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The consensus problem is considered for multi-agent systems with disturbances. Three fixed-time prescribed performance methods are proposed to satisfy the transient performance and steady-state performance of multi-agent systems consensus. If the multi-agent systems are affected by matched disturbances, the consensus tracking errors constraints are guaranteed at first. Next, the consensus tracking errors constraints and their change rates constraints are further considered. Moreover, with the help of a fixed-time observer, the consensus tracking errors constraints result is expended to the case of multi-agent systems affected by mismatched disturbances. The proposed methods can provide the satisfactory system performances, including that consensus tracking errors always evolve within predefined bounds, converge to a small closed region containing zero in fixed time and then converge to zero asymptotically. Simulations are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods. • A problem of fixed-time multi-agent systems consensus is considered. • Both the transient and steady-state performances of multi-agent systems can be guaranteed. • The anti-disturbance controllers can deal with mismatched/matched disturbances. • Three different controllers are available for different cases and performance objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Coronoidectomy is carried out frequently as a part of the cranial-maxillofacial surgery procedure. There are few articles on the fate of coronoid process after coronoidectomy, except that several case reports mentioned that coronoid process had regenerated. This study aimed to radiographically access the anatomic outcomes of coronoid process and investigate which factors were associated with the outcomes after coronoidectomy.Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study included patients undergoing coronoidectomy over a 7-year period. The primary outcome variable was the new coronoid process occurrence (yes/no). Secondary outcome variable was the type of the new coronoid process by evaluating its size, shape and position. Radiograph at 1-year postoperative visit was used to determine the outcomes. The predictor variables included age, sex, surgical purpose, surgical side, surgical approach and the maximal interincisal opening. Appropriate statistics were analyzed by SPSS version 22. χ2 test and binary logistic regression were used to assess the association between predictor factors and anatomic outcomes (P <.05).Results: The study sample included 57 patients. In total, 96 coronoidectomies were performed. Seventy-four coronoid processes (77.1%) showed complete (n = 44, 45.8%), nonunion (n = 19, 19.8%) or partial (n = 11, 11.5%) regrowth, whereas no evidence of regeneration in 22 sites was observed radiographically at 1-year postoperative visit. Binary logistic regression showed that a young age (odds ratio 0.704; 95% confidence interval 0.562-0.882; P = .002) was significantly associated with regeneration of coronoid process.Conclusions: Coronoid process can mostly regenerate after coronoidectomy. A young age may contribute to regrowth of coronoid process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Increasing evidence indicates an interaction between the synovium and the cartilage in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and other joints. We recently demonstrated that the expression of proangiogenic factors was enhanced and that of factors promoting matrix degradation was decreased in synovial fibroblasts in condylar hyperplasia (CH). The aim of this study was to explore whether CH chondrocytes can affect the expression of these factors of synovial fibroblasts in a co-culture system.Study Design: The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) from CH condylar tissues were observed by using immunohistochemical methods. Synovial fibroblasts of control tissues were co-cultured with the chondrocytes of CH, and protein expressions of VEGF, FGF-2, thrombospondin 1 (TSP1), matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), and TIMP1 were examined by using Western blotting.Results: Positive staining for VEGF, CD34, FGF-2, and TIMP1 was found in the hypertrophic cartilage layer of CH condylar tissues. Protein expressions of VEGF, FGF-2, and TIMP1 were significantly increased in co-cultured synovial fibroblasts, but TSP1 and MMP3 expressions were decreased.Conclusions: The angiogenic factors and matrix degradation-related factors in synovial fibroblasts co-cultured with CH chondrocytes showed the same trends as those in synovial fibroblasts from CH tissue, suggesting potential cross-talk between synovial fibroblasts and chondrocytes during CH progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four most common GBs were determined from EBSD-SEM analysis. • The GB can weaken the heat and thermal strain propagations in YSZ. • The weakening effect of GBs strongly depends on their misorientation angle. • Acoustic impedance primarily accounts for the weakening effect of GBs. The rapid temperature change or thermal shock is inevitable in many engineering applications of polycrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). Nevertheless, the