bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling the head of PRIMUS linear accelerator for electron‐mode at 10 MeV for different applicators
Authors: Negm Hani , Aly Moamen M. O. M. , Fathy Walaa M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study is to validate the utilization of Monte Carlo (MC) simulation to model the head of Primus linear accelerator, thereafter, using it to estimate the energy fluence distribution (EFD), the percentage depth dose (PDD), and beam profiles.Materials and MethodsThe BEAMNRC code that is based on the EGSNRC code has been used for modeling the linear accelerator head for 10 MeV electron beam with different applicator sizes (10 × 10, 15 × 15, and 20 × 20 cm2). The phase space was acquired from BEAMNRC at the end of each applicator and then used as an input file to DOSXYZNRC and BEAMDP to calculate the EFD, PDD, and beam profiles.ResultsThere were a good consistency between the outcomes of the MC simulation and measured PDD and off‐axis dose profiles that performed in a water phantom for all applicators. The PDD for the applicators proved to be favorable as a direct comparison of R100, R90, R80, and R50 yielded results of < 2 mm, while it was 6 mm in R100 for the applicator 15 × 15 cm2. The discrepancies in the surface doses (<3%) showed a quick decline in the build‐up region and differences reached 0% within the first 2.4 mm. For the beam profiles comparison, the differences ranged from 2% (2 mm) to 3% (6 mm) for all applicators.ConclusionOur examination demonstrated that the MC simulation by BEAMNRC code was accurate in modeling the Primus linear accelerator head.
Eyewitness descriptions without memory: The (f)utility of describing faces
Authors: Kramer Robin S. S. , Gous Georgina 
Published: February 2020

SummaryEyewitness descriptions provide critical information for the police and other agencies to use during investigations. While researchers have typically considered the impact of memory, little consideration has been given to the utility of facial descriptions themselves, without the additional memory demands. In Experiment 1, participants described face images to their partners, who were then required to select these faces from photographic lineups. Performance was error‐prone when the same image appeared in the lineup (73% correct), and decreased further when a different image of the same face was presented (22% correct). We found some evidence to suggest this was due, in part, to difficulties with recognizing that two different images depicted the same person. In Experiment 2, we demonstrated that descriptions of the same face given by different people showed only moderate agreement. Taken together, these results highlight the problematic nature of facial descriptions, even without memory, and their limited utility.
Sensor attack detection and isolation based on sliding mode observer for cyber‐physical systems
Authors: Ye Lei , Zhu Fanglai , Zhang Jian 
Published: February 2020

SummaryThis article investigates the sensor attack detection and isolation problems for cyber‐physical systems under attacked situation. To begin with, an overall system is constructed for the network of dynamic system and all the issues are dealt with for the overall system instead of every subsystem. Then, we prove that the preconditions which are made on the original subsystem can be transferred on to the overall system. After this, for the overall system, a sliding mode observer that is robust to the disturbance but sensitive to the sensor attack is designed as sensor attack detector to issue an alarm when at least one subsystem is attacked. In addition, we cope with the sensor fault isolation problem by building an augmented descriptor system for the overall system and we further prove that the precondition can be kept for the augmented descriptor system. Then, another robust sliding mode observer is designed to reach the goal of attack isolation. Finally, a simulation example is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Biocompatible Poly(lactic acid)‐Based Hybrid Piezoelectric and Electret Nanogenerator for Electronic Skin Applications
Authors: Gong Shaobo , Zhang Bowen , Zhang Jinxi , Wang Zhong Lin , Ren Kailiang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHuman machine interface (HMI) devices, which can convert human motions to electrical signals to control/charge electronic devices, have attracted tremendous attention from the engineering and science fields. Herein, the high output voltage from a nonpiezoelectric meso‐poly(lactic acid) (meso‐PLA) electret‐based triboelectric nanogenerator (NG) is combined with the relatively high current from a double‐layered poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA)‐based piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) for an E‐skin (electronic skin) (HMI) device application. The hybrid NG with a cantilever structure can generate an output voltage of 70 V and a current of 25 µA at the resonance frequency of 19.7 Hz and a tip load of 4.71 g. Moreover, the output power of the hybrid NG reaches 0.31 mW, which is 11% higher than that from the PLLA‐based PENG. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the PLA‐based hybrid NG can be used to turn a light‐emitting diode light on and off through an energy management circuit during a bending test. Finally, it is demonstrated that the PLA‐based woven E‐skin device can generate the output signals of 35 V (Voc) and 1 µA (Isc) during an elbow bending test. The advantages of biocompatible, ease of fabrication, and relatively high output power in the hybrid NG device show great promise for future E‐skin applications.
