bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Treatment of the Rotary Motion of a Rigid Body with Estimated Natural Frequency
Authors: Ismail A. I.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the problem of the motion of a rigid body about a fixed point under the action of a Newtonian force field is studied when the natural frequency

ω
=
0.5

. This case of singularity appears in the previous works and deals with different bodies which are classified according to the moments of inertia. Using the large parameter method, the periodic solutions for the equations of motion of this problem are obtained in terms of a large parameter, which will be defined later. The geometric interpretation of the considered motion will be given in terms of Euler’s angles. The numerical solutions for the system of equations of motion are obtained by one of the well-known numerical methods. The comparison between the obtained numerical solutions and analytical ones is carried out to show the errors between them and to prove the accuracy of both used techniques. In the end, we obtain the case of the regular precession type as a special case. The stability of the motion is considered by the phase diagram procedures.
Research Activity among Academic Medical Staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Marrakesh
Authors: Adarmouch Latifa , Sebbani Majda , Amine Mohamed
Published: December 2020

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the medical academic institutions and their activities. Our aim was to describe the research activity (COVID-19-related or preexisting research) of the academic staff at the medical school in Marrakesh, Morocco. Methodology. An online survey among faculty members explored the COVID-19-related research activity as well as the impact of the pandemic on preexisting research, related challenges, and coping strategies. The form was distributed via e-mail. Data analyses involved univariate and bivariate methods. Findings. We analyzed 55 responses. A proportion of 58.2% of respondents reported conducting COVID-19-related research, while 40% reported that routine research activities were suspended as a result of the pandemic. Major challenges to research in this context were the clinical activity workload, limited access to patients, and research personnel shortage. Coping strategies included adopting remote work and using communication technologies. Conclusion. Despite the many challenges facing the academic researchers to implement COVID-19-related research and to maintain preexisting research activity, there are opportunities to promote academic medical research in the developing world alongside at the global level. Our results should help in documenting and understanding the impact of this pandemic as well as framing appropriate strategies in the future to address similar situations.
Geometry Design of Coaxial Rigid Rotor in High-Speed Forward Flight
Authors: Wang Bo , Yuan Xin , Zhao Qi-jun , Zhu Zheng
Published: December 2020

The aerodynamic performance analysis and blade planform design of a coaxial rigid rotor in forward flight were carried out utilizing CFD solver CLORNS. Firstly, the forward flow field characteristics of the coaxial rotor were analyzed. Shock-induced separation occurs at the advancing side blade tip and severe reverse flow occurs at the retreating side blade root. Then, the influence of geometrical parameters of the coaxial rigid rotor on forward performance was investigated. Results show that swept-back tip could reduce the advancing side compressibility drag and elliptic shape of blade planform could optimize the airload distribution at high advance ratio flights. A kind of blade planform combining swept-back tapered tip and nonlinear chord distribution was optimized to improve the rotor efficiency for a given high-speed level flight based on geometric parameter studies. The optimized coaxial rotor increases lift-to-drag ratio by 30% under the design conditions.
New Modification on Heun’s Method Based on Contraharmonic Mean for Solving Initial Value Problems with High Efficiency
Authors: Workie Abushet Hayalu
Published: December 2020

In this paper, small modification on Improved Euler’s method (Heun’s method) is proposed to improve the efficiency so as to solve ordinary differential equations with initial condition by assuming the tangent slope as an average of the arithmetic mean and contra-harmonic mean. In order to validate the conclusion, the stability, consistency, and accuracy of the system were evaluated and numerical results were presented, and it was recognized that the proposed method is more stable, consistent, and accurate with high performance.
A Network-Based Model of Passenger Transfer Flow between Bus and Metro: An Application to the Public Transport System of Beijing
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Wang Yihong , Correia Gonçalo Homem de Almeida , Chen Yusen
Published: December 2020

In a multimodal public transport network, transfers are inevitable. Planning and managing an efficient transfer connection is thus important and requires an understanding of the factors that influence those transfers. Existing studies on predicting passenger transfer flows have mainly used transit assignment models based on route choice, which need extensive computation and underlying behavioral assumptions. Inspired by studies that use network properties to estimate public transport (PT) demand, this paper proposes to use the network properties of a multimodal PT system to explain transfer flows. A statistical model is estimated to identify the relationship between transfer flow and the network properties in a joint bus and metro network. Apart from transfer time, the number of stops, and bus lines, the most important network property we propose in this study is transfer accessibility. Transfer accessibility is a newly defined indicator for the geographic factors contributing to the possibility of transferring at a station, given its position in a multimodal PT network, based on an adapted gravity-based measure. It assumes that transfer accessibility at each station is proportional to the number of reachable points of interest within the network and dependent on a cost function describing the effect of distance. The R-squared of the regression model we propose is 0.69, based on the smart card data, PT network data, and Points of Interest (POIs) data from the city of Beijing, China. This suggests that the model could offer some decision support for PT planners especially when complex network assignment models are too computationally intensive to calibrate and use.
Modified Leakage Rate Calculation Models of Natural Gas Pipelines
Authors: Hou Qingmin , Yang Daheng , Li Xiaoyan , Xiao Guanghua , Ho Siu Chun Michael
Published: December 2020

