AS in ApoE-/- mice.
Changes in Intraocular Pressure after Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy and Femtosecond Laser In Situ Keratomileusis
Authors: Chou Chien-Chih , Shih Po-Jen , Lin Hung-Chou , Chen Jun-Peng , Yen Jia-Yush , Wang I-Jong
Published: March 2021

Purpose. To investigate the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and biomechanically corrected IOP (bIOP) in patients undergoing transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TPRK) and femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and to determine the effects of preoperative biomechanical factors on IOP and bIOP changes after FS-LASIK and TPRK. Design. A retrospective comparative study. Methods. We retrospectively investigated the IOP and corneal biomechanical changes in 93 eyes undergoing FS-LASIK and 104 eyes undergoing TPRK in a clinical setting. Preoperative and postoperative data on ophthalmic and Corvis ST examinations, in vivo Young’s modulus, and noncontact tonometry were analyzed. Marginal linear regression models with generalized estimating equations were used for intragroup and intergroup comparisons of IOP and bIOP changes. Results. In the univariate model, IOP reduction after FS-LASIK was 2.49 mmHg higher than that after TPRK. In addition, bIOP reduction after FS-LASIK was 1.85 mmHg higher than that after TPRK. In the multiple regression model, we revealed that IOP reduction after FS-LASIK was 1.75 mmHg higher than that after TPRK. Additionally, bIOP reduction after FS-LASIK was 1.64 mmHg higher than that after TPRK. Postoperative changes in bIOP were less than those in IOP. In addition, Young’s modulus and CBI had no significant effect on postoperative IOP and bIOP changes. We establish a biomechanically predictive model using the available data to predict postoperative IOP and bIOP changes after TPRK and FS-LASIK. Conclusions. Reductions in IOP and bIOP after FS-LASIK were 1.75 mmHg and 1.64 mmHg, respectively, more than those after TPRK, after adjustment for confounders. We revealed that the type of refractive surgery and peak distance (PD) were significant predictors of postoperative IOP and bIOP changes. By contrast, depth of ablation showed a significant effect on only IOP changes.
Influence of Unloading Conditions of Confining Pressure on the Compressive Strength and Permeability of Deep Mudstone
Authors: Xin Tianyu , Sun Yashengnan , Wang Junguang , Sun Weiji
Published: March 2021

To investigate the compressive strength and permeability of deep mudstone under stress disturbance, a triaxial rheometer is used to conduct seepage experiments on mudstone specimens with different buried depths under triaxial compression and unloading conditions. The experimental results show that the compressive strength of mudstone specimen with a depth of 1000 m is much lower than that of specimen with a depth of 200 m, and the compressive strength of mudstone increases with the increase in confining pressure. Under constant axial pressure and unloading of the confining pressure, the mudstone with a depth of 200 m exhibits brittle failure, and the strain fluctuates in a pointwise manner with the increase in axial stress. In this case, the mudstone with a depth of 1000 m exhibits a transition from brittle failure to ductile failure, and the strain fluctuates linearly with the axial stress. Further, when the volumetric strain change reaches 0.01, it shows an oblique “Z” fluctuation. During the initial stage of unloading of confining pressure, the permeabilities of both the mudstone specimens (with depths of 200 and 1000 m) decrease gradually. As the confining pressure is unloaded, the permeability of mudstone with a depth of 1000 m increases. Until the specimen is completely destroyed, the permeability of mudstone increases rapidly. Overall, this study can serve as a useful reference for analyzing the engineering disasters associated with deep rock mass, tunnel ventilation, and gas storage.
Network Reconfiguration with Orientation-Dependent Transit Times
Authors: Nath Hari Nandan , Pyakurel Urmila , Dhamala Tanka Nath
Published: March 2021

