bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalyst-Integrated Gas Diffusion Electrodes for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolysis: Porous Titanium Sheets with Nanostructured TiO2 Surfaces Decorated with Ir Electrocatalysts
Authors: Yasutake Masahiro , Kawachino Daiki , Noda Zhiyun , Matsuda Junko , Lyth Stephen M. , Ito Kohei , Hayashi Akari , Sasaki Kazunari
Published: September 2020

Novel catalyst-integrated gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) cells are presented, in which porous titanium microfiber sheets are etched in NaOH to generate a nanostructured TiO2 surface, followed by arc plasma deposition (APD) of iridium nanoparticles. The porous titanium sheet acts as a gas diffusion layer (GDL); the nanostructured TiO2 surface acts as a catalyst support with large surface area; and the iridium nanoparticles act as the electrocatalyst. The performance of these unique GDEs in PEMWE cells was optimized by etching in different NaOH concentrations to vary the nanostructure of the TiO2; and by varying the Ir loading via the number of APD pulses. The current-voltage characteristics and the durability of the optimized GDEs were comparable to those reported in the literature using conventional Ir-based electrocatalysts, and electrolysis was achieved with current density up to 5 A cm−2. The main advantages of this catalyst-integrated GDE include the very low iridium loading (i.e. around 0.1 mg cm−2, or just one-tenth of the loading typically used in conventional PEMWEs); high electrolysis current density; the fabrication of stacks with fewer components; and the fabrications of thinner stacks. This could ultimately lead to smaller and lower cost PEMWE systems.
Corrosion of Binder Jetting Additively Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel of Different Surface Finish
Authors: Atapour Masoud , Wang Xuying , Persson Mats , Odnevall Wallinder Inger , Hedberg Yolanda S.
Published: September 2020

One technique of additive manufacturing is the binder-jetting technique that has the advantages of low costs, printing at room temperature and in air, and no need of a support structure. The aim of this study was to investigate the corrosion behavior of printed 316L surfaces with and without different post surface treatments of blasting and superfinishing. Comparative studies were performed on abraded wrought 316L. Surface topography, porosity, surface oxide composition, and electrochemical characteristics, including pitting corrosion, were investigated at room temperature as a function of post surface treatments in diluted hydrochloric acid at pH 1.5. The blasting and superfinishing treatment significantly reduced the surface roughness and level of surface porosity. Blasting detrimentally affected on the pitting corrosion resistance. The superfinishing process induced an enrichment of chromium in the surface oxide and improved the pitting corrosion resistance. All surfaces revealed slightly reduced susceptibility to pit initiation and metastable pitting as compared to wrought 316L, possibly explained by the absence of inclusions. Once pitting propagation was induced, repassivation was hindered for all surfaces compared with the wrought surface. The pitting corrosion resistance of the as-superfinished 316L was improved compared with wrought 316L.
Hybrid PCDTBT:PCBM:Graphene-Nanoplatelet Photoabsorbers
Authors: Mohammadnezhad Mahyar , Aïssa Brahim , Harnagea Catalin , Rosei Federico
Published: September 2020

We study the photoactive properties of poly [N-9′-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4′,7′di-2-thienyl-2′,1′,3′-benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT): [6,6]-Phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) thin films under ultraviolet irradiation as well as their photo-oxidation, thermal and electrical properties. We compare their stability and performance with composites obtained by integrating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). Compared to the pristine polymer, an increase in light absorption and photoluminescence quenching were observed in PCDTBT:PCBM:GNPs. This indicates the occurrence of electron transfer from the conjugated polymer to the empty state of the GNP, through the interfacial bonding based on CH-π and ππ interactions, thereby reducing the photodegradation of the active layer. This is manifested by a significant decline in photo-oxidation, followed by improved thermal stability and suppressed phase separation and aggregation of the PCBM molecules. Atomic force microscopy imaging of the PCDTBT:PCBM:GNPs nanocomposite revealed that graphene flakes enhance the order of the polymeric structures. Finally, we discuss the effect of the GNPs content on the electrical conductivity and electron mobility of the photoactive layer. Our findings offer significant insights into the PV properties and photo physics of hybrid organic bulk-heterojunction solar cells, paving the way towards enhancing their durability and long term performance.
Heterogeneous groups of alveolar type II cells in lung homeostasis and repair
Authors: Chen Qian , Liu Yuru
Published: September 2020

Alveoli are the gas-exchanging units of the lung, and the alveolar barrier is often a key battleground where pathogens, allergens, and other insults from the environment are encountered. This is seen in the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as alveolar epithelium is one of the major targets of SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Thus, it is essential to understand the mechanisms in order to maintain the integrity of alveoli epithelium. Alveolar type II (AT2) cells behave as tissue stem cells that repair alveoli epithelium during steady-state replacement and after injury. However, not all AT2 cells are equal in their ability for self-renewal or differentiation. Through marker gene identification, lineage tracing, and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), distinct subpopulations of AT2 cells have been identified that play the progenitor role in a different context. The revelation of AT2 heterogeneity has brought new insights into the role of AT2 cells in various lung disease settings and potentiates the finding of more therapeutics targets. In this mini review, we discuss the recently identified subpopulations of AT2 cells and their functions under steady-state, postinjury, and pathological conditions.
Interactive and independent effects of early lipopolysaccharide and hyperoxia exposure on developing murine lungs
Authors: Shrestha Amrit Kumar , Menon Renuka T. , El-Saie Ahmed , Barrios Roberto , Reynolds Corey , Shivanna Binoy
Published: September 2020