thermal shock response of YSZ especially its dependence on the grain boundary (GB) structure in YSZ remains almost unknown to date. In this study, the effect of the GB on thermal shock behaviors of YSZ ceramics was investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in conjunction with experimental characterizations. According to the distribution of misorientation angles of GBs experimentally extracted from our sintered YSZ samples, four most common GBs with a misorientation angle ranging from 35° to 63° were constructed in MD simulations through the annealing technique. The thermal shock simulations on the bi-crystalline YSZ with such GBs show a weakening effect of the GB on the thermo-elastic strain wave, which is found to be the most significant in the [100]/[111] GB and almost vanish in its [110]/[111] counterpart. Our simulations also reveal that the weakening effect of GB on the thermo-elastic strain wave is majorly attributed to the impedance mismatch between its two adjacent grains, although the grain-boundary thermal resistance observed also can weaken the temperature wave after crossing GBs. These findings provide valuable atomic insights into the thermomechanical behaviors of YSZ under thermal shock, which will guide the design of microstructures of YSZ for some special applications in solid oxide fuel cells and thermal barrier coatings. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was conducted to measure concentrations of leptin and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the synovial fluid (SF) of 38 patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and 7 healthy controls and to analyze the correlation between leptin and IL-6.Patients and Methods: Patients with TMDs were divided into 3 subgroups according to imaging and clinical findings: displaced disc with reduction (DDR; n = 12), displaced disc without reduction (DDNR; n = 13), and osteoarthritis (OA; n = 13). SF samples were collected, and leptin and IL-6 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: No relevant difference in leptin level was found between the control group and the DDR or DDNR group, whereas the OA group presented a higher leptin concentration than all other groups. IL-6 concentrations were markedly higher in all patient groups than in the control group. Levels were markedly higher in the OA group than in the DDR or DDNR group, but no relevant differences were found between the DDR and DDNR groups. No relevant correlation was found between leptin and IL-6 concentrations.Conclusion: Distinct changes in leptin and IL-6 concentrations in the SF occurred at different stages of TMDs, suggesting their potential role in the pathogenesis of TMDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition-metal-catalyzed C H functionalization has emerged as attractive tools for organic synthesis. These catalytic reactions typically need strong chemical oxidants, which possess significant disadvantages, including high cost, poor atom economy, and the formation of undesired byproducts. To overcome these issues, transition-metal-catalyzed C H functionalization via electrochemical oxidation has been recently developed. This process provides a practical and environmentally benign procedure for C H functionalization. This review summarizes recent achievements of transition-metal-catalyzed electrochemical C H functionalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical allodynia (MA) represents one prevalent symptom of chronic pain. Previously we and others have identified spinal and brain circuits that transmit or modulate the initial establishment of MA. However, brain-derived descending pathways that control the laterality and duration of MA are still poorly understood. Here we report that the contralateral brain-to-spinal circuits, from Oprm1 neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBNOprm1), via Pdyn neurons in the dorsal medial regions of hypothalamus (dmHPdyn), to the spinal dorsal horn (SDH), act to prevent nerve injury from inducing contralateral MA and reduce the duration of bilateral MA induced by capsaicin. Ablating/silencing dmH-projecting lPBNOprm1 neurons or SDH-projecting dmHPdyn neurons, deleting Dyn peptide from dmH, or blocking spinal κ-opioid receptors all led to long-lasting bilateral MA. Conversely, activation of dmHPdyn neurons or their axonal terminals in SDH can suppress sustained bilateral MA induced by lPBN lesion. [Display omitted] • lPBNOprm1→dmHPdyn→SDH circuit controls the duration and laterality of MA • lPBNOprm1 and dmHPdyn neurons control the opening of bilateral gates for MA in SDH • "Hypothalamic Dyn→spinal KOR" inhibitory system negatively modulates bilateral MA In some patients, a local injury can trigger long-lasting, bilateral mechanical pain hypersensitivity. Huo et al. describe that contralateral brain-to-spinal circuits prevent nerve injury from inducing contralateral mechanical allodynia and reduce the duration of bilateral mechanical allodynia induced by capsaicin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An algorithm for frequency offset estimation and symbol timing based on correlation matrix was given to reduce ISI and ICI of OFDM system. The algorithm got the fractional frequency offset by minimizing the off-diagonal elements and got the integral frequency offset by sizing the diagonal elements. The estimation of symbol timing based on maximized the function by sliding the FFT window. Simulation results show that the algorithm has high estimate precision and large range. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study, quaternary polyplexes were prepared by sequential addition of polycations (polyethylenimine (PEI) or poly (N-(8-aminooctyl)-acrylamide) (P8Am)) for loading pDNA into the core polyplexes and poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) for reversing charges to deposit additional polycation (PEI or P8Am) layer. It was found the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake expression of PEI core polyplexes could be improved by coating a cell uptake-favorable P8Am layer. Conversely, P8Am could not facilitate endosomal release through the proposed proton sponge effect so the PEI core was required for the P8Am-coated quaternary polyplexes to ensure efficient transfection. Consequently, an efficient and safe non-viral gene vehicle was constructed by layer-by-layer deposition, using alternate polyanion and polycation with required functionalities to overcome the obstacles met in the process of transfection. Maximum transfection activity with minimal toxicity was observed when the quaternary polyplex of pDNA/PEI/PAA/P8Am was prepared at a weight ratio of 1/1.5/3/5. Conversely, the same composition in different position such as the cell-favorable P8Am core was externally deposited with the endosome lytic moiety, PEI showed high toxicity and low efficiency. This indicates the pDNA/PEI/PAA/P8Am sequence for a quaternary polyplex is as important as the functional polymer selection for designing safe and reliable gene delivery vehicles. We demonstrate here that gene delivery efficiency may be improved by increasing the uptake level and the endosomal buffering release through an additional layer of cell uptake-favorable polycations associated with the core polycations possessing endosomal release ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) is a progressive, nonneoplastic overgrowth of the condyle of the temporomandibular joint. For treating active UCH, a popular method combines orthognathic surgery with high condylectomy and orthodontic treatment. The goal of this study was to introduce a new method to correct asymmetry for active UCH.Methods: Retrospectively, 47 patients with active UCH were divided into horizontal-type, vertical-type, and combined-type. All patients were treated with condylectomy plus postsurgery standard orthodontics (CPSO) with applied miniscrews implanted in infrazygomatic crest and hard palate to intrude affected side of maxillary molars and apply intermaxillary traction for contralateral molars. Cone-beam computed tomography was taken at presurgery, postsurgery, and the end of orthodontics (T3).Results: In the vertical (n = 10) and combined (n = 28) types, deviation of the chin and the canting of the mandible and maxillary occlusal plane were significantly reduced at T3. A difference in the torque of bilateral maxillary first molar (U6) and bilateral mandibular first molar (L6) was significantly reduced at T3. The anterior, superior, and posterior joint spaces in the vertical-type and combined-type were significantly decreased at T3 compared with postsurgery. In contrast, in the horizontal-type group (n = 9), the deviation of the chin was corrected; however, the canting of the mandible and maxillary occlusal plane was significantly increased at T3 compared with presurgery.Conclusions: CPSO restored facial and occlusal symmetry for vertical-type and combined-type active UCH and returned affected-side condyle to the glenoid fossa. However, CPSO was not suitable for treating the horizontal-type UCH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cathepsin L (CatL) has been readily localized in the large vacuole and in the apical complex of the digestive B-cell of the shrimp hepatopancreas. Immunogold technique revealed the occurrence of CatL in zymogen granule, digestive body and digestive vacuole of the B-cell in the hepatopancreas of Metapenaeus ensis. Coalescences of zymogen granule with sub-apical vacuole, and of two small digestive bodies were observed. This progressive coalescence of CatL vesicles is direct evidence of involvement of CatL in intracellular digestion. Released CatL vesicles and free CatL were found in the lumen of hepatopancreatic tubule. CatL mRNA existed in F-cell, but not in the mature B-cell. This finding supports the previous suggestion that F-cell is the precursor of B-cell. F-cell is a transient form. Transition from F-cell to B-cell is fast. We define F-cell as the transcribing cell, F/B-cell as the enzyme-synthesizing cell and B-cell as the enzyme-secreting cell. For the first time, we suggest that R-cell is the replacing cell for the leaving B-cell. CatL degrades nutrient intracellularly and extracellularly. The most interesting finding is that CatL is transcribed in one type of cell, and the very cell evolves quickly to a morphologically different cell where the enzyme functions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two heteroleptic cyclometallated complexes, cis-[Rh(bzpy)(bipy)Cl2] (1) and