bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural disturbance regimes for implementation of ecological forestry: a review and case study from Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: MacLean David A. , Taylor Anthony R. , Neily Peter D. , Steenberg James W.N. , Basquill Sean P. , Quigley Eugene , Boone Celia K. , Oikle Morgan , Bush Peter , Stewart Bruce
Published: August 2021

Ecological forestry is based on the idea that forest patterns and processes are more likely to persist if harvest strategies produce stand structures, return intervals, and severities similar to those from natural disturbances. Taylor et al. (2020) reviewed forest natural disturbance regimes in Nova Scotia, Canada, to support implementation of ecological forestry. In this follow-up paper, we (i) review the use of natural disturbance regimes to determine target harvest rotations, age structures, and residual stand structures; and (ii) describe a novel approach for use of natural disturbance regimes in ecological forestry developed for Nova Scotia. Most examples of ecological forestry consider only the local, dominant disturbance agent, such as fire in boreal regions. Our approach included: (i) using current ecological land classification to map potential natural vegetation (PNV) community types; (ii) determining cumulative natural disturbance effects of all major disturbances, in our case fire, hurricanes, windstorm, and insect outbreaks for each PNV; and (iii) using natural disturbance regime parameters to derive guidelines for ecological forestry for each PNV. We analyzed disturbance occurrence and return intervals based on low, moderate, and high severity classes (<30, 30–60, and >60% of biomass of living trees killed, respectively), which were used to determine mean annual disturbance rates by severity class. Return intervals were used to infer target stand age-class distributions for high, moderate, and low severity disturbances for each PNV. The range of variation in rates of high severity disturbances among PNVs was from 0.28%·year–1 in Tolerant Hardwood to 2.1%·year–1 in the Highland Fir PNV, equating to return intervals of 357 years in Tolerant Hardwood to 48 years in Highland Fir PNVs. As an example, this return interval for the Tolerant Hardwood PNV resulted in target rotation lengths of 200 years for 35% of the PNV area, 500 years for 40%, and 1000 years for 25%. The proposed approach of determining natural disturbance regimes for PNV communities and calculating target disturbance rates and corresponding harvest rotation lengths or entry times appears to be a feasible method to guide ecological forestry in any region with a strong ecological land classification system and multiple disturbance agents.
Flavour observables and composite dynamics: leptons
Authors: Goertz Florian
Published: August 2021

We review lepton flavor physics and corresponding observables in the composite Higgs framework with partial compositeness, considering ‘UV complete’ setups as well as effective and holographic approaches. This includes anarchic flavor setups, scenarios with flavor symmetries, and minimal incarnations of the see-saw mechanism that naturally predict non-negligible lepton compositeness. We focus on lepton flavor violating processes, dipole moments, and on probes of lepton flavor universality, all providing stringent tests of partial compositeness. We discuss the expected size of effects in the different approaches to lepton flavor, which will be useful to understand how a composite lepton sector could look like, given up-to-date experimental constraints.
Development of the CEPC booster prototype dipole magnets
Authors: Kang Wen , Chen Yuan , Zhou Jianxin , Yang Mei , Dai Xuwen , Mu Zhihui , Guo Runbing
Published: August 2021

The CEPC booster will accelerate the [Formula: see text] beam from 10 GeV to 120 GeV, so the field of the dipole magnets will change with the beam energy, of which the minimal working field is 29 Gs whereas the maximal field is 338 Gs. To reach the requirement of high precision at lower field level, three kinds of new dipole magnets are proposed and studied. To test and verify the designs of the magnets, two subscale prototype magnets are fabricated.
Machine Learning for Sustainable Energy Systems
Authors: Donti Priya L. , Kolter J. Zico
Published: August 2021

In recent years, machine learning has proven to be a powerful tool for deriving insights from data. In this review, we describe ways in which machine learning has been leveraged to facilitate the development and operation of sustainable energy systems. We first provide a taxonomy of machine learning paradigms and techniques, along with a discussion of their strengths and limitations. We then provide an overview of existing research using machine learning for sustainable energy production, delivery, and storage. Finally, we identify gaps in this literature, propose future research directions, and discuss important considerations for deployment.
Quantifying Visual Image Quality: A Bayesian View
Authors: Duanmu Zhengfang , Liu Wentao , Wang Zhongling , Wang Zhou
Published: August 2021

Image quality assessment (IQA) models aim to establish a quantitative relationship between visual images and their quality as perceived by human observers. IQA modeling plays a special bridging role between vision science and engineering practice, both as a test-bed for vision theories and computational biovision models and as a powerful tool that could potentially have a profound impact on a broad range of image processing, computer vision, and computer graphics applications for design, optimization, and evaluation purposes. The growth of IQA research has accelerated over the past two decades. In this review, we present an overview of IQA methods from a Bayesian perspective, with the goals of unifying a wide spectrum of IQA approaches under a common framework and providing useful references to fundamental concepts accessible to vision scientists and image processing practitioners. We discuss the implications of the successes and limitations of modern IQA methods for biological vision and the prospect for vision science to inform the design of future artificial vision systems. (The detailed model taxonomy can be found at http://ivc.uwaterloo.ca/research/bayesianIQA/ .)
Analog transmission of action potential fine structure in spiral ganglion axons
Authors: Liu Wenke , Liu Qing , Crozier Robert A. , Davis Robin L.
Published: August 2021