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic infantile lung disease that lacks curative therapies. Infants with BPD-associated PH are often exposed to hyperoxia and additional insults such as sepsis that contribute to disease pathogenesis. Animal models that simulate these scenarios are necessary to develop effective therapies; therefore, we investigated whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and hyperoxia exposure during saccular lung development cooperatively induce experimental BPD-PH in mice. C57BL/6J mice were exposed to normoxia or 70% O2 (hyperoxia) during postnatal days (PNDs) 1–5 and intraperitoneally injected with varying LPS doses or a vehicle on PNDs 3–5. On PND 14, we performed morphometry, echocardiography, and gene and protein expression studies to determine the effects of hyperoxia and LPS on lung development, vascular remodeling and function, inflammation, oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. LPS and hyperoxia independently and cooperatively affected lung development, inflammation, and apoptosis. Growth rate and antioxidant enzyme expression were predominantly affected by LPS and hyperoxia, respectively, while cell proliferation and vascular remodeling and function were mainly affected by combined exposure to LPS and hyperoxia. Mice treated with lower LPS doses developed adaptive responses and hyperoxia exposure did not worsen their BPD phenotype, whereas those mice treated with higher LPS doses displayed the most severe BPD phenotype when exposed to hyperoxia and were the only group that developed PH. Collectively, our data suggest that an additional insult such as LPS may be necessary for models utilizing short-term exposure to moderate hyperoxia to recapitulate human BPD-PH.
Contribution of afferent pathway to vagal nerve stimulation-induced myocardial interstitial acetylcholine release in rats
Authors: Kawada Toru , Sonobe Takashi , Nishikawa Takuya , Hayama Yohsuke , Li Meihua , Zheng Can , Uemura Kazunori , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Pearson James T. , Sugimachi Masaru
Published: September 2020

Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) has been explored as a potential therapy for chronic heart failure. The contribution of the afferent pathway to myocardial interstitial acetylcholine (ACh) release during VNS has yet to be clarified. In seven anesthetized Wistar-Kyoto rats, we implanted microdialysis probes in the left ventricular free wall and measured the myocardial interstitial ACh release during right VNS with the following combinations of stimulation frequency (F in Hz) and voltage readout (V in volts): F0V0 (no stimulation), F5V3, F20V3, F5V10, and F20V10. F5V3 did not affect the ACh level. F20V3, F5V10, and F20V10 increased the ACh level to 2.83 ± 0.47 ( P < 0.01), 4.31 ± 1.09 ( P < 0.001), and 4.33 ± 0.82 ( P < 0.001) nM, respectively, compared with F0V0 (1.76 ± 0.22 nM). After right vagal afferent transection (rVAX), F20V3 and F20V10 increased the ACh level to 2.90 ± 0.53 ( P < 0.001) and 3.48 ± 0.63 ( P < 0.001) nM, respectively, compared with F0V0 (1.61 ± 0.19 nM), but F5V10 did not (2.11 ± 0.24 nM). The ratio of the ACh levels after rVAX relative to before was significantly <100% in F5V10 (59.4 ± 8.7%) but not in F20V3 (102.0 ± 8.7%). These results suggest that high-frequency and low-voltage stimulation (F20V3) evoked the ACh release mainly via direct activation of the vagal efferent pathway. By contrast, low-frequency and high-voltage stimulation (F5V10) evoked the ACh release in a manner dependent on the vagal afferent pathway.
Modeling the Traffic Flow of the Urban Signalized Intersection with a Straddling Work Zone
Authors: Zhu Liling , Jia Bingmei , Yang Da , Wu Yuezhu , Yang Guo , Gu Jingang , Qiu Hongtong , Guo Qian
Published: September 2020

Work zones widely exist on urban roads in many countries and have a significant negative impact on traffic. Few studies have focused on modeling the traffic flow of the work zone on the urban arterials, especially on the work zone at the intersections. In this paper, a microscopic model based on the social force theory for the traffic flow of the intersection with a specific work zone, called straddling work zone, is proposed. The model can capture the no lane division and irregular boundary characteristics of the traffic of the intersection with a straddling work zone and also can reflect the interaction of the intersection traffic flows from the two opposite directions. The proposed model is calibrated and validated using the real work zone data, and the results display that the MARE values are all less than 10%. The factors affecting the traffic flow in the straddling work zone are analyzed through simulation. Our study reveals that the distance from the lower edge of the work zone to the median divider of the road and the proportion of large vehicles in the work zone have the greatest impact on the signalized intersection, which provides a reference for the future traffic control at the intersection with the straddling work zone.
Asymptotic Stability of Distributed-Order Nonlinear Time-Varying Systems with the Prabhakar Fractional Derivatives
Authors: Derakhshan MohammadHossein , Aminataei Azim
Published: September 2020

