bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified structure equations and mass–radius relations of white dwarfs arising from the linear generalized uncertainty principle
Authors: Abac Adrian G. , Esguerra Jose Perico H. , Otadoy Roland Emerito S.
Published: November 2020

The generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) is a common feature among several approaches related to quantum gravity. An approach to GUP was recently developed that contains both linear and quadratic terms of momenta, from which an infinitesimal phase space volume was derived up to the linear term of momenta. We studied the effects of this linear GUP approach on the structure equations and mass–radius relation of zero-temperature white dwarfs. We formulated a linear GUP-modified Chandrasekhar equation of state (EoS) by deriving exact forms of the thermodynamic properties of ideal Fermi gases. This was then used to obtain the analytical form of the modified Newtonian structure equations for the white dwarfs. By imposing a constraint on the momenta of the particles in the white dwarf due to linear GUP, the structure equations were solved and the modified mass–radius relation of the white dwarfs were obtained. This was then extended in the context of general relativity (GR), which, like linear GUP, affects white dwarfs significantly in the high-mass regime. We found that linear GUP displays a similar overall effect as in GR — linear GUP supports gravitational collapse of the white dwarf, by decreasing its limiting (maximum) mass and increasing its corresponding limiting (minimum radius). We also found that GUP effects become evident only at large values of the GUP parameter, but these values are still within the estimated bounds. This effect gets more prominent as we increase the as-of-yet unestablished value of the parameter.
Classifying Breast Density in Mammographic Images Using Wavelet-Based and Fine-Tuned Sensory Neural Networks
Authors: Verma Parag , Dumka Ankur , Bhardwaj Anuj , Kestwal Mukesh Chandra
Published: November 2020

In this modern world of biomedical medicine, the classification of breast density has been considered a very important part of the process of breast diagnosis. Furthering the same research, this research aims to determine the patient’s breast density by mammogram image with the help of modern techniques such as computerized devices and machine learning algorithms, which will greatly help the radiologist. To carry out this process, this research paper introduces a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model of deep learning that will work as a basis for waveform conversion and fine-tune. This deep learning model will prove effective in automatically classifying a patient’s breast density. With the help of this method, the last two layers which are fully connected are removed and joined with two newly formed layers. This would have helped in addressing a pre-trained AlexNet model that further improved the classification process. In this model, the original or preprocessed images are used at level 1 of the input (which is in sharp contrast to the usual methods based on the CNN model), which also makes the model compatible with the use of redundant wavelet coefficients. Because in the field of radiologists it is very important to underline the difference between scattered density and heterogeneous density, so the main objective of this research is focused on this end. As the proposed method has an accuracy of 82.2%, it shows a better performance. This research paper further compares the effectiveness and performance of the proposed method to traditional fine-tuning CNN models, with satisfactory results. The comparative results of the proposed method suggest that the proposed method is in the field of radiologists representing a helpful tool. This method may be intended to act as a second eye for doctors in the medical field with the intention of classifying the categories of breast density in the patient during breast cancer screening.
Generalized Grigorchuk’s overgroups as points in the space of marked 8-generated groups
Authors: Samarakoon Supun T.
Published: November 2020

First Grigorchuk group [Formula: see text] and Grigorchuk’s overgroup [Formula: see text], introduced in 1980, are self-similar branch groups with intermediate growth. In 1984, [Formula: see text] was used to construct the family of generalized Grigorchuk groups [Formula: see text], which has many remarkable properties. Following this construction, we generalize the Grigorchuk’s overgroup [Formula: see text] to the family [Formula: see text] of generalized Grigorchuk’s overgroups. We consider these groups as 8-generated and describe the closure of this family in the space [Formula: see text] of marked [Formula: see text]-generated groups.
In vitro phototoxicity of zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) loaded in liposomes against human breast cancer cells
Authors: Feuser Paulo Emilio , Possato Jonathann Corrêa , Scussel Rahisa , Cercena Rodrigo , de Araújo Pedro Henrique Hermes , Machado-de-Ávila Ricardo Andrez , Dal Bó Alexandre Gonçalves
Published: November 2020

In this study, zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) was encapsulated in liposomes (Phosphatidylcholine (PC) from soybean lecithin (95% phosphatidylcholine, 5% lysophosphatidylcholine), and phosphatidic acid) obtained by a reverse-phase evaporation method. Liposomes were characterized and cytotoxicity and phototoxicity assays were performed using mouse embryo fibroblast (NIH3T3) and human breast cancer (MDAMB231), respectively. ZnPc was successfully encapsulated in liposomes ([Formula: see text]80%), presenting single populations with sizes of [Formula: see text]300 nm and negative zeta potential (-35 to -40 mV). The release profile at different pH presented a biphasic release controlled by the Fickian diffusion mechanism. The cytotoxicity assays carried out on NIH3T3 cells showed that the liposomes provided good protection for ZnPc, and did not affect the viability of non-cancerous cells. In contrast, free ZnPc significantly reduced non-cancerous cell viability at higher concentrations. ZnPc loaded in liposomes ensured a higher phototoxic effect on the MDAMB231 cells at all concentrations tested when exposed to low light dose.
A Critical Review of Graphene Quantum Dots: Synthesis and Application in Biosensors
Authors: Shen Jialu , Chen Weifeng , Yang Zihan , Lv Guo , Cao Jie , Li Deying , Liu Xiang
Published: November 2020