Diverse action potential shapes and kinetics resulting from dynamic heterogeneity in spiral ganglion neurons are axonally transmitted as multiplexed signals that retain the fine structure of each distinctive waveform within a digital code.
Research on Evaluation Method of Sports Events Based on Edge Algorithm
Authors: Deng FangXiao , Gudamu A.
Published: August 2021

In view of the high computational cost and long computational time of IoT edge algorithm in traditional sports event evaluation, this paper optimizes IoT edge algorithm by introducing deep reinforcement learning technology. Set the IoT edge algorithm cycle through the IoT topology to obtain the data upload speed. In order to improve the evaluation efficiency of sports events, the process of edge algorithm is designed. The contribution rate of evaluation index is calculated, and the consistency, minimum deviation, and minimum difference of the results are taken as the standard to design the evaluation method of sports events. In order to verify the performance of the optimized edge algorithm, the test data set and test platform are set up and the comparative experiment is designed. Compared with the traditional methods, the edge algorithm based on DSLL has lower computational cost, shorter computational time, higher evaluation accuracy, and more practical results.
[Retracted] Analysis of Extended Resection of Limb Soft Tissue Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Liu Qiang , Tang Lijun , Hu Xinhua , Ye Jianxing , Liang Pengcheng , Panayi Adriana C. , Wang Shuhua , Deng Jingde
Published: August 2021

Leiomyosarcoma is an uncommon soft tissue sarcoma that composed of malignant mesenchymal cells with distinct features of the smooth muscle lineage. Typically affects the uterus and gastrointestinal tract, it can rarely be seen in large blood vessels, lymphatic and glandular duts, the mesentery, the omentum, retroperitoneum, and limbs. Occurrence is particularly rare in the limb region. Retrospective study based on patient records and postoperative pathological histological features. Four patients with limb leiomyosarcoma that were operated between 2016 and 2020 were included, three of them arising in the subcutis of the thigh region and one in cubitus. Extend resection with satisfactory outcomes is reported. Pathological examination showed that masses were composed of a fascicular arrangement of hyperchromatic spindle‐shaped cells, characterized by the proliferation of epithelioid cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm for epithelioid leiomyosarcoma. Leiomyosarcomas that arise in the soft tissue, although rare, should be differentiated from other lesions, such as neurilemoma, neurofibroma, liomyoma,lipomyoma, synoviosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiotoma, and malignant neurinoma.
Traffic Light Optimization Based on Modified Webster Function
Authors: Zhang Huizhen , Yuan Hongtao , Chen Youqing , Yu Wenlong , Wang Cheng , Wang Jing , Gao Yueer
Published: August 2021

Intersection traffic lights are a basic means of ensuring the normal operation of road traffic. A good signal timing scheme is essential for improving traffic congestion. To obtain the signal timing scheme of the designated intersection, the method proposed in this article is based on a modified Webster function. The method uses the signal cycle and proportion of green light duration as independent variables to establish the corresponding intersection vehicle delay function. This function is converted from a multiobjective optimization to a single-objective optimization formulation; a modified genetic algorithm is then used to find the optimal solution to this function. The experimental results show that the timing scheme optimized by the improved genetic algorithm can reduce the intersection delay by nearly 15.64%. The proposed traffic signal timing based on the modified Webster function will be of value as an important reference for the optimization of traffic lights at urban intersections.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Grades 2 and 3: A Phase I-II Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Schacher Fernando Comunello , Martins Pezzi da Silva Annelise , Silla Lucia Mariano da Rocha , Álvares-da-Silva Mario Reis
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is an acute liver decompensation in cirrhotic patients, which leads to organ failures and high short-term mortality. The treatment is based on the management of complications and, in severe cases, liver transplantation. Since specific treatment is unavailable, we aimed to evaluate the safety and initial efficacy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) in patients with ACLF Grades 2 and 3, a population excluded from previous clinical trials. Methods. This is a randomized placebo-controlled phase I-II single center study, which enrolled 9 cirrhotic patients from 2018 to 2020, regardless of the etiology. The control group (n = 5) was treated with standard medical therapy (SMT) and placebo infusion of saline. The intervention group (n = 4) received SMT plus 5 infusions of 1 × 106 cells/kg of BM-MSC for 3 weeks. Both groups were monitored for 90 days. A Chi-square test was used for qualitative variables, and the t-test and Mann–Whitney U test for quantitative variables. The Kaplan–Meier estimator was used to build survival curves. In this study, we followed the intention-to-treat analysis, with a significance of 5%. Results. Nine patients with a mean Child–Pugh (CP) of 12.3, MELD of 38.4, and CLIF-C score of 50.7 were recruited. Hepatitis C and alcohol were the main etiologies. The average infusion per patient was 2.9 and only 3 patients (2 in control and 1 in the BM-MSC group) received all the protocol infusions. There were no infusion-related side effects, although one patient in the intervention group presented hypernatremia and a gastric ulcer, after the third and fifth infusions, respectively. The survival rate after 90 days was 20% (1/5) for placebo versus 25% (1/4) for the BM-MSC. The patient who completed the entire MSC protocol showed a significant improvement in CP (C-14 to B-9), MELD (32 to 22), and ACLF (grade 3 to 0). Conclusion. BM-MSC infusion is safe and feasible in patients with ACLF Grades 2 and 3.
Multiple Sclerosis Lesion Segmentation in Brain MRI Using Inception Modules Embedded in a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Ansari Shahab U. , Javed Kamran , Qaisar Saeed Mian , Jillani Rashad , Haider Usman
Published: August 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and autoimmune disease that forms lesions in the central nervous system. Quantitative analysis of these lesions has proved to be very useful in clinical trials for therapies and assessing disease prognosis. However, the efficacy of these quantitative analyses greatly depends on how accurately the MS lesions have been identified and segmented in brain MRI. This is usually carried out by radiologists who label 3D MR images slice by slice using commonly available segmentation tools. However, such manual practices are time consuming and error prone. To circumvent this problem, several automatic segmentation techniques have been investigated in recent years. In this paper, we propose a new framework for automatic brain lesion segmentation that employs a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture. In order to segment lesions of different sizes, we have to pick a specific filter or size 3

