bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Discrete Huber-braun Neuron Model: From Nodal Properties to Network Performance
Authors: He Shaoba , Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Karthikeyan Anitha , Sriniva Ashokkumar
Published: March 2021

Many of the well-known neuron models are continuous time systems with complex mathematical definitions. Literatures have shown that a discrete mathematical model can effectively replicate the complete dynamical behaviour of a neuron with much reduced complexity. Hence, we propose a new discrete neuron model derived from the Huber-Braun neuron with two additional slow and subthreshold currents alongside the ion channel currents. We have also introduced temperature dependent ion channels to study its effects on the firing pattern of the neuron. With bifurcation and Lyapunov exponents we showed the chaotic and periodic regions of the discrete model. Further to study the complexity of the neuron model, we have used the sample entropy algorithm. Though the individual neuron analysis gives us an idea about the dynamical properties, it’s the collective behaviour which decides the overall behavioural pattern of the neuron. Hence, we investigate the spatiotemporal behaviour of the discrete neuron model in single- and two-layer network. We have considered noise and obstacles as the two important factor which changes the excitability of the neurons in the network. When there is no noise or obstacle, the network display simple wave propagation with highly excitable neurons. Literatures have shown that spiral waves can play a positive role in breaking through quiescent areas of the brain as a pacemaker by creating a coherence resonance behaviour. Hence, we are interested in studying the induced spiral waves in the network. In this condition when an obstacle is introduced the wave propagation is disturbed and we could see multiple wave re-entry and spiral waves. Now when we consider only noise with no obstacle, for selected noise variances the network supports wave re-entry. By introducing an obstacle in this noisy network, the re-entry soon disappears, and the network soon enters idle state with no resetting. In a two-layer network when the obstacle is considered only in one layer and stimulus applied to the layer having the obstacle, the wave re-entry is seen in both the layer though the other layer is not exposed to obstacle. But when both the layers are inserted with an obstacle and stimuli also applied to the layers, they behave like independent layers with no coupling effect. This in a two-layer network stimulus play an important role in spatiotemporal dynamics of the network. Similar noise effects like the single layer network are also seen in the two-layer network.
The Homogeneous Conversion Mechanism of Cellulose Pyrolysis Tar Under the Effect of Steam
Authors: Tang Feng , Jin Yuqi , Chi Yong , Ma Jiayu , Zhu Zhongxu , Gong Jinhua
Published: March 2021

Biomass accounts for the largest proportion of rural solid waste with high moisture content, which affects the thermal treatment process. This paper studied the effect of steam on the pyrolysis tar of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by a two-stage fixed bed. The experiments had been carried out under different steam/feedstock mass ratios (S/F= 0, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6) when the first stage was at 600℃, and the second stage was at 800 ℃. The tar content in the syngas was reduced effectively from 6.68% to 2.30% when the S/F addition was from 0 to 1.6. The steam could promote craking of compounds to form more stable compounds. To further study the removal mechanism of tar, the main tar component, phosphonic acid, (p-hydroxyphenyl-) , was investigated using density functional theory (DFT). It was concluded that intermediate product from cellulose pyrolysis was more likely to react with H 2 O and made against the production of phosphonic acid, (p-hydroxyphenyl-), consistent with the experimental results.
Using Graph Networks to Quantify the Cumulative Importance of Riparian Wetlands within a Watershed
Authors: Tyrna Abbey , Brooks Robert P
Published: March 2021

Wetlands provide many valuable ecosystem functions including nutrient cycling and retention, sediment capture, flood reduction, carbon storage, and habitat for water-dependent plant and wildlife species. The alteration of landscapes and the deterioration of upstream wetlands have been determined to be detrimental to downstream stream and watershed health. The position of the wetland in the landscape and its quality and size can significantly change the influence it has on stream condition. This research tests the efficacy of graphed networks created from the terrestrial-wetland-stream landscape to quantify the cumulative benefits of riparian wetlands within a watershed. We tested a combination of network parameters such as node degree, betweenness centrality, and the integral index of connectivity. Graphed networks are created by nodes that are connected by edges. Nodes were defined as stream reaches that extend out to the riparian landscape and edges as the stream confluences that connect them. Nodes were weighted by their capacity to perform ecosystem functions and the opportunity for such functions. We found that the network-based approach can quantify the impact of riparian wetland loss revealing that some riparian losses within the watershed were inherently worse than others at reducing connectivity and cumulative wetland function within the watershed. Incorporating these network metrics into wetland assessments can quantify the cumulative influence of geographic position, wetland function and size on overall wetland benefits within the watershed. This new approach can be applied to watershed planning efforts to assist managers with identifying wetlands for protection, enhancement, and re-establishment.
Synthesis and Characterization of Synthetic Sand by Geopolymerization of Industrial Wastes (Fly ash& GGBS) Replacing the Natural River Sand
Authors: Gnanadurai Lizia Thankam , Renganathan Neelakantan Thruvas , Selvaraj Christopher Gnanaraj
Published: March 2021