Motivated by applications in evacuation planning, we consider a problem of optimizing flow with arc reversals in which the transit time depends on the orientation of the arc. In the considered problems, the transit time on an arc may change when it is reversed, contrary to the problems considered in the existing literature. Extending the existing idea of auxiliary network construction to allow asymmetric transit time on arcs, we present strongly polynomial time algorithms for solving single-source-single-sink maximum dynamic contraflow problem and quickest contraflow problem. The results are substantiated by a computational experiment in a Kathmandu road network. An algorithm to solve the corresponding earliest arrival contraflow problem with a pseudo-polynomial-time complexity is also presented. The partial contraflow approach for the corresponding problems has also been discussed.
Eurotium cristatum Fermented Loose Dark Tea Ameliorates Cigarette Smoke‐Induced Lung Injury by MAPK Pathway and Enhances Hepatic Metabolic Detoxification by PXR/AhR Pathway in Mice
Authors: Huang Xiang-Xiang , Xu Shuai , Yu Li-Jun , Zhou Yu-Fei , Zhou Ying , Liu Zhong-Hua
Published: March 2021

Cigarette smoke‐ (CS‐) induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the lung are serious health problems. Primary and reprocessed tea products contain multiple antioxidants that have been reported to protect the lung against CS‐induced injury. However, the beneficial effects of Eurotium cristatum fermented loose dark tea (ECT) and Eurotium cristatum particle metabolites (ECP) on CS‐induced lung injury and its potential hepatic metabolic detoxification are still unclear. Therefore, sixty mice were randomly divided into six equal groups. CS‐exposed mice were prevented or treated with ECP or ECT infusions for 12 or 8 weeks to determine the antioxidative stress, anti‐inflammatory and potential metabolic detoxification of ECT and ECP. Thirty‐six mice were randomly divided into six equal groups to observe the effects on hepatic metabolic detoxification by replacing daily drinking water with ECT. Results showed that CS significantly decreased the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and upregulated the expressions of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐8, and IL‐1β in serum. These adverse effects were modulated by ECP and ECT. In addition, ECT upregulated the mRNA expression of pregnane X receptor (PXR) and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) in the liver on daily free drinking ECT mice group. Western blot analysis further revealed that in CS‐exposed mice, ECP and ECT significantly decreased the phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the lung but upregulated the protein expressions of PXR and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the liver. Overall, our findings demonstrated that ECT and ECP protected against lung injury induced by CS via MAPK pathway and enhanced hepatic metabolic detoxification via PXR and AhR pathways. Therefore, daily intake of ECT and ECP can potentially protect against CS‐induced oxidative and inflammatory injuries.
Study on the “Pressure Relief and Yielding Support” Joint Prevention and Control Technology for the Weak Impact Roadway in the Extremely Thick Coal Seam
Authors: Yin Zengde , Liu Jinxiao , Sun Wenbin , Guo Kebao , Zhang Feng
Published: March 2021

Weak impact occurs during roadway excavation in some extremely thick coal seams in China. Although this hazard is not enough to destroy the roadway, it will cause fracturing and large deformation of the roadway surrounding rock, resulting in the fracturing of bolts and anchor cables and bringing great difficulties to roadway support. In the hope of solving this problem, firstly, the reason for impact occurrence in the roadway of the extremely thick coal seam is analyzed from the perspective of energy. Then, the surrounding rock fracture evolution in such a roadway is explored by means of numerical simulation, microseism, and borehole observation. Furthermore, the “pressure relief and yielding support” joint prevention and control technology is proposed and applied to Yili No. 1 Coal Mine. The field engineering application results show that the joint prevention and control technology can effectively reduce the impact energy and ensure the stability of the roadway surrounding rock in the extremely thick coal seam. The research findings can provide a theoretical foundation for the roadway support of the same type.
In Vivo Molecular Imaging of the Efficacy of Aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) Receptor Inhibitor Treatment on Experimental Tumors Using 68Ga‐NODAGA‐c(NGR) Peptide
Authors: Kis Adrienn , Dénes Noémi , Szabó Judit P. , Arató Viktória , Beke Lívia , Matolay Orsolya , Enyedi Kata Nóra , Méhes Gábor , Mező Gábor , Bai Péter , Kertész István , Trencsényi György
Published: March 2021