×

3 or 5

×

5. Sometimes, it is hard to decide which filter will work better to get the best results. Google Net has solved this problem by introducing an inception module. An inception module uses

3
×
3

,

5
×
5

,

1
×
1

and max pooling filters in parallel fashion. Results show that incorporating inception modules in a CNN has improved the performance of the network in the segmentation of MS lesions. We compared the results of the proposed CNN architecture for two loss functions: binary cross entropy (BCE) and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) using the publicly available ISBI-2015 challenge dataset. A score of 93.81 which is higher than the human rater with BCE loss function is achieved.
The Influence of the Instantaneous Collapse of Tailings Pond on Downstream Facilities
Authors: Wang Sha , Mei Guodong , Xie Xuyang , Guo Lijie
Published: August 2021

To evaluate the evolutionary processes guiding the formation of the tailings‐water mixtures produced by the instantaneous collapse of tailings ponds and the influence of these on downstream facilities, a 2D simulation model with reasonable boundary and working conditions derived from actual engineering practice was built in this study, and the relationship between dam‐break elevation and impact on downstream facilities was also analyzed to determine the relevant mechanism of influence. Computational results indicated that lowering the dam‐break elevation caused the maximum velocity and flooding depth, along with the flooded area at monitoring points, to gradually increase. The occurrence times of maximum velocity and flooding depth were also gradually moved forward as the breaking elevation was reduced; this effect is directly related to the increase in the total potential energy at the lower break elevations. Further simulations of sand‐prevent dams with different heights located downstream from a tailings pond were carried out to identify methods for mitigating the impact of dam failure. The results revealed that increasing the height of the sand‐prevent dam reduced the production of tailings mixtures. Based on the results, the construction of a sand‐prevent dam with a crest elevation equal to that of the starter dam was recommended.
Exploration of the Characteristics of Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolomics in Different Rat Models of Mongolian Medicine
Authors: Dao Riao , Wu Dongxing , Wang Huan , Jin Habur , Li Li , Fu Xiquan , Sa Chula , Eerdunchaolu
Published: August 2021

Background. Mongolian medicine is a systematic theoretical system, which is based on the balance among Heyi, Xila, and Badagan. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of intestinal microbiota and metabolites in different rat models of Mongolian medicine. Methods. After establishing rat models of Heyi, Xila, and Badagan, we integrated 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics. Results. Heyi, Xila, and Badagan rats had significantly altered intestinal microbial composition compared with rats in the MCK group. They showed 11, 18, and 8 significantly differential bacterial biomarkers and 22, 11, and 15 differential metabolites, respectively. The glucosinolate biosynthesis pathway was enriched only in Heyi rats; the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids pathway and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway were enriched only in Xila rats; the isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathway, the glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism pathway, and the arginine and proline metabolism pathway were enriched only in Badagan rats. Conclusions. The intestinal microbiota, metabolites, and metabolic pathways significantly differed among Heyi, Xila, and Badagan rats compared with control group rats.
Anti‐Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Chemical Characterization, and Safety Assessment of Argania spinosa Fruit Shell Extract from South‐Western Morocco
Authors: Makbal Rachida , Idrissi Fatima Ezzahra Janati , Ouchbani Tarik , Tastift Maroua Ait , Kiai Hajar , Hafidi Abdellatif , Gadhi Chemseddoha
Published: August 2021

