bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integral geometric orbifolds
Authors: Lozano María Teresa , Montesinos-Amilibia José María
Published: February 2022

A group of matrices with entries in a number field [Formula: see text] is integral if it has a finite index subgroup of matrices whose entries are algebraic integers. In this paper, we show that the fundamental groups, [Formula: see text], of the orbifolds [Formula: see text] are integral as subgroups of both [Formula: see text] and of [Formula: see text], for all the rational knots and links [Formula: see text] and all the isotropies with [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]. We obtain the same result for the fundamental group [Formula: see text] of the orbifold [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] are the Borromean rings. The only groups [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], which are integral subgroups of both [Formula: see text] and of [Formula: see text] are for the following [Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text]
SOLVENCY MEASUREMENT OF LIFE ANNUITY PRODUCTS
Authors: DIFFOUO PAULINE NGUGNIE , DEVOLDER PIERRE
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we measure the market and the longevity risks borne by an insurer by computing their solvency capital for a given annuity and within an investment strategy. For this purpose, we propose the investment strategy in such a way as to mitigate the solvency capital of the insurer and improve the internal rate of return of a shareholder investing on a given annuity. Numerically, we study the sensitivity of both the solvency capital and the internal rate of return with respect to some significant parameters.
A protein succinylation sites prediction method based on the hybrid architecture of LSTM network and CNN
Authors: Zhang Die , Wang Shunfang
Published: February 2022

The succinylation modification of protein participates in the regulation of a variety of cellular processes. Identification of modified substrates with precise sites is the basis for understanding the molecular mechanism and regulation of succinylation. In this work, we picked and chose five superior feature codes: CKSAAP, ACF, BLOSUM62, AAindex, and one-hot, according to their performance in the problem of succinylation sites prediction. Then, LSTM network and CNN were used to construct four models: LSTM-CNN, CNN-LSTM, LSTM, and CNN. The five selected features were, respectively, input into each of these four models for training to compare the four models. Based on the performance of each model, the optimal model among them was chosen to construct a hybrid model DeepSucc that was composed of five sub-modules for integrating heterogeneous information. Under the 10-fold cross-validation, the hybrid model DeepSucc achieves 86.26% accuracy, 84.94% specificity, 87.57% sensitivity, 0.9406 AUC, and 0.7254 MCC. When compared with other prediction tools using an independent test set, DeepSucc outperformed them in sensitivity and MCC. The datasets and source codes can be accessed at https://github.com/1835174863zd/DeepSucc.
CARES: Context-Aware Trust Estimation for Realtime Crowdsensing Services in Vehicular Edge Networks
Authors: Jang Si Young , Park Sung Kyu , Cho Jin Hee , Lee Dongman
Published: February 2022

The growing number of smart vehicles makes it possible to envision a crowdsensing service where vehicles can share video data of their surroundings for seeking out traffic conditions and car accidents ahead. However, the service may need to deal with situations like malicious vehicles propagating false information to divert other vehicles to arrive at destinations earlier or lead them to dangerous locations. This article proposes a context-aware trust estimation scheme that can allow roadside units in a vehicular edge network to provide real-time crowdsensing services in a reliable manner by selectively using information from trustworthy sources. Our proposed scheme is novel in that its trust estimation does not require any prior knowledge of vehicles on roads but quickly obtains the accurate trust value of each vehicle by leveraging transfer learning. and its Q-learning-based dynamic adjustment scheme autonomously estimates trust levels of oncoming vehicles with the aim of detecting malicious vehicles and accordingly filtering out untrustworthy input from them. Based on an extensive simulation study, we prove that the proposed scheme outperforms existing ones in terms of malicious vehicle detection accuracy.
Nitrogen, Sulfur and Fluorine Tri-Doped Carbon Supporting Cobalt Nanoparticles for Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Guangzhi Yang , Chen Bo , Zhao Wenqing , Xu Minghao , Lu Yang , Xue Yuhua , Zhang Hui-Juan
Published: February 2022

Non-precious metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are urgently needed in clean energy conversion systems, such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Cobalt nanoparticles supported on nitrogen, sulfur and fluorine tri-doped carbon (Co/NSF-C) is a new class of non-precious metal materials, which exhibit ORR catalysis in alkaline media. These catalysts are prepared by pyrolyzing cobalt chloride and melamine sulfuric acid hydrogen fluoride with carbon black in a nitrogen atmosphere at temperatures from 600 °C to 900 °C with Co content from 0 to15wt%. The electrochemical performance of the catalysts shows hat the best temperatures and the best cobalt contents in descending order are 700 °C > 600 °C > 800 °C > 900 °C and 10 wt% ≈ 5 wt% > 15 wt% > 0 wt%, respectively. The catalyst with cobalt content of 10 wt% and prepared at 700 °C (Co/NSF-C700) has a mesopore surface with high heteroatom defect density and a specific surface area of 875 m2 g−1. Co/NSF-C700 exhibits the best ORR catalytic performance with a mainly 4-electron reaction pathway, an ORR peak potential of 0.856 V and the half-wave potential of 0.855 V, as well as a good stability in 0.1 M KOH.
Review—Oxygen Electrocatalysts based on Various Modulation Strategies for Rechargeable Li-O2 Batteries
Authors: Guo Shiquan , Sun Yaxin , Wang Jiaona , Peng Lichong , Li Congju
Published: February 2022