In this article, we survey the Lyapunov direct method for distributed-order nonlinear time-varying systems with the Prabhakar fractional derivatives. We provide various ways to determine the stability or asymptotic stability for these types of fractional differential systems. Some examples are applied to determine the stability of certain distributed-order systems.
Protective Effects of Crocetin against Radiation‐Induced Injury in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Chen , Chen Kequan , Wang Jinghua , Zheng Zhongwen , Luo Yujun , Zhou Weijie , Zhuo Zewei , Liang Jun , Sha Weihong , Chen Hao
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims. Treatment options for radiation‐induced intestinal injury (RIII) are limited. Crocetin has been demonstrated to exert antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti‐inflammatory effects on various diseases. Here, we investigate the effects of crocetin on RIII in vitro. Materials and Method. IEC‐6 cells exposed to 10 Gy of radiation were treated with different doses of crocetin (0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μM), and cell viability was assessed by CCK‐8. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) in culture supernatants were measured using colorimetric and ELISA kits, respectively. Cellular apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/PI double staining. Results. Crocetin dose‐dependently improved the survival of irradiated IEC‐6 cells with the optimal dose of 10 μM, as indicated by the reduction of cellular apoptosis, decreased levels of MDA, MPO, and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IFN‐γ), and increased activities of antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx). Conclusion. Our findings demonstrated that crocetin alleviated radiation‐induced injury in intestinal epithelial cells, offering a promising agent for radioprotection.
Identification of the DNA Replication Regulator MCM Complex Expression and Prognostic Significance in Hepatic Carcinoma
Authors: Cao Ting , Yi Shi-jie , Wang Li-xin , Zhao Juan-xia , Xiao Jiao , Xie Ni , Zeng Zhi , Han Qi , Tang Hai-ou , Li Yu-kun , Zou Juan , Wu Qing
Published: September 2020

Background. The microliposome maintenance (MCM) complex, MCM2‐7, is revealed to be involved in multiple cellular processes and plays a key role in the development and progression of human cancers. However, the MCM complex remains poorly elaborated in hepatic carcinoma (HCC). Methods. In the study, we found the mRNA and protein level by bioinformatics. We also explored the prognostic value, genetic alteration, interaction network, and functional enrichment of MCM2‐7. The MCM expression and correlation among these MCMs in HCC cell lines were identified by western blot. Results. MCM2‐7 was significantly increased in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues. The high level of MCM2‐7 had a positive correlation with poor prognosis. However, MCM2‐7 alterations were not correlated with poor OS. MCMs were both increased in HCC cell lines compared to the normal hepatocyte cell line. Furthermore, the positive correlation was found among MCMs in HCC cell lines. Conclusions. The MCM complex was increased in HCC tissues and cell lines and negatively correlated with prognosis, which might be important biomarkers for HCC.
A Simple and Accurate Apollo-Trained Neural Network Controller for Mars Atmospheric Entry
Authors: Wang Hao , Elgohary Tarek A.
Published: September 2020

We present a new method to design the controller for Mars capsule atmospheric entry using deep neural networks and flight-proven Apollo entry data. The controller is trained to modulate the bank angle with data from the Apollo entry simulations. The neural network controller reproduces the classical Apollo results over a variation of entry state initial conditions. Compared to the Apollo controller as a baseline, the present approach achieves the same level of accuracy for both linear and nonlinear entry dynamics. The Apollo-trained controller is then applied to Mars entry missions. As in Earth environment, the controller achieves the desired level of accuracy for Mars missions using both linear and nonlinear entry dynamics with higher uncertainties in the entry states and the atmospheric density. The deep neural network is only trained with data from Apollo reentry simulation in an Earth model and works in both Earth and Mars environments. It achieves the desired landing accuracy for a Mars capsule. This method works with both linear and nonlinear integration and can generate the bank angle commands in real-time without a prestored trajectory.
Developing an Efficient Deep Learning-Based Trusted Model for Pervasive Computing Using an LSTM-Based Classification Model
Authors: He Yang , Nazir Shah , Nie Baisheng , Khan Sulaiman , Zhang Jianhui
Published: September 2020

Mobile and pervasive computing is one of the recent paradigms available in the area of information technology. The role of pervasive computing is foremost in the field where it provides the ability to distribute computational services to the surroundings where people work and leads to issues such as trust, privacy, and identity. To provide an optimal solution to these generic problems, the proposed research work aims to implement a deep learning-based pervasive computing architecture to address these problems. Long short-term memory architecture is used during the development of the proposed trusted model. The applicability of the proposed model is validated by comparing its performance with the generic back-propagation neural network. This model results with an accuracy rate of 93.87% for the LSTM-based model much better than 85.88% for the back-propagation-based deep model. The obtained results reflect the usefulness and applicability of such an approach and the competitiveness against other existing ones.
Effect of Huoxiang Zhengqi Pill on Early Neurological Deterioration in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Recanalization Therapy and Predictive Effect of Essen Score
Authors: Huang Zhi-Xin , Lin Jianguo , Zhang Cheng , Dai Ying-Yi , Lin Songbin , Liu Xintong
Published: September 2020

