bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Airway relaxation mechanisms and structural basis of osthole for improving lung function in asthma
Authors: Wang Sheng , Xie Yan , Huo Yan-Wu , Li Yan , Abel Peter W. , Jiang Haihong , Zou Xiaohan , Jiao Hai-Zhan , Kuang Xiaolin , Wolff Dennis W. , Huang You-Guo , Casale Thomas B. , Panettieri Reynold A. , Wei Taotao , Cao Zhengyu , Tu Yaping
Published: November 2020

A compound derived from a traditional Chinese medicine targets a phosphodiesterase to induce airway relaxation.
A more rhythmic heartbeat with calcitonin
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: November 2020

Cardiomyocyte-released calcitonin acts on fibroblasts to limit atrial fibrosis and arrhythmia.
Supplemental Material: Seismic velocity structure of the Queen Charlotte terrace off western Canada in the region of the 2012 Haida Gwaii Mw 7.8 thrust earthquake
Authors: Riedel Michael , al. et
Published: November 2020

Modeled ray paths and comparisons to picked arrivals are shown here for the refractions in sediment layers 1 (Fig. S1) and 2 (Fig.S2), the reflections from the bottoms of sediment layers 1 (Fig. S3) and 2 (Fig. S4), the refraction from the bottom of the crustal velocity layer (Fig. S5), and the head-wave from the bottom of the crustal-velocity layer (Fig. S6).
Risky business: a 15-year analysis of fatal coastal drowning of young male adults in Australia
Authors: Lawes Jasmin C , Ellis Annabel , Daw Shane , Strasiotto Luke
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional death, especially for males. In Australian coastal waters, young male adults account for 25% of the burden of male drowning. This study aims to describe young male coastal drowning deaths and to examine the prevalence of risk factors, especially alcohol and drugs.

Methods

Characteristics of unintentional fatal drowning involving males (15–34 years) were compared with other adults (15 years and older). Data were sourced from the National Coronial Information System (Australia) and Surf Life Saving incident reports (2004/2005–2018/2019). Relative risk was calculated and χ2tests of independence were performed (p<0.05). Blood alcohol and drug concentrations were analysed with permutational analyses of variance.

Results

Young males drowned more while jumping (9.85 times), swimming/wading (1.41 times), at rock/cliff locations (1.42 times) and on public holidays (1.8 times). Young males drowned less while boating (0.81 times), scuba diving (2.08 times), offshore (1.56 times) or due to medical factors (3.7 times). Young males drowned more (1.68 times) after consuming illicit drugs (amphetamines 2.26 times; cannabis 2.25 times) and less with prescription drugs (benzodiazepines 2.6 times; opiates 4.1 times; antidepressants 7.7 times). Blood serum concentrations of cannabis were higher in young males, while amphetamine and alcohol were lower.

Discussion

Unsafe behaviours alongside certain activities or locations create deadly combinations of risk factors. A relationship between age, activity, attitude and affluence is proposed, where young males drown more in affordable activities with fewer regulations. Our results support multilevel strategies (spanning life stages) to reduce young male coastal drowning.
Overcoming leukemia heterogeneity by combining T cell engaging bispecific antibodies
Authors: Hoseini Sayed Shahabuddin , Espinosa-Cotton Madelyn , Guo Hong-fen , Cheung Nai-Kong V
Published: November 2020

Background

Leukemia represents about 5% of all human cancers. Despite advances in therapeutics, a substantial number of patients succumb to the disease. Several subtypes of leukemia are inherently more resistant to treatment despite intensive chemotherapy or targeted therapy.

Methods

Here we describe the generation of T cell engaging (CD3) bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) built on humanized IgG frameworks using the IgG(L)-scFv format against two targets expressed on acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and on acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Results

Each BsAb mediated potent anti-leukemia effect against ALL (CD19) and AML (CD33) in vitro and in xenograft models. Importantly, the CD19-specific BsAb (BC250) was effective against hematogenous spread preventing metastases to liver and kidney in mice bearing ALL and Burkitt’s lymphoma xenografts. BC250 was more potent than the The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved BsAb blinatumomab against ALL xenografts in vivo as measured by tumor bioluminescence and mouse survival. Furthermore, the combination of the CD19 and CD33 BsAbs in two xenograft models of mixed phenotype acute leukemia (biphenotypic and bilineal leukemia) was far superior than monotherapy with either of the BsAbs alone.