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have aroused widespread attention because of their remarkable properties and potential applications. Herein, we discuss both the top-down and bottom-up strategies for the synthesis of GQDs. Different processes are presented to study their characteristics and the influence on the final properties of GQDs. The respective advantages and disadvantages of these methods are summarized. With regard to some important or novel ones, mechanisms are proposed for reference. In addition, the application of GQDs in biosensors is highlighted in detail. At last, we put forward some problems to be solved and give a brief prospect in their future developments. This review is very useful for quickly gaining knowledge and experience for synthesizing GQDs and designing the related novel biosensors.
Pd-Loaded In2O3 Hollow Spheres with Enhanced Formaldehyde Sensing at Low Temperature
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Wang Hong , Yang Ruisong , Liu Di , Wan Jiawei , Hao Shuaijun , Zhang Qiang , Chen Xingkuan
Published: November 2020

The porous Pd-loaded In2O3 hollow spheres were successfully prepared by simple one-step method with the template of carbon spheres. The effect of calcination temperatures on morphology, composition and gas sensing performance of the as-obtained products was discussed by a series of test methods. The sample calcined at 550∘C showed uniform porous hollow spheres with an average diameter of 100[Formula: see text]nm. Gas-sensing results exhibited that the Pd-In2O3 hollow spheres-based sensor possessed excellent sensing properties to formaldehyde, which include high response value (33), low working temperature (180∘C) and fast response and recovery time (12[Formula: see text]s and 22[Formula: see text]s). The enhanced HCHO-sensing properties of Pd-In2O3 composites were attributed to the special porous and hollow structure, abundant oxygen vacancies and the catalysis of palladium. Pd-loaded In2O3 hollow spheres had been proved to be an ideal material for detecting HCHO at a low working temperature.
Co3S4 Nanosheets on Carbon Cloth as Free-Standing Anode with Improved Pseudocapacitive Storage for High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Jinglong , Wang Xia , Li Qiang , Li Hongsen , Xu Jie , Li Xueying , Han Zhiyuan , Duo Yiwei , Huang Hao , Li Shandong
Published: November 2020

Rationally engineered anode materials with high specific capacities and rate capability are essential for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this paper, a free-standing anode composed of Co3S4 nanosheets arrays and carbon cloth (abbreviated Co3S4@CC) was fabricated for high performance LIBs. The three-dimensional (3D) porous carbon cloth could not only improve the conductivity but also boost Li[Formula: see text] transfer and increase contact area for reactions. Besides, the porous thin Co3S4 nanosheets possessing strong interaction with carbon cloth by formation of C–S bond and high surface area could facilitate the mitigation of volume expansion and reduction of Li[Formula: see text] diffusion distance, coupling with efficient contact with electrolytes during cycling process. As expected, the freestanding Co3S4@CC anode presents pseudocapacitance-dominated storage behavior with a very high specific capacity of 847[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text] at 250[Formula: see text]mA g[Formula: see text] after 100 cycles and good rate capability for LIBs. This work provides an approach for designing metal sulfides with high capacities and rate capability for LIBs, especially flexible LIBs.
Introduction: geology of fractured reservoirs
Authors: Gillespie Paul A. , Holdsworth R.E. , Long D. , Williams A. , Gutmanis J.C.
Published: November 2020

The characterization of fractured reservoirs and fractured geothermal resources requires a thorough understanding of the geological processes involved during fracturing and the rheological properties of the host rock. The presence or absence of mechanical layering within the rock and the mode of failure substantially control the organization and scaling of the fracture system; subsequent chemical alteration and mineralization can either increase or decrease the porosity and permeability. An integration of this understanding using information from outcrop analogues, together with static and dynamic subsurface data, can improve our ability to predict the behaviour of fractured reservoirs across a range of scales.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the The Geology of Fractured Reservoirs collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/the-geology-of-fractured-reservoirs
LncRNA MEG3 regulates microglial polarization through KLF4 to affect cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Li Tianhao , Luo Yuru , Zhang Peng , Guo Shewei , Sun Hongwei , Yan Dongming , Liu Xianzhi , Yang Bo
Published: November 2020

To study the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, we clarified the mechanism by which lncRNA MEG3 regulates the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in microglia through in vitro and in vivo experiments. We discovered that inhibition of MEG3 could alleviate cerebral I/R injury via inhibiting M1 polarization and promoting M2 polarization through Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), indicating an effective theoretical basis for potential therapeutic targets of cerebral I/R injury.
Interrupting prolonged sitting with repeated chair stands or short walks reduces postprandial insulinemia in healthy adults
Authors: Gillen Jenna B. , Estafanos Stephanie , Williamson Eric , Hodson Nathan , Malowany Julia M. , Kumbhare Dinesh , Moore Daniel. R.
Published: November 2020