Argania spinosa (L.) plays an important role in the Moroccan agroeconomy, providing both employment and export revenue. Argan oil production generates different by‐products with functionalities that are not yet investigated, in particular, the shell fruit. The present study aims, for the first time, at evaluating the acute and subacute toxicity, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of argan fruit shell ethanol extract (AFSEE). The LD50 of AFSEE was determined to be greater than the 5000 mg/kg body weight of mice. No significant variation in the body and organ weights was observed after 28 days of AFSEE treatment compared to that of the control group. Biochemical parameters and histopathological examination revealed no toxic effects of AFSEE. The AFSEE produced a significant inhibition of xylene‐induced ear edema in mice. AFSEE reduced significantly the paw edema in mice after carrageenan injection. The chemical characterization showed that AFSEE contains a high level of total phenol content, flavonoids, condensed tannins, and flavanols. The obtained IC50 of DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, and β‐carotene demonstrates that AFSEE has a potential antioxidant effect. The results indicate that AFSEE was safe and nontoxic to mice even at higher doses. Furthermore, the present findings demonstrate that AFSEE has potential anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
Linearly Independent Solutions and Integral Representations for Certain Quadruple Hypergeometric Function
Authors: Hasanov Anvar , Younis Jihad , Aydi Hassen
Published: August 2021

Recently, hypergeometric functions of four variables are investigated by Bin-Saad and Younis. In this manuscript, our goal is to initiate a new quadruple hypergeometric function denoted by

X

84

4

, and then, we ensure the existence of solutions of systems of partial differential equations for this function. We also establish some integral representations involving the quadruple hypergeometric function

X

84

4

.
Do the Effects of ICT Use on Trip Generation Vary across Travel Modes? Evidence from Beijing
Authors: Yin Chaoying , Wang Xiaoquan , Shao Chunfu
Published: August 2021

With the development of information and communication technologies (ICTs), considerable attention is being paid to the relationship between ICT use and travel behavior. However, it is unclear whether the effects of ICT use on trip generation vary across travel modes. Based on the data of 1022 respondents collected by a web-based questionnaire survey in Beijing, this study used a zero-inflated Poisson model to investigate the effects of ICT use on trip generation in different travel modes, in which ICT use was measured by both the time spent online and the Internet use frequency. The results indicated that the effects of ICT use on trip generation vary across auto, transit, and active trips. Moreover, two measurements of ICT use play essential roles in influencing a trip generation. Specifically, only the frequency of ordering food online showed a positive association with the likelihood of generating any transit trips. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering the differences across travel modes when analyzing the relationship between ICT use and trip generation.
Identification of Ferroptosis-Related Long Noncoding RNA and Construction of a Novel Prognostic Signature for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chen WenZheng , Feng ZongFeng , Huang JianFeng , Fu PengCheng , Xiong JianBo , Cao Yi , Liu Yi , Tu Yi , Li ZhengRong , Jie ZhiGang , Xiao Tao
Published: August 2021

Background. Gastric cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the digestive system. It has a poor prognosis and is clinically challenging to treat. Ferroptosis is a newly defined mode of programmed cell death. The roles and prognostic value of ferroptosis-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in gastric cancer remain unknown. Results. In the current study, 20 ferroptosis-related lncRNAs were identified via univariate Cox analysis, least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator Cox regression analysis and used to construct a prognostic signature and classify gastric cancer patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. The signature was validated using TCGA training and testing cohorts. The risk signature was an independent prognostic indicator of survival and accurately predicted the prognoses of patients with gastric cancer. It was also associated with immune cell infiltration. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to investigate underlying mechanisms that the 20 ferroptosis-related lncRNAs were involved in. Chemosensitivity and immune checkpoint inhibitor analyses indicated that high-risk patients were more sensitive to the immune checkpoint inhibitor programmed cell death protein 1. Conclusions. The important role of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in immune infiltration identified in the current study may assist the determination of personalized prognoses and treatments in patients with gastric cancer. These 20 lncRNAs can be used as the diagnostic and prognostic markers for gastric cancer.
Promoting Prognostic Model Application: A Review Based on Gliomas
Authors: Liang Xisong , Wang Zeyu , Dai Ziyu , Zhang Hao , Cheng Quan , Liu Zhixiong
Published: August 2021

Malignant neoplasms are characterized by poor therapeutic efficacy, high recurrence rate, and extensive metastasis, leading to short survival. Previous methods for grouping prognostic risks are based on anatomic, clinical, and pathological features that exhibit lower distinguishing capability compared with genetic signatures. The update of sequencing techniques and machine learning promotes the genetic panels-based prognostic model development, especially the RNA-panel models. Gliomas harbor the most malignant features and the poorest survival among all tumors. Currently, numerous glioma prognostic models have been reported. We systematically reviewed all 138 machine-learning-based genetic models and proposed novel criteria in assessing their quality. Besides, the biological and clinical significance of some highly overlapped glioma markers in these models were discussed. This study screened out markers with strong prognostic potential and 27 models presenting high quality. Conclusively, we comprehensively reviewed 138 prognostic models combined with glioma genetic panels and presented novel criteria for the development and assessment of clinically important prognostic models. This will guide the genetic models in cancers from laboratory-based research studies to clinical applications and improve glioma patient prognostic management.
The Dynamic Evolution of Overseas Market Network of Chinese Enterprises: Agglomeration or Dispersion
Authors: Chen Ruo-Yu , Sun Yi
Published: August 2021