Conclusions

Selective combinations of these leukemia-specific BsAb offer the potential to overcome tumor heterogeneity or clonal escape in the modern era of antibody-based T cell-driven immunotherapy.
Imaging criteria across pivotal randomized controlled trials for late window thrombectomy patient selection
Authors: Menon Bijoy K , Ospel Johanna Maria , McTaggart Ryan A , Nogueira Raul G , Demchuk Andrew M , Poppe Alexandre , Rempel Jeremy L , Zerna Charlotte , Joshi Manish , Almekhlafi Mohammed A , Field Thalia S , Dowlatshahi Dariush , van Adel Brian Anthony , Sauvageau Eric , Tarpley Jason , Moreira Tiago , Bang Oh Young , Heck Don , Psychogios Marios N , Tymianski Michael , Hill Michael D , Goyal Mayank
Published: November 2020

Background

The DAWN and DEFUSE-3 trials showed the benefit of endovascular treatment (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke patients presenting beyond 6 hours from last known well (LKW) and selected by perfusion imaging criteria. The ESCAPE NA1-trial selected patients based on non-contrast CT (NCCT) Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and multiphase CT angiography (CTA) collateral status. This study compares baseline characteristics, workflow, and outcomes in the EVT arms of DAWN and DEFUSE-3 with late-window patients from the EVT-only arm of ESCAPE-NA1.

Methods

Aggregate data on baseline characteristics, workflow, reperfusion quality, final infarct volume, and clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Score [mRS] at 90 days) in subjects enrolled in the DAWN and DEFUSE-3 EVT arms were compared with similar data from the ESCAPE-NA1 control arm (EVT-only arm) presenting beyond 6 hours from LKW using descriptive statistics.

Results

Baseline characteristics among late-window patients in the ESCAPE NA1 trial were similar to those in the DAWN and DEFUSE-3 EVT arms. Median time from LKW-to-puncture in subjects enrolled in the ESCAPE NA1 trial was 9 hrs (IQR: 7.5–11 hours) when compared with DAWN (n=107; 12.8 hours, IQR: 10.6–16.7 hours) and DEFUSE-3 (n=92; 11.5 hours, IQR: 9.2–12.8 hours). Median post-treatment infarct-volume was largest in the ESCAPE NA1-patients (47 mL [IQR: 19–146] vs median 8 mL [IQR: 0–48] in the DAWN group and 35 mL [IQR: 18–82] in DEFUSE-3), while % mRS 0–2 at 90 days were similar across the three trials (ESCAPE NA1: 50/111 [45%], DAWN: 52/107 [49%], DEFUSE-3: 41/92 [45%]).

Conclusion

Patients enrolled beyond 6 hours from LKW in the ESCAPE-NA1 trial based on NCCT-ASPECTS and mCTA had similar clinical outcomes when compared with patients selected by perfusion imaging in the DAWN and DEFUSE-3 trials.
FoxO3 transcription factor promotes autophagy after oxidative stress injury in HT22 cells
Authors: Deng Aiqing , Ma Limin , Zhou Xueli , Wang Xin , Wang Shouyan , Chen Xia
Published: November 2020

Autophagy has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Forkhead box O3 (FoxO3) transcription factors promote autophagy in heart and inhibit oxidative damage. Here we investigate the role of FoxO3 transcription factors in regulating autophagy after oxidative stress injury in immortalized mouse hippocampal cell line (HT22). The present study confirms that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) injury could induce autophagy and FoxO3 activation in HT22 cells. In addition, overexpression of FoxO3 enhanced H2O2-induced autophagy activation and suppressed neuronal cell damage, while knockdown of FoxO3 reduced H2O2-induced autophagy activation and exacerbated neuronal cell injury. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) resulted in reduced cell viability, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoted nuclear condensation, and decreased expression of antiapoptotic and autophagy-related proteins, indicating that autophagy may have protective effects on H2O2-induced injury in HT22 cells. Moreover, overexpression of FoxO3 prevented exacerbation of brain damage induced by 3-MA. Taken together, these results show that activation of FoxO3 could induce autophagy and inhibit H2O2-induced damage in HT22 cells. Our study demonstrates the critical role of FoxO3 in regulating autophagy in brain.
Commentary on “Past variation in Lower Peace River ice-jam flood frequency” by Wolfe et al. (2020)
Authors: Beltaos Spyros , Peters Daniel L.
Published: November 2020

In contrast to a large body of scientific literature that is based on empirical data and physically based and mathematical analyses, Wolfe et al. (2020) cited proxy-based paleolimnological evidence and argued that the regulation of Peace River has not played a role in the reduced incidence of large ice-jam floods. Such events are essential to the sustenance of perched basins located in the Peace Sector of the Peace–Athabasca Delta. Herein, the arguments advanced by Wolfe et al. (2020) are critically examined and shown to be unconvincing. Relevant literature indicates that a drying trend was first noticed after construction of the Bennett Dam. It is shown, moreover, that the belatedly questioned Traditional Knowledge and Historical ice-jam flood record is a reliable source of information, at least with respect to large floods, which are crucial to perched-basin replenishment. Detailed examination of the Wolfe et al. (2020) magnetic susceptibility (MS) profiles and their interpretation points to serious inconsistencies and leads to a renewed recommendation for coring perched, rather than readily flooded, basins in the future. It is also recommended that the oxbow lakes cored nearly two decades ago be revisited to obtain updated MS profiles. Deficiencies in the interpretation of inferred isotopic-composition time series of three perched basins suggest that all factors influencing such environmental variables be considered before drawing conclusions regarding the frequency of past floods.
Hawking evaporation of black holes in massive gravity
Authors: Hou Meng-Shi , Xu Hao , Ong Yen Chin
Published: November 2020