The leakage rate is an essential parameter for the risk assessment and failure analysis of natural gas pipelines. The leakage rate of a natural gas pipeline should be calculated quickly and accurately to minimize consequences. First, in this study, models to estimate the leakage rate of natural gas pipelines are reclassified, and the theoretical range of application for each model is also analysed. Second, the impact of the leakage on the flow rate upstream of the leak point is considered, and the method of successive approximation is used to realize this feedback effect of flow rate change. Then, a modified hole-pipe model is developed to calculate the natural gas leakage rate in this paper. Compared with the leakage rate calculated by the hole-pipe model, the leakage rate calculated by the modified hole-pipe model is smaller and closer to the actual leakage rate due to the consideration of the feedback effect of the flow rate change. Finally, the leakage rate curves of the hole-pipe model and the modified hole-pipe model under different d/D conditions are obtained through simulation. The simulation results show that the modified hole-pipe model is able to calculate the leakage rate of any leak aperture, such as the hole-pipe model, and also at a higher accuracy level than the hole-pipe model.
3D Large-Pose Face Alignment Method Based on the Truncated Alexnet Cascade Network
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zheng Hao , Yan Tao , Li Jiehui
Published: December 2020

Aiming at the low accuracy of large-pose face alignment, a cascade network based on truncated Alexnet is designed and implemented in the paper. The parallel convolution pooling layers are added for concatenating parallel results in the original deep convolution neural network, which improves the accuracy of the output. Sending the intermediate parameter which is the result of each iteration into CNN and iterating repeatedly to optimize the pose parameter in order to get more accurate results of face alignment. To verify the effectiveness of this method, this paper tests on the AFLW and AFLW2000-3D datasets. Experiments on datasets show that the normalized average error of this method is 5.00% and 5.27%. Compared with 3DDFA, which is a current popular algorithm, the accuracy is improved by 0.60% and 0.15%, respectively.
Exosomes Derived from Human Urine-Derived Stem Cells Inhibit Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Ameliorating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Xiang HongFei , Su WeiLiang , Wu XiaoLin , Chen WuJun , Cong WenBin , Yang Shuai , Liu Chang , Qiu ChenSheng , Yang Shang-You , Wang Yan , Zhang GuoQing , Guo Zhu , Xing DongMing , Chen BoHua
Published: December 2020

Objective. This study is aimed at determining the effects of human urine-derived stem cell-derived exosomes (USCs-exos) on pressure-induced nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) apoptosis and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and on the ERK and AKT signaling pathways. Methods. The NPCs were obtained from patients with herniated lumbar discs. Western blot analysis (WB) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to determine endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress levels of NPCs under stress. Human USCs were identified using an inverted microscope, three-line differentiation experiments, and flow cytometry. A transmission microscope, nanoparticle size analysis, and WB procedures were used to identify the extracted exosomes and observe NPC uptake. A control group, a 48 h group, and a USCs-exos group were established. The control group was untreated, and the 48 h group was pressure-trained for 48 h, while the USCs-exos group was pressure-trained for 48 h and treated with USCs-exos. WB, qRT-PCR, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) analysis were used to determine the ER stress levels in stress conditions and after exosomal treatment. The AKT and ERK pathways were partially detected. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) were used to evaluate cell degeneration while exosomal effects on the intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue were determined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Safranin O-fast green staining, immunohistochemical staining (IHC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), spectrometric detection, and total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY). IVD metabolites were also identified and quantified. Results. After pressure culture, ER stress markers (GRP78 and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP)) in the NPCs were significantly elevated with time (

p
<
0.05

). Human USCs are short and spindle-shaped. They can successfully undergo osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. In this study, these stem cells were found to be positive for CD29, CD44, and CD73. The exosomes were centrally located with a diameter of 50-100 nm. CD63 and Tsg101 were highly expressed while the expression of Calnexin was suppressed. The exosomes can be ingested by NPCs. USCs-exos significantly improved ER stress responses and inhibited excessive activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) as well as cell apoptosis and disc degeneration through the AKT and ERK signaling pathways (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Through the AKT and ERK signaling pathways, USCs-exos significantly inhibit ER stress-induced cell apoptosis and IDD under pressure conditions. It is, therefore, a viable therapeutic strategy.
Local Vibratory Stimulation for Temporomandibular Disorder Myofascial Pain Treatment: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Preliminary Study
Authors: Serritella Emanuela , Scialanca Giordano , Di Giacomo Paola , Di Paolo Carlo
Published: December 2020