Introduction. The aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) receptor plays an important role in the neoangiogenic process and metastatic tumor cell invasion. Clinical and preclinical studies reported that bestatin and actinonin are cytotoxic to APN/CD13‐positive tumors and metastases due to their APN/CD13‐specific inhibitor properties. Our previous studies have already shown that 68Ga‐labeled NGR peptides bind specifically to APN/CD13 expressing tumor cells. The APN/CD13 specificity of 68Ga‐NGR radiopharmaceuticals enables the following of the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy with APN/CD13‐specific inhibitors using positron emission tomography (PET). The aim of this in vivo study was to assess the antitumor effect of bestatin and actinonin treatment in subcutaneous transplanted HT1080 and B16‐F10 tumor‐bearing animal models using 68Ga‐NODAGA‐c(NGR). Materials and Methods. Three days after the inoculation of HT1080 and B16‐F10 cells, mice were treated with intraperitoneal injection of bestatin (15 mg/kg) or actinonin (5 mg/kg) for 7 days. On the 5th and 10th day, in vivo PET scans and ex vivo biodistribution studies were performed 90 min after intravenous injection of 5.5 ± 0.2 MBq68Ga‐NODAGA‐c(NGR). Results. Control‐untreated HT1080 and B16‐F10 tumors were clearly visualized by the APN/CD13‐specific 68Ga‐NODAGA‐c(NGR) radiopharmaceutical. The western blot analysis also confirmed the strong APN/CD13 positivity in the investigated tumors. We found significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower radiopharmaceutical uptake after bestatin treatment and higher radiotracer accumulation in the actinonin‐treated HT1080 tumors. In contrast, significantly lower (p ≤ 0.01) 68Ga‐NODAGA‐c(NGR) accumulation was observed in both bestatin‐ and actinonin‐treated B16‐F10 melanoma tumors compared to the untreated‐control tumors. Bestatin inhibited tumor growth and 68Ga‐NODAGA‐c(NGR) uptake in both tumor models. Conclusion. The bestatin treatment is suitable for suppressing the neoangiogenic process and APN/CD13 expression of experimental HT1080 and B16‐F10 tumors; furthermore, 68Ga‐NODAGA‐c(NGR) is an applicable radiotracer for the in vivo monitoring of the efficacy of the APN/CD13 inhibition‐based anticancer therapies.
Complex Dynamics of a Ratio‐Dependent Predator‐Prey Model Induced by Spatial Motion
Authors: Wang Caiyun , Li Jing , He Ruiqiang
Published: March 2021

One of the most efficient predator‐prey models with spatial effects is the one with ratio‐dependent functional response. However, there is a need to further explore the effects of spatial motion on the dynamic behavior of population. In this work, we study a ratio‐dependent predator‐prey model with diffusion terms. The aim of this work is to investigate the changes in predator’s distribution in space as the prey populations change their mobility. We observe that the frequency diffusion of the prey gives rise to the sparse density of the predator. Moreover, we also observe that the increasing rate of the conversion into predator biomass induces pattern transitions of the predator. Specifically speaking, Turing pattern of the predator populations goes gradually from a spotted pattern to a black‐eye pattern, with the intermediate state being the mixture of spot and stripe pattern. The simulation results and analysis of this work illustrate that the diffusion rate and the real intrinsic factor influence the persistence of the predator‐prey system mutually.
Melatonin Ameliorates Hemorrhagic Transformation via Suppression of ROS‐Induced NLRP3 Activation after Cerebral Ischemia in Hyperglycemic Rats
Authors: Shao Anwen , Gao Shiqi , Wu Haijian , Xu Weilin , Pan Yuanbo , Fang Yuanjian , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Jianmin
Published: March 2021

Melatonin is a strong antioxidant which beneficially protects against middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by hemorrhagic transformation in rats; protection includes the reduction of neurological deficits, infarction, and hematoma volume. The molecular mechanisms underlying these neuroprotective effects in the MCAO model have not been clearly identified. This study examined the influence and involved mechanism of melatonin on inflammation in hemorrhagic transformation following hyperglycemia MCAO rat model. Compared with the MCAO group, MCAO+dextrose (DX) group showed worse neurological function and higher infarction and hematoma volume. Interestingly, the protein expression of Nod‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome increased in the MCAO+DX group compared with the MCAO group, which indicated that NLRP3 inflammasome may be involved in the DX‐induced hemorrhagic transformation following MCAO. Then, three dosages of melatonin were intraperitoneally injected 2 h after MCAO induction. Melatonin treatment attenuated inflammatory response by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NLRP3 inflammasome, alleviating neuronal injury, and reducing infarction and hematoma volume, finally improving neurological score. Melatonin also repressed cortical levels of proinflammatory cytokine IL‐1β, which were increased 24 h after hyperglycemia MCAO. In order to identify the potential mechanisms, we further revealed that nigericin administration reversed the neuroprotective effect of melatonin by promoting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In general, this present study reveals that melatonin prevents the occurrence of hyperglycemia‐enhanced hemorrhagic transformation, and this effect might be beneficial to attenuate neurological dysfunction via suppressing the inflammatory response after MCAO which possibly associated with the inhibition of the ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.
Evaluation of the Total Quality of Tunnel Contour Using Projection Pursuit Dynamic Cluster Method
Authors: Zou Baoping , Xu Zhipeng , Wang Jianxiu , Luo Zhanyou , Hu Lisheng
Published: March 2021

