bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NASOQ
Authors: Cheshmi Kazem , Kaufman Danny M. , Kamil Shoaib , Dehnavi Maryam Mehri
Published: August 2020

Quadratic programs (QP), minimizations of quadratic objectives subject to linear inequality and equality constraints, are at the heart of algorithms across scientific domains. Applications include fundamental tasks in geometry processing, simulation, engineering, animation and finance where the accurate, reliable, efficient, and scalable solution of QP problems is critical. However, available QP algorithms generally provide either accuracy or scalability - but not both. Some algorithms reliably solve QP problems to high accuracy but work only for smaller-scale QP problems due to their reliance on dense matrix methods. Alternately, many other QP solvers scale well via sparse, efficient algorithms but cannot reliably deliver solutions at requested accuracies. Towards addressing the need for accurate
and
efficient QP solvers at scale, we develop NASOQ, a new, full-space QP algorithm that provides accurate, efficient, and scalable solutions for QP problems. To enable NASOQ we construct a new row modification method and fast implementation of LDL factorization for indefinite systems. Together they enable efficient updates and accurate solutions of the iteratively modified KKT systems required for accurate QP solves. While QP methods have been previously tested on large synthetic benchmarks, to test and compare NASOQ's suitability for real-world applications we collect here a new benchmark set comprising a wide range of graphics-related QPs across physical simulation, animation, and geometry processing tasks. We combine these problems with numerous pre-existing stress-test QP benchmarks to form, to our knowledge, the largest-scale test set of application-based QP problems currently available. Building off of our base NASOQ solver we then develop and test two NASOQ variants against best, state-of-the-art available QP libraries - both commercial and open-source. Our two NASOQ-based methods each solve respectively 98.8% and 99.5% of problems across a range of requested accuracies from 10
-3
to 10
-9
with average speedups ranging from 1.7× to 24.8× over fastest competing methods.
MichiGAN
Authors: Tan Zhentao , Chai Menglei , Chen Dongdong , Liao Jing , Chu Qi , Yuan Lu , Tulyakov Sergey , Yu Nenghai
Published: August 2020

Despite the recent success of face image generation with GANs, conditional hair editing remains challenging due to the under-explored complexity of its geometry and appearance. In this paper, we present MichiGAN (Multi-Input-Conditioned Hair Image GAN), a novel conditional image generation method for interactive portrait hair manipulation. To provide user control over every major hair visual factor, we explicitly disentangle hair into four orthogonal attributes, including shape, structure, appearance, and background. For each of them, we design a corresponding condition module to represent, process, and convert user inputs, and modulate the image generation pipeline in ways that respect the natures of different visual attributes. All these condition modules are integrated with the backbone generator to form the final end-to-end network, which allows fully-conditioned hair generation from multiple user inputs. Upon it, we also build an interactive portrait hair editing system that enables straightforward manipulation of hair by projecting intuitive and high-level user inputs such as painted masks, guiding strokes, or reference photos to well-defined condition representations. Through extensive experiments and evaluations, we demonstrate the superiority of our method regarding both result quality and user controllability.
Robust eulerian-on-lagrangian rods
Authors: Sánchez-Banderas Rosa M. , Rodríguez Alejandro , Barreiro Héctor , Otaduy Miguel A.
Published: August 2020

This paper introduces a method to simulate complex rod assemblies and stacked layers with implicit contact handling, through Eulerian-on-Lagrangian (EoL) discretizations. Previous EoL methods fail to handle such complex situations, due to ubiquitous and intrinsic degeneracies in the contact geometry, which prevent the use of remeshing and make simulations unstable. We propose a novel mixed Eulerian-Lagrangian discretization that supports accurate and efficient contact as in EoL methods, but is transparent to internal rod forces, and hence insensitive to degeneracies. By combining the standard and novel EoL discretizations as appropriate, we derive mixed statics-dynamics equations of motion that can be solved in a unified manner with standard solvers. Our solution is simple and elegant in practice, and produces robust simulations on large-scale scenarios with complex rod arrangements and pervasive degeneracies. We demonstrate our method on multi-layer yarn-level cloth simulations, with implicit handling of both intra-and inter-layer contacts.
On elastic geodesic grids and their planar to spatial deployment
Authors: Pillwein Stefan , Leimer Kurt , Birsak Michael , Musialski Przemyslaw
Published: August 2020

We propose a novel type of planar-to-spatial deployable structures that we call elastic geodesic grids. Our approach aims at the approximation of freeform surfaces with spatial grids of bent lamellas which can be deployed from a planar configuration using a simple kinematic mechanism. Such elastic structures are easy-to-fabricate and easy-to-deploy and approximate shapes which combine physics and aesthetics. We propose a solution based on networks of geodesic curves on target surfaces and we introduce a set of conditions and assumptions which can be closely met in practice. Our formulation allows for a purely geometric approach which avoids the necessity of numerical shape optimization by building on top of theoretical insights from differential geometry. We propose a solution for the design, computation, and physical simulation of elastic geodesic grids, and present several fabricated small-scale examples with varying complexity. Moreover, we provide an empirical proof of our method by comparing the results to laser-scans of the fabricated models. Our method is intended as a form-finding tool for elastic gridshells in architecture and other creative disciplines and should give the designer an easy-to-handle way for the exploration of such structures.
Official statement from SIGDOC
Authors: Richards Dan , Read Sarah , Youngblood Susan , Rose Emma , Ross Derek G.
Published: August 2020