Li-O2 batteries as one of the rechargeable energy storage devices have aroused considerable interests due to the pleasant energy density. However, the development and application of Li-O2 batteries are still restricted by several challenging issues, including high overpotential, poor cycling life, and low round-trip efficiency, due to the sluggish electrochemical kinetic integrating oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reaction (ORR, OER) in the cathode. Therefore, rationally developing innovatively bifunctional electrocatalysts is critical to alleviate the above problems. Focusing on this, in this review, we first present a brief introduction of reaction mechanism and catalysts design requirement to comprehensively understand the correlation between electrochemical performance and electrocatalysts. After that, recent progress in advanced modulation strategies for Li-O2 batteries with vacancies engineering, doping modification, single-atom catalysis, illumination-assisted regulation, and hybrid composites synergy are systematically summarized. In this section, the electronic structure modulation, component coordination, and defect induction strategies are also introduced to enhance the electrocatalytic activity. Finally, the remaining puzzles and perspectives are highlighted. This review is instructive to provide worthy guidance for rationally designing advanced electrocatalysts in Li-O2 batteries.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Metal Electrode/Molten LiCl-KCl-UCl3 Mixtures Interface
Authors: Yang Yang , Lan Jianhui , Liang Bo , Wang Di , Chen Liman , Zhang Meng , Jiao Caishan , Wang Guixiang , Geldiyev Rejep , Li Yifan , Zheng Zhenhang , Sun Yang , Zhou Wentao , Shi Weiqun
Published: February 2022

The structural and dynamical properties of the interface between metal electrode/molten LiCl-KCl-UCl3 mixtures were studied through constant charge molecular dynamics simulation. We observed a layered structure of the metal electrode/molten LiCl-KCl-UCl3 mixtures interface composed by multiple layers of anions and cations. The distribution of U3+ at the interface was ordered, and the increase of electrode charges promoted this ordered interfacial distribution. The differential capacitance curve was a flattened and bell-like shape with the maximum at a negative surface charge due to the characteristic adsorption of cations. Moreover, the interfacial dynamical properties were described qualitatively, and an additional barrier to the diffusion along z-direction caused by layered distribution was found to explain the limitation of diffusion in z-direction at the interface.
Analysis of Persuasive Design Mechanism Based on Unconscious Calculation
Authors: Zheng Hongtao , Li Shuo
Published: February 2022

In order to make users’ behavior more standardized, a persuasive design mechanism analysis method based on unconscious calculation is proposed. Taking the concept of persuasion and the goal of persuading function as the theoretical basis, the user behavior data is obtained in the form of correlation calculation, and the ant colony algorithm is used to classify the behavior data. According to the results of data processing, analyze unconscious behavior and its characteristics, and obtain the persuasion mechanism through unconscious calculation, persuasion model, and persuasion model design. The experimental results show that the method in this paper has a higher acceptance of behavioral persuasion and higher satisfaction of the persuaded, indicating that the method has strong practical applicability.
A Novel Trajectory Tracking Control with Modified Supertwisting Sliding Mode for Human-Robot Cooperation Manipulator in Assembly Line
Authors: Wang Xingyu , Wang Anna , Wang Dazhi , Liu Zhen , Qi Yufei
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the trajectory tracking problem of industrial manipulator with fixed periodic external force on human-robot cooperative assembly line is studied. An advanced fuzzy adaptive supertwisting sliding mode control (FASTSMC) algorithm is proposed to realize the rapid convergence and continuous control of nonlinear control system. In order to enhance the robustness of the system, an arctangent terminal sliding mode surface is designed to deal with the concentrated uncertain disturbance. The supertwisting method is used to overcome the chattering problem in the control law. The fuzzy adaptive technique is used to compensate the centralized disturbance with unknown upper bound. A stiffness identification model is designed to estimate the deviation of the manipulator under external force. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed control scheme is verified by a simulation example of a 4-DOF manipulator.
Serum Bile Acid Profiles in Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults and Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Zhou Yu , Ye Deli , Yuan Xiaofen , Zhou Yonglie , Xia Jun
Published: February 2022

Background. Impaired bile acid (BA) metabolism has been associated with the progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the contribution of BAs to the pathogenesis of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) remains unclear. This study was aimed at investigating the association of serum BAs with different diabetes types and analyzing its correlation with main clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods. Patients with LADA, patients with T2D, and healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Serum BA profiles and inflammatory cytokines were measured. The correlation of BA species with different indicators was assessed by Spearman’s correlation method. Results. Patients with diabetes (LADA and T2D) had significantly higher serum BAs, especially conjugated BAs, compared with those in HCs. Nevertheless, serum BA profiles had no special role in the progression of LADA, because no significant differences in BAs were observed between LADA and T2D patients. Interestingly, HbA1c levels and HOMA-β were found to be correlated with a series of BA species. Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) were all positively associated with several BA species, especially the conjugated secondary BAs. Conclusion. Serum BAs regulate glucose homeostasis, but have no special value in the pathogenesis of LADA patients. Our study adds further information about the potential value of serum BAs in different types of diabetes.
A ML-Based Efficient Chinese Teaching Platform Design and Implementation
Authors: Yang Yun
Published: February 2022