The diminution of the natural sources in the form of dredging the riverbanks and blasting the mountain ranges has always dented the balance of the eco system which in turn results in disasters as well at times. This alarming situation accelerates the global warming, threatens the biota life in riverbanks, diminishes the ground water level, harms the aquatic life and affects the growth of agriculture. This study is an attempt to synthesis fine aggregates from the industrial byproducts such as fly ash and GGBS through the process of geopolymerization which enables the formation of aluminosilicate networks upon the addition of the alkaline activator solution (Na 2 SiO 3 + NaOH) into the byproducts which is then allowed for oven drying as well as air drying to accelerate the process. The Fly ash geopolymerized fine aggregate(F-GFA) and the GGBS geopolymerized fine aggregate(G-GFA) were noted to exhibit adequate physiochemical and mechanical properties in par with the natural sand. The production of GFA is considered as eco friendly process since it ceases the extensive usage of river sand and incorporates the effective usage of Industrial by products (Fly ash and GGBS) thereby minimizing the land pollution and its consequent harmful hazards. Though the F-GFA and G-GFA showcased higher water absorption ratio than the natural sand, owing to the unreacted fly ash and GGBS particles. Nevertheless, the same initiated the adequate compressive strength attainment up to 90% of natural sand, by reacting with the lime expelled out of the hydration process of cement in the mortar specimens developed in this experimental study. The microstructure of the samples was further examined through Optical microscope, Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis in order to corroborate the experimental results of this study. The results thus obtained, strongly recommend the potential of the F-GFA and G-GFA as an ideal replacement material for natural sand.
Truffle Species Strongly Shapes its Surrounding Soil Mycobiota in a Pinus Armandii Forest
Authors: Liu Dong , Herrera Mariana , He Xinhua , Perez-Moreno Jesús , Yu Fuqiang
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Truffles contribute to crucial dynamics in the soil systems, being involved in plentiful ecological functions important for ecosystems. Despite this, the interactions between truffles and surrounding mycobiota remain unknown. Here, we aimed to shed light on how much truffle species could affect their surrounding soil mycobiota. Methods: Using traditional chemical analysis and ITS Illumina sequencing, we compared soil nutrients and the mycobiota in soil, gleba and peridium of the two truffle species, Tuber indicum (Ti) and T. pseudohimalayense (Tp), inhabiting the same Pinus armandii forest in southwestern China.Result: Tp soil was more acidic and had higher nutrients (total C, N contents) than Ti soil. Fungal richness and diversity of ascomata tissues and surrounding soils were significantly higher in Tp than in Ti. Truffle species recruited unique soil mycobiota around its ascomata: in Ti soil, fungal taxa including Suillus, Alternaria, Phacidium, Mycosphaerella, Halokirschsteiniothelia, Pseudogymnoascus were abundant while in Tp soil the species of Melanophyllum, Inocybe, Rhizopogon, Rhacidium, and Lecanicillium showed higher abundances. Three dissimilarity tests including adonis, anosim and mrpp showed the differences of fungal community structure between the truffle and their surrounding soil was stronger in Tp than in Ti, and such differences extended to truffle tissues (peridium and gleba). Redundancy analysis further demonstrated that relationships between soil fungal taxa and soil properties had changed from negative (Tp) to positive (Ti) and shifted from a moisture-driving (Tp) to a total N-driving (Ti). Conclusion: Overall, our results showed that the different interactions between truffle and soil system although the causative peculiarity of these associations needs to be further studied.
Performance of Primary Health Care Workers in Detection of Mental Disorders Comorbid with Epilepsy in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Tsigebrhan Ruth , Fekadu Abebaw , Medhin Girmay , Newton Charles R. , Prince Martin J. , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: March 2021

Background: Timely detection and management of comorbid mental disorders in people with epilepsy is essential to improve outcomes. The objective of this study was to measure the performance of primary health care (PHC) workers in identifying comorbid mental disorders in people with epilepsy against a standardised reference diagnosis and a screening instrument in rural Ethiopia.Methods: People with active convulsive epilepsy were identified from the community, with confirmatory diagnosis by trained PHC workers. Documented diagnosis of comorbid mental disorders by PHC workers was extracted from clinical records. The standardized reference measure for diagnosing mental disorders was the Operational Criteria for Research (OPCRIT plus) administered by psychiatric nurses. The mental disorder screening scale (Self-Reporting Questionnaire; SRQ-20), was administered by lay data collectors. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of PHC worker diagnosis against the reference standard diagnosis was calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with misdiagnosis of comorbid mental disorder by PHC workers. Results: A total of 237 people with epilepsy were evaluated. The prevalence of mental disorders with standardised reference diagnosis was 13.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 9.6%, 18.2%) and by PHC workers was 6.3% (95%CI 3.2%, 9.4%). The prevalence of common mental disorder using SRQ-20 at optimum cut-off point (9 or above) was 41.5% (95% CI 35.2%, 47.8%). The sensitivity and specificity of PHC workers diagnosis was 21.1% and 96.1%, respectively, compared to the standardised reference diagnosis. In those diagnosed with comorbid mental disorders by PHC workers, only 6 (40%) had SRQ-20 score of 9 or above. When a combination of both diagnostic methods (SRQ-20 score ≥9 and PHC diagnosis of depression) was compared with the standardised reference diagnosis of depression, sensitivity increased to 78.9% (95% (CI) 73.4, 84.4%) with specificity of 59.7% (95% CI 53.2, 66.2%). Only older age was significantly associated with misdiagnosis of comorbid mental disorders by PHC (adjusted odds ratio, 95% CI= 1.06, 1.02 to 1.11).Conclusion: Routine detection of co-morbid mental disorder in people with epilepsy was very low. Combining clinical judgement with use of a screening scale holds promise but needs further evaluation.
Efficacy Differences of First-line EGFR-TKIs Alone vs. in Combination with Chemotherapy in Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients with Sensitive EGFR Mutation and Concomitant Non-EGFR Genetic Alteration(s)
Authors: Zhang Guowei , Cheng Ruirui , Niu Yuanyuan , Wang Huijuan , Yan Xiangtao , Zhang Mina , Zhang Xiaojuan , Yang Jinpo , Wei Chunhua , Ma Zhiyong
Published: March 2021