Breaking up prolonged sitting with intermittent walking breaks can improve glycemic control. Here, we demonstrated that interrupting prolonged sitting every 30 min with 1 min of repeated chair stands was as effective as 2-min treadmill walks for lowering postprandial insulinemia in healthy adults. Markers of contraction- and insulin-mediated muscle glucose uptake were unchanged. Repeated chair stands as a form of body-weight resistance activity may represent a cost- and space-efficient activity break for mitigating cardiometabolic-disease risk.
Dissolved Gas Analysis of Insulating Oil in Electric Power Transformers: A Case Study Using SDAE-LSTM
Authors: Luo Zhao , Zhang Zhiyuan , Yan Xu , Qin Jinghui , Zhu Zhendong , Wang Hao , Gao Zeyong
Published: November 2020

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is the most important tool for fault diagnosis in electric power transformers. To improve accuracy of diagnosis, this paper proposed a new model (SDAE-LSTM) to identify the dissolved gases in the insulating oil of power transformers and perform parameter analysis. The performance evaluation is attained by the case studies in terms of recognition accuracy, precision ratio, and recall ratio. Experiment results show that the SDAE-LSTM model performs better than other models under different input conditions. As evidenced from the analyses, the proposed model achieves considerable results of recognition accuracy (95.86%), precision ratio (95.79%), and recall ratio (97.51%). It can be confirmed that the SDAE-LSTM model using the dissolved gas in the power transformer for fault diagnosis and analysis has great research prospect.
Identification of Attack on Data Packets Using Rough Set Approach to Secure End to End Communication
Authors: Wu Banghua , Nazir Shah , Mukhtar Neelam
Published: November 2020

Security has become one of the important factors for any network communication and transmission of data packets. An organization with an optimal security system can lead to a successful business and can earn huge profit on the business they are doing. Different network devices are linked to route, compute, monitor, and communicate various real-time developments. The hackers are trying to attack the network and want to draw the organization’s significant information for its own profits. During the communication, if an intrusion or eavesdropping occurs, it will lead to a severe disfigurement of the whole communication network, and the data will be controlled by wrong malicious users. Identification of attack is a way to identify the security violations and analyze the measures in a computer network. An identification system, which is effective and accurate, can add security to the existing system for secure and smooth communication among end to end nodes and can work efficiently in the identification of attack on data packets. The role of information security is to design and protect the entire data of networks and maintain its confidentiality, integrity, and availability for their right users. Therefore, there is a need for end to end security management, which will ensure the security and privacy of the network and will save the data inside networks from malicious users. As the network devices are growing, so the level of threats is also increasing for these devices. The proposed research is an endeavor toward the detection of data packets attack by using the rough set theory for a secure end to end communication. The experimental work was performed by the RSES tool. The accuracy of the K-NN was 88% for the total objects of 8459. For cross validation purposes, the decision rules and decomposition tree algorithms were used. The DR algorithm showed accuracy of 59.1%, while the DT showed accuracy of 61.5%. The experimental results of the proposed study show that the research is capable of detecting data packets attack.
The Role of Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 Lipopolysaccharide in Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Kasperkiewicz Katarzyna , Świerzko Anna S. , Przybyła Marta , Szemraj Janusz , Barski Jarosław , Skurnik Mikael , Kałużyński Andrzej , Cedzyński Maciej
Published: November 2020

Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 is mentioned among the most common arthritogenic pathogens. Bacterial components (including lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) may persist in the joint after eradication of infection. Having an adjuvant activity, LPS may enhance production of anticollagen antibodies, involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, its ability to activate complement contributes to the inflammation. The aim of this work was to investigate whether Yersinia LPS (coinjected with collagen) is associated with arthritis progression or other pathological effects and to elucidate the mechanism of this association. It was demonstrated that murine mannose-binding lectin C (MBL-C) recognizes the inner core heptoses of the Rd1 chemotype LPS of Yersinia. In addition, the Rd1 LPS activates the MBL-associated serine protease 1 (MASP-1) stronger than the S and Ra chemotype LPS and comparable to Klebsiella pneumoniae O:3 LPS. However, in contrast to the latter, Yersinia Rd1 LPS was associated neither with the adjuvancity nor with the enhancement of pathological changes in animal paws/impairment of motility. On the other hand, it seemed to be more hepatotoxic when compared with the other tested endotoxins, while the enlargement of inguinal lymph nodes and drop in hepatic MBL-C expression (at the mRNA level) were independent of LPS chemotype. Our data did not suggest no greater impact Y. enterocolitica O:3 on the development or severity of arthropathy related to anticollagen antibody-induced arthritis in mice, although its interaction with MBL-C and subsequent complement activation may contribute to some adverse effects.
Construction and Validation of Predictive Model to Identify Critical Genes Associated with Advanced Kidney Disease
Authors: Xin Guangda , Zhou Guangyu , Zhang Wenlong , Zhang Xiaofei
Published: November 2020

Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by progressive renal function loss, which may finally lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The study is aimed at identifying crucial genes related to CKD progressive and constructing a disease prediction model to investigate risk factors. Methods. GSE97709 and GSE37171 datasets were downloaded from the GEO database including peripheral blood samples from subjects with CKD, ESRD, and healthy controls. Differential expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and functional enrichment analysis. Machine learning algorithm-based prediction model was constructed to identify crucial functional feature genes related to ESRD. Results. A total of 76 DEGs were screened from CDK vs. normal samples while 10,114 DEGs were identified from ESRD vs. CDK samples. For numerous genes related to ESRD, several GO biological terms and 141 signaling pathways were identified including markedly upregulated olfactory transduction and downregulated platelet activation pathway. The DEGs were clustering in three modules according to WGCNA access, namely, ME1, ME2, and ME3. By construction of the XGBoost model and dataset validation, we screened cohorts of genes associated with progressive CKD, such as FZD10, FOXD4, and FAM215A. FZD10 represented the highest score (

F

score = 21) in predictive model. Conclusion. Our results demonstrated that FZD10, FOXD4, PPP3R1, and UCP2 might be critical genes in CKD progression.
Woman with Pregnancy and Lactation-Associated Osteoporosis (PLO)
Authors: Bazgir Nasrin , Shafiei Elham , Hashemi Neda , Nourmohamadi Hassan
Published: November 2020

Osteoporosis is a disease known to reduce bone density and to damage bone microarchitecture leading to increased fracture risk. Osteoporosis is one of the most common diseases among the middle aged and elderly people that impose high costs on the community. So far, despite rare cases of pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) reported in Iran, it can be treated with accurate diagnosis. Patient Introduction. A 24-year-old woman was referred to the outpatient rheumatologic clinic after the cesarean section during the first pregnancy with severe back pain. In the thoracolumbar radiographs, a loss of vertebral height in the T11 to L5 vertebra was recognized. Other complaints were abdominal pain and anemia. In order to evaluate the gastrointestinal disease and celiac, the patient underwent gastrointestinal and hematologic workup. Ultimately, secondary causes of the osteoporosis were excluded. Based on the patient’s clinical course, imaging finding, and exclusion of other causes of osteoporosis, the patient was diagnosed with PLO. Conclusion. Clinicians should be aware of PLO as rare complication of pregnancy. The situation should be particularly considered in females offering from new onset back pain in the third trimester of pregnancy or breastfeeding period.
Variations in Aggressive and Indolent Behaviour of Central Dentinogenic Ghost Cell Tumor
Authors: Bavle Radhika Manoj , Muniswamappa Sudhakara , Makarla Soumya , Venugopal Reshma
Published: November 2020

Among the aggressive odontogenic tumors, a few tumors generally ameloblastomas, carry a connotation of being aggressive. But, a rare tumor like central dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) can be equally aggressive with a propensity for recurrence. The two cases discussed in this article are divergent in behaviour with features such as presentation, seen in early decades as central intraosseous tumors in the maxilla and mandible. The first case describes an aggressive DGCT, associated with impacted tooth and odontome which showed recurrence into a large solid tumor within a year. The second case arose in accordance with a partially erupted molar which was comparatively innocuous and less aggressive. Both the cases exhibited classic histopathological features. These two unconventional cases of DGCT with a follow-up are being reported here to highlight the variation in behaviour and presentation and also to understand the aggressive nature of the tumor.
Establishment and Validation of a Prognostic Risk Model for Autophagy-Related Genes in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Han Wenkai , Xu Xiaoyan , Che Kai , Ma Guofeng , Li Danxia , Zhang Mingxin , Jiao Wei , Niu Haitao
Published: November 2020

Background. Autophagy plays an essential role in tumorigenesis. At present, due to the unclear role of autophagy in renal clear cell carcinoma, we studied the potential value of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in renal clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods. We obtained all ccRCC data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We extracted the expression data of ARGs for difference analysis and carried out biological function analysis on the different results. The autophagy risk model was constructed. The 5-year survival rate was assessed using the model, and the predictive power of the model was evaluated from multiple perspectives. Cox regression analysis was use to assess whether the model could be an independent prognostic factor. Finally, the correlation between the model and clinical indicators is analyzed. Results. The patients were divided into the high-risk group and low-risk group according to the median of autophagy risk score, and the results showed that the prognosis of the low-risk group was better than that of a high-risk group. The validation results of external data sets show that our model has good predictive value for ccRCC patients. The model can be an independent prognostic factor. Finally, the results show that our model has a stable predictive ability. Conclusion. The autophagy gene model we constructed can be used as an excellent prognostic indicator for ccRCC. Our study provides the possibility of individualized and precise treatment for ccRCC patients.
Context-Aware Attention Network for Human Emotion Recognition in Video
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Wang Miao
Published: November 2020