With the development of emerging information technology, the online learning platform represented by “Internet + education” makes online learning a new way of learning. However, at present, most teaching platforms still cannot realize intelligent analysis and evaluation. This article mainly focuses on Chinese language teaching and designs a set of Chinese language teaching platform on the basis of fully studying the characteristics of Chinese language teaching and deep learning strategies. We tested the teaching platform through a series of experiments. A large number of test results show that the Chinese teaching platform designed in this article has a good performance in terms of participation and sense of acquisition, and about 79% of them scored above 3 points.
Application of the Wavelet Transform on the Unusual Lightning Flashes of the Himalayan Region, Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Pitri Bhakta , Adhikari Aashutosh , Adhikari Binod
Published: February 2022

The unusual lightning events are characterized by a pronounced opposite-polarity pulse prior to the main electric field waveform. These electric fields are pertinent to the unusual lightning events recorded in the Himalayan region, at the height of about 1300 m above the sea level, during the premonsoon period of 2015. For the case of unusual events, a downward positive leader approaches the ground, and there is an increase in the downward-directed electric field due to which negative leaders move upwards and will try to intercept. Continuous wavelet transform has been used to understand the features of different events of lightning frequency. The wavelet transform of different events of unusual signals in the present study reveals that the unusual flashes radiate in the spectral range of 1–412.5 kHz in the initial stage and 0.9375–337.5 kHz in the overshoot which conclude that they radiate in very low frequency to very high frequency indicating that they are composed of many microdischarges and low frequencies indicating that they are composed of very long discharges. It is believed that this research work will be useful to design engineers for installing appropriate protective measures on the appliances in the Himalayan regions.
Syngas Production from Agriculture Residues: Sudan
Authors: Rabah Ali A.
Published: February 2022

The study is aimed at evaluating the availability of agriculture residues for syngas production, a case study for Sudan. 10 types of biomass are investigated: sugarcane (bagasse), cotton stalks, sesame straw, groundnut shells, maize straw, sorghum straw, millet straw, sunflower husks, wheat straw, and banana leaves. The available biomass is about 11 Mt/year (3.68 Mtoe). Aspen plus software is applied to simulate the gasification process. The study covered a wide range of operating conditions of steam to biomass ratio (0<SB<2) and equivalent ratio ( 0>ER>0.5). For all types of syngas characteristics, H2 is 0.32-0.42 (mole fraction), CO is 0.13 to 0.16 (mole fraction), LHV is 5.0 to 8.0 MJ/kg, and the yield is ≥1.5. Wheat, groundnut, and sunflower have the best characteristics, while millet and bagasse yield the poorest characteristics. In addition, all types of syngas haveH2/CO>2except Millet. These characteristics make all types of syngas except millet suitable for both energy and industry applications. The potential syngas production is 14.17 Mt/year.
The Role of Anatomical Imaging and Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) for Successful Prediction of a Nonrecurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Authors: Kuwazoe Hiroki , Enomoto Keisuke , Murakami Daichi , Kumashiro Naoko , Takeda Saori , Hotomi Muneki
Published: February 2022

A nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) is a rare anatomical variant of laryngeal nerves that branches directly from the vagus nerve. The anatomical abnormality makes it difficult to identify the NRLN and results in high incidence of accidental nerve injury during surgery. A 76-year-old woman complained of swelling in the right side of her neck and visited our university hospital for further examination. Ultrasonography showed a right thyroid lobe mass with calcification and fine needle aspiration biopsy was classified as class III. Computed tomography revealed that the right subclavian artery branched directly from the descending aorta without branching from the brachiocephalic artery and ran behind the esophagus. Since it was afraid that the accidental injury of NRLN was likely to occur, a right thyroid lobe dissection using intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) was performed. After separating the connective tissue on the thyroid capsule from the right side of the trachea to the inferior pole laterally, the NRLN running across the level of the inferior margin of the cricoid cartilage was identified by using IONM 0.5 mA stimulation. After complete dissection of right thyroid lobe, we again stimulated the NRLN by 0.5 mA and the electromyographic response was confirmed. The pathological analysis confirmed nodular hyperplasia without malignancy; the condition was diagnosed as an adenomatous goiter. There was no vocal cord dysfunction and hoarseness after the surgery. IONM contributed to the prevention of NRLN injury during the surgery. We believe that it is important to confirm the presence or absence of an aberrant subclavian artery on preoperative imaging, and that IONM should be considered to identify the NRLN to prevent vocal cord paralysis if its presence is suspected.
Ellagic Acid: A Review on Its Natural Sources, Chemical Stability, and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Sharifi-Rad Javad , Quispe Cristina , Castillo Carla Marina Salgado , Caroca Rodrigo , Lazo-Vélez Marco A. , Antonyak Halyna , Polishchuk Alexandr , Lysiuk Roman , Oliinyk Petro , De Masi Luigi , Bontempo Paola , Martorell Miquel , Daştan Sevgi Durna , Rigano Daniela , Wink Michael , Cho William C.
Published: February 2022