Objective: To explore whether EGFR-TKI combined with chemotherapy would benefit patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma with both sensitive EGFR mutation and concomitant non-EGFR genetic alterations. Materials and Methods: Cases of advanced lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutation combined with concomitant non-EGFR genetic alterations were retrospectively collected. And the patients were required to receive first-line EGFR-TKI and chemotherapy combination or EGFR-TKI monotherapy. Demographic, clinical and pathological data were collected, and the electronic imaging data were retrieved to evaluate the efficacy and time of disease progression. Survival data were obtained through face-to-face or telephone follow-up. The differences between the two groups in objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were investigated. Results: 107 patients were included, including 63 in the combination therapy group and 44 in the monotherapy group. The ORR were 78% and 50% (P =0.003), and DCR were 97% and 77% (P =0.002), respectively. At a median follow-up of 13.7 months, a PFS event occurred in 38.1% and 81.8% of patients in the two groups, with median PFS of 18.8 and 5.3 months, respectively (P <0.0001). Median OS was unreached in the combination group, and 27.8 months in the monotherapy group (P =0.31). According to the Cox multivariate regression analysis, combination therapy was an independent prognostic factor of PFS. Conclusion: In patients with EGFR-mutant advanced lung adenocarcinoma with concomitant non-EGFR genetic alterations, combination of TKI and chemotherapy was significantly superior to EGFR-TKI monotherapy, which should be the preferred treatment option.
Modelling Trends of Cd4 Counts for Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy (Art) : After a Change in Who Guidelines in Kenya
Authors: Mugo Caroline W , Shkedy Ziv , Mwalili Samuel , Braekers Roel , Wandede Dolphine , Mwachari Christina
Published: March 2021

Background In resource-limited settings, changes in CD4 counts constitute an important component in patient monitoring and evaluation of treatment response as these patients do not have access to routine viral load testing. In this study, we quantified trends on CD4 counts in patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in a comprehensive health care clinic in Kenya between 2011 and 2017.We evaluated the rate of change in CD4 cell count in response to antiretroviral treatment. We further assessed factors that influenced time to treatment change focusing on baseline characteristics of the patients and different initial drug regimens used. The study involved 529 naïve HIV patients that had at least two CD4 count measurements for the period. The relationship between CD4 cell count and time was modeled using a semi parametric mixed effects model while the Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess factors associated with the first regimen change. Results The results demonstrated that CD4 counts increased over time and these trends were similar regardless of the treatment regimen used. Males were less likely to have drug regimens switch (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.5101, 95% CI: 0.1906 -1.3647) compared to females.Tenoforvir (TDF) based regimens had a lower drug substitution (aHR 0.2796, 95% CI: 0.0961-0.8629) compared to Zinovudine (AZT). Conclusion The backbone used was found to be associated with regimen changes among the patients with fewer switches being observed, with the use of TDF when compared to AZT. There was however no significant difference between TDF and AZT in terms of the change in CD4 count over time.
Evaluation of Three Ni-Ti Systems in Retreatment of Curved Root Canals Obturated by Gutta-Percha With iRoot SP
Authors: Chen Yi , Tian Weiping , Wang Lisha , Qi Fan , Sun Mengyu , Li Rong , Que Kehua
Published: March 2021

Background

To evaluate the retreatability of curved root canals obturated with gutta-percha (GP) and iRoot SP using three different Ni-Ti systems through micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) analysis.
Methods

A total of 51 curved root canals of permanent molars with angles of curvature ranging from 20° to 40° were used. The root canals were prepared with the ProTaper Next (PTN) rotary system to size 25, .06 taper and filled with iRoot SP and GP using the single cone technique. Samples were randomly divided into three groups (n = 17 each) according to the retreatment system used: Group I. ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PTR) system + ProTaper Next system up to PTN X2; Group II. Waveone Gold (WOG) system (WOG25); Group III. Reciproc Blue (RB) system (RB25). The ability to regain apical patency, the volume of residual filling material, and dentinal microcrack were assessed using micro-CT imaging. Data were analyzed statistically using two-way analysis of variance and chi-square test with a significance level of 5%.
Results

There were no significant differences among the systems tested in the reestablishment of apical patency and reduction of filling materials (P > 0.05), but RB system exhibited better reestablishment root canal ability in the upper portion of curvature and the reduction of filling materials in the apical third (P < 0.05). Intergroup analysis indicated that PTR system induced significantly more dentinal microcracks than other two systems (P < 0.05).
Conclusions