On June 12, 2020, the SIGDOC Executive Committee issued the following Response to Injustice on the SIGDOC website. We reprint the statement here in its entirety.
Electrochemical Study of Functional Additives for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Khodr Zaynab , Mallet Charlotte , Daigle Jean-Christophe , Feng Zimin , Amouzegar Kamyab , Claverie Jérôme , Zaghib Karim
Published: August 2020

In the battery industry, the performance of lithium-ion batteries operating at a high voltage is enhanced by utilizing functional additives in electrolytes to achieve higher energy densities and longer lifetimes. These additives chemically stabilize the electrolyte and aid in the formation of a stable cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). In this paper, the investigation of oxidative potentials of more than 100 additives, using density functional theory calculations to determine the best candidates for CEI formation, is reported. The method was validated by comparing the calculated oxidation potentials and the experimental data obtained using linear sweep voltammetry based on the evaluation of 18 candidates. Further electrochemical studies (AC impedance and cycling stability) on six selected additives were conducted. Among the tested additives, the addition of quinacridone at 0.03% weight concentration resulted in the formation of a less resistive surface film on the cathode in Li/Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 coin cells. Moreover, the capacity retention in Gr/Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O coin cells increased from 62% to 77% after 200 cycles at 1C and approximately 4.4 V. The derived results suggest that the combination of the oxidation potential prediction with impedance study could be used as a powerful tool to properly and efficiently select CEI-forming additive candidates for improved battery performance.
Electrochemical Study of the Effect of Prussian Blue as a Mediator in a Solid-state Supercapacitor
Authors: Qiao Xiaoyao , Zhang Chen , Yan Zhiwei , Wang Yuchen , Akin Mert , Mansour Azzam N. , Zhou Xiangyang
Published: August 2020

Prussian blue (PB) was synthesized using a wet chemistry method. A solid-state asymmetrical supercapacitor was fabricated with the configuration of (active carbon) /polymer electrolyte membrane/ (active carbon+PB). A KCl saturated Ag/AgCl reference electrode was inserted in the cell to monitor the potentials of the positive and negative electrodes during the charge/discharge process. The supercapacitor had a capacitor-like behavior. Upon negative polarization of the PB-containing electrode the specific capacitance was increased 100% while upon positive polarization, there was a much less enhancement of the specific capacitance. Upon negative polarization of the PB-containing electrode-initiated, significant degree of redox activity occurred due to reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+.
Microglia depletion exacerbates acute seizures and hippocampal neuronal degeneration in mouse models of epilepsy
Authors: Liu Mei , Jiang Lijuan , Wen Min , Ke Yue , Tong Xiangzhen , Huang Weiyuan , Chen Rongqing
Published: August 2020

Epileptic seizures are the manifestation of hypersynchronous and excessive neuronal excitation. While the glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons play major roles in shaping fast neuronal excitation/inhibition homeostasis, it is well illustrated that astrocytes profoundly regulate neuronal excitation by controlling glutamate, GABA, cannabinoids, adenosine, and concentration of K+ around neurons. However, little is known about whether microglia take part in the regulation of acute neuronal excitation and ongoing epileptic behaviors. We proposed that if microglia are innately ready to respond to epileptic overexcitation, depletion of microglia might alter neuronal excitability and severity of acute epileptic seizures. We found that microglia depletion by plx3397, an inhibitor of CSF1R, exacerbates seizure severity and excitotoxicity-induced neuronal degeneration, indicating that microglia are rapidly responsive to the change of excitation/inhibition homeostasis and participate in the protection of neurons from overexcitation.
Identification and characterization of Fbxl22, a novel skeletal muscle atrophy-promoting E3 ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Hughes David C. , Baehr Leslie M. , Driscoll Julia R. , Lynch Sarah A. , Waddell David S. , Bodine Sue C.
Published: August 2020

Muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligases have been identified in muscle atrophy-inducing conditions. The purpose of the current study was to explore the functional role of F-box and leucine-rich protein 22 (Fbxl22), and a newly identified splice variant (Fbxl22–193), in skeletal muscle homeostasis and neurogenic muscle atrophy. In mouse C2C12 muscle cells, promoter fragments of the Fbxl22 gene were cloned and fused with the secreted alkaline phosphatase reporter gene to assess the transcriptional regulation of Fbxl22. The tibialis anterior muscles of male C57/BL6 mice (12–16 wk old) were electroporated with expression plasmids containing the cDNA of two Fbxl22 splice variants and tissues collected after 7, 14, and 28 days. Gastrocnemius muscles of wild-type and muscle-specific RING finger 1 knockout (MuRF1 KO) mice were electroporated with an Fbxl22 RNAi or empty plasmid and denervated 3 days posttransfection, and tissues were collected 7 days postdenervation. The full-length gene and novel splice variant are transcriptionally induced early (after 3 days) during neurogenic muscle atrophy. In vivo overexpression of Fbxl22 isoforms in mouse skeletal muscle leads to evidence of myopathy/atrophy, suggesting that both are involved in the process of neurogenic muscle atrophy. Knockdown of Fbxl22 in the muscles of MuRF1 KO mice resulted in significant additive muscle sparing 7 days after denervation. Targeting two E3 ubiquitin ligases appears to have a strong additive effect on protecting muscle mass loss with denervation, and these findings have important implications in the development of therapeutic strategies to treat muscle atrophy.
Role of the renin-angiotensin system in the development of severe COVID-19 in hypertensive patients
Authors: Silva-Aguiar Rodrigo Pacheco , Peruchetti Diogo Barros , Rocco Patricia Rieken Macedo , Schmaier Alvin H. , e Silva Patrícia Machado Rodrigues , Martins Marco Aurélio , Carvalho Vinícius Frias , Pinheiro Ana Acacia Sá , Caruso-Neves Celso
Published: August 2020

A new form of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by SARS-coronavirus 2 (CoV-2), called COVID-19, has become a global threat in 2020. The mortality rate from COVID-19 is high in hypertensive patients, making this association especially dangerous. There appears to be a consensus, despite the lack of experimental data, that angiotensin II (ANG II) is linked to the pathogenesis of COVID-19. This process may occur due to acquired deficiency of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), resulting in reduced degradation of ANG II. Furthermore, ANG II has a critical role in the genesis and worsening of hypertension. In this context, the idea that there is a surge in the level of ANG II with COVID-19 infection, causing multiple organ injuries in hypertensive patients becomes attractive. However, the role of other components of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) in this scenario requires elucidation. The identification of other RAS components in COVID-19 hypertension may provide both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. Here, we summarize the pathophysiologic contributions of different components of RAS in hypertension and their possible correlation with poor outcome observed in hypertensive patients with COVID-19.
Metabolic physiology of the freshwater planariaGirardia dorotocephelaandSchmidtea mediterranea: reproductive mode, specific dynamic action, and temperature
Authors: Lewallen Melissa , Burggren Warren
Published: August 2020

Planarians are widely used animal models for studies in regeneration, developmental biology, neurobiology, and behavior. However, surprisingly little is known about other aspects of their basic biology, even though such information might help validate these flatworms as a general animal model. We hypothesized that planaria, although dependent on simple diffusion of O2across the integument for O2uptake, would nonetheless show changes in oxygen consumption (V̇o2) associated with reproductive mode (sexual or asexual), feeding (specific dynamic action; SDA), temperature (Q10values), and photoperiod typical of those responses of more complex invertebrates. In the current experiments, routine V̇o2was measured over the range of 13-28°C in Schmidtea mediterranea and Girardia dorotocephala. At the long-term maintenance temperature of 18°C, routine V̇o2was ~13 µL O2·g−1·h−1in the two asexual strains, but approximately twice as high (27 µL O2·g−1·h−1) in the sexual strain of S. mediterranea, suggesting a metabolic cost for sexual reproduction. Metabolic temperature sensitivity, measured by Q10, was about one to three for all three groups. All three groups showed a large (~2- to 3-fold) increase in V̇o2within a day following feeding, suggesting a large SDA effect. Starvation, causing “degrowth” in some planaria, resulted in a loss of one-third of body mass in sexual S. mediterranea but no body mass loss in either asexual strains. Collectively, these data indicate that, while being a relatively simple flatworm with no dedicated respiratory or circulatory system, their metabolic physiological responses are quite similar to those shown by more complex invertebrates and vertebrates, contributing to their validation as an animal model.
Evolution of epithelial sodium channels: current concepts and hypotheses
Authors: Wichmann Lukas , Althaus Mike
Published: August 2020

The conquest of freshwater and terrestrial habitats was a key event during vertebrate evolution. Occupation of low-salinity and dry environments required significant osmoregulatory adaptations enabling stable ion and water homeostasis. Sodium is one of the most important ions within the extracellular liquid of vertebrates, and molecular machinery for urinary reabsorption of this electrolyte is critical for the maintenance of body osmoregulation. Key ion channels involved in the fine-tuning of sodium homeostasis in tetrapod vertebrates are epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs), which allow the selective influx of sodium ions across the apical membrane of epithelial cells lining the distal nephron or the colon. Furthermore, ENaC-mediated sodium absorption across tetrapod lung epithelia is crucial for the control of liquid volumes lining the pulmonary surfaces. ENaCs are vertebrate-specific members of the degenerin/ENaC family of cation channels; however, there is limited knowledge on the evolution of ENaC within this ion channel family. This review outlines current concepts and hypotheses on ENaC phylogeny and discusses the emergence of regulation-defining sequence motifs in the context of osmoregulatory adaptations during tetrapod terrestrialization. In light of the distinct regulation and expression of ENaC isoforms in tetrapod vertebrates, we discuss the potential significance of ENaC orthologs in osmoregulation of fishes as well as the putative fates of atypical channel isoforms in mammals. We hypothesize that ancestral proton-sensitive ENaC orthologs might have aided the osmoregulatory adaptation to freshwater environments whereas channel regulation by proteases evolved as a molecular adaptation to lung liquid homeostasis in terrestrial tetrapods.
Contribution of the ventrolateral thalamus to the locomotion-related activity of motor cortex
Authors: Beloozerova Irina N. , Marlinski Vladimir
Published: August 2020