We study the Hawking evaporation of a class of black hole solutions in dRGT massive gravity, in which the graviton mass gives rise to an effective negative cosmological constant. We found that the effective emission surface can be either proportional to the square of the effective AdS length scale, or corresponds to the square of the impact parameter of the null geodesic that falls onto the photon orbit of the black hole. Furthermore, depending on the black hole parameters, the emission surface could switch from one to another as the black hole loses mass during the evaporation process. Furthermore, the black holes can either evaporate completely or become a remnant at late time. Our result is more generally applicable to any asymptotically anti-de Sitter-like black hole solution in any theory whose metric function has a term linear in the coordinate radius, with massive gravity being only a concrete example.
The conformable space–time fractional Fokas–Lenells equation and its optical soliton solutions based on three analytical schemes
Authors: Zafar Asim , Raheel Muhammad , Bekir Ahmet , Razzaq Waseem
Published: November 2020

This paper is about the study of space–time fractional Fokas–Lenells equation that describes nonlinear wave propagation in optical fibers. Three prominent schemes are employed for extracting different types of exact soliton solutions. In particular, the [Formula: see text] function method, the hyperbolic function method and the simplest Riccati equation scheme are investigated for the said model. As a sequel, a series of soliton solutions are obtained and verified through MATHEMATICA. The obtained solutions are significant additions in some specific fields of physics and engineering. Furthermore, the 3D graphical descriptions are left to analyze the pulse propagation for the reader.
Comparison between the elastic scattering of 12C(α,α)12C and 12C(6He, 6He)12C using different nuclear potentials
Authors: Amer Ahmed Hammad , Penionzhkevich Yu. E. , Ibraheem Awad A. , Hamada Sh.
Published: November 2020

The experimental angular distributions for [Formula: see text]-particles elastically scattered from [Formula: see text]C nucleus in the energy range 48.7–386[Formula: see text]MeV and for 6He+[Formula: see text]C nuclear system in the energy range 5.9–493.8[Formula: see text]MeV have been reanalyzed. Data analysis is performed within the framework of both optical model (OM) and double folding optical model (DFOM). In this model, the real part of the potential is generated using the double folding procedures based on the effective M3Y interaction between projectile nucleons and target nucleons in addition to an imaginary part of Woods–Saxon (WS) form. Two criteria are used in order to observe the nature of 4He and 6He elastically scattered from [Formula: see text]C and the effect of the two neutron halo structure of 6He. First, the extracted potential parameters are utilized for calculating the reflexion coefficients [Formula: see text] which is strongly related to angular momentum [Formula: see text]. Second, the reduction in reaction cross-sections with the projectile’s energy.
Note for Constructing Minimum Integrity Trees with Given Order and Maximum Degree
Authors: LI YINKUI , QIN XIAOXIAO , LI FENGWEI , LI WEN
Published: November 2020

For a given graph G = (V, E), its integrity is defined as I(G) = minX⊂V {|X|+m(G−X)}, where m(G−X) denote the order of the largest component of G−X. In [9], authors discuss the minimum integrity of tree with given order and the maximum degree. In this paper, we point that the result in [9] is flawed and by elementary method characterize the structure of the minimum integrity tree and thus correct Theorem 4.1 in [9]. Finally, we give the construction method of this kind of extremal graph.
Dependence of Precursors on Solution-Processed SnO2 as Electron Transport Layers for CsPbBr3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Zhuang , Chen Jianlin , Huang Caiyou , Kiprono Too Gideon , Zhao Wusong , Qiu Wei , Peng Zhuoyin , Chen Jian
Published: November 2020

In this paper, three kinds of SnO2 precursors were comparatively investigated for low temperature solution-processed SnO2 films as electron transport layers (ETL) of CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs). It was found that the precursor state and solvent type played an important role on the crystallinity and film-forming performance of SnO2. All-inorganic hole-transport-layer-free planar CsPbBr3 PSCs with an architecture of FTO/SnO2/CsPbBr3/carbon were fabricated. The best-performing device with SnO2 as ETL by reflux condensation sol spin-coating technique delivered a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 6.27%, with a short-circuit current density of 7.36[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text], an open-circuit voltage of 1.29[Formula: see text]V, and a fill factor of 65.9%. It was comparable to the highest PCE record 6.7% of the device with the same structure based on TiO2-ETL so far. Moreover, the CsPbBr3 devices without encapsulation exhibited good stability after being stored under ambient conditions with a relative humidity of [Formula: see text]% at room temperature over 1000[Formula: see text]h and 60[Formula: see text]C for 720[Formula: see text]h, respectively. The results promise the commercial potential of CsPbBr3 PSCs using reflux condensation low-temperature solution-processed SnO2 as ETLs for flexible polymer photovoltaic applications.
Algorithmic aspects of total Roman {3}-domination in graphs
Authors: Chakradhar Padamutham , Venkata Subba Reddy Palagiri
Published: November 2020

For a simple, undirected, connected graph [Formula: see text], a function [Formula: see text] which satisfies the following conditions is called a total Roman {3}-dominating function (TR3DF) of [Formula: see text] with weight [Formula: see text]:

(C1) For every vertex [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] has [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) neighbors such that whose sum is at least 3, and if [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] has [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) neighbors such that whose sum is at least 2.

