bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Lighting of Optical Devices for Oral Cavity
Authors: Yeh Chia Hung , Huang Liang Gie , Chan Man Yee
Published: January 2020

Oral surgery mainly provides surgical scope illumination by doctors wearing headlamps, but there are still clinical restrictions on use. The limitations are (1) due to the angle of the head swing and the shadow of the visual field during the operation and (2) due to projection of the light source being worn on the doctor’s head and the length of the wire, and the fiber-optic wire will affect the relative position of the surgical instrument and limit the scope of the doctor’s activity. This study will focus on the development of oral lighting optical microstructure devices to solve and improve the abovementioned clinical use limitations. The production method is to make an oral lighting mold by 3D printing technology and use the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) of liquid silicone material to make an oral lighting device with mold casting technology. The results show that the optical simulation achieves the target light distribution by optimizing the three geometric reflection surfaces combined with the lens design by the optimization method, and the maximum illumination value can reach 5102 lux. According to the measurement results of mold casting technology, the average errors of the profile of the 3D printing finished product and the PDMS finished product of the oral device structure are about 1.4% and 16.9%, respectively. Because the contour of the PDMS finished product’s error caused the light to shift by 0.5∼3 mm distance, the light is still concentrated in the range of the tonsils, so this study can be defined as within the acceptable range of within 16.9% of the intra lighting error. The development of oral lighting devices in this study will reduce the burden on physicians in nonprofessional fields, reduce the time of surgery for patients to maintain the health of doctors, and rise the level of medical equipment to increase surgical safety.
GASC1-Adapted Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Resectable Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Clinical Biomarker Trial
Authors: Jia Ruinuo , Mi Youjia , Yuan Xiang , Kong Dejiu , Li Wanying , Li Ruonan , Wang Bingbing , Zhu Yafei , Kong Jinyu , Ma Zhikun , Li Na , Mi Qiangjian , Gao Shegan
Published: January 2020

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) is a standard care for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the efficacy is unsatisfactory. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play key roles in chemotherapy resistance. Gene amplified in squamous cell carcinoma 1 (GASC1) is a neoteric gene in stemness maintaining of ESCC. We aimed to reveal whether GASC1 could be a predictive biomarker for NCT in ESCC. ESCC patients (T2-4N0-2M0) were evaluated for GASC1 expression using immunohistochemical staining and classified as GASC1-low group (GLG) and GASC1-high group (GHG). NCT was delivered in two cycles and then the surgery was completed. Primary endpoints were tumor regression grade (TRG) and objective response rate (ORR); secondary endpoints were radical surgical resection (R0) rate and three-year overall survival (OS). 60 patients were eligible with evaluable outcomes: 24 in GHG and 36 in GLG. Between GHG and GLG, TRG1, TRG2, TRG3, and TRG4 were 0 : 16.7%, 20.8% : 41.7%, 58.3% : 36.1%, and 20.8% : 5.6%, respectively (P=0.006); ORR and R0 rate were 33.3% : 69.4% (P=0.006) and 75% : 94.4% (P=0.046), respectively; the median OS was 20 : 32 (months) (P=0.0356). No significant difference in the three-year OS was observed between GHG and GLG: 29.2% : 41.7% (P=0.24). Furthermore, the GASC1 expression level was associated with poor OS independent of other factors by univariate and multivariate analyses. Therefore, GASC1 might be a potential biomarker to predict NCT efficacy for ESCC.
The Role of Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Preventive Medicine: A Perspective from Portugal Primary Health-Care Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
Authors: Santos Paulo
Published: January 2020

The cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world, especially because of myocardial infarction and stroke. Their beginning, however, starts many years earlier with the atherosclerotic process due to the cardiovascular risk factors, with different weights in the global risk. Our aim is to review the utilization of risk estimators in primary health care, through a comprehensive review of the literature and official national and international health data (OECD and WHO). The risk estimators aim to integrate the partial information of each factor in a global calculation able to help towards a better clinical reasoning in primary prevention. Besides the variables in the mathematical algorithm, estimators must consider also the factors not in the equation, but significant for decision making. Risk estimators are crucial in prevention, allowing to classify the risk in practical categories easy to use and to benefit the decision-making, more than trying to guess what will happen to the patient.
Toxicity and Its Mechanism Study of Arecae semen Aqueous Extract in Wistar Rats by UPLC‐HDMS‐Based Serum Metabolomics
Authors: Jia Zhe , Han Ting , Lin Qinghua , Qu Wenjia , Jia Tianying , Liu Mengnan , Wang Haili , Xin Jieping , Xu Xinfang , Li Xiangri
Published: January 2020