How the activity of motor cortex is generated and the roles that different inputs to motor cortex play in formation of response properties of motor cortex neurons during movements remain unclear. This is the first study to characterize the contribution of the input from the ventrolateral thalamus (VL), the main subcortical input to motor cortex, to the activity of motor cortex neurons during vision-independent and vision-dependent locomotion.
Advanced Modeling of Peripheral Neuro-Effector Communication and -Plasticity
Authors: Goldsteen Pien A. , Dolga Amalia M. , Gosens Reinoud
Published: August 2020

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) plays crucial roles in physiology and disease. Neuro-effector communication and neuroplasticity of the PNS are poorly studied, since suitable models are lacking. The emergence of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has great promise to resolve this deficit. hPSC-derived PNS neurons, integrated into organ-on-a-chip systems or organoid cultures, allow co-cultures with cells of the local microenvironment to study neuro-effector interactions and to probe mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity.
Polyamines in Gut Epithelial Renewal and Barrier Function
Authors: Rao Jaladanki N. , Xiao Lan , Wang Jian-Ying
Published: August 2020

Polyamines regulate a variety of physiological functions and are involved in pathogenesis of diverse human diseases. The epithelium of the mammalian gut mucosa is a rapidly self-renewing tissue in the body, and its homeostasis is preserved through well-controlled mechanisms. Here, we highlight the roles of cellular polyamines in maintaining the integrity of the gut epithelium, focusing on the emerging evidence of polyamines in the regulation of gut epithelial renewal and barrier function. Gut mucosal growth depends on the available supply of polyamines to the dividing cells in the crypts, and polyamines are also essential for normal gut epithelial barrier function. Polyamines modulate expression of various genes encoding growth-associated proteins and intercellular junctions via distinct mechanisms involving RNA-binding proteins and noncoding RNAs. With the rapid advance of polyamine biology, polyamine metabolism and transport are promising therapeutic targets in our efforts to protect the gut epithelium and barrier function in patients with critical illnesses.
The Role and Regulation of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: He Shixin , Zhu Tengteng , Fang Zhenfei
Published: August 2020

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is one of the most devastating cardiovascular diseases worldwide and it draws much attention from numerous scientists. As an indispensable part of pulmonary artery, smooth muscle cells are worthy of being carefully investigated. To elucidate the pathogenesis of PH, several theories focusing on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC), such as hyperproliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and cancer theory, have been proposed and widely studied. Here, we tried to summarize the studies, concentrating on the role of PASMC in the development of PH, feasible molecular basis to intervene, and potential treatment to PH.
Assessment of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers in West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Mamo Kassa , Dengia Tizita , Abubeker Abuzumeran , Girmaye Eden
Published: August 2020

Background. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mothers worldwide to exclusively breastfeed infants for the child’s first six months to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. Even though appropriate feeding practice is the most cost-effective intervention to reduce child morbidity and mortality, exclusive breastfeeding practices in developing countries are still low. Objective. The objective of the study was to assess exclusive breastfeeding practice and associated factors among mothers in West Shoa zone. Methods. Community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May to December 2018 in the West Shoa zone, Ethiopia, among 710 mothers with 6–9-month-old infants. The multistage stage sampling technique was employed. A pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Epi Info version 7.1.2.0 was used to enter the data, and we transferred to SPSS version 25 for analysis. The association between factors and the exclusive breastfeeding were analyzed with bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Result. A total of 710 women were included with a response rate of 97.9%. The prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 38.7%, and only 65.35% of the respondents reported that they have exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their infant’s life. Marital status (AOR 2.467 (1.333–4.564)), ANC visit (AOR 2.562 (1.250–5.252)), pregnancy intentionality (AOR 4.727 (3.217–6.945)), postnatal care clinic attendance (AOR 3.373 (2.293–4.963)), and counseling on exclusive breastfeeding AOR 2.544 (1.239–5.225) were the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding practice is still low and actions need to be taken like educating the community about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding using every accessible media. Maternal health service centers should provide counseling and education for women about breastfeeding.
The Derivative of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F—Kunxian Capsule, Attenuated Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Ya-Fei , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Jun-Jun , Chen Zhe , Tu Sheng-Hao , Xing Guo-Lan
Published: August 2020