All three tested Ni-Ti instruments showed the similar retreatability of curved root canals obturated with gutta-percha and iRoot SP. RB system may be more effective and safer in curved root canal retreatment.
Regenerative role of Genistein treatment on Fibrotic and inflammatory Biomarkers Alteration in the Lung of Estrogen deficient Rats
Authors: Daghigh Faeze , Zolbin Masoumeh Majidi , Karimi Pouran , Alihemmati Alireza , Ahmadiasl Nasser
Published: March 2021

Background

Phytoestrogens are suggested to have estrogenic effects in the pulmonary system and have been revealed with a few adverse side effects. In this study, we tried to investigate the effect of genistein treatment on estrogen deficiency-induced lung injury and demonstrating whether genistein supplementation could replace estrogen hormone in postmenopausal women.
Methods

Forty adult female rats were divided into four groups; sham: rats that underwent surgery without ovariectomy, OVX: rats that underwent ovariectomies, OVX.E: ovariectomized rats with eight weeks period of estrogen treatment (20µg/kg/day), OVX.Gen: ovariectomized rats with eight week period of genistein treatment (1mg/kg/day). At the end of the experiment, lung tissue was removed and inflammatory and fibrotic biomarkers were evaluated with western blotting technique. Hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate histomorphological changes in the lung tissue.
Results

Genistein treatment restored ERK1/2, TGFβ1, MMP2, and IL1β, Bcl-2, and caspase3 expression levels, implying the effectiveness of genistein supplementation in targeting estrogen deficiency symptoms.
Conclusions

Genistein supplementation exerted protective effects against ovariectomy-induced lung injury with reducing inflammation and fibrosis, moreover, it can be recommended as a natural alternative to postmenopausal hormone therapy.
Nicotine Regulates Autophagy of Human Periodontal Ligament Cells Through α7 nAchR That Promotes Secretion of Inflammatory Factors IL-1β and IL-8
Authors: du yang , Yang Kuan , Zhou Zhifei , Wu Lizheng , Wang Lulu , Chen Yujiang , Ge Xin , Wang Xiaojing
Published: March 2021

Backgroud: Nicotine is an important risk factor and the main toxic component associated with periodontitis. However, the mechanism of nicotine induced periodontitis is not clear. To investigated the mechanism through which nicotine regulates autophagy of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) through the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) and how autophagy further regulates the release of IL-1β and IL-8 secretion in hPDLCs. Methods: HPDLCs were obtained from root of extracted teeth and pre-incubated in alpha-bungarotoxin (α-BTX) or 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), followed by culturing in nicotine. We used a variety of experimental detection techniques including western blotting, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and RT-qPCR to assess the expression of the LC3 protein, autolysosome, and release of IL-1β and IL-8 from hPDLCs. Results: Western blots, immunofluorescence and TEM results found that the nicotine significantly increased the autophagy expression in hPDLCs that was time and concentration dependent and reversed by α-BTX treatment (p﹤0.05). RT-qPCR and ELISA results revealed a noticeable rise in the release of inflammatory factors IL–1β and IL-8 from hPDLCs in response to nicotine. RT-qPCR and ELISA results showed that nicotine can significantly up-regulate the release of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-8 in hPDLCs, and this effect can be inhibited by 3-MA (p﹤0.05).Conclusions: Nicotine regulated autophagy of hPDLCs through α7 nAChR and in turn the regulation of the release of inflammatory factors 1L-1β and 1L-8 by hPDLCs.
A rough surface damping contact model and its application in spatial variable stator vane mechanism with dry friction joint
Authors: Cheng Shuai , Meng Xianghui , Li Rui , Liu Ruichao , Zhang Rui
Published: March 2021