Ellagic acid (EA) is a bioactive polyphenolic compound naturally occurring as secondary metabolite in many plant taxa. EA content is considerable in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and in wood and bark of some tree species. Structurally, EA is a dilactone of hexahydroxydiphenic acid (HHDP), a dimeric gallic acid derivative, produced mainly by hydrolysis of ellagitannins, a widely distributed group of secondary metabolites. EA is attracting attention due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative properties. EA displayed pharmacological effects in various in vitro and in vivo model systems. Furthermore, EA has also been well documented for its antiallergic, antiatherosclerotic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and neuroprotective properties. This review reports on the health-promoting effects of EA, along with possible mechanisms of its action in maintaining the health status, by summarizing the literature related to the therapeutic potential of this polyphenolic in the treatment of several human diseases.
A Comparative Evaluation of the Radiopacity of Contemporary Restorative CAD/CAM Blocks Using Digital Radiography Based on the Impact of Material Composition
Authors: Elhelbawy Nahla Gamal , Ghouraba Rehab F , Hasaneen Fatma A
Published: February 2022

Purpose. The main purpose of this study was to assess the radiopacity of contemporary restorative computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) materials and the impact of material composition as measured by energy-dispersive X-ray spectrophotometry (EDX) on radiopacity. Materials and Methods. Ten specimens of six CAD/CAM materials with 1 mm thickness were produced and then digitally radiographed with an aluminum (Al) step-wedge (SW) and 1 mm thick tooth slice. The specimen mean gray values (MGVs) were recorded in pixels and compared to an Al-SW, dentin, and enamel of equal thickness. For the elementary analysis of the composition of the materials, EDX was performed. Results. The recorded MGVs ranged between 21.20 ± 4.94 and 238.5 ± 13.61 pixels. Materials were sorted according to the MGVs descendingly, Prettau, Vita Suprinity, Vita Enamic, Shofu, Pekkton, and BioHPP. Prettau and Vita Suprinity had significantly higher MGV than dentin and 1 mm thick Al. In comparison, Vita Enamic had a slightly higher value than dentin and 1 mm thick Al. Although Pekkton and BioHPP had MGV significantly lower than dentin and 1 mm thick Al, Shofu had a significantly lower value than dentin and nonsignificantly lower than 1 mm thick Al (p < 0.05). According to EDX analysis, the examined materials contained several components in varying quantities of radiopacity. Conclusions. The radiopacity of only three studied materials exceeded the International Organization for Standardization’s minimum standards (ISO).
A Real-Time Detection Method of Software Configuration Errors Based on Fine-Grained Configuration Item Types
Authors: Zhang Li , Hao Shengang , Ming Meng
Published: February 2022

With the continuous expansion of software scale and the continuous complexity of software functions, abnormal parameter configuration often brings adverse effects to the software system and even leads to system failure. Therefore, a method is needed to detect whether the parameter configuration is correct. Most of the current configuration errors detection methods focus on the passive diagnosis after the system failure, which cannot solve the potential delay problem of configuration error. This paper proposes an automatic real-time detection method of software configuration errors, in which the configuration items are classified based on the fine-grained configuration item types and related syntax patterns, and the configuration constraint rule base is generated. Then, the real-time exception detection of configuration update operation is realized by using the file operation monitoring function. The experimental results show that this method can accurately classify the types of configuration items and verify the effectiveness of detecting software configuration update exceptions in real time through the constraint rule base. The classification accuracy reaches up to 90.4% on MySQL and 87.4% on Apache.
Partial Stability of Conformable Stochastic Systems
Authors: Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif , Mchiri Lassaad
Published: February 2022

In this study, we investigate the almost sure exponential stability (ASES) and the exponential stability in the p-th moment (ESPM) with respect to part of the variable of conformable stochastic systems (CSSs) by using the Lyapunov methods and the stochastic calculus techniques. In the last section, we illustrate our results with a theoretical example.
Effect of an “Autogenous Leukocyte Platelet-Rich Fibrin Tooth Graft” Combination around Immediately Placed Implants in Periodontally Compromised Sites: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: ElAmrousy Walid , Issa Dalia Rasheed
Published: February 2022

Objective. Autogenous tooth bone graft (ATBG) was suggested as a source for bone grafting materials, especially as they have similar chemical composition to bone. This study goal was to assess the clinical and radiographic consequences of ATBG with or without L-PRF on bone deposition around immediate implants placed in periodontally hopeless sites. Materials and Methods. 26 patients, with periodontally diseased teeth, underwent random assignment to receive the surgical protocol either with L-PRF over ATBG around immediately inserted implants (test group) or without it (control group). Clinical examination was observed. Radiographically, bone changes horizontally and vertically to determine marginal bone loss (MBL) and mesiodistal bone changes were made at the base line and 6 and 9 months after implant insertion. Statistical analysis utilizing paired Student's t-test was used for comparing results within the same group, whereas an independent-sample t-test was used for intergroup variable comparison. Results. All implants met the criteria of success without any complications at the follow-up period. Nonsignificant differences were detected between horizontal bone alterations in both groups at 6 and 9 months