Recognition of human emotion from facial expression is affected by distortions of pictorial quality and facial pose, which is often ignored by traditional video emotion recognition methods. On the other hand, context information can also provide different degrees of extra clues, which can further improve the recognition accuracy. In this paper, we first build a video dataset with seven categories of human emotion, named human emotion in the video (HEIV). With the HEIV dataset, we trained a context-aware attention network (CAAN) to recognize human emotion. The network consists of two subnetworks to process both face and context information. Features from facial expression and context clues are fused to represent the emotion of video frames, which will be then passed through an attention network and generate emotion scores. Then, the emotion features of all frames will be aggregated according to their emotional score. Experimental results show that our proposed method is effective on HEIV dataset.
Early Electroacupuncture Extends the rtPA Time Window to 6 h in a Male Rat Model of Embolic Stroke via the ERK1/2-MMP9 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Xin-chang , Gu Ya-hui , Xu Wen-tao , Song Yang-yang , Zhang Ao , Zhang Zhi-hui , Jiang Si-yuan , Chang Si-qi , Ni Guang-xia
Published: November 2020

Background. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the only recommended pharmacological treatment for acute ischemic stroke, but it has a restricted therapeutic time window. When administered at time points greater than 4.5 h after stroke onset, rtPA disrupts the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which leads to serious brain edema and hemorrhagic transformation. Electroacupuncture (EA) exerts a neuroprotective effect on cerebral ischemia; however, researchers have not clearly determined whether EA increases the safety of thrombolysis and extends the therapeutic time window of rtPA administration following ischemic stroke. Objective. The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that EA extends the therapeutic time window of rtPA for ischemic stroke in a male rat model of embolic stroke. Methods. SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, model group, rtPA group, EA+rtPA group, and rtPA+MEK1/2 inhibitor group. An injection of rtPA was administered 6 h after ischemia. Rats were treated with EA at the Shuigou (GV26) and Neiguan (PC6) acupoints at 2 h after ischemia. Neurological function, infarct volume, BBB permeability, brain edema, and hemorrhagic transformation were assessed at 24 h after ischemia. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect the levels of proteins involved in the ERK1/2 signaling pathway (MEK1/2 and ERK1/2), tight junction proteins (Claudin5 and ZO-1), and MMP9 in the ischemic penumbra at 24 h after stroke. Results. Delayed rtPA treatment aggravated hemorrhagic transformation and brain edema. However, treatment with EA plus rtPA significantly improved neurological function and reduced the infarct volume, hemorrhagic transformation, brain edema, and EB leakage in rats compared with rtPA alone. EA increased the levels of tight junction proteins, inhibited the activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and reduced MMP9 overexpression induced by delayed rtPA thrombolysis. Conclusions. EA potentially represents an effective adjunct method to increase the safety of thrombolytic therapy and extend the therapeutic time window of rtPA administration following ischemic stroke. This neuroprotective effect may be mediated by the inhibition of the ERK1/2-MMP9 pathway and alleviation of the destruction of the BBB.
Evaluation of Osteogenic Potentials of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles with Different Sizes and Shapes
Authors: Ren Yixing , Feng Xinxing , Lang Xinhua , Wang Jianbo , Du Zhipo , Niu Xufeng
Published: November 2020

TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have the potential to be used in the human body as an artificial implant because of their special physicochemical properties. However, information about the effects of TiO2 NPs on preosteoblast proliferation and osteogenic differentiation is not clear. In this work, we focus on the impact of TiO2 NPs with different shapes and sizes on the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. The morphology and physicochemical properties of TiO2 NPs are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Quadrasorb SI analyzer, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential. The MTT results indicate that when the concentration of TiO2 NPs is less than 20 μg/mL, the proliferation of osteoblasts is preserved the most. The expression of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin is detected by BCA and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to analyze the differentiation of osteoblasts. The results indicate that both rutile and anatase TiO2 NPs have a significant inhibiting influence on the differentiation of osteoblasts. Alizarin Red staining is performed on cells to detect the mineralized nodules. The results show that TiO2 NPs can promote the mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells. Then, we study the oxidative stress response of MC3T3-E1 cells by flow cytometry analysis, and all TiO2 NPs induce the excessive generation of reactive oxide species. On the other hand, our study also shows that the early apoptotic cells increase significantly. TiO2 NPs are swallowed by cells, and then the agglomerated particles enter mitochondria, causing the shape of mitochondria to change and vacuolation to appear. All these results show that TiO2 NPs have certain cytotoxicity to cells, but they also promote the mineralization and maturation of osteoblasts.
A Comprehensive Trust Model Based on Social Relationship and Transaction Attributes
Authors: Gong Yonghua , Chen Lei , Ma Tinghuai
Published: November 2020