Several methods are currently used to manage pain related to temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Vibratory stimulation is applied as a pain treatment for several musculoskeletal disorders, but it has not yet been studied in-depth for TMD symptoms. The aim of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of at-home local vibration therapy (LVT) for the management of TMDs-related myofascial pain. Methods. Fifty-four TMD patients (43 F, 11 M) with an average age of 40.7 (age range: 29–54 yr.) were randomly subdivided into two groups. The study group (AG) received 1 week of at-home LVT treatment with the NOVAFON Pro Sk2/2 : 50/100 Hz, bilaterally applied to the pain area for 16 minutes daily. The placebo group (IG) followed the same protocol using inactive devices. Temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), muscular pain (MM), and headache (HA) were assessed. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) before (T0) and after therapy (T1). Statistical analysis and Student’s t-tests were applied (statistical significance for

P
<
0.05

). Results. AG patients reported decreased average values for all types of pain considered between T0 and T1, with a statistically significant difference for TMJ pain (

P
<
0.05

), MM pain, and HA (

P
<
0.001

). IG patients reported a no statistically significant decrease in the average values of MM pain and an increase in the average values of TMJ pain and HA. Conclusion. The study supports the use of local vibration therapy in the control of TMD-related TMJ pain, local muscular pain, and headache.
Renal Transplant Pathology: Demographic Features and Histopathological Analysis of the Causes of Graft Dysfunction
Authors: Bashir Shaarif , Hussain Mudassar , Ali Khan Azhar , Hassan Usman , Mushtaq Khawaja Sajid , Hameed Maryam , Awan Usman Ayub
Published: December 2020

Background. Renal transplant has emerged as a preferred treatment modality in cases of end-stage renal disease; however, a small percentage of cases suffer from graft dysfunction. Aim. To evaluate the renal transplant biopsies and analyze the various causes of graft dysfunction. Materials and Methods. 163 renal transplant biopsies, reported between 2014 and 2019 and who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, were evaluated with respect to demographics, clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical features. Results. Of 163 patients, 26 (16%) were females and 137 (84%) were males with a mean age of 34 ± 7 years. 53 (32.5%) cases were of rejection (ABMR and TCMR), 1 (0.6%) was borderline, 15 were of IFTA, and rest of 94 cases (57.7%) belonged to the others category. SCr (serum creatinine) in cases of rejection was 3.85 ± 0.55 mg/dl. Causes of early graft dysfunction included active ABMR (7.1 ± 4.7 months), acute TCMR (5.5 months), and acute tubular necrosis (after 6 ± 2.2 months of transplant) while the causes of late rejection were CNIT and IFTA (34 ± 4.7 and 35 ± 7.8 months, respectively). Conclusion. Renal graft dysfunction still remains a concerning area for both clinicians and patients. Biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing the exact cause of graft dysfunction and in planning further management.
Cognitive Biases in the Era of COVID-19 : A Case of Clostridium sporogenes Bacteremia in a Patient with Small Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Vecchio Marc J. , Jankowich Matthew , Qadir Hassan , Gaitanis Melissa , Menon Anupama
Published: December 2020

Clostridium sporogenes bacteremia in immunocompetent patients is rare with very few reported cases in the literature. We present a case of Clostridium sporogenes bacteremia in an 81-year-old immunocompetent man with small bowel obstruction and hypoxemia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Routine monitoring of prognostic inflammatory markers for COVID-19 created a unique challenge in the management of our patient who developed sepsis with respiratory symptoms. Upon review, bacteremia from Clostridium sporogenes was associated with high mortality rates and could produce similar elevations in the inflammatory markers observed in COVID-19 pneumonia. Further, we reviewed the cognitive biases encountered when monitoring these inflammatory markers during the management of our patient with Clostridium sporogenes bacteremia, who was initially thought to have COVID-19 disease. While our patient ultimately tested negative for COVID-19, early administration of empiric antimicrobial therapy without source control failed to prevent clinical decompensation.
Characterization of Dielectric Relaxation Process by Impedance Spectroscopy for Polymers: Nitrile Butadiene Rubber and Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
Authors: Jung Jae Kap , Moon Young Il , Kim Gyung Hyun , Tak Nae Hyung
Published: December 2020