Based on the CEPII‐BACI database and China Customs database from 2000 to 2011, this paper combines the degree of export experience of enterprises with their own trade network to study the differential effects of accumulated export experience on the dynamic evolution of enterprises’ overseas market network structure and further explores it from the perspective of community and neighbors. The results of this study show the following. (1) The location choice of Chinese enterprises’ overseas market depends significantly on the structure of export network constructed in the past and tends to choose regions with closer geographical and economic ties as export target countries. There is a significant path dependence effect. However, enterprises with rich export experience are no longer subject to the constraints of geographical space and will make the overseas market layout more “decentralized.” (2) The decision making of export market location depends on the community distribution of export network. The path‐dependent effect of export market layout in the export network community is significantly greater than that outside the community and tends to choose the intra‐community region for overseas market layout. (3) The export network of adjacent enterprises has a significant impact on the location of enterprises’ overseas market. However, enterprises with rich export experience are less dependent on the geographic network expansion effect of their neighbors and tend to choose markets with close economic links.
Network Pharmacology Approach for Predicting Targets of Zishen Yutai Pills on Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Feng Yihui , Chai Xinyi , Chen Yingyin , Ning Yan , Zhao Ying
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose. Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a serious reproductive disease in females that is characterized by menstrual and ovulation disorders and infertility. The clinical efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been reported in POI, including compound Chinese medicine. Zishen Yutai Pills (ZSYTP), a well-known patented Chinese medicine, has been widely used for treating POI; however, the pharmacological mechanism and molecular targets of ZSYTP remain unknown. Here, we systematically elucidated the pharmacological mechanism of ZSYTP on POI using a network pharmacology approach and further validated our findings with molecular docking. Methods. A comprehensive strategy based on several Chinese herb databases and chemical compound databases was established to screen active compounds of ZSYTP and predict target genes. For network pharmacological analysis, network construction and gene enrichment analysis were conducted and further verified by molecular docking. Results. A total of 476 target genes of ZSYTP were obtained from 205 active compounds. 13 herbs of ZSYTP overlapped on 8 active compounds based on the compound-target-disease network (C-T network). 20 biological processes and 9 pathways were strongly connected to the targets of ZSYTP in treating POI, including negative regulation of gene expression, mRNA metabolic process, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway, and gluconeogenesis. Finally, molecular docking was visualized. Conclusion. Intriguingly, the signal pathways and biological processes uncovered in this study implicate inflamm-aging and glucose metabolism as potential pathological mechanisms of POI. The therapeutic effect of ZSYTP could be mediated by regulating glucose metabolism and HIF-1 signal pathway. Collectively, this study sheds light on the therapeutic potential of ZSYTP on POI.
Optimal Pore Size of Honeycomb Polylactic Acid Films for In Vitro Cartilage Formation by Synovial Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Yagi Misaki , Mizuno Mitsuru , Fujisawa Ryota , Katano Hisako , Endo Kentaro , Ozeki Nobutake , Sakamaki Yuriko , Koga Hideyuki , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: August 2021

Background. Tissue engineering of cartilage requires the selection of an appropriate artificial scaffold. Polylactic acid (PLA) honeycomb films are expected to be highly biodegradable and cell adhesive due to their high porosity. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal pore size of honeycomb PLA films for in vitro cartilage formation using synovial mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods. Suspensions of human synovial MSCs were plated on PLA films with different pore sizes (no pores, or with 5 μm or 20 μm pores) and then observed by scanning electron microscopy. The numbers of cells remaining in the film and passing through the film were quantified. One day after plating, the medium was switched to chondrogenic induction medium, and the films were time-lapse imaged and observed histologically. Results. The 5 μm pore film showed MSCs with pseudopodia that extended between several pores, while the 20 μm pore film showed MSC bodies submerged into the pores. The number of adhered MSCs was significantly lower for the film without pores, while the number of MSCs that passed through the film was significantly higher for the 20 μm pore film. MSCs that were induced to form cartilage peeled off as a sheet from the poreless film after one day. MSCs formed thicker cartilage at two weeks when growing on the 5 μm pore films than on the 20 μm pore films. Conclusions. Honeycomb PLA films with 5 μm pores were suitable for in vitro cartilage formation by synovial MSCs.
Berberine Reshapes the Balance of the Local Renin-Angiotensin System by Modulating Autophagy under Metabolic Stress in Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Huang Chenghu , Lei Pan , Peng Caibi , Li Min , Guo Yifei , Li Xuefeng
Published: August 2021