The existing approaches to predict trust values in social commerce are based on personal social relationships without considering historical transaction information about products in social commerce, which results in false recommendations, and deceptions cannot be differentiated. Trust values extracted from social links can improve the performance of trust and reputation mechanism, but the rates from these links in social commerce can be false because of the stakeholders’ manipulation for personal interest. And the rates are also dynamic and inconsistent. Therefore, this paper proposes a comprehensive trust model by fully exploiting the effects of the transaction attributes and social relationships on users’ trust. The proposed model refines the granularity of trust evaluation and improves the discrimination of recommended information. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed model performs better and predicts more accurately than the three models compared under the same circumstance.
Erosion Infiltration in the Management of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) Defects
Authors: Mabrouk Rym , Yahia Souha , Oueslati Afef , Frih Nadia
Published: November 2020

White spot lesions caused by enamel demineralization are frequently encountered in dental practice. Their management has always been an important issue in modern dentistry. However, the real dilemma was treating aesthetic demands with noninvasive or minimally invasive techniques preserving the natural tissues. The introduction of resin infiltration technique seems to provide an intermediary treatment modality between prevention and restorative therapy. This case report is aimed at reporting the management of MIH opacities in anterior teeth with resin infiltration technique.
Research and Application of a Smart Monitoring System to Monitor the Deformation of a Dam and a Slope
Authors: Wang Yongfei , Shen Dingbin , Chen Jiankang , Pei Liang , Li Yanling , Lu Xiang , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2020

Deformation monitoring is one of the most important means of providing feedback to ensure the safety of projects. Problems plague the existing automatic monitoring system, such as the small monitoring range of monitoring devices, the inadequate field safety protection, and the low accuracy under extreme weather conditions. These problems greatly reduce the real time and reliability of deformation monitoring data and restrict the real‐time intelligent control of engineering safety risk. In this paper, a multitype instrument‐integrated monitoring system based mainly on the total positioning station (TPS) and supplemented by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) was promoted with the methods of large field angle, data complementation, environmental perception and judgment, automatic status control, and baseline calibration‐meteorological fusion correction. The application results of Pubugou Station show that the averages of mean square error of points (APMSE) for the dam are 0.41∼1.65 mm and the averages of mean square error of height (AHMSE) are 0.42∼0.89 mm. Moreover, the APMSE and AHMSE for the slope are less than 3 mm. The maximum relative error of the TPS and GNSS data compared with the artificial monitoring data is less than 10%. Besides, the system has good overall performance and is of significant comprehensive benefits. The proposed system realizes the all‐weather real‐time monitoring of deformation and enhances the emergency response capability of special conditions in dams during the operation period.
Nutraceutical Use among Patients with Chronic Disease Attending Outpatient Clinics in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Mahmood Nor Akila , Hassan Mohd Rohaizat , Ahmad Saharuddin , Mohd Nawi Haniff , Pang Nicholas Tze Ping , Syed Abdul Rahim Syed Sharizman , Jeffree Mohammad Saffree
Published: November 2020

Food‐drug interphase products, referring to nutraceuticals in this study, are a category of health products containing a combination of food ingredients with active substances for oral consumption. Many of these products are marketed as an alternative to prescription medicine to treat various ailments despite the lack of scientific evidence, influencing patients with chronic diseases to consume nutraceutical products. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice of nutraceutical use among patients with chronic disease attending to the outpatient clinic. This is a cross‐sectional study involving patients with chronic disease at the outpatient specialist clinic. Samples were recruited from the outpatient clinic using convenience sampling. Data was collected using a self‐administered questionnaire, which was self‐constructed and validated. We found that the use of nutraceuticals was prevalent among 17.9% of respondents. More than half (60.9%) of the respondents have poor knowledge of nutraceutical and 53.1% of respondents have a positive attitude towards nutraceutical. Gender and morbidities were the factors associated with the practice of nutraceutical usage. Female patients are more likely to have increased use of nutraceutical than male patients and patients with multiple morbidities have higher odds of using nutraceutical than patients with single morbidities. There is a high number of patients who consume nutraceutical products and public knowledge of nutraceutical needs to be improved further. The government should develop appropriate regulation and monitoring of nutraceutical products.
Steroid Hormone Receptor and Infiltrating Immune Cell Status Reveals Therapeutic Vulnerabilities of ESR1-Mutant Breast Cancer
Authors: Williams Michelle M. , Spoelstra Nicole S. , Arnesen Spencer , O'Neill Kathleen I. , Christenson Jessica L. , Reese Jordan , Torkko Kathleen C. , Goodspeed Andrew , Rosas Emmanuel , Hanamura Toru , Sams Sharon B. , Li Zheqi , Oesterreich Steffi , Riggins Rebecca B. , Jacobsen Britta M. , Elias Anthony , Gertz Jason , Richer Jennifer K.
Published: November 2020