Early neurologic deterioration (END) in the acute phase of ischemic stroke is a serious clinical event, which is closely related to poor prognosis. Therefore, it is important to identify presentation features that predict END and take relevant treatment measures, as they could help to prevent the deterioration of high‐risk patients. The prospective intervention study was carried out from January 2018 to December 2019. We included consecutive patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) within 6 hours of onset. Patients were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to recanalization therapy plus Huoxiang Zhengqi Pill (HXZQ) (intervention group) or standard recanalization therapy alone (control group). The primary outcome was the development of END according to predefined criteria within the first 1 week of stroke onset. Poisson regression was used to identify predictors for END. Of the 155 patients enrolled in the study (age, 63 ± 11 years; 28.4% female), 20 (12.9%) developed END. Univariate analysis showed that the use of HXZQ and Essen stroke risk score (ESRS) (low risk group) were protective factors for END, while advanced age was a risk factor for END. However, in multivariate analysis, only ESRS (OR, 0.232; 95%CI, 0.058–0.928; P = 0.039) and the use of HXZQ (OR, 0.297; 95%CI, 0.096–0.917; P = 0.035) were statistically significant. ESRS can be used as the prediction factor of END. HXZQ has small side effects and wide indication. It could be used in the treatment of AIS.
Mechanisms and Molecular Targets of the Tao‐Hong‐Si‐Wu‐Tang Formula for Treatment of Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head: A Network Pharmacology Study
Authors: Fu Fanyu , Huang Zeqing , Ye Hengli , Tan Biao , Wang Rongtian , Chen Weiheng
Published: September 2020

The Tao‐Hong‐Si‐Wu‐Tang (THSWT) formula, a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, has long been used for the treatment of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH). However, its mechanisms of action and molecular targets are not comprehensively clear. In the present study, the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) database was employed to retrieve the active compounds of each herb included in the THSWT formula. After identifying the drug targets of active compounds and disease targets of ONFH, intersection analysis was conducted to screen out the shared targets. The protein‐protein network of the shared targets was built for further topological analysis. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were then carried out. A gene pathway network was constructed to screen the core target genes. We identified 61 active compounds, 155 drug targets, and 5443 disease targets. However, intersection analysis only screened out 37 shared targets. Kaempferol, luteolin, and baicalein regulated the greatest number of targets associated with ONFH. The THSWT formula may regulate osteocyte function through specific biological processes, including responses to toxic substances and oxidative stress. The regulated pathways included the relaxin, focal adhesion, nuclear factor‐κB, toll‐like receptor, and AGE/RAGE signaling pathways. RELA, VEGFA, and STAT1 were the important target genes in the gene network associated with the THSWT formula for the treatment of ONFH. Therefore, the present study suggested that the THSWT formula has an action mechanism involving multiple compounds and network targets for the treatment of ONFH.
Long Noncoding RNA HAGLROS Promotes Cell Invasion and Metastasis by Sponging miR-152 and Upregulating ROCK1 Expression in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhou Kaifeng , Xu Jun , Yin Xiaofan , Xia Jiangni
Published: September 2020

Background. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) played a crucial role in a number of biological processes. lncRNA HAGLROS was demonstrated to facilitate cell proliferation and migration in various cancers. However, the functions and molecular mechanisms of HAGLROS in osteosarcoma remained to be elucidated.Methods. qRT-PCR assay was used to detect the relative expression of HAGLROS in osteosarcoma tissue samples and cells. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were performed to assess the effects of HAGLROS on OS cells proliferation and invasion. Luciferase reporter assay verified the interaction between ROCK1 and miR-152.Results. In our study, we found that the expression of HAGLROS increased osteosarcoma samples and cell lines compared with normal tissues and cells. HAGLROS knockdown inhibited certain functions of U2OS and SW1353 cells in vitro. Moreover, HAGLROS depletion inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanically, we found that HAGLROS sponged miR-152 to promote ROCK1 expression in U2OS and SW1353 cells.Conclusion. In summary, our study indicated that HAGLROS could promote osteosarcoma progression by sponging miR-152 to promote ROCK1 expression. The results showed HAGLROS/miR-152/ROCK1 axis might act as a novel therapeutic strategy for osteosarcoma.
Electroacupuncture Pretreatment against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury through Mitophagy
Authors: Mao Chenlu , Hu Cheng , Zhou Yudi , Zou Rong , Li Sha , Cui Yaomei , Tian Weiqian
Published: September 2020

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury can induce the mitophagy of neurons in the ischemic brain. Electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment has a protective effect on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, its internal mechanism still needs to be further studied. The present study’s purpose is to investigate whether mitophagy is involved in neuroprotection elicited by EA pretreatment in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The rats were pretreated with vehicle, EA at the Baihui (GV20) and Shuigou (GV26) acupoints 30 min daily, for 5 days consecutively prior to the focal cerebral ischemia injury induced by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Compared to the sham group, the neurological scores, infarction volume, number of autophagosomes, FUNDC1, p62, and the ratio of LC3‐II/I were significantly increased but mitochondrial membrane potential and autophagy‐related protein p‐mTORC1 significantly decreased in the I/R group. However, EA pretreatment significantly reversed these trends. Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that EA pretreatment protected the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury which maybe correlated with mitophagy.
Effect of Parboiling Conditions on Physical and Cooking Quality of Selected Rice Varieties
Authors: Meresa Ayenew , Demissew Ayalew , Yilma Seifu , Tegegne Getu , Temesgen Kiber
Published: September 2020