The study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of Kunxian Capsule (KXC) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of KXC in patients with RA were included in this study. Weighted mean differences (MDs) were calculated for net changes by employing Review Manager meta‐analysis software. Nine RCTs were included in the systematic review with a total of 747 patients. The overall effects showed that KXC alone or combined with disease‐modifying antirheumatic and drugs decreased tender joint counts (P = 0.02, MD = −1.07, 95% CI: −1.95 to −0.18), shortened duration of morning stiffness (P < 0.0001, MD = −9.01, 95% CI: −13.08 to −4.93), lowered erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P < 0.00001, MD = −5.27, 95% CI: −6.78 to −3.77), and reduced C‐reactive protein (P < 0.0001, MD = −5.04, 95% CI: −7.28 to −2.80). The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal disturbances and abnormal liver function. These results suggest that KXC is likely to be a more effective and safe candidate for treating RA compared with conventional therapies.
Expression Level and Clinical Significance of NKILA in Human Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tian Siyuan , Yu Yang , Huang Honghua , Xu Aibing , Xu Hu , Zhou Yuan
Published: August 2020

Background. A number of researches focused on the study of tumors have concluded that the expression level of lncRNA NKILA was decreased in different tumors. This is an indication that NKILA might influence the start and growth of a cancer. In addition, studies have fatalities and worsening health of cancer patients is associated with a reduced level of NKILA. Results. The results are the collective screening of nine total studies which included 937 cancer patients. The prognosis of the meta‐analysis indicated that cancer patients with a higher expression of NKILA had an overall longer survival (OS) (HR = 0.808, 95% CI: 0.736, 0.887); with regard to the clinical prognosis, the results indicated that reduced NKILA was associated with advanced clinical stage (OR = 0.313, 95% CI: 0.225, 0.434), poor histological grades (OR = 0.833, 95% CI: 0.508, 1.367), positive lymph node metastasis (OR = 0.253, 95% CI: 0.144, 0.444), and additional tumor invasion depth (OR = 0.326, 95% CI: 0.234, 0.454). Materials and Methods. Related research conducted was accessed by searching in PubMed and Web of Science with the keywords. The accessed material was till the 25th of February, 2020. The present quantitative meta‐analysis was done using Stata SE12.0. The aim of the meta‐analysis was to investigate the relationship between NKILA expression level and clinical prognosis. Conclusions. In the result of this meta‐analysis, decreased NKILA expression is typical of different kinds of cancer. Moreover, it can perform as a predictive element of prognosis in varied kinds of cancer. Nonetheless, till now, it is deemed essential to carry out larger‐size as well as better designed research works for the confirmation of our findings.
Mathematical Modelling of the Inhibitory Role of Regulatory T Cells in Tumor Immune Response
Authors: Yang Zhongtao , Yang Cuihong , Dong Yueping , Takeuchi Yasuhiro
Published: August 2020

The immune system against tumors acts through a complex dynamical process showing a dual role. On the one hand, the immune system can activate some immune cells to kill tumor cells (TCs), such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer cells (NKs), but on the other hand, more evidence shows that some immune cells can help tumor escape, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs). In this paper, we propose a tumor immune interaction model based on Tregs-mediated tumor immune escape mechanism. When helper T cells’ (HTCs) stimulation rate by the presence of identified tumor antigens is below critical value, the coexistence (tumor and immune) equilibrium is always stable in its existence region. When HTCs stimulation rate is higher than the critical value, the inhibition rate of effector cells (ECs) by Tregs can destabilize the coexistence equilibrium and cause Hopf bifurcations and produce a limit cycle. This model shows that Tregs might play a crucial role in triggering the tumor immune escape. Furthermore, we introduce the adoptive cellular immunotherapy (ACI) and monoclonal antibody immunotherapy (MAI) as the treatment to boost the immune system to fight against tumors. The numerical results show that ACI can control TCs more, while MAI can delay the inhibitory effect of Tregs on ECs. The result also shows that the combination of both immunotherapies can control TCs and reduce the inhibitory effect of Tregs better than a single immunotherapy can control.
Study of the Construction Sequence of Overlapping Tunnels by the Shield Tunneling Method: A Case Study of the Longest Overlapping Tunnel in China
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Ding Yaowen , Jiang Yusheng , Fang Kuanda , Dong Linwei , Qi Weiqiang , Wei Zheng
Published: August 2020

In this study, the reasonable construction sequence of an overlapping tunnel shield is investigated. Taking the overlapping tunnel of Tianjin Metro Line 5 as the background, a three‐dimensional numerical model was established using Flac3D software to study the influence of the “first up and then down” and “first down and then up” construction sequences of the overlapping tunnel on the surface settlement, stratum displacement, lining radial stress, and displacement. The research results show that the shape and width of the final settlement tank on the ground under the two conditions are basically the same, and the difference between the maximum cumulative settlements is small. The accumulated ground settlement caused by the first up and then down construction sequence is 1.8 mm larger than that caused by the first down and then up sequence. The difference between the two working conditions on the vertical displacement of the stratum mainly occurs in the middle stratum of the upper and lower tunnels, and the proportion of the strata in the uplifted state and subsidence state is different. The construction sequence has little effect on the radial stress on the lining of the upper and lower tunnels. Under these two conditions, the excavation of the second tunnel causes a small change in the radial stress of the preceding tunnel lining, both within 4.2%. Under the working condition of first down and then up, the construction of the second tunnel causes the lining of the preceding tunnel to rise by 7.2∼9.2 mm. Under the condition of first up and then down, the construction of the second tunnel causes the lining of the preceding tunnel to sink again by 9.1∼10.4 mm. By comparing the effects of the two working conditions on the stratum and the tunnel lining, it is recommended that the construction be carried out in the order of first down and then up.
Effect of High Temperature (600°C) on Mechanical Properties, Mineral Composition, and Microfracture Characteristics of Sandstone
Authors: Li Jian , Du Zhao-Wen , Guo Zhong-Ping
Published: August 2020