Hypothesis/Introduction. Berberine, a natural compound, has multiple pharmacological activities to promote islet function. We hypothesized that berberine could reshape the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) balance to ameliorate the development of obesity via the modulation of autophagy. Materials and methods. After 8 weeks of administration of intragastric berberine to ob/ob mice, metabolic parameters, islet structure, and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression were detected. Additionally, ACE2 knockout (ACE2KO) mice were fed a low-fat diet for 16 weeks. Furthermore, we measured changes in the islet ultrastructure by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and protein expression of LC3 and SQSTM1/p62 by immunohistochemistry in ob/ob and ACE2KO mice. Results. Prolonged exposure to palmitate increased the expression of ACE and AngII type 1 receptor (ATR1) and decreased the ACE2 expression, which was partly offset by berberine. In ob/ob mice, berberine increased in tolerance to glucose, improved abnormal β-cell and α-cell distributions, upregulated ACE2 expression, and decreased autophagosomes and the expression of LC3 and SQSTM1/p62. Autophagosomes and expression of LC3 and SQSTM1/p62 were increased in ACE2KO mice. Conclusions. We demonstrated that berberine may improve the pancreatic islet function by regulating local RAS-mediated autophagy under metabolic stress.
Characterization of Endophytic Fungi, Acremonium sp., from Lilium davidii and Analysis of Its Antifungal and Plant Growth‐Promoting Effects
Authors: Khan Mohammad Sayyar , Gao Junlian , Munir Iqbal , Zhang Mingfang , Liu Yixin , Moe The Su , Xue Jing , Zhang Xiuhai
Published: August 2021

The present study was aimed at isolating endophytic fungi from the Asian culinary and medicinal plant Lilium davidii and analyzing its antifungal and plant growth‐promoting effects. In this study, the fungal endophyte Acremonium sp. Ld‐03 was isolated from the bulbs of L. davidii and identified through morphological and molecular analysis. The molecular and morphological analysis confirmed the endophytic fungal strain as Acremonium sp. Ld‐03. Antifungal effects of Ld‐03 were observed against Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis cinerea, Botryosphaeria dothidea, and Fusarium fujikuroi. The highest growth inhibition, i.e., 78.39 ± 4.21%, was observed for B. dothidea followed by 56.68 ± 4.38%, 43.62 ± 3.81%, and 20.12 ± 2.45% for B. cinerea, F. fujikuroi, and F. oxysporum, respectively. Analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction through UHPLC‐LTQ‐IT‐MS/MS revealed putative secondary metabolites which included xanthurenic acid, valyl aspartic acid, gancidin W, peptides, and cyclic dipeptides such as valylarginine, cyclo‐[L‐(4‐hydroxy‐Pro)‐L‐leu], cyclo(Pro‐Phe), and (3S,6S)‐3‐benzyl‐6‐(4‐hydroxybenzyl)piperazine‐2,5‐dione. Other metabolites included (S)‐3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐((S)‐pyrrolidine‐2‐carboxamido)propanoic acid, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), 9‐octadecenamide, D‐erythro‐C18‐Sphingosine, N‐palmitoyl sphinganine, and hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine. The strain Ld‐03 showed indole acetic acid (IAA) production with or without the application of exogenous tryptophan. The IAA ranged from 53.12 ± 3.20 μg ml-1 to 167.71 ± 7.12 μg ml-1 under different tryptophan concentrations. The strain was able to produce siderophore, and its production was significantly decreased with increasing Fe(III) citrate concentrations in the medium. The endophytic fungal strain also showed production of organic acids and phosphate solubilization activity. Plant growth‐promoting effects of the strain were evaluated on in vitro seedling growth of Allium tuberosum. Application of 40% culture dilution resulted in a significant increase in root and shoot length, i.e., 24.03 ± 2.71 mm and 37.27 ± 1.86 mm, respectively, compared to nontreated control plants. The fungal endophyte Ld‐03 demonstrated the potential of conferring disease resistance and plant growth promotion. Therefore, we conclude that the isolated Acremonium sp. Ld‐03 should be further investigated before utilization as a biocontrol agent and plant growth stimulator.
Redox Homeostasis and Prospects for Therapeutic Targeting in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Akanji Musbau Adewumi , Rotimi Damilare Emmanuel , Elebiyo Tobiloba Christiana , Awakan Oluwakemi Josephine , Adeyemi Oluyomi Stephen
Published: August 2021