P
>
.001

. The test group showed statistically significant lower MBL than the control group

P
<
.001

. The mesiodistal bone gain in the test group was significantly higher than that of the control group at the 6-month period

P
<
.001

. The mesiodistal bone loss in the control group was significantly higher than that of the test group at the 9-month period

P
<
.001

. Conclusion. The ATBG- L-PRF combination therapy enhances new bone formation and appeared to be a favorable procedure with immediate implant placement, particularly in severe periodontitis cases.
Screening of Hepatitis A and B Seropositivity among Turkish Healthcare Providers Admitted to Occupational Health Services
Authors: Mercan Başpınar Melike
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to determine the protection rates against hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), among healthcare providers (HCPs). The occupational health service data of Gaziosmanpaşa Training and Research Hospital between January 2020 and December 2020 were evaluated for this retrospective observational study. Of the 1,722 participants aged 34.40 ± 9.16 years, 48.6% (n = 861) were male, and 55.0% (n = 975) were doctors and nurses. The anti-HBs seropositivity rate was 87.5% (n = 1,501). None of the participants had anti-HCV antibodies. Twelve participants were HBsAg positive. A level of anti-HBs titer ≥10 mIU/mL was maintained in 66.7% of the HCPs vaccinated in childhood, while 71.3% (n = 1,263) of the participants had anti-HAV IgG. HAV vaccination needs were higher in the doctor and nurse groups than in the other groups (60.5% and 39.5%, respectively,

p

 = 0.003). HBV protection was higher among HCPs in polyclinics/wards and surgery/intensive care units than in those working in the emergency department (odds ratio (OR): 2.099, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.285–3.429; OR: 1.592, 95% CI = 1.037–2.443, respectively). HAV protection was higher in HCPs aged 31–50 years and over 50 years than in those aged 18–30 years (OR: 2.046, 95% CI = 1.647–2.541; OR: 3.615, 95% CI = 2.164–6.037, respectively). In this study, one out of every two HCPs aged 18–30 years admitted to the occupational health control services had not yet received the HAV vaccine. The low levels of HBV protection among HCPs in the emergency department highlight the need for occupational health screening and HBV vaccination for HCPs working in emergency services in hospitals.
Project Executive’s Ethical Leadership and Construction Projects’ Social Responsibility: Evidence from Wuhan, China
Authors: Li Jintao , Ying Wei , Xiong Rao , Ying Chi
Published: February 2022

With the accelerated urbanization and the need for sustainable development in China, the construction projects’ social responsibility (CPSR) has received increasing attention from scholars, but reliable empirical evidence on whether the project executive’s (PE’s) ethical leadership can promote the implementation of the CPSR is insufficient. This study constructs a moderated mediation model in which we examine the role of employees’ organizational identification and organizational justice in the relationship between the PE’s ethical leadership and the organizational CPSR through data of 367 samples collected validly. Through the research, we found that the PE’s ethical leadership has a positive impact on the CPSR, the employee’s organizational identification mediates the relationship between the PE’s ethical leadership and the organizational CPSR, and organizational justice moderates between the PE’s ethical leadership and employee’s organizational identification. The outcomes indicate that the PE’s ethical leadership can promote the implementation of the organizational CPSR. This study reveals the intrinsic action mechanism of the PE’s ethical leadership and the implementation of the organizational CPSR, which has certain implications for improving the performance of CPSR and achieving the sustainable development of the projects.
Use of Autologous Serum Eye Drops with Contact Lenses in the Treatment of Chemical Burn‐Induced Bilateral Corneal Persistent Epithelial Defects
Authors: Chen Yan-Ming , Wang Wei-Yu , Lin Yen-Chun , Tsai Shih-Hao , Lou Yun-Ting
Published: February 2022

Objective. We aim to evaluate the clinical effect of combined topical 20% autologous serum eye drops (ASEs) along with silicone–hydrogel soft contact lenses (SCLs) in the treatment of chemical burn‐induced bilateral corneal persistent epithelial defects (PEDs) and to review the literature of related studies. Methods. From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019, we conducted a retrospective chart review of 8 patients with chemical burn‐induced bilateral corneal PEDs who were unsuccessfully treated with conventional medical therapy and were then treated with combined topical 20% (v/v) ASEs and silicone–hydrogel CLs. The clinical effects and effectiveness of the combined treatment were evaluated. Results. The bilateral corneal PEDs healed in all sixteen eyes of the eight patients within 2 weeks. The patients did not report any discomfort associated with the combined treatment. Improved ocular comfort/visual acuity and decreased conjunctival injection correlated with healing. No recurrent corneal epithelial breakdown was noted during the 3‐month posttreatment follow‐up. Conclusions. The combined treatment of silicone–hydrogel CLs and ASEs can help to stabilize the ocular surface and successfully treat chemical burn‐induced bilateral corneal PEDs. It may be considered as an alternative treatment method for patients with bilateral chemical burn‐induced corneal PEDs with potential corneal melting.
Choroidal Structural Changes of Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection in Eyes with Refractory Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Liu Bing , Ma Guangfeng , Hou Jing , Cong Chenyang
Published: February 2022