(C2) The subgraph induced by the set of vertices labeled one, two or three has no isolated vertices.

For a graph [Formula: see text], the smallest possible weight of a TR3DF of [Formula: see text] denoted [Formula: see text] is known as the total Roman[Formula: see text]-domination number of [Formula: see text]. The problem of determining [Formula: see text] of a graph [Formula: see text] is called minimum total Roman {3}-domination problem (MTR3DP). In this paper, we show that the problem of deciding if [Formula: see text] has a TR3DF of weight at most [Formula: see text] for chordal graphs is NP-complete. We also show that MTR3DP is polynomial time solvable for bounded treewidth graphs, chain graphs and threshold graphs. We design a [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for the MTR3DP and show that the same cannot have [Formula: see text] ratio approximation algorithm for any [Formula: see text] unless NP [Formula: see text]. Next, we show that MTR3DP is APX-complete for graphs with [Formula: see text]. We also show that the domination and total Roman {3}-domination problems are not equivalent in computational complexity aspects. Finally, we present an integer linear programming formulation for MTR3DP.
Angiographic Findings of the Median Artery in Two Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Park Inkeun , Shim Jae Chan , Kim Choongki , Lee Jun-Ku
Published: November 2020

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common type of entrapment neuropathy. The majority of CTS cases are idiopathic and affect females between 40 and 60 years old. Conversely, this report describes two female patients in their mid-30’s diagnosed with CTS caused by a median artery in the carpal tunnel using ultrasonography. We visualized the median artery which emerged from the radial artery and common interosseous artery in the proximal forearm of each patient by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) before surgery. After the vertical incision of the transverse carpal ligament, the anomalous vessel was encountered, which ran over the median nerve at the radial aspect, and a simple mini-open procedure was performed for carpal tunnel release. Postoperatively, the CTS symptoms were relieved in both patients. The purpose of this report is to describe the persistent median artery using MRA in two patients and to report on their postoperative mini-open carpal tunnel release outcomes.
Implementing a transactional design model to ensure the mindful development of public-facing science communication projects
Authors: Lauer Claire
Published: November 2020

This paper introduces the concept of transactional design---integrating Druschke's "transactional" model of rhetoric and science and Kinsella's model of "public expertise"---to demonstrate how technical communication and user experience (UX) designers and researchers can play an essential role in helping scientists cultivate meaningful relationships with members of the public toward the goal of making scientific content more accessible and actionable. This paper reports on the challenges that arose when a water modeling system built for experts was adapted for a public museum audience. It discusses specific issues the UX team had in contending with outdated "deficit" and "conduit" models of communication when working with scientists to adapt the system; it provides a checklist for steps that technical communication and UX designers and researchers---as those who best understand audiences and work directly with users---can champion the idea of transactional design to setup knowledge-making partnerships toward the co-construction of public-facing scientific communication projects.
Review of "Wicked, Incomplete, and Uncertain: User Support in the Wild and the Role of Technical Communication by Jason Swarts (2018)," Utah State University Press.
Authors: Berger Arthur
Published: November 2020

In
Wicked, Incomplete, and Uncertain
, Jason Swarts examines the changing role of technical communication in addressing user problems that are becoming more specialized and situated within use cases that users themselves do not readily understand. These emergent and real-time problems have led to the rise of online forums and communities, which this books studies in depth. In particular, Swarts studies four community forums for software technology products---Microsoft Excel, Adobe InDesign, Gimp, and Mozilla Thunderbird---that are not only commonly used by technical writers, but also popular products with numerous plug-ins and end users across industries. As a technical writer myself, I have used all of these products, and participate in forums for open source and cloud computing products at the enterprise software company that I work at (IBM). This review seeks to synopsize Swarts's book by reflecting upon how I have or have not used such techniques in my own workplace experience.
Review of "Content Strategy in Technical Communication by Guiseppe Getto, Jack T. Labriola, and Sheryl Ruszkiewicz (Eds.). (2020)," Content strategy in technical communication. Routledge.
Authors: Pfannenstiel A. Nicole
Published: November 2020

Getto, Labriola, and Ruszkiewicz's edited collection,
Content Strategy in Technical Communication
, is an important addition to the field of technical communication, and important as one of the only collections to address best practices in content strategy while also connecting those ideas to pedagogies for teaching. In focusing specifically on content strategy, Getto, Labriola, and Ruszkiewicz note that "content strategists often work within a wide variety of organizations and must respond to an even broader array of situations, challenges, and audience needs" (p. 7). To meet this large array of needs, the chapters in the book argue that pedagogies must integrate content strategy ideas to support student exploration of content strategy work. Connecting content strategy theories and best practices with pedagogies will support more theory development on content strategy, and will provide a better sense of classroom best practices that help learners assess the effectiveness of content, regularly. To accomplish this, the editors divide the book into two parts: Content Strategy Best Practices (chapters 2 through 6) and Content Strategy Pedagogies (chapters 7 through 10).
Knowledge Discovery of News Text Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Guangce Ruan , Lei Xia
Published: November 2020