For the mechanical system without oil lubrication, the impact or collision often occurs in the joint clearance, such as the variable stator vane (VSV) mechanism. In the dry friction joint, the damping of the contact bodies has a significant effect on the simulation stability of the tribo-dynamics calculation process. In order to investigate the effect of contact damping and joint clearance on the VSV mechanism performance, this paper proposes a damping contact model on rough surfaces to calculate the clearance contact force between the trunnion and bushing, and the spatial tribo-dynamics of VSV is established by combining this model with spatial dynamics. In addition, the effect of clearance size on the tribo-dynamics is analyzed. The results show that the contact damping must be included in the contact force model of dry friction joints, otherwise the calculation process will oscillate or even not converge, but the contact damping effect can be ignored in the case of lubricating oil. The movement of the trunnion in the bushing is affected by the adjustment drive and the aerodynamic drag, which leads to the wear concentrated on the edge of the bushing. The clearance size affects the distribution of the damping forces and the rigid forces in the contact process, and the damping forces ensure the stability of the VSV tribo-dynamics simulation process. Moreover, with the increase of clearance, the adjustment accuracy of the VSV mechanism is reduced, and the wear of the bushing is intensified.
Comparison of Charge Transport and Opto-Electronic Properties of Pyrene and Anthracene Derivatives For OLED Applications
Authors: Uzun K. , Sayın S. , Tamer Ö. , Çevik U.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, three organic semiconductors which are 9-[(5-nitropyridin-2-aminoethyl)iminiomethyl]-anthracene( a )and Nꞌ -((pyren-4-yl)methylene)isonicotinohydrazide ( b ), and novel organic semiconductor N -(2-((pyren-4-yl)methyleneamino)ethyl)-5-nitropyridin-2-amine ( c ) have been prepared. Their structure have been assessed using NMR and elemental analysis techniques. While compound (a) and compound (c) have same wing unit ([(5-nitropyridin-2-aminoethyl) iminiomethyl]), compounds (b) and (c) have same core unit (5-nitropyridin-2-amine). Based upon TD-DFT and Marcus theories, we have explored the effect of molecular structure on the opto-electronic properties for OLED applications. Our results show that, wing units of molecules effects the opto-electronics properties a lot than core units. Such that, compounds (a) and (c) which have same wing unit, have been exhibited quite similar behaviours from points of both structural and opto-electronic parameters. Wheares, similar sitiation has not been observed for compounds (b) and (c) which have same core unit. More importantly accordingly our results, compounds (a) and (c) exhibit obvious advantages for organic electronic devices in terms of calculated opto-electronic and charge transport properties such as with better absorption and emission parameters, lower energy gaps and reorganization energies, higher charge mobility, etc.
All-Chalcogenide Programmable All-Optical Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Yu Ting , Ma Xiaoxuan , Pastor Ernest , George Jonathan , Wall Simon , Miscuglio Mario , Simpson Robert , Sorger Volker
Published: March 2021

Deeplearning algorithms are revolutionising many aspects of modern life. Typically, they are implemented in CMOS-based hardware with severely limited memory access times and inefficient data-routing. All-optical neural networks without any electro-optic conversions could alleviate these shortcomings. However, an all-optical nonlinear activation function, which is a vital building block for optical neural networks, needs to be developed efficiently on-chip. Here, we introduce and demonstrate both optical synapse weighting and all-optical nonlinear thresholding using two different effects in one single chalcogenide material. We show how the structural phase transitions in a wide-bandgap phase-change material enables storing the neural network weights via non-volatile photonic memory, whilst resonant bond destabilisation is used as a nonlinear activation threshold without changing the material. These two different transitions within chalcogenides enable programmable neural networks with near-zero static power consumption once trained, in addition to picosecond delays performing inference tasks not limited by wire charging that limit electrical circuits; for instance, we show that nanosecond-order weight programming and near-instantaneous weight updates enable accurate inference tasks within 20 picoseconds in a 3-layer all-optical neural network. Optical neural networks that bypass electro-optic conversion altogether hold promise for network-edge machine learning applications where decision-making in real-time are critical, such as for autonomous vehicles or navigation systems such as signal pre-processing of LIDAR systems.
Body image shame in men: Confirmatory Factor Analysis and psychometric properties of the Body Image Shame Scale
Authors: Duarte Cristiana , Ferreira C.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Body image shame plays a key role in disordered eating symptoms and psychological adjustment. Nonetheless, research has been mainly focused on women. The Body Image Shame Scale (BISS) was previously developed and tested in a nonclinical sample of women.
This study examines the BISS in a male
sample comprising students and community participants.
Methods

Participants were 420 men, who completed the BISS and self-report measures of shame, self-criticism, body weight and shape concerns and psychopathological symptoms.
Results

The previously identified structure of the BISS, with an external and internal dimension, fitted the data well. All items presented high reliability. The BISS total score and its subscales in men present high construct reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity. Correlation analyses indicated that BISS and its subscales in men present positive associations with general shame and self-criticism, body weight and shape concerns, and with indices of poorer psychological adjustment.
Conclusion

Findings supported that the BISS is a reliable measure to assess body shame in men.
Microwave Enhanced Synthesis of Sulfonated Chitosan-montmorillonite for Effective Removal of Methylene Blue
Authors: Mubarak Nur Shazwani Abdul , Bahrudin N.N. , Jawad Ali H. , Hameed B.H. , Sabar Sumiyyah
Published: March 2021

In this work, sulfonated chitosan montmorillonite composite (S-CS-MT) beads were synthesized using a microwave irradiation method designed to have a better saving-time procedure. The potency of S-CS-MT as an adsorbent was assessed for the removal of cationic dyes such as methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. The batch adsorption experiments indicated that MB adsorption onto S-CS-MT follows the Pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum extent obtained from the Langmuir isotherm model for MB adsorption was 188.2 mg g− 1 at 303 K. The thermodynamic study indicated that the adsorption reaction is favorable and spontaneous. These findings indicated that montmorillonite chitosan grafted with the sulfonate group has the ability and efficacy as biohybrid adsorbent for the adsorption of cationic dyes.
Rural and Urban Differences in Overdose Response and Prevention Among Persons Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Walters Suzan M , Felsher Marisa , Frank David , Townsend Tarlise , Muncan Brandon , Friedman Samuel R , Ompad Danielle
Published: March 2021