We invented a dispersion analysis program that analyzes the relaxation processes from dielectric permittivity based on a combination of the Havriliak–Negami and conductivity contribution functions. By applying the created program to polymers such as nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), several relaxation processes were characterized: an α process due to segmental motions of the C-C bond, an α′ process attributed to fluctuations in the end-to-end dipole vector of the polymer chain, the conduction contribution by the filler observed above room temperature, and secondary relaxation processes β and γ of motion for the side group in NBR. In the EPDM specimen, the β process associated with the rotational motion of the side groups, the α process associated with the relaxation of local segmental motion, and the αβ process associated with the origin of the β process at high temperatures above 305 K were observed. The Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars effect and conduction contribution were also presented. The molecular chains responsible for the relaxation processes were assigned by building molecular models of the two polymers. The temperature dependence of the relaxation strength and the shape parameters that characterize the process were investigated. From the temperature-dependent relaxation analysis, the merged αβ process, activation energy, and glass transition temperature were determined and compared.
Inflow Forecast of Iranamadu Reservoir, Sri Lanka, under Projected Climate Scenarios Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Karunanayake Chamaka , Gunathilake Miyuru B. , Rathnayake Upaka
Published: December 2020

Prediction of water resources for future years takes much attention from the water resources planners and relevant authorities. However, traditional computational models like hydrologic models need many data about the catchment itself. Sometimes these important data on catchments are not available due to many reasons. Therefore, artificial neural networks (ANNs) are useful soft computing tools in predicting real-world scenarios, such as forecasting future water availability from a catchment, in the absence of intensive data, which are required for modeling practices in the context of hydrology. These ANNs are capable of building relationships to nonlinear real-world problems using available data and then to use that built relationship to forecast future needs. Even though Sri Lanka has an extensive usage of water resources for many activities, including drinking water supply, irrigation, hydropower development, navigation, and many other recreational purposes, forecasting studies for water resources are not being carried out. Therefore, there is a significant gap in forecasting water availability and water needs in the context of Sri Lanka. Thus, this paper presents an artificial neural network model to forecast the inflows of one of the most important reservoirs in northern Sri Lanka using the upstream catchment’s rainfall. Future rainfall data are extracted using regional climate models for the years 2021–2050 and the inflows of the reservoir are forecasted using the validated neural network model. Several training algorithms including Levenberg–Marquardt (LM), BFGS quasi-Newton (BFG), scaled conjugate gradient (SCG) have been used to find the best fitting training algorithm to the prediction process of the inflows against the measured inflows. Results revealed that the LM training algorithm outperforms the other tests algorithm in developing the prediction model. In addition, the forecasted results using the projected climate scenarios clearly showcase the benefit of using the forecasting model in solving future water resource management to avoid or to minimize future water scarcity. Therefore, the validated model can effectively be used for proper planning of the proposed drinking water supply scheme to the nearby urban city, Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka.
Multiclock Constraint System Modelling and Verification for Ensuring Cooperative Autonomous Driving Safety
Authors: Wang Jinyong , Huang Zhiqiu , Huang Xiaowei , Zhu Yi , Wang Fei
Published: December 2020

CADS (cooperative autonomous driving systems) are software-intensive and safety-critical reactive systems and give great promise to our daily life, but system errors may not be identified in the design stage until the implement stage, and the cost to correct them will be more expensive later than the early stage. For designing trustworthy autonomous software systems, we have to deal with multiclock constraint models. SysML (System Modeling Language) meets increasing adoption in order to carry out system-level modelling and verification against abstract representations, but it suffers from semantic ambiguities in the design of safety-critical autonomous systems. The main objective is to investigate methods for coping with the design and analysis models simultaneously and to achieve semantic consistency based on mathematical foundations and formal model transformation. In this paper, we propose a method to combine the requirement modelling process with analysis process together for CADS safety and reliability guarantee. Firstly, we extend SysML metamodels and construct SysML profile for the CADS domain that could improve modelling correctness and enhance reusability. An instantiated CADS model has been designed by means of adopting a profile containing different key functional and nonfunctional attributes and behaviors. Secondly, we define formal syntax and semantic notations for modelling elements in the SysML state machine diagram and show transformation rules between the state machine diagram and the CCSL (Clock Constraint Specification Language) model. Semantic preservation is also proved using the bisimulation relation between them for rigorous mapping correctness. Thirdly, a cooperative autonomous overtaking driving case study on the highway scenario is used for illustration, and we use the tool TimeSquare to simulate CCSL specification execution traces at the system design stage.
Mechanical Properties of New Composite Wood‐Plastic Formworks with Aluminum Alloy Frame
Authors: Shi Kairong , Xu Jiebin , Jiang Zhengrong , Lv Junfeng , Lu Yonghui
Published: December 2020