Rock destruction under high‐temperature conditions is a key issue for nuclear waste treatment projects, underground coal gasification, and improvement of the use of geothermal energy for heating. Therefore, in this study, various methods and techniques were integrated to study the changes in mechanical properties, mineral composition, and microscopic fracture characteristics of Sichuan sandstone treated at 600°C. First, the fracture toughness and indirect tensile strength of untreated sandstones and high‐temperature treated sandstones were tested by the MTS testing machine, and the double‐K model (DKFM) was used to estimate the unstable fracture toughness. Then, the diffraction spectra of sandstone were analyzed with an X‐ray diffractometer to determine the mineral composition change after heat treatment. Finally, the microscopic features of sandstone were observed through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscope. The results show the following. (1) There is no significant change in the tensile strength and fracture toughness of Sichuan sandstone treated at 600°C. (2) The brittleness of Sichuan sandstone decreases and the ductility increases after high‐temperature treatment. (3) The unstable fracture toughness value Kun obtained by the double‐K model (DKFM) is significantly larger than the apparent fracture toughness value Kif. (4) After treatment at 600°C, the clay minerals in the sandstone changed significantly. Kaolinite is dehydroxylated to metakaolinite, which may increase the ductility of the rock.
Development of Multiscale Transcriptional Regulatory Network in Esophageal Cancer Based on Integrated Analysis
Authors: Xu Zihao , Wu Zilong , Zhang Jingtao , Zhou Ruihao , Wu Jiane , Yu Bentong
Published: August 2020

Objective. To explore multiscale integrated analysis methods in identifying key regulators of esophageal cancer (ESCA). Methods. We downloaded the ESCA dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, which contained RNA‐seq data, miRNA‐seq data, methylation data, and clinical phenotype information. Then, we combined ESCA‐related genes from the NCBI‐GENE and OMIM databases and RNA‐seq dataset from TCGA to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Meanwhile, differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and genes with differential methylation levels were identified. The pivot–module pairs were established using the RAID v2.0 database and TRRUST v2 database. Next, the multifactor‐regulated functional network was constructed based on the above information. Additionally, gene corresponding targeted drug information was obtained from the DrugBank database. Moreover, we further screened regulators by assessing their diagnostic value and prognostic value, especially the value of distinguishing patients at TNM I stage from normal patients. In addition, the external database from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used for validation. Lastly, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to explore the potential biological functions of key regulators. Results. Our study indicated that CXCL8, CYP2C8, and E2F1 had excellent diagnostic and prognostic values, which may be potential regulators of ESCA. At the same time, the good early diagnosis ability of the three regulators also provided new insights for the diagnosis and early treatment of ESCA patients. Conclusion. We develop a multiscale integrated analysis and suggest that CXCL8, CYP2C8, and E2F1 are promising regulators with good diagnostic and prognostic values in ESCA.
Invasive Carcinoma Ex-Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Lacrimal Gland with a Cystadenocarcinoma Component: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Neerukonda Vamsee K. , Carruth Bryant , Estopinal Maria Del Valle
Published: August 2020

Lacrimal gland neoplasms comprise up to 18% of all orbital masses clinically and histologically. Much of our current core knowledge regarding lacrimal gland tumors stems from prior study of their more common counterparts, the salivary glands. The prognosis for each lacrimal gland tumor is contingent upon proper clinical evaluation and ultimately the histopathologic diagnosis. We describe a case of an invasive carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (Ca-ex-PA) with a cystadenocarcinoma component arising from the lacrimal gland in the absence of any previously diagnosed pleomorphic adenoma (benign mixed tumor) or prior incisional surgery. This case illustrates the importance of the histopathologic assessment including immunohistochemistry and genetic testing to narrow a differential diagnosis and potentially aid or guide therapy in the future. Our finding suggests that carcinoma of the lacrimal gland may be derived from previously undiagnosed and perhaps even subclinical pleomorphic adenoma.
Belief and Plausibility Measures on Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets with Construction of Belief-Plausibility TOPSIS
Authors: Yang Miin-Shen , Hussain Zahid , Ali Mehboob
Published: August 2020