BackgroundOverdose is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people who inject drugs (PWID). Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is now a major driver of opioid overdose deaths. This analysis explores rural-urban differences in overdose experiences among PWID. We focus on perceptions of fentanyl and overdose prevention and reversal strategies.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 59 participants who injected drugs, 19 from rural southern Illinois and 40 from New York City (NYC). Seven key informants were also interviewed (three from Illinois and four from NYC) to provide additional perspectives. Data were analyzed using constant comparison and theoretical sampling methods.ResultsParticipants in urban NYC described most commonly injecting heroin and fentanyl, which differed from the rural Illinois drug market that was dominated by methamphetamines. Despite these geographic differences, participants from both locations were concerned about the growing presence of fentanyl in their drug supply and many disclosed overdose experiences. Strategies to lower overdose risk included purchasing drugs from trusted network members and partial drug injection, however, fentanyl test strip use was low in both locations. A key difference emerged related to the use of naloxone; NYC participants commonly described using naloxone as a primary overdose response, but participants in rural Illinois did not. Low naloxone use in Illinois was attributed to perceived risks of its use, such as fear of arrest and opioid withdrawal symptoms the naloxone receiver may experience. ConclusionsDespite similarities in fentanyl awareness and concern, important rural-urban differences emerged related to access to overdose prevention and reversal resources. Findings can inform regional-specific interventions to reduce overdose risk among PWID.
Influence of Sagittal Root Positions on the Stress Distribution Around Custom-made Root-analogue Implants: A Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Lin Chunping , Hu Hongcheng , Zhu Junxin , Wu Yuwei , Rong Qiguo , Tang Zhihui
Published: March 2021

Background: Stress concentration may cause bone resorption even lead to the failure of implantation. This study was designed to investigate whether a certain sagittal root position could cause stress concentration around maxillary anterior custom-made root-analogue implants via three-dimensional finite element analysis.Methods: Six models were constructed and divided into two groups. The smooth group included models of unthreaded custom-made implants in Class I, II or III sagittal root positions. The threaded group included models of reverse buttress-threaded implants in the three positions. Stress distributions under vertical and oblique loads of 100 N were analyzed.Results: Stress concentrations around the labial lamella area were more prominent in the Class I position than in the Class II and Class III positions under oblique loading. Under vertical loading, the most obvious stress concentration areas were the labial lamella and palatal apical areas in the Class I and Class III positions, respectively. Stress was relatively distributed in the labial and palatal lamellae in the Class II position. The maximum von Mises stress in the bone around the custom-made root-analogue implants in this study was lower than around traditional implants reported in the literature. Additionally, compared to the smooth group, the threaded group showed lower von Mises stress in the bone around the implants.Conclusions: The sagittal root position affected the von Mises stress distribution around custom-made root-analogue implants. There was no certain sagittal root position that could cause excessive stress concentration around the custom-made root-analogue implants. Among the three sagittal root positions, the Class II position would be the most appropriate site for custom-made root-analogue implants.
Neddylation inhibition protects against ischemic brain injury
Authors: Yu Huilin , Luo Haiyu , Chang Luping , Kang Lijing , Cao Yongliang , Wang Ranran , Yang Xing , Zhu Yuanbo , Shi Mei-Juan , Hu Yue , Liu Zhongwang , Fan Wenying , Zhao Bing-Qiao
Published: March 2021

Neddylation is a ubiquitylation-like pathway that is critical in various cellular functions by conjugating NEDD8 to target proteins. However, the roles of neddylation in stroke, remain elusive. Here, we report that NEDD8 conjugation increased after ischemic stroke and was abundantly present in neutrophils, whereas cullin-1, a key substrate of neddylation, was upregulated in endothelium. Inhibition of neddylation by MLN4924, inactivated cullin-RING E3 ligase (CRL), reduced brain infarction and improved functional outcomes. MLN4924 treatment induced accumulation of the CRL substrate NF1. Knockdown of NF1 abolished MLN4924-dependent inhibition of neutrophil trafficking. These effects were mediated through activation of endothelial P-selectin and ICAM-1. Moreover, NF1 silencing blocked MLN4924-afforded BBB protection and neuroprotection through activation of PKCδ, MARCKS and MLC in cerebral microvessels. Our results demonstrate that increased neddylation promoted neutrophil trafficking and thus exacerbated injury of the BBB and stroke outcomes. We suggest that the neddylation inhibition may be beneficial in ischemic stroke.
Dual-Atoms Iron Sites Boost the Kinetics of Reversible Conversion of Polysulfide for High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Qiu Yue , Sun Xun , Wang Maoxu , Wu Xian , Jiang Bo , Tian Da , Song Xueqing , Yin Xiaoju , Zhang Yu , Tang Dongyan , Fan Lishuang , Zhang Naiqing
Published: March 2021