Designing Scaffolds for Corneal Regeneration
Authors: Ahearne Mark , Fernández‐Pérez Julia , Masterton Sophia , Madden Peter W. , Bhattacharjee Promita 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCorneal blindness is one of the most common causes of vision loss worldwide, affecting millions of people. To treat these patients, researchers have been examining different approaches to engineer corneal scaffolds suitable for transplantation. Scaffolds have been developed to replace part or all of the cornea depending on the patient requirements. Both acellular and cell‐seeded scaffolds have been tested in animal models. Materials that have been under investigation for manufacturing scaffolds include collagen, silk fibroin, amniotic membrane, decellularized cornea, fibrin, chitosan, gelatin, agarose, alginate, and hyaluronic acid in addition to several synthetic polymers. Different combinations of materials, fiber crosslinking techniques, and incorporation of bioactive molecules have also been examined. Factors such as the physical properties, cytocompatibility, degradation behavior, and optical characteristics have to be considered when selecting a suitable scaffold material. Recent advancements in materials fabrication techniques such as bioprinting, electrospinning, and different collagen alignment techniques, allow scaffolds to be generated that more accurately mimic the structure of the corneal stroma. A number of scaffolds have commenced clinical trials to determine their suitability for corneal regeneration.
Cell and Tissue Instructive Materials for Central Nervous System Repair
Authors: Rocha Luís A. , Silva Deolinda , Barata‐Antunes Sandra , Cavaleiro Helena , Gomes Eduardo D. , Silva Nuno A. , Salgado António J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNeurodegenerative disorders and traumatic events affecting the central nervous system (CNS) represent one of the main health problems nowadays. The level of disability and impairment of these patients is very high, both at physiological and psychological level, drastically altering a person's lifestyle. The fact that CNS tissue has a limited capacity of regeneration has hampered the development of possible therapies to these conditions. The specificity of each disease also increases the complexity of creating strategies capable of inducing significant recovery. Therefore, the search for a solution for these problems most likely demands a combinatorial approach that integrates knowledge from different fields. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) concepts merge areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, or biomaterials science, and it is a strong candidate for CNS applications. In particular, the development of cell and tissue instructive materials (CTIMs) can bring new opportunities for the treatment of these conditions. In this review, the authors summarize and discuss the most recent advances in the development of CTIMs for CNS applications, focusing on traumatic conditions such as spinal cord injuy, traumatic brain injuy, but also stroke, and other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease as well as multiple sclerosis.
Flexible Composite Carbon Films Prepared by a Pancake‐Making Method for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Yang Minglong , Wei Qiang , Li Jianjun , Wang Yao , Guo Hongfei , Gao Liya , Huang Li , He Xiaodong , Li Yibin , Yuan Ye 
Published: February 2020

AbstractInspired by the traditional Chinese “pancake‐making” method, the efficient electromagnetic interferences (EMI) shielding composite carbon films are conveniently obtained by assembling graphene oxide (GO) sheets, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and Co/C nanocomposites into a laminated “nacre‐like” structure. The developed composite carbon films are characterized by a shielding effectiveness (SE) up to ≈51 dB in X band with a small thickness of ≈34.3 µm. Moreover, the composite carbon film shows favorable flexibility and the SE values almost keep a constant after repeatedly bending test. These results demonstrate a promising approach to simply fabricate a flexible and highly efficient EMI shielding material.