Belief and plausibility measures in Dempster–Shafer theory (DST) and fuzzy sets are known as different approaches for representing partial, uncertainty, and imprecise information. There are several generalizations of DST to fuzzy sets proposed in the literature. But, less generalization of DST to intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs), that can somehow present imprecise information better than fuzzy sets, was proposed. In this paper, we first propose a simple and intuitive way to construct a generalization of DST to IFSs with degrees of belief and plausibility in terms of degrees of membership and nonmembership, respectively. We then give belief and plausibility measures on IFSs and construct belief-plausibility intervals (BPIs) of IFSs. Based on the constructed BPIs, we first use Hausdorff metric to define the distance between two BPIs and then establish similarity measures in the generalized context of DST to IFSs. By employing the techniques of ordered preference similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), the proposed belief and plausibility measures on IFSs in the framework of DST enable us to construct a belief-plausibility TOPSIS for solving multicriteria decision-making problems. Some examples are presented to manifest that the proposed method is reasonable, applicable, and well suited in the environment of IFSs in the framework of generalization of DST.
The Impact of Truck Proportion on Traffic Safety Using Surrogate Safety Measures in China
Authors: Chen Shengdi , Zhang Shiwen , Xing Yingying , Lu Jian , Peng Yichuan , Zhang H. Michael
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the truck proportion on surrogate safety measures to explore the relationship between truck proportion and traffic safety. The relationship between truck proportion and traffic flow parameters was analyzed by correlation and partial correlation analysis, and the value of the 85th percentile speed minus the 15th percentile speed (85%V–15%V) and the speed variation coefficient were selected as surrogate safety measures to explore the impact of truck proportion on traffic status. The k-means algorithm and the support vector machine were employed to evaluate traffic status on a freeway under different truck proportions in different periods. The major results are that the relationship between truck proportion and the value of 85%V–15%V and the speed variation coefficient is consistent in different aggregation periods. With increasing truck proportion, the value of 85%V–15%V, as well as the speed variation coefficient, increases initially and then decreases. In addition, the traffic flow status tends to be dangerous when the truck proportion ranges from 0.4 to 0.6 and when the value of 85%V–15%V and the speed variation coefficient are above 42 km/h and 0.223, respectively. While the truck proportion is from 0.1 to 0.3 and from 0.7 to 0.9, the traffic flow is relatively safe on the condition that the value of 85%V–15%V and the speed variation coefficient were under 42 km/h and 0.223, respectively. Therefore, the relationship between truck proportion and traffic safety could be well revealed by two surrogate safety measures, that is, the value of 85%V–15%V and the speed variation coefficient. In addition, the k-means algorithm and the support vector machine can well reveal the impact of truck proportion on traffic safety in different periods. The findings of this study indicate a need for decreasing the disturbance of mixed traffic and the impact of the truck proportion on traffic safety status.
Si‐Wu‐Tang Alleviates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via Blocking TLR4‐JNK and Caspase‐8‐GSDMD Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhang Yaxing , Zhou Ge , Chen Zifeng , Guan Weibing , Zhang Jiongshan , Bi Mingmin , Wang Fenglin , You Xinchao , Liao Yangjing , Zheng Shuhui , Xu Kangquan , Yang Hongzhi
Published: August 2020

Background. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has high global prevalence; however, the treatments of NAFLD are limited due to lack of approved drugs. Methods. Mice were randomly assigned into three groups: Control group, NAFLD group, NAFLD plus Si‐Wu‐Tang group. A NAFLD mice model was established by feeding with a methionine‐ and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet for four weeks. Si‐Wu‐Tang was given orally by gastric gavage at the beginning of 3rd week, and it lasted for two weeks. The treatment effects of Si‐Wu‐Tang were confirmed by examining the change of body weight, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, Oil Red O staining, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of the liver samples and accompanied by steatosis grade scores. The expression and activation of the possible signaling proteins involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD were determined by western blotting. Results. Mice fed with four weeks of MCD diet displayed elevated serum levels of ALT and AST, while there was decreased body weight. The hepatic Oil Red O staining and H&E staining showed severe liver steatosis with high steatosis grade scores. All these can be improved by treating with Si‐Wu‐Tang for two weeks. Mechanistically, the increased hepatic TLR4 expression and its downstream JNK phosphorylation induced by MCD diet were suppressed by Si‐Wu‐Tang. Moreover, the upregulations of Caspase‐8, gasdermin D (GSDMD), and cleaved‐GSDMD in liver mediated by MCD diet were all inhibited by Si‐Wu‐Tang. Conclusions. Treatment with Si‐Wu‐Tang improves MCD diet‐induced NAFLD in part via blocking TLR4‐JNK and Caspase‐8‐GSDMD signaling pathways, suggesting that Si‐Wu‐Tang has potential for clinical application in treating NAFLD.
CubeSat’s Deployable Solar Panel with Viscoelastic Multilayered Stiffener for Launch Vibration Attenuation
Authors: Bhattarai Shankar , Kim Hongrae , Oh Hyun-Ung
Published: August 2020