Mutations in ESR1 that confer constitutive estrogen receptor alpha (ER) activity in the absence of ligand are acquired by ≥40% of metastatic breast cancers (MBC) resistant to adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy. To identify targetable vulnerabilities in MBC, we examined steroid hormone receptors and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in metastatic lesions with or without ER mutations. ER and progesterone receptor (PR) were significantly lower in metastases with wild-type (WT) ER compared with those with mutant ER, suggesting that metastases that evade AI therapy by mechanism(s) other than acquiring ER mutations lose dependency on ER and PR. Metastases with mutant ER had significantly higher T regulatory and Th cells, total macrophages, and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1)-positive immune-suppressive macrophages than those with WT ER. Breast cancer cells with CRISPR-Cas9–edited ER (D538G, Y537S, or WT) and patient-derived xenografts harboring mutant or WT ER revealed genes and proteins elevated in mutant ER cells, including androgen receptor (AR), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), and IFN-stimulated genes (ISG). Targeting these proteins blunted the selective advantage of ER-mutant tumor cells to survive estrogen deprivation, anchorage independence, and invasion. Thus, patients with mutant ER MBC might respond to standard-of-care fulvestrant or other selective ER degraders when combined with AR or CHI3L1 inhibition, perhaps with the addition of immunotherapy.

Significance:

Targetable alterations in MBC, including AR, CHI3L1, and ISG, arise following estrogen-deprivation, and ER-mutant metastases may respond to immunotherapies due to elevated PD-L1+ macrophages.

See related article by Arnesen et al., p. 539
Replication Gaps Underlie BRCA Deficiency and Therapy Response
Authors: Panzarino Nicholas J. , Krais John J. , Cong Ke , Peng Min , Mosqueda Michelle , Nayak Sumeet U. , Bond Samuel M. , Calvo Jennifer A. , Doshi Mihir B. , Bere Matt , Ou Jianhong , Deng Bin , Zhu Lihua J. , Johnson Neil , Cantor Sharon B.
Published: November 2020

Defects in DNA repair and the protection of stalled DNA replication forks are thought to underlie the chemosensitivity of tumors deficient in the hereditary breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA). Challenging this assumption are recent findings that indicate chemotherapies, such as cisplatin used to treat BRCA-deficient tumors, do not initially cause DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). Here, we show that ssDNA replication gaps underlie the hypersensitivity of BRCA-deficient cancer and that defects in homologous recombination (HR) or fork protection (FP) do not. In BRCA-deficient cells, ssDNA gaps developed because replication was not effectively restrained in response to stress. Gap suppression by either restoration of fork restraint or gap filling conferred therapy resistance in tissue culture and BRCA patient tumors. In contrast, restored FP and HR could be uncoupled from therapy resistance when gaps were present. Moreover, DSBs were not detected after therapy when apoptosis was inhibited, supporting a framework in which DSBs are not directly induced by genotoxic agents, but rather are induced from cell death nucleases and are not fundamental to the mechanism of action of genotoxic agents. Together, these data indicate that ssDNA replication gaps underlie the BRCA cancer phenotype, “BRCAness,” and we propose they are fundamental to the mechanism of action of genotoxic chemotherapies.

Significance:

This study suggests that ssDNA replication gaps are fundamental to the toxicity of genotoxic agents and underlie the BRCA-cancer phenotype “BRCAness,” yielding promising biomarkers, targets, and opportunities to resensitize refractory disease.

See related commentary by Canman, p. 1214
Abstract 12727: Microvascular Coronary Dysfunction Affects Global Longitudinal Strain After Dipyridamole Stress Echocardiography
Authors: Tagliamonte Ercole , Montuori Caterina , Astarita Roberta , Riegler Lucia , Forni Alberto , Scarafile Raffaella , Sperlongano Simona , Di Vilio Alessandro , Gambardella Francesco , Radmilovic Juri , Cice Gennaro , D'Andrea Antonello
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a potential cause of myocardial ischemia and may affect myocardial function. CMD can be identified, in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), by a reduced transthoracic Doppler-derived coronary flow reserve (CFR), which is an index of coronary arterial reactivity.

Hypothesis:
The aim of this study was to investigate the dipyridamole-induced changes of global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with CMD.

Methods:
fiftythree patients (35M, 18F; mean age 67±8 years) without obstructive CAD, assessed by invasive coronary angiogram, underwent dipyridamole stress echocardiography. CFR were determined as the ratio of hyperaemic to baseline diastolic coronary flow velocity. CMD was defined as CFR < 2. GLS was visualized as a bull’s-eye map in a quick and feasible manner. In each patient, we used a frame rate of 70 frames/sec for adequate 2D strain analysis. We analyzed GLS at each step of stress test and compared peak-dose values with baseline.

Results:
Sixteen patients (30%) among the overall population showed CMD. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between patients with or without CMD. GLS, at baseline, was significantly lower in patients with CMD (-16.7±3.77 vs. -17.9±3.75 - p<0.01). We observed a different response to dipyridamole stress echocardiography, between the two groups: GLS significantly increased up to peak dose in patients without CMD (from -17.9±3.75 to -19.5±4.12 - p<0.01), whereas on the other hand, a significant decrease from rest to peak dose was observed in patients with CMD (from -16.7±3.77 to -15.4±4.21- p<0.01). There was a significant inverse correlation between CFR and delta GLS measured at rest and after dipyridamole peak dose (r = -0.83 - p<0.01).