Full understanding of the total quality of tunnel contour after smooth blasting is quite a valuable task for accurately assessing the cost and construction rate. The traditional evaluation of tunnel contour quality which is always based on a single index such as the over/underbreak might not be rational enough because the contour quality at specific positions cannot completely stand for that of the total contour. Unreasonable evaluation of contour quality might cause construction delay or overbudget, as well as safety‐ and stability‐related issues or even catastrophic accidents under some specific conditions. In this case, evaluating the total quality of tunnel contour considering all influential factors is of significance to smooth tunnelling. The aim of this paper is to develop a multiple indices system which can represent the total quality of the contour from different aspects, and then, the projection pursuit dynamic cluster (PPDC) method is utilized to quantitatively evaluate the total quality of tunnel contour. The multiple indices are screened using the principal component analysis (PCA) and gray correlation analysis (GCA). The selected 9 indices to form the multiple indices system include the maximum overbreak, average overbreak, maximum underbreak, maximum size of step between two guns, area of overbreak, measured area, rate of overbreak, volume of overbreak, and blast hole utilization factor. The total quality of tunnel contour is quantitatively defined with 5 levels by using the dynamic cluster (DC) analysis. With the obtained values of the 9 indices, the total quality of the tunnel contour could be determined quantitatively according to the calculated projection eigenvalues. The result of the total quality of tunnel contour obtained using the proposed method is much more accordant with the site than that based on a single evaluation index. The proposed method will offer a promising alternative to fully understand the total quality of tunnel contour.
DEA Cross-Efficiency Aggregation with Deviation Degree Based on Standardized Euclidean Distance
Authors: Zou Yan , Chen Weijie , Tong Mingyu , Tao Shuo
Published: March 2021

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been extended to cross-efficiency to provide better discrimination and ranking of decision-making units (DMUs). Current researches about cross-efficiency mainly focus on the non-uniqueness of optimal solution of linear programming and information aggregation. As a common distance metric, standardized Euclidean distance is introduced to define the discrimination power between two vectors and the deviation degree for measuring the difference between the individual preference and group ideal preference. Based on above definitions, an alternative method is presented to compare multiple optimal solutions, and further, a universal weighted cross-efficiency model considering both dynamic adjustment of weights and preference formulation is constructed for evaluation and ranking. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the comparison method for multiple optimal solutions and weights determination method of DMUs, respectively. At last, a practical application aimed at evaluating environmental treatment efficiency in western area of China is given. Comparative analysis shows that our model could be more moderate, flexible, and general than some available models and methods, which can extend the theoretical research of cross-efficiency evaluation.
Effect of Alkali Pollutant in Influencing Crack Propagation in Soils
Authors: Yuan Junhong , Cui Jingbo , Chang Jianmei , Zhang Guanhong , Liu Mingxi
Published: March 2021

Shrinkage, deformation, and cracking will occur under extreme climate conditions such as drought, due to the accumulation of salt inside the soil during the evaporation of water on the surface of the soil. In this study, the image processing method was used to quantitatively analyze the dehydration cracking process of clay polluted by alkaline pollutant sodium carbonate on the basis of experiments. The mechanism of the effect of sodium carbonate concentration on the shrinkage cracks of clay was discussed through the analysis and comparison of different concentrations of sodium carbonate samples. The results showed that the water loss and shrinkage cracks of alkaline contaminant clay were developed in different stages. Firstly, first‐level cracks developed diagonally or parallel to the edge of the container, and then second‐level cracks developed along the main cracks with an angle of close to 90°. Most of the third‐level or higher‐level cracks were approximately perpendicular to the second‐level cracks or the edge of the container and developed in parallel. In the cracking stage, the water loss ratio of the sample had a good positive correlation with the surface crack ratio. The slope of the fitted curve increased with the increase of the sodium carbonate concentration. With the increase of sodium carbonate concentration, the water loss ratio and the width of first‐level cracks of clayey soil decreased, and the total length and the number of cracks increased, while the surface cracking ratio increased first and then decreased.
Antioxidative and Skin Protective Effects of Canarium subulatum Methanol Extract on Keratinocytes
Authors: Hwang So-Hyeon , Kim Ji Hye , Choi Eunju , Park Sang Hee , Cho Jae Youl
Published: March 2021