Most locally cultivated rice varieties in Ethiopia have low physical (low head rice yield, high broken rice yield, and high percentage of chalkiness) and cooking qualities (low water uptake ratio and swelling ratio). Parboiling, a process which involves soaking, steaming, and drying, has been identified as a key technique to improve cooking and milling quality of rice. The current study is aimed at elucidating the effect of parboiling on physical and cooking qualities of three rice varieties (Gumara, Edget, and Narica4) collected from Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Each rice variety was subjected to different soaking temperatures (40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C) and steaming time (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 minutes). The treatment effect results indicated that parboiling has a significant effect (P<0.05) on head rice yield and percentage of broken rice with increased soaking temperature and steaming time as compared to the control. For instance, percent head rice yield increased as soaking temperature (from 40 to 80°C) and steaming time (from 10 to 50 min) increased: for Gumara, from 4.07 to 93.6%, for Edget, 9.47 to 96.53, and from 3.20 to 91.67 for Narica4. Percentage chalkiness had decreased as soaking temperature and steaming time increased: 97.33% to 0.00% for Gumara, 97.80% to 0.00% for Edget, and 100.00% to 0.13% for Narica4 as compared to 100% for control of all varieties. The minimum cooking time was identified as 16-23 min for Gumara, 16-23 min for Edget, and 15-20 min for Narica4 rice varieties. The result of the present study clearly showed that parboiling with high soaking temperature and steaming time increased the head rice yield, water uptake ratio, decreased percentage chalkiness, and enhanced the overall quality of the rice varieties.
Multifunctional Templates for Minimized Osteotomy, Implantation, and Palatal Distraction with a Mini-Screw-Assisted Expander in Schizodontism and Maxillary Deficit
Authors: Nilius Manfred , Hess Katrin , Haim Dominik , Weiland Bernhard , Lauer Guenter
Published: September 2020

Purpose.Schizodontism is complete separation of a dental germ. It results in a twin tooth and supernumerary teeth. The treatment of transverse constriction in combination with supernumerary dental germs and impacted central incisors can pose a challenge, especially in young patients, when the number of permanent teeth is not adequate to ensure secure anchorage. The use of navigation templates based on three-dimensional X-ray images allows for precise insertion of temporary mini-implants for the acquisition of palatal distractors. In addition, templates allow for minimally invasive biopsies and osteotomies.Methods.The treatment of schizodontism, dentitio tarda, and transverse constriction is to be assessed as an interdisciplinary method by using mini-screw-assisted devices. Minimized osteotomy of impacted supernumerary teeth or dental implantation can be carried out in a one-step-procedure based on digital preplanning and prefabrication of orthodontic devices.Results.Multifunctional templates allow for early planning, preoperative fabrication, and intraoral fixation of orthodontic appliances. In the case of an adolescent patient, a sustainable, interdisciplinary treatment concept could be demonstrated that shows age-appropriate gnathological development and stable growth conditions over a follow-up period of 10 years.Conclusion.One can likely assume that multifunctional templates allow for minimally invasive one-step surgeries as an interdisciplinary tool between orofacial surgery and modern orthodontics.
Acute Laryngeal Dyspnea as the First Presentation of Mantle Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ababou Mounir , El Maaroufi Hicham , Hammani Adnane , Jennane Selim , Mahtat El Mehdi , Mikdame Mohammed , Doghmi Kamal
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Acute laryngeal dyspnea is a life-threatening emergency, and the causes in adults are most often laryngeal tumors or inflammatory edema. Lymphoma of the larynx and especially the mantle cell type is extremely rare. Case Presentation. We report a case of a 43-year-old woman with no particular pathological history. She presented with progressive dyspnea which has evolved towards an inspiratory bradypnea that worsened until she ultimately required an emergency tracheotomy. Biopsies revealed mantle cell lymphoma. The patient has been staged IVB MIPI 6, and she was treated by immunochemotherapy followed by ASCT. The therapeutic evaluation shows a complete remission, 18 months after, and the patient was always disease free. Conclusion. The laryngeal localization of the mantle cell lymphoma is extremely rare; it may present catastrophically with acute airway obstruction. The diagnosis is mostly histological, hence the interest of deep biopsy. Given its rarity, the therapeutic strategy must be discussed case by case in a multidisciplinary consultation meeting.
Abnormal Regional Spontaneous Neural Activity in Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Resting-State Functional MRI Study
Authors: Guo Pengde , Zhao Pengbo , Lv Han , Su Yan , Liu Ming , Chen Yunxiang , Wang Yan , Hua Haiqin , Kang Shaohong
Published: September 2020