Background. Arecae semen (AS) is officially recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia and it is known for its multiple functions, including antidepressive, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and cholesterol‐lowering effects, which have been confirmed by modern pharmacological study. Previous study in our laboratory showed that long‐term oral administration of Arecae semen aqueous extract (ASAE) at high dosage was toxic. However, the underlying toxicological mechanism of AS is not yet clear at the biochemistry level. Hypothesis. The aim of this work was to characterize the metabolome, evaluate the metabolic changes, and study the mechanisms of the toxicity induced by different treatment doses of ASAE via metabolomics. Methods. Wistar rats were administered orally two different doses of ASAE (1500 and 4500 mg/kg/d) for 30 days. The investigation was carried out to evaluate the safety of ASAE. And, the UPLC‐HDMS‐based serum metabolomics in conjunction with multivariate statistical techniques was applied to investigate the serum metabolite profile and potential markers of toxicity induced by different doses of ASAE. Results. Coupled with blood biochemistry and histopathology results, the significant difference in metabolic profiling was observed between 1500 and 4500 mg/kg/d dosages of ASAE‐treated rats and normal rats by using pattern recognition analysis, indicating that changes in serum metabolites must have occurred. Some significant changed metabolites such as arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and LPC (18 : 1) have been found and identified. These biochemical changes in serum metabolites are related to the perturbation of linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and purine metabolism, which may be helpful to further understand the cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity of ASAE. Conclusion. The study shows that the metabolomic method may be a valuable tool for studying the essence of toxicity induced by traditional Chinese medicine.
Hypouricemic Effects of Extracts from Urtica hyperborea Jacq. ex Wedd. in Hyperuricemia Mice through XOD, URAT1, and OAT1
Authors: Han Surina , Wei Rongrui , Han Daorina , Zhu Jixiao , Luo Weizao , Ao Wuliji , Zhong Guoyue
Published: January 2020

Urtica L. has been long used for gout in traditional Tibetan medicine and is closely related to the effect of reducing uric acid. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Urtica hyperborea Jacq. ex Wedd. (UW) on lowering uric acid and its mechanism by using HK2 cells and hyperuricemia mouse model. Petroleum ether extract (UWP), ethyl acetate extract (UWE), n‐butanol extract (UWB), and alcohol‐soluble extract (UWA) from UW were prepared, and HK2 cells were treated with various parts extracts to observe the expression of uric acid transporter at 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL for 24 h. Moreover, hyperuricemia mice were administered orally various parts extracts at 0.78 and 2.34 g/kg (crude drug dose converted by extraction rate) to observe the change of hepatic XOD, serum ADA, renal function, and uric acid transporter. In vitro experiments showed that UWA can remarkably elevate OAT1 expression and decrease URAT1 expression in HK2 cells. In vivo experiments showed that UWP, UWE, UWB, and UWA showed remarkable activity in reducing uric acid, rendering a substantial decline in the SUA level in hyperuricemia mice. Compared with the hyperuricemia and allopurinol groups, UWB and UWA had significant protective effects on renal injury. At the same time, UWA can significantly reduce the activity of XOD and ADA, reduce the expression of URAT1, and increase the expression of OAT1. These results indicated that UWA had an outstanding uric acid lowering effect and did not affect renal function. This may be related to increased uric acid excretion and decreased uric acid production, mediated by renal OAT1, URAT1, liver XOD, and serum ADA. UWA may be a potential drug against hyperuricemia.
An Estimation Model on Electricity Consumption of New Metro Stations
Authors: Yu Zhao , Bai Yun , Fu Qian , Chen Yao , Mao Baohua
Published: January 2020

Electricity consumption of metro stations increases sharply with expansion of a metro network and this has been a growing cause for concern. Based on relevant historical data from existing metro stations, this paper proposes a support vector regression (SVR) model to estimate daily electricity consumption of a newly constructed metro station. The model considers some major factors influencing the electricity consumption of metro station in terms of both the interior design scheme of a station (e.g., layout of the station and allocation of facilities) and external factors (e.g., passenger volume, air temperature and relative humidity). A genetic algorithm with five-fold cross-validation is used to optimize the hyper-parameters of the SVR model in order to improve its accuracy in estimating the electricity consumption of a metro station (ECMS). With the optimized hyper-parameters, results from case studies on the Beijing Subway showed that the estimating accuracy of the proposed SVR model could reach up to 95% and the correlation coefficient was 0.89. It was demonstrated that the proposed model could outperform the traditional methods which use a back-propagation neural network or multivariate linear regression. The method presented in this paper can be an adequate tool for estimating the ECMS and should further assist in the delivery of new, energy-efficient metro stations.
Asthma Symptoms in Bakeries at Parakou, Benin
Authors: Ade Serge , Adjobimey Mênonli , Agodokpessi Gildas , Kouassi Marie Sylvie , Gounongbe Fabien A. , Cisse Ibrahim , Hounkpatin Spero H. R.
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives. There is a dearth of information on asthma among bakers in low-income settings. The objectives of this study were to determine (i) the prevalence of asthma symptoms, (ii) factors associated with probable occupational asthma (OA), and (iii) work habits that might lead to a dusty workplace environment, Parakou, Benin.Materials and Methods. This was a mixed methods (cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative) study carried out between March and September 2018.Results. Of 210 employees/apprentices in 26 bakeries, 190 (91.48%) were included in the study: median age was 25.50 (IQR=22−32) years, 157 (82.63%) were aged <40 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 26.14. Of these, 111 (58.42%) worked in a salted bread and 79 (41.58%) in a sweet bread bakery. An asthma history was reported by 3.68%. Symptoms consistent with asthma, work-related asthma, OA, and work-aggravated asthma were found in 13.68%, 12.63%, 10%, and 2.63%, respectively. Asthma confirmation was obtained in 15.79% of bakers with probable OA and in 23.08% of all bakers with suspected asthma. A history of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was associated with probable OA (aOR=106;95%CI=17.79−2093;p<0.001). Of the 24 bakers with probable work-related asthma, 3 (12.50%) were prescribed a short-acting beta2-agonist and 2 (8.33%) an inhaled corticosteroid. No worker had had a systematically planned annual medical visit; some habits at work were identified as leading to flour and dust suspension at the workplace.Conclusion. Clinical manifestations of OA were common among bakers in Parakou and were associated with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. There is a need to improve technical preventive measures and treatment, as well as to institute systematic medical visits for these workers.
Global Analysis of Alternative Splicing Difference in Peripheral Immune Organs between Tongcheng Pigs and Large White Pigs Artificially Infected with PRRSV In Vivo
Authors: Zhang Yu , Xue Liyao , Xu Hang , Liang Wan , Wu Qingqing , Zhang Qingde , Zhou Xiang , Liu Bang
Published: January 2020