Reactive species, such as those of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, are considered part of normal cellular metabolism and play significant roles that can impact several signaling processes in ways that lead to either cellular sustenance, protection, or damage. Cellular redox processes involve a balance in the production of reactive species (RS) and their removal because redox imbalance may facilitate oxidative damage. Physiologically, redox homeostasis is essential for the maintenance of many cellular processes. RS may serve as signaling molecules or cause oxidative cellular damage depending on the delicate equilibrium between RS production and their efficient removal through the use of enzymatic or nonenzymatic cellular mechanisms. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests that redox imbalance plays a significant role in the progression of several neurodegenerative diseases. For example, studies have shown that redox imbalance in the brain mediates neurodegeneration and alters normal cytoprotective responses to stress. Therefore, this review describes redox homeostasis in neurodegenerative diseases with a focus on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. A clearer understanding of the redox‐regulated processes in neurodegenerative disorders may afford opportunities for newer therapeutic strategies.
Dynamic Evolutionary Games and Coordination of Multiple Recycling Channels considering Online Recovery Platform
Authors: Zhu Meihong , Li Xiao , Zhu Liqing , Zhan Xueli , Ma Junhai
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, with a great number of household electrical appliances being discarded in every corner of the world every day, household electrical appliances recycling is attracting more attention. In this paper, we build a closed-loop supply chain that consists of a manufacturer and a third-party recycler based on the development of “Internet Plus” recovery platform. We thoroughly analyze the model and its evolution by chaos theory, complex dynamics theory, and numerical simulation and introduce the adaptive method to control the chaos of the system. We find that as the manufacturer increases the retail price, the stable area of the market becomes smaller. At the same time, when the manufacturers direct recycle price or the price adjustment range of the products recycled from the third party exceeds a certain threshold, all the recycle prices in the whole market will fluctuate, thus causing market chaos. Among them, as an adjustment decision method, delay strategy reduces the volatility of recycle price and makes it return to a stable state, which is an effective method to control system disorder. In addition, the third-party recycler will change the optimal subsidy model according to the government’s price subsidy level, while the manufacturer always prefers the price subsidy model.
Association between Smoking Cannabis and Quitting Cigarettes in a Large American Cancer Society Cohort
Authors: Westmaas J. Lee , Strollo Sara E. , Newton Christina C. , Carter Brian D. , Diver W. Ryan , Flanders W. Dana , Stevens Victoria L. , Patel Alpa V. , Alcaraz Kassandra I. , Thrul Johannes , Jacobs Eric J.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Cannabis use is increasing, including among smokers, an at-risk population for cancer. Research is equivocal on whether using cannabis inhibits quitting cigarettes. The current longitudinal study investigated associations between smoking cannabis and subsequently quitting cigarettes.

Methods:

Participants were 4,535 adult cigarette smokers from a cohort enrolled in the American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study-3 in 2009–2013. Cigarette quitting was assessed on a follow-up survey in 2015–2017, an average of 3.1 years later. Rates of quitting cigarettes at follow-up were examined by retrospectively assessed baseline cannabis smoking status (never, former, recent), and by frequency of cannabis smoking among recent cannabis smokers (low: ≤3 days/month; medium: 4–19 days/month; high: ≥20 days/month). Logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic factors, smoking- and health-related behaviors, and time between baseline and follow-up.

Results:

Adjusted cigarette quitting rates at follow-up did not differ significantly by baseline cannabis smoking status [never 36.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 34.5–37.8; former 34.1%, CI, 31.4–37.0; recent 33.6%, CI, 30.1–37.3], nor by frequency of cannabis smoking (low 31.4%, CI, 25.6–37.3; moderate 36.7%, CI, 30.7–42.3; high 34.4%, CI, 28.3–40.2) among recent baseline cannabis smokers. In cross-sectional analyses conducted at follow-up, the proportion of cigarette smokers intending to quit smoking cigarettes in the next 30 days did not differ by cannabis smoking status (P = 0.83).

Conclusions:

Results do not support the hypothesis that cannabis smoking inhibits quitting cigarette smoking among adults.

Impact:

Future longitudinal research should include follow-ups of >1 year, and assess effects of intensity/frequency of cannabis use and motivation to quit on smoking cessation.
Breast Density Awareness and Knowledge in a Mammography Screening Cohort of Predominantly Hispanic Women: Does Breast Density Notification Matter?
Authors: Austin Jessica D. , Agovino Mariangela , Rodriguez Carmen B. , Terry Mary Beth , Shelton Rachel C. , Wei Ying , Desperito Elise , Schmitt Karen M. , Kukafka Rita , Tehranifar Parisa
Published: August 2021

Background:

New York State law mandates that women with dense breasts receive a written notification of their breast density (BD) and its implications, but data on the impact of dense breast notification (DBN) on BD awareness and knowledge in diverse populations remain limited.

Methods:

Between 2016 and 2018, we collected survey and mammographic data from 666 women undergoing screening mammography in New York City (ages 40–60, 80% Hispanic, 69% Spanish-speaking) to examine the impact of prior DBN on BD awareness by sociodemographic and breast cancer risk factors, and describe BD knowledge by sources of information.

Results:

Only 24.8% of the overall sample and 34.9% of women receiving DBN had BD awareness. In multivariable models adjusting for DBN, awareness was significantly lower in women who were Spanish-speaking [OR, 0.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.09–0.30 vs. English speakers], were foreign-born (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.16–0.58 vs. U.S.-born), and had lower educational attainment (e.g., high school degree or less; OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.08–0.26 vs. college or higher degree). Women receiving DBN were more likely to be aware of BD (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.59–4.27) but not more knowledgeable about the impact of BD on breast cancer risk and detection. However, women reporting additional communication about their BD showed greater knowledge in these areas.

Conclusions:

DBN increases BD awareness disproportionately across sociodemographic groups.