The explosion of news text and the development of artificial intelligence provide a new opportunity and challenge to provide high-quality media monitoring service. In this article, we propose a semantic analysis approach based on the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and Apriori algorithm, and we realize application to improve media monitoring reports by mining large-scale news text. First, we propose to use LDA model to mine news text topic words and reducing news dimensionality. Then, we propose to use Apriori algorithm to discovering the relationship of topic words. Finally, we discovery the relevance of news text topic words and show the intensity and dependency among topic words through drawing. This application can realize to extract the news topics and discover the correlation and dependency among news topics in mass news text. The results show that the method based on LDA and Apriori can help the media monitoring staff to better understand the hidden knowledge in the news text and improve the media analysis report.
Verification column
Authors: Lazić Ranko
Published: November 2020

In this insightful and timely article, several approaches relevant for verification are discussed for combatting the prohibitively high complexity of the reachability problem for Petri nets. The author generously shares his knowledge of the state of the art, identifying promising directions for immediate further research.
Conference reports
Authors: Pérez Jorge A
Published: November 2020

In this installment, Jamie Vicary (University of Cambridge, UK) reports on OWLS, the Online Worldwide Seminar in Logic and Semantics,
1
which he organizes together with Alexandra Silva (University College London) and Pawel Sobocinski (Tallinn University of Technology) since last April.
A High-Pressure System for Studying Oxygen Reduction During Pt Nanoparticle Collisions
Authors: Zhang Yulun , Robinson Donald A. , McKelvey Kim , Ren Hang , White Henry S. , Edwards Martin A.
Published: November 2020

Here we report measurements of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at single Pt nanoparticles (NPs) through their collision with a Au microdisk electrode of lower electrocatalytic activity. Performing measurements at an elevated pressure (10-atm, pure O2) raises the O2 concentration ∼50-fold over air-saturated measurements, allowing the ORR activity of smaller Pt NPs to be resolved and quantified, compared to measurements taken at atmospheric pressure. Single-NP ORR current vs potential measurements for 2.6, 16, and 24 nm radius citrate-capped Pt NPs, show the catalytic activity of the smallest Pt NPs to be roughly one order of magnitude greater than the activity of the larger NPs. The particle-by-particle nature of our measurement quantifies the distribution of electrocatalytic activities of individual particles, which we determine to be larger than can be explained by the distribution of particle sizes. Additionally, we report that some of the observed ORR current transients contain multiple sharp peaks per single-NP measurement, indicating multiple collisions of a single Pt NP at the electrode surface.
Ionomer Optimization for Water Uptake and Swelling in Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer: Oxygen Evolution Electrode
Authors: Huang Garrett , Mandal Mrinmay , Hassan Noor Ul , Groenhout Katelyn , Dobbs Alexandra , Mustain William E. , Kohl Paul A.
Published: November 2020

Water electrolysis using an anion conductive, solid polymer electrolyte is an attractive method for point-of-use hydrogen production. Recent advances in catalysts and anion exchange membranes (AEM) have made alkaline devices increasingly competitive with their acidic counterparts. However, less attention has been paid to the anion conductive ionomers (ACI) used in the fabrication of electrodes for AEM electrolyzers. The ACI contributes to ion conduction between the catalyst and bulk electrolyte and serves as a binder for adhering the catalyst to the gas diffusion layer and AEM. Ionic conductivity, water uptake and ionomer swelling are critical properties for electrode performance. High ion exchange capacity (IEC) in the ionomer is desired for reduced electrode resistance, however, it can lead to excess water uptake (WU) and disruptive ACI swelling. In this study, a series of poly(norbornene)-based ionomers were synthesized, characterized and used to fabricate oxygen evolving anodes for low-temperature AEM water electrolysis. The IEC of the ionomers (0 to 4.73 meq g−1) was adjusted by controlling the ratio of ion conducting to non-ion conducting norbornene monomers in the ACI tetrablock copolymers. Low conductivity ionomers are shown to yield the best-performing oxygen evolution electrodes, in the absence of ACI polymer cross-linking because they do not experience excessive water swelling. Light cross-linking within the anode ACI was used as a means to independently lower WU of the ionomer without compromising ionic conductivity. This control over water swelling allows higher ionic conductivity within the ACI to be used in water-fed electrolyzer applications. Other methods of water management were compared including the use of hydrophobic additives and adjustment of the ionomer concentration in the electrode. It was shown that the cell performance greatly benefits from a highly conductive ionomer in the oxygen evolution reaction electrode if the WU is managed.
The Presence of Ascites Affects the Predictive Value of HVPG on Early Rebleeding in Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Liu Chuan , Shao Ruoyang , Wang Sining , Wang Guangchuan , Wang Lifen , Zhang Mingyan , Liu Yanna , Liang Mingkai , Li Xiaoguo , Kang Ning , Wang Jitao , Xu Dan , Mao Hua , Zhang Chunqing , Qi Xiaolong
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims. Gastroesophageal variceal bleeding is a serious complication of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients and could be predicted by hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). However, whether the presence of ascites affects the prognostic value of HVPG for patients with acute variceal bleeding is still unknown. This retrospective study is aimed at investigating the influence of ascites on predictive performance of HVPG for early rebleeding in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding. Methods. In this retrospective study, a total of 148 patients with cirrhosis hospitalized for acute variceal bleeding who underwent HVPG measurement and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) for the prevention of rebleeding were included. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and logistical regression method were employed to analyze the predictive performance of HVPG for early rebleeding. The locally weighted scatterplot smoothing approach was adopted to assess the monotonicity between bleeding risk and HVPG. Results. A significantly higher HVPG level was observed in patients with early rebleeding compared to patients without rebleeding in the nonascites cohort. When using HVPG to predict early rebleeding, there was a lower area under curve in the ascites cohort compared to the nonascites cohort. HVPG was recognized as a risk factor for early rebleeding by a logistic regression model only in the nonascites cohort. An overall monotonicity in the trend of change in HVPG and risk for early rebleeding was observed in the nonascites cohort solely. Conclusion. The predictive value of HVPG for early rebleeding in patients with cirrhosis that developed acute variceal bleeding is hindered by the presence of ascites.
Effect of Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Coated with Polar Material and the Antibacterial Activity on Marine Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Feng Yanli , Deng Tian , Lai Xiaohua , Feng Zhihua , Lyu Mingsheng , Wang Shujun
Published: November 2020