Alternative splicing (AS) plays a significant role in regulating gene expression at the transcriptional level in eukaryotes. Flexibility and diversity of transcriptome and proteome can be significantly increased through alternative splicing of genes. In the present study, transcriptome data of peripheral immune organs including spleen and inguinal lymph nodes (ILN) were used to identify AS difference between PRRSV‐resistant Tongcheng (TC) pigs and PRRSV‐susceptible Large White (LW) pigs artificially infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in vivo. The results showed that PRRSV infection induced global alternative splicing events (ASEs) with different modes. Among them, 373 genes and 595 genes in the spleen and ILN of TC pigs, while 458 genes and 560 genes in the spleen and ILN of LW pigs had significantly differential ASEs. Alternative splicing was subject to tissue‐specific and lineage‐specific regulation in response to PRRSV infection. Enriched GO terms and pathways showed that genes with differential ASEs played important roles in transcriptional regulation, immune response, metabolism, and apoptosis. Furthermore, a splicing factor associated with apoptosis, SRSF4, was significantly upregulated in LW pigs. Functional analysis on apoptosis associated genes was validated by RT‐PCR and DNA sequencing. These findings revealed different response to PRRSV between PRRSV‐resistant TC pigs and PRRSV‐susceptible LW pigs at the level of alternative splicing, suggesting the potential relationship between AS and disease resistance to PRRSV.
Hydrodynamic Conditions Effects on Soft-Bottom Subtidal Nearshore Benthic Community Structure and Distribution
Authors: Foulquier Clémence , Baills Julien , Arraud Alison , D’Amico Frank , Blanchet Hugues , Rihouey Didier , Bru Noëlle
Published: January 2020

This study assesses the impacts of wave action and freshwater outflow on soft-bottom benthic macrofauna spatial distribution and temporal stability along the highly exposed French Basque coast. Sediment characteristics and macrofauna abundance have been seasonally investigated during two years for nine stations located at the same (6 m) depth and spread over three subtidal sites showing distinct exposure levels. Wave climate has been determined through an operational numerical model. A total of 121 taxa were recorded, gathered in three main faunal assemblages, as revealed by classification and ordination methods. Non-parametric multivariate multiple regression (distance-based linear model) showed that the variations in macrofaunal distribution can be explained by hydrodynamic conditions. Wave exposure strongly linked to estuarine inputs were the most relevant abiotic factors influencing distributional patterns and functional structure as described by biological traits analysis. Despite the influence of these abiotic variables affecting sedimentary dynamics, seasonal stability was observed in macrobenthic assemblages composition suggesting an ability to recover from natural disturbances such as (e.g.) winter storms. In this way, these results provide baseline knowledge for future ecosystem and resource management in shallow subtidal areas strongly exposed to swell and freshwater outflow where soft-bottom macrozoobenthic communities are less frequently studied.
The Nrf-2/HO-1 Signaling Axis: A Ray of Hope in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , Yu Yihan , Lei Hanyu , Cai Yufeng , Shen Jie , Zhu Ping , He Qingnan , Zhao Mingyi
Published: January 2020

Cardiovascular disease, which can lead to angina and shortness of breath, remains one of the most serious threats to human health. Owing to its imperceptible symptoms, it is difficult to determine the pathogenesis and treatment methods for cardiovascular disease. Nuclear factor erythropoietin-2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1) is a protein found in all cells of the human body. It is activated, transferred to the nucleus, and bound to DNA by antioxidant response elements (AREs). As a regulator of the antioxidant system, it upregulates the expression of HO-1 to reduce oxidative stress. Nrf2/HO-1 also has the ability to modulate calcium levels to prevent ferroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, programmed cell necrosis, alkaliptosis, and clockophagy. In view of the importance of Nrf2/HO-1 in the regulation of homeostasis, this review summarizes current research on the relationship between cardiovascular disease and Nrf2/HO-1. Normal cardiovascular diseases, such as viral myocarditis and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, have been treated with Nrf2/HO-1. Rheumatic heart disease, cardiac tumors, arteriosclerosis, arrhythmia, hypertensive heart disease, and myocardial infarction have also been treated during experiments. Research has demonstrated the clinical application of Nrf2/HO-1 in pediatric cardiovascular disease; further clinical trials will help elucidate the potential of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling axis.
Hippocampal Growth Factor and Myokine Cathepsin B Expression following Aerobic and Resistance Training in 3xTg-AD Mice
Authors: Pena Gabriel S. , Paez Hector G. , Johnson Trevor K. , Halle Jessica L. , Carzoli Joseph P. , Visavadiya Nishant P. , Zourdos Michael C. , Whitehurst Michael A. , Khamoui Andy V.
Published: January 2020