Atomically dispersed metal catalysts have offered significant potential for accelerating sluggish kinetics of transformation of lithium polysulfide(LiPS) and inhibiting the shuttle effect to achieve the long-life cycling and high rate of lithium sulfur batteries. However, the end-on adsorption structure between single metal site and polysulfide limits the adsorption capacity and catalytic activity of single atom catalysts. Here, we construct dual-atoms iron sites on nitrogen doped graphene to serve as highly efficient catalyst for lithium sulfur batteries. As expected, the dual-atoms sites can firmly bound polysulfides by forming double Fe-S bonds between polysulfides and the two adjacent iron atoms. Such double-bond adsorption structure is also favorable for the electron transfer and polysulfides activation, so as to reduce the energy barrier and accelerate the reaction kinetics. As a result, the as-obtained dual-atoms iron catalyst can effectively alleviate the shuttle effect and improve the utilization of active sulfur, thus the batteries present high initial capacity of 1615 mAh g-1 at 0.05 C and long-cycle life with a decay rate per cycle as low as 0.015% at 2C over 1000 cycles.
Comparative Analysis of Outcomes and Side Effects in Chondrodystrophic Dogs Treated With Preoperative Methylprednisolone Versus Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Authors: McCartney William , Ober Ciprian Andrei , Benito Maria
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation is likely the most common neurologic disease presented to the small-animal practitioner. The use of methylprednisolone (MPSS) as an adjunct to surgical decompression in cases of acute spinal cord injury following intervertebral disc extrusion is controversial. A prospective preliminary study was undertaken to compare the preoperative use of MPSS and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in 40 chondrodystrophic dogs presenting with similar signs and undergoing spinal decompressive surgery. ResultsTwenty dogs received MPSS and 20 had NSAIDs administered preoperatively. The outcomes were similar in both groups, but the frequency of side effects such as vomiting (MPSS group: 90% versus NSAIDs group: 55%), and anorexia within the first three days (present in all 20 dogs pretreated with MPSS) was significantly different, with complications being more prevalent in the MPSS group. This study details the preoperative use of MPSS in a cohort of similar dogs undergoing spinal decompressive surgery and compares the use of MPSS to NSAIDs. The use of MPSS is associated with higher adverse side effects than NSAIDs.ConclusionsOur results shows that MPSS use is associated with higher side effects than when using NSAIDs instead. Side effects are significantly more evident with MPSS –including vomiting and anorexia during the first 3 days after surgery– than with NSAID, with an outcome recovery similar in both groups.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Progression and role of Genetic Variation in IL-22 and FOXP3 gene in population of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Nageen , Aneela Syeda , Aqsa Noor , Hussain Talib , Saeed Muhammad Ahmad
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Periodontitis: still more to learn about - Results of a telephone survey in Germany
Authors: Deinzer Renate , Jordan Andreas Rainer
Published: March 2021

Introduction Despite a broad public awareness of the need for good oral health, periodontitis is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. One explanation might be that people lack specific knowledge about the disease enabling them to proper oral health behavior. The present study aimed to assess the current periodontitis-related knowledge of the German population.Methods/Design Former participants of the 5th German Oral Health Study (n = 333 16-year-olds, n = 307 39-48-year-olds, n = 332 69-78-year-olds) answered open-ended (OEQs), single- (SCQs) and multiple-choice questions (MCQs) regarding periodontal diseases and oral hygiene behavior in a computer assisted telephone interview provided by professional interviewers.OEQs assess active knowledge, SCQs and MCQs help to identify passive knowledge (correct answers) and specific misconceptions (wrong answers). Answer frequencies and effect sizes of group differences (Cramer’s V) are presented.Results Active knowledge regarding the definition, risk-factors, consequences and prevention of periodontitis and regarding proper oral hygiene behavior was low. In SCQs and MCQs participants often chose wrong and right answer categories with comparable frequencies.Conclusions Efforts to provide the population with comprehensive information on periodontitis must be intensified. The findings indicate that this educational work should begin at school age but must not end there.
Trasplantation of Exosomes Derived From CD90 Positive Fibroblasts Reduce Apoptosis of Cardiomyocytes in Mice After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Qi , Shen Xiaolei , Wen Shan , Li Yuanlong , Xie Dong-Mei
Published: March 2021

Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to cardiomyocyte death resulting in cardiac dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanism is still poorly understood. Cardiac fibroblasts can be marked by CD90, a N-glycosylated glycophosphatidylinositol anchored conserved cell surface protein, and the CD90 positive cardiac fibroblasts can release exosome against ischemic damage. Reduce apoptosis can promote the recovery of myocardial function after ischemic heart. Interestingly, exosome from CD90 positive cardiac fibroblasts can decrease the level of apoptosis after MI in vivo. However, the ability of CD90 positive cardiac fibroblasts exosome to reduce apoptosis, and the potential effects on the recovery of cardiomyocytes in heart after MI remain to be clarified. In this study, we found that CD90 positive cardiac fibroblasts exosome treated induced myocardial function recovery in a mouse MI model. Indeed, CD90 positive cardiac fibroblasts exosome increased phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and kinase B (AKT) after MI. In addition, CD90 positive cardiac fibroblasts exosome decreased TUNEL in cardiomyocytes after MI. Furthermore, PI3K was inhibited by PI3K inhibitor LY294002, while hypoxia-stimulated primary cardiomyocytes were treated with CD90 positive cardiac fibroblasts exosome. Collectively, our results suggest that CD90 positive cardiac fibroblasts exosome can improve the recovery of cardiac function by decreasing apoptosis after MI in mice, likely via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Overexpression of Alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase 2 Protects from Asymmetric Dimethylarginine-induced Endothelial Dysfunction and Aortic Remodeling
Authors: Rodionov Roman N. , Jarzebska Natalia , Burdin Dmitrii , Todorov Vladimir , Martens-Lobenhoffer Jens , Hofmann Anja , Kolouschek Anne , Cordasic Nada , Jacobi Johannes , Rubets Elena , Morawietz Henning , O’Sullivan John , Markov Alexander G . , Bornstein Stefan R . , Hilgers Karl , Maas Renke , Pfluecke Christian , Chen YingJie , Bode-Böger Stefanie M . , Hugo Christian P . M. , Hohenstein Bernd , Weiss Norbert
Published: March 2021