Formwork engineering plays a crucial role in cost, efficiency, quality, and schedule in civil engineering. Currently, wood‐plastic formwork, which has favorable mechanical properties such as wood and excellent stability, formability, ease of demolding, and time‐saving as plastic, is earning its increasing reputation in construction. This work focuses on mechanical properties of two types of new composite wood‐plastic formworks with aluminum alloy frame used for construction, that is, single‐span simply supported and three‐span continuous formworks. Experimental investigation shows that the two types of wood‐plastic formworks demonstrate favorable performance, and the deflections and stresses are within the allowable range, thereby satisfying the structural bearing requirements. Numerical analyses confirm that the results of the refined and general finite element models are consistent with the experimental results, but the former has a higher accuracy. When the requirement of accuracy is not too strict, the general model is preferred, given the modeling convenience and high efficiency. On the basis of experimental and numerical investigations, practical simplified formulas are proposed to facilitate rapid calculation and evaluation considering transverse deflection and inconsistency of two materials. Therefore, the results in this work can provide a theoretical basis for developing and applying the new formworks.
T-S Fuzzy System Controller for Stabilizing the Double Inverted Pendulum
Authors: Elkinany Boutaina , Alfidi Mohammed , Chaibi Redouane , Chalh Zakaria
Published: December 2020

This article provides a representation of the double inverted pendulum system that is shaped and regulated in response to torque application at the top rather than the bottom of the pendulum, given that most researchers have controlled the double inverted pendulum based on the lower part or the base. To achieve this objective, we designed a dynamic Lagrangian conceptualization of the double inverted pendulum and a state feedback representation based on the simple convex polytypic transformation. Finally, we used the fuzzy state feedback approach to linearize the mathematical nonlinear model and to develop a fuzzy controller

H

∞

, given its great ability to simplify nonlinear systems in order to reduce the error rate and to increase precision. In our virtual conceptualization of the inverted pendulum, we used MATLAB software to simulate the movement of the system before applying a command on the upper part of the system to check its stability. Concerning the nonlinearities of the system, we have found a state feedback fuzzy control approach. Overall, the simulation results have shown that the fuzzy state feedback model is very efficient and flexible as it can be modified in different positions.
Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidants: A Step towards Disease Treatment
Authors: Jiang Qian , Yin Jie , Chen Jiashun , Ma Xiaokang , Wu Miaomiao , Liu Gang , Yao Kang , Tan Bie , Yin Yulong
Published: December 2020

Mitochondria are the main organelles that produce adenosine 5

′

-triphosphate (ATP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in eukaryotic cells and meanwhile susceptible to oxidative damage. The irreversible oxidative damage in mitochondria has been implicated in various human diseases. Increasing evidence indicates the therapeutic potential of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants (MTAs) for oxidative damage-associated diseases. In this article, we introduce the advantageous properties of MTAs compared with the conventional (nontargeted) ones, review different mitochondria-targeted delivery systems and antioxidants, and summarize their experimental results for various disease treatments in different animal models and clinical trials. The combined evidence demonstrates that mitochondrial redox homeostasis is a potential target for disease treatment. Meanwhile, the limitations and prospects for exploiting MTAs are discussed, which might pave ways for further trial design and drug development.
Analytical Study of Soil Displacement Induced by Twin Shield Tunneling in Semi‐Infinite Viscoelastic Ground
Authors: Shi Xin , Rong Chuanxin , Wang Houliang , Cui Linzhao , Cai Haibing , Wang Bin
Published: December 2020

Effective measures are needed to strictly control soil displacement caused during the process of shield construction excavation for urban subway tunnels. When calculating the displacement of soil caused by loading or unloading, many previous analytical studies have assumed that the soil was a linear elastic body and ignored the viscosity of the soil. In this study, the Boltzmann viscoelastic model and the Mindlin basic solution were combined to consider the effects of the additional support pressures, the shield shell frictions, the grouting pressures, and the ground loss, and a three‐dimensional viscoelastic solution for soil displacement caused by shield tunneling was derived. According to the calculation results of an example, the analytical solution was able to consider the asynchronous construction of the left and right tunnels and the mutual influence of the double shield tunnel. The rationality of the approach proposed in this study was verified by comparing the theoretical solution with the measured settlement values. In addition, the influence of differences in the viscoelastic parameters (the viscosity coefficient, the shear modulus of the elastic element, and the shear modulus of the viscous element) and the geometric parameters (the distance from the excavation surface, the calculated depth, and tunnel spacing) on soil displacement is discussed. The calculation method in this study provides a theoretical basis for predicting the three‐dimensional soil deformation caused by shield tunneling, especially in soft clays.
Exact Single Traveling Wave Solutions for Generalized Fractional Gardner Equations
Authors: Li Zhao , Han Tianyong , Huang Chun
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the classification of all single traveling wave solutions to generalized fractional Gardner equations is presented by utilizing the complete discrimination system method. Under the fractional traveling wave transformation, generalized fractional Gardner equations can be reduced to an ordinary differential equations. All possible exact traveling wave solutions are given through the complete discrimination system of the fourth-order polynomial. Moreover, graphical representations of different kinds of the exact solutions reveal that the method is of significance for searching the exact solutions to generalized fractional Gardner equations.
Ocrelizumab-Induced Severe Colitis
Authors: Lee Hsing Hwa , Sritharan Naveen , Bermingham Daniel , Strey Gabriela
Published: December 2020