Aerobic training (AT) can support brain health in Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the role of resistance training (RT) in AD is not well established. Aside from direct effects on the brain, exercise may also regulate brain function through secretion of muscle-derived myokines. Aims. This study examined the effects of AT and RT on hippocampal BDNF and IGF-1 signaling, β-amyloid expression, and myokine cathepsin B in the triple transgenic (3xTg-AD) model of AD. 3xTg-AD mice were assigned to one of the following groups: sedentary (Tg), aerobic trained (Tg+AT, 9 wks treadmill running), or resistance trained (Tg+RT, 9 wks weighted ladder climbing) (n=10/group). Rotarod latency and strength were assessed pre- and posttraining. Hippocampus and skeletal muscle were collected after training and analyzed by high-resolution respirometry, ELISA, and immunoblotting. Tg+RT showed greater grip strength than Tg and Tg+AT at posttraining (p<0.01). Only Tg+AT improved rotarod peak latency (p<0.01). Hippocampal IGF-1 concentration was ~15% greater in Tg+AT and Tg+RT compared to Tg (p<0.05); however, downstream signals of p-IGF-1R, p-Akt, p-MAPK, and p-GSK3β were not altered. Cathepsin B, hippocampal p-CREB and BDNF, and hippocampal mitochondrial respiration were not affected by AT or RT. β-Amyloid was ~30% lower in Tg+RT compared to Tg (p<0.05). This data suggests that regular resistance training reduces β-amyloid in the hippocampus concurrent with increased concentrations of IGF-1. Both types of training offered distinct benefits, either by improving physical function or by modifying signals in the hippocampus. Therefore, inclusion of both training modalities may address central defects, as well as peripheral comorbidities in AD.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears with Bone Marrow Concentrate and Platelet Products Compared to Exercise Therapy: A Midterm Analysis
Authors: Centeno Christopher , Fausel Zachary , Stemper Ian , Azuike Ugochi , Dodson Ehren
Published: January 2020

Injectable regenerative therapies such as bone marrow concentrate (BMC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may represent a safe alternative in the treatment of rotator cuff tears. This is a midterm review of a randomized, crossover trial comparing autologous BMC and platelet product injections versus exercise therapy in the treatment of partial and full-thickness supraspinatus tears. Patients enrolled into the study were between 18 and 65 years of age presenting to an outpatient orthopedic clinic with partial to full thickness, nonretracted supraspinatus tendon tears. Enrolled patients were randomized to either ultrasound-guided autologous BMC with PRP and platelet lysate (PL) percutaneous injection treatment or exercise therapy. Patients could cross over to BMC treatment after at least 3 months of exercise therapy. Patients completed the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included the numeric pain scale (NPS), a modified Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and a blinded MRI review. At this midterm review, results from 25 enrolled patients who have reached at least 12-month follow-up are presented. No serious adverse events were reported. Significant differences were seen in patient reported outcomes for the BMC treatment compared to exercise therapy at 3 and 6 months for pain, and for function and reported improvement (SANE) at 3 months (p<.05). Patients reported a mean 89% improvement at 24 months, with sustained functional gains and pain reduction. MRI review showed a size decrease of most tears post-BMC treatment. These findings suggest that ultrasound-guided BMC and platelet product injections are a safe and useful alternative to conservative exercise therapy of torn, nonretracted supraspinatus tendons. This trial is registered withNCT01788683.
Conceptual Framework for the Strategic Management: A Literature Review—Descriptive
Authors: Fuertes Guillermo , Alfaro Miguel , Vargas Manuel , Gutierrez Sebastian , Ternero Rodrigo , Sabattin Jorge
Published: January 2020

The objective of this work is to review the literature of the main concepts that lead to determining the strategic approach, creation of strategies, organizational structures, strategy formulation, and strategic evaluation as a guide for the organizational management, taking into account the effects produced by the different types of strategies on the performance of organizations. In this article, the systemic literature review method was used to synthesize the result of multiple investigations and scientific literature. The process of reading and analysis of the literature was carried out through digital search engines with keywords in areas related to the strategic management. This research reveals the lack of scientific literature containing important theoretical concepts that serve the strategists as a guide in the creation, formulation, and evaluation of strategies. This review contributes to the existing literature by examining the impact of the strategic management on the organizational performance.
Numerical Analysis of Fracture Behaviour on Marble Samples Containing Two Flaws
Authors: Zheng Lifei , Huang Dan , Li Xiaoqing , Hu Xuan
Published: January 2020