Objective. To explore altered regional neuronal activity in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and its correlation with clinical performances using the regional homogeneity (ReHo) method, which is based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Method. Thirty-one patients with NAION (20 males, 11 females) and 31 age- and sex-matched normal controls (NCs) (20 males, 11 females) were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent ophthalmic examination, including eyesight, intraocular pressure measurement, optimal coherence tomography (OCT), visual field analysis, and fMRI scans. After ReHo was calculated, we investigated group differences in results between the patients and NCs. We analyzed the relationship between ReHo values for different brain regions in patients with NAION and intraocular pressure, visual field analysis, and OCT. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic ability of the ReHo method. Results. Compared with NCs, patients with NAION exhibited higher ReHo values in the left middle frontal gyrus, left middle cingulate gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus, and left inferior parietal lobule. Additionally, they exhibited lower ReHo values in the right lingual gyrus, left putamen/lentiform nucleus, and left superior parietal lobule. ReHo values in the left superior parietal lobule were negatively correlated with right retinal nerve fiber layer values (r=−0.462, P=0.01). The area under the ROC curve for each brain region indicated that the ReHo method is a credible means of diagnosing patient with NAION. Conclusion. NAION was primarily associated with dysfunction in the default mode network, which may reflect its underlying neural mechanisms.
Heterogenous Trip Distance-Based Route Choice Behavior Analysis Using Real-World Large-Scale Taxi Trajectory Data
Authors: Deng Yajuan , Li Meiye , Tang Qing , He Renjie , Hu Xianbiao
Published: September 2020

Most early research on route choice behavior analysis relied on the data collected from the stated preference survey or through small-scale experiments. This manuscript focused on the understanding of commuters’ route choice behavior based on the massive amount of trajectory data collected from occupied taxicabs. The underlying assumption was that travel behavior of occupied taxi drivers can be considered as no different than the well-experienced commuters. To this end, the DBSCAN algorithm and Akaike information criterion (AIC) were first used to classify trips into different categories based on the trip length. Next, a total of 9 explanatory variables were defined to describe the route choice behavior, and and the path size (PS) logit model was then built, which avoided the invalid assumption of independence of irrelevant alternatives (IIA) in the commonly seen multinomial logit (MNL) model. The taxi trajectory data from over 11,000 taxicabs in Xi’an, China, with 40 million trajectory records each day were used in the case study. The results confirmed that commuters’ route choice behavior are heterogenous for trips with varying distances and that considering such heterogeneity in the modeling process would better explain commuters’ route choice behaviors, when compared with the traditional MNL model.
Role of Benzyladenine Seed Priming on Growth and Physiological and Biochemical Response of Soybean Plants Grown under High Salinity Stress Condition
Authors: Mangena Phetole
Published: September 2020

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stresses that affect vegetative growth, reproductive yield, biomass distribution, and physiological parameters of many crop plants. A study was conducted to evaluate these parameters in soybean plants (cv. Peking and LS678), following seed priming with benzyladenine (2.16 µM). Soybean plants were subjected to salinity stress imposed by irrigation with a high amount of NaCl (250 mM) solution under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that exogenously applied benzyladenine dramatically improved growth, biomass, and yield parameters as a priming solution compared to hydroprimed plants exposed to similar salt stress conditions. High reduction in mean photosynthetic pigments (0.87–1.88), carbohydrates (24.942–27.091%), phenolic content (2.28–2.33), flavonoids (2.37–2.11), and antioxidant capacity (34.5–37.2%) was observed in plants developed from hydroprimed seeds under salt conditions. These findings suggest that priming of seeds with 2.16 µM benzyladenine improved the vegetative, reproductive, and physiological responses of soybeans under induced salinity stress.
Flowchart of DEM Modeling Stability Analysis of Large Underground Powerhouse Caverns
Authors: Wang Tao , Fan Bowen , Khadka Shyam Sundar
Published: September 2020

The power of the Distinct Element Method (DEM) in solving the stability of underground powerhouse caverns (UPC) is discovered, but when does the DEM need to be adopted? What problems can be solved? The flowchart is provided and applied to analyze the stability of UPC in this paper. With the guide of the flowchart, the damage index (Di) is used as a failure type (gravity‐controlled or stress‐induced) judgment indicator. Through the calculation of three typical engineering, the problems of random blocks stability, dynamic calculation, and support system evaluation are studied, respectively, with the help of the DEM code 3DEC. The method and results of this paper can give reference to engineering projects of its category.
Ground Subsidence Triggered by the Overexploitation of Aquifers Affecting Urban Sites: The Case of Athens Coastal Zone along Faliro Bay (Greece)
Authors: Kaitantzian Agavni , Loupasakis Constantinos , Tzampoglou Ploutarchos , Parcharidis Isaak
Published: September 2020

Land subsidence in the coastal zone of the Neo Faliro, Moschato, and Kallithea municipalities, along the Faliro bay, has been recorded since the mid 1960’s. This phenomenon has caused damage to buildings, pavements, and roads. Aiming to identify the main causes of the observed ground deformations, data referring to the geological, geotechnical, and hydrogeological settings of the study area has been evaluated. Subsidence has been quantified by the use of space-born Synthetic Aperture Radar interferometry (InSAR) techniques. SVD (Singular Value Decomposition) and IPTA (Interferometric Point Target Analysis) techniques have been applied for the production of deformation maps, referring to the time period between 2002 and 2010. Furthermore, aiming to extend the study of the phenomenon further to the past, Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) data for the time period from 1992 to 2001 were also evaluated. Finally, the results of the InSAR analysis have been crosschecked with measurements acquired by a vertical geodetic control network as well as by ground truth data, referring to damage inventory of the site. The current research presents an interesting case study of an urban site affected for a long-lasting period by the activities of a neighboring industrial zone. The development of an extensive depression cone, mainly due to the overexploitation of the aquifers for industrial use, is the main cause of the land subsidence phenomenon, without excluding a component of motion due to the natural compaction of the compressible soil in the area of interest. The complexity of the geological, hydrogeological, and geotechnical conditions and the interaction of the numerous land use activities make this study far more interesting.
Herbal Medicine (Sihogayonggolmoryeo‐Tang or Chai‐Hu‐Jia‐Long‐Gu‐Mu‐Li‐Tang) for Treating Hypertension:A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lee Boram , Kwon Chan-Young
Published: September 2020