Canarium subulatum is a traditional medical herb used in South Asia. Recently, the anti-inflammatory effects of C. subulatum methanol extract (Cs-ME) have been reported; however, the effect of Cs-ME on skin physiology has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the protective effect of Cs-ME on UV-induced skin aging and cell death as well as the reinforcing effect on the skin barrier. According to viable cell counting and MTT assays, Cs-ME significantly reduced UV-evoked HaCaT cell death. Cs-ME blocked reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in UV-irradiated HaCaT cells and showed radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS. In addition, H2O2-induced cell death was inhibited by Cs-ME, indicating that Cs-ME protects cells from UV-derived cell death through the suppression of ROS. PCR analysis revealed that Cs-ME diminished the expression of aging-related HYAL-1 and MMP-1 genes in UV-treated HaCaT cells. Elevated HYAL-1 and MMP-1 mRNA expression in H2O2-stimulated HaCaT cells was also decreased by Cs-ME, suggesting that Cs-ME exerts antiaging activity via the inhibition of ROS. Expression of skin barrier components including filaggrin and hyaluronic acid synthase-1 was increased by Cs-ME and was modulated by ERK/p38-AP-1 signaling. Collectively, our data show that Cs-ME has cytoprotective and antiaging activity based on antioxidant properties. Furthermore, Cs-ME exerts skin barrier protective ability by regulating the AP-1 signaling pathway. Therefore, Cs-ME has the potential for use as an ingredient in cosmetics to protect the skin from UV irradiation, prevent photoaging, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Co‐Effects of Graphene Oxide and Cement on Geotechnical Properties of Loess
Authors: Li Dongbo , Lei Pengbo , Zhang Hongchi , Liu Jiaping , Lu Wei
Published: March 2021

Improvement of geotechnical properties of soil by cementitious additives and nanomaterials is commonly used method. However, few systematic research studies on the co‐effects of them on the geotechnical properties of loess have been explored. In the present research, the enhancement technique of loess was proposed based on the co‐effects of graphene oxide (GO) and cement. In addition, the compactability, mechanical properties, water resistance, and microstructure of the GO/cement/loess ternary system were studied. The results revealed that, with the increase of incorporation of GO (0.03, 0.06, 0.09, and 0.12 wt. %), the optimum moisture decreased, while the dry density, mechanical properties, and water resistance increased significantly. And an optimum GO content of 0.09 wt. % was determined according to mechanical properties and water resistance. Moreover, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) results revealed that the microstructure was densified and the characteristics of pores were refined. And the co‐work mechanisms of GO/cement on loess were summarized. All the results indicated that the GO/cement mixture has remarkable co‐effects on the geotechnical properties of loess.
No Early Effect of Intrathecal Rituximab in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (EFFRITE Clinical Trial)
Authors: Bonnan Mickael , Ferrari Sylvie , Courtade Henri , Money Paul , Desblache Pauline , Barroso Bruno , Debeugny Stéphane
Published: March 2021