We report a case of severe ocrelizumab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody) induced colitis in a 43-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis leading to total colectomy after failing medical therapy. Histology of the colectomy was consistent with medication-induced colitis.
Responsive Expression of MafF to β-Amyloid-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Wang Xiaoxuan , Zhang Yu , Wan Xinkun , Guo Chenjia , Cui Jing , Sun Jing , Li Liang
Published: December 2020

The small musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (sMaf) proteins MafF, MafG, and MafK are basic region leucine zipper- (bZIP-) type transcription factors and display tissue- or stimulus-specific expression patterns. As the oxidative stress reactive proteins, sMafs are implicated in various neurological disorders. In the present study, the expressions of sMafs were investigated across five databases gathering transcriptomic data from 74 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and 66 controls in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The expression of MafF was increased in the hippocampus of AD patients, which was negatively correlated with the expression of the glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). Furthermore, MafF was significantly increased in patients with Braak stage V-VI, compared to those with Braak stage III-IV. β-Amyloid (Aβ), a strong inducer of oxidative stress, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AD. The responsive expressions of sMafs to Aβ-induced oxidative stress were studied in the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD, Aβ intrahippocampal injection rats, and several human cell lines from different tissue origins. This study revealed that only the induction of MafF was accompanied with reduction of GCLC and glutathione (GSH). MafF knockdown suppressed the increase of GSH induced by Aβ. Among sMafs, MafF is the most responsive to Aβ-induced oxidative stress and might potentiate the inhibition of antioxidation. These results provide a better understanding of sMaf modulation in AD and highlight MafF as a potential therapeutic target in AD.
Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of Neurological Adverse Events during Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Möhn Nora , Mahjoub Susann , Gutzmer Ralf , Satzger Imke , Beutel Gernot , Ivanyi Philipp , Golpon Heiko , Wattjes Mike P. , Stangel Martin , Skripuletz Thomas
Published: December 2020

Therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has improved overall survival and cancer-related morbidity of cancer treatment even in cancer entities with poor prognosis. Since the approval of the first ICI, ipilimumab, for treatment of advanced melanoma by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011, the spectrum of indications and approved ICIs has grown, rapidly. Up to now, seven different ICIs for more than 20 indications are available. However, their mechanisms of action can lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs). In particular, neurological irAEs are clinically relevant. Although they are rare, an early and accurate diagnosis is challenging and neurological disease course and sequelae are potentially fatal. Between 08/2017 and 03/2020, 31 patients received ICI treatment at Hannover Medical School and presented with neurological adverse events (N-irAEs). Treated malignancies were metastatic melanoma, bronchial carcinoma, and urothelial cell carcinoma. All patients received comprehensive neurological diagnostics including clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was obtained in 21 patients and electroneurography was performed in 22 patients. Although N-irAEs were suspected in all 31 patients, 11 patients had other conditions leading to neurological symptoms including tumor metastases in seven patients and hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke in four patients. In the following, these patients are referred to as the differential diagnosis (DD) group. Patients with N-irAEs suffered from immune mediated neuropathy (9/20), myositis and/or myasthenic syndrome (6/20), or encephalitis/cerebellitis (5/20). Except for cell count, CSF results did not differ between the N-irAEs and the DD group. Symptoms related to N-irAEs are rather unspecific potentially mimicking other tumor-related symptoms such as metastases. Patients with malignancy are predominantly not treated by neurologists. Because of the complexity of neurological symptoms, detailed neurological investigations in specialized institutions are necessary in patients with new neurological symptoms and need to be critically discussed with treating oncologists.
Effect of Cold Plasma on Quality Retention of Fresh-Cut Produce
Authors: Bagheri Hadi , Abbaszadeh Sepideh
Published: December 2020

In recent years, the consumption of the fresh-cut products has been increased due to the consumers’ lifestyle and awareness. However, maintaining the quality and nutritional value of these products during storage is being difficult in comparison to whole fruits and vegetables. In actual, the procedures used in the fresh-cut industry may intensify the deterioration caused by physical damage by minimal processing. Commonly, the quality degradation, discolouration, loss of moisture, loss of firmness, microbial load increase, and loss of nutrients and flavor occur in the fresh-cut product after minimal processing. To maintain the quality and increase the shelf-life of the fresh-cut product, it is necessary to use various techniques, including physical, chemical, and nondestructive processes. In this review, first, an introduction to minimal processing and its effect on fresh-cut product quality was expressed, and then, the methods used to maintain fresh-cut product quality after minimal processing were reviewed. Finally, the effect of cold plasma on the qualitative characteristics in some fresh-cut products was investigated. The review showed that cold plasma treatments can significantly inhibit microorganisms and extend the shelf-life of fresh-cut products. In addition, no or minimal impacts were observed on physicochemical and organoleptic quality attributes of the treated fresh-cut products. Therefore, the use of cold plasma is promising for the fresh-cut industry.
Flapless Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Guided Implant Surgery with Contextual Transcrestal Sinus Lift Augmentation Using New Bone Compactor Tools
Authors: Attanasio Ferdinando , Bortolini Sergio , Carbone Daniele , Pacifici Andrea
Published: December 2020