Objective: Elevated plasma concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are associated with an increased risk of mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. ADMA can be metabolized by dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases (DDAHs) and by alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase 2 (AGXT2). Deletion of DDAH1 in mice leads to elevation of ADMA in plasma and blood pressure, while overexpression of human DDAH1 is associated with a lower plasma ADMA concentration and protective cardiovascular effects. The possible role of alternative metabolism of ADMA by AGXT2 remains to be elucidated. The goal of the current study was to test the hypothesis that transgenic overexpression of AGXT2 leads to lowering of plasma levels of ADMA and protection from vascular damage in the setting of DDAH1 deficiency.Approach and Results: We generated transgenic mice (TG) with ubiquitous overexpression of AGXT2. qPCR and Western Blot confirmed the expression of the transgene. Systemic ADMA levels were decreased by 15% in TG mice. In comparison with wild type animals plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylguanidino valeric acid (ADGV), the AGXT2 associated metabolite of ADMA, were six times higher. We crossed AGXT2 TG mice with DDAH1 knockout mice and observed that upregulation of AGXT2 lowers plasma ADMA and pulse pressure and protects the mice from endothelial dysfunction and adverse aortic remodeling.Conclusions: Upregulation of AGXT2 led to lowering of ADMA levels and protection from ADMA-induced vascular damage in the setting of DDAH1 deficiency. This is especially important, because all the efforts to develop pharmacological ADMA-lowering interventions by means of upregulation of DDAHs have been unsuccessful.
“After all, I have to think for myself”: A qualitative study into the perspectives of clients on shared decision-making as a method to support return to work.
Authors: Vooijs Marloes , Hazelzet Drs. Astrid M. , Kesteren Nicole M.C. , Verhoef Drs. Helen , Otten Wilma
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Psychological Impact of Cancellation of Elective Surgeries for Ophthalmic Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chu Stephanie , To David , Liu Candice , Wong Tony , Li Kenneth
Published: March 2021

Purpose To identify the psychological impact of canceling cataract operations on patients during COVID-19 pandemic.Methods 99 participants aged from 59 years old who had their cataract surgeries postponed or as scheduled, were studied using the standardized patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire (GAD-7) from April to June 2020 at Kowloon East Cataract Center, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong. ResultsNone of the patients who had the cataract surgeries rescheduled reached the cutoff score for major depression in PHQ-9, whereas for GAD-7, 5 patients had mild symptoms of anxiety, 1 had severe symptoms (p-value = 0.76). Conclusion There was no significant psychosocial impact of cancellation of cataract surgeries on patients.
Cellulose Non Freezing Bound Water and Activation Energy of Desorption by Thermogravimetric Analysis
Authors: Kramer Ricardo Klaus , Carvalho Antonio José Felix
Published: March 2021

Understand water-cellulose interaction isa key factor in cellulose processing strategies and to achieve the best propertiesfor each application. The emergence of new advanced materials based on nanocelluloses calls for more precise methods to study these systems. In this work, we described the study of water-cellulose interaction by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), comparing dynamic and auto stepwise methods. The auto stepwise method was able to identify with precision the different species of water: i) the free water or freezing water, ii) the freezing bound water and iii) the non-freezing bound water. The Ozawa-Flynn-Wall method was used to estimate the activation energy of bound water desorption, Ea average = 50.45 kJ.mol-1 and the cellulose degradation energy, Ea average = 143.18 kJ.mol-1. The results obtained given a new knowledge on the interaction between water and cellulose since other techniques such as DSC are not sensitive to non-freezing bound water increasing the range of water content that can be studied.
Anomaly Prediction: Successive Analysis for Healthy State Based on the Expansion to Remaining Useful Life
Authors: Yin Yuhua , Liu Zhiliang
Published: March 2021

The prediction of remaining useful life is the key to realize the condition-based maintenance. However, Existing studies on remaining useful life cannot effectively cope with the scenarios with extremely high requirement to stability. In this paper, the conception of anomaly prediction is introduced to solve the problem by expanding the remaining useful life to healthy stage to describe and predict the equipment condition at this stage. To obtain more reasonable health indicator, inverse number is firstly introduced into the feature selection. On this basis, a novel method is put forward, which consists of center optimization, boundary adjustment and regressive analysis, in order to realize the anomaly prediction and fills the gap of the absence to remaining life research at healthy stage. Two validations are subsequently implemented with the open dataset of XJTU-SY. The experimental results and comparison analysis demonstrate the feasibility and the superiority of proposed method, respectively. The dissection to the remaining useful life based anomaly prediction indicates that the related research is essential and of great significant to the condition-based maintenance.