Interfacial Engineering for Gradient Optical Fiber
Authors: Lan Bijiao , Feng Xu , Zhang Weida , Yu Yongze , Liu Jiantao , Zhou Guiyao , Qiu Jianrong , Zhou Shifeng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGradient functionalization is a widely applied process in materials science that involves generating gradient distribution of composition or structure to yield materials with new functions or improved properties. Here an interfacial engineering is described for construction of gradient fiber, which exhibits gradient distribution of active centers, bonding configuration, and the resultant optical response. It is shown that the interfacial diffusion of protype niobium (Nb) in the core and cladding region of the fiber can be tuned via rational control of the viscosity of melt and the subsequent thermal activation. This leads to gradient distribution of Nb species and active [NbO6]7− centers within 10–20 µm region. As a result, unique optical properties including the tunable energy transfer between active centers and special annular emission beam can be obtained. These results highlight a fundamental principle to develop novel photonic fibers and provide a great step in expanding the scope of gradient materials.
Oxidative Radical Relay Functionalization for the Synthesis of Benzimidazo[2,1‐a]iso‐quinolin‐6(5H)‐ones
Authors: Sun Kai , Li Guofeng , Li Yuyang , Yu Jie , Zhao Qing , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhang Guisheng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHere, a mild and general oxidative radical relay carbocyclization reaction with 2‐arylbenzoimidazoles and cyclic ethers is reported. This method provides an efficient access to a wide range of structurally diverse benzimidazo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline‐6(5H)‐ones under metal‐free conditions. The wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and scale‐up operation of this method are expected to promote its potential applications in biotechnology and pharmacy.magnified image
Integrated Photorechargeable Energy Storage System: Next‐Generation Power Source Driving the Future
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Lai Yanqing , Jiang Liangxing , Liu Fangyang , Hao Xiaojing , Wang Lianzhou , Green Martin A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSolar energy is one of the most abundant renewable energy sources. For efficient utilization of solar energy, photovoltaic technology is regarded as the most important source. However, due to the intermittent and unstable characteristics of solar radiation, photoelectric conversion (PC) devices fail to meet the requirements of continuous power output. With the development of rechargeable electric energy storage systems (ESSs) (e.g., supercapacitors and batteries), the integration of a PC device and a rechargeable ESS has become a promising approach to solving this problem. The so‐called integrated photorechargeable ESSs which can directly store sunlight generated electricity in daylight and reversibly release it at night time, has a huge potential for future applications. This review summarizes the development of several types of mainstream integrated photorechargeable ESSs and introduces different working mechanisms for each photorechargeable ESS in detail. Several general perspectives on challenges and future development in the field are also provided.
Reconstructing the history of the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Bargnesi Filippo , Gridelli Stefano , Cerrano Carlo , Ferretti Francesco 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Sharks are globally exposed to several anthropogenic threats, which, in many cases, have severely reduced their distribution and have impacted populations. In the Mediterranean Sea, because of its long history of exploitation and the relatively short span of scientific monitoring, reconstructing shark baselines is challenging. Many vulnerable species declined in population abundance and geographic distribution before it was possible to adequately track these changes. Consequently, for many of these species, current conservation assessments are now suffering from a severe case of shifting baseline syndrome, whereby their historical occurrence in the area is questioned.
The sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) is one of these cases. Characterized by high philopatry, restricted home range, and low interchange between populations, its Mediterranean population may have been severely impacted by the high historical fishing pressure in the region before scientific monitoring began.
In this study, the history of the abundance and distribution of C. taurus in the Mediterranean Sea was reconstructed through a comprehensive search of occurrence records in the literature and in museum collections. Between 1810 and 2008, 31 occurrence records and 54 publications provided information on the presence of the species in the area. These records were sparse but systematic over time and indicated occurrence hot spots in the south‐western Mediterranean Sea and in the eastern Adriatic Sea.
The presence of ten sightings of juveniles from a total of 18 sightings with length information suggested local parturition. Habitat and extinction models indicate that the area has suitable oceanographic conditions for the occurrence of the species and that the species cannot be considered extinct in the Mediterranean Sea. Our study suggests that there is still hope for the recovery of the species and underlines the crucial role of historical investigations to reconstruct the history of large elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean Sea.