In the present paper, the authors present a case report of premolar edentulism in the upper jaw treated through a guided flapless oral implant surgery with contextual crestal sinus lift, performed with a system of manual screw-tapered bone expanders (B&B Dental, San Benedetto, BO, Italy). The surgery was planned by means of dedicated software, through which the data obtained from the CBCT and from intraoral scanner impression were matched, with consequent production of a surgical template. The proposed surgical procedure is minimally invasive, very simple, and fast and ensures good comfort for the patient by avoiding the elevation of mucoperiosteal flaps and uncomfortable malleting maneuvers. In addition, the presented method shows a good degree of correspondence between the ideal position of the implant in the planning phase and the actual one detectable after the surgery.
Restriction Analysis of Transport Policy for Bridges Using the Trajectory Data
Authors: Hu Zhenghua , Zhou Jibiao , Zhang Shuichao , He Songhan , Yu Bo’an
Published: December 2020

Roads are becoming increasingly congested with continuous rise in the number of vehicles. Restriction policies are selected to alleviate congestion in many cities. However, conclusions regarding the substantial effects of restriction policies have not been fully demonstrated. This study primarily aims to demonstrate whether traffic restrictions can control the driving habits of people to alleviate traffic pressure. Furthermore, this study investigates the effect on the traffic on the premise of a normalized restriction policy. Data were collected by bayonet systems in Ningbo. Results showed that vehicles restricted by the restriction policy only accounted for approximately 13%. Most drivers bypass restricted roads to avoid restrictions. The method proposed can effectively amend the trajectory deviation caused by the inaccuracy from the bayonet. Based on the results, some suggestions about the policy of restrictions were discussed.
Reconsideration of the Adsorption/Desorption Characteristics with the Influences of Water in Unconventional Gas Systems
Authors: Pu Yunchao , Wang Yanchun , Shi Juntai , Wu Keliu
Published: December 2020

The exploration and development of unconventional resources have been of growing interest in the industry in recent years. It is widely known that the adsorption and desorption mechanisms of unconventional gas have great significance for gas accumulation and exploration. However, major researches based on the mechanism of solid-gas interface have failed to reveal it completely, which introduce large discrepancies between actual and predicted production. In this paper, the mechanism of solid-liquid-gas adsorption and desorption interface is enlightened to describe the characteristics of unconventional gas. The validity of the proposal was verified preliminarily by building a conceptual model which redefines the gas-water distribution. Furthermore, the possibility of production of gas trapped in micropores was first investigated. The findings of this study can help for better understanding of the adsorption, desorption, and production mechanisms and in unconventional gas system. Accordingly, the explanation of variation between experiment result and actual production rate even with physical parameters was reasonable in theory. Therefore, this work should provide a basis for improving the accuracy of production predictions in actual reservoirs and should assist analysts in determining reasonable unconventional gas target.
The Motion of a Rigid Body with Irrational Natural Frequency
Authors: Ismail A. I.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we consider the problem of the rotational motion of a rigid body with an irrational value of the frequency

ω

. The equations of motion are derived and reduced to a quasilinear autonomous system. Such system is reduced to a generating one. We assume a large parameter

μ

proportional inversely with a sufficiently small component

r

o

of the angular velocity which is assumed around the major or the minor axis of the ellipsoid of inertia. Then, the large parameter technique is used to construct the periodic solutions for such cases. The geometric interpretation of the motion is obtained to describe the orientation of the body in terms of Euler’s angles. Using the digital fourth-order Runge-Kutta method, we determine the digital solutions of the obtained system. The phase diagram procedure is applied to study the stability of the attained solutions. A comparison between the considered numerical and analytical solutions is introduced to show the validity of the presented techniques and solutions.
Development and Validation of a Nomogram to Predict Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study from 82938 Adults in China
Authors: Liu Qingqing , Yuan Jie , Bakeyi Maerjiaen , Li Jie , Zhang Zilong , Yang Xiaohong , Gao Fangming
Published: December 2020