Purpose. To access the choroidal structural changes of posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide (PSTA) injection in eyes with refractory diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods. Patients with refractory DME were enrolled and followed for 4 weeks after switching to PSTA injection. All patients underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging, and the choroidal images were binarized into the luminal area and total choroidal area. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were evaluated before and after switching treatments. Results. After switching to PSTA treatment, the final best-corrected visual acuity and central subfield thickness in eyes with refractory DME were significantly improved compared to the baseline values (

P
=
0.002

and

P
<
0.001

, respectively). Both the SFCT and CVI decreased during the follow-up period, and significant decreases were observed at 4-week follow-up (

P
<
0.001

and

P
=
0.012

, respectively). The linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the baseline SFCT and the final visual outcomes (

P
=
0.047

). Conclusions. The alterations of SFCT and CVI in this study suggest that the choroidal vasculature is involved in the pathogenesis of refractory DME and could be affected by PSTA treatment. SFCT rather than CVI may be a prognostic biomarker for eyes with refractory DME.
α-Ketoglutarate Improves Meiotic Maturation of Porcine Oocytes and Promotes the Development of PA Embryos, Potentially by Reducing Oxidative Stress through the Nrf2 Pathway
Authors: Chen Qiang , Gao Leilei , Li Jiannan , Yuan Yitian , Wang Ruibin , Tian Yiqi , Lei Anmin
Published: February 2022

α-Ketoglutarate (α-KG) is a metabolite in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. It has a strong antioxidant function and can effectively prevent oxidative damage. Previous studies have shown that α-KG exists in porcine follicles, and its content gradually increases as the follicles grow and mature. However, the potential mechanism of supplementation of α-KG on porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM) has not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of α-KG on the early embryonic development of pigs and the mechanisms underlying these effects. We found that α-KG can enhance the development of early pig embryos. Adding 20 μM α-KG to the in vitro culture medium significantly increased the rate of blastocyst formation and the total cell number. Compared with to that of the control group, apoptosis in blastocysts of the supplement group was significantly reduced. α-KG reduced the production of reactive oxygen species and glutathione levels in cells. α-KG not only improved the activity of mitochondria but also inhibited the occurrence of apoptosis. After supplementation with α-KG, pig embryo pluripotency-related genes (OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2) and antiapoptotic genes (Bcl2) were upregulated. In terms of mechanism, α-KG activates the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway to regulate the expression of antioxidant-related targets, thus combating oxidative stress during the in vitro culture of oocytes. Activated Nrf2 promotes the transcription of Bcl2 genes and inhibits cell apoptosis. These results indicate that α-KG supplements have a beneficial effect on IVM by regulating oxidative stress during the IVM of porcine oocytes and can be used as a potential antioxidant for IVM of porcine oocytes.
Study on Energy Dissipation Characteristics and Damage Law of Backfill under Cyclic Impact
Authors: Li Xianglong , Zhou Qinglian , Wang Jianguo , Sun Wei , Yao Yongxin , Wu Yongbo , Zhang Zhiping
Published: February 2022

This research aims to study the damaging effect of underground blasting mining pillars on adjacent cemented filling bodies. The filling bodies were made by mixing ore rock with ash sand by the ratio of 1 : 4 and 1 : 6, respectively, which were subjected to cyclic impact tests with the split-Hopkinson pressure bar under the pressure of 0.2 MPa and 0.24 MPa to analyze the energy dissipation characteristics and damage law. The results showed that as the stress wave induced by the cyclic impact was transmitted to the composite specimen, the energy was absorbed for crack growth and development. Then, the energy reflection ratio increased while the energy dissipation ratio and transmission ratio decreased. For the combined specimen with the cement-sand ratio of 1 : 4, after five cycles of impact under the condition of Ip = 0.2 MPa, the damage variables were 0.07, 0.11, 0.51, and 0.56, respectively, since the second time; under the condition of Ip = 0.24 MPa, the damage variables were 0.17, 0.29, 0.55, and 0.66, respectively. After reaching the damage threshold of 0.63, the damage variable showed nonlinearity. Moreover, it was found that the mechanical properties of the filling body affect the whole combined specimen, and the dynamic strength of the combined specimen with the cement-sand ratio of 1 : 4 was higher than that of the cement-sand ratio of 1 : 6. Therefore, it can be concluded that during the two-step pillar recovery, the amount of blasting explosive can be appropriately reduced, and the number of blasting can be increased to reduce the damaging effect of blasting impact on the cemented pillar and reserved pillar to maintain stability.
Clinical Implications of Age in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Comparison of Clinical Outcomes between Children and Young Adults
Authors: Kim Kwangsoon , Kang Sang-Wook , Lee Jandee , Jeong Jong Ju , Nam Kee-Hyun , Chung Woong Youn
Published: February 2022