Introduction. For situations in which effective and safe natural‐derived products to treat hypertension are needed, recent studies suggest that an herbal medicine, Sihogayonggolmoryeo‐tang (SYM), can improve both hypertension and concurrent mood symptoms. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SYM in treating hypertension. Methods. Thirteen English, Korean, and Chinese databases were comprehensively searched from their inception to May 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using SYM as a monotherapy or adjunctive therapy for hypertension were evaluated. The primary outcome was the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). Descriptive analyses of the relevant data were conducted, and where appropriate data were available, a meta‐analysis was performed, and the results were presented as a risk ratio or mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results. Seven RCTs with 711 participants were included. Compared with placebo, SYM significantly lowered systolic and diastolic BP and concurrent depression. SYM significantly lowered systolic and diastolic BP compared with active controls; however, subgroup analysis revealed no differences between SYM and antihypertensives. In addition, SYM significantly decreased the level of concurrent depression compared with antidepressants. There was no consistent difference in BP reduction between SYM combined with antihypertensives and antihypertensives alone. No serious adverse events were reported following SYM administration. Most of the included studies had an unclear risk of bias, and the quality of evidence was generally rated “low.” Conclusion. Current evidence suggests that SYM may have the potential to lower hypertension and concurrent depressive symptoms without serious adverse events. Additional high‐quality, placebo‐controlled RCTs should be conducted to confirm the efficacy of SYM.
Kinematic Analysis of the Robot Having Closed Chain Mechanisms Based on an Improved Modeling Method and Lie Group Theory
Authors: Ma Lu-Han , Zhong Yong-Bo , Wang Gong-Dong , Li Nan
Published: September 2020

The robot kinematic model is the basis of motion control, calibration, error analysis, etc. Considering these factors, the kinematic model needs to meet the requirements of completeness, model continuity, and minimality. DH model as the most widely used method to build robot kinematic model still has problems in completeness, model continuity, and calculation, especially for robots with complex mechanisms such as closed chain mechanism and branch mechanism. In this paper, an improved kinematic modeling method is proposed based on the cooperation of the DH model and the Hayati and Mirmirani model and considering the Lie group concept. The improved model is complete and continuous, and when combining with Lie group to calculate, it avoids numbers of trigonometric functions and antitrigonometric functions in the process so as to optimize the algorithm. With this method, the kinematic model of the closed chain cascade manipulator developed in our laboratory is established, and a working process of it is numerically calculated. The results of the numerical calculation are basically consistent with those of virtual prototype simulation, which means the established kinematic model is correct and the numerical calculation method can solve the problem correctly. The kinematic model and the results of the kinematic analysis provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent motion control, calibration, and error analysis of the robot.
Effects of Oral Vitamin B1 and Mecobalamin on Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Ren Xiaotong , Chou Yilin , Jiang Xiaodan , Hao Ran , Wang Yuexin , Chen Yanyan , Li Xuemin
Published: September 2020

Purpose. To assess the effects of oral vitamin B1 and mecobalamin on dry eye disease (DED) and patient satisfaction with treatment. Methods. In this randomized controlled study, DED patients were divided into 4 groups based on treatment: group 1, only artificial tears; group 2, corticosteroid eye drops and artificial tears; group 3, oral vitamin B1, mecobalamin, and artificial tears; and group 4, oral vitamin B1, mecobalamin, corticosteroid eye drops, and artificial tears. DED symptoms, signs, and patient satisfaction with treatment were assessed at baseline and at 1 and 2 months after treatment. Results. In total, 152 eyes from 76 patients (age, 55.25 ± 18.16 years) were included. In group 3, there were significant differences in dryness, foreign body sensation, burning, and tear film breakup time first (TBUTF) between 1 and 2 months after treatment and in satisfaction scores before and after treatment (P<0.05). In group 3, there were also significant differences in dryness, foreign body sensation, photophobia, and TBUTA and between baseline and 2 months after treatment (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in foreign body sensation between 1 and 2 months after treatment in groups 3 and 4 (P<0.05). Furthermore, we also find obvious improvement in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) between baseline and 1 and 2 months after treatment in groups 3 and 4 (P<0.05). Conclusions. Oral vitamin B1 and mecobalamin can relieve some dry eye symptoms such as dryness, pain, and photophobia and improve DED signs and patient satisfaction. Thus, vitamin B1 and mecobalamin are potential treatment options for patients with DED.
5-Fluorouracil Enhances the Antitumor Activity of the Glutaminase Inhibitor CB-839 against PIK3CA-Mutant Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Zhao Yiqing , Feng Xiujing , Chen Yicheng , Selfridge J. Eva , Gorityala Shashank , Du Zhanwen , Wang Janet M. , Hao Yujun , Cioffi Gino , Conlon Ronald A. , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S. , Saltzman Joel , Krishnamurthi Smitha S. , Vinayak Shaveta , Veigl Martina , Xu Yan , Bajor David L. , Markowitz Sanford D. , Meropol Neal J. , Eads Jennifer R. , Wang Zhenghe
Published: September 2020