Background. The progressive phase of multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by an intrathecal (IT) compartmentalization of inflammation, involving B-cells within meningeal follicles, and resisting all the available immunosuppressive treatments. A new therapeutic paradigm may be to target this inflammation by injecting immunosuppressive drugs inside the central nervous system compartment. Methods. We designed a single-center, open-label, randomized, controlled, phase II study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IT rituximab in progressive MS (EFFRITE trial; ClinicalTrial Registration NCT02545959). Patients were randomized into three arms (1 : 1 : 1): control group, IT rituximab (20 mg, IT) group, and intravenous+IT (IV+IT) group. The main outcome was a change in levels of CSF biomarkers of inflammation (osteopontin). Secondary outcomes were changes in levels of CSF biomarkers of axonal loss (neurofilament light chain) and clinical and MRI changes. Results. Ten patients were included (2 : 4 : 4). No adverse event occurred. OPN level remained stable in CSF at each time point, whereas NFL had slightly decreased (-8.7%) at day 21 (

p
=
0.02

). Clinical parameters remained stable and leptomeningeal enhancements remained unchanged. Conclusion. Clinical outcome and biomarkers of inflammation were not dramatically modified after IT injection of rituximab, probably due to its limited efficiency in CSF. Drug issues for future studies are discussed.
The Design of a Class of Nonlinear Networked System
Authors: Wang Biao , Zhao Xing , Li Changbo , Ke Ji , Qin Yude , Wu Hao , Yang Hang
Published: March 2021

A class of nonlinear networked systems with external interference is designed in this paper. Currently, we have witnessed that networked control technology has played a key role in the Internet of Things (IoT). However, the amount of big data in the Internet of Things will cause network congestion in the data transmission of the network control system. In order to solve this problem, event‐driven control scheme can effectively save the network resources of the network control system. But when there is interference in the system, the conventional constant threshold parameter is difficult to achieve the expected energy‐saving effect. In order to solve this challenge, this paper proposes a design with a continuously variable threshold. After each trigger to transmit data, the threshold gets changed accordingly, and the sliding mode approach rate is changed simultaneously. Compared with the constant threshold event drive, the number of transmissions in this design can be greatly reduced, while sliding mode jitter is suppressed. The simulation results show that the scheme can achieve higher resource utilization efficiency and better robustness.
Derrone Inhibits Platelet Aggregation, Granule Secretion, Thromboxane A2 Generation, and Clot Retraction: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Shin Jung-Hae , Irfan Muhammad , Rhee Man Hee , Kwon Hyuk-Woo
Published: March 2021

Cudrania tricuspidata (C. tricuspidata) is widespread throughout East Asia and in China and Korea, and it is widely used as a traditional remedy against eczema, mumps, and tuberculosis. With regard to the aforementioned medical efficacy, various studies are continuously being conducted, and it has been reported that C. tricuspidata extract has various actions against inflammation, diabetes, obesity, and tumors. Therefore, we evaluated antiplatelet effects using derrone in C. tricuspidata. We examined the effect of derrone on the phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor I (IP3RI), and on the dephosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 (p38MAPK), and Akt, which affects platelet function and thrombus formation. Various agonists-induced human platelets were inhibited by derrone without cytotoxicity, and it also decreased the intracellular calcium level through the signaling molecule phosphorylations. In addition, derrone inhibited glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (αIIb/β3) affinity. Thus, in the present study, derrone suppressed human platelet aggregation and thrombin-induced clot formation.
Educación en Negocios en Tiempos de Pandemia: ¿Ritualismo compulsivo o cambio transformativo?
Authors: Acuña Aguirre Eduardo
Published: March 2021

Considerando la invitación que me ha hecho Gesten para revisar, revisitar y desafiar la educación en negocios en Chile, problematizada en el contexto actual de la pandemia, acojo esa invitación por considerar lo oportuno que es realizar ese ejercicio reflexivo.

Mi presentación tendrá en cuenta mi experiencia en una Escuela de Negocios, en donde, desde mi posición de profesor, he observado e interpretado los lineamientos de forma y de fondo que la entidad ha seguido en el transcurrir de la pandemia (Acuña, 2020). En esa experiencia también supongo que esos lineamientos no son del todo ajenos a lo que probablemente ocurre en otras Escuelas de Negocios, dado que esa industria educacional, tiende a seguir estándares de isomorfismo institucional que comunican gran similitud en el tipo de actividades que realizan y en la modalidad como las ejecutan, más allá de aspectos distintivos de sus identidades (Alvesson y Willmott, 2001).
Combination Therapies for Precision Oncology: The Ultimate Whack-A-Mole Game
Authors: Groisberg Roman , Subbiah Vivek
Published: March 2021

The single-agent activity of MEK inhibitors in MAPK or CDK4/6 inhibitors in cyclin pathway aberrant tumors has been limited. The combination of trametinib and palbociclib demonstrates safety, tolerability, and clinical activity in a histology-independent manner, representing a therapeutic approach for patients harboring co-occurring aberrations.