Background. Pediatric patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) present with unique characteristics compared to adult patients. This study aimed to evaluate clinical presentation and surgical outcomes according to age and to identify the clinical significance of age in DTC. Methods. In total, 98 pediatric patients, 1261 young adult patients, and 4017 adult patients with DTC who underwent thyroid surgery between January 1982 and December 2012 at Yonsei University Hospital (Seoul, Republic of Korea) were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up duration was 120.4 ± 54.2 months. Results. Mean tumor size was significantly larger in the pediatric group than in the adult groups

p
<
0.001

. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the pediatric group (14.3% versus 6.6% versus 3.0%,

p
=
0.004

and

p
<
0.001

). In multivariate analysis, the risk of disease-free survival (DFS) was lower in the adult group (HR, 0.362;

p
<
0.001

). Reanalysis of patients with tumor size of 2–4 cm revealed that the adult group was not a significant risk factor for DFS in multivariate analysis (HR, 0.305; 95% CI, 0.158 to 0.588;

p
<
0.001

). Conclusions. Our findings suggest that pediatric patients present with more aggressive features and higher recurrence rates compared to adult patients and should be carefully treated from initial evaluation to surgery and postoperative care.
BEFP: An Extension Recognition System Based on Behavioral and Environmental Fingerprinting
Authors: Lyu Ting , Liu Liang , Zhu Fangzhou , Hu Simin , Ye Renjun
Published: February 2022

Browser extensions are third-party applications that can customize the browsing experience. Previous studies have shown that browser extension fingerprinting can be used to track users and reveal users’ privacy information by obtaining the browser extension list. However, the proposal of various defense measures weakens the effectiveness of the existing extension fingerprinting technologies. In this paper, we first propose two extension fingerprinting technologies: JavaScript-based environmental fingerprinting and DOM-based behavioral fingerprinting. They, respectively, capture the operation behaviors of extensions on JavaScript properties and webpage’s DOM. Second, we design BEFP, an extension recognition system which comprehensively utilizes the above two technologies to improve the uniqueness of the extension fingerprint. Finally, we collect the latest data set and carry out experiments on the actual scenario where users install multiple extensions. The results show that the true positive rate of extension recognition is as high as 96.3%. And the extension’s detectable rate of BEFP is superior to the existing technologies. Moreover, it is proved that the JavaScript-based environmental fingerprinting can complement the DOM-based fingerprinting to distinguish the extensions with the same DOM modification.
Persistent Stapedial Artery Encountered during Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Jones Holly , Hintze Justin , Gendre Adrien , Wijaya Clifton , Glynn Fergal , Viani Laura , Walshe Peter
Published: February 2022

Objectives. Persistent stapedial artery (PSA) is a rare congenital anomaly that can complicate middle ear surgery. Methods. We present the case of a 25-year-old male who underwent right-sided cochlear implantation. A PSA was encountered lying over the middle promontory intraoperatively. Results. The PSA was carefully lifted off the middle ear promontory using a Hughes elevator to divide adhesions and delineate the artery. The implant electrode was placed through the round window niche in the usual fashion. Tragal cartilage and fibrin glue were used to control the trajectory of the electrode. Conclusion. Cochlear implantation can be performed safely in patients with PSA.
Orientin Prolongs the Longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans and Postpones the Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases via Nutrition Sensing and Cellular Protective Pathways
Authors: Qu Yuan , Shi Lin , Liu Yu , Huang Lv , Luo Huai-Rong , Wu Gui-Sheng
Published: February 2022

Age is the major risk factor for most of the deadliest diseases. Developing small molecule drugs with antiaging effects could improve the health of aged people and retard the onset and progress of aging-associated disorders. Bioactive secondary metabolites from medicinal plants are the main source for development of medication. Orientin is a water-soluble flavonoid monomer compound widely found in many medicinal plants. Orientin inhibits fat production, antioxidation, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we explored whether orientin could affect the aging of C. elegans. We found that orientin improved heat, oxidative, and pathogenic stress resistances through activating stress responses, including HSF-1-mediated heat shock response, SKN-1-mediated xenobiotic and oxidation response, mitochondria unfolded responses, endoplasmic unfolded protein response, and increased autophagy activity. Orientin also could activate key regulators of the nutrient sensing pathway, including AMPK and insulin downstream transcription factor FOXO/DAF-16 to further improve the cellular health status. The above effects of orientin reduced the accumulation of toxic proteins (α-synuclein, β-amyloid, and poly-Q) and delayed the onset of neurodegenerative disorders in AD, PD, and HD models of C. elegans and finally increased the longevity and health span of C. elegans. Our results suggest that orientin has promising antiaging effects and could be a potential natural source for developing novel therapeutic drugs for aging and its related diseases.
Diets Rich in Olive Oil, Palm Oil, or Lard Alter Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Mitochondrial Membrane Composition in Rat Liver
Authors: Djohan Youzan Ferdiand , Camara-Cissé Massara , Fouret Gilles , Bonafos Béatrice , Jover Bernard , Cristol Jean-Paul , Coudray Charles , Feillet-Coudray Christine , Badia Eric
Published: February 2022