cis-[Rh(bzpy)(phen)Cl2] (2) (where bzpy=2-(2-pyridylcarbonyl)phenyl, bipy=2,2′-bipyridine and phen=1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized. Based on IR and NMR data, it is evident that the coordinated bzpy ligand is N,C coordinated with Rh(III). Each complex shows high intensity bands in the UV region, assigned as spin-allowed π–π∗ transitions. The medium-intensity absorption band profile in the lower energy region can be explained by convolution of carbonyl n–π∗ and d–d∗ transitions. At low temperature (77K), each complex shows a broad, symmetric and structureless red emission with a microsecond lifetime and, hence, is assigned as dd∗ phosphorescence. Voltammetric data have also been obtained for both complexes. There were two reduction peaks observed for each complex. The first reduction peak involves the transfer of two electrons and the elimination of two chlorides. The redox orbital involved in the second reduction is assigned to be the π∗ orbital localized on the carbonyl fragment of bzpy by examination of the influence on the reduction potentials in the presence of phenol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thirty-three fungal strains were screened for chitosan producers. Although chitosan is believed to occur only in Mucorales strains in the class of Zygomycetes, we found that chitosan was extractable from all the 33 strains from the four classes. High level of chitosan was extractable from some non-zygomycetes strains. Absidia glauca(+) was found to be a promising chitosan producer. High level of chitosan can be extracted from some common industrial fungi, implying that it is feasible to produce chitosan from industrial waste mycelia. Fungal chitosan derived from A. glauca(+) showed the highest adsorption capacity for Cu(II). The order of copper adsorption capacity for these chitinous/chitosanaceous materials is: fungal chitosan>alkali-insoluble materials (AIM)>crustacean chitosan>fungal biomass. The Langmuir and Freundlich constants for the Cu(II) adsorption isotherms were determined with Freundlich model providing a better description of the copper adsorption isotherms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have cloned the cDNA and genomic DNA of an active intronless cathepsin L from Metapenaeus ensis. The encoded enzyme has the shortest prosequence among cathepsin L subgroup. It was predominantly expressed in hepatopancreas with an expression level of at least 10 times higher than in any other tissues. It also has expression in stomach, intestine, eye, testis, ovary and muscle. Western blots visualized the mature enzyme in hepatopancreas and a procathepsin L in ovary, intestine and stomach. Metapenaeus cathepsin L (MeCatL) is localized in the large digestive vacuole of the digestive B cell of hepatopancreas. MeCatL has a role in food digestion. An interesting finding is that it exists in the nucleus of oocyte. MeCatL might have a specified physiological role in the nucleus of oocyte. MeCatL might also have a house-keeping function as is suggested for mammalian cathepsin L. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucose excursion has a sensory component that operates in a sex-dependent manner. Here, we aim to dissect the basis of the sexually dimorphic interaction between sensory neurons and pancreatic β cells and its overall impact on insulin release and glucose homeostasis. We used viral retrograde tracing techniques, surgical and chemodenervation models, and primary cell-based co-culture systems to uncover the biology underlying sex differences in sensory modulation of pancreatic β-cell activity. Retrograde transsynaptic labeling revealed a sex difference in the density of sensory innervation in the pancreas. The number of sensory neurons emanating from the dorsal root and nodose ganglia that project in the pancreas is higher in male than in female mice. Immunostaining and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the higher abundance of peri-islet sensory axonal tracts in the male pancreas. Capsaicin-induced sensory chemodenervation concomitantly enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucose clearance in male mice. These metabolic benefits were blunted when mice were orchidectomized prior to the ablation of sensory nerves. Interestingly, orchidectomy also lowered the density of peri-islet sensory neurons. In female mice, capsaicin treatment did not affect glucose-induced insulin secretion nor glucose excursion and ovariectomy did not modify these outcomes. Interestingly, same- and opposite-sex sensory-islet co-culture paradigms unmasked the existence of potential gonadal hormone-independent mechanisms mediating the male-female difference in sensory modulation of islet β-cell activity. Taken together, these data suggest that the sex-biased nature of the sensory control of islet β-cell activity is a result of a combination of neurodevelopmental inputs, sex hormone-dependent mechanisms and the potential action of somatic molecules encoded by the sex chromosome complement. • Pancreas-projecting sensory neurons are more abundant in males than in females. • Male sex hormones regulate the density of peri-islet sensory innervation in adulthood. • Male sex hormones regulate