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have become one of the current research hotspots and are used in many fields such as electrochemistry, energy, bioanalysis, and environmental monitoring, especially in the field of antibacterial research. In this study, we investigated the effect of properties of Ag NPs coated with polar materials. Ag NPs covered by a dispersant that was triethylene glycol monoethyl ether was stable and conquered the aggregation of Ag NPs. The effect of the dispersant on biocompatibility was explored through interaction experiments between Ag NPs and DNA sequence. The coated Ag NPs could adsorb DNA, and the fluorescence of FAM-DNA could be quenched by Ag NPs. The adsorption and desorption experiments of DNA showed that the order of DNA functional groups on the interaction process was phosphate>T>C>A>G. Moreover, we selected marine pathogenic bacteria to test the antibacterial effect of Ag NPs coated with a polar dispersant. The polar material had a certain inhibitory effect on the antibacterial activity of Ag NPs. However, small molecules such as bases could interact on the surface Ag NPs and release Ag+ to perform the antibacterial activity. The results could contribute to the further application of Ag NPs.
Methylprednisolone Pulse Therapy or Additional IVIG for Patients with IVIG-Resistant Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Wang Zhouping , Chen Feiyan , Wang Yanfei , Li Wei , Xie Xiaofei , Liu Peiying , Zhang Xu , Zhang Li , Huang Ping
Published: November 2020

There have been no robust data from clinical trials to guide the clinician in the choice of therapeutic agents for the child with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance. The treatment regimen for IVIG-resistant patients varies between institutions, and the best option has not yet been established. Therefore, in this trial, a total of 955 patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) were selected and were initially treated with IVIG (2 g/kg), of whom 80 (8.38%) assessed as IVIG resistant were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received the second IVIG treatment (n=40), and Group B received methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPT,n=40). The whole fever time, duration of fever after retreatment, hospital days, medical costs, readmission rate, and laboratory examination difference (△) were calculated. Coronary artery lesion (CAL) outcomes were followed up over two years. Patients in the MPT group had shorter fever after retreatment and lower medical costs; more rapid declines in C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophils (N%), and platelet (PLT) levels; and more rapid rise in sodium. However, they also probably had a higher incidence of treatment failure and CALs than the additional IVIG treatment group in the long-term follow-up. Caution is still required in the use of MPT to treat IVIG-resistant KD.
An Ontology-Based Framework for Integrating Remote Sensing Imagery, Image Products, and In Situ Observations
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhuo Xinyan , Li Pengfei , Chen Nengcheng , Wang Wei , Chen Zeqiang
Published: November 2020

Along with the rapid development of remote sensing satellites and sensor network technology, vast amounts of remote sensing imagery and in situ observations have been accumulated. Further, various researchers and agencies have released a variety of thematic image products. These heterogeneous observations are therefore difficult to utilize comprehensively. In this study, an ontology-based framework for integrating remote sensing imagery, image products, and in situ observations was developed. It was extended based on the Semantic Sensor Network (SSN) ontology in the Web Ontology Language (OWL). The detailed process of ontology construction and rule establishment was demonstrated. Combined with some actual remote sensing imagery, image products, and in situ observations, semantic queries based on DL Query and SPARQL were conducted to establish the rationality and feasibility of the ontology and framework.
Assessment of Three Mathematical Prediction Models for Forecasting the COVID-19 Outbreak in Iran and Turkey
Authors: Niazkar Majid , Eryılmaz Türkkan Gökçen , Niazkar Hamid Reza , Türkkan Yusuf Alptekin
Published: November 2020