Microstructural Bone Changes Are Associated With Broad‐Spectrum Autoimmunity and Predict the Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Simon David , Kleyer Arnd , Cong Duy Bui , Hueber Axel , Bang Holger , Ramming Andreas , Rech Juergen , Schett Georg 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveTo assess if microstructural bone lesions in individuals at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are related to the spectrum of anti–modified protein antibodies (AMPAs) and affect the risk of developing RA.MethodsCortical microchannels as well as cortical and trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) volumes (expressed as mg hydroxyapatite/cm3) were analyzed by high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography of the hand joints of individuals at risk of RA. AMPA response was profiled, including reactivities against citrullinated proteins (vimentin, enolase, and fibrinogen) as well as carbamylated and acetylated vimentin. All subjects were followed up for the development of RA.ResultsSubjects at risk of developing RA (n = 75) who had broad‐spectrum AMPAs (6–8 reactivities) had significantly more severe microstructural changes, including a higher mean ± SD number of cortical microchannels per joint (95 ± 3) and lower total volumetric BMD (vBMD; 265 ± 45), trabecular vBMD (176 ± 42), and cortical vBMD (585 ± 138), than those with moderate AMPA reactivity (3–5 reactivities) (number of cortical microchannels, 79 ± 30; total vBMD, 293 ± 33; trabecular vBMD, 195 ± 32; and cortical vBMD, 627 ± 91) and those with narrow AMPA reactivity (1–2 reactivities) (number of cortical microchannels, 47 ± 20; total vBMD, 311 ± 34; trabecular vBMD, 211 ± 30; and cortical vBMD, 674 ± 56). Progressors to RA had significantly higher numbers of cortical microchannels (103 ± 30 versus 71 ± 35) and lower bone volume (258 ± 37 versus 295 ± 34) compared to nonprogressors. Furthermore, rate of progression to RA was high in subjects with broad AMPA reactivity (48%) versus those with medium AMPA reactivity (26%) or narrow AMPA reactivity (0%), as well as in those with a high number of cortical microchannels (44%) versus those with a low number of cortical microchannels (10%).ConclusionMicrostructural changes in individuals at risk of RA are associated with broad‐spectrum autoimmunity and predict the onset of RA. These data support the concept of structural priming of joints by autoimmunity before the onset of the inflammatory phase of the disease.
Effective inhibition of C3a‐mediated pro‐inflammatory response by a human C3a‐specific protein binder
Authors: Sohn Yoo‐Kyoung , Son Sumin , Choi Yoonjoo , Hwang Da‐Eun , Seo Hyo‐Deok , Lee Joong‐jae , Kim Hak‐Sung 
Published: February 2020

AbstractComplement component 3a (C3a) plays a crucial role in the immune response and host defense, but it is also involved in pro‐inflammatory responses, causing many inflammatory disorders. Blockade of C3a has been regarded as a potent therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases. Here, we present the development of a human C3a (hC3a)‐specific protein binder, which effectively inhibits pro‐inflammatory responses. The protein binder, which is composed of leucine‐rich repeat modules, was selected against hC3a through phage display, and its binding affinity was matured up to 600 pM by further expanding the binding interface in a module‐by‐module manner. The developed protein binder was shown to have more than 10‐fold higher specificity to hC3a compared with human C5a, exhibiting a remarkable suppression effect on pro‐inflammatory response in monocyte, by blocking the interaction between hC3a and its receptor. The hC3a‐specific protein binder is likely to have a therapeutic potential for C3a‐mediated inflammatory diseases.
Tissue transglutaminase_variant 2‐transduced mesenchymal stem cells and their chondrogenic potential
Authors: Calikoglu Koyuncu Ayse Ceren , Nayman Ayse Hande , Telci Dilek , Torun Kose Gamze 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAs cartilage is incapable of self‐healing upon severe degeneration because of the lack of blood vessels, cartilage tissue engineering is gaining importance in the treatment of cartilage defects. This study was designed to improve cartilage tissue regeneration by expressing tissue transglutaminase variant 2 (TGM2_v2) in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from bone marrow of rats. For this purpose, rat MSCs transduced with TGM2_v2 were grown and differentiated on three‐dimensional polybutylene succinate (PBSu) and poly‐l‐lactide (PLLA) blend scaffolds. The transduced cells could not only successfully express the short form transglutaminase‐2, but also deposited the protein onto the scaffolds. In addition, they could spontaneously produce cartilage‐specific proteins without any chondrogenic induction, suggesting that TGM2_v2 expression provided the cells the ability of chondrogenic differentiation. PBSu:PLLA scaffolds loaded with TGM2_v2 expressing MSCs could be used in repair of articular cartilage defects.