sensory modulation of β-cell activity and glucose clearance. • Sex chromosome mechanisms regulate sensory modulation of islet β-cell activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysfunction of the Nav1.5, Cav1.2, and Kv channels could interfere with the AP and result in arrhythmias and even heart failure. We herein present a novel library of nuciferine analogs that target ion channels for the treatment of arrhythmias. Patch clamp measurements of ventricular myocytes revealed that 6a dramatically blocked both the I Na and I Ca without altering the current voltage relationship (including the activation potential and peak potential), accelerated the inactivation of Nav and Cav channels and delayed the resurrection of these channels after inactivation. Additionally, 6a significantly decreased the APA and RMP without affecting the APD30 or APD50. The IC 50 values of 6a against Nav1.5 and Cav1.2 were 4.98 μM and 4.62 μM, respectively. Furthermore, 6a (10 μM) blocked I Ks , I K1 , and I to with values of 17.01 %±2.54 %, 9.09 %±2.78 %, and 11.15 %±3.52 %, respectively. Surprisingly, 6a weakly inhibited hERG channels, suggesting a low risk of proarrhythmia. The cytotoxicity evaluation of 6a with the H9c2 cell line indicated that this compound was noncytotoxic. In vivo studies suggested that these novel nuciferine analogs could shorten the time of arrhythmia continuum induced by BaCl 2 and normalize the HR, QRS, QT and QTc interval and the R wave amplitude. Moreover, 6a dose-dependently affected aconitine-induced arrhythmias and notably improved the cumulative dosage of aconitine required to evoke VP, VT, VF and CA in rats with aconitine-induced arrhythmia. In conclusion, nuciferine analogs could be promising ion channel blockers that could be further developed into antiarrhythmic agents. [Display omitted] • A novel library of nuciferine analogs that target ion channels for the treatment of arrhythmias have been developed. • 6a dramatically blocked both the I Na and I Ca without altering the current‒voltage relationship. • 6a weakly inhibited hERG channels, suggesting a low risk of proarrhythmia. • Nuciferine analogs could shorten the time of arrhythmia continuum induced by BaCl 2 and normalize the ECG parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnO 2 -MoO 3 hybrid nanoparticles are anchored in a few-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) network to synthesize SnO 2 -MoO 3 -CNT nanocomposite by hydrothermal and ball grinding methods. The CNTs can alleviate the volume expansion of SnO 2 , improve conductivity and shorten the transmission paths of the electrons and Li+. The SnO 2 -MoO 3 -CNT composite has a high initial coulombic efficiency of 80.9% and shows a large invertible capacity of 1372.2 mAhg−1 after 280 cycles at 0.2 Ag-1 and the coulomb efficiency holds more than 98.0% after the second cycle, high-rate property of 743.6 mAhg−1 at 5.0 Ag-1 and long-term cycling capacity of 886.3 mAhg−1 at 1.0 Ag-1 after 950 cycles. Because of its outstanding properties, ternary SnO 2 -MoO 3 -CNT nanocomposite is a confident anode material for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Self-lubricating anti-wear composite coatings were prepared on TA2 alloy. • Main phases of coatings are α-Ti, (Ti, W)C 1−x , TiC, Ti 2 SC and TiS. • Micro-hardness of heat-treated coatings at 500 °C and 700 °C is higher than substrate and heat-treated coating at 300 °C. • Heat-treated coating at 700 °C exhibits excellent fretting wear property. Fretting wear, as an unique form of material degradation, was researched relatively scarce compared with sliding wear in recent study, especially on influence of aging treatment on the fretting wear property of laser cladded composite coatings. In order to investigate the effect of aging treatment on microstructure and fretting wear of laser cladding self-lubricating anti-wear composite coatings on TA2 alloy, the composite coatings were prepared on TA2 alloy by laser cladding with precursor mixed WS 2 -TiC-Ti (mole ratio of 1:3:6) powders, and the fabricated coatings were heated at 300 °C, 500 °C and 700 °C in vacuum for 1 h, respectively. The microstructure, micro-hardness, fretting wear properties of as-laser cladded and heat-treated composite coatings were studied systematically. The results show that the composite coatings mainly contain three types of phases: the carbides (Ti,W)C 1−x and TiC, α-Ti, sulfides TiS and Ti 2 SC. The micro-hardness of composite coatings after aging treatment is higher than the coating without aging treatment. The main wear mechanisms of composite coatings after aging treatment at 700 °C are abrasive wear and adhesive wear, and the composite coating exhibits good fretting wear property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphite nanosheets coated by LiF/SnO 2 composites are designed to obtain a lithium ion anode material with excellent performance. LiF nanoparticles play a significant role in improving the electrochemical performance by inhibiting electrolyte decomposition and providing excess Li sources during cycling. The obtained LiF@SnO 2 @C electrode shows an outstanding capacity of 951.9 mAhg−1 at 0.2 Ag-1 after 370 cycles and excellent long cycling performance of 650.0 mAhg−1 at 1.0 Ag-1 