Conclusions:
GLS analysis, performed by comparing dipyridamole peak-dose with baseline values, shows that in patients with CMD there is a different response of left ventricular myocardiim to stress test. It could be assumed that the inverse correlation between CFR and delta GLS reflects a progressive subclinical worsening of left ventricular myocardial function in these patients. Larger studies could confirm our data.
Abstract 12730: Cardiosphere-derived Cells Improve Segmental Myocardial Circumferential Strain by Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Results From the Allogeneic Heart Stem Cells to Achieve Myocardial Regeneration Study
Authors: Ostovaneh Mohammad R , Makkar Raj , Ambale Venkatesh Bharath , Ascheim Deborah , Chakravarty Tarun , Henry Timothy D , Kowalchuk Glen , Aguirre Frank V , Kereiakes Dean J , Povsic Thomas J , Schatz Richard A , TRAVERSE Jay H , Pogoda Janice , Smith Rachel D , Marban Linda S , Marban Eduardo , Lima Joao A
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
Cell therapy failed to improve global LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in most trials of post-MI LV dysfunction. LVEF does not consider the effect of cell therapy on different segments of the myocardium, which may be heterogeneous across different myocardial regions in patients with regional MI.

Hypothesis:
Allogeneic cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) improve segmental (but not global) myocardial function indexed as circumferential strain by MRI.

Methods:
In this randomized double-blind trial, 142 post-MI patients with LVEF<45% and 15% or greater LV scar size were randomized in 2:1 ratio to receive intracoronary infusion of allogenic CDCs or placebo, respectively. Change in segmental myocardial circumferential strain (Ecc) by MRI from baseline to 6-month was compared between CDCs and placebo groups.

Results:
In total, 124 patients completed the 6-month follow-up (mean (SD) age 54.3(10.8) and 108 (87.1%) males). Segmental Ecc improvement was significantly greater in patients receiving CDC (-0.5%(4.0)) compared to placebo (0.2%(3.7), p=0.05). The greatest benefit for improvement in segmental Ecc was observed in segments containing scar tissue (change in segmental Ecc of -0.7% (3.5) in patients receiving CDC vs. 0.04% (3.7) in the placebo group, p=0.04). The beneficial effect of CDCs for improving segmental Ecc was greater in patients with LV ejection fraction<41%, LV scar size>18.8% or LV end-diastolic volume index>100 [mixed effect regression coefficients of -0.92(p=0.02),-0.78(p=0.03), and -1.16(p=0.004) respectively versus -0.58(p=0.05) for the entire cohort].

Conclusions:
In patients with post-MI LV dysfunction, allogeneic CDC administration resulted in improved segmental myocardial function. This CDC induced improvement in segmental myocardial function was greater in patients with severe LV dysfunction, dilated LV and greater infarct size. (clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01458405).
Abstract 13601: Risk of Coronary Artery Disease Associated With Familial Hypercholesterolemia Genetic Variants is Independent of Historical Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Exposure
Authors: Clarke Shoa L , Tcheandjieu Catherine , Hilliard Austin , Lee Kyung Min , lynch julie , Chang Kyong-Mi , Miller Donald ,   VA Million Veteran Program, O'Donnell Christopher J , Tsao Philip S , Rader Daniel J , Wilson Peter , Sun Yan V , Gaziano Michael , Assimes Themistocles L
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) variants confer risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) even after adjusting for a single baseline LDL measure.

Hypothesis:
We hypothesized that a model incorporating serial LDL measures over many years may account for the risk associated with FH variants.

Methods:
We analyzed 418,790 participants in the Million Veteran Program with electronic health records (EHR) spanning up to 15 years prior to and 7 years after enrollment. FH variants were defined using ClinVar and standard bioinformatic approaches. Carriers were identified by custom genotype array. CAD cases were identified by chart codes for acute MI and coronary revascularization. We used a nested case-control design conditional on survival to enrollment. Controls were matched on year of first LDL, time between first LDL and the case index date, age, sex, and ancestry. Logistic regression was used to estimate CAD risk among FH carriers while adjusting for CAD risk factors and the first, maximum (max), or mean LDL prior to the index date.

Results:
We found 53
LDLR
, 2
APOB
, and 2
PCSK9
variants, and FH prevalence was 1:303. We identified 23,091 cases with ≥1 LDL measure prior to the diagnosis of CAD and matched 10 controls per case. Cases had a median of 6 LDL measures over a median of 49 months prior to the index date. Carriers had an increased risk for CAD compared to non-carriers. Adjusting for the first, max, and mean LDL progressively attenuated risk of CAD associated with FH, but residual FH risk remained substantial (
Figure
). This pattern did not change in the subset of subjects with the most extensive LDL data nor in the subset of incident cases. We additionally found evidence of modifying effects of sex and ancestry, with higher within-group risk for females and subjects of African ancestry (
Figure
).

Conclusion:
The risk associated with FH variants cannot be fully captured by the LDL data available in the EHR, even when considering multiple LDL measurements spanning several years.