COVID-19 pandemic has become a concern of every nation, and it is crucial to apply an estimation model with a favorably-high accuracy to provide an accurate perspective of the situation. In this study, three explicit mathematical prediction models were applied to forecast the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran and Turkey. These models include a recursive-based method, Boltzmann Function-based model and Beesham’s prediction model. These models were exploited to analyze the confirmed and death cases of the first 106 and 87 days of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran and Turkey, respectively. This application indicates that the three models fail to predict the first 10 to 20 days of data, depending on the prediction model. On the other hand, the results obtained for the rest of the data demonstrate that the three prediction models achieve high values for the determination coefficient, whereas they yielded to different average absolute relative errors. Based on the comparison, the recursive-based model performs the best, while it estimated the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran better than that of in Turkey. Impacts of applying or relaxing control measurements like curfew in Turkey and reopening the low-risk businesses in Iran were investigated through the recursive-based model. Finally, the results demonstrate the merit of the recursive-based model in analyzing various scenarios, which may provide suitable information for health politicians and public health decision-makers.
Dynamic Model for Axial Motion of Horizontal Pelton Turbine and Validation in Actual Failure Case
Authors: Rodriguez C. G. , Zambrano D. , Reyes S. , Tapia J. , Egusquiza M. , Egusquiza E.
Published: November 2020

Pelton turbines are important machines for power generation from a renewable energy source such as water. For power rates below 20 MW, the rotor of Pelton turbines is usually in horizontal position. Considering ideal mounting and operating conditions, there are no axial forces acting on the rotor. In practice, there is an hydraulic force due to the difference between nozzle centerline and bucket centerline, and there is a magnetic force due to the difference between axial position of stator and rotor magnetic field centers. These forces are supported by bearings. In this article, a nonlinear dynamic model considering these axial forces and bearings behavior is presented and solved for two different actual Pelton turbines. The nonlinear dynamic model allows determining and evaluating the source of axial motion and therefore provides valuable information in order to reduce it when the axial displacement is high enough to produce damage.
Neural Network-Based Train Identification in Railway Switches and Crossings Using Accelerometer Data
Authors: Krč Rostislav , Podroužek Jan , Kratochvílová Martina , Vukušič Ivan , Plášek Otto
Published: November 2020

This paper aims to analyse possibilities of train type identification in railway switches and crossings (S&C) based on accelerometer data by using contemporary machine learning methods such as neural networks. That is a unique approach since trains have been only identified in a straight track. Accelerometer sensors placed around the S&C structure were the source of input data for subsequent models. Data from four S&C at different locations were considered and various neural network architectures evaluated. The research indicated the feasibility to identify trains in S&C using neural networks from accelerometer data. Models trained at one location are generally transferable to another location despite differences in geometrical parameters, substructure, and direction of passing trains. Other challenges include small dataset and speed variation of the trains that must be considered for accurate identification. Results are obtained using statistical bootstrapping and are presented in a form of confusion matrices.
Repressor Element 1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) Governs Microglia-Like BV2 Cell Migration via Progranulin (PGRN)
Authors: Yu Tongya , Lin Yingying , Xu Yuzhen , Dou Yunxiao , Wang Feihong , Quan Hui , Zhao Yanxin , Liu Xueyuan
Published: November 2020

Microglia activation contributes to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) etiology, and microglia migration is a fundamental function during microglia activation. The repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST), a powerful transcriptional factor, was found to play a neuroprotective role in AD. Despite its possible role in disease progression, little is known about whether REST participates in microglia migration. In this study, we aimed to explore the function of REST and its molecular basis during microglia migration under Aβ1-42-treated pathological conditions. When treated by Aβ1-42 REST was upregulated through JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway in BV2 cells. And transwell coculture system was used to evaluate cell migration function of microglia-like BV2. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting progranulin (PGRN) were delivered into BV2 cells, and results showed that PGRN functions to promote BV2 migration. REST expression was inhibited by sh-RNA, which induced BV2 cell migration obviously. On the contrary, REST was overexpressed by REST recombinant plasmid transfection, which repressed BV2 cell migration, indicating that REST may act as a repressor of cell migration. To more comprehensively examine the molecular basis, we analyzed the promoter sequence of PGRN and found that it has the potential binding site of REST. Moreover, knocking-down of REST can increase the expression of PGRN, which confirms the inhibiting effect of REST on PGRN expression. Further detection of double luciferase reporter gene also confirmed the inhibition of REST on the activity of PGRN promoter, indicating that REST may be an inhibitory transcription factor of PGRN which governs microglia-like BV2 cell migration. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that transcription factor REST may act as a repressor of microglia migration through PGRN.
Correction of a Class III Malocclusion with a Functional Shift and Severe Crowding
Authors: Alogaibi Yahya A. , Al-Fraidi Ahmad A. , Alhajrasi Manar K. , Hassan Ali A.
Published: November 2020