Impact:

Efforts to improve communication of DBN must focus on addressing barriers in lower socioeconomic and racially and ethnically diverse women, including educational and language barriers.
ERK Inhibition Improves Anti–PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Preclinical Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Henry Kelly E. , Mack Kyeara N. , Nagle Veronica L. , Cornejo Mike , Michel Adam O. , Fox Ian L. , Davydova Maria , Dilling Thomas R. , Pillarsetty Nagavarakishore , Lewis Jason S.
Published: August 2021

Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) do not benefit from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) along the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Variable PD-L1 expression in PDAC indicates a potential access issue of PD-L1–targeted therapy. To monitor target engagement of PD-L1–targeted therapy, we generated a PD-L1–targeted PET tracer labeled with zirconium-89 (89Zr). As the MAPK signaling pathway (MEK and ERK) is known to modulate PD-L1 expression in other tumor types, we used [89Zr]Zr-DFO-anti–PD-L1 as a tool to noninvasively assess whether manipulation of the MAPK signaling cascade could be leveraged to modulate PD-L1 expression and thereby immunotherapeutic outcomes in PDAC. In this study, we observed that the inhibition of MEK or ERK is sufficient to increase PD-L1 expression, which we hypothesized could be leveraged for anti–PD-L1 immune checkpoint therapy. We found that the combination of ERK inhibition and anti–PD-L1 therapy corresponded with a significant improvement of overall survival in a syngeneic mouse model of PDAC. Furthermore, IHC analysis indicates that the survival benefit may be CD8+ T-cell mediated. The therapeutic and molecular imaging tool kit developed could be exploited to better structure clinical trials and address the therapeutic gaps in challenging malignancies such as PDAC.
Test Battery Approach to Assess an Individual with Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A Speech Language Pathologist’s Perspective
Authors: Varghese Sneha Mareen , A Akhila P.
Published: August 2021

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon stroke that has a varied clinical profile. Quite often, speech language pathologists limit the assessment of these patients to a language assessment alone. Subsequently, it is possible that they may miss out certain relevant information which can aid them in their intervention. The aim of the current study was to highlight the relevance of adopting a test battery approach to assess a patient diagnosed with CVST. Here, we present a test battery approach to assess a 43-year-old patient who reported to us after CVST. The test battery included various formal and informal measures. Apart from the routine measures, an additional test for assessing the cognitive linguistic profile was included in the battery which yielded us significant information regarding the patient. Thus, we concluded that speech language pathologists should follow a test battery approach to get a clear idea about the clinical profile of the patient, to avoid misdiagnosis, and also to provide suitable intervention.
Association between Vitamin D Level and Acne, and Correlation with Disease Severity: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hasamoh Yusuf , Thadanipon Kunlawat , Juntongjin Premjit
Published: August 2021

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is frequently associated with several medical conditions. However, a comprehensive meta-analysis assessing the association between vitamin D level and acne is lacking. Objective: To determine the relationship between vitamin D level and acne, and to assess the association between vitamin D level and acne severity. Methods: This meta-analysis was assessed by using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Scopus databases following the PRISMA guidelines. Serum/plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level, vitamin D deficiency, and the severity association between acne patients and healthy controls (HCs) were evaluated. The quality assessment was performed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Thirteen articles with a total of 1,362 acne patients and 1,081 HCs were included. The circulating 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in patients with acne than in HCs (pooled MD = –9.02 ng/mL, 95% CI = –13.22 to –4.81, p < 0.0001). Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in acne patients than in HCs (pooled OR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.68–5.23, I2 = 72%). Also, vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with acne severity. Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated the significantly low vitamin D levels in acne patients. Also, there was evidence of an inverse association between vitamin D levels and acne severity. Therefore, vitamin D might be involved in the pathogenesis of acne.
Serial Cancer Development Three Times in a Patient with Fanconi Anemia
Authors: Yanagisawa Katsuya , Horiuchi Toshimichi , Matsuo Akemi , Kuraishi Hiroshi , Satomi Hidetoshi , Ito Ichiro , Noguchi Takuro , Sekiguchi Nodoka , Kanda Shintaro , Koizumi Tomonobu
Published: August 2021

Fanconi anemia (FA) is characterized clinically by bone marrow failure, congenital malformations, sensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents, and increased risk of malignancy. Hematological cancer is the best-described malignancy in patients with FA, but the susceptibility to the development of solid tumors is also well documented, especially after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). With regard to the development of solid tumors in patients with FA, head and neck, esophageal, and anal squamous cell carcinoma are well known, but reports of lung cancer are extremely rare. Here, we describe an FA patient with a history of HSCT that developed 3 serial cancers – oral, esophageal, and nonsmall cell lung cancer – over a period of 6 years. The third lesion was nonsmall cell lung cancer and its location corresponded closely to the field of irradiation treatment for prior esophageal cancer. The occurrence of lung cancer in patients with FA is uncommon, but FA patients should be screened regularly and serially. Our case also indicated the importance of the irradiated field as a location for subsequent cancer development.