Uniaxial compression tests were conducted on marble specimens containing two flaws. There are coplanar flaws and noncoplanar flaws. The inclination angle and spacing of flaws were considered of the coplanar flaws model, and the step angle and spacing of flaws were considered of the noncoplanar flaws model. Strength failure and crack coalescence behaviour were analysed in the paper. The crack evolution process containing microcrack initiation, coalescence, and failure is focused on the rock bridge coalescence and the extent of the pre‐existing flaws. There are four forms of rock bridge coalescence: tensile crack coalescence, shear crack coalescence, mixed tensile and shear crack coalescence, and no coalescence. Also, there are four forms of the rock failure mode: tensile failure, shear failure, mixed tensile and shear failure, and split fracture. The outer end of the critical stress values were used to compare with the crack initiation strengths, and the crack initiation strengths were slightly larger than the critical stress. In addition, energy dissipation laws were analysed during the model fracturing process. The crack evolution mechanisms around the pre‐existing flaw in the model were revealed by the distribution of microcrack and energy dissipation.
An Improved Grey Clustering Model with Multiattribute Spatial-Temporal Feature for Panel Data and Its Application
Authors: Li Jian , Chen Wan-ming
Published: January 2020

Due to the complexity and uncertainty of the objective world and the limitation of cognition, it is difficult to extract the information and rules contained in the panel data effectively based on the traditional panel data clustering method. Given this, considering that the absolute amount level, increasing amount level, and volatility level are the main indicators to represent the spatial-temporal feature of the panel data, a novel grey clustering model with the multiattribute spatial-temporal feature of panel data is established, and then it is applied in the regional high-tech industrialization in China. The results show that the proposed model can make full use of the spatial-temporal feature information of the panel data, identify the problems existing in the clustering objects, and make the clustering results more objective and practical.
Initial Bounds for Certain Classes of Bi-Univalent Functions Defined by Horadam Polynomials
Authors: Abirami Chinnaswamy , Magesh Nanjundan , Yamini Jagadeesan
Published: January 2020

The main purpose of this article is to make use of the Horadam polynomials hnx and the generating function Πx,z, in order to introduce three new subclasses of the bi-univalent function class σ. For functions belonging to the defined classes, we then derive coefficient inequalities and the Fekete–Szegö inequalities. Some interesting observations of the results presented here are also discussed. We also provide relevant connections of our results with those considered in earlier investigations.
Potential Functions and Thermodynamic Properties of UC, UN, and UH
Authors: Tang Shuang-Ling , Wang Yu , Xia Qi-Ying , Ju Xue-Hai
Published: January 2020

Potential energy surface scanning for UC, UN, and UH was performed by configuration interaction (CI), coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) excitation, quadratic configuration interaction (QCISD (T)), and density functional theory PBE1 (DFT-PBE1) methods in coupling with the ECP80MWB_AVQZ + 2f basis set for uranium and 6 − 311 + G∗for carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. The dissociation energies of UC, UN, and UH are 5.7960, 4.5077, and 2.6999 eV at the QCISD (T) levels, respectively. The calculated energy was fitted to the potential functions of Morse, Lennard-Jones, and Rydberg by using the least square method. The anharmonicity constant of UC is 0.0047160. The anharmonic frequency of UC is 780.27 cm−1which was obtained based on the PBE1 results. For UN, the anharmonicity constant is 0.0049827. The anharmonic frequency is 812.65 cm−1which was obtained through the PBE1 results. For UH, the anharmonicity constant is 0.017300. The anharmonic frequency obtained via the QCISD (T) results is 1449.8 cm−1. The heat capacity and entropy in different temperatures were calculated using anharmonic frequencies. These properties are in good accordance with the direct DFT-UPBE1 results (for UC and UN) and QCISD (T) results (for UH). The relationship of entropy with temperature was established.
Recognition of 3D Shapes Based on 3V-DepthPano CNN
Authors: Yin Junjie , Huang Ningning , Tang Jing , Fang Meie
Published: January 2020

This paper proposes a convolutional neural network (CNN) with three branches based on the three-view drawing principle and depth panorama for 3D shape recognition. The three-view drawing principle provides three key views of a 3D shape. A depth panorama contains the complete 2.5D information of each view. 3V-DepthPano CNN is a CNN system with three branches designed for depth panoramas generated from the three key views. This recognition system, i.e., 3V-DepthPano CNN, applies a three-branch convolutional neural network to aggregate the 3D shape depth panorama information into a more compact 3D shape descriptor to implement the classification of 3D shapes. Furthermore, we adopt a fine-tuning technique on 3V-DepthPano CNN and extract shape features to facilitate the retrieval of 3D shapes. The proposed method implements a good tradeoff state between higher accuracy and training time. Experiments show that the proposed 3V-DepthPano CNN with 3 views obtains approximate accuracy to MVCNN with 12/80 views. But the 3V-DepthPano CNN frame takes much shorter time to obtain depth panoramas and train the network than MVCNN. It is superior to all other existing advanced methods for both classification and shape retrieval.
Germacrone Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Zhang Ren , Hao Ji , Guo Kaiwen , Liu Wanxin , Yao Fei , Wu Qingming , Liu Chang , Wang Qiang , Yang Xinzhou
Published: January 2020