PIK3CA encodes the p110α catalytic subunit of PI3K and is frequently mutated in human cancers, including ∼30% of colorectal cancer. Oncogenic mutations in PIK3CA render colorectal cancers more dependent on glutamine. Here we report that the glutaminase inhibitor CB-839 preferentially inhibits xenograft growth of PIK3CA-mutant, but not wild-type (WT), colorectal cancers. Moreover, the combination of CB-839 and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) induces PIK3CA-mutant tumor regression in xenograft models. CB-839 treatment increased reactive oxygen species and caused nuclear translocation of Nrf2, which in turn upregulated mRNA expression of uridine phosphorylase 1 (UPP1). UPP1 facilitated the conversion of 5-FU to its active compound, thereby enhancing the inhibition of thymidylate synthase. Consistently, knockout of UPP1 abrogated the tumor inhibitory effect of combined CB-839 and 5-FU administration. A phase I clinical trial showed that the combination of CB-839 and capecitabine, a prodrug of 5-FU, was well tolerated at biologically-active doses. Although not designed to test efficacy, an exploratory analysis of the phase I data showed a trend that PIK3CA-mutant patients with colorectal cancer might derive greater benefit from this treatment strategy as compared with PIK3CA WT patients with colorectal cancer. These results effectively demonstrate that targeting glutamine metabolism may be an effective approach for treating patients with PIK3CA-mutant colorectal cancers and warrants further clinical evaluation.

Significance:

Preclinical and clinical trial data suggest that the combination of CB-839 with capecitabine could serve as an effective treatment for PIK3CA-mutant colorectal cancers.
The Emerging Role of Ras Pathway Signaling in Pediatric Cancer
Authors: Ney Gina M. , McKay Laura , Koschmann Carl , Mody Rajen , Li Qing
Published: September 2020

As genomic sequencing has become more widely available, the high prevalence of Ras pathway mutations in pediatric diseases has begun to emerge. Germline Ras-activating mutations have been known to contribute to cancer predisposition in a group of disorders known as the RASopathies, and now large pediatric sequencing studies have identified frequent somatic Ras pathway alterations across a diverse group of pediatric malignancies. These include glial brain tumors, relapsed high-risk neuroblastoma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, acute myeloid leukemia, and relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and their prognostic impact is becoming increasingly better understood. Clinically, there has been success in targeting the Ras pathway in pediatric diseases, including the use of MEK inhibitors in plexiform neurofibromas associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 and the use of Ras pathway inhibitors in low-grade gliomas. Given the importance of this pathway in pediatric cancer, it is imperative that future studies strive to better understand the functional significance of these mutations, including their role in tumor growth and treatment resistance and how they can be better targeted to improve outcomes.
A Transcriptome-Wide Association Study Identifies Candidate Susceptibility Genes for Pancreatic Cancer Risk
Authors: Liu Duo , Zhou Dan , Sun Yanfa , Zhu Jingjing , Ghoneim Dalia , Wu Chong , Yao Qizhi , Gamazon Eric R. , Cox Nancy J. , Wu Lang
Published: September 2020

Pancreatic cancer is among the most well-characterized cancer types, yet a large proportion of the heritability of pancreatic cancer risk remains unclear. Here, we performed a large transcriptome-wide association study to systematically investigate associations between genetically predicted gene expression in normal pancreas tissue and pancreatic cancer risk. Using data from 305 subjects of mostly European descent in the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project, we built comprehensive genetic models to predict normal pancreas tissue gene expression, modifying the UTMOST (unified test for molecular signatures). These prediction models were applied to the genetic data of 8,275 pancreatic cancer cases and 6,723 controls of European ancestry. Thirteen genes showed an association of genetically predicted expression with pancreatic cancer risk at an FDR ≤ 0.05, including seven previously reported genes (INHBA, SMC2, ABO, PDX1, RCCD1, CFDP1, and PGAP3) and six novel genes not yet reported for pancreatic cancer risk [6q27: SFT2D1 OR (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.54 (1.25–1.89); 13q12.13: MTMR6 OR (95% CI), 0.78 (0.70–0.88); 14q24.3: ACOT2 OR (95% CI), 1.35 (1.17–1.56); 17q12: STARD3 OR (95% CI), 6.49 (2.96–14.27); 17q21.1: GSDMB OR (95% CI), 1.94 (1.45–2.58); and 20p13: ADAM33 OR (95% CI): 1.41 (1.20–1.66)]. The associations for 10 of these genes (SFT2D1, MTMR6, ACOT2, STARD3, GSDMB, ADAM33, SMC2, RCCD1, CFDP1, and PGAP3) remained statistically significant even after adjusting for risk SNPs identified in previous genome-wide association study. Collectively, this analysis identified novel candidate susceptibility genes for pancreatic cancer that warrant further investigation.

Significance:

A transcriptome-wide association analysis identified seven previously reported and six novel candidate susceptibility genes for pancreatic cancer risk.