A forward functional shift of the mandible is a significant problem that can cause both functional and aesthetic complications for many patients. This shift usually occurs in growing patients, and it is unusual to see in adult patients. This case report shows an adult patient with a forwarding functional shift that caused both anterior and posterior crossbites with a pseudo class III dental and skeletal relationship. The patient also showed severe upper arch crowding with blocked-out canines and mild crowding in the lower arch. The treatment of this patient involved extraction of the upper right and left first premolars and the lower right first premolar, followed by opening of the bite to relieve the neuromuscular reflex of the forward protrusion of the mandible during centric occlusion and to correct both the anterior and posterior crossbites. Extraction spaces were closed using class III elastics and elastomeric chains. At the end of the treatment, good functional and aesthetic results were obtained after the elimination of the forward functional shift.
Varying Presentations of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Temporarily Associated with COVID-19
Authors: Krikilion Jasmina , Nuyttens Lisa , Daelemans Siel , François Karlien , Mauel Reiner , De Wolf Daniel , van Berlaer Gerlant
Published: November 2020

Background. A novel coronavirus identified in 2019 leads to a pandemic of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome with important morbidity and mortality. Initially, children seemed minimally affected, but there were reports of cases similar to (atypical) Kawasaki disease or toxic shock syndrome, and evidence emerges about a complication named paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporarily associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Case Presentations. Two cases were compared and discussed demonstrating varying presentations, management, and evolution of MIS-C. These cases are presented to increase awareness and familiarity among paediatricians and emergency physicians with the different clinical manifestations of this syndrome. Discussion. MIS-C may occur with possible diverse clinical presentations. Early recognition and treatment are paramount for a beneficial outcome.
Discrete Optimization on Train Rescheduling on Single-Track Railway: Clustering Hierarchy and Heuristic Search
Authors: Zhang Zhengkun , Zhu Changfeng , Ma Wenhu
Published: November 2020

This paper focuses on discrete dynamic optimization on train rescheduling on single-track railway with the consideration of train punctuality and station satisfaction degree. A discrete dynamic system is firstly described to mimic train rescheduling, and a state transition function is specially designed according to the train departure event. The purpose of this function is to improve simulation efficiency by directly confirming the next discrete time. After the construction and analysis of optimization models to discrete dynamic system, a two-stage heuristic search strategy is developed, by using clustering hierarchy theory and stochastic search strategy, to obtain train departure time and arrival time before each state transition of the system. Finally, a numerical experiment is conducted to verify the proposed system, models, and the heuristic search strategy. The result shows that the discrete dynamic system, together with the state transition function and heuristic search strategy, shows better performance in simulation efficiency and solution quality.
Beetle Swarm Optimization Algorithm-Based Load Control with Electricity Storage
Authors: He Hengjing , Zhou Shangli , Zhang Leping , Lin Junhong , Chen Weile , Wu Di
Published: November 2020

Based on the intelligent bidirectional interactive technology, this paper studies the flexible working mode and optimal power consumption strategy of several typical power consumption loads including energy storage equipment. Based on the real-time price scheme, the objective function and constraints are obtained, and the adaptive algorithm for beetle swarm optimization with variable whisker length is used to optimize so that the electric equipment can automatically change its power load through the intelligent terminal and even work in the way of reverse power transmission. The proposed optimal scheduling algorithm can not only maximize the interests of users but also ensure the minimum peak to average ratio so as to realize peak shaving and valley filling. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Utilization of an Intraoperative Grading Scale in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Nepalese Perspective
Authors: Baral Suman , Chhetri Raj Kumar , Thapa Neeraj
Published: November 2020

Introduction. Difficult geographic diversity and late presentation to medical attention often make the laparoscopic cholecystectomy difficult and chances of conversion and complication remains. Various preoperative grading scales have been developed for predicting the difficulty of surgery in cholecystitis patients; however, intraoperative assessment of anatomical status and inflammation of the gall bladder has not been assessed till date except for some guidelines like the Parkland grading scale (PGS). We aimed to utilise this guideline in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in rural community of the developing nation. Methods. PGS was applied for all the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laboratory and outcome factors like preoperative white blood cells (WBC), open conversion, subtotal cholecystectomy, length of surgery, and bile leaks postoperatively were assessed. Results. Among 178 patients who underwent cholecystectomy, there were 40 grade one GBs, 90 grade two GBs, 26 grade three GBs, 16 grade four GBs, and six grade five GBs. With a conversion rate of 6.74%, eight patients underwent subtotal cholecystectomy. Among them, four patients were graded as 5th grade, two as 4th grade, and two as 3rd grade according to PGS system. Postoperative bile leak was seen in three patients among which two were grade five GBs and one was grade four. Preoperative WBC, conversion to open, subtotal cholecystectomy, length of surgery, and postoperative bile leak all significantly increased with increasing grades (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusion. PGS can be applied in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the rural setting of a developing nation. With its application, postoperative course could be predicted and adequate counselling can be done about the possibilities of the outcome.