Germacrone, a natural 10‐membered monocyclic sesquiterpene with three double bonds and a ketone, was isolated from the roots of traditional Chinese medicine Saussurea costus (SC). The pharmacological value and intrinsic mechanism of germacrone in the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are still unclear. Therefore, in this study, we further explored the internal molecular mechanism by which germacrone exerts its antiproliferation and antimigration ability against ESCC. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays showed that germacrone dose‐dependently inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells. Flow cytometry analysis (FACS) and wound healing experiments on germacrone treated ESCC cells showed that germacrone could induce apoptosis and inhibit the migration of ESCC cells in a dose‐dependent manner. In the study on the mechanism of action of germacrone in antiesophageal cancer, we found that germacrone increased the ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2 in the cytoplasm of ESCC, resulting in the activation of Caspase‐9 and Caspase‐3 and decreased the expression of Grp78, thereby reducing the inhibition of Caspase‐12 and Caspase‐7. In addition, we found that germacrone also inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation in a dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, we determined that germacrone exerted an antiesophageal effect through intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways and by inhibiting STAT3 activity in ESCC cells.
Explosion Pressure and Minimum Explosible Concentration Properties of Metal Sulfide Ore Dust Clouds
Authors: Rao Yun-zhang , Tian Chang-shun , Xu Wei , Xiao Chun-yu , Yuan Bo-yun , Yu Yao
Published: January 2020

The explosion pressure and minimum explosible concentration (MEC) properties of metal sulfide ore dust clouds are valuable for the prevention and control of metal sulfide ore dust explosions. In this study, a 20 L explosion sphere vessel was used to investigate the effect of sulfur content, particle size, and concentration on the explosion pressure and minimum explosible concentration of metal sulfide ore dust clouds. Four samples with different sulfur contents were selected (30%–40%, 20%–30%, 10%–20%, and 0%–10%). Before and after the explosion, samples were tested by X-ray diffraction. The results indicate that the metal sulfide ore dust is explosive dust with St1 grade explosion pressure. With an increase in concentration, the maximum explosion pressure increased at first and then decreased. With an increase in sulfide content, the explosion pressure of metal sulfide ore dust increased, while the minimum explosible concentration decreased. As particle size decreased, the MEC also decreased. The sulfur content, particle size, and concentration of metal sulfide ore dust were the main factors affecting the explosion hazard.
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Chinese Lacquer Tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum, Anacardiaceae) and Its Phylogenetic Significance
Authors: Wang Lu , He Na , Li Yao , Fang Yanming , Zhang Feilong
Published: January 2020

Chinese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum) is an important commercial arbor species widely cultivated in East Asia for producing highly durable lacquer. Here, we sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of T. vernicifluum and reconstructed the phylogeny of Sapindales based on 52 cp genomes of six families. The plastome of T. vernicifluum is 159,571 bp in length, including a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,511 bp, separated by a large single‐copy (LSC) region of 87,475 bp and a small single‐copy (SSC) region of 19,074 bp. A total of 126 genes were identified, of which 81 are protein‐coding genes, 37 are transfer RNA genes, and eight are ribosomal RNA genes. Forty‐nine mononucleotide microsatellites, one dinucleotide microsatellite, two complex microsatellites, and 49 long repeats were determined. Structural differences such as inversion variation in LSC and gene loss in IR were detected across cp genomes of the six genera in Anacardiaceae. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the genus Toxicodendron is closely related to Pistacia and Rhus. The phylogenetic relationships of the six families in Sapindales were well resolved. Overall, this study providing complete cp genome resources will be beneficial for determining potential molecular markers and evolutionary patterns of T. vernicifluum and its closely related species.
The Length and Distribution of Plasma Cell‐Free DNA Fragments in Stroke Patients
Authors: Cui Xiaofang , Du Shiyi , Liu Houlin , Liu Ju , Wu Qingjian , Huo Qing , Qi Yanwei , Qin Xiao , Yang Yan , Li Weiyang
Published: January 2020

A number of studies have shown that plasma cell‐free DNA is closely related to the risk of stroke, but the fragmentation status of plasma cell‐free DNA and its clinical application value in ischemic stroke are still unclear. In this study, 48 patients with new ischemic stroke and 20 healthy subjects were enrolled. The second‐generation high‐throughput sequencing technique was used to study the plasma cell‐free fragment length and regional distribution of the subjects. As noted in our results, the ratio of plasma cell‐free DNA fragments in the disease group was significantly greater than that of the healthy group in the 300–400 bp range; conversely for fragments at the 75–250 bp range, the ratio of plasma cell‐free DNA fragments in the patient group was apparently lower than that of the healthy group. In‐depth analysis of the proportion of fragments distributed on each component of the genome was carried out. Our results recorded that the plasma cell‐free DNA fragments in the disease group were inclined to the EXON, CpG islands, and ALU regions in contrast to that of the healthy group. In particular, fragments within the 300–400 bp range of the disease group were enrichment in the regions of EXON, INTRON, INTERGENIC, LINE, Fragile, ALU, and CpG islands. In summary, our findings suggested that the intracellular DNA degradation profiles could be applied to distinguish the stroke group and the healthy group, which provided a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of stroke by profiling the characteristic of plasma cell‐free DNA fragments.
Hydrogen‐Rich Saline Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Acute Lung Injury and Endothelial Dysfunction by Regulating Autophagy through mTOR/TFEB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Fu Zhiling , Zhang Ze , Wu Xiuying , Zhang Jin
Published: January 2020