Background. The twin epidemic of overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health problem globally, especially in China. Overweight/obese adults commonly coexist with T2DM, which is closely related to adverse health outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to develop risk nomogram of T2DM in Chinese adults with overweight/obesity. Methods. We used prospective cohort study data for 82938 individuals aged ≥20 years free of T2DM collected between 2010 and 2016 and divided them into a training (n = 58056) and a validation set (n = 24882). Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model in training set, we identified optimized risk factors of T2DM, followed by the establishment of T2DM prediction nomogram. The discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical usefulness of nomogram were assessed. The results were assessed by internal validation in validation set. Results. Six independent risk factors of T2DM were identified and entered into the nomogram including age, body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and family history. The nomogram incorporating these six risk factors showed good discrimination regarding the training set, with a Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) of 0.859 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.850–0.868] and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.862 (95% CI: 0.853–0.871). The calibration curves indicated well agreement between the probability as predicted by the nomogram and the actual probability. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the prediction nomogram was clinically useful. The consistent of findings was confirmed using the validation set. Conclusions. The nomogram showed accurate prediction for T2DM among Chinese population with overweight and obese and might aid in assessment risk of T2DM.
Artificial Neural Network-Based Control of Switched Reluctance Motor for Torque Ripple Reduction
Authors: Tariq Iqra , Muzzammel Raheel , Alqasmi Umar , Raza Ali
Published: December 2020

Switched reluctance motor is acquiring major attention because of its simple design, economic development, and reduced dependability. These attributes make switched reluctance motors superior to other variable speed machines. The major challenge associated with the development of a switched reluctance motor is its high torque ripple. Torque ripple produces noise and vibration, resulting in degradation of its performance. Various techniques are developed to cope with torque ripples. Practically, there exists not a single mature technique for the minimization of torque ripples in switched reluctance motors. In this research, a switched reluctance motor is modelled and analysed. Its speed and current control are implemented through artificial neural networks. Artificial neural network is found to be a promising technique as compared with other techniques because of its accuracy, reduced complexity, stability, and generalization. The Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm is utilized in artificial neural networks due to its fast and stable convergence for training and testing. It is found from research that artificial neural network-based improved control shows better performance of the switched reluctance motor. Realization of this technique is further validated from its mean square error analysis. Operating parameters of the switched reluctance motor are improved significantly. Simulation environment is created in Matlab/Simulink.
Clinical Validation of a Machine-learning–derived Signature Predictive of Outcomes from First-line Oxaliplatin-based Chemotherapy in Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Abraham Jim P. , Magee Daniel , Cremolini Chiara , Antoniotti Carlotta , Halbert David D. , Xiu Joanne , Stafford Phillip , Berry Donald A. , Oberley Matthew J. , Shields Anthony F. , Marshall John L. , Salem Mohamed E. , Falcone Alfredo , Grothey Axel , Hall Michael J. , Venook Alan P. , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Helmstetter Anthony , Korn W. Michael , Spetzler David B.
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, or FOLFOXIRI chemotherapy with bevacizumab is considered standard first-line treatment option for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We developed and validated a molecular signature predictive of efficacy of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab in patients with mCRC.

Experimental Design:

A machine-learning approach was applied and tested on clinical and next-generation sequencing data from a real-world evidence (RWE) dataset and samples from the prospective TRIBE2 study resulting in identification of a molecular signature, FOLFOXai. Algorithm training considered time-to-next treatment (TTNT). Validation studies used TTNT, progression-free survival, and overall survival (OS) as the primary endpoints.

Results:

A 67-gene signature was cross-validated in a training cohort (N = 105) which demonstrated the ability of FOLFOXai to distinguish FOLFOX-treated patients with mCRC with increased benefit from those with decreased benefit. The signature was predictive of TTNT and OS in an independent RWE dataset of 412 patients who had received FOLFOX/bevacizumab in first line and inversely predictive of survival in RWE data from 55 patients who had received first-line FOLFIRI. Blinded analysis of TRIBE2 samples confirmed that FOLFOXai was predictive of OS in both oxaliplatin-containing arms (FOLFOX HR, 0.629; P = 0.04 and FOLFOXIRI HR, 0.483; P = 0.02). FOLFOXai was also predictive of treatment benefit from oxaliplatin-containing regimens in advanced esophageal/gastro-esophageal junction cancers, as well as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions:

Application of FOLFOXai could lead to improvements of treatment outcomes for patients with mCRC and other cancers because patients predicted to have less benefit from oxaliplatin-containing regimens might benefit from alternative regimens.
Cancer Grand Challenges: Embarking on a New Era of Discovery
Authors: Foulkes Iain , Sharpless Norman E.
Published: December 2020

Cancer Grand Challenges is a unique funding platform that dares global, multidisciplinary teams of researchers to come together, think differently, and tackle some of the toughest challenges in cancer research. Here, we discuss the nine intractable challenges currently open for application.