after 930 cycles. First-principles calculations demonstrate that F-doped SnO 2 (−2211.8 eV) has a lower free energy compared to SnO 2 (−1937.4 eV), resulting in a robust composite architecture that gives rise to high cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnO 2 –ZrO 2 composite nanoparticles were embedded in the few-walled carbon nanotubes (FWCNTs) network to synthesise a ternary SnO 2 –ZrO 2 -CNT nanocomposite by the hydrothermal and ball milling methods. The SnO 2 –ZrO 2 composite was uniformly dispersed in the CNT matrix. The CNTs in the composite alleviated the volume expansion during cycling, improved conductivity, and shortened the transmission path of electrons and Li+. Therefore, the SnO 2 –ZrO 2 -CNT composite showed high reversible capacity of 1072.2 mAhg−1 after 200 cycles at 0.2 Ag-1 with high initial coulomb efficiency of 77.9% and >98.8% in the following cycles, high-rate capacity of 653.6 mAhg−1 at 5.0 Ag-1, and long-term capacity of 610.7 mAhg−1 at 5.0 Ag-1 after 1000 cycles. Because of its outstanding properties, the SnO 2 –ZrO 2 -CNT nanocomposite is a promising anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SnO 2 –MoO 3 –C composite anode for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) was produced via simple hydrothermal synthesis and dry ball milling. In this hybrid, nanosized-SnO 2 /MoO 3 nanoparticles were encapsulated in plate-like graphite. MoO 3 additive can protect Sn from aggregating and accelerate the reversible conversion reaction (Sn/Li 2 O hybrid transformation into SnO 2). The SnO 2 –MoO 3 –C displays high initial coulombic efficiency of 70% (average for five cells), high reversible specific capacity of 1338.3 mAhg−1 at 0.2 A g-1 after 300 cycles, superior rate capacity of 715.08 mAhg−1 at 5 A g-1 and long-term cyclic stability, with capacity of 571.9 mAhg−1 at 2.0 A g-1 after 1000 cycles. Owing to its superior performance and simple synthesis, the SnO 2 –MoO 3 –C composite is a promising anode material for LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to systematically summarize the methods of establishing various models of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), the scope of application, and current animals used in TN research and the corresponding pain measurements, hoping to provide valuable reference for researchers to select appropriate TN animal models and make contributions to the research of pathophysiology and management of the disease. The related literatures of TN were searched through PubMed database using different combinations of the following terms and keywords including but not limited: animal models, trigeminal neuralgia, orofacial neuropathic pain. To find the maximum number of eligible articles, no filters were used in the search. The references of eligible studies were analyzed and reviewed comprehensively. This study summarized the current animal models of TN, categorized them into the following groups: chemical induction, photochemical induction, surgery and genetic engineering, and introduced various measurement methods to evaluate animal pain behaviors. Although a variety of methods are used to establish disease models, there is no ideal TN model that can reflect all the characteristics of the disease. Therefore, there is still a need to develop more novel animal models in order to further study the etiology, pathological mechanism and potential treatment of TN. ● This study summarized the current animal models of trigeminal neuralgia. ● Various measurement methods were introduced to evaluate animal pain behaviors. ● The genetic engineering model is a new option for trigeminal neuralgia models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of metro tunnels in soft ground would cause significant settlement of the ground surface and deformation of buildings and their foundations in the vicinity of the tunnels. The deformation laws of the pile of the neighbouring structures induced by the tunnel construction have not yet been fully identified. This paper analyzed the impact mechanism of tunnel construction on piles based on the Pasternak model, deduced the calculation methods of additional horizontal displacement and additional internal force of piles, and introduced three solution methods. The computational method results have been validated through numerical simulations using coupling of discrete element method and finite difference method and compared to select laboratory data. The results show that the model accuracy is better when the tunnel axis burial depth is less than the pile bottom burial depth. The analysis shows that the tunnel burial depth significantly influences the displacement distribution of the adjacent single pile, while the impact on the peak displacement is insignificant. The thickness of the elastic layer (C) is inversely related to the maximum horizontal displacement and internal force, but it does not impact the distribution patterns of the displacement and internal force. For thickness of the elastic layer (C), the bending moment's point is constant at 2 m above and below the tunnel axis, whereas the shear force's point remains constant at the buried tunnel axis's depth and 4 m above the tunnel axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]