Background. Hydrogen‐rich saline (HRS) has strong anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and antiapoptotic properties. The study focused on the protection of HRS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rat models and the relationship with autophagic regulation and mTOR/TFEB signaling pathway. Material and Methods. The LPS‐induced ALI rats’ model was established. Pathohistological change in lung tissue was detected by hematoxylin‐eosin staining. The inflammatory cytokines were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The key apoptosis proteins and autophagy‐relevant proteins were analyzed by western blotting. In vitro, HPMEC models of ALI were treated with LPS. The inflammatory cytokines were detected. Apoptosis rate was determined by flow cytometry. The autophagy and mTOR/TFEB signaling pathway‐related proteins were detected by western blot and immunohistochemical staining. Results. HRS attenuated LPS‐induced ALI and apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. HRS attenuated inflammatory response, inhibited apoptosis, induced and activated autophagy in LPS‐induced ALI model, and downregulated mTOR/TFEB signaling pathway. The protection of HRS can be blocked by autophagy inhibitor. Moreover, mTOR activator reversed HRS protection and mTOR inhibitor enhanced HRS protection in LPS‐induced model and HRS activated autophagy via mTOR/TFEB signaling pathway. Conclusion. The results confirmed the protection of HRS in LPS‐induced ALI by regulating apoptosis through inhibiting the mTOR/TFEB signaling pathway.
Extended Yearly LMDI Approaches: A Case Study of Energy Consumption
Authors: Chen Jiandong , Gao Ming , Li Ding , Song Malin , Xie Qianjiao , Zhou Jixian
Published: January 2020

Although the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) approach has been widely used in the field of energy and environmental research, it has a shortcoming. Since the LMDI approach only focuses on the base year and reporting year, in situations in which the research period is long, the annual changes during the research period may be difficult to capture. In particular, if there were huge fluctuations in the indicators (such as the energy consumption and carbon emissions) or their drivers during the middle of a research period, a substantial amount of information about the fluctuations will be ignored. Therefore, we propose four extended yearly LMDI approaches, including pure LMDI, weighted LMDI, comprehensive LMDI, and scenario LMDI approaches to better capture fluctuations and compensate for the original LMDI approach’s shortcomings. Additionally, we found that there are mathematical relationships among the four extended LMDI approaches. We further compare these four approaches’ advantages, disadvantages, and applicable situations and analyze a case study on China’s energy consumption based on the four proposed approaches.
Mechanical Properties of Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator (MSWI) Bottom Ash as Alternatives of Subgrade Materials
Authors: Huang Yucheng , Chen Ji , Shi Shenjie , Li Bin , Mo Jialin , Tang Qiang
Published: January 2020

The rapid development of industrialization, urbanization, and population of the society augments the rising amount of municipal solid waste (MSW). With the advantage of considerably reducing mass and volume of solid wastes and generating energy, the incineration is a widely used treatment method for MSW. During the incineration process, the organic substances contained in the wastes are combusted, and the massive residues are remained. Of the incineration residues, bottom ash takes up to 80–90%, and the remainders are fly ash along with air pollution control residues. Dealing with the municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash in a sustainable manner is the primary principle. Significantly, MSWI bottom ash has been successfully utilized in diverse beneficial applications in recent decades, especially in civil engineering applications. This paper investigates the mechanical properties and validity of MSWI bottom ash as applicable substitutes of conventional subgrade materials. For this reason, a series of direct shear and CBR tests are performed on specimens with different water contents and dry densities.
Analysis of Sunshine Temperature Field of Steel Box Girder Based on Monitoring Data
Authors: Lu Hailin , Hao Jing , Zhong Jiwei , Wang Yafei , Yang Hongyin
Published: January 2020