Palm oil (crude or refined) and lard are rich in SFA, while olive oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. SFA are considered harmful to health, while polyunsaturated fatty acids are beneficial to health. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of diets rich in crude PO, refined PO, OO, or lard on the mitochondrial membrane, the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, and mitochondrial biogenesis. This was an experimental study in male Wistar rats fed a diet containing 30% of each oil. Rats had free access to food and water. After being fed for 12 weeks, animals were sacrificed and liver mitochondria were collected. This collection was used to determine membrane potential and ROS production, membrane phospholipid and fatty acid composition, citrate synthase activity and respiratory chain complex, cardiolipin synthase protein expression, and expression of selected genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. We found that diets rich in olive oil, palm oil, or lard altered mitochondrial biogenesis by significantly decreasing Pgc1α gene expression and altered the fatty acid composition of rat liver mitochondrial membrane PL.
Comparison of Airway Remodeling in Two Different Endotypes of Allergic Asthma
Authors: Schiffer Matthias , Peters Karin , Peters Marcus
Published: February 2022

Different endotypes of asthma were described in human. Atopic asthma is a T-helper 2 (Th2)-mediated disease consisting mainly of an eosinophilic inflammation in the airways. Other endotypes show neutrophilic inflammation of the airways that is probably based on a Th17 response. There are several mouse models described in the literature to study the Th2 polarized eosinophilic disease, however, only a few models are available which characterize the neutrophilic endotype. The aim of this study was to compare both endotypes in relation to the severity of the allergen-induced inflammation. Groups of either Balb/c or DO11.10 mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide. Mice were subsequently challenged with OVA for different periods of time. They were evaluated for airway hyperreactivity (AHR), cytokine production, airway inflammation, and remodeling of the airways. As expected, Balb/c mice developed a Th2 response with AHR, eosinophilic airway inflammation, and allergen-specific IgE and IgG1. By contrast DO11.10 mice showed a mixed Th1/Th17 response with strong neutrophilic airway inflammation, IgG2a, but only limited induction of AHR. While Balb/c mice showed remodeling of the airways with subepithelial fibrosis and goblet cell metaplasia, airway remodeling in DO11.10 mice was marginal. Both airway inflammation and remodeling resolved after prolonged periods of challenge in both models. In conclusion, strong allergen-induced airway remodeling in mice seems to be triggered by the specific conditions arising from infiltration with eosinophilic granulocytes in the lung. A Th1/Th17 response leading to neutrophilic inflammation does not seem to be sufficient to induce pronounced airway remodeling.
CircOGDH Is a Penumbra Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Liu Yanfang , Li Yufeng , Zang Jiankun , Zhang Tianyuan , Li Yaojie , Tan Zefeng , Ma Dan , Zhang Tao , Wang Shiyong , Zhang Yusheng , Huang Lian , Wu Yousheng , Su Xuanlin , Weng Zean , Deng Die , Tsang Chi Kwan , Xu Anding , Lu Dan
Published: February 2022

Background:

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Prediction of penumbra existence after AIS is crucial for making decision on reperfusion therapy. Yet a fast, inexpensive, simple, and noninvasive predictive biomarker for the poststroke penumbra with clinical translational potential is still lacking. We aim to investigate whether the CircOGDH (circular RNA derived from oxoglutarate dehydrogenase) is a potential biomarker for penumbra in patients with AIS and its role in ischemic neuronal damage.

Methods:

CircOGDH was screened from penumbra of middle cerebral artery occlusion mice and was assessed in plasma of patients with AIS by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to examine the penumbra volumes. CircOGDH interacted with miR-5112 (microRNA-5112) in primary cortical neurons was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assay. Adenovirus-mediated CircOGDH knockdown ameliorated neuronal apoptosis induced by
COL4A4
(Gallus collagen, type IV, alpha IV) overexpression. Transmission electron microscope, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and Western blot were performed to confirm exosomes.

Results:

CircOGDH expression was dramatically and selectively upregulated in the penumbra tissue of middle cerebral artery occlusion mice and in the plasma of 45 patients with AIS showing a 54-fold enhancement versus noncerebrovascular disease controls. Partial regression analysis revealed that CircOGDH expression was positively correlated with the size of penumbra in patients with AIS. Sequestering of miR-5112 by CircOGDH enhanced
COL4A4
expression to elevate neuron damage. Additionally, knockdown of CircOGDH significantly enhanced neuronal cell viability under ischemic conditions. Furthermore, the expression of CircOGDH in brain tissue was closely related to that in the serum of middle cerebral artery occlusion mice. Finally, we found that CircOGDH was highly expressed in plasma exosomes of patients with AIS compared with those in noncerebrovascular disease individuals.

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate that CircOGDH is a potential therapeutic target for regulating ischemic neuronal viability, and is enriched in neuron-derived exosomes in the peripheral blood, serving as a predictive biomarker of penumbra in patients with AIS.