Global and regional burdens of oral cancer from 1990 to 2017: Results from the global burden of disease study
Authors: Ren Zhen‐Hu , Hu Chuan‐Yu , He Hai‐Rong , Li Yuan‐Jie , Lyu Jun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundData on the incidence, mortality, and other burden of oral cancer as well as their secular trends are necessary to provide policy‐makers with the information needed to allocate resources appropriately. The purpose of this study was to use the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 results to estimate the incidence, mortality, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) for oral cancer from 1990 to 2017.MethodsWe collected detailed data on oral cancer from 1990 to 2017 from the GBD 2017. The global incidence, mortality, and DALYs attributable to oral cancer as well as the corresponding age‐standardized rates (ASRs) were calculated. The estimated annual percentage changes in the ASRs of incidence (ASRI) and mortality (ASRM) and age‐standardized DALYs of oral cancer were also calculated according to regions and countries to quantify the secular trends in these rates.ResultsWe tracked the incidence, mortality, and DALYs of oral cancer in 195 countries/territories over 28 years. Globally, the incidence, mortality, and DALYs of oral cancer increased by about 1.0‐fold from 1990 to 2017. The ASRI of oral cancer showed a similar trend, increasing from 4.41 to 4.84 per 100,000 person‐years during the study period. The ASRM remained approximately stable at about 2.4 per 100,000 from 1990 to 2017, as did the age‐standardized DALYs, at about 64.0 per 100,000 person‐years. ASRI was highest in Pakistan (27.03/100,000, 95% CI = 22.13‐32.75/100,000), followed by Taiwan China, and lowest in Iraq (0.96/100,000, 95% CI = 0.86‐1.06/100,000). ASRM was highest in Pakistan (16.85/100,000, 95% CI = 13.92‐20.17/100,000) and lowest in Kuwait (0.51/100,000, 95% CI = 0.45‐0.58/100,000).ConclusionsThe ASRI of oral cancer has increased slightly worldwide, while the ASRM and age‐standardized DALY have remained stable. However, these characteristics vary between countries, suggesting that current prevention strategies should be reoriented, and much more targeted and specific strategies should be established in some countries to forestall the increase in oral cancer.
METTL3 expression is associated with glycolysis metabolism and sensitivity to glycolytic stress in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lin Ye , Wei Xiangling , Jian Zhixiang , Zhang Xuewen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMETTL3 is an RNA methyltransferase implicated in the control of cell differentiation and proliferation in embryonic development and cancer. The current study was aimed to explore the function and underlying mechanism of METTL3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We evaluated the expression and prognostic significance of METTL3 in 100 HCC cases and TCGA dataset. In HCC cases, both the RNA and protein expression of METTL3 were significantly upregulated and associated with poor prognosis. Gene set enrichment analysis of transcriptional profiles in HCC specimens revealed that METTL3 expression was associated with impaired glucose metabolism and mTOR signal pathway. In Huh‐7 and SMMC‐7721 HCC cells, downregulation of METTL3 by siRNA interference inhibited glycolytic capacity, which was proved by the decreased intracellular glucose uptake and lactate production. In terms of mechanism, we found mTORC1 activity was impaired by downregulation of METTL3, additional silencing of METTL3 cannot further decrease the phosphorylation level of mTORC1 and glycolysis activity in Rapamycin‐treated HCC cells. At last, we observed that downregulation of METTL3 synergizes with the glycolysis inhibitor 2‐deoxyglucose (2‐DG) to inhibit tumor growth in vitro. Our study provided evidence that METTL3 is involved in the regulation of glycolysis activity in HCC, suggesting that suppression of glycolysis via METTL3 inhibition was a potential treating strategy against HCC.