Ensuring the structural safety of a deployable solar panel under a severe launch vibration environment is one of the important factors for a successful CubeSat mission. A CubeSat’s deployable solar panel proposed in this study is effective to guarantee the structural safety of solar cells by attenuating launch loads owing to the superior damping characteristic achieved by a multilayered stiffener with viscoelastic acrylic tapes. The demonstration model of 3 U CubeSat’s deployable solar panel was fabricated and tested to validate the effectiveness of the proposed design. The basic dynamic characteristics of the solar panel were measured through free-vibration tests according to the various layers of the stiffener. Moreover, the characteristics of the deployed solar panel were measured and investigated under various temperatures to predict its capability under in-orbit operation. The effectiveness of the proposed design for launch vibration attenuation was demonstrated through qualification level sine and random vibration tests.
Identifying COVID19 from Chest CT Images: A Deep Convolutional Neural Networks Based Approach
Authors: Mishra Arnab Kumar , Das Sujit Kumar , Roy Pinki , Bandyopadhyay Sivaji
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus Disease (COVID19) is a fast-spreading infectious disease that is currently causing a healthcare crisis around the world. Due to the current limitations of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based tests for detecting COVID19, recently radiology imaging based ideas have been proposed by various works. In this work, various Deep CNN based approaches are explored for detecting the presence of COVID19 from chest CT images. A decision fusion based approach is also proposed, which combines predictions from multiple individual models, to produce a final prediction. Experimental results show that the proposed decision fusion based approach is able to achieve above 86% results across all the performance metrics under consideration, with average AUROC and F1-Score being 0.883 and 0.867, respectively. The experimental observations suggest the potential applicability of such Deep CNN based approach in real diagnostic scenarios, which could be of very high utility in terms of achieving fast testing for COVID19.
Fatigue Life Prediction of the Zirconia Fixture Based on Boundary Element Method
Authors: Wang Y. W. , Ye J. J. , He W. P. , Cai G. G. , Shi B. Q.
Published: August 2020

Zirconia grinding fixtures have been widely used in semiconductor industry to improve the quality and precision of the products. For maximizing the service life and minimizing the risks of accidental damage, it is critical to have a better understanding of the fatigue life of zirconia grinding fixtures. To this end, a boundary element method is developed in this paper to investigate their crack growth and fatigue life. To validate the proposed method, the stress intensity factor of a typical plate structure with initial cracks is considered. On this basis, Paris Law is employed in the boundary element model to further study the crack growth and stress distributions in the zirconia fixture under cyclic loads. Numerical results show that stress concentration occurs at the pillar of the fixture, and crack growth is perpendicular to the loading direction.
Cutaneous Metastases from Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Yu , Xue Ruzeng
Published: August 2020

Cutaneous metastases are unusual presenting symptoms of lung cancer. Therefore, they are prone to be misdiagnosed and missed. The report describes a case of a forty-nine-year-old female with painful zosteriform rashes showing multiple vesicle-like papules localized on the left breast for 10 days. The patient had been diagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma at the department of oncology one year ago. Skin biopsy revealed blue nodular lesions in the dermis, composed of clustered heterogeneous tumor cells with glandular formation. Immunohistochemical stains confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma.
Exosomes in Nephropathies: A Rich Source of Novel Biomarkers
Authors: Masaoutis Christos , Al Besher Samer , Koutroulis Ioannis , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: August 2020

The biomarkers commonly utilized in diagnostic evaluations of kidney disease suffer from low sensitivity, especially in the early stages of renal damage. On the other hand, obtaining a renal biopsy to augment clinical decision making can lead to potentially serious complications. In order to overcome the shortcomings of currently available diagnostic tools, recent studies suggest that exosomes, cell-secreted extracellular vesicles containing a large array of active molecules to facilitate cell-to-cell communication, may represent a rich source of novel disease biomarkers. Because of their endocytic origin, exosomes carry markers typical for their parent cells, which could permit the localization of biochemical cellular alterations in specific kidney compartments. Different types of exosomes can be isolated from noninvasively obtained biofluids; however, in the context of kidney disease, evidence has emerged on the role of urinary exosomes in the diagnostic and predictive modeling of renal pathology. The current review summarizes the potential application of exosomes in the detection of acute and chronic inflammatory, metabolic, degenerative, and genetic renal diseases.
AURKA Increase the Chemosensitivity of Colon Cancer Cells to Oxaliplatin by Inhibiting the TP53‐Mediated DNA Damage Response Genes
Authors: Shan Baocong , Zhao Ran , Zhou Jian , Zhang Minghui , Qi Xiaoyu , Wang Tianzhen , Gong Jinan , Wu Yiqi , Zhu Yuanyuan , Yang Weiwei , Zhang Yang , Wang Guangyou , Li Xiaobo
Published: August 2020

AURKA, a cell cycle‐regulated kinase, is associated with malignant transformation and progression in many cancer types. We analyzed the expression change of AURKA in pan‐cancer and its effect on the prognosis of cancer patients using the TCGA dataset. We revealed that AURKA was extensively elevated and predicted a poor prognosis in most of the detected cancer types, with an exception in colon cancer. AURKA was elevated in colon cancer, but the upregulation of AURKA indicated better outcomes of colon cancer patients. Then we revealed that undermethylation of the AURKA gene and several transcription factors contributed to the upregulation of AURKA in colon cancer. Moreover, we demonstrated that AURKA overexpression promoted the death of colon cancer cells induced by Oxaliplatin, whereas knockdown of AURKA significantly weakened the chemosensitivity of colon cancer cells to Oxaliplatin. Mechanistically, AURKA inhibited DNA damage response by suppressing the expression of various DNA damage repair genes in a TP53‐dependent manner, which can partly explain that ARUKA is associated with a beneficial outcome of colon cancer. This study provided a possibility to use AURKA as a biomarker to predict the chemosensitivity of colon cancer to platinum in the clinic.