In this study, based on the recorded meteorological data of the bridge site, a spatial‐temporal temperature model of a 3‐span steel box girder is developed through applying the thermal analysis software TAITHERM. Firstly, the rationality and dependability of the proposed spatial‐temporal temperature model are adequately verified by means of implementing the comparison with the measurement data. Then the temperature distribution of the steel box girder is analyzed and discussed in detail. The analytical results show that the time of the bottom of pavement reaching the daily maximum temperature lags behind the top of pavement by 2 or 3 hours due to the thermal insulation effect of pavement, and the maximum vertical temperature gradient of the structure exceeds the existing standards. Moreover, with the help of the analytical model, a parametric study of comprehensively meteorological factors is also performed. The results of the sensitivity analysis indicate that solar radiation is the most significant factor affecting the maximum vertical temperature gradient of the steel box girder, followed by air temperature and wind speed. After that, with the representative values of the extreme meteorological parameters during 100‐year return period in Wuhan City in China being considered as the thermal boundary conditions, the temperature distribution of the steel box girder is further studied for investigation purpose. The results demonstrate that the heat conduction process of the steel box girder has distinct “box‐room effect,” and it is of great necessity to consider both the actual weather conditions at the bridge site and the “box‐room effect” of steel box girder when calculating thermal behaviors of bridge structures. Finally, it is related that the particular method proposed in this paper possesses a satisfactory application prospect for temperature field analysis upon various types of bridges in different regions.
High Serum Level of IL-17 in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin PiZ Allele
Authors: Pervakova Margarita Y. , Mazing Alexandra V. , Lapin Sergey V. , Tkachenko Olga Y. , Budkova Anna I. , Surkova Elena A. , Emanuel Vladimir L. , Titova Olga N.
Published: January 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is multifactorial disease, which is characterized by airflow limitation and can be provoked by genetic factors, including carriage of the PiZ allele of the protease inhibitor (Pi) gene, encoding alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT). Both homozygous and heterozygous PiZ allele carriers can develop COPD. It was found recently that normal A1AT regulates cytokine levels, including IL-17, which is involved in COPD progression. The aim of this study was to determine whether homozygous or heterozygous PiZ allele carriage leads to elevated level of IL-17 and other proinflammatory cytokines in COPD patients. Materials and Methods. Serum samples and clinical data were obtained from 44 COPD patients, who included 6 PiZZ, 8 PiMZ, and 30 PiMM A1AT phenotype carriers. Serum concentrations of IL-17, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All A1AT phenotypes were verified by narrow pH range isoelectrofocusing with selective A1AT staining. A turbidimetric method was used for quantitative A1AT measurements. Results. COPD patients with both PiZZ and PiMZ phenotypes demonstrated elevated IL-17 and decreased IFN-γ levels in comparison to patients with the PiMM phenotype of A1AT. Thereafter, the ratio IL-17/IFN-γ in PiZZ and PiMZ groups greatly exceeded the values of the PiMM group. Homozygous PiZ allele carriers also had significantly higher levels of IL-6 and lower levels of IL-8, and IL-6 values correlated negatively with A1AT concentrations. Conclusions. The presence of the PiZ allele in both homozygous and heterozygous states is associated with altered serum cytokine levels, including elevated IL-17, IL-17/IFN-γ ratio, and IL-6 (only PiZZ), but lower IFN-γ and IL-8.
Impaired Death Receptor Signaling in Leukemia Causes Antigen-Independent Resistance by Inducing CAR T-cell Dysfunction
Authors: Singh Nathan , Lee Yong Gu , Shestova Olga , Ravikumar Pranali , Hayer Katharina E. , Hong Seok Jae , Lu Xueqing Maggie , Pajarillo Raymone , Agarwal Sangya , Kuramitsu Shunichiro , Orlando Elena J. , Mueller Karen Thudium , Good Charly R. , Berger Shelley L. , Shalem Ophir , Weitzman Matthew D. , Frey Noelle V. , Maude Shannon L. , Grupp Stephan A. , June Carl H. , Gill Saar , Ruella Marco
Published: January 2020

Primary resistance to CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CART19) occurs in 10% to 20% of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); however, the mechanisms of this resistance remain elusive. Using a genome-wide loss-of-function screen, we identified that impaired death receptor signaling in ALL led to rapidly progressive disease despite CART19 treatment. This was mediated by an inherent resistance to T-cell cytotoxicity that permitted antigen persistence and was subsequently magnified by the induction of CAR T-cell functional impairment. These findings were validated using samples from two CAR T-cell clinical trials in ALL, where we found that reduced expression of death receptor genes was associated with worse overall survival and reduced T-cell fitness. Our findings suggest that inherent dysregulation of death receptor signaling in ALL directly leads to CAR T-cell failure by impairing T-cell cytotoxicity and promoting progressive CAR T-cell dysfunction.

Significance:

Resistance to CART19 is a significant barrier to efficacy in the treatment of B-cell malignancies. This work demonstrates that impaired death receptor signaling in tumor cells causes failed CART19 cytotoxicity and drives CART19 dysfunction, identifying a novel mechanism of antigen-independent resistance to CAR therapy.

See related commentary by Green and Neelapu, p. 492.
Genetik und Epigenetik in der Psychotherapie von Depression und Angststörungen
Authors: Schaumburg Svenja , Schneider Silvia , Margraf Jürgen , Kumsta Robert , Wannemüller André
Published: January 2020

Obwohl heute für die meisten psychischen Störungen über die gesamte Lebensspanne hinweg wirksame psychotherapeutische Behandlungsangebote zur Verfügung stehen, besteht immer noch eine zu große Variabilität in Bezug auf den kurz- und langfristigen Erfolg solcher Interventionen. Das Feld der Therapiegenetik beschäftigt sich mit der Vorhersage des Erfolges psychotherapeutischer Behandlungen durch genetische oder epigenetische Marker. Dabei wird das Ziel verfolgt, zukünftig psychotherapeutische Interventionen auf der Basis solcher Marker individualisiert anzuwenden und dadurch die Effektivität der Behandlungsangebote weiter zu verbessern. In diesem Beitrag wird der aktuelle Stand der Forschung in diesem Feld dargestellt, methodologische Herausforderungen skizziert und die Entwicklung der noch jungen Disziplin, ausgehend von theoriegeleiteten Kandidatengenstudien, hin zu hypothesenfreien genomweiten Assoziationsstudien und der Verwendung polygener Risiko-Scores, nachgezeichnet. Der zweite Abschnitt dieses Übersichtsartikels widmet sich epigenetischen Prozessen und diskutiert kritisch erste Befunde, die sich mit Modifikation von DNA-Methylierungsmustern im Zuge psychotherapeutischer Intervention beschäftigen.