See related article by Kato et al., p. 2792
BiTE-ing into Prostate Cancer with Bispecific T-cell Engagers
Authors: Kamat Nikhil V. , Yu Evan Y. , Lee John K.
Published: March 2021

Targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has important therapeutic ramifications, more recently including immune oncology. Data were recently presented on the preclinical efficacy of a half-life extended bispecific T-cell engager, AMG 160, which binds PSMA and CD3 to induce T-cell–driven cytolytic activity against prostate cancer.

See related article by Deegen et al., p. 2928
The Hippo Pathway Effector YAP Promotes Ferroptosis via the E3 Ligase SKP2
Authors: Yang Wen-Hsuan , Lin Chao-Chieh , Wu Jianli , Chao Pei-Ya , Chen Kuan , Chen Po-Han , Chi Jen-Tsan
Published: March 2021

Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated cell death resulting from the accumulation of lipid-reactive oxygen species. A growing number of studies indicate ferroptosis as an important tumor suppressor mechanism having therapeutic potential in cancers. Previously, we identified TAZ, a Hippo pathway effector, regulates ferroptosis in renal and ovarian cancer cells. Because YAP (Yes-associated protein 1) is the one and only paralog of TAZ, sharing high sequence similarity and functional redundancy with TAZ, we tested the potential roles of YAP in regulating ferroptosis. Here, we provide experimental evidence that YAP removal confers ferroptosis resistance, whereas overexpression of YAP sensitizes cancer cells to ferroptosis. Furthermore, integrative analysis of transcriptome reveals S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, as a YAP direct target gene that regulates ferroptosis. We found that the YAP knockdown represses the expression of SKP2. Importantly, the genetic and chemical inhibitions of SKP2 robustly protect cells from ferroptosis. In addition, knockdown of YAP or SKP2 abolishes the lipid peroxidation during erastin-induced ferroptosis. Collectively, our results indicate that YAP, similar to TAZ, is a determinant of ferroptosis through regulating the expression of SKP2. Therefore, our results support the connection between Hippo pathway effectors and ferroptosis with significant therapeutic implications.

Implications:

This study reveals that YAP promotes ferroptosis by regulating SKP2, suggesting novel therapeutic options for YAP-driven tumors.
RAF-Mutant Melanomas Differentially Depend on ERK2 Over ERK1 to Support Aberrant MAPK Pathway Activation and Cell Proliferation
Authors: Crowe Matthew S. , Zavorotinskaya Tatiana , Voliva Charles F. , Shirley Matthew D. , Wang Yanqun , Ruddy David A. , Rakiec Daniel P. , Engelman Jeffery A. , Stuart Darrin D. , Freeman Alyson K.
Published: March 2021

Half of advanced human melanomas are driven by mutant BRAF and dependent on MAPK signaling. Interestingly, the results of three independent genetic screens highlight a dependency of BRAF-mutant melanoma cell lines on BRAF and ERK2, but not ERK1. ERK2 is expressed higher in melanoma compared with other cancer types and higher than ERK1 within melanoma. However, ERK1 and ERK2 are similarly required in primary human melanocytes transformed with mutant BRAF and are expressed at a similar, lower amount compared with established cancer cell lines. ERK1 can compensate for ERK2 loss as seen by expression of ERK1 rescuing the proliferation arrest mediated by ERK2 loss (both by shRNA or inhibition by an ERK inhibitor). ERK2 knockdown, as opposed to ERK1 knockdown, led to more robust suppression of MAPK signaling as seen by RNA-sequencing, qRT-PCR, and Western blot analysis. In addition, treatment with MAPK pathway inhibitors led to gene expression changes that closely resembled those seen upon knockdown of ERK2 but not ERK1. Together, these data demonstrate that ERK2 drives BRAF-mutant melanoma gene expression and proliferation as a function of its higher expression compared with ERK1. Selective inhibition of ERK2 for the treatment of melanomas may spare the toxicity associated with pan-ERK inhibition in normal tissues.

Implications:

BRAF-mutant melanomas overexpress and depend on ERK2 but not ERK1, suggesting that ERK2-selective inhibition may be toxicity sparing.